Catch Up

Without internet at my apartment I'm not around here much, but will be more soon.  Spending a lot  (time/money) to get this tiny apartment cozy.  So being tiny it doesn't take much.

Living in Santa Fe is sensory overload.  Where I was before was the fringe of the city and about the only noise were coyotes.  Now it's the bar at 2AM downstairs.  But you adapt and I'm starting to sleep through it.

The wall are about 18 inches thick so it is real quiet inside...except for the music.  Then walk downstairs and you are in a Party of Tourists.  Disorienting.

Went to Feast Day at Santa Domingo Pueblo.  I'll write later about that.
http://www.santodomingotribe.com/feastday-3/

777

777

Moving in took all my extra cash and saving, Then there was having to set up a whole new kitchen as cheap as Walmart will allow. PayDay was in four days and to have milk for my coffee for the rest of the week I had to drain the last ten dollars out of my savings leaving a buck and change. It seems when I make a drastic change like this I go to the edge as I'm leaving the "old". A symbolic emptying.

It was my day off today and really the first I've had since I've moved in that I didn't have something urgent to do. Before I had my coffee I got a call from Guitar Girl wanting to come over to see my new place. She's my RoadTrip partner. This was the first we had seen eachother for a few months. What a Fab Day. The first Cocktail Party! And before Noon. :-) We took a break to put change in her meter and stroll around town, showing me good spots. She's lived here for years

We walked past Seret's with their magnificent collection of wooden doors. One was especially fine with carving and paint with a Shiva. I want that door. We said a prayer in front of it. When two or . more are gathered in My Name... We imagined what was waiting for us behing that door.
http://store.serets.com/

GG had to leave when the parking meter ran out. You do not want to blow off the meter in Santa Fe. Even JayWalking I hear is a $300 fine. We hugged and made plans for the future.

The weather was too perfect to stay in so I got some bird seed and walked to the Plaza. I throw out seed in the morning to the flat roof top out my window and drink coffee while I watch the sun come up. There are pigeons at the square. Little kid's were chasing them so I gently poured seed in their hands to feed the birds and walked off. I want to be the Zorro of the Birds Seed.

Later Ms KLee is coming to listen to music on the Plaza. There is music a couple times a night at the bandshell. What an interesting gathering of people like out of a 40's movie. Perfect evening sunlight with all these people from all over dancing to the tunes while their children run with delight as they watch and listen.

Good Bye's at the Bell Tower

Got together with the Roommates for one last Goodbye. Rose is off to the Blind Center in Salt Lake City where she used to live. She gets around but is running out of time. They taught her brail there before and she's going back to brush up. I think about that when I ponder all the drawings I don't get around to. What if I waited till I couldn't? Desi is moving in with a friend of mine who has dogs. Joey, her basset will have friends.

I've been with these Navajo Girls and Joey for three years learning to balance our cultures.  The break up was more traumatic than we expected, so the afternoon at the Bell Tower Bar at the top of the La Fonda Hotel was especially sweet. We had bar food and cokes with a to die for view to the distant mountains over the rooftops of Santa Fe. I'm going back for a sunset.

http://www.lafondasantafe.com/dining-and-entertainment/bell-tower-bar/

Flipping the Universe

I'll have been in this MicroApartment Downtown Santa Fe three weeks this Saturday. Things are just now sort of getting into a Groove after having had to take in so much. At the same time we've gotten a new Boss at work and The "Brake-Up" with the Navajo Gurls from the other side of town. The South Side across from the Rodeo Grounds. There is a White Bull at the entrance. Do I have to tell you how seriously symbolic a white bull is? :) And the only night time noise were the coyotes howling an occasion fire truck as the station was down the way. Now I plan my sleeping schedule is
around the Rock and Roll at the corner bar.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g60958-d606190-i22247879-Evangelo_s-Santa_Fe_New_Mexico.html
 Which seems to be neutralized by by the constant hum of the industrial AC fans on the roof. My View is an ancient brick wall, AC Fans and an incredible clear blue sky with big puffy clouds. It's such a perfect sky that even the Chemtrails didnt' seem to stick. And the Fans are ALL the time.

Part of this experiment is to have no TV and no Net by default. Even though there are coffee houses on either side they are a smidge out of reach for me to hijack their Internet connection. Which is actually a good thing as I was getting sort of addicted, My only noise distraction is the fan and the evening Rock. I love to cook and I'm missing the music playing background. The Idea is to reduce the "chatter" and see what flows out of the mind. Stream of Consciousness. No expectations, but what can be experienced in a Year? What Ideas can I come up with? Raising kids by myself I could not serve two masters, though I stupidly tried at first. My three kids all became artists in their own way so this sabatical to Santa Fe is just an experiment to see what sort of "soup" I can make in a year. Then settle down closer to my kids near Durango. A Win-Win situation. Time to settle down and raise chickens. My needs are simple. LOL. I want to saturate myself with the art and then go find an out of the way studio in the mountains to see what results. Come down from the Mountain and babysit the grandkids so their folks can go on a date. I remember. I might have still been with their dad if we had dated more. Now too much time has past.

And it is not easy to be this quiet after there has been a lifetime of constant chatter. Up until I was ten lets say. I feel I was blessed to be around before there was constant, instant communication. I hung out at my Grandparents farm down the road from Lake Michigan and an hour east of Chicago. I would roam the woods all day in complete quiet. They got TV when I was about five but there was only boxing and the news for a couple hours a day. .

If I was in college, this would be Independant Work/Study. This is my routine. Have coffee. Feed the birds. Go to galleries and come back and make something. Or write this Diary. Cook. Read. Hike around town taking photos. Listen to Rock while I fall asleep. Sprinkle in about 20 hours aweek at the art supply store. I have very little Stuff and no bills so I can live pretty slim and still be lush.

My Backyard

Hanging Out in Santa Fe

Wife Swap

One of the TV shows I'll watch is "Wife Swap" where a wife trades places with another family across country that is way different from themselves.  So I was not disappointed when I answered Rose and Desi's Craigslist add for a roommate.  Rose is my age and Desi's Auntie.  A week before I moved in Rose's Sister/Desi's Mom had died.  That wasn't in the ad.  I'd  been having dreams of this family so I knew I needed to be here.  Now I'm leaving after three years.

Rose and her sister had been illegally adopted by 50 year old Mormon's from their Navajo mother so she rides a bi-cultural fence.  Things like that were done then on the Reservations.  Her story is in the book she wrote.  We talked often about how her life would have been different if she hadn't been adopted where she would have been raised in a Hogan without water.  In this life she lived the society life in Washington, DC.  So what makes a Real Person?  There are parts of Rose that are Navajo even though she wasn't raised there.  When I visualize the Rose I know and the Rose who would have stayed there would be a great difference.  

It's been a very interesting stay being a guest in their home and it's been like having my files rebooted.  At the end of "Wife Swap" they always hug and then it shows how their lives changed a few weeks later.  My life changed a lot.  A small example is how a big part of my identity had been  as a cook and I've only had a small portion of kitchen space for 5 years.  This is a silly example when there have been some kick-ass examples of how my Slate has been wiped clean.

So this is also part of the Experiment.  What is true Identity? 
What is even True? 

I know that I am a different person.  Before I came to live with Rose I was not a true person.   I think that the split in my face from the Bells Palsy was a symptom of that split.  Rose gave me the space to clean out the closets.  Time to sew a new wardrobe.

Experiment

While sitting in the sun with my coffee I was thinking about Why this is an experiment.  On several levels cause I do things Just Because.
I don't plan to put deep roots here, and after a year will move closer to my family up north.   In the mean time I put myself in the middle of some great art.  One Friday night a month is the art crawl going from gallery to gallery to see the latest artist.  I've given myself a year to just hang out and see what I can create.  There are just some questions you have to ask yourself.  Is there anything I would regret not doing?  And this is it for me.  What sort of art would I do if I hung out in this place?
Working for an art store I've gathered the supplies that I need.  I want to explore that creative process.

The other aspect of this is allowing synchronicity.  That stuff is building up and I want to see how far I can ride this out.  What kind of bridle do I need to point this Energy in the direction I want to go?
And it's about silly stuff.  I had someone ask for a particular box of tea candles which I had no clue about and no time to check it out or help and I felt bad.  Then ALL afternoon people were bringing up boxes of the candles I needed.  A silly amount.  And that is just a silly example.
So part of the Experiment is too see how far I can allow Magic in my life.

And the third part is this Cocktail Party idea.  I always liked that party game where you choose who you would want to spend a dinner party with.  Any one from history.  We can't do that but there are plenty of cool people here.

Movin' On Down the Road

I'm sitting with my coffee watching the sun come up.  The weather is luscious.  I have to get going in a bit to pick up my key for the new apartment and then be moved in a week from now.  Everything is packed.  This Experiment is supposed to be Transient so I didn't gather a lot of stuff.  A big chunk are plants and art supplies.  My Pine is as tall as me.  I got it for Christmas when I first came here and just let it keep growing. 

This move will be radical and it's put me in a weird state.  With everything packed I'm not "here" anymore but not "there" either.  LOL    It's also the first time in my life I am not "beholden" to anyone.  Life is good.  Everyone is fine and Mom can do what she wants.  LOL  I don't know how much I hold astrology, but everyone in my family is a Leo and a Taurus leader.  I'm a Fish.  I didn't stand a chance.  Everyone has an opinion on my life and for the peace of the family I have always tried to balance their wishes. 
That no longer holds with this move.  This shifts the Rules.

And because I see living downtown more as an Experiment for a year and it's more of a studio than a home, things can be playful.  And a lot of people are looking forward to the Cocktail Parties.  There are going to be some great chats.  I love doing catering so making snacks for gathering is my idea of bliss.  Everyone in my family cooks.  Food is love.  I grew up on my Grandparents farm that was surrounded by an orchard.  Getting groceries for dinner meant walking down the path to the garden.  I think that's why I'm pretty healthy and I worry for the kids being raised on fast food.

Well, Here Comes the Sun.  I'm going to sit out with my coffee and Greet the Day

Normal

Phil Collins - Take me home live

Mojito Popsicles

The recipe and a cool site for Indian Food

http://www.thetiffinbox.ca/2012/09/mojito-popsicles-and-poptails.html

 

It seems like this Diary has an alcoholic theme to it, but I'm really a pretty infrequent drinker.  It's more a metaphor for slanted view of reality.

Everyone is excited about the Cocktail Parties tho.  Charlie Rose with food. 

Three More Weeks Till I Move

....and I'm a bit edgy.  Things are boxed and I can't find stuff.  It's times like these that I realize how OCD I can become and my little morning rituals are being disturbed.
The Household is breaking up. 
Three years ago I answered a Craigslist ad for a room to rent on a whim to go to Santa Fe.  I'm  always impulsive with my tax refund.  And I moved in with Rose and Desi. Going back in my Dream Journal I was a bit freaked when I realized I had been dreaming of them for the past two years.  Even of Joey the Bassett.   And before we all moved to Santa Fe we were living a few blocks from each other in Vancouver, Washington at the same time. 
The Girls are Navajo, an aunt and niece.  They hadn't been there very long and the house was spacious.  It's been a very peaceful place to put oneself together.  Literally.  Bell's Palsey is an interesting condition to have.  To wake up and not recognize your face was shocking.  What a psychological drama.  My identity had been wiped out which then put me in a financial spiral.
You could not pay for that kind of "Rebooting".  I hate to sound like a Hippie, but it has been a Trippy Ride. 
And three years later I'm having Cocktail Parties downtown Santa Fe.  I haven't caught up with myself yet so that is why I'm edgy.  I don't see it as having a home but as an experiment.  Next year I'll move back to Durango to be closer to my  kids. 
One of the videos on micro-living was talking about how it forces you to be out more and get more done and meet more people.  You can only stay in a small box for only so long.  So it's an experiment to see how life will unfold with this unusual chance to be there.
And I really do need to be less reclusive.

Where I'm at now is at the edge of town in a well manicured enclosed neighborhood surrounded by a "wilderness" belt that I walk a half hour to get to my bus stop...while keeping an  eye out for the coyote.  He posed while I photographed him, but I still don't trust him. 
 Last week a bobcat slowly strolled down the street.  It's rumored that small dogs are missing.  On the whole a very quiet place.  When I move there will be about a half dozen bars within a block and constant tourist traffic.  We'll see if I can fulfill my lease?  LOL  But no worries, I have several people who are waiting in line for when I move out.
Here is a link to the book Rose wrote about her life.  If you live in this country you should know this story.
http://www.bluewaterpublications.com/findhln/

Oprah is HeartBroken

I know why the caged bird sings, ah me,
When his wing is bruised and his bosom sore,
When he beats his bars and would be free;
It is not a carol of joy or glee,
But a prayer that he sends from his heart's deep core,
But a plea, that upward to Heaven he flings –
I know why the caged bird sings

Memorial Day

Spending Memorial Day listening to Classic Rock out of NYC and packing.  A little drinking.  For some reason this move is stressing me out.
http://www.iheart.com/live/Q1043-1465/?autoplay=true

Micro Living

This move is an experiment in Micro Living.  The Apartment is postage size with a decent kitchen which will mainly be used as a Studio.  And of course, the Cocktail Parties.  There has been an enthusiastic response to the Invitation.  How to squeezes a bunch of people into a phonebooth comfortably?  I'm also claustrophobic so there has been a slight knot in my stomach at the thought of being in such a small space.  One of the videos from the link below is about the psychological coping of micro space.  My Experiment is to interact with this World City and just see what pops up.  When I can't take the small space I'll go sit in the Plaza I guess.  There are always street musicians and interesting Tourists.  And I'm doing this on a modest budget.  The Rules of the Experiment are that what is needed with present it'self with the least amount of effort.  Ill be living in a microspace downtown Santa Fe on Social Security and a part time job.  The practical side of this is that I'm thinking I'd like to get an RV in a year and travel awhile.  I've got kids from one end of the state to the other and it's a juggle to see everyone.  I have Gypsy Blood so the idea of being mobile stirs my DNA.  LOL

http://bethnmscoolstuff.blogspot.com/2014/05/micro-living.html

Guardian Angel

by Banksy

Mission Statement

Living Downtown Santa Fe is going to be pretty Trippy.  It's not a place I intend to stay long.  It's like living in the Enchanted Castle at Disney Land.  But what a Cool Place to hang out for awhile and meet people from all over the World on the Plaza.
I came for the Art and now it's going to be in my backyard.  I want to spend some time just fooling around with all this art supply I've gathered. 
We're going to have a lot of Cocktail Parties.  Many of the Ladies that run the shops and galleries are coming along with some interesting people I've met.  I'm thinking about starting a tradition of having Cocktails after work on Fridays then go on to the Gallery Opening that run through the summer on that night.
The place is just incredibly beautiful and because of the Tourist Trade many exotic things are offered.
One of the shops below me sells about 20 different olive oils and flavored Balsamic Vinegar.  Which we'll need for the Cocktail Parties. 
Turn a corner and I get my spices at The Savory where I can get Black Chocolate.  I have a recipe for Coffee Brownies.  Yum.
All winter I've been working on my cookbook "Soul Food".  I'm blown away by the technology of having all that info online, then pulling out a Tablet and access it.  It used to be I'd haul ten cookbooks with me each time I moved. And I am surrounded by high end grocery stores with exotic food.  There is no ingredient for any recipe I can't find.  For me, that's Nirvana.  LOL 
And I need food for the Cocktail Parties.
http://beth-soulfood.blogspot.com/

Coming to the Plaza early morning with your coffee has got to be one of the most Blissful Things to do.  The air at that time in the mountains is sweet and the energy of a spot that holds so much history is worthy of the Beautiful Cathedral down the street.  Now I'll be a block away.  I could sneak down in my pajamas and probably not get caught.  Then as the day turns people from all over the world stroll in and it's easy to start up conversations.  Tourists are always looking for direction or want to tell you about their Vacation.  Many interesting stories.

And I want to share those stories.

Another reason for writing is to document The Altered Reality that is ShapeShifting around here.  More than just me is picking up the Vibe.  I'm having a lot of synchronicity and I try to figure out why and where it's leading.  A lot of good stories .  I just have to decide what I want to share.
I continue reluctantly.  This is "Forever" once I send it "OutThere".  So I want to be "wise". :-)
I swear I was burnt at the Stake in a Past Life for running my mouth off.

But there are some odd and pleasant things happening.  Santa Fe is sort of the Eye of the Storm for that stuff.  You can't throw a stone without hitting a Psychic.  Some people believe that Ancient Technology lies below the Parking Garage and is sending out Cosmic Juice thru the Obelisk in the center of the Plaza.  At this point I would not doubt it.  And the air is thin.
And keeping a Diary will help my kids in case I vanish in thin air.  Snap!  LOL

In an Essay a couple back on "A Year of Living in Santa Fe" are pictures of my future neighborhood. taken over 5 years ago.  The opportunity for the apartment was just by Chance.  I got to be good friends with the manager who I met on the bus.  It is just happenstance  that things are aligning for me to move in.
More and more things are Happenstance.  It's a bit freaky sometimes, but becoming increasingly more fun. :-)

Living in Disneyland

I'm moving Downtown Santa Fe for a year and I thought this would be a good time to start writing again.  There should be some good stories.  :-)

Stay Tuned....