September 17, 2023
Ahhhh, September! The month of slowing down, hints of crisp morning air, tree leaves turning ever so slightly from green to golden, a bit of wanderlust satisfied.
Instead of creating “Little” paintings of a month of highlights, and there have been many, I decided to focus on a single “Little” road-trip down the east side of the Manzano Mountains. My goal was to take a fresh look at, well, everything …….. and watch as the story of rural life unfolded.
As we wound our way along scenic backroads, I mentally sketched out our route map to depict some of the historic and present day highlights across the landscape. My imagination envisioned the full, prosperous and peaceful village life of the Tiwa Indians, and their conquest and struggle to survive Spanish occupation. There was evidence of the optimistic outlook of early settlers who came west to build a life centered around dryland farming and ranching. And today, modern day ranchers live on the land adjacent to land grants where indigenous peoples live a rural lifestyle on their native lands. I hope you enjoy my route map with some of these highlights, ranging from serious to funny, natural to commercial.
I’d love to know what story unfolds for you as you travel along on this September “Littles” Road-trip. Be sure to pack a lunch!
Once again, a big shout-out to “Made by Fay” for the inspiring “Littles” idea! These pages are fun to create, and remind me of monthly highlights and the random road-trip as I revisit my previous “Littles” posts. Hope you’re enjoying them too, along with the ending days of the season.
Stay tuned for the next installment of “Littles.”
September 26, 2023
a curious nature 
Such an interesting trail of treasures! It’s been a long time since gas prices were in just cents! It would be fun to know the dates of these treasures and the stories they could tell! Thanks for sharing your exploration path, Barb!
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Thanks for the comments, Karen! For the most part, information is lacking on nearly all of the “treasures” depicted on the map, with the exception of the Village of Quarai. The first stone blocks were believed to have been laid by the Tiwa people around 1300. Peaceful existence lasted until 1600 when the first of the Spanish explorers arrived in the area, immediately occupying the village and basically enslaving the Tiwa who built the first church (mission) on this site. It’s a fascinating history, linked together with several other nearby villages also eventually occupied by the Spanish. If I do find out more about any other “treasures” I’ll be sure to share! What I notice most about being surrounded by these windswept grasslands is the quiet. You can almost hear the past, and have a sense of being able to see way back in time; the views are exquisitely vast.
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Fascinating history – wow, 1300 is a long time ago! I wonder what treasures are also buried beneath the soil that may have covered items or buildings from long ago. Oh, the quiet must be divine! I still remember the sweeping views from the top of the Carlsbad Cavern visitor center — the gorgeous, blue open sky with cotton ball clouds, Guadalupe mountains in the distance behind the swaying, endless grasslands!
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The park service has some idea of what lies beneath the mounds of dirt scattered about this site and the 2 sister sites, Abo and Quivara. A lot of the treasures are on display at the lovely visitor center in Mountainair, 8 miles south of Quarai. To preserve the structures for future research, the walls and surrounds are reburied. But until then, no one knows what more can be found to fill in more of their story! And your description of the sky, clouds and grasslands is wonderful and perfect! I think New Mexico is truly the Land of Enchantment! Thanks for the further comments, Karen! Welcome Fall!
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September might be the month of slowing down, but it does not appear that you are. You are an amazing artist!
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Dear Michele! Your compliment instantly put a fall blush on my face! Thank you so much for such wonderful comments. I really don’t have a slow season, it’s just that during these cooler days of Fall, it seems easier to breathe the fresh air! Have a wonderful evening and enjoy your cooler weather also.
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So wonderful sketched photos with stunning nature, birds, lizard and many more writings 🌷🙏👍September is a beautiful month and Happy Autumn to you dear my friend a talented Artist and All The Best Wishes to you🌷🙏🥰🌷
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Such wonderful comments, dear Thattamma! Thank you so much! Happy season change to you too!
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Thank you so much for this lovely comment message 🌷🙏🥰Here 2 season only rain or
Shine 👏🏼 Malaysia is a tropical country !! Best Wishes my friend 🙏
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Thank you for the return comment Thattamma! Only 2 seasons!! I always learn something from you!
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Yes ,it is true , no autumn , winter !! only Rain or shine 😍👍
So welcome my sweet friend 👏🏼 have a nice Day 🌷🙏❤️🌷
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