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Enjoy a pictorial visit to the beautiful state of New Mexico.
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VOLUME XVI – Issue 4: Sunday, May 28, 2017 (189th Issue)
- Two Poems: Flashes and Dreams 2
- Vignette this Month: Humanity and Technology
- Recommendation
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Mountain sheep along the Enchanted Circle Byway that circles around Mt. Wheeler near Taos
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Opening Comments from Bob
This Issue: We pictorially travel to New Mexico. There are two very serious poems this month, Flashes and Dreams 2. The vignette discusses a perilous problem of which we need to address as human being, Humanity and Technology.
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Cottonwood Canyon, UT: Yes, spring has arrived despite the snow in the mountains.
Note the quiet mountain stream which will soon rush with the snow melt. (Our one pic this month from Utah)
Two Poems
Flashes
Another time of sipping,
enjoying a biker’s lunch
at familiar Galleria.
Many are struck with awe
by views of the mountains and sea
but miss the everyday moments of quiet
while staring off into the distance
or pondering nothing.
These flashes between thoughts
calm the spirit
and console the soul.
Comments: A few thoughts between sips.
Dreams 2
Strange tableaus
dance through the night
conjuring bizarre screenplays
which like phantoms
disappear with the dawn.
When walking the day,
new dreams emerge.
These fragile jewels of hope
create the persons we become.
Like followers of the Star of the East,
the wise dance with the light
from one to another
into eternity.
Comment: No comments.
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The Taos Pueblo, one of the oldest continually inhabited homes in the world, over a 1,000 years, is divided into two sections. Pictured are several residents selling their wares to the tourists.
Rt. 64, the high road to Taos
Marvin Martinez, potter, holding the small bowl I purchased |
Turning off of Rt 84 to Rt. 64, New Mexico: This high country road–passed less than 10 cars during the 76 miles to Taos (no cell service)–includes extraordinary vistas. I am sure the road is more highly traveled during the summer and ski season, when it is open.
Vignette this Month: Humanity and Technology
The Dalai Lama suggests that the spiritual and mental aspects have become unbalanced. We spend far more time focusing on the external via technology, e.g. messaging, Facebook, and noses stuck in our phones versus reflecting on the internal and communicating one to one. Key elements of the internal include love and mercy. In fact, many become uncomfortable in the quiet and immediately seek noise to distract from inner thoughts. "As a nation, we seem to see one another less and less . . . as human beings who are a sacred source of life . . . and more and more as objects." Look at the hatred that is spewed on someone because of a remark made on a chat page or on Facebook. Anonymity allows hatred to erupt. The haters do not see the person as a human being but an object toward which to direct anger.
Here is a cute story about our focus on social media trivia. "I have given up social media for the New Year and am trying to make friends outside Facebook while applying the same principles. Every day, I walk down the street and tell passersby what I've eaten, how I feel, what I did the night before, and what I will do tomorrow. Then I hand them pictures of my family, my dog, and me gardening. I also listen to their conversations and tell them I love them. And it works. I already have three people following me–two police officers and a psychiatrist."
Don't misunderstand, this article is not anti-technology. Instead, it is about controlling it to the extent that we do not lose our humanity. The simple act of talking face-to-face with one another and recognizing the sacred within each of us is a beginning. If the exponential growth of technology is allowed to gain more and more control over us, the future does not bode well for the humanity of humankind.
Rt.64, NM: Continuing our journey over this high road toward Taos. Still plenty of snow.
Rio Grande Gorge just outside of Taos
Above and below taken on the Enchanted Circle Byway that goes around Mt. Wheeler near Taos
Recommendations
Explore the many venues pictured on this page.
Restaurant in Taos, NM
Michael's Kitchen Restaurant and Bakery in Taos: Enjoyed several
glorious breakfasts in this downtown restaurant.
Pictured: Jeri Samora – Spent an hour with this wonderful human being.
If you are interested in purchasing Taos Pueblo pottery, this is the
person to see. Extreme talent and reasonable prices.
You can easily find her as you walke the village.
............................. Just a few miles outside of Santa Fe, hundreds of these unusual rock formations.
Above and Below: High Road from Taos to Santa Fe
Taos Pueblo, NM: One of the most fascinating visits included this pueblo two miles north of the city of Taos. It is one of the longest continually inhabited communities in the United States, close to a 1,000 years. 1) The Tiwa People still inhabit it; 2) Catholic church-religion is a mix Catholicism and ancient Tiwa beliefs; 3) In 1847, the U.S. calvary shelled and burned 100+ women and children as they sought sanctuary in their church (Church remains preserved in their honor.); 4) North Pueblo (not pictured South Pueblo); and 5) Red Willow River–source of their fresh water (from Blue Lake and mountain snow)
Earthship, just outside of Taos, NM: These off the grid homes are built using the latest technology from tires and recyclable materials. Though they exist all over the world and in every state, the largest concentration is here. The goal is to have minimal environmental impact. Large sections are covered by earth to provide installation and protection from storms. Water via a high tech system is reused 4 times. Electricity is provided by DC, rechargeable batteries. One side of the home is a greenhouse where food is raised along with providing natural oxygen. An enlightening place to visit!
World Tai Chi & Qigong Day was celebrated in Heber City on April 29. Some of the participants pictured.
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