This is a Fine Art photo of the 'SOLEDAD DRUGS' sign in quite Soledad, California. When John Stienbeck was looking for the perfect location to place his characters in his well known book "OF MICE and MEN" he chose Soledad, California. It's Spanish meaning is perfect for the loneliness, austerity and financial struggle of the story; Soledad means loneliness or solitude. This area is rich in wineries and ranching, quietly the wealthy exists with the very poor who work the land. Soledad was founded in 1791 as a Spanish mission called Mission Nuestra Senora de la Soledad. Today's population is still a modest 28,000 inhabitants and the rising middle class has found work in two main facilities; The Soledad State Prison and the Salinas Valley State Prison, both of which bring in millions of revenue to support the local workers. I am sure the original meaning of the town is completely lost on the inmates of prison life, if only Soledad was something they could experience while behind bars, if only for a few minutes a day.