MOVING DAY

Well, I've been putting off this moment. I guess it makes it official...I am moving my blog to another site. My friend Catherine, also a computer wiz, offered to help me set myself up on another system, one that allows for more layers, more depth, that I THINK I want. So far, I'm a bit frustrated, but once settled in Mazatlan, I will put my efforts into it and see what I can produce. So, please visit: http://dyeme.com

Who knows? I may end up returning here, but I'll give it my best shot.

Tonight is Halloween and we are tucked away in our Best Western room in a border town near Eagle Pass, Texas. Tomorrow we cross to our welcoming winter home of Mexico. More later!

FARMERS' MARKET DAY

Our travels have taken us through areas of the beautiful Southwest that are new to us: Zion, Bryce, Flagstaff, Sedona, Prescott, and Santa Fe. On arriving at this last stop, it became apparent that it was worthy of a much longer visit to really explore all of the art and energy and creativity that was so apparent. I scoured the visitors' guide for ideas on what to experience, and I realized that our Friday/Saturday visit coincided with the local Farmer's Market, and I knew I couldn't  miss it!  Organic meat, vegies, artisan cheese, breads, apples, flowers, herbal products and more.  It was a huge display and wonderfully supported by locals and tourists (like us!). I was happy to see worm colonies for composting available, and of course was looking for any new sewing ideas I might pick up and borrow (there were one or two!). We purchased fresh bread, some garlic/caper goat cheese, a jar of pepper jelly, and a few apples for our picnic lunch along the Rio Grande Gorge near Taos.  It was fantastic! Santa Fe, we'll be back!

MOTHER NATURE AT HER FINEST

Our journey south to Mazatlan has taken on a new look this year.
No more drive till we die, blast through the miles, or end our days cranky, sore and tired. We have turned over a new leaf...it's called  the NO-SCHEDULE road trip!  After wonderful visits with friends and family along I-5, we then ventured east to new territory for us, namely the amazing parklands of southern Utah - Cathedral Gorge, Red Rock, Cedar Break, Bryce Canyon and Zion! We are loving it and are in awe and breathless wonder over the colors, textures and formations that meet us at every glance.  Add in the brilliant fall colors and today's first dusting of snow, and it truly is Mother Nature at her finest. 
                                                                                   
Of course I'm wondering how I'll put some of this imagery into my work. It's that amazing combination of vertical and horizontal in the rock formations that I think about capturing.  And those colors....the clay reds, the burnt oranges, splashes of gray and brown, aspens with sparkling yellow diamond leaves. The shapes, the light, the depth and layers....the powerful images are ruminating inside of me.  This traveling break is just the inspiration I have needed!
So onward we go....Arizona, New Mexico, Texas bound before heading to our Mexican home.
Many many thanks to our great hosts over the miles:  Ray and Diane (Cortes Island), Jim and Sharon (Sidney), Scott and Donna (Anacortes), Chris and Dave (Vancouver, WA.), Kathe and Mike (Ashland), Cathy (Redding), and Michelle and Mark (Big Bend, CA.). These are  our five star friends!