Spirited Journey

Taos, Spring 2010

2010-05-18T16:11:00.009-06:00

Facebook has provided easier networking options and sadly, my travel blog has suffered. However, since the previous post, life has been just great! Last summer in Taos, Atlanta and Buena Vista, Colorado. Back to Taos for an early fall stay with Shakti, and a hike on Taos Mountain with Vicki, with Wheeler Peak showing behind us. On to Houston mid October for almost 3 weeks, where I celebrated my birthday on Galveston Island with thousands of bikers!

Back to Taos in early November, Thanksgiving & Christmas with friends, including golden retrievers Sophie & Josie, black Flatback Retrievers Bogy & River, and cocker spaniels McGriff & Maddux, Ernie and Maggie too, but no good photos of them! I flew to Orlando end of the year in time to spend New Years Eve with my friends in Ft. Lauderdale. Saw Mom several times, went to Naples for 4 days, hung out with Max at his place in between his classes, and made an unexpected side trip to Nashville en route back to Taos in January.

Have been in Taos and/or ABQ since ... and now that it's spring ---- the lilacs are just blooming here on the mountain, and the gardens have been tilled and cold night weather tolerant plants set in ground: broccoli, radishes, kale, and lettuces....hoping to set in additional plants in the next week or so....once the nights aren't so cold.

Florida.....nice!

2009-05-20T17:21:00.025-06:00

Max, my mom and I hung out at her place in West Palm Beach.

I spent the night of the full moon in Ft. Lauderdale with my friends Tari and Edward.....at a great little middle eastern restaurant on the beach.....

Max & Hurley celebrate Max's first day of school here in Winter Park - Full Sail University..... a big day!

Mother's Day in West Palm Beach with my mom and Max.....at a sports bar for lunch.....getting the "mother's day" discount......and then on to my aunt & uncle's home to visit with them, my cousin, and their 5 dogs......Max want a weiner dog now to keep Hurley company....OY!
Max is a little cooked on Mother's Day.....a little too much sun the day before on Siesta Key....

Cincinnati, April 2009

2009-04-30T06:54:00.008-06:00

My cousin, Jeff & Bernadette & I hung out with Guy T at the Crowne Plaza and caught up.....

..... and then Max and I drove our cars to Winter Park, FL loaded with Max's belongings for his college gig at Full Sail University.

Max is off to college at Full Sail in Winter Park, FL

2009-02-07T09:01:00.006-07:00

Max has been accepted at Full Sail, in Winter Park, FL and starts the end of March. He'll get his 4 year degree in their accelerated 22 month program in Business Entertainment Marketing/Management and could not be more excited. His interest is in events planning/management.

More as his journey unfolds!

2009-01-16T12:27:00.003-07:00

Max turns 21! The celebration began at T.G.I.Fridays with Jordan, Mike, Scott, and Brian, the bartender!

Happy Holidays in Ohio!

2009-01-16T11:43:00.004-07:00

Christmas in Ohio at Emmie's house....and what fun it was. The kids are all grown up, and the conversations were very young adult focused. From left, Bobby, Samantha, Meghan, Alex, and Max provided the entertainment!

2008-11-22T12:14:00.006-07:00

My new friends, McGriff and Maddux, and I get to look at this incredible view of Taos and Taos Mountain every day from their home south of Taos, up past the Stakeout Restaurant!

They are cuties, aren't they? And they sleep in till 6 a.m.!

We also get to see Tres Piedras (3 Peaks) Dos Piedras (2 Peaks) and the Rio Grande Gorge, too!

Oh, and did I mention that it's just us: McGriff, Maddux, mountain lions, coyotes and bears, OH MY!

America elects Barack Obama

2008-11-04T22:25:00.004-07:00

I am so proud to be a citizen of this great country that just voted their hearts and elected Barack Obama to be our next leader.

No more fear and negativity and devisiveness. This experience has moved me to tears.

It really is about each of us now.....electing people who will represent our best interests as we move our country in a new direction --- the one promised to each of us ---- 'of the people, by the people and for the people'.

I also celebrate that this was my son Max's first vote! It was also his father's, too, as a new citizen of the United States of America.

I am in Taos, NM, watching history and feeling more overwhelmed and grateful and hopeful than I ever have relative to the man whom we've elected as our new leader.

Photo courtesy of Reuters.

Black Mesa Winery, Valverde NM

2008-09-24T12:27:00.006-06:00

A quick stop at Black Mesa Vineyards and Winery, in Valverde, just out of the canyon south of Taos, en route to Santa Fe. Lots of fun, and we got to meet the owner & vintner......that's Marv, an artist, renaissance man, handyman, funny man, and musician; Vicki, artist, spirit shaman creator, educator, mom, and all around good time and great friend; and RuthAnn, business woman, great friend, and "foodie" .....

Unloading the wood fired kiln in Tres Piedras

2008-09-24T12:21:00.005-06:00

What fun! The local potters who use this wood fired kiln invited us to come out and help "unload" the kiln - we had to wear gloves because the items were still quite warm to the touch.

Very exciting to see the finished pieces coming out of the kiln.....and to watch the faces of the potters as they saw their creations for the first time after firing.....very much a birthing process!

This firing required 24/7 vigilance and stoking for 12 days.....amazing!

Storm Clouds over the Rio Grande Gorge

2008-09-24T12:14:00.008-06:00

An amazingly windy, powerful, delicious storm blew through Arroyo Hondo late Monday afternoon.....this was the sky as I was driving back from Taos to the west, over the Rio Grande Gorge and just to the north of Tres Piedras, the three peaked mountain.

This storm brought driving rain that came in horizontally, winds that I thought might take the house off the hill it sits on, and hail.

River and Bogy, the flat back retrievers I'm hanging with, flanked me as we stood at the window and watched this storm ..... quite the event!

Marv Davis' creations

2008-09-24T12:09:00.005-06:00

Marv Davis is a true renaissance man. He and his wife, Val, lived in an earth home out on the mesa that they built when they first arrived. They've since moved into town, but their love of the land is evident just by looking at their home area.

They are also known in Taos as "Square Peg", an 'Americana' music duo and are "rock starts" to all of us who know them.

These masks are in their garden.

The double rainbow is not Marv's creation.... or maybe it is.....

Returning to Aspen/Snowmass and Taos in August

2008-08-10T19:52:00.010-06:00

I'm back out west! Flew from Nashville to Denver on Monday, July 28 to go stay with Sage in Old Snowmass. He's as loving as ever, and just a bit slower, but still in the game! He even ran with me when I biked around the neighborhood! I was fortunate to be here during the world renowned Aspen Music Festival, and was able to attend one of the performances of the Aspen Symphony....fantastic!

Tuesday, Aug 5 I took the CME shuttle back to Denver and flew to ABQ, where my car has been parked since June 2! And what a champ it is - started right up!

I have 2 new friends in Taos - Lucy, a chocolate Lab and Bobbi! They live in a great home on a rock cliff overlooking the confluence of the Rio Pueblo and Pot Creek. Magic!

Madeline worked her magic scissors again in Santa Fe and cut my hair - short...and do I see the resemblance between me and my mom now!

Erica Noble's Wedding in Athens, OH

2008-06-29T17:59:00.005-06:00

Ok, I have no idea how it got to be June 28 and I'm just now updating this blog....well, actually I do know....it's because I've been working like a crazed person for a client in Nashville .....a great gig, busy, intense, and fun.

I drove to Athens, OH to Ohio University for Erica Noble's wedding. As you can see, she's a beautiful bride, and Lindsey, her sister, is a gorgeous bridesmaid. And it all started with Lisa, their mom and my oldest friend....we met in 2nd grade and have shared our life experiences since!

Meet my friends at 32 Katydid in Old Snowmass, CO

2008-04-09T17:58:00.005-06:00

I'm back in Old Snowmass, CO,hanging out with my new friends. Bodhi is the smiling Golden, Keesha isthe beautiful long haired sheepdog, and Bailey is the golden puppy. And then there's Ace, the 28 year old mare, who was eating when I took this photo.

Today I experienced two firsts! I fed a horse, and repaired a fence. I felt like a real cowgirl! Ace, the mare, was really good about my not having any idea of where to put the hay and the food. I put the bucket in the corner, and looked at her. She looked at the bucket, looked at me, and then turn her head and looked very pointedly at the big, black, EMPTY container on the floor of the stall. Ah, it's amazing how the animals talk to us if we just listen. So that was my introduction to Ace and that she DOESN'T eat from a bucket, thank you very much. I don't think she cares where I put the hay. She was also really great about me walking behind her, before I recalled that it's not a good idea to walk and stand behind horses. As soon as it STOPS SNOWING I will take her for a walk.

And, speaking of horses and snow, I am really happy to have my new mud boots, the cute black and white polka dot ones .....I have no idea what I'm walking in when I enter Ace's area, and don't have to worry about ruining shoes!

I've included a photo of the fence repair...using the twine used to hold the hay bales together....

We (the dogs and I) just returned from a walk around the neighborhood, and then fed Ace.....we're hoping NOT to get the 12" of snow everyone is talking about!

The good news is that we only got about 4 inches....not 10.....and it may be over. I heard that it is supposed to be 70 degrees this Sunday!!

New moon, new location and a new quarter

2008-04-02T22:46:00.005-06:00

Wow, where have these last 3 months gone?? I loved my time in Florida in January, and really appreciated the warmth AND humidity upon my return to Old Snowmass, CO in early February. My pal Sage, an 11 year old male yellow Lab, and I stayed warm and enjoyed the snow until I left for Taos in early March.

The March full moon and April 1 sunset photos were taken from Taos - these sunset photos don't give mother nature her due justice...but you at least get the idea of what I see every night here....unbelieveable!

I have a new client in Taos, a lovely couple who live on the south end of town, and have 2 great black cats and a wonderful female dog named Shug, who's a Pit Bull, Akita and Lab mix. A gentler, sweeter dog I've yet to meet.

I've been behind in everything due to some projects that have recently come my way, keeping me busy day and night, both in CO and here in Taos. However, last week my friend Deborah and I committed to hiking every day, and we've logged many a mile on the "old road to Santa Fe" trail, which follows the Rio Grande gorge all the way down to the water.....the walk back is a work out! It's still on the map as Highway 110. After a week of "training", we felt we were "ready" to take on Divisadero, and we did make it to the top of the peak...overlooking Taos and south, including the Rio Grande gorge.

I hope to have a new digital camera soon.....I am constantly reaching for it because the beauty surrounding me is incredible. I am "making do" with the camera in my cell phone for now.

Deborah called today from the south end of the canyon to tell me that just 25 miles south the forsythia is blooming!! Lilacs can't be far behind!

I'll be in CO till the end of April and will then return to Taos to stay with Shug, Chica and Paco.

It's 2008!

2008-02-18T15:19:00.012-07:00

It's 2008! And none too soon! I found 2007 to be an exciting, trying, amazing year!

I worked in Taos, NM; Albuquerque, NM; Santa Fe, NM; Snowmass, CO and Las Vegas, NV.

Max visited me in Snowmass in December, I spent New Year's Eve in Aspen with Paula, pictured with me at the St. Regis Hotel, where her husband Chris and his band were the featured attraction! And they are a great jazz band! I visited Florida in early January....and none too soon, after the 20 below weather we had in Snowmass, as well as the many feet of snow that had already fallen! Great for the ski business! Even Sage, the beautiful yellow lab I'm staying with wouldn't walk in the 20 below weather!

January found me working in Florida and having the opportunity to visit Max in Orlando and my mom in West Palm Beach, as well as friends in Sarasota, Orlando, Ft. Lauderdale, and Naples. I had a blast! The sunset photo is in Ft. Lauderdale. My great and long time friend, Tari, (from 5th grade!!) were out and about in her golf cart, cruising her 'hood, and this is what we saw.....just another night in paradise!

Max's dog, Hurley, is shown here......he's just a great dog, and just turned a year old.

Viva Las Vegas!

2007-12-16T12:50:00.001-07:00

Viva Las Vegas!

Was in Vegas working the week of Dec 10 and had a beautiful room at the Mirage hotel. I also loved The Wynn - quiet, elegant, understated, and just beautiful. This is now Steve Wynn's only property in Vegas after selling the Mirage, Treasure Island, Bellagio and whatever else he built and owned.

Also was given the gift of "Spamalot" - the hilarious broadway show by the Monty Python gang, based on their "Holy Grail" movies..... laugh out loud from start to finish! This show is at The Wynn.

Vegas is even more over the top than the last time I visited....you can definitely find anything and everything in Vegas!

Photos from The Venetian - the gondoliers sing Italian songs as part of the service and usually finish their big number right here at the turn around area for all to enjoy!

Max arrives in Snowmass, CO

2007-12-16T12:44:00.001-07:00

Max arrived Saturday night, just in time to celebrate his 20th birthday! Sunday a.m. he was ready to hit the Snowmass slopes - his first board experience on a mountain in powder!

Marroon Bells Friday, Nov 2

2007-11-04T18:19:00.000-07:00

Ahhh, Marroon Bells. The sign at the trailhead said they are the most photographed mountains in CO. The whole area looks completely different than when I last saw them in August of 1988, with Max in a pack on my back! And the area leading up to and surrounding the lake and peaks was nothing but wildflowers.

Still, it was a lovely hike and a must see when you visit.

Hiking Ajax Mountain Sunday, Nov 4

2007-11-04T18:03:00.000-07:00

Ok, so now I've hiked half way up Ajax and literally walked over the various runs, gulleys, etc that cannot be covered with snow soon enough for Aspen folk. It was just a reminder that I'm hopeful that the same trail I walked today will be open for snow shoeing - cause there is NO WAY I have the nerve to ski down this mountain! I mean, I was thinking of taking a short cut and walking down the terrain between switchbacks.....too steep to walk......Whew, glad I got that out of my system, because I was actually thinking I might try skiing this year.......

the reason there is a photo of a chair is because between the bottom 2 cables is the thumbnail of what's left of the waning moon......just a beautiful sight!

Aspen - Saturday, Nov 3

2007-11-04T17:46:00.000-07:00

It's 68 degrees in Aspen today -- I was totally overdressed and not prepared to hike Ajax when I stumbled upon the trail. Sitting at Starbucks (yes, just like all the other tourists!) having my first soy chi latte in months, I noticed people (in hiking attire) with dogs walking up the steps under the lift and disappearing. So, finally out of curiosity, I followed them, only to find the trail for the Ajax hike. No water, so i returned with the intention of coming to hike on Sunday.

Welcome to Aspen, CO

2007-10-31T19:06:00.000-06:00

Welcome to Aspen! Here's a sampling of the ski runs, taken from my seat at the local coffee shop, Zele. Max will have a big time boarding on these runs!

Happy Birthday, Pam!

2007-10-31T18:55:00.000-06:00

A view from the front porch .... Mt Sopris..... and a view from the back deck, the Capitol Mountain range of the Rockies, behind me in the photo.

October 29......my favorite day of the year! Followed closely by December 15, Max's birthday!

This was a birthday to remember....the first one EVER that I've spent alone.....well, ok, Sage was with me, but I refer to alone as no human company. Spent the day taking 2 hikes - one with Sage, one alone, and explored Basalt....where I found an excellent little locally owned bookstore, but they were, unfortunately, out of Eric Clapton's new book, so it will have to wait.....and received many cards, texts, emails, and phone calls......I am blessed to have so many people sending me this much love!

October Full Moon Rising in Old Snowmass, CO

2007-10-31T18:51:00.001-06:00

Who can resist the beauty and romanticism of a moon like this?

Sage, the 10 year old yellow lab I'm sitting spent a few nights just sitting outside howling at it. Who can blame him? I know exactly how he feels!

Independence Pass

2007-10-31T18:42:00.001-06:00

Welcome to Independence Pass, the short cut through the moutains between Aspen and 285 in CO. After driving this with no snow on the roads, I totally understand why they close it Nov - April.....there are many areas where the road isn't wide enough to accomodate 2 cars, let alone RV's, semi's, etc. And on one side of the road is a steep incline, and the other is a drop off.....and you might notice that there are no guard rails......

Glenwood Canyon

2007-10-31T18:36:00.001-06:00

Glenwood Canyon - and the hiking / biking trail that winds along the Colorado river, and some of the rapids in this river. the biker in the bottom photo gives you an idea of how big this canyon is.

RuthAnn's cousin James says that in the spring, as soon as the rafters are permitted to bring groups, locals line up along this trial to watch the fun....apparently these rapids provide all the excitement one could ask for.....

RuthAnn's visit

2007-10-31T18:21:00.000-06:00

RuthAnn returned to the southwest. She's a real gamer, as my friend Guy would say, as she made the 8.5 hour road trip with me to Snowmass, CO the day after flying into ABQ. But we hit Santa Fe in a big way before we left for Snowmass. Interestingly, Santa Fe is the home of the famous "Inn at the Loretto" and RuthAnn's mom's name is Loretto. We couldn't resist!Along the way, we found that Independence Pass was closed due to snow, so we had to take the long way around to Snowmass, taking us along I-70 through the truly magnificent Glenwood Canyon.

So here are the snow covered Rockies on Oct 18.....and then Saturday, just as RuthAnn, her cousin James (also from Hamilton, a 1974 Fairfield High School grad who lives in Glenwood Springs) and I arrive at the summit of a mountain ridge to watch the sun set, we get hit, literally, with a blizzard that left 6 inches.

You can see a few of the Aspen ski runs from this photo taken from a coffee shop in downtown Aspen. Max is going to LOVE boarding out here!

En route to Aspen, we had to navigate a herd of cattle walking on the road, on their way to who knows where, but they obviously weren't at all concerned about us or the car!

Thankfully, James has a 4 wheel drive vehicle, so he drove us home.....and then was nice enough to take RuthAnn to Vail the next day to hand her off to her brother, who also has a 4 wheel drive vehicle, which is the only reason he was permitted to drive over Vail Pass.

But even luckier for me, the snow melted this week in the 70 degree, sunny fall weather we've enjoyed!

Elizabeth Kucinich campaigns in Taos Thursday, Oct 11

2007-10-16T16:59:00.001-06:00

Elizabeth Kucinich visited Taos Thursday, Oct 11 to promote her husband's vision in his quest for the presidency.

Elizabeth and her friend are seen here talking serious issues with the Governor of the Taos Pueblo.

2007-10-16T16:56:00.000-06:00

Here are a few photos from Sunday afternoon on the Rio Grande, taken by my friend Lou Morgan. The colors are luscious this time of year.

Taos Fall Arts Festival

2007-10-16T16:47:00.001-06:00

My friend Ginto Naujokas took the 1st and 2nd place honors for Pottery in the Taos Fall Arts - Open show - an annual event for 33 years.

The large jar is a Japanese wood fired pot - in the kiln for 8 days/7 nights.

The white is mica clay from New Mexico and is a quick pit firing process. He burnished it for many hours prior to firing to create the shine.

Tribute to Ruth Kemper Reames March 5, 1912 - October 11, 2007

2007-10-14T13:35:00.001-06:00

My Grandma, Ruth Kemper Reames, was my role model and personal hero. She loved me and was always interested in what turns and adventures my life took, regardless of the outcome. She understood that it is the simple things that matter most. Good food, family, friends, and laughter were her ingredients for a full and happy life. She didn't judge the actions of others, merely observed and was available to talk if you wanted to, but mostly just loved you. Regardless.

My grandma died Thursday morning. She was 95 years old and had been married to Freeman Reames for more than 70 years. She went to sleep and didn't wake up. We should all transition so peacefully.
She was an extraordinary woman. She was one of 6 children: 5 girls - Evelyn, Pauline, Helen, my grandma, Pearl, and a brother, Donald. She was a mother of 3 children: Sandra, Peggy, and Dan. My mom, Sandra, was her first child, and I was her first grandchild. Grandma was wise and accepting. She was also a business owner - she had a beauty shop in their home. Trips to Grandma's house, for me as a young girl, meant polishing my nails and sitting in the dryer chairs reading "Photoplay" and "Modern Age"- both "People" type magazines about Hollywood and the stars.

Grandma was a great cook! Everyone who ate her applesauce agreed that it was the best they'd ever eaten! Her pies were incredible, too, and I am not a pie person. She also made FANTASTIC sugar cookies, but swore that my grandpa's were better.

She loved to fish with my grandpa – it was one of their favorite recreational pastimes. She was an excellent seamstress and could hook a rug, quilt, and embroider.

One visit several years ago, I listened to a conversation between my mom, and my grandma and grandpa about a peach. The conversation was a long one, regarding the size of the peach, where she'd found it, that it was big enough to share, that it made 2 peach pies, how juicy and sweet it was, and how delicious this peach was and how much they had enjoyed the peach pies. That was my first clue about the real important things in life, and that my life was not allowing time to just reflect on the really simple things, like a peach. I’m sure there were many conversations like this, but it was the first one I’d really heard.

Visits to grandma's house also meant listening to the latest records in my Uncle Dan's collection. I was totally into his music in the early 60's. He is only 5 years older than I am, so I had an early musical education and was introduced to “the British Invasion” - "The Dave Clark Five", "The Rolling Stones", "The Animals", and "The Beatles". Grandma was great about letting me play his records, even though I'm sure it was the last thing she wanted to listen to. And when I would bring a girlfriend with me for a weekend visit, Grandma encouraged us to hang out in the breezeway and sing along with Diana Ross and the Supremes - "Stop, in the Name of Love" and "Love Child. We were also really good at "Jimmy Mack" and "Dancin' in the Streets" by Martha Reeves and the Vandellas.

Grandma and Grandpa lived at Indian Lake, Ohio until about 10 years ago, when they moved permanently to West Palm Beach, FL. They were surrounded by their 3 children until last year when my Aunt Peggy moved to the Atlanta area. In June, 2006, my Grandpa Freeman died. My grandma's family members were her best friends and with whom she socialized. After Grandpa died, she lived in their condo for awhile, and then was invited to live with my Uncle Dan and Aunt Gracie. My Aunt Gracie took this photo of Grandma in July.

She spent Sundays with my mom, volunteered at the homeless shelter, the Salvation Army, and checked in on her friends. She baked, played cards, and loved life. She taught me homeopathic remedies, to trust my inner voice, not to take myself or life too seriously, and that age was only a number. She didn't live her life or make choices about her activities based on her age. She said that you must never let your age determine your choices or actions. It is only a number. Age is a state of mind.

Grandma will be remembered by her 3 children, 8 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, more nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews than I know of, and hundreds of people whose lives she touched.

I am grateful to have had her in my life, and that Max had his great grandpa till he was 18 and his great grandma till he was 19.

She lived fully and died peacefully. I carry her in my heart.

Wool & Movies in Taos!

2007-10-07T16:25:00.001-06:00

This is the weekend of the Wool Festival with guest appearances by the Morning Star Alpacas, (the white ones) and the Llamas, who make really interesting moaning noises.

It's also the weekend that the Taos Mountain Film Festival was here, and wraps today - what an exciting weekend.

I talked with Brenda, the volunteer coordinator for the Taos Plaza Visitor's Center, who told me the story about the American Flag flying here in the Plaza. It's one of only a handful of flags that have been given permission to be flown 24/7. It's a "Lincoln" flag - one from when Lincoln was president, one that doesn't have 50 stars. If my dates are correct, there would be 36 stars on this flag. Interesting, no?

Hiking Italianos Trail Sat Oct 6

2007-10-06T12:08:00.000-06:00

The aspens are turning gold all over Taos Mountain.

Check out the light orb over my forehead....

Pink Clouds over Taos Sat Oct 6

2007-10-06T12:04:00.000-06:00

This is the sky I woke up to......isn't this amazing!

The Taos Gospel Choir Rocks the Taos Inn!

2007-10-05T20:12:00.000-06:00

Last night the Taos Gospel Choir brought the house down.....Fantastic!!!

The absolute BEST massage therapist in Taos is Deborah Curtis, singing her heart out and wearing the black cap.

My friend Linda, in my yoga class, is one of the featured soloists and is on the right, in an off the shoulders black top.

Mary, at the piano, founded the Gospel Choir after she relocated here from New York City where she was a jazz pianist. She still plays jazz, every week or so, with the Aaron Lewis Trio - usually appearing at the elegant El Monte Sagrado's Anaconda Bar.

I was caught recalling my own singing days with the Taft High School Treble-Aires! Hmmmm, after last night, I am thinking about auditioning for Mary Bruschini's Gospel Choir. What fun they obviously have!

Art is Alive and Well in Taos!

2007-10-05T19:46:00.001-06:00

Taos is an incredible place to be for many reasons, but art is alive and well in all its forms.

My friend Abby Salsbury was one of the "Contemporaries" featured tonight at the Stables Gallery. Her work has expanded beyond her beautiful dishes, shown here. In the photo of "the Contemporaries" below, Abby in on the far right. Visit her website to see all of her work at
www.butterpieproductions.com

My artist client and friend, Vicki Rose, just received her first postcard....she gave me a stack that I hand out when I'm out... don't they look great??? And her website is up and running - check it out at www.spiritshamans.com. Your comments are welcome, as I designed and built her website!

Tonight, I had the pleasure of meeting actor and artist Robert Dean Stockwell - better known to movie goers as Dean Stockwell. His work DEFINITELY did not include Taos Mountain, the Rio Grande Gorge, clouds, trucks, or dogs. Thoughtful, weird, interesting, made me want to walk him over to any one of his works and ask, "so, what were you thinking /feeling here?" For those not familiar with Dean, I've included a photo of him, in addition to his fan.

My friend Issa de Nicola's work was presented last Saturday night at the Terrie Bennett Gallery. He is an amazing painter...his work is also hung in the La Fonda Hotel lobby.

Also last Saturday night, I had the opportunity to meet Hubertus, whose oil and acrylics were fantastic. He was celebrated at Envision Gallery, owned by Jimmy Murray, brother of Scott and son of John and Pintki.

Quick Draw Event and Auction

2007-09-23T19:23:00.000-06:00

Today's Quick Draw event and auction was Fantastic! Patty Sheehan has original paintings on display at the Northside Fitness Center.

Thom Wheeler, wearing the sailor's cap, is very well known for his metal work and has a beautiful home and gallery on Kit Carson Road.

Ed Sandoval, also a very well known Taos artist, shown in overalls, completed 4 original paintings in the 2.5 hours allotted today. The painting shown was auctioned for $2700. A BARGAIN!

Pat Woodall, also a very well known Taos artist and former construction worker, saw his entry bring in $1000 at the auction. Again, A BARGAIN for an original work of art.

Joann Schilling's entry included photos of her grandmother's homes, a trip to the beach in 1907, and a letter talking about the lifestyles of the rich in Rhode Island, dated 1907.

Finally, Leigh Gusterson's entry was auctioned for $575 - again, an incredible price for an original work of art.

Spirit Shamans by Vicki Rose

2007-09-22T14:11:00.001-06:00

The Spirit Shamans created by Vicki Rose are a huge hit and available exclusively at Art Divas Gallery in Taos.

Shown here are Beauty, Honesty & Integrity, Hope, Protection, Joy & Blessings (in the same photo), and Comfort. Be sure to click on the photo to see it enlarged.

All photos were taken by our very talented friend, Sylvia Renick, who lives in Dalhart, TX when she's not here in Taos.

Vicki's Spirit Shaman website will be published soon. Plan to visit to see all of the Shamans: www.spiritshamans.com

4th Annual "OUT OF YOUR GOURD" event

2007-09-22T14:01:00.000-06:00

This event was incredible! The art created using gourds was unbelievable. Photos were not permitted, though, much to my disappointment.

JD Challenger, a very well known local artist, was the artist whose work pulled in the highest bid last night - over $17,000 for his gourd and pencil drawing. My friend, Andersen Kee, a Navajo artist, created a beautiful gourd that went for over $1,000.

This 4th annual "OUT OF YOUR GOURD" benefit is one of the most anticipated art events in Taos. My friend and Art Divas gallery owner, Sue Williford, is responsible for the live auction segment of this event.

The photos shown are all gourds decorated by Taos artists.

Taj Mahal in Taos

2007-09-22T13:55:00.000-06:00

My first concert at the KTAO Solar Center out on the Ski Valley Road, an outdoor concert venue with Taos Mountain in the background. Notice that we had the first 2 tickets sold! It was half way through his concert when I realized that I went expecting to hear "Tower of Power" ..... how I could confuse the two I can't explain, but it was a fun night regardless!

September in Taos

2007-09-22T13:32:00.001-06:00

September in Taos in BEAUTIFUL! My friend Janet asked me to stay in her home on Eototo Drive while she's back in Dallas. As you can see, it's a beautiful home that affords beautiful views of all 5 mountain ranges that surround Taos. The single rainbow over Taos Mountain was so breathtaking that I stopped my car to take this photo. The double rainbow photo was taken from Janet's back yard, facing south. I've seen more double rainbows here in Taos this summer than ever in my life.
We also celebrated the bounty provided by Janet's single peach tree with a "Peach Party" - peeling and slicing peaches for pies, cobblers, and what we ate that night while peeling. Some were drinking great wine, but Deborah (facing the camera) and I drank fresh watermelon juice - YUM!!! Lou Morgan, Taos realtor, is also shown in the photo with Deborah and me, and the other photo is of the "Peach Partiers" - Janet is seated in the middle. Deborah went home that night and by the next afternoon, had made 4 peach pies.

The August Full Moon & Lunar Eclipse

2007-08-26T20:55:00.000-06:00

A beautiful rainbow Thursday, Aug 30 over Taos Mountain. My new canine friends, Kiva and Aurora.

How did it get to be the end of August already? Seems like just yesterday I was nursing the injury I sustained to my right foot while watering Ginto's garden in June. Did you see the Lunar Eclipse this week? And the meteor showers 2 weeks ago? We were fortunate not to have cloud cover either of those nights, and both astronomical events were seen with the naked eye in Taos.

The chimesa is in full bloom and many people are suffering with allergic reactions - watering eyes, swollen eyes, Yikes! Very happy I'm not one of them!

I have been dog sitting this week and have had a blast with Kiva and Aurora. Our daily walks, "treat" time, and Kiva's interesting relationship with her food....

Taos Pueblo Hosts Pow Wow

2007-07-14T07:28:00.000-06:00

This POW WOW was an incredible experience. I met Greg & Marge, who live in the 4 Corners area. Greg is a Mohawk and Marge is a Ute. Marge has her own show on the 4 Corners public radio station. Very interesting people, and Greg was kind enough to explain all the ceremonies behind the POW WOW. These photos are from the "opening ceremonies" held Sat and Sun - a parade, of all tribes, to present themselves in their native regalia.

Friday night's opening ceremonies and Entrance were rain delayed and then postponed to protect the fantastic and beautiful outwear worn by the participants.

The rest of the story is that later that week, following the POW WOW, I was walking into my favorite WiFi Coffee shop on the northside of town, when this young man walks out, and I realize it's the young man who so mesmerized me with his attitude, his dancing, and in general, his energy. He also looks like Max's friend Scott's oldest brother, Kevin. Anyway, he said hello, and that his name is Jack. And he lives on the Pueblo and works in town. He's the one in the top photo.

Scott Murray's opening reception at Angel Fire Gallery

2007-06-24T09:18:00.000-06:00

Scott Murray's art is featured at this Angel Fire Gallery.

Inky, Pintki (Scott's mom), Gail and Scott are in the first photo; Gail, Pintki and I are in the second.

Home sitting on Half Moon

2007-06-24T09:14:00.002-06:00

Am home sitting out on Half Moon off Mesa Vista. Lovely home, two cats and lots of privacy.

Rock climbing in Utah

2007-06-24T08:56:00.000-06:00

Some people take breaks from the long drive by stopping for picnics. We stopped for rock climbing!

Some great red rocks in Utah that were begging to be climbed. As you can see, I didn't make the leap from the rock I'm standing on to the rock where Max is sitting.... just too much balance required, with nothing to hold onto.... and I wasn't feeling all that balanced at that time!

A most powerful place.

Rio Grande Gorge in Taos

2007-06-24T08:51:00.001-06:00

After visiting the Earthship home, I mentioned to Max that he would see the Rio Grande Gorge soon. He kept looking, seeing nothing, and finally asked what it looked like. "A big tear in the earth," is what I told him. We stopped to walk to the edge of the gorge on the west rim side, Max looking around in disbelief! It is an amazing sight!

Earthship home in the Taos, New Mexico area

2007-06-24T08:43:00.000-06:00

This is one of the most "famous" earthship homes in the Taos, NM area. Max and I stopped by on our way back to Taos from 4 corners on Friday. As you might imagine, Max loved the Hummer vehicle!

Welcome to Colorado!

2007-06-23T20:09:00.001-06:00

We drove up 285 from Taos to Breckenridge, a beautiful drive in the mountains. The ski slopes at Breck are beautiful, as are the mountains!

We also saw a UFO Lookout post .....

Cold mountain water just outside Boulder was a great reason to stop and wade.

Hiking Italianos Trail on Taos Mountain

2007-06-23T18:00:00.000-06:00

The Italianos trail is my favorite on Taos Mountain. It's scenic, quiet, easy, and takes you over the water at least 8 times.

Max loved the shelter along the trail, available for hikers who need it. The water was clear and very cold, and tasty, too!
As you can see, we built another cairn, and Max, who always loved climbing rocks, gives this rock wall a go.

Max's first night in Taos in a lightning storm

2007-06-23T17:54:00.000-06:00

Max and I arrived back in Taos Friday, went to the Taos Inn for dinner, heard some great music at the Adobe Bar, and then saw amazing lightning north of town. We headed toward Eototo Road, going toward high ground, so Max could capture some of the lightning strikes. The odd thing was that there was no thunder or rain. Which is why the storm crept up on us, so that while Max was hanging out the window with his camera phone pointed skyward, we suddenly experienced a lighting strike directly over us. That was all we needed for Max to slide back into the car and we were on our way.

Aren't these shots amazing???

A stop at 4 corners en route to Taos

2007-06-17T14:47:00.001-06:00

Max has heard me tell the story of the 6 week family vacation with my family the summer before I was a junior in high school. One of the MANY places my Dad took us to was 4 corners. It was a big deal and a big surprise, getting us up at the crack of dawn, packing up the camper, riding in the car with no breakfast for a while, with me asking more than once, "what are we DOING??????"
Dad drives down this lonely road, the sun is just coming up, and parks the car, telling us to "c'mon kids..... go over to that round disk and stand on it." I know I'm out of patience with the whole thing by this time, and just then Dad says, "smile, you are standing in 4 states at once!"
Dad was so proud of himself. I remember thinking it was the silliest thing yet, but now, looking back, it was one of the highlights of that 6 week trip.

And now I'm doing it to Max.... except that I told him where we were going! He loved it!

Monument Valley, UT - Wed night

2007-06-17T14:42:00.001-06:00

We drove from the Grand Canyon to Monument Valley and arrived at dusk and stayed in Kayenta.

The Grand Canyon

2007-06-17T14:29:00.000-06:00

Thursday we drove to the Grand Canyon - Max's first experience.

That black spec on the white rock is Max - who had to climb out to have a real "grand canyon moment"... I was content to just sit on the edge of an overhang. This is definitely NOT the place to be if you have any qualms about heights.

Sedona, AZ

2007-06-16T17:56:00.000-06:00

Max arrived in Phoenix Tuesday, June 12 - we stayed in Scottsdale while he visited a friend from high school who lives in Scottsdale and attends ASU. Then it was on to Sedona, the first visit for both of us. Max also saw his first saguaro cactus up close and personal.

Sedona is amazing. You must see it to really understand what people are talking about. We hiked the airport loop trail - 6 miles - and saw Sedona from 360 degrees - spectacular - with a few cairns built along the trail in honor of this beautiful land.

Ellen Wood's Book

2007-05-08T13:51:00.000-06:00

The Secret Method For Growing Younger A Step by Step Guide Using The Law of Attraction is Ellen's recently published book. She was interviewed on the Taos radio station, KTAO and was featured in a full page article in the Tempo section of the Taos News last week.

Ellen asked me to help edit her book and I'm really grateful to her for allowing me to be a part of this incredible project. The book is available at www.howtogrowyounger.com.

This project was an opportunity close to my heart because of the attitude and beliefs given to me by my grandma, Ruth Reames.

My grandma celebrated her 95th birthday in March and has lived her life based on what she wanted to do, not by how old she was. And that concept has had a powerful effect on me, as I truly believe that a number DOES NOT determine your choices and actions.

This picture includes my grandma, her eldest child, my mom Sandy ( in red) and my sisters Kim (also in red), Emmie (in a white shirt) and our children. A 4 generation photo. As you are looking at the photo, Max is to my left, Kim's daughter Meghan is to her left, wearing purple, and her son, Bobby, is behind Meghan. Emmie's daughters Sam and Alex are to the right of Grandma, Alex seated next to Grandma.

Now look at my grandma and my mom and tell me my sisters and I don't have fabulous genes!

Spirit Warriors

2007-05-08T13:40:00.000-06:00

Fabulous spirit warriors are my newest project. My new client, Vicki Rose, creates these amazing sculptures.

They will soon be available via Vicki's website and in Art Divas Gallery in Taos. She creates large warriors as well as smaller ones. The materials she uses she finds in nature, and uses paper that she's collected and received from all over the world.

Each warrior is a custom creation, and your specific items may be included, i.e. crystals, special stones, etc. Stay tuned for a website and photos!

An in town home sitting gig

2007-05-08T13:13:00.000-06:00

I am staying in a lovely artist's casita on Ranchitos, just off the Taos Plaza in town. It's been great being able to walk everywhere! The house, a former school, has 5 separate units and is next to the Harwood Museum and the Ortenstone Gallery.

The Harwood is the 2nd oldest museum in New Mexico. I heard that on the radio recently, and wondered what the oldest museum is, but haven't researched that yet. The Ortenstone Gallery is my friend Carla's mom's gallery. Nancy Ortenstone is an amazing painter and you can view her work at http://www.ortenstone.com

Claire's home has great privacy, a large garden/yard, and a tree from which I've hung a hummingbird feeder so I can watch these amazing birds while working. There's a ruby throated hummer feeding now. They are magical creatures and feel safe enough at the feeder to actually sit and drink.

Finally, please allow me to introduce you to Shakti, the reason I'm home sitting. She is the queen of the casita and her name is Sanskrit for "divine feminine".

Oh yes, and I finally was ready to go for a new look.....

it's really easy now, I just wash and go, and at some point, shake my head once it's dry. The best part is Rachel Bell, who has been taking care of my hair here in Taos, is right up the steet, just on the other side of Nancy Ortenstone's gallery. Rachel just opened her new salon, Shank, has an 18 month old son, Jackson, is pregnant with her second, and is an amazing woman.

Lou Morgan's post hike birthay celebration

2007-05-08T13:05:00.000-06:00

Lou's birthday celebration continued at the Tewa Lounge in Questa, NM, on our way back to Taos from hiking.

We met J.R., who, with his father and assorted other patrons, serenaded Lou with a beautiful Spanish rendition of "Happy Birthday".

This was a great bar, straight out of the "Easy Rider" era. I kept waiting for Dennis Hopper to come in.

Lou, thanks for sharing your special celebration with us - it was a birthday we'll all remember!

Back in Taos

2007-05-08T12:27:00.000-06:00

How did it get to be May 8 already????? Seems like yesterday I was driving back to Taos through snow blanketed country and celebrating new year's eve in Tulsa with green tea because they don't serve anything but 3.2 beer on Sundays!!!!!

I returned to Taos from a 2 week home sitting engagement in ABQ in early April, where I actually performed a cat rescue from the roof of Lori's home. Very exciting stuff! Neko, the cat whom required the rescue, was safely removed from the roof, but not without a valiant effort at keeping himself dug in with his front claws while I was pulling him from below. Turned out we both ended up on our backs on the ground, him on top of me, safe, shaking, but ok. Of course, I was wondering if I'd just been "punked".

I spent most of April at the Murray's with Simon and Lily. This is the home that brought me to Taos.

I was back in time to celebrate my friend Lou Morgan's birthday. The birthday girl is pictured here, at Pizano's, with Janet (in lime green), Deborah, and me. Oh, and the little girl next to Janet was seated with her family at the table next to us, and asked to be in the photo. Cute! She also asked Janet and me if she could have a bite of our dessert! Only in Taos! Her parents' only comment was to remind her to say "please".

The next day, Lou's birthday, we went to Wild Rivers and hiked the Big Arsenic Trail down to the Rio Grande. That's the Rio Grande behind Janet and Lou in the photo, and that's me totally enjoying a really ripe and juicy strawberry.

Greetings from Albuquerque (ABQ) and the Piedras Lisa Trail on Sandia Mountain

2007-03-26T20:29:00.000-06:00

This amazingly huge boulder is just sitting up off the Piedras Lisa trail on Sandia Mountain, which is shown in the photo below from the trail.

This photo is looking west to the mesas and Mt. Taylor. And then there's me, with Sandia Peak behind me.

I arrived in ABQ Thursday night in time to have dinner with Lori, whose home I'm staying in while she's in Peru, making her pilgramage to Machu Piccu. A lovely woman, Lori is a former school teacher from Minnesota.

Friday and Saturday I familiarized myself with the NE side of ABQ, trying to learn my way around - and where all the Starbucks, Wild Oats and Whole Foods locations are.

Sunday was a gorgeous day - perfect for hiking the Piedras Lisa Trail on Sandia Mountain. Near where the tram takes visitors up to the top of Sandia Peak.

Ute Mountain at Sunset in El Rito, NM

2007-03-20T23:04:00.000-06:00

An unbelieveable (ok, they are ALL unbelieveable - if you don't believe me or these photos, then please come visit and see for yourself!) sunset in El Rito, NM. Ute Mountain is in the foreground of the first photo and Ellen's home is shown in the other.

Gail and Julie ski Taos Mountain

2007-03-20T22:56:00.000-06:00

Gail and her friend Julie spent a long weekend at the Taos Ski Valley in early March and of course we got together to celebrate. Gail, who lives in San Diego, has been my accountant extraordinaire for at least 10 years, and Julie is a custom home builder in Placitas, north of Albuquerque.

They skied - I didn't!

Taos Mountain illuminated

2007-03-20T22:54:00.000-06:00

Taos Mountain late afternoon, during the thaw, from the front yard of the Solari Hacienda.

Taos-style Adobe Blocks

2007-03-20T22:51:00.000-06:00

Who knew that those pesky plastic milk crates could be so useful? Just fill them full of mud and build your adobe home! Located on the Taos Mesa.

Weekend in Santa Fe - February 2007

2007-03-20T22:38:00.000-06:00

The photos provided here are all of the extraordinary art outside the galleries on Canyon Road in Santa Fe and on the Plaza. Unbelieveable art! Some very serious, others madcap, sensuous and just plain fun! Be sure to check out the "medusa man" and the "sun god" - click on the picture and it will enlarge to full screen!

March Madness

2007-03-20T22:17:00.000-06:00

Cheryl, Marilyn & Denise at the Rancho de Chimayo Restaurant in Chimayo, NM.

March madness, for me, has nothing to do with basketball. How could it be mid MARCH already??? I arrived back in Taos in early January and the magic carpet ride has taken me on quite the journey. The Solari Hacienda was a fabulous place to spend my first winter in Taos, and the first winter in 10 years that produced the amount of snow that made the skiers and ski operators really happy. And then the thaw began, and the MUD.... so deep and powerful that it seemed to be sucking the car tires into it.....I actually went to the store to buy those black rubber boots and planned to make them a winter fashion statement.....but they were SOLD OUT!!!

New friends, new projects, new experiences, new insights.....maybe that's how it's come to be mid March already.

Here we are at El Farol on Sunday, during a long weekend in Albuquerque and Santa Fe with Denise and her colleagues in the nursing field in mid February produced great conversations, lots of laughing, an in depth conversation about the health care system in the U.S. among many other conversations. The Santuario at Chimayo, the Rancho de Chimayo restaurant, Starbucks, many of the churces in Santa Fe, the art galleries on Canyon Road, and the gospel choir on Sunday afternoon at El Farol were some of the highlights from our adventure.

Some photos of this adventure for your viewing pleasure are provided.

Out & About Sat, Feb 3

2007-02-03T19:58:00.000-07:00

As you'll see, Taos Mountain looks so different depending on what time of the day you are seeing it.

The church is San Antonio de Padua Capillo, the church on La Loma Plaza.

And how about that old fashioned windmill and the spectacular sunset from the back patio?

Let it Snow!

2007-02-03T19:49:00.000-07:00

The big snow - again - 4-6 inches, depending on where in Taos you are. This is Taos Mountain under a snow cloud.

The west rim of the Rio Grande Gorge ...

Snow Shoe Adventure At Taos Pines in Angel Fire

2007-02-03T19:42:00.000-07:00

Snow shoe adventure with Elizabeth and Deborah on Deborah's mountain property at Angel Fire, NM.

The first snow angel I've made since I was a child!

Happy New Year ...2007 begins with Pam's Travel entries - Ohio to New Mexico

2007-01-02T19:06:00.000-07:00

After a great visit in Ohio with Max, my sisters,and their families, my cousin, and friends - during which I took not one photo, other than the one of RuthAnn and me at Boca - I headed back to Taos.

Sunday, December 31, 2006:

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I made it to Tulsa from Ohio on Dec 31, thinking there would be fewer, if any, weather issues on the southern route from here to Albuquerque on I-40. WRONG! The night manager at my hotel, who used to be an OTR trucker, said I-40 is still closed from Amarillo (4.5 hours west of Tulsa) to Albuquerque. They MAY re-open it Monday afternoon, so at least he offered me a late check out of 2 p.m.

But I digress….back to New Year’s Eve in Tulsa, OK. I purposefully did not bring a bottle of wine, anything, with me, thinking I’d get one wherever I stopped for the night. Who knew that there are no sales for anything but 3.2 beer in the state of Oklahoma on Sundays. So I’m enjoying a cup of tea for NYE ’06 …. Did I mention that I’m in a hotel in Tulsa???? What was I thinking????

And there are no interesting guests on the Dick Clark countdown……

But it’s all good….I expect to be back in Taos by mid week.

I want to wish you and yours the very best 2007!

Monday, January 1, 2007:

Again, Happy New Year! The first day of the year – only one of those ….

Ok, enough philosophy. Can I just say that for some unknown reason I actually believed the retired OTR truck driver when he said it would only take 7.5 hours to get from Tulsa to ABQ…..he must have meant if I flew, not drove. So, as a result, I didn’t leave Tulsa until 11 a.m. after making a pit stop at Starbucks and Wild Oats, thinking I had LOTS of time.

I am writing this while in Tucumcari, NM. It was as far as I could get today and I’m now only 3 hours from ABQ…..I-40 is clear here, now, but still dicey nearer to ABQ, and I’m not interested in driving on dicey roads in the dark. And from the snow on the roads here in Tucumcari, they are still digging out.

I also was in a roaming area from just east of OK City and am still in a roaming area…..I made only the calls I had to make, i.e. hotel reservation cancellation in ABQ, re-making one for Tucumcari. I only realized I was “roaming” (cell phone language, as opposed to driving across the country) AFTER talking to Patty Anthony, who lives in OK City for about 1 hour……should have planned ahead better and spent new year’s eve with Patty and her husband, Tom. They had wine!

So until I got back into Verizon coverage, I didn't talk. I have no idea how much roaming costs these days, as I haven’t been in an area of the country where I had that situation.

Hope you enjoyed a wonderful first day of 2007. And it could be worse. I could have been stuck in my car on I-40 near ABQ for 26 hours like my friend, Robin was, en route from Taos to Austin, TX. YIKES!!!

Here’s to a healthy and prosperous year full of laughter.

Oh, and to pass the time while driving through Oklahoma and Texas today, I listened to Dan Fogelberg’s Nether Lands cd - vintage 1977 – WOW!!! And he has a great website, too:

www.danfogelberg.com

I’d forgotten what a poet and romantic he is! Remember “Love Gone By”, “Missing You”, “Auld Lang Syne” “Lessons Learned”, “Heart Hotel”, “Run for the Roses” (not one of my favorites, but played every year for the Derby), “Part of the Plan”, “As the Raven Flies”, “Once Upon A Time”, “Nether Lands”, “Loose Ends”, “Hard to Say”,
“Promises Made”, “Give Me Some Time” (with Tim Weisberg on flute, with whom he made a GREAT album called “Twin Sons of Different Mothers”, and lots more……..And now he’s battling prostate cancer, so all positive wishes are welcome, especially since Dan has kept me company for 2 straight days of driving!

Tomorrow, on to ABQ in the a.m. and to the Hyundai dealership to discuss my struts!

Tuesday, January 2, 2007:

This blog post finds me (finally) in ABQ (the name is just too long and too hard to get to on the keyboard) – from my favorite hotel near UNM where they LOVE me – and have a corkscrew. So I am sitting in the breakfast room finally celebrating the new year with a NM Pinot Noir – actually very good, too!

My friend Jan sent me an email today that just says it all…..”For crying out loud, where are you now?” …… isn’t that great? No one uses that expression much anymore. It just cracked me up.

I've added photos that I took en route from OK City - the natural gas windmills - to the breathtaking scenery between Tucumcari and ABQ. The sky was cloudy today, so the photos may not detail the topography as well as my eyes did. And have you walked outside to view the full moon???

What a fantastic day!!! Nothing but good news!! I drove from Ohio to NM thinking I would have to invest in 4 new struts and 3 new tires for my car, at a minimum. Imagine my expression today when the service manager at Hyundai came to my table in the waiting area (of course I had taken over an entire area with my computer, files, and was listening NOT to my man Dan Fogelberg on the headset, but to Lowell George and Little Feat sing “Willin’” – my buddy Stuart emailed it to me today in honor of Tucumcari being mentioned in the song…..bravo, Stuart, plus it’s just one of those great tunes….and I’ve attached it for you Little Feat fans – Tari & Lisa, especially!) to inform me that my struts are fine (thanks, I knew that….oh , right, the car’s struts) and that all my car needs is a strut insulator – practically costs nothing! Holy cow!!! They are sending the part via overnight something and they’ll get in done in the a.m.

And it gets better still…..after that, I drove to Costco to get the 3 new tires I needed, and their service mgr calls me (I had taken over a table in the eating area inside the warehouse) to tell me that I don’t need 3 tires, only 1, and that it’s mostly covered under their warranty…….unbelievable!!!

All the more reason to celebrate, eh???? This pinot is tasting better and better as I recall the gifts I was handed today.

Oh, and to really top it off, a new friend from Taos, whose husband is a champion skier from France, has informed me that they have room in their condos in Park City and do I want to come up for the Sundance Film Festival???????

It’s just been a great day!! In spite of those people in Tucumcari who are so over the snow and ice that they behaved in a rude manner, but I think they are just frustrated beyond capacity.

Tomorrow, I will drive back to Taos…..just ahead of the next predicted snow fall……

This has been an incredible journey……with the exception of no Verizon cell phone service from Tulsa to ABQ (a very long way, by the way -- at least 5 inches) I’m interested in hearing from VZ why they don’t have this area as a home area yet) it has been fun, peaceful, and perfect.

Taos Holiday Luminaria

2006-12-16T18:54:00.000-07:00

Taos dressed out in her finest luminaria for the holidays...... Casa Bienevides, Hotel de La Fonda, Taos Inn and Doc Martin's, and the Plaza de Colores

Views from the Taos Mesa

2006-12-16T18:45:00.000-07:00

I found myself on the Taos Mesa today, and was astounded by the beauty that surrounds these homes...... see for yourself - the sage, the space, the mountains....

the last two photos show the earthship homes on the mesa from a distance.....be sure to click on them to enlarge the photos to better see these amazing earthships!

Seen around Taos - Adobe & Sculpture

2006-12-14T18:01:00.000-07:00

Walking through downtown today, to and from the Post Office, I could not resist these sculptures, windows, signs, sights, and adobe homes...... enjoy! I've yet to master the art of copy with photos, so if the copy next to the photo doesn't seem to match, keep looking.... chances are the photo being described is further down the page!
Colorful Adobe home and interesting window treatments....

If you have to have bars over the windows, they can be beautiful.... all fencing in Taos is the traditional pinion fencing, shown here

Remember to click on the pictures to enlarge them. See the horses on the roof of the JD Challenger Gallery, and the giraffe sculpture.

Antique Taos Doors at the Taos Door store...
Beautiful fountain with luminaria and great 4 family adobe

My favorite Adobe on Padre Martinez and gorgeous Yard Art

Love this sculpture of the woman reclining in the yard.....

We've all heard of Jefferson Airplane's "white rabbit" but Taos has the blue rabbit! How have I not noticed this before today???

And how about this beautiful sculpture that is the definition of "voluptuous"?

Meet Logan Wannamaker, Taos potter

2006-12-13T14:58:00.000-07:00

I've recently become acquainted with Logan Wannamaker at Taos Clay. How lucky am I to know 2 GREAT Taos potters???

Logan and his wife, Katie, recently moved to Taos from Boulder. Logan has set up shop at Taos Clay, and Katie's got more jobs than I have fingers on my left hand, but I met her at Zane Wheeler Gallery.

Logan is the creator of beautiful glazes - his ebony is my favorite.

He also creates bowls and cups that look like the land - they are fired in the salt kiln - and they are gorgeous, as you will see in these photos.

Logan also showed me a serving tray that he had just finished -- a beautiful large serving tray that he will create for both serving use, as well as decorative use. Check back, as I will photograph them once they are finished.

If you are interested in knowing more, use this link: www.taosclay.com

Yesterday when I stopped by, Logan was tinkering with parts for his gas kiln. The pottery from the gas kiln will have totally different looks and properties than if fired in the salt kiln, or in a wood fired kiln.....lots to learn from this guy!

New Pottery by Ginto Naujokas - Taos Potter

2006-12-08T17:54:00.000-07:00

You may recall that I included photos of some of Ginto's pots after he'd applied a "slip".

I've included one of those photos here, as comparison to the final, just fired products, shown below.

Aren't they magnificent?

I've also included photos of his micaceous clay pots.

They are the smaller, burnished pots. And white pots are rare!

I've included photos showing them outside and on an interior blue table in groups, on a display table, again in a group, and then individually, so as to try and capture their shape and texture.

These are photographed just minutes after Deborah applied oil to them to seal them.

Ginto's recent firing also included beautiful sake sets, as well as cups, bowls, and other pots, shown in photos here.

Ginto has been actively throwing for about 2 years and several galleries in Taos feature his work.

If you'd like to contact Ginto about ordering his pottery, or placing a special request order, email him at:

ginto@inspirejoy.com

Here is information from www.micaceousclay.com

"Thirty years ago, micaceous clay was solely used by Native American potters of the Southwest. Today there is a small but growing number of potters from very different ethnic bounds pushing the limits of micaceous clay further and further. As you will see in the pictures, the diversity of this wonderful clay is truly incredible. It was initially used for bean pots, water jugs, cups, and ceremonial vessels. Today, we still build many of these, but have expanded into casseroles, lamps, tiles, teapots, plaster for natural housing, pitchers, woks, and the list grows on a daily basis.

Since this clay comes from our Mother Earth, all of us have the utmost care and respect when handling her. The clay that we use is hand-dug and processed at the Owl Peak Pottery Studio. Mother Earth has provided for us a means to put the clothes on our backs, the food on our tables, and the roots we live under. We hope that our beliefs for our mother can be spread freely to those around us. One of the greatest things about this clay is its compatibility with heat. Meaning micaceous clay pots can and should be used for cooking."

Awesome Blast from the Past

2006-12-06T17:49:00.000-07:00

For all my Hamilton friends......look who met me for lunch today in Boulder!

DOUG SLONEKER

Doesn't he look just as yummy as ever!!!

And definitely still has that great sense of humor and joie de vive! And still doesn't take anything too seriously ..... how refreshing!

For all of us who were at our 10th year reunion, remember Doug singing/grooving a great Huey Lewis????? Made the entire event! That was the last time I saw/spent any time with Doug.

Let's see, 5th grade to today, someone else can do the math.....

I had a meeting in Boulder and decided to google Doug, just to see if I might have some contact options....and there was a snippet of his bio, "Ohio native, Miami University, etc etc etc..... and of course I knew I'd found him, and then, another site actually listed his cell phone number.

WOW!

So on my way to Boulder, I called him.
He answered, "this is Doug."
And I said, "Doug Sloneker?"
And he said, "yes!"
So I say, "Hi Doug, it's Pam Miller."

(And to his credit, there was only a slight down beat, and then)
he said, "Hi."
and I prompted, "Pam Miller from Hamilton....."
and then he said "oh, HI!!!! Wow, how are you???? How great that you are calling me!"

So he kindly did whatever he did to be available to drive from the Denver area to Boulder to spend some quality time with me, catching up, talking business, reminscing, etc..... And he sends his best to Tari, Terri, Denise, (Denise, he asks that we tell Andy that he did fix his car!) Lisa and Lisa. The Hamilton gang.

He's been married to Barb for 16 years, whom he met in a restaurant while on a date with a friend of Barb's, who left Doug after dinner with Barb! Magic! Barb owns her own business, importing and selling very high end plumbing fixtures to plumbers / contractors, mostly in the greater Denver area. Doug's parents are well and living in Oxford and also visit Maui on a regular basis! Doug says he golfs every month of the year - and continues to do well in the world of finance..... who knows, maybe he and I will be able to collaborate on a business venture at some point! Stranger things have happened!

We had a great time!

Tuesday, Dec 5 - Estes Park, Boulder, Nederland

2006-12-05T19:15:00.000-07:00

Today I re-visited Estes Park and Nederland..... haven't been to either for at least 12 years .... both have changed significantly since my last visit. Both are more populated. The really cool bookstore at Nederland where I bought my first Starhawk book is gone. I think the entire building is gone. And the Gondola wasn't running at Estes Park to take me to the top of the peak to the observation tower. Oh well, it's been so unseasonably warm that I forget that it is December in the Rocky Mountains! And there are homes everywhere in Estes Park now. I had to keep reminding myself that a lot changes in 12 - 13 years - for some perspective, Max was 6 or 7 then. Yes, A LOT CHANGES!

I've included a photo of the lake and mountains at Nederland with beautiful light spots and orbs, rainbows shimmering in the mountain photos - and light orbs everywhere!

And I think you'll agree with me that these cloud photos are amazing - don't think I've ever seen cloud formations like these... taken late afternoon and colors - en route north back to Ft Collins..... enjoy!

Wednesday, Nov 29 - The big Snow

2006-12-04T23:37:00.000-07:00

I woke up and walked into the great room, accompanied by 2 noisy cats (you'd think they were starving, as though there wasn't a full bowl of dry munchie food available 24/7) and noticed that Taos Mountain was no where to be found! Completely whited out! As you know by know, Taos Mountain is fully visible from the front door.

By 3 p.m. there were about 9 inches on the ground and I decided to head back to the house from the plaza. Early, to beat the "traffic" (Cincinnati thinking) - but there was very little

traffic, the roads were surprisingly clear, and all was great until I was turning off Kit Carson onto Piedmont. A small incline that the Kia Sorrento barely cleared - and then the car slid sideways and almost off the side of the road. Just far enough that I'm in deep snow and not getting enough traction to get out. Fortunately, a really nice guy happened along and offered to "push" me out and offered this sage advice as I was slowing driving away, "just don't stop!" Good advice - until I make the turn onto the road the house sits on, and am not going anywhere but sliding back toward another steep dropoff. Not good! Putting the car into its lowest gear doesn't help, either. After about 15 minutes of trying to get up the road, it is clear to me that I will have to leave the car on the road for the night. I"m not thrilled about this and realize that I not only have to find a safe place for the car (of course it's white) where it won't impede anyone's efforts to drive or not be noticed and run into or where it will get stuck. I don't see any 4 wheel drive options, and of course didn't read the instruction manual, and was NOT going to call the owners and worry them, so I drove to the end of the road, to the entrance of the government property. I parked it to the side of the gate, allowing room for gov't vehicles to have room to pass by, wrote a note with my phone # and left it on the dashboard, sent a silent offering to the universe to care for the car, took my computer bag and carry all bag and begin the walk to the house. Wearing no boots! And the wind coming off the mountains feels like knives are cutting the skin on my face..... dangerous weather for sure.

The good news is that the next morning I went to get the car, (wearing boots!), and it not only started right up, but wasn't stuck. The embarrassing news is that when I finally called and told Pintki about this episode Sunday, she laughed and told me that it is a 4 wheel drive vehicle and that the button is just to the left of the steering column --- which of course I couldn't see in the dark!!!

The mountain was beautiful over the next day or two following the big snowfall - notice the pink light at the top of Taos Mountain in one, and the clouds that hang near the top of the mountain peak in the other......

Monday, Dec 4 - Boulder, CO

2006-12-04T22:22:00.000-07:00

Deborah and I drove to Boulder, Colorado today, stopping at the rest stop in Colorado City - magnificent view of the mountains - then on to the Denver Int'l airport (Rocky Mountain range from the airport entrance road) to pick up Brent, a friend and biz associate of Deborah's, as they have some meetings both in Boulder and Ft Collins this week. So I tagged along. We roamed Boulder's "infamous" Pearl Street – I’m amazed how how “commercial” it’s become. Last time I was there in 1994 it was a real hippie area. Now it’s very upscale! But still so beautiful! And alma mater to Jan Smith and her two children, Ryan, Jennifer, and Ryan's wife, Erin. Go Buffs!

The drive north to Ft Collins (home of CO state U, Tari Wilks' alma mater) was in the dark, so I couldn’t enjoy the mountains to the west along 25 N – but the exit to Estes Park is just a few miles south of Ft. Collins, so I plan to visit there tomorrow to hang out for a few hours. And I want to try to get back to Nederland, a beautiful little hippie community up in the mountains due west of Boulder …..and it would be great to drive north to visit Cheyenne, WY ..... I just LOVE this area!

When I was 16, my parents decided that it would be fun to take us (Kim, Tom, Emmie & me) on a 6 week tour of the west, via car!!! Did I mention for six weeks in summer between my sophomore and junior years of high school??? In our station wagon. Pulling our Golden Apache camper!!! Each of us had one beer case in which to put everything we wanted or needed for 6 weeks ( remember those great beer cases, the heavy ones with lids that were halved lengthwise down the middle and opened up and out like the front doors of a DeLorean or a Lamborghini?)

Anyway, as you might imagine, I was NOT HAPPY about being away from my crowd for 6 weeks in the SUMMER..... but ...... off we went, and in retrospect, it was the vacation of a lifetime.....we still laugh about all the crazy things we did that trip. The disappearing woman in the desert, laying / lying (never can remember which one is correct) on the ground in the desert, in the dark, (carefully, since we were told to avoid the cactus, scorpions, and tarantulas that live there) so we could better see the constellations in the sky that we had just seen earlier that day at the Planetarium in Salt Lake City, where we ran into Jerry Snider (not sure that was his last name) a teacher at Wilson Jr High in Hamilton and a teacher's bowling league buddy of my dad's at the Walgreens in Salt Lake City! That was my first experience of "it's a small world". These are just a few of the MANY great experiences that Mom and Dad bestowed upon us that trip. But more on that later, in another entry, if anyone reading this is interested in those fabulous and funny adventures and makes a request for more. Heck, I still have the photos that my Kodak "instamatic" camera took that trip! Bryce Canyon! Grand Canyon! Mesa Verde! Mormon Tabernacle Church and organ pipes (Mom, remember how irritated you were with me that day because I just could not believe that those "lines" in the front of the church, behind the "pulpit" area, were the organ's pipes? Possibly because they were 2 and more stories tall and my only organ pipe experience at that time was the organ that Lisa Thomas played in the sunroom in her home, pushing something with her feet to activate something in the organ.

Anyway...... you are probably wondering where this is going.....

The reason the whole going west the summer I was 16 is relevant to today's trip is that when we reached Greeley, CO, we stopped to visit my mom's high school music teacher. Which I thought was a little weird, I mean how long had Mom been out of high school? But then, I know there are quite a few of us Barb Dayton grads who would gladly stop in and visit with her today (am I right???? - give me a show of hands!!!)

And I fell in LOVE with this area. And begged my dad not to make me go back to Ohio. His compromise (like he was going to OK my staying with the music teacher, or anyone else, for that matter!) was that I should apply to go to college here. And I did. And I was accepted. But the out of state tuition was stiff then, too, and I had the opportunity to go to Miami with some tuition credit assistance from all the student teachers my dad had "trained" over the years, so, Miami it was. I was being financially responsible. (How boring for one so young!) And didn't make it back this way until circa 1993 or 1994, or maybe both, it's fuzzy now. And now I'm here again ..... and still as crazy about being here as I was then. Probably not to live here, but definitely love visiting. But then, I haven't driven into the Rockies to Nederland, so who knows......

I am writing this from "Mugs", a cute and very crowded corner coffee café next to our hotel in downtown Ft Collins – the Armstrong Hotel – very quaint, old, and just recently re-habbed – wireless access available in the rooms, but why sit alone in a hotel room in a new city when I can sit here and have a strong cup of coffee and a crunchy chocolate chip cookie????? And listen to what the students are talking about???

Monday, Nov 27 - A Taos Post Office Box!

2006-11-27T20:14:00.000-07:00

Wow, today was a milestone. I now have a Taos Post Office Box! Tomorrow I'll open a bank account! Makes sense, since I'll now be here through March.

It's really the small things that are so big these days. Like this dusk photo of Taos Mountain from the front porch - and the sunset photo with Pater Knoll highlighted in burning orange.....

I am totally in awe of the spectacle Mother Nature offers here every day!

Sunday, Nov 26 - No Hiking Today

2006-11-27T20:08:00.000-07:00

Ok, I admit it, I could not hike today! There, I said it. But Deborah and I did walk Taos - did a little shopping - but generally took it easy.

Oh, and did I mention that in addition to the hiking, I've also been doing a "Kundalini" yoga workout every morning???

I found a vendor who can supply me with blank notecards and envelopes, so I'll be able to create my own holiday cards this year!!!

Saturday, Nov 25 - Fog over Taos

2006-11-27T20:03:00.000-07:00

Ok, I know I'm obsessed with the clouds and sky and sunsets here - so here's a new one. Look at what I saw when I walked out into the great room Saturday morning at 6:30 a.m. - I rubbed my eyes 3 times before I realized what I was seeing - the entire mesa and valley was fogged in.

To really see this wall of fog, click on either photo and what you may think are clouds is the roll of fog...... it was an amazing sight!

Saturday, Nov 25 - La Junta Trail at Rio Grande Gorge

2006-11-27T19:47:00.000-07:00

Today this trail just kicked my butt! We hiked into the Gorge via La Junta, a beautiful and dangerous .8 mile trail down the gorge with a beautiful view of the Red River and Rio Grande confluence, shown in the photo here.

I've also included a photo taken about 1/3 of the way down the trail - the snow caps and top of the Red River section of the gorge.

It's .8 of a mile down to the bottom of the gorge, and then another hike to the river confluence. Deborah, Georgia and I crossed the Red River via the bridge shown in the photo. Georgia splashed in the rivers, while Deborah and I stayed warm and dry. Georgia belongs to Kim Goodyear, Deborah's neighbor, and is a perfect hiking dog. She made sure we were on the trail and safe.

I've included a photo of the "La Junta Twin Peaks" as well as a photo of Deborah and Georgia with the trailhead shown in the background, the top of that high point in the photo - that's where we started!

For Georgia's sake, we returned to our car via the Little Arsenic trail, a beautiful meandering trail along the Rio Grande river bank. Georgia is 14 years old - you do the dog math conversion - and know that she still had the energy upon our return to the car to hop into the back, with only a boost - which is more than I can say for me.

I hit the hot tub twice that night, trying to heat out the ache in my knees and hips. You go, Georgia!

Friday, Nov 24 - Valle Vidal

2006-11-27T19:12:00.000-07:00

Deborah and I drove east on Rt 64, through Angel Fire, to Cimarron Canyon. We were heading for the Valle Vidal. Max, wait till you see the ski/snow board runs at Angel Fire - they are spectacular!

Cimarron Canyon is a magical place. My first time through this canyon was in December, 2003, the first time I visited Taos with Deborah and Ginto. During the drive back to Ohio, as we traveled through Cimarron Canyon en route to Colorado, I "heard" the name 'Spirited Journey' and that was the beginning of my new business life.

We stopped in Cimarron and visited the St. James Hotel - a vital outpost of the "Santa Fe Trail". Bat Masterson stayed here, as did many other "famous" persons of the "old west": Buffalo Bill Cody and his cohort, Annie Oakley, Kit Carson, Frank and Jesse James, Wyatt Earp, Billy the Kid!

See this beautiful landmark hotel that is still in operation:

www.stjamescimarron.com

Valle Vidal is located in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of northern NM between Cimarron and Costilla. It's a 100, 000 acre parcel in the Carson National Forest, managed by the Carson National Forest. It's an important part of NM's ranching heritage and is still a productive grazing area today, as shown in several of the photos here.

Ted Turner also owns much of the land surrounding Valle Vidal, used for his buffalo ranching business, as well as his natural gas operations.

Deborah and I drove the 21 miles of gravel washboard road into the Valle Vidal, and stopped at the McCrystal Creek campground to take a hike. We sort of created our own trail and our reward was "tatanka" - buffalo! Look closely for the buffalo in the photo beneath the warning sign that buffalo are wild animals, posted at the McCrystal Campground entrance. Deborah assured me that buffalo, and indeed, all wild animals, only chase humans if they are startled or scared. The photo shows the buffalo after we stood very still and allowed him time to meander further away, so as not to "startle" him. I wasn't interested in trying to outrun a startled buffalo!

Check out Valle Vidal at:
www.vallevidal.org

During this hike, we also saw elk. On the ride continuing through the Valle Vidal, we also had a bobcat run in front of the car.

The canyon area driving out of Valle Vidal toward Costilla is overwhelmingly gorgeous. Another perfect adventure!

Thursday, Nov 23 - New Moon for Thanksgiving

2006-11-27T18:54:00.000-07:00

This is the new moon over Taos, taken either Tuesday or Wednesday night. Isn't it a glorious sight? It never fails to move me. I know, I know, I am obsessed with the sunsets here --- and I am sure you would be, too! They are just so beautiful, don't you agree??

Today is Gratitude Day - otherwise known as Thanksgiving. It's also the FIRST DAY OF THE SKI SEASON in Taos!!! Check out the various ski resorts:
www.skitaos.org
www.angelfireresort.com
www.sipapunm.com

I hope all of you had a joyful holiday with friends and family. My Thanksgiving celebration was initially going to be spent driving to Bryce Canyon in Utah with Deborah and Gail, but the Bryce trip will be another time. We opted to stay in Taos and take day hikes over the holiday weekend. So, my Thanksgiving in Taos began with a breakfast at Deborah's. She made her "famous" crepe pancakes - they were YUMMY! And I am NOT a big pancake fan.

I stopped into Joseph's Mainstreet Bakery to get a cup of coffee - they were packed! And roasting turkeys in the big oven for those who had purchased their Thanksgiving dinner package. Kat, the chef, had also roasted an extra turkey for the bakery to have in celebration once they closed the restaurant that afternoon.

From there, I went back to the big house and sat on the deck, in the sun, and began to make the first of many bracelets. I actually have made pieces of jewelry! My creative juices are just flowing here. Writing, jewelry making, baking -- what's next???

My day was complete after speaking with my mom, my sisters, and Max. Mom was going to join my Grandma at my uncle Dan's home, and my sister Emmie and her husband, Kevin, hosted Kim, Bobby, Meghan, Max, and his dad, Spank.

Happy birthday to my cousin, Jeff - I won't tell his age - and Happy 28th wedding anniversary to my friends Nora & Guy Wesselkamper. Nora, you are a SAINT!!!

Happy Thanksgiving to all my family and friends!

Wednesday, Nov 15 - Sites to see while walking Kit Carson Road

2006-11-17T18:26:00.000-07:00

Here's a beautiful shot of Taos Mountain and El Salto, the day after those amazing black clouds rolled through!

I decided to walk into town - along Kit Carson Road - and saw up close the interesting, unusual, and quirky sights that I've provided here.

The bare trees, that shimmer white in the sunlight against the blue sky, are, to my eye, just spectacular.

The Gaspard House is a private residence, and the sign claims that the famous Russian - American artist built this home. It appears that he was once a guest at the Mabel Dodge Luhan Home, based on the info on the website.

The El Monte Sagrado is a famous spa that opened in 2003, brainchild of Tom Worrell. They grow much of their own food in the greenhouse, as well as recycle most of the non-drinking water used.

There is a street across from the El Monte Sagrado that has a home with a beautiful entrace wall, featuring the lovely lady pictured. This is a one of a kind, so far!

The El Monte Sagrado greenhouse can be seen through the trees, from the quirky wall entrance located across the street.

The Canon Road Gallery and an "Adobe Duplex" line Kit Carson, leading into town.

fx/18 is an award winning store, based on popular vote.

Look at the turquoise bells above the store.

And do you see the single bell above Gallery A?

Love the rainbows and light orbs that showed up in the La Dona Luz Inn photograph.

Beautiful rugs are on display, too.

And the Zane Wheeler Gallery, located on Taos Plaza, named for Thom Wheeler's daughter. Thom is a famous artist whose gallery/studio is on the corner of Piedmont and Kit Carson Roads, the turn off to the big house I'm in now.

Friday, Nov 17 - A visit to the Taos Pueblo & Mable Dodge Luhan House

2006-11-17T18:01:00.000-07:00

I've been photographing what I consider the quirky, unusual landmarks that I pass when walking along Kit Carson Road into town this week. So I thought I'd post them for you to view, too.

We've got the mermaids and angel on the wall on Morado Road, which leads back and stops at the Mabel Dodge Luhan House.

The Buffalo is the entrance centerpiece at the Adobe Wall Inn on Kit Carson Road. And the bell tower in the home on the corner of Morado and Kit Carson Road.

Today I was drawn to the Mable Dodge Luhan House & the Taos Pueblo - no camera, just wanted to BE at the Pueblo with the residents. Paid my admission fee, spoke to Carpio, the first Indian I met, who showed me the walking stick he had carved - an eagle's head was at the top - he was just completing the finishing touches. Beautiful!

I sat by the stream that comes from Blue Lake, the lake on Wheeler Peak held sacred by the Tewa tribe who inhabit the Taos Pueblo. This is the Pueblo's only source of fresh water. The energy here is powerful and the Pueblo structures are just beautiful. Amazing to think that the structures, or portions of them, have been there for 1000 years, at the foot of Taos Mountain. The photo shows a Historic Marker that features the Taos Pueblo at the bottom, for those who have not seen photos, drawings, or paintings of this historic Taos landmark. Or you can see the pueblo at www.taospueblo.com

I've been reading a fascinating book, "Edge of Taos Desert, An Escape to Reality" by Mabel Dodge Luhan, a woman who relocated to Taos from New York City in 1917, met and married Tony Luhan, a Taos Pueblo Indian. So I guess her "memoirs" of her first 9 months in Taos have stirred something in me, creating a desire to BE both on the land that Tony lived on at the Pueblo, as well as the property just east of the Pueblo that he suggested she purchase, and on which they built the home that stands today and serves as a bed and breakfast/conference center. You can see photos of this beautiful home at www.mabeldodgeluhan.com

Tuesday, Nov 14 - Clouds Over Taos

2006-11-15T09:37:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday wishes to my nephew, Bobby, who is 21 today!

I started shooting the snow clouds at 7 a.m. when I noticed that Taos Mountain had "disappeared" and resumed again at noon, as I drove east into Taos on Hwy 68.

I hope you enjoy these amazing cloud photos.

I recognize that I am somewhat obsessed by the sunsets here, but do hope you enjoy seeing what I saw today.

There are lots more photos on the Kodak album, available at http://www.kodakgallery.com

Look closely at the cloud shots from the highway - they are photos of the Rio Grande Gorge.

At 3 p.m. the black snow clouds appeared, and the sunlight peeking through turned all aspen trees a shimmering white, stunning against the dark cloud background.
hope you enjoy these amazing cloud photos.

Pink clouds and cloud mists appeared, followed by dark clouds moving across the mountains and valley.

We were gifted with a spectacular, layered cloud sunset.

After shooting this spectacular sunset, I saw another interesting and fascinating movie, of the human kind.

Tonight was the final showing of the movie, "The U.S. vs John Lennon" at the Taos Center for the Arts (we don't have a movie theatre devoted to independant films).

If you haven't seen this movie, it's worth the 90 minutes. It was an amazing sight to once again see the hundreds of thousands of people who cared enough to go to our nation's capital and question our government's actions and decisions. To stand there with candles and chant, "give peace a chance". It was interesting to see, from this 2006 perspective, that the administration at that time was threatened by John Lennon and his message of "all you need is love" and his plea to "give peace a chance". John Lennon was indeed a man of peace and love, and while at the time he was portrayed in the media as a nutcase, after watching the footage of his interviews in the early 70's, it's clear that he was a messenger of peace, using his fame, his music, and the press to communicate his hope and desire to just "give peace a chance".

And to compare what was happening then to what is happening now......

Best Chef in Taos 2005 - Joseph!

2006-11-13T08:42:00.000-07:00

I just found a wonderful review of Joseph that I though you might want to read.

http://www.taosnews.com/bestoftaos/chef_joseph.htm

Sunday, November 12 - Snow clouds in Taos

2006-11-12T19:54:00.000-07:00

Sun peeping through the snow clouds hanging over Taos Mountain and the mountains to the southwest today. Below, snow clouds hanging over Taos Mountain, occasionally spitting snow pellets.

The Taos Campus of the University of New Mexico - complete with dorms in the old adobe pueblo style architecture.

Saturday, Nov 12 - Wandering in Taos

2006-11-12T19:39:00.000-07:00

I love this fall weather in Taos. The thermometer says that it's 45 degrees, but it feels like 75 degrees in the sun. So I walked the 4 miles to La Loma Plaza today to Casa Yaruba, Deborah's home, located next to my former residence, Casa Cubana, and had to wear sunscreen!

Walking to Casa Yaruba at La Loma Plaza, I noticed this beautiful gate on the drive to the home on Upper Ranchitos, once owned by Tom Worrell, who built the famous El Monte Sagrado Spa here in Taos, and who restored many of the adobe homes in Taos, including Casa Yaruba and Casa Cubana.

Greetings from this amazing bear sculpture that greets all visitors to the La Loma Plaza compound!

Ginto, a well known potter in Taos as well as Deborah's husband, has completed and will fire the pots shown in these 2 photos this week. The white overlay on these pots is called a "slip" - he literally pours clay over the pot and then creates designs in it. I love the pre-fired look, looking forward to seeing them post-firing.

Wednesday, Nov 8 - Chaco Canyon, NM

2006-11-09T17:05:00.000-07:00

Deborah and I drove the 4 hours to Chaco Canyon today - see the petroglyph in this photo, and drove the route that took us via the old road to Ojo Caliente and Abiquiu. This is the old bridge we use to cross the Rio Grande.

The ride to Chaco took us through Abiquiu, NM, famous because Georgia O'Keeffe lived here at her Ghost Ranch, and painted Pater Knoll, the flat top mesa. You can see Pater Knoll from the deck here at the Murray residence and it's in all the sunset photos if you click on the photos for a larger version. There are also gorgeous red rock canyons in the Abiquiu area, from which red "mexican" tiles are made.

Chaco Canyon is an amazing Native American community unearthed in the 1920's..... a culture that flourished in this location from 800 - 1100 A.D. - you'll see in the photos parts of the community building, known as Pueblo Bonita, that has been partially crushed/destroyed by HUGE falling boulders...... there are several photos of Deborah and another pair of hikers standing/sitting near these boulders. ENORMOUS! Pueblo Bonito was the cultural and center of commerce for this area. Trading, social events, funerals, teaching all happened here.

The hiking at Chaco was wonderful - just dangerous enough to be exciting. The first trail we took required us to climb up the rocks and then behind and through a very narrow passage inside the canyon wall to get to the top. The photo above the one of Deborah sitting on the ground in front of Pueblo Bonito is the trailhead up and into the rocks. I love that there were no "warning" signs about the danger of this trail. It's definitely a "hike at your own risk" kind of place! The remainder of the trail is a walk along the top of the canyon. Looking at a 360 degree vista of what used to be Chaco civilization, as far as we could see - beautiful. Trails were all marked by "cairns", or piles of rocks. The second trail we followed took us past beautiful petroglyphs, shown in the first photo above.

The architecture and construction of the Pueblo Bonito and other smaller pueblos was fairly incredible - each of them showcased different styles of the use of stone/bricks in the construction, representing a different time period based on the architecture.

The sunset photo was taken of Fajada Butte, located at the entrance to Chaco Canyon, as we were leaving.

Tuesday, Nov 7 - Around Taos

2006-11-07T18:42:00.000-07:00

Some of my favorite places in Taos - Joe's Mainstreet Bakery, my daily hangout for a cup of coffe/chai/tea - owned by my friend Joseph, the chef/owner of Joseph's Table. Look at the light orb and golden rays of light in this photo.

The World Cup Cafe is on the main street in Taos - and is a magnet for all the locals, including the teens and college students. A real DIVERSE crowd!

The Apple Tree restaurant is a beautiful old home that serves fabulous food, and I love the doorway at Taos Artisans.

The Taos Inn and the Adobe Bar is wonderful. Great live music every night. I was there on Sunday, Oct 29 and was fortunate to hear 2 of the greatest guitar players EVER! No kidding, I had to get up and move to where I could see their hands, because I could not believe that human hands could move that way to create the sounds that were coming from those guitars! Edgar Cruz, from the Taos Pueblo, was one of the guitarists! FABULOUS!

I loved the grotto, on the side of a building on the main street in Taos, with the beautiful clay pots on the blue shelf above the statue.

And finally, a little more history (I love these sign posts) about Bent Street.

Tuesday, Nov 7 - Election Day Sunset

2006-11-07T18:17:00.000-07:00

I couldn't resist this sunset (every sunset is spectacular here), but this one was unique because in the north and northwest, there were pink clouds while the sun was setting yellow/orange.

So what you see here, in vertical order rather than horizontal order, is the sunset from the mountains in the north, moving west along the horizon in time delays until you see the final blaze in the western sky. Hope you enjoy this sunset as much as I did!

Monday, Nov 6 - A blazing sunset

2006-11-06T21:05:00.000-07:00

This is tonight's sunset from beginning to end - isnt' it spectacular???

Monday, Nov 6 - Taos Plaza

2006-11-06T20:12:00.000-07:00

This is historic Taos Plaza. I thought you might enjoy reading about it. The 4th photo is an adobe style building - look for the ball of light energy in the photo.

Historic Taos Plaza is the heart and center of Taos. Joseph's Table is in the Hotel La Fonda de Taos, my favorite restaurant! When you look at the other photo of the hotel, (3rd from the bottome) from across the Plaza, note the rainbows in the photo.
The Casa Benavides is on Kit Carson Road, the main road away from the Plaza.

Monday, Nov 6 - It's all about the apples!

2006-11-06T19:27:00.000-07:00

Ok, now for those of you who know me well, don't fall over, but I MADE THIS APPLE PIE myself!!!

And I'm not really a "pie person" - but I couldn't resist the opportunity to create something from scratch. I remember peeling apples (I think I helped peel, I don't know, maybe I just watched my grandpa peeling the apples) when I went to Indian Lake to see my Grandma and Grandpa. She's in the picture with me, my mom, my sister Kim and her daughter Meghan (beautiful one with glasses) and my youngest sister, Emmie ( behind me), and her two girls, beautiful dark haired Samantha and our gorgeous resident redhead, Alexandra. Grandma still makes awesome pies!! And so does my Mom. And so does Emmie. Kim may be a great pie maker, too, but I don't know first bite, so to speak! Kim, let us know if you are a pie maker!

Ok, I didn't pick the apples, true! They are Black Arkansas apples - I've never heard of them, but boy, oh boy, are they wonderful! But, I peeled them, sliced them, de-wormed them, stirred them with cinnamon, sugar, and nutmeg, made the crust, rolled it, (and again for those of you who know me, I actually got to use a rolling pin, not a Belvedere Vodka bottle from the freezer!) put the pie together, the whole 9 yards!

I think the top is a little more brown than usual, but..... at least we didn't set off the smoke alarms!

But Gail is a pie person, and she gave it the taste test, and rewarded me by eating the entire slice! She said it was an excellent first pie! Apple pie was my dad's favorite pie!

Friday, Nov 3 - The best facial ever!

2006-11-06T18:22:00.000-07:00

Today I totally treated myself (a belated birthday present, if I have to justify it) and had the most amazing experience! Sonja calls it a "facial" - but I've had one of those, and this wasn't anything like what I've experienced previously. Not only did I get a facial, but also a back massage, arm, hand, shoulder, and neck massage, plus the foot and head massage. WOW!!! She said I had 37 year old skin - wasn't that nice of her??? Thank you Mom and Grandma for the awesome skin genes!

Then, to really put a spin on the day, Deborah and I hiked Devisadero - the trail I hiked last Friday that had snow on the north side. Last week it took me 3 hours - today, we had to do it in 2 hours because of a time commitment - so we moved our tushies! Whew - exhausting, but exhilirating, too!

So exhilirating, in fact, that coupled with the quart of apple juice I had to drink that afternoon in preparation for a cleanse, I was wiped out and in bed by 8 p.m. You might be thinking, "what a wuss!" but there is no explaining the energy here - everything is magnified and intensified - and authenticity is required - there's no hiding from your SELF here!

I encourage everyone to make Taos a "must see" destination on your list of vacation options. You won't be disappointed.