Santa Fe: refresh, rejuvenate, relax. Inspire. Nourish.

The art market around the square. I had fallen in love with a piece of art the evening before. However, I have a rule. Sleep on it. And then go back and get it. No where did I mention think about it. But indeed, do just that. Think of your home, your walls, where you will you put it, etc. Since we have so many windows, it becomes a question of what will I have to move. Besides, we couldn't find the vendor the day before!


Saw some tile top tables. Another inspiring idea for a table we have in our backyard right now. An old coffee table in need of a new top. Another reason to come back for tiles!


Every bit of this jewelry is either crocheted wire or macrame'd wire. It was quite beautiful to behold.


Love this guy! Plays the long horn, and note the different bells covering his calves. This adds to the musical experience. He was truly a treat for the eyes and ears.


Bless their hearts. If you speak southern, then you know the rest of the story is served with a bowl of milk. But truly bless their hearts. It's about 89 degrees at this time. Hot. She has on two shirts and the shirt jacket and the blue hat. He has on two shirts, is carrying the third and has on a bee keepers hat. His entire front was covered. I hope they survived the temperatures without a heat stroke!


Very simply quilted jackets. A bit of piecing, a bit of stitching and a 500 dollar price tag. I think I can do that!!


Exquisite!! This beautifully made hat has the beads directly attached to the beaver! Such a delight to behold.


Every whip of the leather trim surrounding the brim was impeccably formed. The hat isn't so shabby either.


The Museum of Contemporary Native American Arts. Just makes you want to stop in an visit.


A look at the La Fonda during the day... I see another rooftop spot covered with white awnings. I think I feel the need to check that out.


Everywhere are these recessed jewels. Little shops in the back of courtyards. Too much fun to pass up.


Wall art made out of plastic Japanese bags. I love the colors and art of the bags.


An entire courtyard of Talavera and other great finds.


Brightly gazed fruits and veggies.


I find folk art so charming.


Old architectural details, such as the beam above, capture my attention every time. How many hundreds of years has this been in place?


Another street musician trying to make a living.


Now this is what I call a bead store. Every thing imaginable to create jewelry in one spot. Stacy, you need to see this first hand.


An alley way restaurant. Maybe next time we will try this little haunt.


Art hanging from the ceiling inside Cafe Pasqual's. I told you we'd eat here! Try the Blue Lady enchiladas. They are simply divine.


More art in Pasqual's. All for sale. Let's plan a trip so you too can see, eat, and feel the magic!


Doesn't this define "hood ornament"?


Not too far from the Hilton, we discovered this perfect little garden tucked away behind walls with an opening barely large enough to let in people. Hidden jewels. The city is full of them.


I love yard art. Maybe he needs a new home?


More yard art in front of a scenic tile niche.


A dry river bed. I keep wanting to put this in between the back fence beds and the grass. Naturally on a smaller scale.


Back to the Coyote Cafe.. yes we like this spot!!


Presentation is everything. Chips and dips with a sidekick of Cerveza.


And this is the piece we purchased from an artist on the square. It's textural, Santa Fe and just the right colors. And it has Santa Fe blue as the trim around the door and window!

Read on for a great recipe from Cafe Pasqual's. Cilantro rice. Please don't let the jalapeno fool you into thinking this dish is hot. If you carefully remove all the seeds and the ribs inside the pepper, you are left with only the flavor. It's quite delicious, I hope you try it. Thanks for joining me on another journey!



Cilantro Rice by Cafe Pasqual's - Santa Fe, NM.

1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice

2 cups water

1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

1 cup fresh cilantro, loosely packed

1/2 cup white onion, chopped

1/4 cup scallion, chopped

1 1/2 tablespoons fresh jalapenos, including seeds, chopped

1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

1 teaspoon olive oil

Directions

Bring rice, water, and 1 t salt to a boil in a 1 1/2-2 quart heavy saucepan, then reduce heat to low and cover pan with a tight, fitting lid. Cook 20 minutes.

Remove from heat and let stand, covered, 5 minutes. Remove lid and fluff rice with a fork.

While rice is cooking, puree cilantro, onion, scallion, jalapeno, lime juice, olive oil and remaining 1/2 t salt in blender( if necessary add 1 to 2 T water to facilitate blending).

Add mixture to rice and stir with a fork until combined well.

Santa Fe - the city different

Here we are again. This must be one of my favorite spots on earth. A place to relax. Rejuvenate. Refresh. Be inspired. Eat. Santa Fe. The City Different. Did you know that they are celebrating 400 years?

We arrived around 1:30pm NM time. Parked. Set off to explore and eat. We totally missed eating. There was an art market around the square of which I'll share more in Monday's post. This is where we are having lunch tomorrow. Cafe Pasqual's! I cannot wait.


As we sit in the Coyote Cafe rootop cantina, I saw this awesome live wall. There's some adobe underneath, but isn't the coverage great? Reminds me of old chateau's in Europe. Love the chandelier hanging down in the passageway through the opening.


Street signs show off Santa Fe's proud heritage. 400 years is a true cause for celebration. And 400 years of being a city is quite a feat in a country as new as ours.


From there we ventured over to the best spot in Santa Fe to watch the sunset. The roof top bar on the oldest hotel corner (as per their website there has been an inn or hotel there for 400 years!) - La Fonda of Santa Fe. The sun just does wonderful things to the entire city.


I've always seen beautiful landscapes with pink and lavender skies. Now I've captured it myself. That's the state capitol bathed in evening sunlight.


A closer shot a bit later as the color became more intense.


This is a glimpse of what I'll be perusing the next day. There was an art market set up on the square. The individual tents are shut down for the evening. Isn't it magical to see the tree lit up. Reminds us to keep Christmas in our hearts year 'round.


There is a fire raging to the northwest of Santa Fe at this time. Also one to the north. Although a photographer's dream as this beautifully colors sunsets, we need to all stop and pray they can keep this contained.


Aren't the vivid purples, oranges, yellow amazing? You must take time to sit up on the rooftop and enjoy a sunset. Seeing one of God's miracles from here leaves you refreshed with the knowledge that He is at work always.


So I'm trying to capture a blue hour shot. Woe be me. I didn't check the time this would occur before we left home, so I get to keep snapping shots until the sky turns that magical blue color.

It's beginning to happen. But Mr. Hungry is just that - hungry and it's time to go find some food.


This eagle statue is completely beaded covering every millimeter of his being. Incredible workmanship!


For all you techies out there - click on the picture and take in the art created with circuitry!


Even Lady Guadalupe is created in circuit boards and the like.


You can see painted glass in so many places in Santa Fe, but rarely is is backlit.


Embroidered skirts. Since I have a clue how long this took to embroider, or how long it would take on a home embroidery machine, I have a deep respect for the workmanship. The quality was impeccable.


This is the first time we saw rickshaws in Santa Fe. Lots of people took rides around town in them. Faith - remember our trip in one in Houston??


And here is this deep sky. I need to carry a monopod with me from now on. It's quite difficult to leave the shutter open this long, not breathe, not move and remember to push the button to capture the shot!


I think this is my favorite shot! The street lights cast a green glow on the adobe wall, the lights are reflected in the branches and the sky is that magical blue!


The next morning, the first stop - Cafe Paris for breakfast!


Can you taste the massive amounts of butter in this croissant? Feel the flakiness of the baked delicacy? See the drool on my chin? Well, next time come with us and I'll give you a taste! Or better yet, order your own. :~)


French for bakery and pastry shop...


Walking to the square. Loved the wagon on the rooftop!


And then there is the art. Art is abundant. On every corner. In every window. On every person. In the air. It's just everywhere. It's my world. I feel good in that skin.


This inspired us to find some tiles to place on our steps into the house. Still searching for the perfect ones! Can you feel another trip coming soon?


I leave you this post, with an abstract wall piece. Made of crackled gold acrylic and other mediums. I think this would be fun to create in fabric. What do you think?

Blogcation till next Friday!

Sorry, I won't have a post up until next Friday.. it's time for a bit of R&R. No farming, no blogging. Just going to rejuvenate, relax, be inspired and create!

The other white meat...Margarita Pork Kabobs

This recipe is a family favorite anytime of the year, but especially during the hot summer months. We've been making this for years and although the name might indicate otherwise, it's all non alcoholic! I like to serve it on a bed of rice alongside a fresh green salad. If you have a rice cooker all the better, otherwise this recipe keeps the kitchen and house cool since the cooking is done outside.

Ingredients:

1	cup margarita drink mix or 1 cup lime juice, 4 teaspoons sugar and 1/2 teaspoon salt
1	teaspoon ground coriander
1	clove garlic, minced
1	pound pork tenderloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
2	tablespoons butter, melted
1	tablespoon minced fresh parsley
2	teaspoons lime juice
1/8	teaspoon sugar
1	large green or red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch cubes
2	ears corn, cut into 8 pieces

For marinade, combine margarita mix, coriander and garlic in small bowl. Place pork cubes in large resealable plastic food storage bag; pour marinade over pork. Close bag securely; turn to coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes. Combine butter, parsley, lime juice and sugar in small bowl; set aside. Thread pork cubes onto four skewers, alternating with pieces of bell pepper and corn. (If using bamboo skewers, soak in water 20 to 30 minutes before using to prevent them from burning.) Grill over hot coals for 15 to 20 minutes or until barely pink in center, basting with margarine mixture and turning frequently.

Optional: we like to add the small cooking onions to the kabobs.. try it some time, you will love it I'm sure.

Image and recipe compliments the National Pork Board.

Illuminating ideas

I love these mesquite "stalks". I've had them for some time now. They are firmly planted into some quick setting concrete and then 'planted' into the planter box. In our previous home, they filled a corner inside and had either regular green foliage or fir branch foliage on them depending on the season. This home has no such spot, so I re-purposed them! Wrapped them in white Christmas lights and am letting the ivy runners grow up the stalks. It's such a nice way of bridging the indoors and the outdoors and gives a lot of festive lighting when we entertain outdoors.


I fell in love with these Mexican stars when first I saw them! In Santa Fe and at 1/4 the cost of the ones I'd found on line.


My dear, sweet, loving husband took the time to wire the lights for me. The cages open to make it easy to add a bulb and appropriate hardware. Ever in Santa Fe? Visit Guadalupano Imports, 111 East Water Street (just down from Cafe Pasqual's), or call (505)984-8177. He doesn't have a website - bummer for all y'all. But let me know and I'll pick some up...no problem.


See how it illuminates the corner with the birdbath? I love that it's a bit brighter than the colored Christmas lights dear, sweet, accommodating husband put up last year. Oh - but we are changing from 40 watt bulbs to 25's. Can't overpower those Christmas lights now can we!


Even Mr Ironman, the lizard is inching closer to see what the bright light could possibly be. One thing we learned in the process - no white bulbs, make sure you choose the clear bulbs! If you use white bulbs, all you see is a white round thing in the middle of the star - not quite the effect you want.

One last close up.. I love how intricate the metal is cut out!


Three stars up, I have 4 more to go. Two of which have a designated spot. The other two will be fashioned with tea lights and be placed along the back fence. This will give the yard more depth.

I've had this clay "bell" shape for years. It hung at our cabin over the dining room table for years. Now, it has a special place over the potting table turned serving bar.

See how much light it puts out. Perfect direct light over food.

We are still looking for some solar lights for the lower level (near the ground) for our yard. I have yet to find any that I would recommend. Anyone have some that work well, and are not tiny fireflies in the night? Just leave a post here - and thanks - I love your comments. Next week, I'll share with you some lower level lighting, stay tuned!

I'm linking this post up to Beneath Naps on the Porch. Be sure to check her page out for more ideas...

Winner! Winner! Winner!

Last Friday, I announced a giveaway on the blog. Click here to read the whole story! Today was the day I let Random.org choose the winner:

The 7th post was:

Debbie, Please click the link about and email me your address and I'll get the book on it's way to you Monday! Thanks to all who participated and all who come to visit my little corner of cyberspace. XOXO