Ghost Ranch and Abiquiu Lake Day Trippin

Sometimes a day trip is just what is needed to clear your head and reconnect even if the weather is a bit cloudy. So the cowboy, our four legged and I packed up a picnic and headed about an hours drive north from home. We landed in Abiquiu home of the Ghost Ranch, Georgia O'Keeffe land of inspiration and the lake.

Sheep grazing at Ghost Ranch. It was a windy, cloudy, misty day and these elements created a new way to experience the land. You can feel the inspiration circling in the winds and quickly understand the calling of generations of artists of all kinds, spiritual and creative folks who have walked this land.

The cowboy right at home at the corral and the four legged enjoyed the open space to run and sniff out the horses. The land, the mountains. the weather provided a peaceful magic to our day. Don't let the weather stop you from having an experience. If its safe to be out go exploring and see how different things can look with various kinds of light and mist.

Cerro Pedernal. locally called just Pedernal is a narrow mesa that inspired many artists, musicians, writers and was a central image in many of Georgia O'Keeffe paintings. Her ashes were scattered on its top.

Thankful for Tracks in the Snow

It snowed all night. It sparkled like fallen stars under the moon. This morning I woke up and noticed we had visitors over the night. Dog or coyote tracks on the deck but definitely the four legged kind of visitor.  The dogs usually follow a path from the front of the property where it tends to be more level. The coyotes come from below the ridge. So off went to follow the tracks in the fresh snow.

The sun was still coming up and the clouds were still low. The silent gifts of living on this sacred land are abundant and I am thankful in this moment.

We followed the tracks and it looks like three of them all about the same size went off the side of the deck. They seemed to lead down to the small arroyo so we continued to climb down below the house.

Up and down over the ridge rocks. The path seemed to be leading us to the lower arroyo at the base of the land. 

I was slower than my four legged companion. He sniffed the tracks, left his mark and was in a hurry to find the owners. I on the other hand stopped here and there to get lost in the big blue sky that was emerging from behind the cloudy morning light. 

Monsoon Rains and Bee Rainboots

After experiencing thunder, lightening, cold breezes, and hail for an hour; we stepped out on the deck. The amazing smell of wet earth and ponderosa and piñon trees was intoxicating. Among the usual symphony of after rain sounds we could hear a familiar yet rarely heard sound. 

I quickly put on my favorite rain boots the "bee boots" to investigate. Off for an adventure in the mud we went.

The usually dry arroyo, creek bed, or seasonal creek as it is called was fiercely flowing giving off all those ions and awakening the senses. The beautiful red clay of the lower Rockies was creating my very own Willy Wonka chocolate river! (One of my fav movies)

It was exciting to see our usual paths for walks were well under water. There was evidence that there was a much higher flow earlier in the storm. Small trees, branches, and shrubs were over turned along with forest floor debris all making the journey through the once dry sandy rocky path. 

The precious gift of moving water and the ever present little girl that resides in me are a magical combination. I was flappy happy and giddy. Moving water is the only real medicine that can immediately release all of my anxiety and stress. For someone like me on the Autism spectrum my anxiety and stress are naturally high all the time. I am not able to quiet it. Meditation/prayers, the outdoors, making art, and select other things can calm it but nothing like moving water can cleanse me and set my spirit soaring. Immediately I am set free. 

Living on the mountain in a drought has been tough new experience. A dry well that I pray will be restored and water shortages in the state make for little to no time for me to get a water healing. So I couldn't help it. It was time to shed the bee boots and step in.

Take a vacation to your soul

I know its been said before, be careful what you wish for because you just might get it. Well it happened to me and its been like riding the waves of the wind up and down but always moving. I look forward to settling in and letting my roots stretch and take hold.

I changed my day job due to lack of grant funding and then this past summer I moved to full time artist. In the midst of all this I had 3 physical home moves in 3 years and one within a few months of the other. So the wind blew me to New Mexico and I am finally moving into my house and studio soon. Its still very surreal. And Im still waiting to catch up with myself. 

It sounds magical and I wish I could feel it. Seems I am fighting major stress and meltdowns. Research says large changes cause stress and as an Autistic person stress is already a way of life; so for me its been a heavy load to carry.  I am working hard to keep going. To have the joy of  dreams come true, changing the direction of my career, and entering a new chapter of my life. It is overwhelming, exciting, and very challenging.

Underneath it all I knew I had to go back to center. As I stood on the edge ready to crash under the stress and uncertainty I somehow heard my soul calling me. I had to catch myself and its not always an easy task. So I stopped everything and took a vacation to my soul.

We drove through the mountains where you can let go and be reminded that you are part of a larger picture. Where the wind sounds like ocean waves. And if you look up at the right moment you can see the wave move through the trees on its way to wash over you.

Where each step you take is a journey back to who you know you are but somehow got lost in the grass. Got tangled in the dead leaves of the past.

And then you see your reflection in the lake. And begin to smile because even though the journey is challenging you see a glimmer of your stregnth.

And then there is the magical sound of moving water. Its always a healing sound for me. Water that doesn't stop and nothing can get in its way. The proof that it keeps going is evident as you hold the weathered stones and branches pushed along the shore. And you remember you that you too can keep on going.

And then you enter a magical place with a pool of emerald green. A place where you can feel the ancestors gather. You become aware of your breathing and heartbeat. And the stress, fear and anxiety begin to melt into the water like the snow on the banks. 

And then the universe sends you a smile! (Yes I found this rock exactly like this with a natural carved face.) Then a deep breath and your soul smiles back and you know its all going to be ok.

New mantra: The universe is conspiring in my favor. And it is not mine to determine the how. Stay present, be thankful and open to receive.

Blessings, love and good energy for you on your journey. Take a moment and reconnect with your soul. Gracias Thank you Tlazocamati Ometeotl 

Cool weather, creative energy, and the outdoors!

Cooler weather often brings more time outdoors especially attending farmers markets and festivals. Being in community with other artists, those who appreciate art and all kinds of creative folks makes for a great afternoon.There is always something to learn, share, explore, and experience. I had so much fun and exchanged great stories and energy at the last festival. I am excited for this Sunday's event. If you are in the Albuquerque area stop by and say hi! See the below for the details.

This festival is so close to Dia de los Muertos I decided to make a few sugar skull boxes to add to the mix. My booth will showcase these beauties, my one of a kind art scarfs, small Guadalupe mixed media wall hangings, and various ornaments and other mixed media wall hangings. I will be sure to take pictures of the booth to share.

Hope your travels take you outdoors to feel the sun, breathe the crisp fall air, and share a story and laugh with someone.

Zozobra Art exhibit and festival - Zozofest 2013

Lets go burn away our worries! Please join us for Zozfest 2013 and check out the Zozobra art in Santa Fe. All this leads up to the burning of all your worries for a new start. Check out the details here:  http://burnzozobra.com/zozofest/

Here is my fourth piece for the Zozofest Art exhibit. This mixed media art quilt features the guest of honor Zozobra, embroidery fireworks, and the raw appliqué of the Gloomies that dance before the burning.

Zozbra Night in Santa Fe
(c) Sabrina Zarco 2013

Detail of Zozobra Night in Santa Fe Sabrina Zarco 2013

Detail of Zozobra Night in Santa Fe Sabrina Zarco 2013

Detail of Zozobra Night in Santa Fe Sabrina Zarco 2013

Zozobra the legend continues

Will Shuster and Zozobra

This is the artist who first created Zozobra and the legend for the city of Santa Fe,           

Will Shuster and the head of the giant marionette. To read more about Zozobra and the legend go here http://zozobra-sf2.nm-unlimited.net

Every artist their interpretation of what Zozobra looks like so here are two more of the four entires I will be exhibiting at the Zozofest Art Show in Santa Fe.

I had the itch to stich so I embroidered a portrait of Zozobra. Its a 17" x 12" piece and I added my signature bead and button border.

I havent made time to create in awhile so busy with the move and getting settled in New Mexico. As I explored the legend of Zozobra I had to get my hand into all the media I love to create with and so the collage on a big wooden Z was born.

Rain in the desert

Its raining again! I have always loved the rain. Walking, dancing, playing, standing twirling under the precious liquid from the heavens. Lightening and thunder providing a soothing back drop to the smell and cool breeze. Its a special kind of healing. And as I journey through life in the desert I have a greater appreciation for the magical wet stuff. Now I am off to stand in the rain and catch some of the rare precious drops in my rain barrel.