Welcome to PRINTED PASSION

This site is intended as an entertaining conduit for the celebration of that singularly wondrous part of the planet, known worldwide simply as “the West”. My devotion to the West in general is only overridden by one thing, as readers will come to understand, and that is my particular enchantment with the state of New Mexico.

Each story has a beginning, so allow me to offer a short version of mine.

I first developed feelings for the West in 1967, after the acceptance of an invitation to visit family for several weeks in the glorious setting of Alberta, Canada. Travelling by train from my home in the East across the big sky prairies, all the while feeling more and more powerfully drawn toward the magical western horizon with every passing hour, came to be a transformative experience for me.

The geography of that childhood journey impacted me profoundly. Once experienced, it became unforgettable. There was a constant awareness within me that highlighted the contrast between where I physically resided and where my heart felt its home. It was this very distinction, however, whose manifestation eventually matured from an all too familiar, gnawing ache in the very pith of my being, into a quest for some level of consistent re-connection with the West and its associated cultures.

At first, dreams about the West swirled inside me, and yet I felt unable to satisfactorily formulate my thoughts into the certain relief that expression of them could have yielded. So it was that in my teens, I began to collect the hundreds of quotes, articles, essays and books whose authors’ sentiments paralleled my own. It was in the quiet fire offered upon those printed pages, where that seeking heart of mine found solace. It was as though stirring my soul… somehow soothed it. But I know that what had truly happened is that I had discovered, unlocked and received the gift of words.

Over the years, and through hours and hours of reading, it has become apparent that observations written on the subject of the West can run the entire gamut of the mental, emotional and spiritual spectra – humour, melancholy, worship, disgust, inspiration, bitterness, pride, fear, admiration, -not to mention two of the strongest- that of an often inexplicable and yet undeniable love, and even occasionally, one of magnificent hatred. To be sure, whichever impressions surface when regarding the topic of the West, they are always driven by an underlying intensity.

I intend to create a greater appreciation and awareness of both the words written about the West and of the West itself. Whether the comments highlighted on the site are mine or those of another author, my purpose is to allow my unique energy on this subject to connect with others who desire a new level of attraction for the expanded personal growth and lively serenity that are given voice through printed passion.

And because of my natural eagerness for learning, I most definitely invite comments, guidance and additional knowledge from anyone inclined towards helpful or playful interaction.

I have in mind the sharing of insights rooted both in the traditions of the Old West, and in the evolution of the New West. Readers can expect a fresh, forward-looking approach that draws from the whole of the West’s timeless and enduring essence.

According to Pulitzer Prize winning author Wallace Stegner, the West is comprised of a series of sub-regions, dustily dipping down into Old Mexico, and courageously reaching up into the wilds of western Canada. What that means, fellow Passion Heads, is that there is an abundance of stimulating fodder from which can be harvested inspiration for our further parleys on the West.

So, saddle up. This ride promises fun and thought provoking discussion, and with any luck, the possibility to ponder a couple of transcendent words now and then. And because this is about the West and all, you might expect a little “attitude” from time to time too. (Just to let you know what's likely to be found up ahead on the trail...)

Warmest regards. Bueno, bye.

barb