By LEONARD GRAY

I like working. I also like vacations. However, to enjoy a vacation, I have to be working.

Even on the vacation I have coming up soon, I will be working. Not work-work, but more fun personal-work. Yet, it’s work, nonetheless.

I’m planning to visit New Mexico in a few weeks, there to explore old mining ghost towns, shop for native jewelry and interview my mother regarding family history.

Since I’m a photographer, I’ll be shooting pictures all over the place. Since I’m a photographer, every time I pick up a camera, for work or pleasure, it feels like work.

It’s a good thing, then, that I enjoy my work, since I rarely get to do anything else.

I had hoped to visit Carlsbad Caverns and Roswell, but they’re both too much out of my way on this trip.

However, as much as I enjoy work, I do enjoy my vacations more. I even wrote a travel story from London once.

Now, if I can just finagle my way into becoming a full-time travel writer, I’ll have it made in the shade, having fun in the sun.

LEONARD GRAY is assistant managing editor of L’Observateur. He may be reached at (985) 652-9545.