Category: Katherine McDermott

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Day Trips, New Friends and a Dash of Wonder

The past few days have been a whirlwind! Much to tell…so, hmmm, how to tell it?

First, there was the really cool discovery of the benefit of Google Alerts! In my last post I said we were going to El Tuito…the trip postponed from Tuesday would now be on Friday. I wrote that on Wednesday, and put “El Tuito” in the labels for the post.

On Thursday morning I sat down with my coffee to check the status of my online life, and had an email that my spam filter wanted to know what to do with. Since the subject said, “El Tuito on Friday” I clicked allow and opened it. It was from a couple from Kentucky…living part time in El Tuito. His Google Alerts had picked my El Tuito label and sent him to my blog, where he found we were here in Puerto Vallarta and planning a day trip to El Tuito. He wrote, “come see us and we’ll have some cold ice tea waiting!” Intrigued, I replied, then he replied, then I …..you know the drill. Anyway, off we went to El Tuito. 20 Pesos gets you there in a quite reasonable bus. It took about an hour. Then we wandered around looking for their street. We quickly found that this pretty, traditional small town, doesn’t have street signs. We walked into a friendly looking doorway to ask directions, and a smiling man greeted us “Hello! My name is Louis, welcome to my home! How can I help you?” (yes, in English, just like that). I asked where the street was. He smiled broadly and said, “in the back”. I said, “in the back of what?” “My house”, he grinned. He looked at my paper, “Oh, Hank and Vicki…do you want me to call them?”

Gotta love Mexican Hospitality. And, indeed, Kentucky hospitality too! The iced tea was indeed cold and refreshing. After a cool break and nice conversation we headed out to see the town, and marveled at how the internet has changed our lives. While some would argue, not positively, a connection like that just would not have happened! We would still have gone to El Tuito, and still have wandered around the town, but way more fun and so much richer to have made connections with people who live there! How fun is that!

Next time, I’ll write about our trip to the Botanical Gardens…and post a short video too! I’ll try and do that tomorrow (in between packing (ugh) and planning for the return (quadruple ugh). I’m SO not ready to go!

Angel Fire ArtSpace,
3469 Mountain View Blvd, Suites B2-4 Angel Fire NM
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Walking fortifies the Soul (and legs!)

Wow. Guess I gotta take a camera next time I go out. It’s tough to describe the hill we’re on without looking up from the bottom. I tried looking down and it just doesn’t work. All you see is cobble stones and there’s no way to tell which way is up. Actually, it’s two hills. Up Jacarandas, and then up Rodolfo Gomez. I’ve quickly grown to enjoy it, even long for a reason to run to the store. Not that any running happens. Walking down is one thing. In the morning, the air is lightly cool, the roosters still crowing and the uproarious bleeting of the burrows has quieted. (Yes, we’re in a traditional Mexican neighborhood). Walking down requires one to lean back. bends the ankles just about as far as they go. It’s not too hard to keep from going to fast, because the ridges in the road (put there for just this reason) prevent it, as do the uneven surfaces of the coblestones in between the rows of ridges.

It only takes me about 5 minutes to walk down both hills. Of course, the rub comes in the return, particularly if one is laden with groceries, or laundry or even nothing. Up, and up and up and up. I get winded just thinking about it! But somehow, in the process, it’s cleansing. Time to shed the layers of stress and fear that have burdened me of late. It’s generally the time of day that I’m alone. (Most days…I am. Every few days we (John and I) head down the hill together, but it’s taxi back as the climb is just too much.)

So, clomp, clomp, clomp down and now I’m more familiar with the streets and what’s where, than I have ever been and we’ve been coming here for most of 15 years. The slow walk up acquaints me with the neighbors. It’s an oddity for them. I talk to them. They talk to me. We smile, and climb on. I’ve learned alot. My spanish is improving (still a very long way to go. Today a young boy at the green grocer told me my purchase was trese’ (prolly spelled it wrong). I searched my brain and couldn’t find that it meant 13! oh, criminetly!)

So, this Sunday, I’m thankful. Thankful for being here, for this time to rediscover and find what’s new…and I mean, in me.

I’ll post a picture or video soon.

Angel Fire ArtSpace,
3469 Mountain View Blvd, Suites B2-4 Angel Fire NM
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Rich Schefren (My Mentor) Does it AGAIN!

Wow. I can’t believe he pulled off 25 hours of live streaming video, answering questions from people around the globe. I’m so privileged to be one of his students. I’ve already learned so much, and made so much progress with Rich’s guidance and input, but this new report he released (“The Uncertainty Syndrome: Entrepreneurial Emergency”) is PACKED with insight, ideas and solutions. I’ve been working through the Theory of Constraints for nearly a year, identifying what holds me back, but the constraints he identifies in the report showed me I’ve been missing some important ones.

Constraint 4 Was A Smack In The Face…

I’ve been going through the report and scribbling notes as fast as my fingers will fly….

You got your copy, right? Get it here.

Because Constraint #4 was like a sledgehammer between the eyes for me. I mean, in the back of my mind, I KNEW this was a problem. But I had no idea how BIG of a problem it really was.

But what’s really cool is, Rich doesn’t just pull the problem to the surface and say, “Wow, that’s ugly. Sure wish you could do something about it.”

No, he offers a Silver Bullet solution for each constraint, with proven tactics to help you overcome these nasty barriers.

And I gotta tell you, Rich has misnamed them.Because they aren’t silver.

They’re PURE GOLD.

Get your hands on a copy of this FREE report today. You won’t know what you’re missing (or how much money you’re losing) until you do.

More later.

P.S. Once you discover the secret to overcoming Constraint #4, head to page 48 and read the bit about the Urinal Rule.

Talk about an eye-opener…

I’m so jazzed!

Angel Fire ArtSpace,
3469 Mountain View Blvd, Suites B2-4 Angel Fire NM
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Fall in New Mexico

I had to drive to the city yesterday..to retrieve my husband from the airport. A typical day of dashing from store to store to “stock up”…winter is coming, you know. No, I’m not living outside the moment, exactly. When you live at 8500 feet, 45 minutes away from most everywhere, planning is a part of life. I took my cues from my stop at the super walmart (sorry, I can spend $140 there on what would otherwise cost $225.) I was there at 7:45 a.m. It was almost bliss. The aisles were nearly bare of carts and screaming kids, and to ensure my shopping bliss, the chili roasters were fired up and roasting those lovely New Mexico Green Chiles. It made my mouth water, and my mind fill with memories in the kitchen with all my friends, peeling chiles and laughing when someone rubbed their eye…not that it was really funny…but it was.. everyone knows not to do that when peeling chiles!

So that’s it…that’s my cue that it’s fall (or quickly will be) and time to get ready for winter. The smell of roasting chiles has hung in my nose, while I painted the radiant barrier paint on the inside and outside of the garage doors, the regular doors leading into and outof the garage and all that. Next comes the top coat, some nice color of my choosing. I’m leaning toward blue that will closely match the roof for the garage doors. I’ll likely do that tomorrow, either before or after i plant the bulbs for next year. Thank goodness miss J is working for me tomorrow! I definitely need the time!

In the meantime the dryer is telling me to come fold the clothes. So much for my day “off”.

Angel Fire ArtSpace,
3469 Mountain View Blvd, Suites B2-4 Angel Fire NM
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Uh oh! Now what?

I should have pulled the covers over my head and stayed in bed. The fog filled skies should have warned me away. Bullheaded as I am, I headed out anyway. I drove to Angel Fire, and headed for the bank. I pulled into their driveway and began to turn into a parking spot when suddenly the engine stopped. Completely stopped. wierd. I turned the key, the radio still playing. Nothing. no click, no cough, nothing. The “check engine” light came on. duh. I went into the bank, called AAA and my car guy, Allen. Then I called a friend and he came and got me and delivered me to the gallery. I’m hoping that by now my truck is in the garage at Allen’s place. Good grief. The fog is gone but the skies are increasingly darkening with heavy water laden clouds. Looks like another rainy afternoon is headed our way.

Quiet here, no cars in the parking lot. No traffic on the road. Blah. Guess I’ll paint. It’ll surely put me in a better frame of mind.

Angel Fire ArtSpace,
3469 Mountain View Blvd, Suites B2-4 Angel Fire NM
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Coming Soon

I know, I know. No post since like the 20th of July or something ridiculous like that. Come on! It was July! If you know Angel Fire, and the Arts, and well, me, then you know July is nuts. Nuts, but Wonderful. Ahhhhh.
In the meantime, the Wind doth bloweth. And so the post below. His map doesn’t show the wind blowing much here…well, let me tell you, it does and that only makes the plan all the better. More Wind…less oil. hmmmmmmmmmmm. let it blow, it’s gonna anyway. Lets make it work for us. And, more on this shortly (I hope…it’s still summer for a week or two!)

Angel Fire ArtSpace,
3469 Mountain View Blvd, Suites B2-4 Angel Fire NM
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Painted Violins…it’s almost time!

Oh, Joy! One by one, they are popping up at www.musicfromangelfire.org
Some are utterly beautiful, some are downright silly. You can see mine here. For more on the painting of the violin, simply scroll down this page to “Painting the Violin” and read about it. The online auction will open on August 14. Then the high bid will be the starting bid at the live auction. Cool. Exciting!

Angel Fire ArtSpace,
3469 Mountain View Blvd, Suites B2-4 Angel Fire NM
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Ahh, Beautiful Sunday Morning

I’m sitting on my front porch, the sunshine glistening on Eagle Nest Lake, and the Red Tailed Hawk hanging effortlessly in the air as if suspended on invisible wires. It is 77 degrees and it just doesn’t get much better than this! The dog, Grace is sniffing the trails of last nights visitors and the columbine are reaching out to let the sun light their multi colored faces. It’s a compelling reason for the creative muse to emerge. I must write or paint. Since I have to go to work in a couple hours I opted for writing…plus my paints are at the gallery so the choice was easy!

The performance of the Mountain Theatre Children’s Workshop was way cool. What those kids accomplished in a week was nothing less than astonishing. With the guidance of Beth Tafoya, the choreography of Diane Peterson and creative costumes designed by the kids and crafted by Carol Verry and Allison Batchelder, the story of the history of Angel Fire came to life on the stage. From the creation of the high mountain valley to calling of the Sun, the Moon, the rivers and critters, the roots of the name Angel Fire came to life. Rooted in reality with a sprinkling of the mystical and silliness, it was a delight to watch. Now I’ll get to work editing the video for parents, grandparents and others. It was fun, and also a great relief that we pulled it off and it was richer and purer than what we saw in the past from Tech. No going back now…at least not to the way we used to do it. We dug deep and found gold. My deepest thanks to those named above who made it happen. Kudos!

Once the video is done I’ll post some clips here, so stay posted. Hope to have that done within a week. In the meantime it’s time to refresh my iced coffee. Ahh, nearly perfect!

Angel Fire ArtSpace,
3469 Mountain View Blvd, Suites B2-4 Angel Fire NM
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Been a while, but got a new video!

Hi. I know, it’s been a while. I normally post on Sundays, but the past few I’ve been traveling. Playing catch up now. At any rate, I did manage to get a new Watercolor Technique video out. Jacqui Binford-Bell stopped by the gallery to show us how she pours watercolor on canvas…and believe me, it’s not what you might think! Take a look:

She’s already sent me photos of her progress and process so there will be a follow up shortly so you can see the finished piece. In the meantime, catch Jacqui at the New Mexico Arts and Crafts Fair and the Expo New Mexico State Fair Grounds, this weekend. I imagine she’s already this piece popped in a frame to have on display at the show.

Also, this Friday is the monthly Fourth Friday Reception. I’m featuring the work of local Shirley Ellingboe, the newest addition to my gallery. I still recall the days when she was giggling through watercolor class…and then she just took off! Now she’s mostly working in oil and that’s what I have for the show. If you’re in Angel Fire come out on Friday, starting at 5.

Also new at the gallery is some really awesome new abstracts from Kevin McDermott…and no, we’re not related, at least as far we know. Take a look. They are all unique, and interesting and beautiful, if a bit fragile (at the corners.) I really love this one:

Isn’t it gorgeous? It is 24x 18, and framed. Mixed Media and acrylic. He’s really pushing the envelope and each one is better and better. And this one, on the right is stunning as well. The depth of color and textures and simply delicious! Believe it or not, he brought me a dozen new works in this genre!

Please feel free to comment on the video …and anything else here! See ya next time!

Angel Fire ArtSpace,
3469 Mountain View Blvd, Suites B2-4 Angel Fire NM
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Been a busy bee this morning!

Rising out of the funk I seem to have been in. Not sure what put me there, but I’m done with that now that I see it. Yesterday was cathartic. I did the laundry, mowed the lawn, pulled the weeds, watered, and trimmed the dead branches from the rose bushes and potentias. I think the winter killed the giant chamisa next to the house…sad about that. I’ll find a way to chop out the dead in hopes the roots will thank me. In the mean time, John and I sat outside on the porch, sipping drinks for the first time this year. The dog (Grace) went for swim in the neighbors pond and we all went to bed last night with a smile and slept! Yahoo! You never appreciate a good nights sleep till you have one after a long spell of being awake from 2am -4am every morning.

Real Spring is finally here (now that the calendar says it’s almost Summer!). The aspen are leafing out with that brilliant chartreuse of spring green. The breeze is finally almost warm and the columbine are a few days from blooming. Ahh.

So this morning, I realized it had been more than a month since I updated my squidoo lenses. Spent a few hours doing that. Check them out: http://www.squidoo.com/katherinemcdermott
http://www.squidoo.com/ArtSpace http://www.squidoo.com/AngelFireNM

We’re still in a quandry what to do about the cell service since T-Mobile lied to us about being able to use their service and now they are cancelling our contract. Talk about bad business!
We’re working with our Village Councilor Stuart Hamilton to try to find a good solution. It’s not just important to us…but to the whole community and to our customers, our visitors and those who own second homes here. It’s a common complaint. “My cell works everywhere but here”. AT&T is apparently our best hope. There is room on a cell tower on the ski mountain….Please, please, AT&T…put your cell on it! I’d bet that the vast majority of cell phone users here would switch in a heartbeat. We (John and I) are not the only ones being cut off by T-Mobile. I know dozens of people in the same boat.

In the mean time, now that my head is out of the fog I’m working on catching up all the web 2.0 stuff, and giving the gallery a thorough once over and cleaning. It smells good too! It’s been completely rearranged. If it’s been more than a few days since you were here, you’ll hardly recognize it! The MVAC’s Reflections show is up till June 22. It looks great! Thanks to all the artists who entered, and congrats to the lucky (skilled) winners! Second Place went to a cool photo by Michael Blassone, from Taos. It was the first time he ever entered a show! Way to go! First Place winner is Jeanne Green, a lovley work on canvas “Reflections of a Coot”. And Best of Show went to our own Jacqui Binford-Bell, for “Past Reflections”, mixed media on canvas. Take a look at that one! It’s Stunning!

Wow, this post has turned into a book! At any rate, Kat is Back! Yay!

Angel Fire ArtSpace,
3469 Mountain View Blvd, Suites B2-4 Angel Fire NM