Taken Out of Context

I was raised in the south so I've always had a love for snow. In 2003 it snowed in the mountains of Bulgaria where I was for an artist residency. I've seen snow in all the expected places, Colorado, New York, etc. This past Christmas saw me floundering in 3 feet of the fluffy stuff in Santa Fe, NM. All this in the context of winter, when you expect it.

But when it snows in Dallas Easter weekend after I have planted my spring annuals, it's just too much! I'm not taking any chances with freezing temperatures, I've already seen the snow with my own eyes, and covered my flower beds with nice patterned sheets - I'm sure the neighbors are loving that!

Peace and Plenty

view from the balcony

At the end of a productive painting day, I attended a Buddhist prayer ceremony for the spirit of my friend Anne. It was the most peaceful experience, and a satisfying end to a great day. I made new friends, and apparently everyone around here needs a housesitter!

When I drove up the mesa the full moon illuminated the pinon forest, and I could clearly see the mountains in the distance. White puffy clouds moved silently across the sky. I checked the temp before bed, it was 22.

I tried yet another sleeping arrangement for me and the dogs (who have been driving me crazy running in and out of the doggie door all night). I locked them in the bedroom with me, and got a deep night's sleep.

What a surprise to see a sparkling layer of snow covering the landscape this morning! It's still only 28 degrees, at noon.Feedback from my client on my new work is mixed. I disagree a bit, and I'm still painting out this creative surge. I am calling this the "Generations" series.

Great Start

January 1 found me snowed in, so it was the 2nd before we could make our way to Ojo Caliente to soak in the outdoor hot mineral springs. Each pool has a different mineral composition. The one above is the arsenic pool, and it was 102 degrees yesterday.

The drive up there from Pecos takes an hour and a half. That was a good thing, because the snow covered landscape was spectacular. Coming home we stopped at a casino, ate dinner at the buffet, and came out with $1 more than we went in with. Blackjack success!

Walking out of the casino we were faced with a huge full moon, at twilight. I gathered my camera, set up a beanbag on the car door window, and snapped a few frames with my new cable release. I didn't have much time before the light would leave.


Today we are packing up and getting the heck out of Pecos before the next snowstorm hits. I didn't do any of the things I usually do in this area, didn't even visit friends. Too much snow and ice to get around. We are heading south to Carlsbad, and from there to Big Bend - which should have perfect weather this time of year.