Between Santa Fe and Taos, New Mexico - It's Always a Fascinating Journey
Yesterday was particularly memorable.
A business meetings in Taos combined with glorious weather to provide a productive excuse to drive our Prius through the passes between Santa Fe and Taos. The ice rimmed river flowed, snow hid in mountain shadows, silly cows waded ankle deep in water so cold that I worried it might irreparably damage their circulation and - despite having enjoyed the vistas at least a hundred times - each crested peak and hairpin turn provided new and awesome views with depth and dimesions that change dramatically with the time of day. The conveniently located Visitor's Center in Pilar (where river rafts launch during the season) now offers a welcome respite for drivers in need of public "accommodations" and despite the cold toilet seats, the facilities are clean and well stocked with important amenities like TP.
But all of this stuff is simply frosting on yesterday's cake.
My first meeting was at Taos County Economic Development Center. The women who have led the TCEDC efforts for the past 22 years, Pati and Terrie, have, among other intruguing ventures, established the only large commercial kitchen in the Northern New Mexico area. Local chefs, caterers and food product producers - some with worldwide distribution - use the kitchen to test, produce and brain-storm their product development efforts. Yesterday, five local food artisans shared their culinary skills with our group - and guided us as we created our own lunches - Enjoying a bread pudding faithfully created from a 100+ year olf recipe; fresh and delicious salsa ranging from mild to very, very hot; a rice dish that was sensational, fresh tortillas, beans, chicharones, and pico de gallo, and a world-class tamale. Fantastic!Patricia Quintana, who is the owner/operator of Rancho La Fina de Taos was the featured speaker. She was far more than a keynote speaker. She effectively challenged everyone present - a group of economic development folks - to embrace and promote the very diverse cultures within our New Mexico communities. We all kind of looked around - then back at her - and thought - but we already do that... But Patricia pressed on. She was very compelling - and articulate. She talked about the rural youth who feel disconnected from their heritage - by skill, economics, opportunity and education. She talked about the collaborative opportunities available to be nurtured and embraced if only those who could mentor and train young people - could and would make the time to do so... She shared snippets of her own history - grazing with sheep on Wheeler Peak, learning the value of positioning a product so the buyer can caim bragging rights... and on...
Her history includes experiences and initiatives that include the establishment of Tierra Wools (a wool cooperative in Tierra Amarilla, New Mexico) the Navajo Churro Sheep Association, Director of Government Relations at New Mexico State University, and sponsorship of numerous and varied state and federal initiatives - mostly to do with agriculture - and many requiring intense grant writing. Before returning to the land that has been in her family for generations - Particia enjoyed an impressive and influential life ... she still does. Sharing her history added an additional credibility to the breadth of perspective, insight and community needs identified within the stories she tells.
As the day progressed, I couldn't help but think - where else on the planet can one travel seamlessly from extreme beauty of the land and climate - to a meeting composed of cultural diversity advocates - who live what they speak - to the hands-on preparation and enjoyment of regionally significant food - to the inspection of a mobile livestock slaughtering unit - to soaking and joking with clients in mineral baths - and back to the next world heritage site - passing the Santa Fe Opera - numerous Native Casinos - stands with fresh ristras and chiles products - while traveling comfortably in an environmentally friendly car from point-to-point.
Enjoy Your Days - Bette
