The Land of Being Enchanted – Part Two

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The supplies got packed…

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…and that long ribbon of highway beckoned to the Land of Enchantment.

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I was inspired and humbled by the more than 150 folk artists from 60 countries at the International Folk Art Market (photo from their website).

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Most traveled very long distances by bus and boats and camels and cars and planes and trains to reach Santa Fe. Many displayed their traditional dress as they demonstrated their considerable skill and artistry.

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This is Hilda Valerina Cachi Yupanqui one of seven sisters trained by their father, Gregario, in traditional Peruvian silver work…

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…the fine detail spectacular in these two little gems that came home with me.

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Mabel’s, as always, welcomed us with quiet grace…

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…the Studio In The Sky patiently waiting our arrival – The two wonderful photos above were taken by my talented friend Ellen, all cred goes to her.

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An early morning walk in the desert revealing it’s history and treasures…

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…while the real drama waited until cover of darkness – Ellen braved to the storm to capture this amazing moment.

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The desert was alive this summer, after plentiful rain and these Hollyhocks were a handful of happy!

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Big moments led to small paintings…

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…and big paintings ( 34″ x 44″ ) on paper were pushed and pulled and emerged…

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…along with other drawing and painting experiments.

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My intention this year was to be open in the moment, practice seeing and step out and be brave – trying a new way of working.

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It was a wonderful, wonder-filled week.

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New Mexico always inspires me and as I waited for lunch at Orlando’s in Taos, I annoyingly leapt up to snap pics of these fabulous table tiles just as the busboy swept away the tortilla chip crumbs and the new party was on their way to being seated. Crazy gringa!

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And this my friends, would be my “last meal”. The holy trinity: blue corn chicken enchiladas, stacked, smothered in red and green chile, posole and beans. Large glass of plain iced tea. Heaven on plate. I am blessed to have found a place that enchants me so.

Vegetable Love

The farmer's markets here in Colorado are covered with snow. The CSA farm just down the road from me is frozen. Ah, but a girl can still dream and make a fresh carrot salad to remember the days of summer splendor. I love this recipe, winter and summer – it's fresh and light and goes … Continue Reading

Cake Lab

Wednesday was the perfect day for baking – rainy and cloudy – and so I headed up to Lisa's house for a little bake off.  Lisa turned me onto this wonderful book by food blogger extraordinaire, David Lebovitz. The best kind of armchair travel for a cold and windy spring. The Sweet Life In Paris sweeps you … Continue Reading

Late Summer Supper

  Salmon Kebabs With Fresh Corn Risotto Yum! King Salmon is in season and this is our new favorite late summer dinner! I've thought for a long time about doing some food posts. An extension of my art, I love to cook and this one is a keeper. The colors alone make this one worth … Continue Reading

Nourish

  I'm dreaming of farmer's markets and spring green salads – thinking of nourishing myself and my family through what seems to be the longest winter on record. We've had snow on the ground since October and nary a green sprig in sight. I made this little collage painting for my chef friend Deb. She has … Continue Reading

Tales From Spain – Part 3 – Paella Al Fresco

A slower paced day in Marbella allowed us the opportunity to share a cooking class with Rashida Reidel learning to make a traditional Spanish paella. We began the day at the Marbella market, perusing wonderful produce… …and really amazing seafood. Fresh from the sea that day, we gathered up some boney fish for our fish stock as well … Continue Reading