Enchanted by NM

Hello! I thought I would try my hand at writing a blog about something that I am quite passionate about: the Land of Enchantment, otherwise known as New Mexico. There are countless reasons for my love of this state. As a "Jersey Girl" who found NM, I feel fortunate to have moved here. Needless to say, I LOVE NM!

A Journey into Native American Jewelry

I have been collecting Native American jewelry since I was about 13 years old. It all started when my mother's younger sister, my Aunt Betty, introduced me to turquoise and Native American jewelry during my first visit to her in Oregon. I was hooked! The artistry, designs, and stories interwoven into each piece captivated me. My Aunt shared her love of this art, and each time I visited her, my collection grew.

The Allure of Native American Art

I discovered a rich history behind Native American art and jewelry that intrigued me. I felt compelled to learn more. Additionally, I was enchanted by the expansive "space" and sky I encountered whenever I headed west. Coming from New Jersey, where the landscape is densely populated, the contrast was striking. While I was fortunate to live in beautiful areas, tall trees limited my view of the sky. Traveling west opened my eyes to a vast horizon, allowing me to see more sky than I had ever experienced before.

My Aunt eventually moved to New Mexico, and so my adventure in the Land of Enchantment began.

This is the view from Acoma Sky City NM looking at Enchanted Mesa. Notice the beautiful sky and lack of any traffic!

The Magic of the Balloon Fiesta

As an adult, I had the opportunity to work with someone in Albuquerque, NM. I noticed balloons on the horizon and was mesmerized. He informed me that if I liked what I saw, I should return to Albuquerque in October for the International Balloon Fiesta. There, hundreds of balloons participate in mass ascensions each morning. We were discussing this in "Old Town," surrounded by dozens of Native American craftspeople selling their creations from blankets under a covered walkway in front of a local restaurant. My first thought was, "When can I make reservations to come back?"

My Aunt had moved to Roswell, NM, several hours south of Albuquerque. This provided me with an excuse to explore more of NM each year. I began photographing the Balloon Fiesta each fall and galivanting around NM, exploring Native American Pueblos. I met numerous artisans, learned more about their artwork, and enhanced my ever-growing collection of jewelry.

Embracing My Style

As a college professor teaching in Philadelphia, PA, and then Hamilton, NJ, one might think there wouldn't be a place to wear Native American jewelry. But I didn't care! I wore my jewelry because it was my style. My students were always curious about where I shopped. When I told them, the stereotypical questions started to erupt:

• Can you drink the water there?

• Do you need a passport to go there?

• Isn't it all desert?

  
  

I let them think what they wanted, but I continued to make the trek each year for the next 30 years! I always felt most comfortable in NM and stated that when I retired, I would move here. Well, I retired in 2020, sold my NJ home, and moved to NM! I couldn't be happier!

Here's a wall of bolo ties from Tanner Tradition in Ruidoso, NM.

Life in New Mexico

Now, I live in NM and do not regret my decision to move here one bit! Sometimes, you just have to trust your instincts. I love the climate, which is temperate and has virtually no humidity. That's quite different from the humid summers I was accustomed to in NJ. There are also no mosquitoes here! This means I can peacefully sit outside in the evening and enjoy the beautiful sunsets without having to swat!

These wild horses, yes wild horses decided to meet in my yard one afternoon.

The only traffic jams I have experienced are due to elk, wild horses, or wild turkeys that decide it's time to congregate on the roads. I much prefer that to six-lane highways.

The Enchantment of New Mexico

Maybe that's why I'm enchanted by NM. The blend of culture, art, and nature creates a unique tapestry that captivates the heart. Each piece of jewelry tells a story, and every visit reveals a new facet of this beautiful land.

In conclusion, my journey through the Land of Enchantment has been filled with discovery and joy. From the vibrant colors of the Balloon Fiesta to the intricate designs of Native American jewelry, every moment has deepened my appreciation for this remarkable state. I invite you to explore and embrace the magic of New Mexico, where every corner holds a story waiting to be told.

---wix---