simple like fruit: September 2011

These trucks are right outside of Taos, New Mexico. My mom led me to these trucks. I think her art class had gone to look at them and she thought I'd have fun photographing them. She was MORE than right about that! Love, love, loved them!

Turquoise Dodge

Okay, this next photo was inspiration for a little abstract painting. I have painted about 1 picture in my life, but spending time in a place like Taos can really bring out the "artsy" in a person. Sooo...my mom invited me over today and helped me try something called "abstract acrylic" painting. I did some of the early work on this painting...but it was so messed up, for lack of better words, that I had my mom doctor it up ~~a lot~~ a bit so as to not waste a precious square of canvas. But I was inspired...and I learned something new (which I like)...I've even been searching through the Cheap Joe's Art Stuff catalog contemplating some acrylic paint purchases! And, No! I don't need another hobby!

This next shot is my personal favorite. I'm going to frame this one. I couldn't resist playing with this a little in my editing program...made it look like an old black and white film photograph. I love the color shot best though - the gorgeous turquoise color just can't be beat!

Colorful GMC

This beauty must be the great, great grandfather of my 2003 GMC Yukon XL...all the more reason that I loved it!

Chevrolet

New Mexico has always held a special place in my heart. I lived in Albuquerque for a few years as a child and my family went back to visit on occasion while I was growing up. With my mom being an artist, I grew up with a pretty deep appreciation for art and artistic culture. My mom was fluent in Spanish and spent part of her career as a Spanish high school teacher. She has always loved the unique cultural experience of a place like Taos...and she must have passed it on to me.

Enter: Random and Fairly Unplanned Trip. These are a such good thing! About a week ago, my mom invited me to drive down and stay with her in a rented "casita" in Taos. She was on her way down there to take a week-long abstract painting class and thought that if I could arrange to get away then we would have a great time. I didn't have to think about this one for long!

AND...what better way to practice my photography skills!...to practice shooting in Manual mode!

So I packed my wagon and headed south for a few days. I'm so happy I did! My mom and I had the best time together and I was able to get much more comfortable with that "M" mode. Here's a summary of my trip...complete with (what I think are) beautiful photos!

I was pleasantly surprised it took me only 4 hours to drive to Taos from Colorado Springs. It was a beautiful drive (and on a gorgeous September day). Why don't I go there more often? I might have to make this trip a yearly one.

I added this picture to honor all of you Chevron-pattern lovers. I love the pattern myself!

"Where the streets have no name"...well, this street probably has a name...I just didn't catch it. Every time I look at this picture I think of the U2 song - not sure why.

Lodging

This is the little "casita" we stayed in. Hmmm...maybe this picture is a bit overexposed, but it is such a cute casita...very old and authentic, yet well maintained (and very reasonably priced!)

Food

Shortly after arriving to town, my mom and I met some of her painting friends at Graham's Grill...a very yummy Mexican food restaurant that you should definitely try if you find yourself in this neck of the woods. I will warn you about their margaritas though...THEY ARE STRONG!!

Lunch at Lula's...best reuben sandwich EVER!

I guess this was "fast food", because it was fast! But sooooo yummy. I'd go to the Guadalajara Grill over and over and over again. Here's an interesting fact: apparently a Mexican Fanta is made with cane sugar instead of corn syrup, which is in an American Fanta!