Rancho de Taos

This is my last post from New Mexico. I've been back in St. Paul since July 31st, and it's time to leave my photos taken in that wonderous state safely tucked in  my archives 'til I return again.  It's a bit of magical thinking on my part; it means I'll return again soon if I leave some more photos for later posts.

Above is the front of the church made famous by Georgia O'Keeffe's painting. The smaller photo below is the back of the building from my archives that I'm sure you would recognize immediately.

I had an artist friend paint a likeness of the above photo for me; not as famous as O'Keffee's but he did a great job for me and it's hanging above my bed.  Reminds me of the state.  Sigh!!

Travels with . . . ?

The sleepy armadillo didn't seem to mind having his photo taken, although he seemed a bit shy.  The truck was filled with many animals,  including snakes and birds, that the two volunteers use to educate the audiences they meet during their demonstration travels. It's no easy task since they have to clean and bed the animals before they can relax at night.  Better than Travels with Charlie in some respects!

Linking to Camera Critters

Two Happy Travelers

On one of our road trips out of Santa Fe, we met these two volunteers, Mary and Virginia,  who travel around the state to libraries, community centers and schools giving presentations for the Bio Grande Zoo, an educational arm of the Albuquerque Zoo. We learned that sometimes they are gone for several days, doing what they both love best.  Far removed from their former professions, both are  happily retired while acting as educators for people who are interested in animals.  Tomorrow I'll give you a peek at what's in the van!

A Camera Man

There are happy photographers everywhere!

Dinner?

If you want a quick snack and a cold drink when you're in the Plaza or waiting to watch the Bandstand dancers, here's your answer.  Those fajitas aren't bad at all. (As seen from the balcony of the Marble Tap Room on San Francisco St.)

Linking to ABC WEDNESDAY

Other scenes from the balcony:  Some kind of altercation being mediated by the police and grandson hustling back to the car to plug the meter while we enjoy our beer and the view from the balcony.

Doors and Windows

Two examples of Doors and Windows on very old adobe buildings at Ranchos de las Golondrinas.

Linking to ABC WEDNESDAY

The Prophet

This Plaza Prophet has a complex system of the universe.

Although I am back in St. Paul, I have photos scheduled through the 11th of this month.  Come see me at VisualSt. Paul, too.

Remains of the Day- Pecos Church

One of the best places to visit while in Santa Fe is the Pecos National Monument, the remains of an earlier Pueblo village and Franciscan Church.  The adobe bricks baking in the sun are placed around the original adobe to preserve it.  Restoration is a constant consideration, yet it is wonderful that it is such an accessible  old ruin to see. It is close to the city and an easy hike that is well-marked and maintained.  You might even consider bringing a picnic lunch to enjoy while there. 

I returned to St. Paul, MN, last Wednesday.  Although I love my city, I am very sad to have left Santa Fe and the friends I have made there.

I'll still be posting here for another week as well as in VisualStPaul.  Visit both and I'll love ya forever!

Camera Critter in the Santa Fe Botanical Garden

The grand opening of the Santa Fe Botanical Garden was attended by humans and other species as well.

Linking to Camera Critters

Arrive Early at the Spanish Market!

Although there are many artist and craftspeople displaying their handiwork at the Spanish Market, if you want first choice you have to arrive early!  We arrived at noon on the opening day and discovered that many items in all categories were already sold, including this beautiful wood cabinet.

Theme Day: August 1, 2013 "Street Lamps"

Although technically not a "street lamp," this light is on the entrance wall next to the door at the Cathedral Basilica of St Francis of Assisi in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Linking to CDP Theme Day

Colorful Dancers at the Spanish Market

Dancers in traditional dress take center stage at the Bandstand during the Spanish Market.

Here's Nora again!  It seems that she appears at the Bandstand whenever there is an opportunity to dance.  Today she is dressed in blue; when I first introduced her to you she was decked out all in pink.

Linking to ABC WEDNESDAY

Colorful Christ

This is the 62nd Annual Year of Spanish Market that showcases traditional art and crafts of the Spanish culture, including retablos, bultos, tinwork, straw appliqué, weaving, woodcarving, colcha embroidery, pottery, and furniture. 27 years ago the market broadened its market selections by also adding a contemporary Hispanic Market whose artists display their work in tents that covered several city blocks this year. This blue colored Christ is one of the many hundred of examples of artists' work in different media.

Linking to ABC Wednesday

Rio Grande Gorge Bridge

What a great day we had on Friday!!

We took the High Road to Taos (one of my very favorite roads), Stopped at Sancturio de Chimayo, went to Taos Pueblo for their annual Santa Anna Feast Day with ritual dances open to the public. No cell phone, videos or cameras allowed; I didn't want to risk confiscation of my camera so I respected their wishes.  From there we went to the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, which is pretty darned impressive.

The Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, locally known as the "Gorge Bridge" and the "High Bridge" is a steel deck arch bridge across the Rio Grande Gorge 10 miles (16 km) northwest of Taos, New Mexico, United States. At 565 feet (172 m) above the Rio Grande^[3], it is the seventh highest bridge in the United States and 82nd highest bridge in the world. 
(Credit: Wikipedia)

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Two Sisters

Sisters: Bernadette and Angel

Artist, Bernadette

Angel was helping her sister in a booth at Spanish Market, selling Bernadette's  artwork, Straw Appliqué.  I bought two of Bernadette's crosses, one for myself and one for my own sister, both pieces are delicate and beautiful.  Another plus in meeting those two personable women is that Bernadette,  in addition to being a gifted artist, is a co-worker and friend of Randy at Santa Fe Daily Photo.

Dancing her heart out!

 Nora celebrated her 62nd birthday on the dance floor at the Santa Fe Bandstand musical performance in the Plaza last Monday night. Trumpeter Ryan Christopher Montano serenaded her with a brief rendition of a jazz "Happy Birthday."  For the past several years Nora has travelled from California during the summers so that she could dance on the Santa Fe Plaza community stage.

Enthusiastic New Mexican!

Marcus, originally from El Paso, should be employed by the New México Tourism Bureau.  We have met many lovely people here but none as enthusiastic about the state as he. As a kid in Texas he spent a great deal of time in New Mexico, loved it and moved here permanently when he was 18-years-old.  He approached us when he saw us walking the grounds of the original site of the private Boys Ranch School in Los Alamos, which was closed in 1943 to become the top secret city for research to develop the atomic bomb. When Marcus noticed our 19-year-old grandson with us, he gave us numerous suggestions that Dom would like.  In rapid fire succession  he named hiking places, natural attractions, fishing sites, and other areas that he obviously loved himself.  If I lived here, I would be sure to count him among my friends.

Great Performance!

 

Last Friday the Little Bird Art Gallery at Loretto presented Grammy-winnng composer, jazz pianist and singer John Proulx with trio from 2-4 pm.  It was a terrific place to hear very good music amid fantastic art.

Bonita!

¡Viva México! is a two-day festival that took place close to Santa Fe at Ranchos de las Golandrinas last week-end. While wandering the grounds and seeing vendors from all over México selling their merchandise I stopped to talk to Michelle who was one of the volunteers from Santa Fe. Although this is only her first year at the facility, she said she has learned a great deal. . .crafts and different kinds of lessons that is part of the volunteer program. Michelle showed me her first weaving that was part of the training program. She hopes to make it into a purse. The volunteer program certainly takes good care of the people who share their time there. (Doesn't she have a sweet smile?!)

Linking to ABC WEDNESDAY

Two Blogging Buddies

Part of the fun of visiting Santa Fe again is renewing my blogging friendship with Randy of Santa Fe Daily Photo. (Take a peek at his blog here.) Randy has been a great source of information for restaurants to visit, places to see, and other interesting things to do;  He is a terrific ambassador for Santa Fe.  More important, he is a personable individual and a good friend.  I feel lucky to have met him!! If you ever visit St. Paul, Randy, ¡ mi casa es su casa!

Linking to ABC WEDNESDAY

Courtyard Art

This lovely piece of art is in the courtyard of the Museum of Contemporary Native Arts

Go to this website to learn more about this extraordinary museum in the heart of downtown Santa Fe.

If you would like to see what the front of this building looks like, Randy of Santa Fe Daily Photo posted a great photo of it here.

Linking to Monday Murals

Community Music and Dance

During the summer, bands play in the Plaza in Santa Fe, NM on Wednesday nights. No-one is shy about dancing, either solo or in pairs with a few groups thrown in for good measure. Antara, originally from Heidelberg, Germany has lived in Santa Fe for 11 years and has come to the Plaza to dance for 10 years. She obviously is a regular as she was greeted by numerous people in the large crowd. Despite a replaced hip, she dances with grace and charm and a great deal of verve. She told me that she is determined to remain independent . . .a terrific role model!

My New Best Friend

Last Monday 11-year-old Emma was the first person who greeted me when I entered Act II, a consignment shop on Paseo de Peralta.  While there I not only made the acquaintance of this gentle, quiet dog, I also found a very nice lightweight jacket which was just perfect for the rainy day.  What luck!

Linking to Camera Critters

Meet Ed Larson. . . The Artist Again!

I first met Ed Larson, an artist,  on March 10, 2010 in his studio on Canyon Road.  I went to see him again last Friday, and we chatted about Washington Island, WI, on Lake Michigan which is our common place of reference.  He had a newly delivered issue of the island newspaper, The Washington Observer, which we discussed, particularly the real estate section which is so different now ($$$) from when Ed Larson owned property there. If you are curious about our first meeting recorded on my earlier post,  go here.


If you are not interested in this link, here is the first photo I posted of Ed.

Headresses

Magnificient headdresses on the people of 

Kyrgyzstan

Several days ago one person asked how all these artists could afford to attend this market and here is my reply: I pulled out my publication on the event and found two pages of individual Donors: World, Continent, Country, Region, Village, and Community. In addition here are more facts about the event: 1,500 volunteers make this event happen in Santa Fe and over the ten years--the market has involved 650 artists from 80 countries across six continents,  1 million lives worldwide have been positively affected, more than $16 million in artists' sales, most artists earn at the market 10x what they might earn in one year in their own country and 90% of the sales have gone home with the artists and their organizations to improve livelihoods across the globe. It's an unforgettable event. Crowded but worth the experience; lots of wonderful merchandise to buy!

More Artists: Mali and Niger

These men really stood out in the crowd at the International Folk Art Market. If you would like to see more of the artists' photos, go here and  here.

Linking to ABC WEDNESDAY

South African Dancers and Musicians - "A" ABC WEDNESDAY

The South African dancers and musicians were the runaway favorites of the entertainment at the International Folk Art Market.  The crowd was so dense and the dancers moved so quickly that it was difficult to get sharp images or any at all!

Linking to ABC WEDNESDAY.