Dear friends,
My short time in Taos left me with impressions...offerings from the mountains, the earth, the skies, the air, the water running through the pueblo. Those I took sceptically at first, then willingly, realizing that is wasn't going to be the pots made by the ladies, the gifts for my friend from Wabi Sabi or the black feet we all got from the carpets in the hotel. Thoughts of the long evenings sitting outside with my feet on the grass, absorbing the vibrations from the earth while waiting for the moon to rise above the mountains and appear to me from behind the clouds still fill me with joy and relief from the usual workaday world.
The clarity of the tiny stream at Taos Pueblo with the beautiful child at its banks, the waving flora, her grandfather tying together the sage I took to Albuquerque to smudge someone's home...after telling the grandfather my dreams from the night before...bring back the feeling instantly.
It was not all positive energy by any means, but I gave back plenty in return, leaving what I no longer needed as well as some things I didn't realize I didn't need. The faces of you all will remain in my mind for a long time, especially those of Emma and Dolores, two of the most amazingly simple but complex people I have ever met. I loved watching and listening to them sing and say their nearly silent prayers both before and after the dung firing.
I returned to Sacramento on the Tuesday morning plane from Albuquerque having left behind a lover with whom I had a final parting, a true sense of closure.
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I wouldn't have been able to do that without Taos and the gentle guidance of Norman, who also helped propel me into a relationship which will, I believe be very long-lasting. Thank you, Libby, for sharing your partner with us all.
So much absorbed, so much love and understanding from you all. I am truly grateful for the time spent there. The class, so totally unique, was only a part of the whole experience. One day I noticed that I was surrounded by mountains. Slightly intimidated by the prospect, I jumped in with both feet and felt genuinely protected by the sight.
Many things were revealed on this journey, not the least of which was a day at Acoma Pueblo. Sitting outside the Lewis family house on the west end of the pueblo with Emma and Dolores, then being allowed to enter and drink water with them in the room where their late mother created her pottery touched me deeply. We were quiet, feeling the energy that many, many years of toil and hardship had left within those walls. The reverence with which they appreciate their mother's work is timeless...and will continue throughout time.
I will eventually attach some photos to another missive so that you can see a bit of what I saw there. Some will remain within me. Please understand.
Thank you all for your cooperation and collaboration, your willingness to offer up the answers to the questions I asked constantly, and your understanding of a person not often understood.
'til the next time...
Peggy |
