Taos Pueblo

I visited the pueblo in town today. It's one of the oldest inhabited Native American pueblos in the country. It was interesting to see, but also left me with a strange feeling. The buildings are simple, made of adobe - earth, water, and straw. There are dogs running around everywhere, though you're not supposed to pet them. Nearly every building has a shop inside selling pottery, jewelry, or food. There were a lot of tourists milling about and I just couldn't help but feel that it was somehow a cheapening of something really cool. Again, worth seeing but not necessarily an uplifting experience.

Herbs and more herbs

As promised, here are some pics of the many herbs lining the walls at the acupuncturist's office. It's a little overwhelming, really, to think about knowing which one does what. Apparently they can be quite effective, although I am a bit skeptical. Perhaps I'm just not in the right mind-frame, however.


On a side note to anyone following this blog... anyone who knows me will be shocked to learn that I have given up caffeine (!). For as long as I can remember I have been a coffee lover... addict, really. I've taken to drinking herbal tea now, which I find just as enjoyable, and perhaps better for my health. But this is not to say that I won't go back someday. ;)

A common occurrence

I've heard that New Mexico has 300 days of sunshine a year. Even in the winter I guess it's sunny during the day and snows at night. At this time of year the trend appears to be sun most of the day and an afternoon shower. Perfect for gardening. After these showers, the sun usually reappears, leading of course to a rainbow. I saw one last week and didn't have my camera, but Mother Nature did not disappoint and sure enough, yesterday there was another... and another. Rainbows are pretty amazing. There were a few other people pulled off to the side of the road snapping photos, but it looks like the cows around here are pretty used to them.

The Rio Grande

Well, there's just no denying that this is one of the most beautiful areas in the country. Yesterday we hiked down to the Rio Grande and some natural hot springs. It was hot, but luckily I put enough sunscreen on... all it takes is one good burn to learn your lesson! Here is a view on the way down:




A cricket that was kind enough to let me photograph him (her?)


After the hike, we drove to a bridge that crosses the river. In the parking area are several vendors selling everything from jewelry to emu oil. (Who knew you could get oil from an emu?!) This bus is solar-powered and offers smoothies and shakes. And I thought Berkeley had a big hippie influence...

Backyard

So here's what my backyard currently looks like:


I'm living in a valley and a short hike up the road gives this view. Not bad, hey? Along the path are all sorts of flowers I've never seen before. There are also a lot of ants. Here's a pic of a flower bud, some sort of sunflower, and if you look closely you can see the ant hanging off the bottom of it. There were actually way more around back, but I didn't linger too long as I needed to make sure I was back in time to get to my first ever acupuncture treatment, which was amazing. Pics of the jars and jars of herbs on her wall to come...

Welcome Back to Taos!

I got a very kind email with the above message from a photographer out here who I am looking forward to meeting. Welcome back, indeed. There is something truly magical about this place. Everywhere you turn there are beautiful views, mountains in nearly every direction, it seems.


Yesterday included an almost two-hour yoga class (!), errands around town, and a trip up to Taos Ski Valley, which is unbelievably steep. The town of Taos is at 7,000 feet above sea level, and the mountain ranges from 9,200 to 12,000. Whoa!

Gram's garden

I stopped by to visit Gram today, who has three acres of amazing garden to tend to. She has some help, of course, but she is truly inspiring. She is so with it, in every sense of the word - definitely the hippest grandmother around.


Gram has, literally, thousands of day lilies.


A beautiful specimen of iris.


Travis, the gardening companion.