I hadn’t covered a single basketball game all year long. In fact, I don’t think I have shot a basketball game since the Trib closed. But when the Gallup Independent called, I was happy to help out. It wasn’t much of a game, Navajo Pine fell behind to Hagerman early, and it was pretty much over by half-time. But it was fun for me being back on the floor.

My friend recently purchased a house here in Albuquerque. The previous owner was in her 90’s when she died, and left the house in amazing shape, but a little out of style. I stopped in for a visit and I was drawn to the last fragments of the the home’s previous owner as they are torn out for the remodel. Layers of time hidden under more layers of wallpaper, now a home being reborn.

Running of the Toritos in Taxco Mexico. My technique for not getting gored by the Toros? Take a knee as they ran passed and pray they didn’t choose to run me over and set me of fire. I love witnessing things like this in Mexico and Central America, events that would be outlawed before they ever stated in the United States. It reminds me of the Bolas de Furgo in Guatemala.

February 23rd marks the final edition of the Albuquerque Tribune. For this, the second anniversary, alumni gathered to remember the best little newspaper ever. It was wonderful seeing so many members of my tribe, and I miss those who couldn’t join us.

I didn’t enter any pictures this year, but I’m still fascinated by judging currently going on in Missouri at Pictures of the Year International. If you don’t really love photojournalism, it’s probably like watching paint day. But I do love it, and painful as it is to see some of my friends great work pass by on the way to the “outs” pile, it is an incredible education opportunity for young photographers. I was lucky enough to win a second place in the feature sports (above) category a few years ago, and it is both humbling and inspiring to see all the other great photography. I really need to start entering contests again, not to win, but for the great opportunity they afford to reflect on my own work.

A tree I came across in Mexico inside the Parque Nacional Grutas de Cacahuamilpa, located in the most northern part of the State of Guerrero, 32 mi from Taxco Mexico.

I would love to have a couple of weeks to explore this massive city and it’s people, but I only had a few hours. Future, much longer trip to Mexico city is on my radar for future travel. KEIN BLITZ!

Protesting against war on Central Ave. in Albuquerque.

Wearing our Sunday best for the inauguration in Washington D.C. which was the coldest day of my life.

George Bush leaving office! I didn’t think we’d live long enough to see it.

Mark Holm re-united with his family after the Rocky Mountain News shut down. Maybe my favorite picture from the entire year.

President Obama in Rio Rancho. Not really a great picture, but after missing all the campaigning, I was really happy to get up close to the President.

My new sister-in-law on her wedding day.

An MS-13 gang member being sweet with his girl before the start of Zozobra in Santa Fe NM.

My favorite “peak action” sports photo of the year, from the Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque.

Drinking Tequila with the Mariachi in El Paso Texas for the WSJ. Taking pictures in the bar was far more dangerous than the work I did in Juarez earlier that day.

Día de los Muertos in Albuquerque.