Yesterday I drove down to Santa Fe New Mexico, from Boulder Colorado. I took the long scenic route. This is the first trip I’ve taken since Feb 2020. I kind of feel like I forgot how to travel, and how to pack for that matter. I forgot the mouse to my laptop (I am a mouser, since I do a lot of work in Photoshop) and I forgot my face cream. (visiting the DESERT…duh!) So I am remembering how to travel, and giving myself a little mental health vacation this week. Seeing some artist friends on this trip, and attending the Santa Fe Opera in the evenings.
Taking the long scenic route always has its advantages. Travel, like life, is often about the journey, not the destination. So I took Highway 285 through the mountains, and what a rush when the road dumps out into South Park, the vast open space contained within the Colorado Rockies. I had to pull over and park in Buena Vista, to admire the dramatic peaks. I had to pull over again at the Rio Grande Gorge. As I drove into Taos, I drove through areas of obvious rural poverty, then a grouping of weird round adobe houses that looked like spaceships. (Earthship Biotecture is a sustainable dwelling project that was founded by Michael Reynolds) I had heard about the Earthship houses for decades, but it was exciting to see them in person! I especially appreciated the decorative paintings on the outsides of the Earthship homes, and the sculptures made from recycled materials.
There has been an explosion of murals and street art during the pandemic ( beyond what was already a growing trend around the world) and I’ve delighted in seeing murals with local themes as I am driving around here. My GPS has been super wonky on this trip, so I’ve ended up lost in neighborhoods several times already, which is how I came across this mural on the side of an elementary school. You will see names written in the small border all the way around the mural – names of strong inspiring women. It is good to know that art is being used to educate children about the courageous women who have changed the world.
Santa Fe is one of the most inspirational, artsy, colorful places I’ve ever visited. I almost moved here in the 80s, and it has a special place in my heart.
I know many quilt artists live in this area, and the 4 Corners area, who are in sync with the creative vibe here. I am just going to soak in it for a few days.
…sharing your love of fabric,
Luana and Paul
Quilt/Travel Calendar:
Sept 21-29 – Alaska/Katmai
Sept 27 – Anchorage Log Cabin Quilters Guild – Lecture.
Oct 23-30 – Houston Quilt Market & Festival
Dec 4 – Zoom lecture “Intl Quilt Trends” – Quilt Canada
Jan 12 – Apr 9, 2022 – New England Quilt Museum – “For the Love of Gaia” quilt exhibit
Sat, April 9 – “International Quilt Trends” lecture & closing reception at NEQM
