The "Golden Nugget"

Sometimes I believe there may be a supernatural causation leading to a certain consequence of an action or an event. For example:

One early morning I woke up and was out by sunrise driving around Johnson City. I was in search of an idea or hoping for an intriguing subject worthy of the ole camera and tripod. I soon thereafter came upon the "Golden Nugget". The Golden Nugget is/was a bar on the east side of Johnson City where according to a local skateboarder outside the nearby laundry machine supplier, it is "where everyone comes to get drunk". For me, this bar was more than a place to get drunk, it was a place of worship where light slips through corner windows and reveals a shadow of the word "Golden" on fashionable orange blinds. This phenomenon was only ruined, and questionably unphotographable, by a rude silhouette caused by an inside standee of a Nascar racer.

According to the local skateboarder, The Golden Nugget was temporary closed due to the neglect of paying taxes. This was the case for many weeks, for I drove by periodically. When finally it reopened and was time for everyone to get their drink on, I stopped by to ask permission to move the Nascar standee five feet over so to photograph the scene the morning after. I was declined, looked at as if I was a terrorist, and was told to come back later to speak with the owner. So I came back in the evening and the owner was still not there. I explained again how I simply needed to move the standee five feet or so and what a small favor it would be if I could do so. "I'm only the bartender", she remarked.

Days after, I am sitting in Waffle House, drinking coffee with my photo/skateboard/brother from different mother pal, Casey, and were discussing pictures. I tell him about the Golden Nugget and how great it is.

Christmas break comes around...Before I leave for home, I roll passed the bar and see that they are celebrating the Christmas season by the light decorations draped around the building. These lights are only enhancing the visual attraction of the scene. Unfortunately it is midday and they are closed. There is no chance to move the cardboard replica of a "need for speed" legend.

I return from a two week holiday in Knoxville and I am back with one goal in mind...make this picture already! THE GOLDEN NUGGET WAS BURNT TO A CRISP!

I never found out what happen, but I can guess that it had something to with an electrical fire caused by the cheerful holiday lights. This is why I dislike Nascar.