Go forth and doodle

We left our juicy river valley in the wee hours of the morning last friday…. and flew over the land, into some stormy skies, and finally into the mountains and the high desert of New Mexico.  First order of business was to find the taco truck preferred by the locals.  We were not disappointed…..

Our first night was spend soaking our tired bones and acclimating to the altitude at Ojo Caliente mineral springs.  These waters will bookend our trip.

I warmed up a bit in my sketchbook…  On Saturday it was time to hit the road for Taos, but before that, we took a slight detour up a magical mountain to the land of the Hopi…

And a celebration that was happening to welcome the summer solstice.  On this particular day, their celebration was open to the public as it was International Prayer for Peace Day.

We sat amongst this group and chanted and observed the joyful dancing and singing.

And then, eventually, we found our way to the Mabel Dodge House in Taos…..

I actually got to sleep in her bed….

There is beauty tucked into every corner here at Mabel’s.

Sunday arrived and it was time to get to work.  Jody and Beau McNicholas of the Eco-Chic Retreat project came to Mabel’s to film my journaling segment.  I now have two new friends in Taos.

Later in the day we moved into our house for the week, Mabel’s Gatehouse where we have settled in quite nicely.

On the first day of classes we took a field trip to the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge and the Earthships where some sketching was begun!

We took it all in….

It was hotter than blazes.

So we eventually came back to our gorgeous home in the classroom at the juniper house to continue working.

And this was only the first day of class!!!  There is still more to come about today’s activities.  Tours, visits to and from brilliant artists today and into tomorrow and thursday.  It’s all too much to take in, and frankly, I’m going to head outside now to enjoy the sunshine.  I’ll check back in upon return to Ohio next week.  But in the meantime, I thought I’d let you know that Taos Mountain has welcomed us with open arms.  I am so grateful for the chance to be here.