Santa in Santa Fe

Grandma invited us for a special trip out!

We met in Santa Fe.

We spent some time in the area in and around the plaza.

The best thing I saw on the plaza was Santa!!!!

Santa is one awesome guy!
He was helping the Santa Fe Fire Department

raise money for toys for children.

Across the street from Santa,

there was a store that had toy carousels in the window!

I could see Santa over the toys in the window

from inside the shop.

Hmm...maybe I really want a toy vintage fire truck

for Christmas!

We finally left the plaza area.

This beautiful building in the New Mexico Museum of Art.

There is lots of art in Santa Fe.

The thoughtful woman didn't seem to mind
that I posed in her lap.

We walked past the Georgia O'Keefe Museum

on the way to lunch.

No... this is an old Victorian house.

It is not the Georgia O'Keefe Museum.

The Georgia O'Keefe Museum is next door to the Victorian.

After lunch, we walked through the Hilton Hotel in Santa Fe.
It is housed in a historic hacienda.
This peaceful fountain is in an inner courtyard.
It is on the site of the original well.

I love fountains!

The Hilton has more New Mexican art in the lobby
and in the hallways.

My person stayed here for a few nights last spring.

She wanted to add that the rooms are nice and comfortable, too.She recommends this hotel if you are visiting Santa Fe,

although there are many nice hotels around the Santa Fe plaza.

This weekend after Thanksgiving found the Christmas

decorations gathering for the December celebration in Santa Fe.

I love these soft, Pendleton style blankets.
Grandma said they were made of micro-fibers.
Traditional Pendleton blankets are made with wool.

Mom said I had bad posture and was not sitting

in a way that was very ladylike.

Yeah...at least I didn't slide off the blankets!

Grandma likes window shopping, except sometimes she goes inside.
So me and mom looked at...windows and buildings in Santa Fe.

Sigh...waiting...

but the art is really interesting.

I thought it had to be about nap time,

so we headed back to the car.

I heard the fire engines coming.

I got to wave to Santa again!!!

Our last stop was the St. Francis Cathedral.

Santa Fe is definitely "The City Different"!

I hope to come back again soon!

Changing Seasons

The temperatures are continuing to drop,

and we have turned the corner as we get closer to winter.

With Thanksgiving, it is time to say "good bye" to the pumpkins.
It is time to clean, and clear the space for Christmas decorations.

Time
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But, it is also a time to pause for a reflection

on what I am thankful for.

I am thankful for the love and support of friends and family, 

and the opportunity to support others in their growth and development.      

I Am Thankful for This
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Although today is day of being thankful for what we have,

many people are also preparing for "Black Friday"

and the opportunity to get started on Christmas sales.

My version of "black" is the black in the fireplace,

the black of soot, the black cast iron pot.
It is also time to light a fire in the fireplace

and keep warm!

    
   

Black
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We wish everyone the opportunity for rest, reflection,

and renewal.
Happy Thanksgiving!

November BJD Meet-Up

I originally met the local BJD collectors several years ago.

They tend to collect dolls that are bigger than the dolls I collect.

I attended two events with them.

The photos were fabulous, but I wasn't ready to be friends.

I decided toward the end of the summer that I was ready

to play with them again.

This is the second monthly meet-up I have attended with them.

The first was in October.

Today, we met at the Village Inn Restaurant.
Good choice, as it was cold and windy outside!

I enjoyed talking to the people on either side of me at the table.

After lunch, we walked around and greeted the other table mates.

Look at the tiny De-Composition Book!

Ella recommended the French Silk pie for dessert.

Button agreed that the French Silk pie

was a can't miss opportunity!

Ella was thrilled to make a friend her size!

After we ate, the dolls posed on the edge of the table

for the group shot and more small group photos.

Button was so excited that she was able to come

and make new friends!

As we sat down, several members said that they were

looking for smaller, older pixie type dolls like

the Orient Doll So dolls.

Well, if she wants to find a new home

once the PukiPuki Ante arrives,

there is someone here who would want her.
Funny thing is, the more she acts as a "stand in",

the more she grows on me and realize that she is mine.

It is so nice to have friends to play with,

and it is nice to come home.