Let the Beauty of what you Love be what you Do...
~Rumi

Friday, September 10, 2010

Madrid, New Mexico~ A Stop Along the Turquoise Trail


My Mom & Grandmother have been visiting each summer for a few days for the past 3 summers that I have been working in Santa Fe. I am the self appointed "tour guide" & try to show them a little something different each time they visit. There is so much to see & do! Wednesday we drove out along the Turquoise Trail to Madrid. It's a tiny little town, rich in mining history~ turquoise, lead, silver & coal. (If you're interested, there's some really great history here: http://www.legendsofamerica.com/nm-madrid.html~ it even tells of a several hauntings!) After the coal bust it essentially became a ghost town... but it's since been revitalized into a funky little artist enclave & popular tourist stop along the Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway.


I love old buildings, things that are funky, and checking out other artist's work, so poking in all the little shops & galleries was right up my alley.


We didn't eat here, but we all got a kick out of this sign. I mean, really, isn't it the coolest? While poking around, I also found this really simple, yet beautiful turquoise necklace. 


My birthday is coming up this month (already?!? It seems I just had one!) and my sweet Gramma saw how much I loved it & she decided it would be my early birthday present. Awe... thanks, Grams! It is by local Jewelry Maker & turquoise miner Rianna Newman~ you can read about her & her work here:
Our last stop before heading back, was to photograph this little church a bit farther down the road, near Golden, NM~



I've photographed it before, in 2008... actually using it as a template for a Printmaking class I took this spring. I'll often photograph things/places repeatedly... there's always a slightly different angle, weather or season that can change the whole feel of a photograph. It's a great side trip if you're ever in the area!

13 comments:

clairz said...

There is always such a happy vibe on the Turquoise Trail. Is it the air, the scenery, the little towns, the general funkiness (no other word will do), or the people? It's probably the magical combination of all of these, but I love it.

Love your necklace, too! Thank you for these lovely pictures, viewed even before coffee this morning.

Robin said...

Vicky, hi...I am a friend of Annie's. First, let me say how glad I am you two artists met and have become friends. She is going through a lot now, and I am in San Francisco....so it makes me feel good she has a "kindred spirit" just "down the Mountain".

I love your photographs....

I spent the better part of 10 Summers in New Mexico with my Ex....they were the best Summers of my life....I have been away the past two Summers and miss it dearly... as for Madrid, I remember it well.. we spent an afternoon there once.... great ice cream in the "main store"...
You captured it perfectly!

Your turquoise necklace is beautiful!

♥ Robin ♥

michele said...

Hey Beck - I love your photography so much, it makes me want to visit Santa Fe! Looks like your mom and grams got to see some beautiful places up close and personal. That's awesome! And I bet you'll cherish that turquoise necklace forever! <3 michele

Barb said...

I do remember that little church - didn't you use it for an etching? Lovely necklace and a reminder of a fun time spent with family.

Gail said...

Thanks for the adventure. I love your header and the Picasso quote.

KClark Photography said...

Looks like a great time. Love the necklace.

Dee said...

I also like funky artsy places and I would love to be able to visit this town.(sigh) maybe someday. The necklace is lovely.

Annie said...

Hi becky. I am coming up for air. I love your necklace and I am glad you had fun with your mom and grams. A good friend lived in Madrid for a few months and I visited him, the town is cool, but you can't drink the water it stinks and smells like rotten eggs!
I want to know when your birthday is?
xoxo

Kate said...

Madrid is indeed a fun, funky little town. Did you go into the bar at the end of town? Food isn't bad but the sign in the entrance which has been there for years, always amuses me... "We have only one drunk in town; we take turns." Love the art shops. Next time take your family to Pecos National Monument; it's a terrific park, just off Hwy 25 north of Santa Fe. I go there all the time because it is so historical and I always feel peaceful and serene after visiting there. There's a good Greer Garson video in the center that gives a little overview of the park and her involvement in the land...she donated lots of land to it.

Kate said...

PS. When is your birthday? I just clebrated mine on 9/11...that is, if one can celebrate on that day!

Randy said...

That is one of favorite day trips. Just hanging out in Madrid and driving down to Golden and beyond. Lovely birthday gift. I love all the artwork that can be found there.

Daliana Pacuraru said...

Thanks for sharing this story!
Wonderful!
Regards!

Rick said...

No better way to know a place than by being a tour guide. This looks like a great little place to just poke around - nice shots - and happy birthday. soon.