A Beautiful Day

One more day to ourselves before the men meet up for three days of golf, while my friend Ty and I shop and explore.  Steve and I weren't sure what we would do today but a trip to Chimayo is on the agenda.  First stop though is to meet Frank Gonzales, the manager of the local Albertsons.  He was kind enough to look for a particular brand of hot sauce that Steve craves.  We found it once in Albuquerque.  Frank ended up ordering some from the distributor to see about carrying it in the store.  He is giving us what is left.  In return, I have brought him a few Dallas Cowboy goodies, since he is a huge fan.

Steve thought of going to the Taos Pueblo since it was mentioned last night at dinner.  Our friends had a good experience there.  But first, we took the road to Chimayo, where other believers also made their pilgrimage.  They have made nice improvements since we were last there.  One thing that has not changed is the peaceful, sacred feeling of calm and humility you feel when you enter the chapel and sit quietly...reverently...on the worn wooden benches.  The Poncito, or Holy Dirt Room, is just to the left of the ancient painted altar at the front of the church.  We venture there with others, waiting our turn to enter the small room through a doorway that must have been meant for a much shorter race of people.  The round hole in the smooth clay tile floor holds the storied never-ending supply of holy soil.   It is said that if you rub this soil on the part of your body which is unwell you will be healed.  I am sure that prayer and a strong belief assist in this process.  I do know personally a woman whose husband's leg was healed with the holy dirt.  She strongly believes this.  And I believe her.  In the room just outside the dirt room there are dozens of items left by those who came seeking a higher power of healing...and found just such a miracle. 

 

Steve found a small cafe just steps away from the shrine where many have left their rosaries and their prayers to the Virgin.  Seems almost sacrilegious to mention it here, but they had the most delicious chicken and chile tamales I have ever eaten -- and I am not a fan.

 There is a fence here that is covered with hundreds of crosses...some store-bought, but most are handmade, most on-the-spot from twigs and twine.  They seem to be markers for prayers left behind by those who seek an answer.

This holy place feels more sacred to me than any other place I have been.  At the same time it makes me feel insignificant, yet magnificently special.  

When we leave here, our own prayers behind the adobe walls, we take the high road to Taos.  Mountain vistas and lush landscape at every turn of the curvy road, through a forest of ancient pines, past fresh streams, and thick pastures.  Homes dotting the passing scenery seem ready for the coming snows, firewood split and stacked high. 

Driving through Taos there do not seem to be many changes, but we don't stop here.  To the north awaits our destination.  The last time we planned to see the Taos Pueblo a forest fire was threatening the structures.  Today nothing threatened, not even the afternoon storms which we have been enjoying.

My first impression of this thousand year old community was not as I had envisioned.  I expected a majestic jewel as I have seen in many photographs.  Although they try hard to maintain these clay and straw buildings, the elements make it difficult.  There are places which are not very neat, windows are not sparkling, nor are broken things repaired.   But I'm not a great housekeeper, either, so I should not cast stones.   We visited the famous church and walked around the pueblo grounds to capture our views on the camera and to meet those who abide here.  These people are the beauty I find in this place.   I admire their steadfastness, their loyalty to ancestry, and their proud heritage.  They have a grand sense of humor, which was not lost on me.  I learned something from everyone I spoke with.

 

There is so much more to describe...so many more pictures to share.  (We took 168 pictures today.)  But there is not enough time.   This blogging stuff is really difficult.  Especially when you're as tired as I am and even that lumpy mattress is looking pretty good.   I will have to share more with you another time.   Until then, good night, or g'day...depending on where you are in the world.

    Peace.