Cornerstone, construction, and cutie pies!

The older an aspen, the more character!

She's so excited!

The solid engineering on this job will ensure it's serious life span!

My cutie pies!

Ghost Ranch and Santa Fe Get away

From the website:

In this land of shifting light, boundless skies and fused cultures, Ghost Ranch offers two locations. The towering rock walls and vivid colors of our Abiquiu location -- where Georgia O'Keeffe painted for fifty years -- and our Santa Fe location, an oasis in the city different; both places for renewal, retreat and transformation.

By the time you read this I will be in Santa Fe- with a quick stop along the way for a hike in Ghost Ranch.

The tip, top photo is the dinining room at Geronimo. It will, of course, be one of the destinations. Geronimo restaurant- my favorite. It was the decor that struck me first. So, so simple, elegant and rustic.

Wetterhorn Hike

Went camping in the Cimarrons this weekend. My friend Steph and I also climbed to the Wetterhorn pass-12 miles ( round-trip) of exhilarating, breathtaking, sometimes grueling hiking! We met some bow hunters who were in sorry shape. Two of them were green due to altitude sickness. We felt like amazon women as they marveled at our strength and pace. True we have acclimated and have been doing these hikes all summer but still there was a slight swelling of pride.
I especially loved the lone tree near the base of the peak. Isn't that what the Celts refer to as thin spaces? I'm a sucker for cairns and remote mountain basins. Time with family and friends- so needed.

I'm clearly no Andrew Goldsworthy but I had so much fun snapping these shots of ice crystals. the 1st weekend of Sept, the wildflowers are still gorgeous and it is COLD in them thar hills!

Industrial Park

During my hike yesterday I stumbled upon this little gem. If anyone has any idea what it used to be, by all means, let me know.
I love it's shape and detail, it's refusal to decay.
It is a reminder that juxtaposition is one of the keys to good design.

Antiquated machine
won't budge
all around
Aspen stand

It's like some sort of portal, a time machine perhaps?

Leapin' Lupine We've Got a Hiker!

We attempted a Dallas Trail Hike today-the road is very near Ralph Lauren's Double R Ranch. The views are truly breathtaking. Unfortunately, storm clouds moved in and lighting began to cackle so we jogged back down to the safety of our vehicle. All the while Sophia was assuring her American Doll Nikki that it was OK to be scared but not OK to scream. "All it does is just hurt her ears,"-(meaning me.)

Ahhh... it's sinking in!

Earlier, on the way up the trail, she collected wildflowers and stuck them all over her Dad. she's getting to be a really good hiker- appreciating the sticks, flowers and the meadows, the trees and the bones we find...

In terms of design, I never fail to be impressed by the colors, the light, and the textures found in the natural world. I started a little photo project...but am waiting until my good camera is fixed to really get going.

Meanwhile it was just nice to out in a quiet place with my family.

Post Script:

Wooooooo just googled AG doll. Wish I'd had the foresight to buy an extra doll last Christmas. Those puppies are going for a pretty penny now.