Maybe it suggests we have been this way before, but I do think we all have
favorite places. Since the mid-1970's my special place has been New Mexico.
It is a blend of many cultures, rich in history, delicious in food, fantastic in
scenery and has the best light of any place I have ever visited. The latter, of
course, explains the colonies of artists in the state....plus the acceptance of
un-mainstream folks.....us creative types.
I tried for years to get employment in the Land of Enchantment, but it just didn't
happen. Now that I am retired and adaptable to living anywhere, I have too
many ties locally to uproot. So, I will just get my New Mexico fixes in small
doses.....visits and pictures. Of the latter, I have painted many, many. The
one I will try to upload here is a Mexican cemetery near Taos.
Since I love the mountains, northern New Mexico is probably my favorite area.
But I love it all, from Las Cruces to Raton. The first time I saw the Sangre de Cristo
mountains, driving west, I knew this New Mexico was a special place. I picked
a small Cholla cactus at roadside and kept it in a cup at home for over a decade.
I also remembered the yellow wildflowers that sprayed everywhere in the summertime.
And the chili peppers ? Well, chilis are a part of my life....then, now, forever.
Salasa verde, made with New Mexican chili is a food for the angels.
If you ever want to smell alfalfa in the fall......chilis roasting outdoors on an open
grill.....see sunsets that will give you gooseflesh.....taste wonderful Latin food...
see vistas that stretch as they did a hundred years ago.....find New Mexico.
I may see you there !
