Santa Fe Splendor

I've finally returned from what seems like a month long trip..... since my show mid month I feel like I haven't stopped.... I driven more than I care to, shopped more than I should have and missed working in the shop more than I thought.  Many miles and $$$ passed through my recent trip to Santa Fe.  My friend Anna joined me the last five days of the trip and showing a newcomer all the Splendor of the "Land of Enchantment" was fun - she was thoroughly Cultured and SantaFied and had sticker shock more times than she cares to recall, especially buying gorgeous textiles at Serets and Sons - a must see if you go.

Anna purchased the prize of the day - a stunning Suzani bedspread !!!  I did drool on it a bit however.

Then we were off to the wonderful churches that are a stones throw from each other - each so different from the next. 

THE CATHEDRAL BASILICA

OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI

The Loreto Chapel

The stairway's carpenter, whoever he was, built a magnificent structure. The staircase has two 360 degree turns and has no visible means of support. Also, it is said that the staircase was built without nails—only wooden pegs. Questions also surround the number of stair risers compared to the height of the choir loft and about the types of wood and other materials used in the stairway's construction. The design was innovative for the time and some of the design considerations still perplex experts today.

A budding tree with hundreds of rosaries hanging from it.

A huge bronze leaf as tall as me.  Barry... this one's for you!!

On to the Plaza for YES... more shopping

El Santuario de Chimayo

We drove up to Chimayo to see my favorite of all churches and collect some dirt from the blessed hole in the chapel called  "el pocito," which means the little well, a small pit of holy adobe-colored dirt that some say possesses the power to cure. Just one touch, say those who believe, and cancer might go into remission, an injured knee might heal, and leukemia might be held off long enough to witness a child's birth. Along the wall hang crutches that are no longer needed, material proof from those who say they've been helped.   I bought a beautiful 3ft tall St. Francis wooden sculpture that I've always wanted - forgetting we were driving a Prius. We did manage to shove one more thing in it.

Lunch at the beautiful "Rancho de Chimayo".... sipping prickly pear lemonade.

 and one last stop to see the beautiful sculpture of "Our Lady of Guadalupe" 

I guess it's always a religious experience in "The Land of Enchantment" and I'm not even religious.  You'll always leave lighter of your cash but richer for the experience!

I'll be back to the grind on Monday finishing up on some commissions from the last show and I do hope to catch up with all of you soon.  I know you've all been busy!