Enchanted Ramblings

Not What You'd Think

2009-01-29T14:20:00.006-07:00

If you are from New Mexico then you are used to people being surprised that we don't live in a place that has only a desert climate. Used to their surprise when they find out it can rain or snow or get cold in a desert climate. Perhaps it's too many old western movies, but I think many people see this part of the country as dry and arid, littered with cacti and rattlesnakes, something like a lone outpost before you drop off the end of the world.

I've said it before and if I keep up this blog I'll say it yet a hundred times (or more) again. This state is gorgeous because of it's diversity at every level. Everywhere you look it's different. Different from other parts of the country, different from other parts of the state.

One of my favorite things about cool weather in NM is the sunsets. I love sunsets year around, but something about the Autumn and Winter seasons does something to the way the sky looks, and I am smitten. The photo above is from fall, this time of year there tends to be more blues in the gradient, deep purples and cool tones that look like the sun is melting into the polar caps.

I am still in Albuquerque this time of day during the winter. I drive home between about 5 and six pm, and the sun is well on it's way to bed by that time. In the summer the sun can be up a couple of hours later easily, so I miss some of the more spectacular sunsets.

In December my family purchased a cabin in Ruidoso, which is south and est of here. It's about a three hours drive or so, and gorgeous views. I will take photos next time and share them and the details later. When we were looking at the cabin to buy it in November I was thrilled to see bucks ready for the rutting season. Seeing deer is no big deal, I have had that pleasure just driving along the roadside. But some of the boys were beautiful, and I got some lovely images. Just thought I'd share a few so you could enjoy them too. ;)

Political Ramblings

2008-11-12T11:29:00.007-07:00

New Mexico's politics, like it's food, culture and weather, are a unusual and varied mix that is often hard to define easily in words.

There was a time when I followed politics in my home state very closely. Back then I did legislative advocacy on behalf of the company I worked for as well as the homeless vets we provided services for. Things changed, and I became more than a little soured by the way "things work", so I turned much of a blind eye to the whole process for the next few years. Shame on me, I know. Ignorance is not bliss.

The elections this year turned that around for me. I have been strongly opposed to seeing another four to eight years of Republican reign on any level, be it national or here locally. So I started paying attention, asked questions, and read more than I have read in years. (I am a voracious reader, so this is saying something.)

Having voted early I waited with bated breath and breathed a sigh of relief when Obama as well as the local politicians I had voted for all slid easily into the winning positions. I had barely registered the anxiety I was having until it eased away. Now that the elections are over, you'd think I'd lull back into my normal routine, but that has been impossible. The feeds I have subscribed to still come in the email, and I read them with increasing interest, the bloggers I keep an eye on remind me daily why I care, and I find myself unable to detach. This is a good thing.

So it is no surprise that when I heard that Val Kilmer may be running as our states New Governor I perked my eyes and ears. I have heard a great deal of negative feedback from other bloggers, and my first urge is to follow suit. However, he hasn't run yet, number one, and two, even should he run there's a lot more information out there I want to hear, not just from the grapevine.

Would I vote for him? I have no idea. Right now I don't have any candidate I am considering. But when I read Kilmer's comments: "It's been my home 25 years. I really love my state. Poor, hardworking, decent people - Native Americans, carpenters, artists, expats mixed in with hundreds of the world's smartest physicists at Los Alamos. I've always thought of myself as functioning as a candidate for them..." "...After I wrap this film, I'm off to LA to see my kids then home to New Mexico to talk to friends and see what they say. I know I'm not yet qualified for the job. It's not like I need fame. If that's what it's all about, I wouldn't live in New Mexico. But I don't want to be a train wreck. I have to see if people will put up the money for my run. I have to think about putting my acting on hold. Being famous as a movie actor is one thing, but they take no prisoners in politics. I have to think what this might do to my kids."

I have to admire someone who loves their home and considers giving service to it. It's easy to sit at home and shout about whats wrong with the politics from the couch, it's a whole new ballgame to get your feet wet and try to be part of the solution. And I have tons of respect for anyone who considers their family in that equation.

A New Twist on Gnocchi

2008-11-11T14:31:00.003-07:00

I love to cook. I have always loved being in the kitchen, even when I was a little girl.

I can remember my mom letting me create stuff while she was cooking and I was only about eight years old, me on a short stool so I could reach the stove, a smaller version of her apron on, trying out what ingredients worked together with a little saucepan to one side while she cooked on the other. I imagine many of my recipes were probably unsavory, at best, back then. But my mother always was willing to take a bite and promptly proclaimed what a creative cook I was. Not lie, I suppose, and the reward was that I grew up to have a deep love for cooking.

Once upon a time I cooked for a wide variety of friends and family, trying unusual recipes often and stretching my creativity as far as possible as often as I could. I love unusual and different, wonderful blends of flavors, interesting textures, gorgeous arrangements on the plate.. Food is an excuse to celebrate for me and I indulge when I can.

My kids and fiance however are not very adventurous when it comes to food. Meat and potatoes are fine with them, green stuff is suspect in any form, and even an unusual name for the dish could create an air of unwillingness to sample what's in the pot. So I have found myself over the past few years cooking more meatloaf, more casseroles, more roasts, and being careful to keep it simple so that everyone could be happy. (At one time there were five kids and two adults, that's a lot of people to please).

But last month something snapped within me. I couldn't stand it anymore. I pulled out my cook books, did some shopping, and cooked somethings that I have wanted to eat but have avoided for years. I offered it to the family with the attitude of "Here it is, and if you want to eat, this is all you get."

They were, admittedly, apprehensive, but to my surprise they not only finished their plates, but went back for seconds and even thirds and left nothing behind in the kitchen except pleasant rumblings of what a good meal that had been.

Motivated, liberated, and ready to repeat this amazing performance, I went shopping again and again and have been trying some of my favorites, and over-all the reviews have been positive. dear Brian even went out and bought me a set of new pots and pans because he likes the efforts I have expended in the cooking portion of our lives.

Can't beat that for praise :)

One of the new additions to our menu had been an old favorite from back when I lived in Sicily, Gnocchi. Wonderful little Italian potatoes dumplings served with anything from oil and garlic to whatever sauce suits your fancy. My favorite is a Florentine inspired Spinach and Cream sauce I once had the luck to taste in Syracuse. But in the spirit of the Southwest I decided to try something new with my gnocchi, and find a southwestern version, and it was lovely! Fresh gnocchi topped with a New Mexican twist of Enchilada Suiza Sauce.

GNOCCHI

* 8 Potatoes
* 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
* 2 Cups All-Purpose Flour
* 2 Eggs (One egg if you want the gnocchi less stiff)

DIRECTIONS

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Peel potatoes and the dice into large pieces for faster cooking. Drop in potatoes and cook until tender but still firm. Drain, cool slightly. Mash potatoes with fork, masher or in ricer. (I personally used a mixer, but this isn't recommended, but the potatoes need to be very smooth!) Place in large bowl and make a well in the center. Put the olive oil in well. When mashed potatoes have cooled, knead in enough of the flour to make a soft dough. Dough should be stuff enough to handle without sticking to much to your fingers).

2. Divide dough into fist-sized portions. On a floured surface, roll each portion into a long rope. Cut the ropes into one-inch pieces. Roll each piece with a fork for a distinctive texture. (If dough sticks to fork, clean it as you go and then dip in flour for easier rolling.)

3. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Drop in gnocchi and cook for 3 to 5 minutes or until they float to the top; drain and set aside.

ENCHILADA SUIZA SAUCE (New Mexican Version)

8 large tomatoes
1½ tbsp oil
1½ Hatch green chili, roasted and chopped
3 tsp chopped cilantro
1 large white onion, quartered
6 cloves garlic, peeled
1 cup water
1 cup crema media ácida or American sour cream
Salt and pepper to taste

In large skill, heat oil and cook tomatoes until blackened and softened, about 15 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare green chili. (If you buy the chili's fresh see below for roasting method. If your chili's are already roasted and frozen- you may need to defrost, peel and drain off excess waters, if you buy ready to use chili, just defrost, chop and drain.) In food processor, blend together tomatoes, chile's, onion, garlic, water and crema or sour cream. Season to taste with salt and pepper and pour into a large saucepan. Heat thoroughly.

Add gnocchi to sauce and toss lightly but thoroughly, serve with a fresh salad, warm bread and a light white wine!

ROASTING HATCH GREEN CHILI AT HOME

Rub your hands well with cooking oil before you work on the chili's and they won't become saturated with the capsaicin that causes the burning reaction for some people. Also, don't rub your hands, eyes, or any other part of your face while in this process. Place your chile's on a cookie sheet.
Set the oven temperature to broil and use the center rack.
Broil until chile's turn brown on top - then turn them over to brown other side. When the chili's are brown and skins start to swell, remove chili's and fill plastic freer bags with chili's. (I tend to use small baggies so I can later only defrost as much as I will use in one recipe).
Let the hot roasted peppers sweat in the sealed plastic baggie for 30 minutes. Put them right into the freezer or refrigerator until ready to use.
Peel the peppers before cooking; skins should come right off after sweating in plastic.

It's Really Almost Winter Now...

2008-10-28T22:33:00.000-06:00

Get Your Fix!

2008-10-22T00:17:00.000-06:00

I sign up and become a member of a large number of websites on a weekly basis. Often I get through the sign-up process and then never return. Don't ask me why, the explanation would take far more space than you want me to fill with such pointless rambling.

However, I recently joined a local community site called Duke City Fix, and I can't say enough about the site.

Well put together, full of some great personalities, information, groups, and more, it is a fantastic resource not only for those living in the Burque, but for those who have had past roots, or intend to make the area their home.

Words won't do enough to explain, go see it yourself. You'll love it :)

Golden Days

2008-10-11T19:10:00.001-06:00

It's Autumn here in the Land of Enchantment.

While that may not herald the riot of colors you might see in Vermont, it is still possible to see beautiful landscapes and scenery as 2008 ushers in a new season.

I wish I had more time to get out and photograph some of this, but I am swamped. When I do get time, it'll be too late, of course.

So... here's what I have. With it I'll throw in some advice I won't listen to myself.

Get off the internet and enjoy some nature while you can :)

Back to the Blog

2008-10-08T17:32:00.004-06:00

I haven't been posting here much, because it has been a busy year, and finding time to do everything I'd like to do in even a single day often becomes overwhelming. I have considered giving up this blog, I know I don't have a following here anymore, and that this is in part because of my sporadic postings, but the truth is, I love this state I live in, and when I want to say something about it, it is here I want to leave the history of it.

It is now October, and we are smack-dab in the middle of the International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta. Just in the past couple of months we've had the State Fair, Zazobra, the Wine Festival, the Go-arts Festival, and more. Coming up there is so much to do in the coming months in makes my head spin trying to figure out how to fit it all in.

So, I'll go, I'll take pictures, and I'll share it with you, along with all those lovely new cafes I've been eating at (did I mention I love food?) and the pretty little out if the way places I have found to just hang out.

So, come along, I'll be around more, I promise. :) If you notice a post you like, let me know so I know I am going in the right direction.

And always, always, be enchanted. ;)

The Quarai Ruins

2008-01-18T15:08:00.000-07:00

The sky was corn blue, and fluffy white clouds dotted the pretty sky and horizon. An occasional breeze swept past, cooling the back of my neck where sweat was beginning to run down in rivulets because of the heat. Yet it was cooler here, in this part of New Mexico, where my mother and I had decided to visit this hot June day.

We stepped from the car, walking the dirt and stone trail that led to the ruins, which we could see over the surprisingly green vegetation. The red adobe brick stood out brightly, and drew us
in, I could feel myself brimming with excitement. After all, this is part of why I am so proud to be a New Mexican, this wonderful history which surrounds me at every turn.

We had decided to come here to the Quarai Ruins (pronounced Kwai- Rye) partially because is was an easy drive from Albuquerque, and partly because the road home would lead us through the Manzano Mountains, which we wanted to photograph. Located in Punta del Agua, Quarai is part of the Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument.

In 1628 Quarai was a thriving community of American Indian trade when the Spaniard Franciscans arrived in an effort to convert the natives and establish a self-sufficient community. Artifacts from todays ruins suggest the original inhabitants had been living there almost 400 years before the arrival of the Spanish. A large stone Mission, or church, was built and much of it still remains today to be viewed by lucky tourists like myself.

There were few people visiting the ruins when we came by. It was peaceful and lovely, bringing images to mind of what it must have been like as a bustling community so many years ago.

What remains of the ruins are low walls (high enough to stand over your head, but no longer with roofs on them as they once may have had) and trails, an occasional window and the high walls of the mission.

This made me want to go home and do something like this in my garden, bustling with wildflowers and sage it would be lovely.

Natural vegetation creates a feeling of paradise at Quarai.

Can't you image what this place once looked like with the locals living here hundreds of years ago?

If I were to to this again, I would bring a sack or picnic lunch, and more cool drinks, as there were no cafes or snack stands. We became rather hungry all of the sudden and had to leave to find refreshments, though we would have enjoyed a longer stay. However, it was a wonderful afternoon, full of sights and history, good memories and more. Well worth repeating.

You Know You're From New Mexico If...

2008-01-11T13:46:00.000-07:00

If you're from New Mexico you've probably seen this list floating around for years. If not you may find some of these items on the list enlightening. :) I find some of them very true for myself, and know many people who would agree with them all.

1. You can correctly pronounce words like Tesuque, Cerrillos, and Pojoaque.

2. You have been told by at least one out-of-state vendor that they are going to charge you extra for international shipping.

3. You know what "T or C" stands for, and where it got that name.

4. You can order your Big Mac with green chile.

5. You buy salsa by the half-gallon.

6. You know what it means when they say it's from Hatch.

7. Your Christmas decorations include "red Chiles, a half-ton of sand and 200 paper bags."

8. Most restaurants you go to begin with "El" or "Los."

9. You price shop for tortillas.

10. You have an extra freezer just for green Chile.

11. You can't control your car on wet pavement.

12. You've had the skull of some kind of animal in your yard or garden as a decoration.

13. You think the biggest perk to running for state legislature is that you could speed legally.

14. You iron your jeans to "dress up".

15. You see boots and a cowboy hat as something totally appropriate to wear to a formal occasion.

16. Your swamp cooler got knocked off your roof by a Dust Devil.

17. Someone from out of state is surprised that you speak English so well.

18. You can actually hear the Taos hum.

19. All your out-of-state friends and relatives ask if they can drink the water when they come to visit.

20. When someone says "Las Vegas" you think of a small New Mexico town in the northeastern part of the state.

21. You iron your jeans to "dress up."

22. Tumbleweeds and various cacti in your yard are not weeds. They are your lawn.

23. Your other vehicle is also a pick-up truck.

24. Your city cousins from out of state come and visit you and don't get it when "going to do something" to you means to go hunting, fishing, hiking and theirs is hanging out at the mall.

25. You spent your 4 years of High School saying you were leaving this hell hole and never coming back; and when you left, you realized that there's no place like New Mexico, and will probably decide to retire back home.

26. You're relieved when the pavement ends because the dirt road has fewer potholes.

27. You see nothing odd when, in the conversations of the people in line around you at the grocery store, every other word of each sentence alternates between Spanish and English.

28. You've seen the bat flight at Carlsbad Caverns and have a t-shirt that says "Bats need friends, too!"

29. You could totally win on Survivor, because you've been doing all that hunting, fishing, hiking survival technique stuff since you were 5 out in your own back yard.

30. You've had Forts out in the desert or forest, which is also your back yard, so to speak.

31. You know what the night sky looks like full of stars and not pollution.

32. You've swam in an arroyo or an acequia..as a child or an ADULT!! LOL!

33. You love the smell of rain in the desert.

34. You know what a horny toad is.

35. You can identify a quail, peacock, coyote, roadrunner, cricket, etc...by the sound they make.

36. You've been to Mexico just to party.

37. Your Walmart sells snow sleds in the summer for the White Sands...but you can hardly find them in the winter.

38. You know that Christmas and weddings would not be the same without biscochitos.

39. You know what bartering is, and how to do it in at least 2 different languages.

40. You've had enchiladas for breakfast.

41. You know they don't skate at the Ice House and the Newsstand doesn't sell newspapers.

42. You expect to pay more if your house is made of mud.

43. A rattlesnake is an occasional hiking hazard. No need to freak out.

44. You think six tons of crushed rock makes a beautiful front lawn.

45. You own or have owned at least one piece of jewelry with turquoise in it.

From the Old to the New

2008-01-04T08:21:00.000-07:00

My history means a lot to me. Unlike many people who have a background related to their race or country of origin, and therefore a plethora of cultural traditions and definable ancestors they can trace back and celebrate, my family has so many disappearing ties and broken legacies that what I have is dear to me.

I know some of my family is German, from my mothers maiden name, Snyder, as well as some Irish from the the family member, surname Reid, whom we've traced from County Clair Ireland on her side , and the bit of Mexican we have which is Martinez. On my father's side we have the surnames Couch and Allen, and photos of a great great grandmother who was undoubtedly full Native American.

When I lived in Sicily I was asked what nationality my family was. (American doesn't count to them, they know we are mostly immigrants unless we are Native American.) When I told them I didn't have a definite background, just "a little of this, and little of that" they were all horrified.

I do have stories from both sides of my family, my great grandmother came to the southwest in a covered wagon, and taught in a one room school house when she was young. My father has stories of our family during the civil war. It's all bits and pieces, but I collect them like tiny souvenirs to keep close. Proof of who I am and where I came from.

When I was a young girl in Albuquerque I was friends with a boy named Donny, the son of Lois Duncan who later wrote "I Know What You Did Last Summer". I thought she was the most amazing person I had ever met, and I still find myself sometimes looking back at her in the throes of hero-worship. The one major thing that stuck out for me was that she told me once that every year she had her children make a recording on a cassette talking about who they were and what they wanted to be when they grew up. (This is paraphrasing, it's been a long time since she told me this story.) She planned on giving them the tapes when they grew up so they could see who they'd been as kids, and how they'd changed. I thought that was the most amazing idea ever. A voice- time capsule. Brilliant. I wish I had something like that for myself. I wish I'd made something like that for my children.

Who you are has a great deal of where you came from, and who you've been.

The same can be said for any place. If New Mexico was a person, like me she would have a vast family tree with a ton of family names, cultural influences, great stories and dusty skeletons in the closet. Who we are as a state today is much of who we've been in the past. We are a large, unconventional family with a fantastic history to celebrate. This New Year is more than just a new beginning, it's our 96th birthday in just a few more days. We're growing up and growing older.

Maybe it's just me, but it seems like the older I get, the more I want to celebrate my past. Whether it is my personal past or the past around me in the place I live. Might be a good time to do some research. ;)

Time for a break

2007-12-14T16:08:00.000-07:00

Just a note that I will be gone for the next week. I am expecting a friend from overseas to visit for the holidays, plus I am entertaining my whole family at my house for Christmas dinner. It will be a busy two weeks. So I am going to take that bit of extra pressure off my own shoulders and allow myself to take a break from the blog thing here so I have time to enjoy myself.

I hope you give yourself a similar gift. ;)

I don't have any images to post on my blog right now, but I will leave you with this link for Luminarias Photos by Deanna Nichols, a talented photographer I know through Flickr. :)

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, best wishes to you whatever holiday you may be celebrating at this time. :)

God Bless.

Preparing for the Big One

2007-12-07T11:53:00.000-07:00

Christmas is almost here! I will not deny this is one of my favorite holidays of all time. The Christmas Holiday season in New Mexico is the most festive and celebrated event of the year.

A wonderful mix of Anglo, Hispanic, native American and other cultural traditions, Christmas holidays in the Southwest can be very different from the rest of the world.

Soft warm light is cast from little brown bags with sand and candles are lit and line sidewalks, walls, and building tops, called Luminarias (Loo-MIN-ah-ree-ahs) or Farolitos (fah-RO-lee-tos) depending on the part of New Mexico you are in.

Chili peppers are one of the things that the state is most famous for. "Red or Green" is the state question, referring to weather you want red or green chili on your meal (not to be confused with Texas chili or any other). Even McDonald's offer green chili on their sandwiches. If you want both, you just ask for "Christmas".
(Image courtesty of Heather Buna, CapriShine.com)

And while the chili is certain tasty on your food, it goes far beyond the dinner table. Used to make decorations such as Ristras (dried red chilies strung on long pieces of twine or in a wreath to hang outside the home) hung on Christmas trees and more.

Bizchochitos (Bees-ko-chee-toes)the delightful cookies which I covered in October here, are traditional both as something to make for your own home and to give away a seasonal gifts. Amazing with Tea or Coffee, I can't say enough how wonderful these are.

Tamales are simply amazing. Wrapped in a cornmeal breading (Masa) and filled with meat and spices, the wrapped and steamed in a corn husk before steaming. Fragrant and full of flavor, these are traditional to eat on Christmas and/or New Year day.

Las Posadas is a traditional Spanish outdoor play, a re-enactment of Mary and Joseph’s search for a room on Christmas Eve. It is a process that leads door to door, that any and all are invited to participate in. Las Posadas represents the troubles that Joseph and Mary faced in Bethlehem while trying to find a room. The procession is made of groups of adults and children who go door to door singing and requesting lodging (posada). Each door they go to represents an inn, and the owner represents the innkeeper who then refuses the request.(As in the story of Joesph and Mary.) Eventually the procession ends at a preordained place, where the owner recognizes Joesph and Mary and Allows them to come in.

Posole is a stew made withcorn (hominy), pork and spices, and sometimes potatoes which is sevred steaming hot year around, but particularly on Christmas Eve and New Years Day. For some it is the good luck equivalent of eating Cabbage, Black- eyed peas or rice on New years day.

All this and more. Native American dances, celebrations all over the state, good food, great decor, and all wrapped up in the tradition of joy. :) If I missed any, email me and let me know!

Albuquerque at Night

2007-11-30T11:44:00.000-07:00

I lived in Albuquerque as a child, I had the best room with the best view of the city in the entire house, perhaps the entire neighborhood. I was particularly proud of my view. My parents often brought guests upstairs to look out my window so they could ooohh and awww.

I've never had a view quite like it since then, though I guess the view from my terrace in Sicily came close. (You could see both the Mediterranean Ocean and the volcano, Mt. Etna from there.) Albuquerque has grown a ton since then as well.

But the lights still draw me, reminding me of a poster my cousin once had, an illustration of Albuquerque depicted at night with it's lights in a swirl, much like the milky way, a universe of gorgeous stars. I'd kill to have a copy of that poster now. ;)

These aren't as good, but I though I'd share anyway. :)

The Bosque of Albuquerque

2007-11-23T11:19:00.000-07:00

It's easy to take for granted what you see every day.

I know, because I live around people who no longer, if they ever did, notice the lovely blue of the Sandia Mountains which rise above the city, the tranquil meandering of the Rio Grande or the gorgeous wildlife which we are so fortunate to find all around us, especially in the bosque down at the river.

These are some photos of the Sandhill Cranes I photographed last year right about this time. I still find it stunning (the bosque, not my photos). There is so much to see here. Take a moment to enjoy your surroundings. They are beautiful.

A Culture of Bones

2007-11-16T15:46:00.000-07:00

My friend and photography assistant, Crystal, recently abandoned me to move to Idaho with her boyfriend, Joey. ::sniffle::

Joey is originally from Virginia, a place where I have also lived. Though we both are from the same country, it is hard to appreciate the differences in cultures of the south and the west when you first examine the little things like clothing styles and culinary dishes.

It wasn't until Joey came for a visit last summer and remarked (in a purely horrified fashion) about my bleached cow skull I had in my garden that I truly began to see how far removed we are from a great many places. I tried to explain to Joey that skulls and bones were not unusual here. As a matter of fact you see decorated skulls everywhere, painted, adorned with gems and rocks and material, in gardens on fences, and as a part of jewelery (Native Americans have used bones in jewelry forever. It's not garish to us. It's... using what we have I guess.

Quaint and cute to me, a possible sign that we are mass murders to him.

Just another example of how diverse we all are in the huge country we call home :)

Remember When?

2007-11-09T15:23:00.000-07:00

There is an old gas station on the corner near my home, no longer operational, just a part of someones front yard.

He hasn't torn down the fuel pumps or removed the cars, so it makes for great pictures. Also is a grim reminder of fuel prices these days.

Day of the Dead

2007-11-02T20:16:00.000-06:00

Otherwise known as "Dia De Los Muertos" in Spanish, a traditional Mexican holiday celebrated also in some parts of the U.S. is a three-day Mexican holiday to honor occurs on the 1st and 2nd of November, in connection with the Catholic holy days of All Saint's Day and All Souls' Day which take place on those days. Day of the Dead celebrates loved ones who have passed away, and is not a morbid but a joyful holiday.

Colorful and celebratory, it is a fun holiday filled with flowers, food, images of skeletons and family get together.

I didn't make it to any festivities this year due to my surgery, however, my friend Crystal humored me and let me paint her up and do photographs.

Enjoy.

A Halloween Treat :)

2007-10-26T14:53:00.000-06:00

Next Wednesday is Halloween, and I will be too busy to post. I had thought to do something with the holiday in mind, but I can't think of much. Instead, with the thought of the sweets to be exchanged, I thought I'd post this recipe for Biscochitos, (bees-ko-CHEE-tohs) a popular and traditional cookie, also our state cookie. They are fantastic, and easy to make. Traditionally you use lard in the recipe, but shortening is easier to find on some places and these are very good. If you want to try a more traditional recipe, try this one: Biscochitos

INGREDIENTS

6 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 teaspoons baking powder
2 cups shortening
1 1/2 cups white sugar
2 teaspoons anise seed
2 eggs
1/4 cup brandy
1/4 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

DIRECTIONS

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C)
Sift flour with baking powder and salt. Cream shortening with sugar and anise seeds until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time. Mix in flour and brandy until well blended.
Turn dough out on a floured board and pat or roll to 1/4 or 1/2 inch thickness. Cut into shapes (the fleur-de-lys is traditional). Dust with a mixture of 1/4 cup sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden brown.

Camel Rock Trading Post

2007-10-19T14:13:00.000-06:00

When I was a kid growing up in the Land of Enchantment, I didn't know how lucky I was.

I watched the old westerns and played afterward in the desert surrounding my house or near my grandmothers house pretending to be the characters in Gunsmoke or Big Valley with no idea other kids in other parts of the U.S. might not have some of the same experiences. I had the double fortune of my father usually living in Texas or Mississippi or somewhere like that, so I spent many a summer playing in the deep green woods, so I had the best of both worlds.

Where my Grandmother and Grandfather, James and Rainey Snyder, lived at the time was a particular treat. (This was probably around 1973) Just north of Santa Fe and South of Pojoaque Pueblo there is a camel shaped rock formation just off to the side of the road. For many years my grandparents lived across the highway where they owned and operated both a mobile home sales and a trading post. As kids we sometimes walked across the road to climb on the camel rock, (this was before they built the low adobe wall surrounding it and a fence to protect it from erosion, something no one considered back then,) and scout the surrounding areas. Rattlesnakes and other dangers abounded so we were always old to be careful. Though at that age I was still invincible in my own mind, so I am amazed I am alive after some of the stupid stuff we did.

My twin uncles had dirt bikes and would fly all over the place with their BB guns and I was so envious I could have made myself sick from it. Surprisingly, my favorite memory was be able to get a cold rootbeer from the refrigerator my grandmother kept in the trading post and sip the suds from the top of the can. Often by watching this bobbing roadrunner toy thing she had, which bobbed because it had mercury it is body and it's beak dipped in cool water. long story, believe me when I say to a kid it was as cool as hell.

The Pojoaque Pueblo down the road both fascinated and scared me at the time, I had not seen many Navajos much back then, or recognized them for being Native American. My one memory was when a group of children from the reservation came to visit our school in their traditional clothes made of colorful velvet that I instantly fell in love with. I was so proud to be from a state that had such an interesting culture in it. I knew even then that not every place had such wonderful things in it.

The trading post itself was magical to me, with glass cases full of handmade jewelry made from silver, coral, turquoise and so much more. I will try and find more photos down the road of this great time of my life, I have Googled everywhere and there is no record of the trading post anywhere. It's kinda sad. But it's all still here - in my head- and I'd like to share it with all of you :)

The New Mexico State fair

2007-10-12T09:09:00.000-06:00

I mentioned the State Fair in my last post, and I had forgotten to post any images, here are a few, I can't find them all, but I enjoyed these :)

Autumn Musings

2007-10-05T13:32:00.000-06:00

You have to love Autumn. Brilliant colors, crisp cool air, a total change of attitude with the changing of seasons as people ready themselves for the coming winter and holidays just around the corner.

Fall in new Mexico is all this and more. Green chili roasting on every corner, Native American celebrations. The state fair with the smell of Indian Fry Bread, tamales and roasting corn.

If yu love tyhe outdoors, this is the time to be here. It's gorgeous. Come see.

It's a Bird...It's a Plane....

2007-09-28T13:17:00.000-06:00

It's the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta!

Would you like to ride in my beautiful balloon
Would you like to ride in my beautiful balloon
We could float among the stars together, you and I
For we can fly we can fly

Up, up and away
My beautiful, my beautiful balloon

The world's a nicer place in my beautiful balloon
It wears a nicer face in my beautiful balloon
We can sing a song and sail along the silver sky
For we can fly we can fly

Up, up and away
My beautiful, my beautiful balloon

Suspended under a twilight canopy
We'll search the clouds for a star to guide us
If by some chance you find yourself loving me
We'll find a cloud to hide us

We'll keep the moon beside us
Love is waiting there in my beautiful balloon
Way up in the air in my beautiful balloon
If you'll hold my hand we'll chase your dream across the sky

For we can fly we can fly
Up, up and away
My beautiful, my beautiful balloon
Balloon...
Up, up, and away.....

(Lyrcs : Up Up And Away

by 5th dimension)

Why I Blog Here

2007-09-21T16:03:00.000-06:00

My original intent when I began this post was to share images and stories from my many trips around the state. But since then my trips have dwindled, (much because of my work and often because my kids are in school) so I haven't had as much to share. My new goal is to post something at least once a week and discuss or share something about New Mexico worth looking at, be you from the area or someone from far away who might be interested in our fantastic little piece of Heaven here. :)

I grew up here, playing amongst the tumbleweeds and cacti, exploring the mesas and the arroyos, traipsing the mountains and dry river beds. I moved far away more than once, but I always came back, either in person or in my aching heart which has always loved this area no matter where else I might be living at the time.

That may sound as if I just haven't traveled enough, and let me tell you that's not true. I've been to thirty two of the United States, and lived in eleven of them. I've been to four countries not including the U.S., and lived in Sicily for three years. I've found much to love about the world wherever I have been, and called many places home that i miss even now. But none of them were New Mexico. With her gorgeous landscapes, amazing food, and her unusual mix of cultures I have never found a place like the Land of Enchantment.

Spreading the Word

2007-09-21T15:09:00.000-06:00

I decided today to find ten links to other blogs/ sites that talk about New Mexico that I think are worth taking a second look at: Here's what I found today:

Albuquerque Blogs: A free community blogging site for Albuquerque that also provides free forums, free classified ads, free job postings for employers and more. Good stuff here.

Alblogquerque: Local Blogger with good pics and lots of interesting topics.

Albuquerque Rising: A personal blog that offers often humorous and interesting insights and observations on the city of Albuquerque.

Buggs' Blog :This New Mexico Blogger and motorcyclist has an eye for photography that makes you stop and say ..."Wow..."

Moyen Age: Santa Fe Blogger "A personele blogge: (medieval) history, reading, writing, philosophy, folklore, slow living, nature..." Fun to read, great photos....

My Strange New Mexico: A neat column/ blog that discusses New Mexico's unusual history and lore.

New MexiKen : Great Blog, tons of wit and eclectic topics.

Picturing New Mexico: A New Mexico Photoblog, excellent.

Only in New Mexico: Former Albuquerque Mayor, Jim Baca blogs about New Mexico topics.

Tenacious Flog: Great read, tons of great recipes, what more can you ask for?

Summer Fog

2007-09-07T08:34:00.000-06:00

New Mexico is notoriously dry, but every now and then we get moisture every now and then, and sometimes when the weather is just right, like this morning, we get fog....

Billy Joel and New Mexico

2007-09-04T12:16:00.000-06:00

While scavenging the internet for good music which relates to New Mexico (not that I don't love the song I have had... Sting is great and Desert Rose is wonderful, but it isn't really about New Mexico, ya know?) I found some Lyrics by Billy Joel which I love... can't find the song yet... but I'm looking... so we'll see. ;)

I also found some lyrics that claim to be the State Song, (I have to check into this, as I have thought "O Fair New Mexico" to be the state song, bnut I like these lyrics better... ;)

New Mexico Lyrics
Artist(Band):Billy Joel

Today I'm living like a rich man's son
Tomorrow morning I could be a bum
It doesn't matter which direction though
I know a woman in New Mexico

Worse comes to worse I'll get along
I don't know how but sometimes I can be strong

And if I don't have a car I'll hitch
I got a thumb and she's a son of a bitch
I do my writing on my road guitar
And make a living at a piano bar, oh

Worse comes to worse I'll get along
I don't know how but sometimes I can be strong

(Ooh ooh ooh) Lightning and thunder
Flashed across the roads we drove upon
Oh, but it's clear skies we're under
When we are together, when we sing this song

Worse comes to worse I'll get along
I don't know how but sometimes I can be strong

Oh, fun ain't easy if it ain't free
Too many people got a hold on me
But I know something that they don't know
I know a woman in New Mexico

Worse comes to worse I'll get along
I don't know how but sometimes I can be strong
(Ooh ooh ooh, ooh, ooh)

Land of Enchantment - New Mexico

Official State Ballad
Song by Martin Murphy, Chick Raines and Don Cook
Adopted 1989

I met a lady in my drifting days
I quickly fell under the spell of her loving ways
A rose in the desert I loved her so
In the Land of Enchantment, New Mexico

As we watched the sunset by the Rio Grande
A mission bell rang farewell she took my hand
She said "come back amigo no matter where you go"
To the Land of Enchantment, New Mexico

From her arms I wandered, far across the sea
I often heard her gentle words haunting me
"Come back amigo, I miss you so"
To the Land of Enchantment, New Mexico
So come back amigo no matter where you go
To the Land of Enchantment, New Mexico.

Enchanted

2007-09-04T12:13:00.001-06:00

Monday, November 7, 2005

I have been away. My son had pneumonia, and I have had some illness myself. But funny thing, when I step outside to go to work on a cool morning and see the beauty around me I am soothed. When I go home in the evening and see the bast wondrous stars above me I am uplifted.

The world is wonderful, and I live in the Land of Enchantment. :) What more can I ask for?

Red or Green?

2007-09-04T12:10:00.000-06:00

Wednesday, August 11, 2004

Hola! I'm back! While I was away taking photos, taking notes, and every opportunity to sample and sup as much New Mexico cuisine as possible I pondered what I wanted to share and talk about in my journal when I finally got back.

In case the previous line didn't give hint... I decided to delve deeper into the topic of food.

New Mexico food is a country of it's own. It has it's roots, as one might suspect, in Mexican food, but if you sample the wares of our south of the border friends, or even our neighbors (Texas, Arizona, Colorado) around us, you'll realize that we have a flavor and a flair that is all our own. Part of it is because of Navajo food influences (Navajo Fry Bread and Blue Corn are two tiny examples) and other cultural influences as New Mexico has grown and changed over the last two hundred years.

New Mexican foods are present at almost every festival, celebrated occasion, and event. You can find evidence of it on almost every Native New Mexican table. Two staples you almost always find at a meal here are Tortillas, and chili. (red or green).

In June of 1999 New Mexico adopted the State Question: "Red or Green?" This does not refer to the traffic lights. It refers to our chili. (Read about the adoption of the Official Question, as Well as Our State Motto) Fabian Garcia, a horticulturist, is given much of the credit for the roots of what New Mexican's consider Our Chili. In the early 1900s Senor Garcia experimented with chili seeds. In 1907 he developed chili which became the standard chili for New Mexican chili. This is now known as the Anaheim. The chili has evolved since 1950 and is now considered a variety under the New Mexican pod type category. Understanding the difference between New Mexican Green and Red Chili's and other chili you may be able to purchase is hugely important because of flavor and results. Believe me when I say please don't try and use Bell Peppers when a recipe calls for Anaheim or New Mexican Green chili. Many a poor soul gave up on the wonders of New Mexican food because they used the wrong chili in a recipe.

So ... if I were going to host a dinner/buffet and have you all over to sample some of my favorites ... what would I serve you?

Green Chili Stew
Posole (Hominy Stew)
Tortillas (Mexican Flat Bread)
Sopapillas (Puffed, Hollow Bread)
Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas
Chili Relenos
Tamales
Navajo Fry Bread Tacos
Biscochitos (Anise Seed Cookies)
Flan Caramelisado (Carmel Custard)

Many of these recipes I gave links to come from the same site, but I tried to show you a few sites where the recipes are authentic. Really, if you are going to cook a lot of New Mexican food you should get a cookbook, and the one I love is called Simply Simpatico. (this link is to Barnes & Nobles).

Hope ya try a recipe ... if you do, I hope you drop me a line and tell me what you thought, ask questions.... lemme know what you think of our world famous cuisine here. :)

Great Links:

New Mexico Cuisine
Cosinas De New Mexico
Chili Information (The Chile Pepper Institute)
Hatch Chile Express
New Mexico Chili

Going to be away for awhile...

2007-09-04T12:08:00.000-06:00

Wednesday, August 4, 2004

Hey folks, I have been away from computer access for the past week, and will be for another week. My postings will be few, if any.

The good news is, I'll have more photos, and some great changes to the journal... so peep in in about a week and see what I have. :)

Since I'll be away I have a recipe for ya. It's not much... but it's yummy and might tide ya over!

See you soon!

Acapulco Salad

Avocados festively accented with oranges, grapes and Jicama are dressed with a tart dressing to make an unusual salad that is beautiful, delicious and nutritious. The salad should never be made more than one hour in advance, but the basic preparation of the fruits can be done ahead.

Yield: 16 servings

5 large, ripe Haas or Fuertes avocados
¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice
2 heads fluffy leaf lettuce
5 seedless oranges, peeled and sliced into thick rounds
2 jicamas, peeled and coarsely shredded
1 large bunch (about 2 cups) seedless white grapes
Acapulco Dressing (recipe follows)

1. Halve and peel the avocados and slice into long, thin wedges. Sprinkle lime juice over all, carefully stirring to coat each piece evenly.
2. Arrange the lettuce leaves on chilled plates or in a large bowl. Alternate wedges of avocado with slices of orange. Surround the edge of the salad with shredded Jicama. Sprinkle grapes across the top.
3. Prepare the dressing and drizzle over the salad just before serving.

Acapulco Dressing

2 ripe Haas or Fuertes avocados
2/3 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
½ cup fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon caribe, or other crushed dried red chile

Place all ingredients in a blender jar and process until smooth.

YUM!

Beautiful Sangre de Cristo Mountains

2007-09-04T11:13:00.000-06:00

Thursday, July 22, 2004

This is the last of the photos for the day.... just a smattering of some of the beauty. Later I'll send photos of the trip home, the Mesas, plains, and sunsets. Rain and storms... barbed wire and soft clouds.

Photo descriptions:
1. Horses abound here. Many people bring their own equines, or rent for the day. There are even campsite just for horse owners.

2. Gorgeous wildflowers are abundant. The colors so bright they seem unreal.

3. Rocky cliffs provide shadow and landscape for the walls of this valley. Shrubs grasp where they can.

4. The water is shallow here in the mountains, but the rocks and logs make for beautiful falls.

5. Tiny bees, ladybugs, and other beauties light on flowers to partake in the feast of pollen.

6. It is hard to catch a photo of these fragile butterflies, they light so fast and are gone before I can blink!

7. Wide creeks and tiny streams weave their way down the mountainside.

8. Flower buttons and long grasses make the area lush and peaceful.

9. So many trails, and horses... it is like the old west everywhere.

Church and cactus...

2007-09-04T11:08:00.000-06:00

Friday, July 9, 2004

Thanks for all the great comments! :) Such nice peeps out there. I'll visit everyone's journals soon, I have been really enjoying some of the ones I have visited. Almost like having a passport to someone else head and home, hey?

Yesterday was my birthday, (I am 39 now, but my horrid little family keeps wishing me a happy 40th. They evidently want to live in squalor and hunger. Heh.) So I didn't do any posting. This evening Aude arrives, and we've been making her welcome sign and getting things clean. It's been hectic.

I am going to separate my journal into two journals next week, one for New Mexico, and one for the family. I'll link em both here, so you can see what you are interested in. More room, and more focused.

Just a couple of photos today, more Monday if I can, maybe some this weekend. The first photo here is a Church in Golden Colorado. It is a favorite of mine. The front of it has this little cemetery that looks like something out of an old western movie. People still leave flowers, toys, signs, etc. Decorations are often colorful and festive. The second photo is a cactus in my front yard that is in the process of flowering. I didn't plant it, it came with the land. I love cactus,. because I can rarely kill it by accident. (::grins::) Some of the cactus I have flower yellow or orange. I'll show you more as I get them.

Thunderstorms and winds have been blowing through. No water, but what a great reprieve from the heat.

Have a great weekend everyone, I'll see ya later!

The famous white adobe church just outside of Madrid, New Mexico

A brilliant pink Cactus bloom opens, awaiting pollination.

Old Town Albuquerque

2007-09-04T10:52:00.000-06:00

Wednesday, July 7, 2004

If you ever visit Albuquerque, be sure and see Old Town Plaza. Old Town is the heart of Albuquerque's culture and heritage, with roots going back 500 years. Founded in 1706, Albuquerque he center of an area that has known a European presence for over 500 years, in a city that was founded in 1706. The flags of Spain, Mexico, the United States fly in the plaza representing the past where each of these countries have governed the city. During the Civil War the Confederate States of America controlled Albuquerque for a few short weeks. Buildings around the Old Town Plaza and on the side streets are authentic adobes up to 300 years old, many built in Albuquerque's distinctive "Territorial Style."

Settlers built their first homes here, near the banks of the Rio Grande. The area
served as a farming community and a military outpost. The settlement was a
traditional Spanish town, with a central plaza surrounded by a church, homes and
government buildings. The buildings are adobe, a type of mud-clay brick covered by more of the same. Many of these "territorial" style buildings still stand today,
including the church. Some have been transformed into businesses, others are
still homes.

On holidays and special occasions the are parades, which our family loves to see. Of course the luminarios at Christmas are the most beautiful sight. These paper bags with sand and a candle inside glow beautifully and decorate the plaza.

We'll be taking Yann and Aude to the plaza soon, so I'll have more photos to show you.

If anyone has a special request for photos, or local history or information let me know. :) It'd be a pleasure to get it up here for you.

As for the temperature today, it is still a scorcher. Weather man says we can expect much of the same for a while, though we may get some clouds and thunderstorms by the weekend. One can only hope.

Other things you have to look forward to in the next week or so are:
New Mexico Flowers
Wildlife in New Mexico
Yummy food
Churches
Walking tour of Santa Fe
Native American Art
...and more.

Come by and check in, lemme know whatcha think, and if there is anything I am missing!

See ya laters!

Old Town Albuquerque combines beauty, history, and great shopping. This is the Church of San Felipe de Neri, on the square.

The Church of San Felipe de Neri has been used as a parish church for over 200 years. You can still attend a service today.

Heat Wave

2007-09-04T10:43:00.000-06:00

Tuesday, July 6, 2004

It is hot today. The difference between dry heat and humid heat seems to me to feel like opening an oven door a feeling your skin draw tight against your face, and stepping into a sauna and feeling your clothes stick to you. I don't suppose I sweat as much here, but it is still very hot. Days like this I miss living next to the ocean so I can go dip my feet in the cool water and feel the ocean breeze on my face. The Mountains would be nice today. It is cooler up there, and really only about 30 minutes from where I work to where the temperature drops enough to enjoy it. Not to mention the Pine and Aspen trees provide a cool shade and the calm of the wilderness I've been in hotter places. Phoenix and Sicily get to temperatures that I didn't know it was safe to live in. It's not that this is unbearable, I just feel like whining. ;)

Logan left, as I already mentioned, on his way to Florida yesterday I have been worried about him traveling alone, because though he's flown alone before, he was young enough to have the airlines help him. This year he's just old enough to be on his own. My worries were not groundless as he had a change of flights in Dallas, and kept time on his own watch, which was an hour behind. Gratefully American Airlines put him on another flight and he lucked out and met a friend and his Mom who were also headed to the tournament. So not only did he arrive, but he had an adult to help him get there, get his bags, and get him to the hotel. I haven't heard from him today, but I am anxious. It's hard to let go and let them grow up, but I have to trust that he'll be okay.

I am off to help my father with his computer today, it's one of those afternoons where I have too much to do, but I am going to opt for a movie with my son instead just because I want to.

We're planning a camping trip to Colorado soon. That should be a bit cooler, eh?

Is this my poor dry skin or the dried earth at the end of my driveway? The heat is really in the WOW degrees today.

Welcoming Yann

2007-09-04T10:38:00.001-06:00

Friday, July 2, 2004

Friday again. Wow how the weeks pass so fast. So much to do...

Yann arrived last night, and our garrulous gaggle was there to greet him. My whole bunch plus Kimberly. Must have seemed like he'd stumbled into Mardi Gras unexpectedly. :/ He is so tall! Brian seems like a giant to my 5'4" because he is 6'3". Yann, however, seems to tower over him. And he is a very handsome kid. We are going to have to beat the teenaged girls in Albuquerque off. :)

We took him to dinner, at one of our favorite places, The Frontier Restaurant across the street from the University. I was surprised Yann wanted to try the enchiladas that Kimberly and I are so fond of. We have them with cheese, but he had his with chicken and red chili. He seemed to enjoy them... I think this young man will be very pleasant company this summer!

My all time favorite flower is the sunflower, and they grow wild and thick here in midsummer. For all that New Mexico has a reputation for being a desert, there is an abundance of color, weather, life, and differing climates that truly make this a place of surprises and beauty. I always tell people that this place is unusual because it is not simply another place in the US. Even other bordering Southwestern sates don't have some of the cultural aspects like we do. It's like a whole country of it's own.

A surprising percentage of the state is reservation properties belonging to Native Americans. Hispanic and Native American cultures are very predominant, and flavor the food, the architecture, the language, the holidays, and more. Combine the people and their culture, traditions, and dreams, with the beauty of the land and you have magic. Simply enchanting. :)

This is my first wild sunflower of the year. Popped up right next to the driveway, saying hello to everyone driving by! :)

Rain is scarce here, but the results are always welcome.
Never a storm I don't want to photograph.

Taos

2007-09-04T10:30:00.000-06:00

Friday, June 25, 2004

What a pretty drive! We drove up through Santa Fe, Española, along the Rio Grande Gorge and into Taos. Brian was sweet enough to take me to the Gorge itself so I could marvel and take photos. I haven't had time to get them all ready to post, so there'll be more on Monday. These are what I have for now:

The last photo is of the Rio Grande Gorge. A vital part of the states culture, history, and livelihood. Yet the river is endangered. The droughts have depleted her waters so low that we are in danger of losing her altogether, reports have said. There is a major battle between environmentalists, New Mexican citizens, and New Mexican farmers over water.

Chili Ristas hang from a shop along the main street of Taos. Red chilis are strung and dried, making for festive decoration.

Mural outside Taos gift shop. Reminiscent of art found on Native American pottery.

The Rio Grande Gorge. The river runs from into New Mexico, Texas and Mexico where it empties into The Gulf of Mexico.

Taos Trip

2007-09-04T10:29:00.001-06:00

Thursday, June 24, 2004

We're on our way to Taos today. Brian is a Mechanical Insulator, and I do office work for him. He's invited me to go along to Taos on a job he's doing, and I am excited for all the photos I'll be able to get, so I expect I'll be posting some new ones today.

Toas is a very cool little village, home to many famous people, center for art, culture, and awesome skiing and white water rafting.

So, anyway, we'll see ya later, off to Taos. I'll see if I can find something cool besides photos to post!

Adios!

Some Favorite Photos

2007-09-04T09:58:00.001-06:00

Wednesday, June 23, 2004

These are just a few of my favorite pictures of New Mexico. I take my camera everywhere, I find that there is probably fifty or more opportunities in a day to capture the personality of this place I love so much!

1) This is a black and white of the Sandia Mountains as seen from the road coming down from La Luz trail.

2) Here we are in the Sandia Mountains looking out eastward toward Moriarity and Edgewood. The rocky terrain of these mountains is so different from what I experienced in the Ozarks, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and other eastern and southern mountain ranges. The Rocky Mountain range has a personality that begs to be discovered and dares you to delve deeply into her deepest secret places.

3) Santa Fe is a wonderful mix of old and new, traditional and contemporary. Sometimes walking down the sidewalk I feel like I am in some old western movie.

4) Windows and walls say so much about this part of the country. Adobe is prolific here, and comes in colors that you'd have to see to believe. Some of these buildings have walls that are a foot thick, and some even still have dirt floors. It is a walk backwards in time, reminding you that while New Mexico is hip and modern in every sense of the word, it has roots and tradition as solid as the ground we walk on.

5) Life struggles and refuses to be held in check no matter where you look. Even in the rocky terrain of lava fields, yucca, cactus, and sage lay claim to every crack and crevasse, growing abundant and strong.

6) Albuquerque is home to the International Balloon Fiesta, and at almost all times of the year you can catch glimpses of these graceful hot air balloons drifting across clear blue skies.

7) The sunsets are spectacular. Sometimes fire, sometimes ice. Streaks of every color imaginable paint the horizon each evening, never the same twice, creating a canvas that soothes the weary soul.

My family :)

2007-09-04T09:03:00.000-06:00

Wednesday, June 23, 2004

We are a large family. Larger than some, smaller than some, perfect for us. :) I don't have a photo of Patrick right now... but here are the rest of us.

Photo (1) is Mitchell, he's big into track as seen in this picture.

Photo (2) is Dawn (me) and Brian. Presently engaged to be married this fall of 2004.

Photo (3) is Logan and David.

Photo (4) is Keri.

Photo (5) is Patrick. It is hard to get a normal picture of him without weird faces ... so I only have this one where we made him up in one of our "weird photo" sessions.

**(Update: Mitchel is now 16 and in high school as a Junior, and stands nearly 5"9", he excels at guitar, enjoys wrestling and works weekends to save for a new car. Brian and I haven't married yet, we keep putting it off for financial reasons, but we're still as happy together as two peas in a pod. :) Logan is 19, going to CNM and working as an extra in some movies. David is 12, and growing like a weed, and hugely into skateboarding. Keri is 19 and living in North Carolina. Patrick is 14 and is a freshman this year in high school and has gotten over his shyness in front of a camera. )

The Sandia Mountains

2007-09-04T08:57:00.001-06:00

Wednesday, June 23, 2004

The first photo here is the Sandia Mountains as seen from the east, coming from Moriarty. The plains stretch wide and flat, little to see except an occasional cactus, piñon tree, or perhaps a barbed wire fence. The setting sun colors the mountains a deep blue. In less than an hour it will be nearly purple, with the sky bright and wild with the colors of a New Mexico sunset.

This next photo is a stream in the Sandia Mountains. We drove up the backside from Placitas, a small community on the Northeast side of the mountain. Even during the hard drought, the stream still danced down the rocky terrain and gave life to the forest around her. We glimpsed rabbits and dear this day, but none of them wanted to hang around long enough for a picture. :)

Hello to Anyone who visits my Journal :)

2007-09-04T08:53:00.000-06:00

Wednesday, June 23, 2004

Hello to anyone who visits myJournal. :) I hope you find in it, as time goes by, some of the beauty and joy which I have experienced living here in New Mexico.

I grew up here. I spent most of my childhood wandering the wild plains, thickets, and mountains. I explored every arroyo I could find, built forts under sprawling piñon trees, climbed the low hills at the edge of the Sandia Mountains, eaten cactus pears right off the cactus, (and picked stickers out of my lips and fingers for hours,) and enjoyed the multitude of colorful and diverse Fiestas that abound at every opportunity.

I moved away for many years, traveled the US and many parts of the world. But my heart could still hear the winds of the Land of Enchantment calling me home. Together my fiancé, Brian, and I raise our five kids in a place that is like no other.

Revisitig Older Posts

2007-09-04T08:46:00.000-06:00

I began Enchanted Ramblings on AOL in June of 2004. I had more time to journal back then, and I did quite a few posts.

My journal made front page of AOL, and I enjoyed a great deal of traffic in those days, but AOL went through some major changes that I found disconcerting and offensive, and so I left their membership after almost 11 years. I found Blogger shortly thereafter and have been doing sporadic journaling here ever since. :)

I never transfered my older entries from AOL to here, and so I have decided to do so today. So many of those photos and thought still make me smile, so I'd like them in a place I can visit them sometimes, and perhaps you too can enjoy them if the urge hits you :)

I will inclue the date of the older entries on the top of the page so you can tell them from the newer posts. :)

Wildflowers

2007-06-11T16:56:00.000-06:00

About two miles west of my home there is an overpass stretching across I-40. Currently there is a gorgeous display of bright blue wildflowers covering the entire hillside which drivers on I-40 pass on their way to Albuquerque. I love this brilliant burst of color, even though the allergies they bring cause me to moan almost daily due to headaches.

A few weeks ago little bouquets of purple wildflowers could be seen everywhere. There are still some signs of them in the cooler areas where the warm sun has yet to eradicate them. Also I have seen bright stalks of Indian Paint brushes, (bright yellow and red) and little blue bell -like flowers no larger than my pinky nail. Soon wild sunflowers will blanket fields for miles. These are my favorite, they are so hardy and friendly at the same time. They all go to seed so fast, a lovely view for a moment fading until next year.

I've tried collecting the seeds, but I always seem too late. This time of year things change so quickly, and the Spring winds are quick to blow it all away.

Backroads

2007-06-09T15:32:00.000-06:00

I grew up in New Mexico, and I spent many a day playing in the mesas, the arroyos, (where I would never let me child play in now) along the foothills of the Sandia Mountains, and building forts underneath sprawling Piñon Trees. It was not a unusual experience for me, and it did not occur to me that anyone else might have grown up differently. I knew that in other places they had many more trees, and a great deal m ore water, but I didn't know how unique my experiences of growing up in such a different culture really was until I moved to North Carolina at 13 years old.

There my friends asked me if I had to have a passport to move to the U.S., complimented me on my fine grasp of the English language. They had never heard of Piñons, or green chili or pueblos. They'd never been in a Kiva or seen a Navajo. They thought my poncho was a rug. When I brought beans, tortillas and jalepeños to school for lunch. they were disgusted. I didn't know that many of the words I used for the things in my life were Spanish or Native American in origin.

When I had children of my own and I was living in Florida, I wanted so badly for them to have a taste of my childhood. I wanted them to see the Balloon Fiesta, hold a Horned Toad, help me light Luminarios for Christmas, and see the wide expanses of beautiful acreage you can only find in New Mexico. They've both lived with me here now for close to 12 years, and they love it here. I know where ever they might move, they'll always have a piece of this in their heart to keep close.

We're still part of the United States here, but a little different from the one you might find just anywhere. It's off the beaten track, a sweet spot on the back roads of America, and I am lucky to be here.

The Bare Bones Truth

2007-06-08T14:01:00.000-06:00

My good friend recently introduced me to her beau, a very nice young man originally from Virginia, now living for the moment in Utah. He was visiting his sweetheart hear in the Land of Enchantment, and she was showing him the sights.

I am not sure how the conversation steered in the direction of bones, (pardon the pun,) but he amazed at what he called our obsession with bones. My friend had found a tiny animal skull the week before, and was trying to clean it so she could use it for a decoration. He was surprised. (Surprised isn't the word, but disgust may be too strong. Maybe.) I pointed out the cow skulls in my yard, I have three in different areas of my garden, placed strategically so that mint, flowers, and strawberries grow in, and around them. His reaction was anything but subtle. I think he was beginning to suspect that he had stumbled onto the New Mexican version of "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre".

Trying to placate him, I pointed out that hunters frequently keep the mounted heads of deer and other prey over fireplaces. Quite correctly he mentioned there is a difference between trophy mountings and keeping the bones of varmints found on the roadside.

I admit I was a t a loss for words and explanations, and so he left my home quite sure I am crazy.

It wasn't until he'd was long gone before I realized that my inclination for collecting bones isn't as morbid or as unusual as it sounds. The New Mexican culture I have grown up in is heavily laced with influences from many cultures, most pointedly, the Native Americans.

Historically Native Americans as a culture have used whatever was available to them in order to survive. Wood, shell, stone and beads and clay from the earth; meat, hide, hoof, horn, and bone from the animals they hunted. Never a culture for waste, they created flutes, tools, utensils, jewelry, and other decorations of all kinds from what was left.

When I was a little girl my grandmother gave me a bone-bead necklace for my birthday. I have seen cow skulls all around me, painted with riotous color hanging on the walls of even the Capital Building. I had a friend who owned a beautiful horn cup, made from the natural shedding of a huge mountain sheep.

I sometimes forget that everyone hasn't grown up this way. Even though I have lived and traveled all over the US and some of Europe, I often take for granted that everyone hasn't been a part of this rich experience I have owned.

It's a place like no other, and that's why I come home after so many years. It's why I and so many love this wonderful place we call The land of Enchantment.

Downtown Albuquerque

2007-06-08T13:21:00.000-06:00

Downtown Albuquerque at night. I love this city, "A big little town" as some people call it. A place where so many opposites exist. High rises and old territorial style homes on the same street. Business suits and cowboy hats. A city teeming with life, with a multitude of people and cutltures incredibly diverse, blending to create a wonderful culture of it's own.

Day of the Dead

2007-02-02T20:16:00.000-07:00

Traditional Flavors

2005-11-22T14:43:00.000-07:00

Green Chile, Sour Cream Enchiladas

3 servings

3 cups chicken broth 9 Corn Tortillas
3 tablespoons flour 2 cups grated sharp cheddar
1 cup cooked chicken cheese
1 cup chopped green chile* 1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt 2 cups sour cream
Shortening

1. Combine 1 cup of broth with the flour in a medium-sized saucepan.
Add the remaining broth and cook on medium heat until thickened.

2. Stir the chicken, chile, and garlic salt into broth and set
aside.

3. Heat 1/2 inch of shortening in a heavy pan at medium-high heat.

4. Quickly dip each tortilla into the shortening to soften. Drain on
absorbent towels.

5. Combine 1 cup cheese, onion, and sour cream in a medium-sized
mixing bowl.

6. Assemble the enchiladas by placing 1/4 cup of sauce on each
dinner plate, followed by a tortilla, 1/4 cup of sauce, and
1/3 cup of sour cream mixture.

Top with remaining sauce and cheese.

7. Place in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes, or until cheese
melts.

NOTE: Traditionally, enchiladas are topped with a fried or poached
egg before serving.

* (Do not use bell peppers! For best taste use Hatch Green Chili or another chili from the Capsicum species. This chili encompasses a wide range of colors, sizes, shapes and spiciness, are roasted, stewed, fried, cooked or simply added fresh off the plant.)

2005-11-22T14:25:00.000-07:00

This church is San Felipe de Neri, built in 1793 to replace the original 1706 mission church.

It is an adobe church, as are most of the old churches in New Mexico. This beautiful building sits in Old Town Albuquerque on the square, and still holds Mass for the public.

Autumn In New Mexico (Nonet)

2005-11-03T19:03:00.000-07:00

November in New Mexico and
The air is crisp and trees are gold,
Holidays are coming 'round
And winter's lurking near.
With joy my heart sings -
Celebrating
Love, life and
Seasons
Change.

~Dawn Allynn
11.03.2005

2005-10-06T11:20:00.000-06:00