Back in New Mexico - in my mind

The mill at Pendaries

When we go to Pendaries I especially

enjoy this part of the valley.

I am very partial to vistas and

do not enjoy being in a cabin 

surrounded by the forest.

Of course my house in Bastrop

is (or rather was) surrounded 

by a forest of Lob Lolly Pines.

The recent forest fire took care of 

the lushness of the pine trees and 

the green undergrowth.

It will be very interesting to see what the

area will look like in one, two, three years

from now.

I suppose we will have a totally

different Eco-system in time.

Lovely light just after the sun

began to rise above the mountains.

This is a favorite house at Pendaries.

It is right on the golf course at

the entrance to the neighborhood.

The view from the house is of the valley

pictured in the photos above it.

They can see the horses wandering

through the fields.

Early morning gathering.

I would enjoy this view from my window.

Abandoned America ~ New Mexico

Mill in valley at Pendaries.

 

Amongst the beautiful scenery of New Mexico

one finds many examples of abandonment.

Perhaps because it is New Mexico

much of these sights add to the charm

of this beautiful land.

The sky in this photo is glorious.

 Tess at Life at Willow Manor began a series of 

photographs entitled "Abandoned America".

In my travels across the country I come across many 

abandoned buildings, homes, and even towns.

I decided to follow Tess' lead in photographing

and sharing some of these sights.

Adobe building.

 These photographs are from the drive from Rociada to Mora, N.M.

Most of these need no explanation.

They are just abandoned structures that were 

sheds or homes or barns in a previous life.

One wonders what happened.

Did the people move on or die?

Did the structure outlive it's usefulness?

Travels are over...

Collapsing.

Remains of an adobe structure.

Barn

El Sanctuario de Chimayo

Just south of Taos is the small community of Chimayo at the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. El Santaurio de Chimayo is located there and dates back to the 17th century. It was established by some of the first Spaniards in what is now New Mexico. Chimayo is about 30 miles north of Sante Fe. It is a few miles east of Espanola.

We took the scenic High Road from Taos to Espanola and arrived at Chimayo. I have heard of this community, but did not know much about it. The two chapels there are lovely, but the taking of photographs is not allowed inside either chapel.

There are little chapel gift shops located beside each chapel along with the Vigil Store and Peregrino Cafe which sell postcards, religious symbols, candles, and art made by local artisans. It is a quiet place and even though most people are tourists it does not feel touristy.

The links provided above give a history and photography of the chapels. Chimayo is quite an interesting place to visit. Chimayo is perhaps best known for its weavers and examples of the Chimayo Weavers can be seen at the link provided. Above there are also links to the community of Chimayo and to El Santuario.

This was another unexpected find as the G-man and I traveled along the High Road: Scenic Drive from Taos to Espanola.

Entrada

Vintage

Peregrino Cafe
Chili Shop, Gallery, Cafe

Santo Nino Chapel

Hearts above the tower

The Vigil Store

Display of artisan work outside store

Just outside store - relics

El Santuario de Chimayo
Entrance

El Santuario

Santuario Garden Wall

Candles

Pilgrim Statue Welcomes All to Visit

Cool, refreshing river runs throughout the Santuario

More Photographs of the Southwest

Color and light are what I think of when I take photos in New Mexico. The brilliant blue sky, the intense color and contrasts of the buildings, the lovely shadows at day's end.

Using the tools on iPhoto or PhotoShop helps me manipulate and enhance color. It's a lot easier than the days of using a dark room. Somehow it feels like cheating, but technology has a way of making a photographer out of many of us.


Oh yes, what a pleasant and rewarding ___, what? I hate to use the term hobby, but it certainly isn't an occupation for me. Maybe it is therapy. Whatever it is it stimulates me, makes me look more carefully at my surroundings, and is very rewarding.

Entrance to a home in the historic Mesilla area
of Las Cruces, New Mexico

Some of these photos I plan to print and perhaps hang somewhere in our house. I'll probably switch out some of the other photos I have hanging. Funny, most people put up lots of family photos, but I tend to hang photos of interesting places, birds, or objects I have photographed.

Building in Old Town Tuscon, Arizona

Perhaps one day I'll try portrait photography. It will be challenging to situate a subject in an interesting setting and not just take a snapshot of a person. Another day I shall post the few shots of people that could be considered "portraits", but for now let's look at the southwest U. S.

Flowers near the Square in Taos

Above & below are photos of the patio of
Orlando's New Mexican Cafe in Taos. Very cheery & excellent food.

Salman Ranch Store Window, Las Cuevas, New Mexico

Along the street in Taos

Back door & seating area at a gallery in Taos