Heart-shaped puffy clouds photo by Jennifer Esperanza.
I was five years old on a family road trip when I first saw Santa Fe. Years later in San Francisco, I was given the opportunity to telecommute for my job. My daughter and I chose Santa Fe.
We lived in a little adobe house with aqua blue shutters and a heavy wooden door. It was like being in the midst of nature's art gallery: powerful beauty and bright sunshine, with endless blue skies filled with giant puffy clouds. At Christmas, flickering farolitos lined snow-covered paths and flat adobe rooftops.
We began collecting art, hand-hammered Spanish crosses and whimsical painted furniture. And we developed an appreciation for the Spanish and Native American history that formed the oldest city in America.
David and I flew from Paris to get married at Archbishop Jean-Baptiste Lamy's private chapel in Santa Fe.
And now I'd like to share the city's myriad charms with you! Won't you join my friend Madelyn Mulvaney and me for "Creative Geography," an art and photography retreat April 25-28, 2010 at the beautiful La Fonda on the Plaza in Santa Fe?
Madelyn, photographer Jennifer Esperanza and artist Leau Phillips will lead intriguing workshops exploring the maps of our lives: the roads we've taken and the journeys still ahead. Read all about it on our website Creative geography. We'll be thrilled to see you in Santa Fe!
Floating flowers by Jennifer Esperanza.
P.S. Merci bien to the inspiring photographer Me Ra Koh for the kudos about my photograph of bubbles in Amsterdam. I'm honoured to be in such good company!
while vacationing in Santa Fe i was struck multiple times a day by how unique the light actually is. I had heard about it but never experienced it. there is some sort of depth or glow that i have never seen since. what a wonderful place to have a retreat and i love the title of Creative Geography! you have an amazing ability to draw people together for experiences that may have only been a dream until you come along and make things happen. You are like a force of nature and definitely a creative genius!
xo
Posted by: Robin Laws | 07 August 2009 at 19:48
Dear Tara.
You are lucky to have lived in Sante Fe. There is something magical and spiritual about it, a perfect venue for such a retreat. Some of the things Vanessa writes, is how I feel too~
If I had all the tea and china, I'd trade it to be with you and Maddie and Christine for this special time! My day will come~
Congratulations for putting together two fabulous sounding adventures!!!
xox
Constance
Posted by: Rochambeau | 06 August 2009 at 19:06
Oh my, would I EVER love to join you there. (well, anywhere. ;) ) I have always been "called" to Santa Fe! Someday I will go. I know it. I know there are many therapist trainings that happen there, for the more "spiritual" type counselors. ;)
oxox ;)
Posted by: amber | 06 August 2009 at 18:11
Between you and Rel over at Under the Microscope, I am in now more in love than ever with this part of the world!
Posted by: Kay | 06 August 2009 at 13:45
Vanessa, your comment surprised me: "One day, I hope to have the courage (and the help from life's path) to be a part of such a retreat." I've always seen you as an artist with tremendous courage. This retreat seems made for you. :)
Posted by: Mary | 06 August 2009 at 03:23
Oh Tara I am so very tempted by this I must think about this seriously as it falls on my Mom's birthday perhaps a perfect gift for the two of us. I have missed your blog so very much I must make time for the inspiration and beauty you always so gererously share with the world!
XOX
Kristen
Posted by: kristen robinson | 06 August 2009 at 00:36
Yeah!!! It's real, I can hardly wait. Thanks for putting this together.SMOOCHES to you and Maddie both. Can't wait to meet Jennifer, she finds great images here in the Land of Enchantment to share...
Posted by: Leau | 06 August 2009 at 00:25
Oh!
You bring back memories of my travel writing days.
I know La Fonda on the Plaza very well, and the chapel, and...
The trip encompassed Albuquerque, Santa Fe and Taos.
Land of enchantment indeed!!
Posted by: Colette Copeland | 05 August 2009 at 19:35
Oh Miss TARA! YAY! I am so glad you are having such a gorgeous retreat in my favorite place in the world.
I love Santa Fe and Taos. And guess what? I am in the midst of chaos with my lil' sis moving to New Mexico on Friday. She has been packing for two weeks, and is almost ready to set sail ;)
More reasons to go to New Mexico ;)
One day, I hope to have the courage (and the help from life's path) to be a part of such a retreat ;)
xoxooxoxox
Posted by: A Fanciful Twist | 05 August 2009 at 17:29
Yay you finally went live! I was wondering when all your hard work would come to fruition. Creative Geography WOW!!! That is the coolest thing, and what a perfect place to study in, Sante Fe. Hopefully I can (fingers crossed) come be a part of it too. :)
xoxo
Good luck with all of it Tara!
Posted by: gillian | 05 August 2009 at 17:22
I always find an excuse to buy a new moleskin journal
and for this trip i am buying a sketchbook ~ can't wait to
share this grande adventure with you dear Tara:)
Posted by: madelyn | 05 August 2009 at 16:51
Jennifer Esperanza's photography is beautiful! + You, Maddie and Leau??? Oh yeah! I'm all over this.
This will be a wonderful time. Whoo Hoo!!!
Love you!
Posted by: Christina | 05 August 2009 at 16:42