a new view

Mr. J and I took a trip out to New Mexico in late January, early February...We were blessed with beautiful weather.Hence the latest blog header of Kasha Katuwe "tent rocks" monument. The last few times we visited, the monument was closed so we were thrilled to be able to tackle the hike this visit. The only difference between this time and prior treks was the snow and ice at the top! Made the trip down a bit more exciting.

We stayed at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort which is about 25 minutes north of Albuquerque. We must have passed this place a number of times on our past treks out to New Mexico but never saw it. Set on the Santa Ana Pueblo, we understood why as we made our way off the main highway and onto the hotel property, the hotel is virtually invisible until you are there --hidden in plain sight, the bosque and the Sandia mountains the only view one. Pretty amazing.

Infinity

When I look into your eyes

I see what is possible

When I met you

I found a soul so close

To mine

My daily goal is to inspire

and

Create

A place

We can thrive

Together

C.M. Jackson 2011

Let it Rain



View from Santa Fe Ski during a cool rain

Wildfires are burning near Los Alamos and Santa Fe. I am thinking of my friends there, hoping that the monsoon rains come early and that the winds stay calm.

Rain dance Indian Market

Flash 55-Snapshots

I hum
An unknown song
Lights of the big city
In my rearview mirror
Fading
I wind my way
Home
Through traffic
Horns blaring
New Mexico vistas
Still flashing like
A slide show
On the windshield
Of my mind
Smell of pinon
Wafts alongside
Falafel and pretzels
I exist between
Two worlds
For now

Smiling

C.M. Jackson 2010


If you can say it in 55 words --Well, what are you waiting for? Go tell the G-Man! It's Friday Flash 55!!

Flash 55-"Re-Entry Ain't Easy"

Red dust covers my clothes
Pours out of my boots
I pound them on my back step
Thud!
Appointments
Thud!
Responsibilities
With each thud
I feel the moments fade
Throw a load in the washer
Closing the door
I watch as the water fills
Washing away
My heart
For now
Returning me
Home
To work

C.M. Jackson 2010
 
If you can say it in 55 words--go see the g-man--Happy Friday Folks!!

There's gold in those hills...

After spending a day walking about Santa Fe acclimating to the altitude (7,000 feet), Mr. Jackson and I decided that we would try out our new gps gadget, take a hike and locate a geocache named "Lucky Coin." Geocaching is a treasure hunt using a gps device to locate a geocache based upon the gps' coordinates. The "Lucky Coin" geocache trail is in area that we had never had a chance to explore so we filled up our camels and got in the car.  Completed in 2005, the Dale Ball Trails include about 22 miles of hiking and biking trails within 10 minutes of the plaza. We started in a section that is adjacent to the Audubon Center and an area of town which is owned by the Nature Conservatory --truly beautiful. The hike started with a .8 mile walk to the trailhead and then climbed via switchbacks 1200 feet to the point where my internal hiking clock said we had gone as far as we should go, about 3 miles, given our 'lowlander' status and the fact that we hadn't taken a strenous hike in quite some time. Mr. Jackson looked at me as if I were commiting mutiny--" we are just .5 miles from the cache."

"Yes, that's true but it is based upon a straight line (a gps triangulates based upon three points) and we will need to continue on the trail for perhaps, another mile or so, " I said.

Mind you both of us felt fine and were enjoying the view, but the little voice I hear when hiking was saying "It is two in the afternoon you have been hiking for a hour and half at altitude and have to get back." I always listen to that voice and after a bit of grumbling, Mr. Jackson agreed and we made our descent.

So, yes there is gold in those hills still--I assured Mr. Jackson that our lucky coin would be there the next time we visited.

Here's some shots from the trail:

Always remember it is about the journey...

Monday Monday Wake Up Call-The Big Bad Wolf?

Mr. Jackson came across this find on one of our hikes in Bandelier. He saw a white reflection and thinking that it was a plastic bag, he ventured off the trail to pick it up. When I finally caught up (more on that later), he could hardly contain his excitement!! Isn't this cool?, he said. Through gasps, I agreed and promptly began to take a few shots to memorialize the moment, reminding him that we needed to leave his new friend where he found him. Being an excellent hiker, he returned Wolfy back to the wilderness.

We stopped back at the ranger's station to advise them of our find. Amazingly, we were advised that there no wolves in Bandelier and that Wolfy was more likely Wiley, a coyote. Go figure. That was one big coyote! Happy trails and may your week be a great adventure!

Monday Morning Wake Up Call--Santa Fe

My home away from home--Santa Fe ...Mr Jackson and I will be having breakfast at Cafe Pasqual's or perhaps, the Plaza Cafe and then we are off to find new adventures or perhaps, new treasures...who knows...

Enjoy the week! I promise to bring you more tales from the trails when I return.

Theme Thursday-Hats

When it comes to buying a hat, size does matter. Found this contraption in an antique western wear store in Taos, New Mexico.
It was used to measure cowboys' and yes, cowgirls' heads for custom made hats. Turns out that I am a 7 1/4 --a large head for a cowgirl, I was told.

Something tells me that Georgia had a large head too and didn't much care. I am going to get me a hat just like Georgia's when I move to New Mexico with my darlin' Mr. Jackson.

It is that time again--Theme Thursday is here and it is about hats--take a look and try one on here!

Shadow Shot Sunday

Tent Rocks New Mexico...land of the hoodoos and a hike I never tire of..weaving in and out and upward to a brilliant sky.

More shadow shots here...

El Pasatiempo

Today's the day!! The Burning of Zozobra begins at dusk.

Join in the festivities --watch it here live! Or check out last year's farewell to Old Man Gloom!

Theme Thursday-Festival

Indian Market in Santa Fe New Mexico is an annual art market beginning on the third Thursday which runs through the third weekend of August. One of the largest American Indian markets in the country , it is recognized as the largest juried show of American Indian Art in the world. I have been fortunate to witness the event for ten years. There is music, art ,food and an atmosphere that is nothing like I have experienced any where.

Mr. Jackson was introduced to the market four years ago and every June he starts talking about what we are going to do and who we are going to see.

Santa Fe is a special place. Indian Market brings many people to this little town of adobe buildings. For some, the experience keeps them coming back.

Why?

The diversity-native american,latino,hispanic and anglo cultures co-exist.

Art-a community which is recognized as one of the art capitals of the world.

Community-A sophistication among adobe buildings which resonates in its food,culture and politics.

It's a worldly place without traffic and the noise. A place of refuge and discovery. The highest state capital in the country at 7,000 feet, Santa Fe is a glorious combination of the artistic and the historic cultures that have lived in this country for centuries. My secret is now yours--

A Raven's Call

Mr Jackson and I traveled to New Mexico last year for Indian Market and were very lucky to stay at Casa De Las Cuervas.



Located in the historic Guadalupe/Railyard District of Santa Fe, this amazing adobe was close to the Plaza so we could walk to and fro but not be in the midst of the madness that consumes Santa Fe during the market.



What made our stay extraordinary was not only the presence of Mercede Velarde's art and the collection of American Indian antiques but the presence of Mercedes and her partner, Mary Leonard checking in on us to make certain we were enjoying our visit. We spent many mornings and afternoons talking about Santa Fe, life, politics and the hope we had for the future.



Since then we have continued our garden talks via email keeping tabs on the happenings in Santa Fe.

Mr. Jackson and I hear the call of the raven and are working our way back, looking forward to experiencing the enchantment and wisdom we felt during our stay.

Photohunt-Painted

This painted pony sits just outside of the main building at Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu New Mexico.

Georgia O'Keefe lived and painted in this area for almost 50 years. The history of this area goes back

to 1766 when a land grant was given by the King of Spain. Spanning 21,000 acres, Ghost Ranch is also known as "Rancho de los Brujos" or "Ranch of Witches" and is comprised of land made famous by O'Keefe for its stark beauty,trademark steer skull and a history fraught with struggle since the original grant. The discussion regarding land grants is ongoing. An excellent book about Ghost Ranch has been written by Lesley Poling-Kempes.

Given to the Presbyterian Church by Arthur and Pheobe Pack in 1955, the Ghost Ranch today is a place of retreat and learning that also offers a number of hiking opportunities that reveal the expanse and beauty of the place.

Theme Thursday-(WH)oops

"Mama don't let your babies grow up to be cowboys..."

There were (Wh)oops, then whoas and I am certain some pretty big bruises when it was all done. The horses seemed to have fun though. I took these shots at the Inter Tribal Rodeo in Gallup. The afternoon started like most summer days in New Mexico--hot, sunny, an azure blue sky with high white clouds building on the horizon. By the time these guys rode the wind was whipping and a light rain was falling. The show was accompanied by lightning in the distance.That's New Mexico--wildly beautiful.

Rain Dance

The latest forecast calls for two days of rain. I'm one of those people who likes rain. It is wonderful because there is no guilt or angst about being inside. I find ways to putter around the house, looking over my books or photos, reading the NY Times and catching up on movies the rest of the universe has seen last year.

If I am really fired up, I can clean or pretend that I am Julia Child and whip up a fancy dinner for Mr. Jackson. Or, maybe two days might be just enough time to get through my closet. This particular closet holds a lifetime of clothes and shoes and purses and stuff. If I get too near the door, I hear a low growl or rumbling.

Perhaps, the rain is a sign. I'll put on some music, light the smudge stick and dance my way into organization.

It could happen.

Earth Day

This weekend a neighbor chose to remove a tree. It was a maple, most likely a swamp maple that has a limited life span and becomes dangerous as it ages. If if fell it would have caused major damage to at least three houses in the neighborhood. It was sixty to seventy feet high,thirty to forty years old and took an entire day to take down. As I watched this brave man determine how next to proceed, the saddest things were that this tree was blooming and a memory of some 15 years ago when the trees on each side of my street met each other like two hands with fingers interlocked. As I watched the tree taken down I saw evidence that parts had been affected by disease and therefore, the decision by the homeowner while heartbreaking, were necessary.

The swamp maple in my back yard has been talked to many times during nor'easters and bad summer storms. Despite its ragged appearance and its annoying tendency to send whirligigs in spring and fall, we have a deal --it will continue to shade my backyard as long as it is able without sending major branches crashing onto the cars parked in driveway and I will fight to keep it standing.

Road work and age have taken many of these trees and have been replaced with flowering pear trees which are now in bloom. While pretty, the flowering pears cannot replace the majesty of a great old tree.

When I moved here in 1994, there was that type of tree right across the street. Its trunk was probably four foot in diameter and its height, sixty feet tall. A beauty. Many a spring and summer evening were spent sitting on the second floor porch with my sister and her partner discussing life, work, my nephews, all the while the branches of the great tree blending with the sunset. It was a beautiful tree that succumbed to the drought we had in 1999. We cried when that tree was taken down but knew given its leafless branches in June, that it was time.

Thankfully many towns, as has mine, have adopted replanting new trees on property owners land as opposed to town land (sidewalks)to lessen the impact of road and sewer work that has to be done in older towns.

So for now, we are left with our memories of the great trees and the hope that comes from planting new trees.

As I write this thunder is rolling through the sky with lightning not unlike that I have witnessed in New Mexico. Stepping outside I watch the stand of sixty foot evergreens shimmer and see a hawk fly into the light. Not bad for a town that is just 15 miles from Manhattan.

Perhaps, this Earth Day we should all take a walk and relish the 'green' that is in our world,notice that the 'green' is in fact living in spite of its environment and then think about what it is we can do to further its progress.

Imagine your world without the shade of a tree in the heat of summer or the feel of green grass beneath your toes or your children's toes...think about what it takes for that tree to survive and the grass to thrive. If we each take that moment to see and understand a world without 'green', then the steps will be clear.

New Mexico-First Conversations

"Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it." – Goethe

New Mexico was a place so foreign to my existence when I first started to read about it. Red Rock, Mountains and high desert. My first visit was in May 2000 with Backroads. My trip brought me to a place I had dreamed of for many years and I was thrilled to be there. The minute I walked out of the airport in Albuquerque I sensed something magical.

Once I went north to Santa Fe, I not only saw the beauty of the area but also witnessed the fury of the Cerro Grande Fire which damaged sections of Los Alamos, Bandolier and the Puye Cliff Dwellings.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cerro_Grande_Fire

Almost 50,000 acres were damaged and the Puye Cliff Dwellings remained closed until 2008. I hope to get there on my next trip.

http://www.legendsofamerica.com/NM-PuyeCliff.html

A sample itinerary is pretty much the same as it was when I traveled with Backroads.

http://www.backroads.com/trips/WNMI/new-mexico-hiking-tour

With one minor difference, because of the fire, the guides had to re-arrange the scheduled hike based upon where the fire was and the level of smoke in the area. So that meant the level 4 hike at the Rio Grande was one of the first hikes we took. Did I mention that Santa Fe is at 7,000 feet altitude and I am from the east coast where there is lots of attitude but no altitude?

The hike started out easy enough –a couple of miles over flat terrain, beautiful azure skies without a cloud or a hint of forest fire, then the switchbacks to the riverbank of the Rio Grande stood before us.

A thousand feet down and my favorite part, a thousand feet back up. Talk about a good workout. I made it. That is the best thing about hiking, my body is spent but somehow it still says “Wow.”

The smell of smoke was constant. While in Santa Fe, I remember sitting in the plaza and looking up at the mountains, the smoke plume enormous and flames running through acres. It was then and when we visited Taos Pueblo that I felt an overwhelming sadness. The guides did an amazing job of keeping us safe and found ways to keep us entertained. Still, I was desolate, because after all, this was a place I had dreamed of for 20 years and couldn’t ignore or explain this emotion.

It took hiking throughout the southwest for the next three years to understand. The sadness I felt was about the land, the past inhabitants and their connection to the earth. New Mexico has 19 pueblos, distinct cultures that have survived in varying degrees, invasions, wars and disparate cultural influences.

By walking through miles of countryside, I listened and found a place that to this day feels like home.

A Place Different

"When I got to New Mexico, that was mine. As soon as I saw it, that was my country. I'd never seen anything like it before but it fitted to me exactly. It's something that's in the air. It's different. The sky is different. The stars are different. The wind is different. I shouldn't say too much about this, 'cause other people may get interested and I don't want them interested.”

Georgia O’Keefe (c.1977 PBS Documentary)

Georgia O'Keeffe in Abiquiu, New Mexico, photographed by Carl Van Vechten, 1950.



I don’t remember when I first saw or read this but I know I did, because around this time, I became fascinated with O’Keefe. Different was what I craved and understood. I read anything that was written about her, studied her art and wondered about this place called New Mexico.

I stared at the paintings at the Met and MOMA trying to understand the place and the images that exploded from O’Keefe’s canvases. Images composed using a modern chiaroscuro, light and dark, combining realism with abstraction.

It wasn’t the first time I heard about this amazing place.

D.H. Lawrence visited Mabel Dodge Luhan at Ghost Ranch and ended up owning a ranch some 20 miles north of Taos. While he spent less than a year in New Mexico, he said of that time,” I think New Mexico was the greatest experience I ever had from the outside world. It certainly changed me forever.”

Georgia O’Keefe spent nearly twenty years traveling back and forth from New York to New Mexico, until in the late forties after the death of her husband, Alfred Stieglitz, she came, at 42, to stay until she died at 98.

So twenty years later, after returning home from Italy, I established my first rule for an orderly re-entry back into reality.

Begin planning the next big adventure!

Something about the art, the antiquities, the culture and the landscape of Italy, a place firmly placed in my imagination but yet, so considerably different from the culture of America compelled me to pick up my books on O’Keefe and begin the a study of this place she called home.


The following is a link to the interview above:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYwKRVJaNEA


Note : You will need to pause the music to hear Georgia speak.

Just listening to it makes me smile—let me know what you think!