Ojo Sarco

My first blog, yipeeohkayay! I chose this larger typeface because it's kinder on my getting-older eyes, not to mention those of my friends. I never thought I'd join the ranks of on-line journalists, but since I've moved I've become a bit tired of repeating the same stuff in all my e-mails. My friends and relatives can choose if and when they want to see what this gypsy is up to now. And a woman named Gigi has inspired me with her ramblings about the world as a Catholic volunteer helping the less fortunate. So, thanks, Gigi.

So, here I am in Ojo Sarco, a tiny village in the northern New Mexico mountains. I have a petsitting/housesitting business called Tail Waggers, which I just relocated to this part of the states from California. I actually live in Taos. Today I, my little brown doggie named Cadbury, and my client's two dogs took a short hike up to the ridge of a hill where the views are fantastic, especially north toward Colorado. How lucky can I get?! Southish I can see the peaks of mountains covered with snow-I can almost feel like I'm in Switzerland, but then when I look down at my feet I see the sage and cacti. Snow is predicted for tomorrow night, yikes, I don't think I'm ready to drive in the stuff and I have to drive these mountain roads to get back home on Thanksgiving. I'm planning to go out to some restaurant in Taos and enjoy the usual holiday offerings. It's a time to share with others and not be alone.

Earlier today I explored another tiny and wonderful magical place called Truchas, also on what they call The High Road. I remember coming here many times when I used to live in Taos from '88-'96. Cardona-Hine Gallery was on my list but no one was there, then I found a great co-op gallery called the High Road Marketplace and a friendly salesperson, a warm fire and coffee. Bought a tin ornament for my Xmas tree next month, and a book of poetry (can I plug someone's book here??). I picked it up, read one poem and was hooked. Here was poetry I can actually understand and relate to. I've been wanting to get into poetry for a long time but get discouraged cause so much of it is so abstract and full of long flowery words from centuries ago! You know, "I know that was profound, but what the heck did it mean?!) Next stop was the Ojo Sarco Pottery, what a neat place (in both senses of the word). And being a dog-crazy girl, I loved meeting the two resident canines.

Now I have to go find some kindling and fire up the wood burning stove-it will be another cold one tonight, 18 degrees I think I heard on the radio. Oh, talking about the radio, I joined the KUNM family, got my schedule the other day and discovered a Native American talk show. They were all discussing Thanksgiving, perceptions of Indians, teachers duties to educate, especially in light of how text books picture the Native Americans, lots of food for thought.

Hi to all my friends back in California (south and north)! Bonnie