This long-closed little restaurant along Rt 66 in San Fidel NM proves that decay is not necessarily bad. And there can be beauty in the smallest things for those who take the time to look.

We're at an altitude of 5900 feet. It's late on an overcast day in September. In other parts of the day and year, the sun would overpower everything at this elevation. But this is just about right for a photograph. And there's a lot to see...in fact, everything here is beautiful.

The sign still beckons with its faded message of CAFE, now faintly visible in pastel. The pole's tilt adds a nice touch of decay. The repaired stucco has interesting grain and contrast. Even the dusty windows seem to be a plus, adding to the entire effect.

Overgrown bushes create their own frame to the scene and some interesting shadows. Even the sky is interesting, with texture and (more importantly) indirect lighting.

(This image is on display at the Route 66 Interpretive Center, Chandler OK.)