Showing posts with label Christmas Eve. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christmas Eve. Show all posts

Friday, December 24, 2010

Friday December 24, 2010 Christmas Eve




It is morning, Christmas Eve. All is quiet. It snowed last night, and the landscape is transformed, as it should be on Christmas Eve morn. I was up early as usual.

Now in the studio, quiet, and alone. Here I sit on the mesa above town. All looks sleepy, wrapped in a white snowy winter's blanket. Yesterday, a large coyote, in molten fur, walked straight by the windows of the studio, which face north. He seems so large, and so determined, seemed to have an appointment, or other matter of importance. He walked toward the north, and disappeared. It is always a blessing to see wildlife, up close, it is as if this animal, and myself are the only ones on earth.

I feel a little bit as if I am in the Christmas story of Scrooge. All of Christmas past dance through my mind. Old friends and family long gone, are also here. And that for me is what makes Christmas a little sad. I was also thinking, that Christmas never really lived up to expectations in the past. It all seems too much. This year, we decided early, this year would be different. We would make everything smaller, including expectations. It will be interesting to see, how this works out.

Time to remember, time to do something for someone else, time to eat something special, and time to love. I guess that's it.
I'll let you know. And here is hoping you have the best Christmas ever!

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Thursday December 23, 2010 Christmas Eve at Taos Pueblo



Image from the internet, print by Kloss.

On Christmas Eve,
About four in the afternoon,
The sun is already low in the sky,
We go to Taos Pueblo,
The oldest Pueblo in the Southwest,
The adobe buildings have been inhabited
Over one thousand years.

It's always freezing cold,
We gather together for warmth,
And anticipation.
The procession of the virgin.
Catholicism is intertwined with ancient,
American Indian beliefs.

The procession circles the plaza,
And the people light the bonfires,
The War-chiefs in colorful blankets,
Are out front,
Shooting off their guns.
Children singing,
Rattles and drums.

I have heard people describe it as hell,
But for me it is a very transportive ceremony.
It is definitely a reminder that there is another way.

Something deep within,
Something hard to reach,
Something else,
Something personal and unique,
Something ancient, old,
Something sometimes called the soul.


It is a life changing experience
And I am grateful to the People of the Taos Pueblo!

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