Halloween 2016

Halloween is celebrated with lots of enthusiasm in New Mexico. Raphael and I enjoy decorating the yard, dressing up, and handing out candy to the kids. In our current neighborhood we average around 100 kids each year. It can get pretty tiring towards the end of the evening. 

95th Annual Indian Market, Santa Fe

We attended the 95th annual Indian Market on Saturday. It opens at 7AM; we got there at 7:30 AM. Serious collectors are out early to buy up the prize winning items. We're serious admirers. An award winning single handcrafted bolo tie sold for $4000. The best artist this year, and last year as well, carves wooden kachinas (ceremonial dolls). They sell for up to $8000. A miniature basket made from whale gut that I would have loved to possess was priced at $600; its size not much bigger than your thumb. Her miniature jacket sold for upward of $8000.

Here are a few prize winners. Many of the artists do not want their art photographed.
 

 

This is the time to people watch -- the costumes of artists and buyers are delightful. Santa Fe must sink a little at this time of year as everyone is wearing their silver and turquoise and coral jewelry. I mean just take a look at the size of the turquoise stones the man on the left is wearing on his bolo tie and on his belt and bracelet?
 

Then there is Raphael wearing the custom shirt I designed for him to wear on just such an occasion.
 

Raphael poses here with Miss Gallup, New Mexico. And below a closeup of my Native Indian bracelet.
 
This is the largest Indian Market in the world and some of the object on display absolutely take your breath away. We talked to artists from every corner of North America, including Alaska and Canada.



The Maine, Michigan and other northeastern basket weavers lament the dying of the black ash trees because of a beetle. Their baskets are intricate and beautiful. Raised beaded artistry made by Natives in New York state as opposed the the flat beaded work that is common around here.


Other miscellaneous pictures.
 

  

Block Potlucks

We live on the best block and have the best neighbors. 

A Day in the Santa Fe National Forest

After stopping for a little while at the Cuba Farmers Market, we headed east on NM 126 through the Santa Fe National Forest. It was a wonderful summer day and the cool mountain air was a much need break from the high temperatures in the city. Fenton Lake was out first stop. We walked around a bit and stretched our legs, but we didn't stay for it was very crowded with campers and day revellers. We unpacked our picnic gear at La Cueva Recreation Park and spent a few relaxing hours. Raphael cooked his Shrimp Diablo a la Gingapa dish (the demonstration video is too long to post), and we had a few other dishes as well.  Below are some pictures from the day -- including a grouping of "miniature wonders" of the forest.

Opera Evening in Santa Fe

Mid-afternoon, Raphael and I took in a musical concert by two flutists at the San Miguel Church. The church is about 400 years old and the oldest church in the country. I hope you enjoy the pictures that follow which include, the inside of San Miguel Church, a street musician near the plaza, our hurried picnic supper on the opera grounds before the rain storm, storm clouds, opera goers in black and shielded under umbrellas.

A street performer near the plaza.

This year we took in two operas, Don Giovanni, and Romeo and Juliet. And we splurged and sat in real seats and "standing room"!!!

Summertime, and the livin' is easy

Farmers Markets - Locals flock to the farmers market in Robinson Park (Albuquerque) every Saturday. It has become a huge community event. Raphael and I love to relax on our sleeping bag with the Sunday paper and a picnic snack and listen to live music, watch young families with their cute little kids, and savor the fare the farmers and artists have to offer. The veggies are fresh--and expensive--but they're grown locally and not shipped halfway around the world.

Santa Fe's farmer's market is older and has thrived for much longer than Albuquerque's, and is a hangout for some of the coolest people in the country--no, make that the world. But it lacks the green grass where one can linger a little longer than planned. We met this interesting musician-artist Lucinda, who makes musical instruments from dried gourds. She seemed like such a beautiful soul.

The Railyard Market - This is a new venue for Albuquerque this summer. The venue in the old rail yards is just awesome. This last week Raphael and I joined the free yoga class in one of the corners. I chatted up this woman from Colorado who sews cloth bags and satchels and listened to how she was forced into a career change--a difficult transition--but one that has transformed her for the better, forever.

I leave these places with an inspiring sense of community, and a greater love of people.

St. John's Summer Concerts - The campus of this college has become dear to me for Raphael and I have enjoyed the beauty of its location for many years. We've taken numerous walks in the canyon, and picnicked on the playgrounds. We've been out twice this summer to attend their outdoor musical concerts. They always have a big turnout. Summer's heat doesn't keep them away, and it's the best places to dance -- if you enjoy dancing.

Parks and Recreation organized a Brazilian musical concert in the outdoors yesterday. Sitting with my sweetheart, outdoors in view of the mountains, the valley below and the biggest sky above, breaks my heart with happiness.