THIS is the meaning of community! I love what you wrote about the local fare. I asked my husband what he remembered most about Espanola (because he lived in neighboring Los Alamos), and he said, "the great food." How sad that you do have to be careful to avoid used hypodermic needles in certain areas, and I wasn't aware that Espanola has a reputation in this way. But you brought out the beauty that exists in any place that has pockets of love. You clearly bring that light to your local community!
I’m originally from Santa Fe. I always thought of Española as the low-rider capital of the Universe. So much love pride, and creativity went into them. About 20 years ago I was president of a big arts center in SoCal. It included a museum of contemporary arts. We decided to curate an indoor/outdoor exhibit of low-rider art, culminating in a major display of cars and juried awards. I met so many cool people I would never otherwise have met. As much fun as I ever had in that job and the one time I felt surrounded my own people, as opposed to the uniformly white, rich, smug donors I was forced to spend most of my time wooing. They had no friggin idea who I really was.
Low riders are definitely a thing here! As I wrote in that last paragraph, there's so much more to say about this town, and Espanola will make more appearances in Postcards from NM at a later date.
That exhibit in Southern CA sounds great! I grew up with low riders in Pasadena. Interesting I landed up in another town that centers them. Do you know of Rose Simpson and her low rider, Maria, which was part of an exhibit at the NM Museum of Art some years ago?
Love the pics, Maia; so colorful. This is such an uplifting and hopeful postcard!
One of my strongest memories of Espanola (I used to pass through periodically on my trips between Taos and Santa Fe) is of an old Volkswagen Bug sitting in a used car lot. I wanted that car so bad!
I really enjoyed this! I’ve been thinking of your town lately….as I considered the upcoming pilgrimage. (Logistical details are hidden about it —lol!!—but I have seen “Espsnola” mentioned!)
Yes…I was thinking of coming over (I’m in TX) this year….but couldn’t get a good idea of where to leave my car, etc. And then—I remembered that I had been at this sweet place!!! It was a few years ago….i was there all alone. Magical.
Indeed. Thank you for sharing this beautiful piece, Maia. Your relationships with your community feel so warm. Much needed in our world! I’m looking forward to going and trying out some of the places you mentioned. I know it takes time to meld into any town’s local folks and ways. Beautiful share.
I got tears in my eye, when I read your conclusion. Thank you for this important reminder.
I love rereading this as a postcard, Maia. You inspire me.
Maia,
THIS is the meaning of community! I love what you wrote about the local fare. I asked my husband what he remembered most about Espanola (because he lived in neighboring Los Alamos), and he said, "the great food." How sad that you do have to be careful to avoid used hypodermic needles in certain areas, and I wasn't aware that Espanola has a reputation in this way. But you brought out the beauty that exists in any place that has pockets of love. You clearly bring that light to your local community!
Thank you for seeing the beauty, along with me.
I’m originally from Santa Fe. I always thought of Española as the low-rider capital of the Universe. So much love pride, and creativity went into them. About 20 years ago I was president of a big arts center in SoCal. It included a museum of contemporary arts. We decided to curate an indoor/outdoor exhibit of low-rider art, culminating in a major display of cars and juried awards. I met so many cool people I would never otherwise have met. As much fun as I ever had in that job and the one time I felt surrounded my own people, as opposed to the uniformly white, rich, smug donors I was forced to spend most of my time wooing. They had no friggin idea who I really was.
Low riders are definitely a thing here! As I wrote in that last paragraph, there's so much more to say about this town, and Espanola will make more appearances in Postcards from NM at a later date.
That exhibit in Southern CA sounds great! I grew up with low riders in Pasadena. Interesting I landed up in another town that centers them. Do you know of Rose Simpson and her low rider, Maria, which was part of an exhibit at the NM Museum of Art some years ago?
I love the details and photos you included in this expanded version!
I went out yesterday to get that shot of the "Welcome to Espanola" mural -- perfect timing as there were no parked cars in front of it at that moment!
Did you get a lot of snow? It was a winter(spring) wonderland here!
Not a bit of snow! A little bit of rain. It still feels pretty dry.
Oh boo! We need the moisture so badly this year.
Love the pics, Maia; so colorful. This is such an uplifting and hopeful postcard!
One of my strongest memories of Espanola (I used to pass through periodically on my trips between Taos and Santa Fe) is of an old Volkswagen Bug sitting in a used car lot. I wanted that car so bad!
I really enjoyed this! I’ve been thinking of your town lately….as I considered the upcoming pilgrimage. (Logistical details are hidden about it —lol!!—but I have seen “Espsnola” mentioned!)
Hi Angela,
Are you talking about the Good Friday pilgrimage to Chimayo?
Yes…I was thinking of coming over (I’m in TX) this year….but couldn’t get a good idea of where to leave my car, etc. And then—I remembered that I had been at this sweet place!!! It was a few years ago….i was there all alone. Magical.
Thanks, Don! Yeah, I decided to add more photos and a bit more detail, and of course 'out' Española as the town I was writing about in that Note.
I bet that VW Bug is still there, lol! Things take a long time to change here ; )
A strange place. It’s usually a pass through going elsewhere.
I hope this piece opened up your mind to the fact that there’s a lot of beautiful things going on in this place, despite outside appearances.
Indeed. Thank you for sharing this beautiful piece, Maia. Your relationships with your community feel so warm. Much needed in our world! I’m looking forward to going and trying out some of the places you mentioned. I know it takes time to meld into any town’s local folks and ways. Beautiful share.