XII - Mystic Athenae, Our Temple on the Pacific
Sunday, October 2, Year 4 Aquarius
On the Road, California
Sunday morning came with bright Sunlight and a warm breeze. Refreshed after the TOILA festival, our spirits rejuvenated after the exhaustion of our long drive on Thursday, we greeted the day cheerfully, and set off from Long Beach toward San Diego to visit Mystic Athenae Temple.
This was to be among the easiest drives we had made so far in our travels, for the distance to San Diego was not great, so we set off with light hearts.
On the way however we encountered a terrible traffic jam. Apparently a truck had overturned, losing its contents. The highway became a parking lot with hundreds of cars unable to move. People got out of their cars, some running up ahead, others climbing upon anything they could to get a better view. The people in the car next to us noticed the Clergy placard in our window and struck up a conversation. Turns out that they were traveling evangelists. We discussed the accident with them but worked to keep the conversation diverted from religion, since the traffic jam was vexing enough.
At last the traffic moved and we were on our way again. We made good time now, and in fact arrived early.
We had told Rev. Guen that we would arrive at 2 PM –as it happens we arrived about an hour earlier. This was no problem, for Rev. Guen lives at the beach front, and we had been hoping to see the beach. So we took advantage of our early arrival to wander down to the beach and look around.
The beach was wide and expansive, pale in the afternoon sun as the blue waves sparkled beyond. Although it was late in the season, it was warm here, and I didn’t fail to observe, as I had been told as a child, that the Pacific is bluer than the Atlantic. I had never seen the Pacific ocean before this and I relished the experience.
Sunday, October 2, Year 4 Aquarius
On the Road, California
Sunday morning came with bright Sunlight and a warm breeze. Refreshed after the TOILA festival, our spirits rejuvenated after the exhaustion of our long drive on Thursday, we greeted the day cheerfully, and set off from Long Beach toward San Diego to visit Mystic Athenae Temple.
This was to be among the easiest drives we had made so far in our travels, for the distance to San Diego was not great, so we set off with light hearts.
On the way however we encountered a terrible traffic jam. Apparently a truck had overturned, losing its contents. The highway became a parking lot with hundreds of cars unable to move. People got out of their cars, some running up ahead, others climbing upon anything they could to get a better view. The people in the car next to us noticed the Clergy placard in our window and struck up a conversation. Turns out that they were traveling evangelists. We discussed the accident with them but worked to keep the conversation diverted from religion, since the traffic jam was vexing enough.
At last the traffic moved and we were on our way again. We made good time now, and in fact arrived early.
We had told Rev. Guen that we would arrive at 2 PM –as it happens we arrived about an hour earlier. This was no problem, for Rev. Guen lives at the beach front, and we had been hoping to see the beach. So we took advantage of our early arrival to wander down to the beach and look around.
The beach was wide and expansive, pale in the afternoon sun as the blue waves sparkled beyond. Although it was late in the season, it was warm here, and I didn’t fail to observe, as I had been told as a child, that the Pacific is bluer than the Atlantic. I had never seen the Pacific ocean before this and I relished the experience.
Above: Rev. Jason meets the Pacific
We walked happily around the beach, enjoying its beauty. Rev. Jason, excited as a little boy, took off his shoes and savored the sand between his toes, then went to play in the waves. We had brought a bottle especially for this moment, and filled it with Pacific ocean water and sand. Later in the year, when we visit the East Coast, we plan to fill a second bottle with Atlantic ocean water and sand.
As the two o’clock hour neared, we headed back up toward Rev. Guen’s building and knocked on the door.
As the two o’clock hour neared, we headed back up toward Rev. Guen’s building and knocked on the door.
Rev. Guen Mystic is the Chief Director for Mystic Athenae Temple, of which Rev. Toni Rice is Head. Like most of our Mentors I have had an online working relationship with both Guen and Toni for some time, but never before met either in person. I had however seen photos on the Mystic Athenae website. Though I recognized the woman who answered the door as Rev. Guen, her online photo did not do her justice, for she was much prettier in person, with an open, unaffected quality which a photo cannot easily convey.
Above: Rev. Guen Mystic, Chief Director of Mystic Athenae Temple
Rev. Guen invited us in and introduced us to her husband Rick, who was busy at the computer –a situation which we of all people understand well. Rev. Guen explained that Rev. Toni was on her way, but appeared to have been delayed, most likely by traffic. We pointed out the traffic jam we had encountered as a possible cause, for it had surely snarled traffic.
In the meantime we discussed with Rev. Guen her experiences in the military herself and later as a military wife. Rev. Guen and her husband have lived in many places around the world owing to different military postings –their favorite posting was in Italy and they fondly reminisce about their home there and the friends and neighbors they had.
The Correllian Tradition has a large number of current or former military people among our members and Clergy, and we appreciate and strongly support them. This has nothing to do with politics –indeed, we are an international church and have members serving in the military of several countries. Rather we acknowledge and support their patriotism and the sacrifices military people make for the good of their respective peoples.
In the meantime we discussed with Rev. Guen her experiences in the military herself and later as a military wife. Rev. Guen and her husband have lived in many places around the world owing to different military postings –their favorite posting was in Italy and they fondly reminisce about their home there and the friends and neighbors they had.
The Correllian Tradition has a large number of current or former military people among our members and Clergy, and we appreciate and strongly support them. This has nothing to do with politics –indeed, we are an international church and have members serving in the military of several countries. Rather we acknowledge and support their patriotism and the sacrifices military people make for the good of their respective peoples.
Above: Rev. Toni Rice, Head of Mystic Athenae Temple
After a short time, Rev. Toni arrived. Like Guen, we had never met Toni in person before. I have always liked Toni, but did not realize she was so outgoing and ebullient –full of energy and good spirits she embraced us all and talked excitedly about developments in the Temple.
Mystic Athenae is the first Correllian Temple on the West Coast. Its membership is large and scattered, extending all the way down into Mexico. Like many Correllian Temples Mystic Athenae combines real-time rituals, classes, and activities with online study and chat features which allow distance members to participate and interact with local members.
Mystic Athenae is the first Correllian Temple on the West Coast. Its membership is large and scattered, extending all the way down into Mexico. Like many Correllian Temples Mystic Athenae combines real-time rituals, classes, and activities with online study and chat features which allow distance members to participate and interact with local members.
This format, which has become common among our Temples now, is a surprise to me and something I had not anticipated –but it has grown up naturally as an adaptation on the part of the Temples to the needs of their communities. It is a reminder that our community has greatly impacted by the internet and is still in a state of flux adjusting to the changes which instant communication has brought. It is an exciting time, and who can say where these adaptations will lead in the end? Some of those in the Pagan community fear these changes, and wish to keep things as they were in former years, but we Correllians believe that the new technologies must be embraced and utilized if we are to flourish in the world of tomorrow. These technologies are given to us by the Goddess as opportunities to be used, and must not be scorned or wasted. Still, the changes they are making are deep and continue to unfold.
Rev. Guen had prepared an exquisite lasagna and as we ate she and Rev. Toni discussed the Temples progress with us. They also told us how they had come first to Witchschool.com and then to the Correllian Tradition.
It seems that they had both belonged to a local group for some time. This group was very closeted and secretive, its members afraid of anyone finding out they were Pagan. This seemed very confining to Rev. Toni and Rev. Guen, who longed for a more open expression of their Paganism. When they found Witchschool and began the Correllian classes they knew they were where they wanted to be.
Left: Rev. Terri Clark, Web Mistress of Mystic Athenae Temple
It seems that they had both belonged to a local group for some time. This group was very closeted and secretive, its members afraid of anyone finding out they were Pagan. This seemed very confining to Rev. Toni and Rev. Guen, who longed for a more open expression of their Paganism. When they found Witchschool and began the Correllian classes they knew they were where they wanted to be.
Left: Rev. Terri Clark, Web Mistress of Mystic Athenae Temple
This rather amazed us. We are familiar with highly closeted groups in places like the Bible Belt, or small towns anywhere –but southern California? This shocked us, because the region has one of the most out-of-the-broom-closet communities anywhere, yet even here there were people who lived in fear and secrecy. It really goes to show how people limit themselves and to what extent it is self-imposed –for of all the places where one can be easily out-of-the-broom-closet southern California is surely among the best. It is an object lesson on self-limitation. Happily Rev. Toni and Rev. Guen did not allow themselves to be limited in this manner and reached out for something better.
Rev. Toni and Rev. Guen went on to discuss the membership and progress of Mystic Athenae. They proudly showed us the traveling ritual boxes they used to transport robes and altar fittings –very practical idea. And they showed us their new website, http://thetempleofmysticathenae.org, created by Rev. Terri Clark. Rev. Terri is both Webmaster and Distance Member Liaison for Mystic Athenae Temple. The new website is very nicely done –Rev. Terri has done an excellent job.
Now we decide to all go out to the beach again and take pictures. The beach is still lovely in the late afternoon as the Sun begins to set. We get several pictures –I have been at pains to get pictures all through our journeys so that we can share our adventures with everyone when we get back home.
Finally it is time to go. We must drive through the night to reach New Mexico tomorrow.
We have enjoyed our time with Rev. Toni and Rev. Guen, and only wish we could have met more of the members of Mystic Athenae. But no doubt we will be back again and have that opportunity.
And so we head out from San Diego for a night of driving, heading back east now toward the final two stops on the Witchschool Fall Tour for year 4 Aquarius / 2004 AD. These will be Santa Fe, New Mexico, and Belleville, Illinois.
Rev. Toni and Rev. Guen went on to discuss the membership and progress of Mystic Athenae. They proudly showed us the traveling ritual boxes they used to transport robes and altar fittings –very practical idea. And they showed us their new website, http://thetempleofmysticathenae.org, created by Rev. Terri Clark. Rev. Terri is both Webmaster and Distance Member Liaison for Mystic Athenae Temple. The new website is very nicely done –Rev. Terri has done an excellent job.
Now we decide to all go out to the beach again and take pictures. The beach is still lovely in the late afternoon as the Sun begins to set. We get several pictures –I have been at pains to get pictures all through our journeys so that we can share our adventures with everyone when we get back home.
Finally it is time to go. We must drive through the night to reach New Mexico tomorrow.
We have enjoyed our time with Rev. Toni and Rev. Guen, and only wish we could have met more of the members of Mystic Athenae. But no doubt we will be back again and have that opportunity.
And so we head out from San Diego for a night of driving, heading back east now toward the final two stops on the Witchschool Fall Tour for year 4 Aquarius / 2004 AD. These will be Santa Fe, New Mexico, and Belleville, Illinois.
XIII -The Hospitality of Los Gatos
Tuesday, October 3, Year 4 Aquarius, 10:30 PM
Los Gatos Lane, Santa Fe, New Mexico
Once again we drove through the night. We arrived in New Mexico early in the morning, on our way to Rev. Mitra’s home in Santa Fe.
We had met Rev. Mitra at the Pagan Leadership Conference held at the Witchschool campus in May. Oberon Zell, Abby Willowroot, and Isaac Bonewits had been speakers that weekend. Rev. Mitra had come all the way from Santa Fe to attend, and made an immediate impression -we all felt as though we had known her forever. We resolved that if we ever came through Santa Fe we must include a visit with her.
Tuesday, October 3, Year 4 Aquarius, 10:30 PM
Los Gatos Lane, Santa Fe, New Mexico
Once again we drove through the night. We arrived in New Mexico early in the morning, on our way to Rev. Mitra’s home in Santa Fe.
We had met Rev. Mitra at the Pagan Leadership Conference held at the Witchschool campus in May. Oberon Zell, Abby Willowroot, and Isaac Bonewits had been speakers that weekend. Rev. Mitra had come all the way from Santa Fe to attend, and made an immediate impression -we all felt as though we had known her forever. We resolved that if we ever came through Santa Fe we must include a visit with her.
Around 10 AM we stop at a rest area where we call Rev. Mitra to let her know we are nearly there. The rest area is charming –architecturally beautiful with a southwestern flavor, with a very nice visitors’ information center staffed by friendly people. We help ourselves to the free coffee offered –our coffee consumption on this trip has been prodigious proof of our devotion to the holy Goddess Caffeine.
We peruse wall-to-wall racks of literature advertising local attractions. I am amazed by the number of psychics advertising, and by the ready availability of spiritual goods and services here. It seems that spirituality is very mainstream here. It is very nice to see.
Left: Vic, Rev. Mitra with Bear, and Rev. Don
Around 10 AM we stop at a rest area where we call Rev. Mitra to let her know we are nearly there. The rest area is charming –architecturally beautiful with a southwestern flavor, with a very nice visitors’ information center staffed by friendly people. We help ourselves to the free coffee offered –our coffee consumption on this trip has been prodigious proof of our devotion to the holy Goddess Caffeine.
We peruse wall-to-wall racks of literature advertising local attractions. I am amazed by the number of psychics advertising, and by the ready availability of spiritual goods and services here. It seems that spirituality is very mainstream here. It is very nice to see.
Left: Vic, Rev. Mitra with Bear, and Rev. Don
In coming years we expect to see Wicca and Paganism make the jump into being fully mainstream as well. The Oracles have predicted it and common sense tells us that with numbers expanding as they are a position in the mainstream cannot be far off. It will be interesting to see what changes this will make in our community.
For many years a certain number of people have come to Paganism not because they want to be Pagan, but because they are in rebellion: in rebellion against their parents, in rebellion against society, in rebellion against the religion of their birth. Such people see our faith as the ultimate rebellion and so they adopt it without necessarily ever becoming truly Pagan inside. This often manifests itself in the way such people define themselves according to what THEY ARE NOT, rather than according to what THEY ARE.
For these people the idea of our religion becoming mainstream is anathema, because once we are mainstream we are no longer a vehicle for their rebellion –they fear becoming mainstream and are derisive toward and oppose those policies which help to move us toward the mainstream.
It is for this reason that we always includes among the questions we ask at Temple Deemings the question “If our religion were to become mainstream in the next few years, how would this affect your feelings toward it?”
We Correllians of course strongly look forward to the day when our religion is mainstream. Wicca is a religion like any other, a deeply spiritual and moral faith which can enrich the life of anyone who follows it. It is not and should not be used merely as a vehicle for psycho-social rebellion. We don’t get our kicks out of being “different” but rather out of the spiritual growth and opportunity for social service our faith offers. We do not consider ourselves to be “alternative” or part of the fringe of society, but a serious religious and spiritual movement which will only benefit by the stability which will come as we enter the mainstream of wider society, and which has much to offer the wider society as well.
We leave the rest area, agreeing that it is by far the most beautiful rest area we have visited so far in our travels, and set off for Rev. Mitra’s home. The route to Rev. Mitra’s takes us through the countryside which is delightfully picturesque. At length we find ourselves coming down into a secluded lane which dips into a lovely valley. We notice a surprising number of cats running and playing through the area as we drive, and are quite amused by them.
Presently we find the gate to Mitra’s home and enter, pulling into the long drive and parking the Witchschool van to one side. Before us rises Rev. Mitra’s house, a spacious residence built in the adobe style which we will later learn is customary in this region.
Mitra welcomes us and gives us a quick tour of the residence and its spacious grounds. Again we see numerous cats as we walk about.
For many years a certain number of people have come to Paganism not because they want to be Pagan, but because they are in rebellion: in rebellion against their parents, in rebellion against society, in rebellion against the religion of their birth. Such people see our faith as the ultimate rebellion and so they adopt it without necessarily ever becoming truly Pagan inside. This often manifests itself in the way such people define themselves according to what THEY ARE NOT, rather than according to what THEY ARE.
For these people the idea of our religion becoming mainstream is anathema, because once we are mainstream we are no longer a vehicle for their rebellion –they fear becoming mainstream and are derisive toward and oppose those policies which help to move us toward the mainstream.
It is for this reason that we always includes among the questions we ask at Temple Deemings the question “If our religion were to become mainstream in the next few years, how would this affect your feelings toward it?”
We Correllians of course strongly look forward to the day when our religion is mainstream. Wicca is a religion like any other, a deeply spiritual and moral faith which can enrich the life of anyone who follows it. It is not and should not be used merely as a vehicle for psycho-social rebellion. We don’t get our kicks out of being “different” but rather out of the spiritual growth and opportunity for social service our faith offers. We do not consider ourselves to be “alternative” or part of the fringe of society, but a serious religious and spiritual movement which will only benefit by the stability which will come as we enter the mainstream of wider society, and which has much to offer the wider society as well.
We leave the rest area, agreeing that it is by far the most beautiful rest area we have visited so far in our travels, and set off for Rev. Mitra’s home. The route to Rev. Mitra’s takes us through the countryside which is delightfully picturesque. At length we find ourselves coming down into a secluded lane which dips into a lovely valley. We notice a surprising number of cats running and playing through the area as we drive, and are quite amused by them.
Presently we find the gate to Mitra’s home and enter, pulling into the long drive and parking the Witchschool van to one side. Before us rises Rev. Mitra’s house, a spacious residence built in the adobe style which we will later learn is customary in this region.
Mitra welcomes us and gives us a quick tour of the residence and its spacious grounds. Again we see numerous cats as we walk about.
Above: Part of the grounds of Rev. Mitra's gracious home
Rev. Mitra explains that the neighborhood is known as Los Gatos Lane, because of the large number of feral cats who live here. The people who live here feed the cats and do what they can to care for them, sometimes adopting them. Until recently Mitra says there had been over thirty –sadly coyote’s have reduced the number a bit in recent months.
In addition to the cats, Mitra and her husband have dogs: Resi who prefers to live outside, so named because she was found on the Reservation: and Bear, who lives inside, a tiny miniature poodle with long fuzzy hair that makes him look more like a teddy bear than a dog.
Mitra tells that Bear originally had tightly curly hair which matted terribly. Hoping only to unmat Bears hair she had treated it with a detangler meant for horses manes, and accidentally left Bears hair permanently straightened.
In addition to the cats, Mitra and her husband have dogs: Resi who prefers to live outside, so named because she was found on the Reservation: and Bear, who lives inside, a tiny miniature poodle with long fuzzy hair that makes him look more like a teddy bear than a dog.
Mitra tells that Bear originally had tightly curly hair which matted terribly. Hoping only to unmat Bears hair she had treated it with a detangler meant for horses manes, and accidentally left Bears hair permanently straightened.
Above: Rev. Jason naps beside the artificial pond
The grounds include a beautiful artificial pond built by Mitra’s husband Vic, a number of benches and other seats affording various views, a semi-enclosed area for outdoor celebrations, and lovely gardens. Behind the house the valley drops down toward a river, and here Mitra and Vic keep their stable of horses.
Mitra tells us how one of these horses survived a bout of West Nile virus last year. It was a harrowing time for the horse, who required a great deal of care from Mitra’s husband Vic who carefully nursed it through.
Mitra contracted the virus as well. At first no one could believe that she had West Nile, but she was sure she did and as it happens she was right. Luckily, good medical care saw her through the illness and she is healthy and happy today.
Mitra shows us the house, which is much larger than it first appears. Built in the pueblo style, it appears to be a single story from the front, but descends a second story in back, looking over the beautiful valley.
It is an old house filled with art –for Mitra and many of her family are artists. In one corner is a Central American Goddess statue –the face of the Goddess is covered in spots which presumably represent the starry heavens. Between the legs of the Goddess sits Bear’s food and water dishes, as if symbolic of the abundance which flows from the Great Mother. In another corner, over a traditional adobe fireplace, is a skull with twisting horns, beautifully inlaid with semi-precious stones by Mitra’s son, a well known artist. Many of the walls are decorated with Native American artifacts, some of which are heirlooms of Rev. Mitra’s family.
After showing us the house Mitra offers us coffee. We need coffee after our long drive, and so gladly accept. Mitra and her husband had previously owned a coffee shop and after they sold it they kept some of the equipment for their own use, so it is with a professional set-up that Mitra prepares the coffee which proves to be delicious.
It is an old house filled with art –for Mitra and many of her family are artists. In one corner is a Central American Goddess statue –the face of the Goddess is covered in spots which presumably represent the starry heavens. Between the legs of the Goddess sits Bear’s food and water dishes, as if symbolic of the abundance which flows from the Great Mother. In another corner, over a traditional adobe fireplace, is a skull with twisting horns, beautifully inlaid with semi-precious stones by Mitra’s son, a well known artist. Many of the walls are decorated with Native American artifacts, some of which are heirlooms of Rev. Mitra’s family.
After showing us the house Mitra offers us coffee. We need coffee after our long drive, and so gladly accept. Mitra and her husband had previously owned a coffee shop and after they sold it they kept some of the equipment for their own use, so it is with a professional set-up that Mitra prepares the coffee which proves to be delicious.
As Chablis, the kitty curled up in Rev. Mitra’s window, watches we talk with Mitra about our travels and the people we have seen. Rev. Jason begins to nod off at the table, and is gently guided to a couch where he duly falls asleep.
After a time Mitra invites us to lunch and we debate whether to wake Jason or bring food back for him –in the end we wake him.
Mitra brings us into downtown Santa Fe and we are quite surprised by its unique nature. All architecture here is required to either be in the indigenous style or to harmonize with it, giving this region a most remarkable architectural unity and giving us a much greater feeling of being somewhere “different” than in most of our travels. The adobe buildings are deeply evocative of the spirit of this place, and are different from anyplace we have ever been.
We eat at the Cowgirl Café. This is a theme restaurant with a pleasant outdoor courtyard where we find a table. Pictures of cowgirls from the old west and related themes are found throughout the restaurant.
The Cowgirl menu is most intriguing. Rev. Jason and I both elect to try the game burger. The game burger is made from a combination of bison, venison, and elk meat. It proves to be very tasty indeed.
After lunch Mitra takes on a tour of Santa Fe’s famous Canyon Road. Canyon Road is home to a large number of art galleries, for Santa Fe is the nation’s third largest fine art market. Many of the galleries are distinguished by the presence of impressive sculptures on their grounds.
Canyon Road is extremely beautiful, the picturesque adobe houses not only form a fine backdrop to the art displayed but are works of art in themselves. Indeed, the whole city is a work of art in a way that few American cities are. The architecture and artwork are distinctive in a way unique to the region which allows for none of the corporate “sameness” which afflicts most US cities. Oh, the usual corporate names are much in evidence –but they are emblazoned upon adobe buildings constructed in Southwestern style.
After a time Mitra invites us to lunch and we debate whether to wake Jason or bring food back for him –in the end we wake him.
Mitra brings us into downtown Santa Fe and we are quite surprised by its unique nature. All architecture here is required to either be in the indigenous style or to harmonize with it, giving this region a most remarkable architectural unity and giving us a much greater feeling of being somewhere “different” than in most of our travels. The adobe buildings are deeply evocative of the spirit of this place, and are different from anyplace we have ever been.
We eat at the Cowgirl Café. This is a theme restaurant with a pleasant outdoor courtyard where we find a table. Pictures of cowgirls from the old west and related themes are found throughout the restaurant.
The Cowgirl menu is most intriguing. Rev. Jason and I both elect to try the game burger. The game burger is made from a combination of bison, venison, and elk meat. It proves to be very tasty indeed.
After lunch Mitra takes on a tour of Santa Fe’s famous Canyon Road. Canyon Road is home to a large number of art galleries, for Santa Fe is the nation’s third largest fine art market. Many of the galleries are distinguished by the presence of impressive sculptures on their grounds.
Canyon Road is extremely beautiful, the picturesque adobe houses not only form a fine backdrop to the art displayed but are works of art in themselves. Indeed, the whole city is a work of art in a way that few American cities are. The architecture and artwork are distinctive in a way unique to the region which allows for none of the corporate “sameness” which afflicts most US cities. Oh, the usual corporate names are much in evidence –but they are emblazoned upon adobe buildings constructed in Southwestern style.
After touring Canyon Road, where Mitra and her husband formerly owned a gallery which was also the site of their coffee shop, we proceed to the Square for some shopping. The Square is surrounded by shops on all sides, and we prowl through a number of them.
We visit a stamp shop with thousands of rubber stamps, many of them with a spiritual theme, as well as paper-making and other art supplies. We go to a rock shop with amethyst geodes four feet tall and every sort of stone imaginable –as well as dinosaur and other fossils and displays.
Another shop purveys handicrafts from around the world –fabulous textiles from Central and South America, South East Asia, and Native America: hand-beaded jewelry from around the world: metal and stone sculptures from India and Asia: pottery and clay statues from South America: music CDs from all over the world.
Left: Rev. Mitra
We visit a stamp shop with thousands of rubber stamps, many of them with a spiritual theme, as well as paper-making and other art supplies. We go to a rock shop with amethyst geodes four feet tall and every sort of stone imaginable –as well as dinosaur and other fossils and displays.
Another shop purveys handicrafts from around the world –fabulous textiles from Central and South America, South East Asia, and Native America: hand-beaded jewelry from around the world: metal and stone sculptures from India and Asia: pottery and clay statues from South America: music CDs from all over the world.
Left: Rev. Mitra
Finally we visit a large gallery of Native American art and crafts. Here we see silver jewelry of traditional as well as modern design, many set with turquoise but some with stones like amethyst or moonstone. There are pottery and sculptures of Native American themes, and musical instruments. It is these –the musical instruments- which most attract us. A variety of drums, some several feet across, and beautifully decorated flutes entertain us for some time.
In time we head back to Los Gatos Lane, exhausted and exhilarated at once from our day. Here Mitra prepares a wonderful meal of home-cooked tortillas with scrumptious fillings which we all enjoy immensely. Then we fall to a wonderful evening of wonderful conversation with Mitra and Vic.
We exchange stories, we of our travels and they of theirs –for they have traveled extensively, and have many interesting stories of their travels in Mexico in particular. Then we discuss their animals –the horse who had west Nile virus and the extensive measures Vic undertook to save him: the very stubborn donkey they once owned who refused to be corralled and made his escape with the aid of a dog and a chicken (I recommend making this into a children’s book, as it is perfect for that): the story of a fierce ram they once had and how he was tamed. It was very interesting.
We also discussed the 9/11 tragedy, for Rev. Mitra’s daughter and son-in-law live in New York and were deeply impacted by it. Rev. Mitra shows us a book of children’s artwork about the tragedy, compiled by her son-in-law. It is deeply touching, and reminds us how much we were all affected by the events of that terrible day.
In time we head back to Los Gatos Lane, exhausted and exhilarated at once from our day. Here Mitra prepares a wonderful meal of home-cooked tortillas with scrumptious fillings which we all enjoy immensely. Then we fall to a wonderful evening of wonderful conversation with Mitra and Vic.
We exchange stories, we of our travels and they of theirs –for they have traveled extensively, and have many interesting stories of their travels in Mexico in particular. Then we discuss their animals –the horse who had west Nile virus and the extensive measures Vic undertook to save him: the very stubborn donkey they once owned who refused to be corralled and made his escape with the aid of a dog and a chicken (I recommend making this into a children’s book, as it is perfect for that): the story of a fierce ram they once had and how he was tamed. It was very interesting.
We also discussed the 9/11 tragedy, for Rev. Mitra’s daughter and son-in-law live in New York and were deeply impacted by it. Rev. Mitra shows us a book of children’s artwork about the tragedy, compiled by her son-in-law. It is deeply touching, and reminds us how much we were all affected by the events of that terrible day.
Mitra shows us other books as well. Among many other artistic projects, Rev. Mitra creates handmade books. She brings out several of these for us to see. They books are constructed from exotic papers, some hand-made some not, and colored and decorated in various was before being hand bound into a volume. Each book is absolutely unique, one of a kind and very special. One features a scarab theme, and we discuss Rev. Mitra’s love of scarabs. This strikes me as particularly appropriate because among the scarabs symbolism is that of creation and
the manifestation of form –making it an especially good symbol for artists.
Right: Rev. Mitra with some of her magnificent hand-crafted books!
Now it is time for bed. Rev. Jason and I will sleep in Mitra’s office. A storm is beginning, and we listen to the distant thunder as Rev. Jason inflates our beds –inflatable beds are a great thing. We then retire –though the growing intensity of the storm delays our sleep.
It has been a lovely day. Mitra and her husband are delightful, and Santa Fe is a city of great charm and beauty which none of us will soon forget.
From here we will head on to Belleville, Illinois, and the Temple of the Thousand Mirrors, then home to Hoopeston. It has been a wonderful tour and a great success! I hope that you have enjoyed reading about it as much as we enjoyed doing it!
LAST PAGE START PAGE
It has been a lovely day. Mitra and her husband are delightful, and Santa Fe is a city of great charm and beauty which none of us will soon forget.
From here we will head on to Belleville, Illinois, and the Temple of the Thousand Mirrors, then home to Hoopeston. It has been a wonderful tour and a great success! I hope that you have enjoyed reading about it as much as we enjoyed doing it!
LAST PAGE START PAGE