Needless to say I’m struggling to find my way around my site.   But, it’s time to pack up and travel to Phoenix for the Heard Indian Fair.

I’ve created a new plate for a collector edition embossed piece with gold leaf.  The image is titled “Chasing the Sun”. The Coldmaker brings the winter.  In the early fall, he chases the sun to the south.  In the spring, the Coldmaker rides back to the north to rest and prepare for his next chase in the coming autumn.

Watching the Olympics as I try to navigate the site probably isn’t helping.  But with so few days left before I hit the road, I’m taking advantage of every possible minute.  I’ll get there, just not tonight.  It’s been a long day.

This has been the usual hectic and crazy summer.  But the weather has been unusually cool and we have had wonderful and timely rains.  It’s quite fresh when I go for my morning walk.  The clouds look like autumn and the crisp air and smells remind me it’s time for Santa Fe Indian Market.

Walking four miles gives me plenty of time to enjoy and appreciate the landscape, the wild flowers, and animals.  It’s an inspiring path I take, alone  out onto a country road.  I do have new pastels this year capturing the essence of my journey.  Each morning as I walk by this tree along the way, I marvel at the ever changing light and shadows.  As the summer goes on, the colors and textures of the grass captivate me.

Last week I mowed hay and this week I’m hard at it working on mixed media pieces.  I’m hoping to be ready to pack up early this year but my days are  full and go by quickly.  I am excited though. Santa Fe is enchanting and has a magic about it.  The crisp mountain air and the aroma of green chilies roasting brings me peace and a sense of satisfaction my hard work will be appreciated. Indian Market brings us together again with old friends we only see there once a year.  And we always leave the New Mexico mountains with new friends and wonderful memories.

The 51st annual Heard Fair at the Heard Museum in Phoenix is already in the books for 2009.  The weather could not have been any more perfect.  Uncertain about reports of poor economy and depressed markets we all brought or newest works with total optimism.  Our dear friends Dr. Jose and Francis Burruel got us tickets to see the Chihuly exhibit at the Desert Botanical Gardens. Dusk enhanced by the illuminated installation was truly worth the two day trip to Phoenix if for no other reason.  After being home all winter we looked forward to the fellowship among artists and collectors.  Laughing and enjoying  friends was perfect food for the soul.  It was a wonderful surprise to feel the upbeat mood and positive momentum of the people.  Sales were better than expected for many of us.  Loyal patrons and visitors brought energy to the fair.  The guild members do an incredible job of hosting the event.  We’ve made lifelong friends and come to know and love many like family.

The Heard Fair seems to set the pace for the coming year. In-spite of all we are experiencing in the world, and in our own country, I am encouraged that we have so much more faith and optimism than our media reports.

Tonight I’m in Denver attending the  American Indian Business Expo sponsored by the Rocky Mountain Indian Chamber of Commerce.  I’m here to gather information on doing business with tribal and small business entities focusing on renewable energy resources.My husband Jim and I also own a water well service company and are regional distributors for livestock suppliments.  We also lease grass land and take in cattle over the summer and fall months.   Though totally unrelated to art, it’s clear to me that the years of networking and meeting artists and customers has prepared me well to meet people and to open my mind and heart to other possibilities.  Driving into a city being fully aware I will know absolutely no one and establishing myself as an independent business woman is a long step for me.  I wear many hats; wife, mother, artist, unpaid help for my husband when there is no one else to help out.  It is more the norm to drive 12 hours home from Santa Fe Indian Market, park the trailer in the studio garage and be on the tractor cutting hay by 7:00 am the next morning. But my confidence and my discipline has been developed by my art career.  Who knew?

We’ll be leaving here next week for the Santa Fe Indian Market.  It’s one of the premier shows in the nation.   I work all year getting ready.  I started earlier than usual this summer so I wouldn’t be under the gun.  That’s a great concept but I’m still pressed for time and in a panic on getting ready.

Before we leave, we’ll be cutting hay and checking pastures.  My garden is in it’s peak right now and not to mention all my husband Jim has to do with his business and customers before we can drive out of here.  But it always works out.  Either that or I just have to go with what I’ve got and head down the road.

Santa Fe is a magical place.  The warm days and late afternoon thundershowers coming over the mountain remind me how much I love the landscape.  It’s similar to Wyoming where I grew up.  The green chili cuisine is beyond description.  We see fellow artists we only see at Indian Market and we get to see good friends from coast to coast we’ve made over the15 years, I’ve been doing the show.  I’m excited, nervous, and anxious to get to Santa Fe.  It’s a tough week but one I look forward to.  The last day of market comes all to soon and we head home exhausted. 

My mixed media pieces this year will include two miniature horse masks.  New ideas are always a challenge but I’m happy with the results. 

I’ve also done 5 new pastels for Indian Market.  My new embossed edition, “Canyon Sunrise”, was inspired from the early morning we left Santa Fe last year.

Hopefully, I’ll see you in Santa Fe.  

Over the Christmas holiday, Jim (my husband) and I took a road trip through Utah.  We spent time near Moab and Arches National Park.  The light snow was a touch of wonder to the incredibly beautiful landscape.  There is so much beauty there I have a fresh supply of inspiration.  Look for more pastels in the near future.

 My new embossed images went well in Phoenix.  Once again, we met wonderful people and enjoyed ourselves at the Fair.  Now, it’s time to play catch up on everything I had to put aside while in the studio….like income taxes and bookwork.  We are looking for spring here in the sandhills of Nebraska.  The baby calves are coming and the days are getting longer.  All we need now are warm days, gentle rains, and more time…..

Thanks to Chessney! It’s difficult for her to update my site and babysit me through this journey with running after Jymie (our grandaughter) and getting ready for the Heard Fair in Phoenix herself. I can do this…..I can do this…I can do this…………