Great Balls of Fire and Local Cuisine - SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO

Our travels to Santa Fe landed us, non-threateningly, between two major forest fires outside of town.  While the destruction of vegetation was fast moving and certainly sad, it provided some pretty spectacular shots on our first day in town.

The shot on the left is actually the distance of the fire from town (shot from the hill behind the Santa Fe Opera, which sits outside of Santa Fe a short distance), and how it looked in the morning, that day.  This was the Pacheco Fire, in the Santa Fe National Forest - by mid day, they had had a "bit" of a flare-up, and we were met with this spectacular sight.

As a crowd gathered on the street, the smoke billowed and changed rapidly in front of us - devastating, yet haunting and fascinatingly beautiful at the same time - this was a natural caused fire.

By midday of our second day in town, we witnessed the start of a second fire...this one to the west of town, and what was to become the largest in NM history - The Las Conchas Fire burned more than 150,000 acres, threatening Los Alamos National Laboratory and the town of Los Alamos.

We were offered some pretty spectacular views of the fire from afar that evening, though they did not translate as well here (or perhaps it was the cause and effect of the amount of tequila consumed that evening) - if you look at the bottom of the smoke, you can see the red of the flames - horrifying again, but a pretty breathtaking light show.

With which, the mention of liquid libations, brings us to the local cuisine, and a few recommendations throughout the town.

The first lunch stop on any trip through town commences at this quaint little restaurant - "The French Pastry Shop and Creperie" at the La Fonda Hotel - 100 East San Francisco Street, (505) 983-6697.  Handmade pastries, tasty sandwiches, and the BEST French Onion Soup you'll ever hope to eat - bring cash, as checks and/or credit cards are not accepted - it's worth the hassle, believe me.

Tomasita's Santa Fe (situated next to the Santa Fe Train Depot), 500 S Guadalupe St., (505)-983-5721 - ALWAYS a sure bet for an outstanding meal, great margaritas (leading to blurry, nighttime fire photos), and fresh, hot sopapillas.  Reservations are not accepted, so get there early - the wait is well worth it.  Tomasita's sits next to the Santa Fe Train Station - while you're waiting, wander over and talk to Sam...I did!  A round-trip train ticket between Santa Fe and Albuquerque will cost you $8.00 per person, for a day trip.

And that, leads me to this...the creme de la creme...the best for last...our most favorite local Mexican fare in town.  A place that draws us back at least twice, before leaving town - the food is exquisite, and the Margaritas are as outstanding as the 100+ menu for them is varied and long - a friendly, charming atmosphere - win, win, WIN!

Maria's New Mexican Kitchen, 555 West Cordova Road, (505) 983-7929, Mon. – Fri. 11:00 am to 10:00 pm, Sat. – Sun. Noon to 10 pm - Maria's is home to over 100+ Margaritas from which to choose - yeah, pretty much THE MOTHERLODE OF AMERICAN MARGARITAS, as they've been called.  The owner has written "The Great Margarita Book" (Al Lucero, with a forward by Robert Redford who frequents the restaurant, at a special table, when in town).

This was the last night of our Maria's trips...a night where the delicious, but hot, Carne Adovada actually gave me a nose bleed...even as spicy as it was, it was mouthwatering!  We were feeling so good and laughing so hard, that I thought my nose was just running a bit.  I like my food spicy hot, and the margaritas potent - I got both.  I don't know who might have been worse off that evening after two ass-kicker "House Margaritas" (I actually got up and hugged the waiter - I believe I actually told him I loved him)...my dad and I in this goofy shot, or my Mom, who seemingly couldn't focus the camera!  If you eat no where else in town, don't miss this one!  Blue agave like you wouldn't believe!

2012 SW Travel Destinations - SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO

Come on in...what would a travelogue of the SW be without that requisite blue door?  By the way, the ability to enlarge photos here by clicking on them, has been restored to the original configuration - no black photo strip with smaller photos any longer. Click away, and click again - they will enlarge enough to not need magnifiers now!

Situated at 7,000 feet in the foothills of the southern Rocky Mountains, Santa Fe was founded between 1607 and 1610, making it the second oldest city as well as the highest (in elevation) and oldest capital in the U.S. Today, its unique offerings of art, culture and ancient traditions make it a world-class tourist destination, drawing more than 1 million visitors each year.

The city's full name when founded was "La Villa Real de la Santa Fé de San Francisco de Asís" ("The Royal Town of the Holy Faith of St. Francis of Assisi") – the shortened "Santa Fe" literally translates into “holy faith” in Spanish.

The City of Santa Fe was originally occupied by a number of Pueblo Indian villages with founding dates between 1050 to 1150.

The Santa Fe Plaza is a National Historic Landmark.  The city-square was originally, and is still to this day, the center gathering place in town - "the heart of Santa Fe." The landmark has since grown into a playground for many tourists interested in Spanish, Native American, and Mexican cultures, including music, design, jewelry, art and dance, and a grand place to rest your feet and soak it all in...

We actually watched a ribbon waving wedding procession, joyfully parading through the heart of The Plaza, this trip.

The Palace of the Governors is an adobe structure located on Palace Avenue on the Plaza. It served as the seat of government for the State of New Mexico for centuries. The Palace of the Governors is the oldest continuously occupied public building in the United States.

Since its establishment, the Museum at The Palace of the Governors has worked to protect, preserve and promote traditional Southwest Native American arts and crafts. Museum policy reserves the portal of the Palace of the Governors for the use of authorized participants in the Native American Vendors Program to display and sell wares they have made.

Music and opera are well represented in Santa Fe with the annual Santa Fe Opera productions, which take place between late June and late August each year. 

The city and the surrounding areas have a high concentration of artists. They have come, over the decades, to capture on canvas and in other media, the natural beauty of the landscape, the flora and the fauna. Santa Fe is home to world-class museums, as well as beautiful art galleries, many of which are located around the historic downtown Plaza, and up Canyon Road.

If you travel to Santa Fe, plan on a few days, at least...it's awful hard to take in all the splendor and charm this town has to offer in just one  day. Look up...look down - you never know where you'll find an interesting tidbit of history.

Next up, more Santa Fe to come (told you it couldn't be done in one day) - art galleries, restaurants and, it was a summer of horrific forest fires on the outskirts of town...Happy Monday!

"THE FAMILY JEWELS"...at an Etsy Shop Near You!

We interrupt this travelogue to bring you a quick update - because I've been asked.  "The Family Jewels" have finally found their way over to the Etsy shop (either link, herein, will magically take you there, much like Dorothy clicking those sparkly red heels together).  More new items should be arriving this weekend ~ as fast as my little fingers will fly.  Much thanks for the continued interest and support!

www.beadandneedle.etsy.com

2012 SW Travel Destinations - LAS VEGAS, NM

In a quandary as to what to call the large amount of vacation photos from last year, that I had promised myself I would put on here then (and having let a huge amount of time lapse between the trip and now), I had an epiphany and decided upon "2012 SW Travel Destination Suggestions" - for those of you with a hankerin' to visit some of the beautiful southwest this year..."see the USA, from your Chevrolet"...

Growing up in a family that took road trips each summer, it's still my most favorite way to travel (in fact, I hate flying).  I have parents that loved opening our eyes to other locales, and the history and grandeur that went along with it all - they still do. Dad was always one to pull over when we asked (probably for car sickness more than anything...yes, ME).  This, however, is one of those "Quick, take it!" shots out the window of the car, that come with age and pulling over one too many times for photo ops and throwing up.

A nest of hungry, noisy Barn Swallow babies, and their Mom, at a rest stop along the way...the only employees that we saw there that hot June day

And, we're here...the charming little town of Las Vegas, NM sits 65 miles (105 km) east of Santa Fe, NM on Interstate 25.  The railroad arrived in 1880 (well after the town was established), and set up shop one mile (1.6 km) east of the Plaza. Since the decline of the railroad began in the 1950s, the city's population has remained relatively constant - present day population is 13,689, give or take.

Las Vegas was established in 1835 after a group of settlers received a land grant from the Mexican government. The town was laid out in the traditional Spanish Colonial style, with a central plaza surrounded by buildings which could serve as fortifications in case of attack.

Las Vegas soon prospered as a stop on the Santa Fe Trail. During the Mexican-American War in 1846, Stephen W. Kearny delivered an address at the Plaza of Las Vegas claiming New Mexico for the United States.

During the railroad era Las Vegas boomed, quickly becoming one of the largest cities in the American southwest. Turn-of-the-century Las Vegas featured all the modern amenities, including an electric street railway, the "Duncan Opera House", a library, a major hotel, and the New Mexico Normal School (now New Mexico Highlands University).  The old architecture throughout the town is beautiful.

The Plaza Hotel, built in 1881, was the site of the first reunion of Teddy Roosevelt's Rough Riders in 1899.

The charming gazebo in the middle of the central plaza, is now surrounded by quaint local shops, galleries, and antique stores.  Patrick Swayze (1952–2009), an American actor, dancer and singer-songwriter, had his ranch in Las Vegas.  Scenic little Las Vegas has been a mecca for films, with most of the 2007 Coen brothers' No Country for Old Men being filmed there, as well as numerous other movies/tv shows.

Get out and see some of this great United States this year.  Take a chance on the little, more obscure spots - stop for lunch, if nothing else.  You might just find something very enchanting!  Next stop...Santa Fe.

A FLOWERY AFFAIR...

Any day spent among friends is pretty wonderful.  Throw in creating something you really love, and it turns into a delightfully PERFECT day - that was my Saturday, and a great way to start off the new year.

At Suzan's (OLD GREY MARE PRIMITIVES) Christmas PalooZa Gathering last month, talk turned to spring flowers, and coercing another dear friend into teaching a Ribbonwork class before the garage/studio is returned to it's original/boring state.

Dating back to the Victorian era, Ribbonwork was extremely popular in the 1920's...beautiful flowers created through the manipulation of ribbons, adorned hats, clothing, powder puffs, lingerie items, eye masks, garters,  etc.  Carole Sidlow, of THE RIBBON STORE here in Vegas, is so VERY well-versed in the craft, and always eager to introduce newcomers to the art form.  Carole deals in specialized ribbons (not your standard run-of-the-mill craft store variety)...beautiful silks; French wired; vintage and contemporary, alike; vintage laces.  If she doesn't carry it, she can usually get it, but I even shudder to think there might be something out there that she doesn't carry.  Carole lives in Ribbon PalooZa, which is the equal to the Christmas version that lives at Z's!

Our Carole, demonstrating large, beautiful silk pasties flowers...

Busy at work - there were actually a few moments, in between the laughter and chatter of friends, where you could hear a pin drop...those were the lip biting moments of concentration.  Each participant turned out five complete flowers, and two different leaves - a great jumping off point...and I know everyone was excited to go home and give it a try, on their own.

The technical art of measuring a yard of ribbon...

Sarah's masterful hands, tackling a delicate, yellow Love Knot...she was wearing the prettiest sweater...

More concentration - Margaret, engrossed in her ribbon.  Look at her speedy hands - almost too fast for my camera (actually this was the first day I pulled out the new camera - I'm gonna' love it, once I figure it all out...it made Margaret look like Speedracer)...

A little help from the master...

And a big smile at the end of a big class - what doesn't kill you makes you stronger...right, Carole?!

Our purple/orange girl (Steph's) flowers, packaged up at the end the afternoon...

A silk, couturier rose, complete with my own little "Love Knot" and multi colored puffy leaf.  The lighting in the garage casts a soft, yellow/white glow on everything - make sure you go back and check out the true colors of these ribbons on the first photo of this post, taken in natural light...rich and yummy!  Actually, I didn't want anyone to think there was something wrong with the color configuration on my new camera.  Tis' simply the anomoly that is the lighting at Z's...

And my own, complete stash - we're hoping for the start of the real flower season soon.  In the meantime, create a little color in your own winter world.  Thanks to Carole, for another fabulous class (there were already rumblings among us, for the second, more advanced version), and to Z, the "Hostess With the Mostest"...gracious and giving beyond your wildest imagination, that's our Suzan.  Know how comfortable people are with your open arms and beautiful home, Z - it's always the coziest, most creative, most wonderful day anyone could spend among friends!  

NEW YEAR WISHES, LOVE, AND THANKS...

Happy 2012...a little slow on the uptake, since the "Annual Christmas Cold" dragged me down, but feeling like my old self today.  Holidays spent among just the immediate family, though those in CO are always in my heart - it was a time of quiet reflection this year.  A few photos from the past week that I wanted to share and just never got around to, with the crud and all...

Great things came in small, beautifully detailed packages...

Beautiful, SPARKLY things came in those small packages - this being one of them.  If you haven't had the occasion, drop by MAYNARD GREENHOUSE - a breathtaking blog that you'll wonder how you've lived without.  Tell Carole I sent you...and that I absolutely adore my sparkly bauble!

Sweet things came in cellophane packages - Melanie (TOGETHER TIME PLAYGROUPS), and her daughter, Mackenzie (home from the Air Force Academy), dropped by with this tray of chocolate mousse/cream cheese cupcakes...atop at least a thousand actual peppermint candies that had been unwrapped and melted together to form an edible serving tray.  Melanie teaches preschoolers, and never ceases to amaze with her creative energy.  Have a little one at home, in Vegas?  Check out her blog for photos and contact information of her fabulous Mommy and Me classes.  Thanks, M & M...I shall have to blame at least 10 of these extra lbs. on you!  That's my story, and I'm sticking to it.

Gorgeous enameled things came in small packages, and were much loved.  The talented group of jewelry gals held their annual Christmas exchange at the beginning of last month, and I received this beautiful set from Colleen.  She told us she LOVES this new-found passion - it certainly shows!

Cutting edge things came in small packages...a scissors charm from my dear friend, Jackie.  Plus, she gives me the special gift of Bobby Flay each year - what a gal...what a guy!

More sparkly things came in small packages, for the tree - and hung next to the blown glass wart hog...

Endearing, golden things came in small packages, and ended up IN the tree...

Love birds on the back of this small, antique framed tintype...a gift from my beloved parents...

Coveted things came in small AND large packages...four beautiful, treasured Bakelite bangles from my folks; the beautiful antique, cream bracelet from my sweet girl; and the coolest, large, three-tiered cast iron, graduated basket stand from "Z".  Power tools of my very own; a new camera case; an afternoon romp with Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law; it all made for a wonderful Christmas (not to mention a beautiful Christmas Eve performance of The Nutcracker Ballet, with my daughter...even if they did kill off Mother Ginger.  Seriously - who takes the iconic Mother Ginger out of The Nutcracker?!)

Shiny, fresh-faced, festive things came in kid packages (the beautiful, full length shot of the sequined skirt wouldn't downsize for me, no matter what I tried tonight, so this is the shot.  My friend, Susan, sent a couple of STUNNING photos of my daughter, that she had taken this summer, and developed herself, but will save those for another post)...BEST Christmas presents, ever (oh, they have their moments)...

To my family (you know who you are) and friends (near and far - in person, and those that live in my computer), I love you all, more than you can possibly know (OK, maybe some more than others, but I do love you, just the same)!  Many thanks for the holiday well wishes and beautiful goodies...more than the material things, the love you all radiated means so, SO much.  No New Years resolutions - just the hope to be a better person; to keep up with the blog on a more timely basis now that I'm feeling better; and a wish for a FABULOUS New Year, to you and yours - XOXO