I had a short time in Taos in December but the cold forced me home sooner than I had planned. Just the same I set up to paint a bit in this sweet little condo on Kit Carson.
For some of us a visit to Taos is a pleasant vacation with
new foods, new sights, lots of music and perhaps skiing. For a number of my
artist friends it is an opportunity to paint the beautiful high desert scenery.
The light in that high clear air is exceptional
and has been celebrated by artists for over one hundred years.
For some however, it is a deeper more meaningful time, a
recognition of something like coming home to a place we have never been but
have always belonged. The locals
understand this, and say the mountain claims some of us and as surely rejects others. I am one who has fallen under the spell of
the Mountain. The land at the base Taos Mountain resonates for me like no other
place ever has. Several cultures have come together there and formed an amazing
community. I find so much in Taos to
admire and support in any small way I can.
Healing so many of
the world’s ills could start from this place.
Foremost perhaps is respect for the earth itself. The pueblo people understand their existence here
is drawn from Mother Earth and conservation and reuse of her resources should underpin
all endeavors. Water really is life, and
Water must be wisely used and protected. A large effort is made to have food locally
grown and consumed. Picuris pueblo has
made the transition to solar electricity, Kit Carson Electric in Taos is
committed to total solar by 2022. Many homes
in the area around Taos offer innovative solutions to living off the grid.
Life is founded literally from the ground up. The adobe
architectural style dates back over 1200 years, rising from the earth itself in
response to the needs of the people.
Along with respect for the earth is respect for the diverse
people of Taos, with acceptance for all who want to live in harmony. Art and music and literature flourish here. Time itself seems to be measured differently. Local people say it is a hard place to live
but they want to be here and no other place.
There is appalling poverty here as well as well as the charming lifestyle
visible on the surface. As I listen to
recordings by Russell Means and other American Indian activists, I understand a
fraction more of the abuse heaped on our indigenous peoples.
Nothing I have said here touches on the profound spiritual
impact I have experienced in Taos. For
that you must go and see for yourself. I have a Christian friend who says there
is Fact and there is Faith and there is Mystery beyond our understanding.
I have chosen to give to Taos Feeds Taos and Heart of Taos.
I invite others to consider joining me in this. e
Forgive this duplicate Post, so many friends read the blog and not my FB page. Wishing all of you a sweet Christmas. My sweetheart has been gone 5 years this month, but still feels very close for me. e