I can imagine the two very strong-willed people, each staking their creative claim to New Mexico’s high desert, feeling competitive with each other, each trying to make her mark.
My Favorite Taos Modernist
Before coming to New Mexico, I had never heard of the Taos Modernists. I now consider them a primary inspiration for my work. While I will write more about the broader group and its artists in future posts, I first want to celebrate the work of Beatrice Mandelman—my favorite Taos Modernist. I initially became aware […]
Stick
But something vital I’ve come to know is this: no matter how hard it is to hold on sometimes, we are not disposable. Our selves, our dogs, our relationships, are not to be shunted aside when they become too difficult.
The Miracle That Is Kathleen Ramsay, Part 1
Ramsay’s wild patients represent the untamed world we’re running out of space for. So she takes them deeper into the mountains and forests, back to where she hopes the sweep of time may forget them. Winston Churchill famously said that “Success is not final, failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.” And mercifully, Dr. Kathleen Ramsay does just that. She continues.
The Miracle of Kathleen Ramsay, Part 2
When asked what she thinks her biggest contribution is to her community, Kathleen Ramsay says that it is her Cottonwood Veterinary Clinic in Española, New Mexico. It’s a fairly rural area, and quite poor. She says, “Probably 60% of people living there make $10,000 per year.” And she has personally seen to it that her community can afford the very best medical care for their animals no matter their status and means.
Well, Joseph Campbell… ?
I began this morning challenging Joseph Campbell and his immortal words, words I’ve held as true for so long: “Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors for you where there were only walls.” “Well, Joseph Campbell,” I wanted to scream, “… where are MY friggin’ open doors?”
Perspective
Then it comes so clear to me: life is not what we leave behind. That’s history. Life is the living of it, in these moments when our hearts are beating in our chests, when our eyes gaze across the great beauties…