Friday March 23rd - Before going on Retreat

1) Visit to Sandia Mountain which overlook Albuquerque (these were the mountains we had such a long time to look at when we were held up with the accident on the Freeway!).
I thought it was worth-while showing you a couple of photos brought home by those who went on this optional trip the other day. It was the day I was on the cooking of 'brunch' (in a team of 3 for 40 people) so I decided prudence was better than an excursion, and did not regret my decision when I collapsed on my bed and caught up on an hour's sleep after spending the morning flat out in the kitchen preparing brunch! However, those who went, had a wonderful time with the cable train to the top (15 minutes) at over 13000 feet, then spectacular views in every direction, plenty of snow still about, and wonderful food at the restaurant there. Put this on your next trip-to-USA schedule.

2) St Patrick's Day

Don't think life is all work and excursions! We also have parties, and St Patrick's Day last Saturday was the cause of much shennakins! Below are a couple of photos, although I could have cluttered up the blog with all the possibilities. You can see we had Community singing (I am at the keyboard), lots of decorations of which the centre photo is but a sample, and much dressing up - I had nothing green but put a serviette on my chest for the photo (although it fell off after the first photo and is not to be seen when I am at the piano!) There was also dancing, eating, drinking, and much talking till late ( I cleared out about 10 pm)

3) We had another Water Colour Lesson on Tuesday. The topic was painting flowers and I was very pleased with my result, so I photographed it on 'large' and you can see it below. I will start the auction at $1000 US! The fact that all the others looked lovely too (there are about 16 in the class) is not to be considered in making your bid. Perhaps you would be better off bidding for the teacher, Brother Joe.

For the next lesson, which comes after the Retreat, we have been told to bring a picture we want to paint. We also have been given a couple of pieces of good quality art paper to do some painting during the Retreat if we wish. You never know what masterpieces you will see.

4) Santa Fe Visits to Art Galleries (perhaps Inspired by my excursions into the art world?) I visited a couple of Art Galleries on my Wednesday afternoon trip to town. The first one, the Monitu Gallery, was really enjoyable. I loved the scuptures and took lots of photos - I will treat you to a couple. Unfortunately I did not make any record of the names of the artists. There were also beautiful paintings. It is the quiet season for tourists, so it was easy to get around.

The three pictures from the Manitou Galleries above show:

i) Reclining Cougar on seat outside the Manitou Galleries (life-size)

2) Rolling Horse - a miniature sculpture upstairs inside

3) Painting of a Pueblo - beautiful colours, I think you will agree!

The next three pictures from the same galleries show:

1) Two sleeping foxes - the sculpture appeared to be done in wood (on the floor near a wall)
2) An Indian woman and her children interacting (miniature)

3) A mother bear and two cubs - close to life size. I hope that is the closest I get to these!

5) The next pictures are from the Nedra Matteucci Fine Art Galleries

The first three were all taken inside the Garden you go to at the rear of the Gallery building. The man at the desk suggested going there first if time was short. What good advice! These pictures show:

1) A group of dancing people and, in the trees near them, some deer.

2) Nearby a life-sized deer stretches to lick her/his side.

3) At the side of the beautiful pond, an elephant sculpture becomes a fountain.

As you enter the gardens, you are greeted by 1) this absolutely joyous statue of a boy. Nearby, you can see what I found to be 2) a truly beautiful statue of a woman and child on a seat talking about a book. Up the back of the garden, 3) two 'gardeners' are chatting during a break. The whole garden is enclosed by a fence which can be seen in this last photo. It is a peaceful and truly wonderful place. The young woman attendant at the Manitou Galleries actually recommended seeing this one because of this garden of sculptures.

FINALLY

I could bore you to death with photos from these galleries, but I hope this gives you a glimpse of what an enjoyable experience it was going through them. Even walking from one gallery to another was filled with interest. Look at 'Loretto Inn' (right beside the Loretto Chapel with the miraculous staircase). Presumbaly this building was originally a Convent? Not too many Inns have a Crucifix (unusual - perhaps 'resurrection') at the entrance. There also appear to be other statue/s further in along the drive. The building is typical adobe.

We start the Retreat which marks the middle of our 100 days here at Sangre de Cristo on this coming Friday evening (23rd March). Don't expect any further blog entries until a couple of days after 1st April (Sunday) when we finish. I am looking forward to this very much. We have had a lot of input and it will be good to have a quiet, uninterrupted time to process it all. I'll get out for a good walk every day too. The spring blossoms are starting to come out as also the crocuses, jonquils and daffodils. Trees are budding, and most days are sunny and mild. Tonight there was a very little rain, but it didn't last. It is still cool but the days are quite warm.

All the best to everyone from Rita.