The City Different
15 Nov 2013
Santa Fe is called The City Different, which I love. The grammar nerd in me is excited about the non-standard syntax, of course, but it really is different, in so many awesome ways. I spent today strolling in a broad loop around town, stopping by the railyard and the state capitol and a handful of incredible old churches and a dozen other places along the way. I think I’ll always remember the highlights of the beautiful places I saw, but in looking back through my pictures, I’m so happy I have a good handful that capture the feel of the city. If you look closely, you can see this little crossing man’s fancy hairdo.
A dry streambed, full of desert beauties.
Our Lady of Gaudalupe, watching over the city.
This is a bus stop shelter, and it is officially the prettiest one I have ever seen.
The railyard, still home of regular service, also now housing a ton of art galleries.
Beautiful fall leaves.
Adobe, adobe, adobe. You have my heart. Do you see those little squares on the roof? They’re called farolitos. They’re little bags with candles inside. They are so very pretty at night.
Good thing, ’cause I am not yo mama’s yard sale shopper.
These little paintings are all over town and are part of a community mural project.
Inside the New Mexico State Capitol, a really inspiring space, which also happens to be full of incredible art.
I saved my favorite for last. These are called milagros; they are tiny (tiny!) charms that were left in churches and missions with prayers for a specific intention. Body parts usually had to do with a request for healing or fertility, while hearts often suggested spiritual requests. These milagros, no bigger than my thumb nail, were tacked onto the beams supporting a bell that was cast in the 14th century, in a church that was built in 1610, atop ruins that date to the early 1300s. WOW. I am so moved by this. I walked away into the cold sunshine of the afternoon, holding onto the prayers of all those who came before me, mixing them together with my own.
Nov 15, 2013 @ 04:32:37
If I could wait in a bus shelter like that, I would ride the bus for sure.
Nov 19, 2013 @ 19:33:40
Me too! I so appreciate elegant little touches like that.
Nov 15, 2013 @ 04:45:03
Your pictures make me smile! I love the creative brain and open eyes that spied these beautiful spots all around her, and knew they needed their pictures taken!
Nov 19, 2013 @ 19:36:42
Thank you so much! I appreciate the creative parents who passed all their magnificence down to me!
Nov 15, 2013 @ 05:21:08
love the Mary statue and the charms, interesting and I bet it was better to see in person!! Looks like a fun place to visit.
Nov 19, 2013 @ 19:37:13
Thank you! It totally was, and I was really moved by the old churches and cathedrals. I love to feel so close to so much history.
Nov 15, 2013 @ 09:10:40
I love looking through your pics. Thanks!
Nov 19, 2013 @ 19:37:21
And thank you!
Nov 15, 2013 @ 16:24:33
Love the pics and what you said about the milagros. 🙂
Nov 19, 2013 @ 19:37:32
Thank you so much, sweet friend!
Nov 16, 2013 @ 07:47:22
You find the coolest things! Good eye!
Nov 19, 2013 @ 19:43:46
Thank you so much!
Nov 16, 2013 @ 17:03:09
One day I will finally get to travel New Mexico, but for now I’m happy to have your photos to remind me of all the beauty that is in store for me. 🙂 Glad you’re having such a fun time!
Nov 19, 2013 @ 19:44:18
Thank you! We really must go there together sometime–you would love it! So much color, so much history, so much art, so much amazing food!