Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Palm Sunday Procession



The Knights of Columbus were part of the group that observed the day and processed from the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi to the Plaza on Palm Sunday. See a full explanation of the procession, here. The man on the right is a retired Episcopal cleric who helped distribute the blessed palms to the crowd.

The palms ready to be distributed with members of the Episcopal choir behind the table.

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

ABC Wednesday-"K" is for Kivas

These two ceremonial masks are additional authentic Native American art pieces from Kiva Gallery on Water Street in downtown Santa Fe.  Learn more about this outstanding gallery by clicking here.

Below is what is believed to be a ceremonial Kiva in Salinas Pueblo ruins.

According to the description posted on this site in Salinas Pueblo Ruins, because of the unusual shape (somewhat square) and location of this structure, it may have been a combination of both Christian and Pueblo Indian religions. Underground kivas, reminiscent of ancestral pit houses, served as men's workrooms and sacred chambers of special ceremonies.
To see more ABC Wednesday posts, click here.

Monday, March 29, 2010

Palm Sunday: Archbishop Sheehan

On Palm Sunday a traditional ecumenical service is held in the Plaza in Santa Fe.  The Roman Catholic clergy, parishioners, fraternal groups, and other interested people gather at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi and then form a procession to the Plaza where they are joined by clerics and other pilgrims from the Presbyterian and Episcopal "city" parishes. Bishops from different denominations speak briefly and symbols of the Christian religion: ashes, holy water, communion hosts, and a lily plant, for example, are displayed.  The palms are blessed by the Bishops, after which the Roman Catholic pilgrims process around the Plaza again and then back to the Cathedral for the 12:00 o'clock mass. It's fascinating and gratifying to see people of the three faiths gather together to commemorate an important event in the church calendar. I'll show you more photos in subsequent days.

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Kiva Art Gallery

Gini, a new friend who knows a great deal about Native American culture and history, is a volunteer at one of the wonderful museums in Santa Fe. In addition, she works two days a week at the Kiva Gallery in downtown Santa Fe on Water Street. The gallery has an  outstanding collection of authentic Native American art and has been  owned and operated for 22 years by the woman pictured below.
To learn more about the Gallery, click here.

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Camera Critters-Camel Rock

Camel Rock is off Highway 84/285 between Santa Fe and Espanola on Tesuque Reservation land, named because of its resemblance to a resting camel. It is a naturally eroded and unique rock formation (among many in this wonderful state) that has given pleasure to tourists and natives alike.

To view more camera critters from around the world, click here.

Friday, March 26, 2010

"These Boots Were Made For Walkin!"

While looking for some ski jackets, I discovered a terrific consignment shop on the corner of Montezuma and Guadalupe. Didn't find a jacket, but DH found one for himself and he's now skiing the slopes. I continue to look for a pair of red cowboy boots.  The ones I am really lusting for are custom-made and cost $1200.  I think I'll pass on those and try to find some "gently used" ones altho they're hard to find and fit, or so I've been told.

The shop has EVERYTHING! Clothes, furniture, china, paintings...you name it. Everything except red cowboy boots in my size!  I'll keep looking!

Thursday, March 25, 2010

O'Keeffe Country


The area around Ghost Ranch which provided inspiration for Georgia O'Keeffe's paintings are awesome to see. The geological formations are readily recognizable as material for some of her artistic pieces. I knew that tours of her home were not scheduled while we were there, but we couldn't resist stopping at the dusty little area of Abiquiu where her home is located. I got a photo of the entrance and thought about all the wonderful painting she did over her lifetime, especially while she visited and then lived in New Mexico.  What an American treasure she is! 




Wednesday, March 24, 2010

What a Coincidence!

One day recently as I strolled down Canyon Road, I was captivated by this gallery, which was closed so I couldn't check out the work. Later on another day I went back and met the owner who was busy painting a new piece of art work.  I introduced myself to Ed Larson, the owner/artist, and while we chatted I noticed one of his pieces entitled "Washington Island."  Curious I asked its location. It turned out to be the same Washington Island in Door County, Wisconsin which our family has loved and  where we have vacationed each summer for years. Many years ago Ed had owned the business pictured in his painting, and we knew many of the same people on the Island. Uncanny coincidence!

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

ABC Wednesday "J"-Jammin' at the Market

What better way to spend a morning than visiting the Saturday Farmer's Market to buy local goods and to hear good music?!
To see what other bloggers have posted for the letter "J" click here.

Monday, March 22, 2010

Naked or Nude?

If you're interested in seeing quite a few unclothed female figures, hop right over to Canyon Road. Interestingly,  I saw few representations of males.  Go figure! I recall reading a poem years ago establishing the difference between naked and nude.  Which description would you chose?

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Shadows of the Past

"In the shadows of the Salinas Valley pueblo ruins are faint echoes of the communities that lived there 300 years ago." (from the Salinas Pueblo Missions brochure in the Visitors Center).  On Saturday, March 13th friends of ours, Jim, and I as well as Maggi our dog (on a leash) visited the Quarai and Abó ruins, and like our visit to Pecos Historical National Park awhile ago, came away with more knowledge of the ancient history of New Mexico. It was a perfect day with temperate temperatures and lots of sunshine. Our picnic lunch under a huge Cottonwood tree was also perfect.

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Canyon Road Camera Critters



Canyon Road is a treasure trove for photographers.  These three photos are just a very few of what is available to see, buy, or photograph!
To see more photos of camera critters, click here!

Friday, March 19, 2010

Santa Fe Ski area

The Santa Fe Ski Lodge...
The main lift to take to get to other lifts to take you higher on the mountain, and
Part of the ski rental shop with equipment...


Just one of the many spectacular vistas on the road up the mountain to get to the ski area. The road is curvy  and not one to take during bad weather.  Check our first unsuccessful attempt to reach the ski hill here.

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Talk About Vistas!

The Sandia Peak Tramway close to Albuquerque is a great way to see the surrounding countryside.
Part of what makes the trip up the mountainside possible is shown by the wheel and cables below.
What a view!! The ski area at the top is pretty spectacular, too!

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

The Camera's Eye


Four hours at St. Vincent's Hospital was not totally unpleasant when greeted by objects of art such as this while waiting in radiology for some x-rays...part of the routine examination.  The personnel were all courteous, friendly, and professional, and I left feeling confident about their care. I went to the emergency room after several uncomfortable days with a ticker problem that was not extraordinarily worrisome but that created some anxious moments on my part. Nothing that I hadn't experienced before, but nonetheless scary when 1300 miles away from my regular physician.

The technicians were non-plussed and didn't bat an eye when I whipped out my camera and brought it along with me.  Told you that they were professional!

AND TO MARK THIS DAY...

An Old Irish Blessing



May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face
and rains fall soft upon your fields
                                                           And until we meet again,

                                                                   May God hold you in the palm of His hand.




Tuesday, March 16, 2010

ABC Wednesday-"I": Incredible Imagination


Alan Houser's sculptures can be found everywhere in this fair city: museums, courtyards, churches, and even on the street. The city of Santa Fe and I have a love affair with this man's work! The collage shows  pieces of art that are in the IAIA museum courtyard across from the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. The sculpture on the bottom is entitled "IMIGRATION" which shows once again the INCREDIBLE IMAGINATION of this treasured artist!

To see more contributions from bloggers for ABC Wednesday, click here.

Monday, March 15, 2010

An Agfa Camera


I met this woman and her assistant on The High Road to Taos when I stopped to take a photo of a village church.  Unintimidated by her remarkable equipment, I chatted with her and then proceeded to take pictures with my point and shoot digital camera right alongside of her.  Had to laugh as I thought about the differences between us!

To see and learn more about this remarkable photographer, Click here! Be sure to check out the bio and tutorial links.  To see her photo blog, go here.

Sunday, March 14, 2010

As We Approach Easter...


On Sunday, March 7 Jim and I attended the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis Assisi for the express purpose of seeing the blessing by Reverend Monsignor Jerome Martinez y Alíre of three  lifesize Stations of the Cross at the 10 o'clock mass.

"For the next 25 years, Santa Feans and
visitors will be blessed with a unique religious and artistic gift – 14 life‐size Stations of the Cross, providedby an anonymous donor.These bronze, life size Stations were sculpted by world‐renowned artist, Mr. Gib Singleton and were donated (on a 25 year loan) to the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. The Stations will be installed in the Lamy Gardens next to the Cathedral Basilica Parish Offices in August of  this year."

Mr. Singleton is shown above:  "Born in Kennett, Missouri, Mr. Singleton resides in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He is considered a modern master in the tradition of Rodin and Donatello, and his work has often been
compared to that of Giacometti’s. Singleton is perhaps the only artist ever to be represented simultaneously in the permanent collections of the Museum of Modern Art, the Cowboy Hall of Fame, the Vatican Museum and the State of Israel (whose large collection of his art was a bequest of Prime Minister Golda Meir)." 
(Read More by checking the link-Information is taken from this Archdiocese Press Release).

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Wildlife Center-Camera Critters

Because we are animal lovers, Jim and I went to the Wildlife Center, and what a thrill. We were thrilled to see the animals, but we were impressed by the dedication of the staff and volunteers.  A great facility!

FACTS ABOUT THE WILDLIFE CENTER: The Wildlife Center in north Santa Fe county just south of Española, is New Mexico's only wildlife hospital.

The Wildlife Center was established in 1986 as a raptor rehabilitation center under the name "Las Aves." In 1991, The Center changed its name to The Wildlife Center to reflect an operation that was expanded to include rehabilitation of all indigenous New Mexico wildlife.

The Center’s success rate for return to the wild is around 55 percent.

The Center is the only rehabilitation center in New Mexico permitted by the federal government and state of New Mexico to rehabilitate large mammals, such as the New Mexico black bear, endangered species and the eagle, our national bird.

Thirty educational animals reside at the Center and are the center piece of over 120 educational programs and over 400 public tours each year at the Center and throughout northern New Mexico. These programs and tours reach about 8000 adults and children each year.

Nine staff and 55 volunteers, who give over 10,000 hours of their time annually, enable the organization to provide leadership for programs and in the rehabilitation of wildlife.

Primary funding comes to The Center from individual donors and private foundations. The Center receives no regular funding from the state or federal government. (From the Wildlife Center website).


To see a video of the Wildlife Center, click here.
To see more Camera Critters, click here.

Friday, March 12, 2010

Burro Alley

A  plaque on the street reads: Wood peddlers, farmers and merchants used Burro Alley. Burros economically served the many cultures of New Mexico for many years. The people of Santa Fe relied on the burro for their welfare.
To see a previous post of Burro Alley by Randy of Santa Fe Daily photo, click HERE. PS. It's Randy's birthday today; pop over and greet him!!

Thursday, March 11, 2010

The Tenin Tribute

Another outstanding sculpture in the Courtyard on Museum Hill