My introduction to Taos, New Mexico came by way of an ultra-cool, artsy, stranger (Naiima) chatting with me at Caribou Coffee in Atlanta, Georgia. It was February 2011.
Naiima named the piece being worked on, “To Taos with Love”, and when I asked, “what is a Taos?”, she described it as a small, enchanted, dusty Northwest town (not city); tucked inside the Rocky Mountains. An Artist’s dream.
SPIRIT knew. The spark lit by Naiima (she called it KISMET) sent me to the Internet seeking more info about the artistic commune the Sista had described. I decided we (me, Justis and Jaiya) had to travel immediately. It was going to be a April vacation. And yes, I would come to learn NOBODY vacations in Taos during MUD SEASON!
Keep in mind this was the EARLY Google days and pre-vacation rentals. There was no ENCHANTMENT WHILE BLACK to guide my anxious, wanderlust ways!
We were blessed with sarcastic, cRaZy, Hip-Hop loving, blue haired, Amy Ray! A translate, Amy was the only person who responded to my request to book a Casita at the historic, El Rincón Trading Post. Amy was a single mom like me and an example of what TRUE white allies look like. We became fast friends and sisters.
Thanks to Amy and local Taoseños, our first visit to Taos was PURE magic. They advised us, guided us, and even warned us when necessary (fyi: visiting the Gorge Bridge on windy days is a bad idea!:-)
Even driving North from ABQ and stopping at the Old Glen Woody Bridge in Pilar, I told the kids something in my Spirit said I could be happy here. At the time, I was witnessing the slow transition of my Mom succumbing to Alzheimer’s Disease. For me to be happy, and not grieving was new.
When Mom transitioned in the Fall of 2013, Spirit said it was time to make our journey West. In June of 2014, in an overpacked Ford Escort we wandered cross-country 1600 miles to our new home. I even created a blog to timestamp this life moment: She’s Happy Go Luckie
No regrets. The adventures are endless here and our enchanted natural beauty breathtaking. Waking, breathing, living and thriving in New Mexico NEVER gets old.
We offer to you what Naiima and Amy Ray gifted us so many years ago; an opportunity to follow the call of Spirit to explore your wildest dreams in a safe, and welcoming space among family and friends.
I always believe Mama sent me here to heal and find happiness to soothe my Soul in her absence. I remain forever grateful.
To Taos with Love,
– Luckie | Mama Bear. Curator Extraordinaire. Soul + Culture Adventurer.
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