I Love My “New” Geronimo
My very talented friend Christina created this amazing illustration of my beloved pony. I didn’t think I could love Geronimo any more than I already do… but I might love this drawing of him even more. You can see Christina’s portfolio here… and I highly encourage you to hire her to create something remarkable for you! She captured him perfectly… coloring, spots, and even the side-eye he always gives me, as if to say, what are you doing now? LOVE IT!
A Favorite Place
Ghost Ranch in Northern New Mexico is a place of inspiration and renewal for body, mind, and paint brush. My version of the Pederanal… otherwise known as Georgia O’Keeffe’s self-claimed mountain.
Neigh, Neigh, Oink?
My appaloosa, who is usually a bright white and lightly powdered roan color, turned solid brown today after a roll in the mud. I have always been suspicious that he is really a pig in disguise. I’ve never seen anything love to cover himself – from snout to tail – in dirt as much as Geronimo, ALL the time. His very first trainer (when we lived in Florida) used to say that he smelled like hotdogs after a workout. Now we know why!
Here is what he looked like after the mud bath:
And here is how he got that way:
As my ranch manager said, “Hey, he’s happy!” Yes, JR, happy as a pig in mud.
Pbbtt =P
It’s been really cold here in Santa Fe this winter, in the teens during the night and in the 30s during the day. Geronimo’s water bucket is always frozen every morning, so I have to break it up with a long, heavy pipe. As soon as I do, G takes a big drink… but since the water is soooo cold, he sticks his tongue out to keep it warm in the sun! It is so cute and completely hysterical. Today, I had my camera handy to capture my morning raspberry from Geronimo. This is how he says hello, world!
Small Town, Big Art
Santa Fe was rated the “Most Artistic City in America,” in a feature article published in The Atlantic this week. Richard Florida, a senior editor at the magazine and director of the Martin Prosperity Institute at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management, used data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey to rank cities based on the number of artists who live there compared to the overall population. After Santa Fe came cities with major art scenes: San Francisco, then New York, Los Angeles, and Santa Cruz-Watsonville, California.
“It’s time to get over the notion that only large urban cities like New York or L.A. can make it as artistic centers,” the article says. “While it’s true that large cities and metros dominate in terms of sheer numbers of artists, smaller communities are home to vibrant artistic communities as well — many with national and international reputations and reach.”
Santa Fe has been named a top destination in several other national publications this year as well. It ranked high on multiple lists by Travel + Leisure, and was the third-favorite city to visit in the 2011 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice survey. US News even ranked Santa Fe as the best place to retire for art and culture.
Happy New Year!
I am ready to see 2011 come to an end… whether it goes out quietly or in a blaze of glory makes no difference to me. Just so it goes. I know that January 1st is only another day, but this year, more than any other, I need the mental/spiritual/life regeneration that a new year promises to bring. And all that implies. I am so thankful to my family and friends, old and new, who have been so supportive of my transition to Santa Fe. I could not make it without your advice, love, encouragement, and most importantly, smiles and hugs. Here’s to a fantastic 2012, I hope it starts with a bang and just gets better every day after.
A Geronimo of a Different Horse
You already know I love writing about my horse Geronimo, but there is also a fantastic restaurant in Santa Fe called Geronimo. Is it any wonder I moved to a city that celebrates Geronimo as much as I do? Coincidence? Perhaps. But probably not.
Geronimo, the delectable one that is, sits at the heart of Canyon Road, and is at the top of my list for truly exquisite meals and special nights. Your wallet will definitely be lighter, but it’s worth every penny – for the food, the service, and the ambiance. (For what it’s worth, I also saw Sam Shepard there – so star gazers look around.)
When we were walking by on Christmas Eve, the restaurant was so generous to us (and others in the crowd) – they gave out the best hot cider with whipped cream! Perfect for a cold night stroll on the Farolito Walk. It was FREE and served with a smile… what a wonderful holiday treat!
“This elegant restaurant offers one of Santa Fe’s most delectable and atmospheric dining experiences. Occupying an old adobe structure known as the Borrego House built n 1756, the building has been completely restored but still retains the feel of an old home. The restaurant offers simply fantastic food made with seasonal ingredients. In its celebrated 18 years, Geronimo has established its reputation in Santa Fe as the place to dine. It is New Mexico’s only Forbes Travel 4 star, AAA 4 diamond rated restaurants.” – Review from Inn of the Anasazi
