Life and Times on Pleasant Pond paints a Technicolor Cheshire grin on every reader’s face. Readers in northern Maine and those who believe in the myth of a Utopia, will find this be a delightful read. This book chronicles the lives of families who settled in Maine’s northern most county, Aroostook, and developed one of the area’s most treasured bodies of water, Pleasant Pond, in Island Falls. The author’s unique talent of weaving memories with amusing stories, written by people who live and play on “the Pond”, acquaint the reader to the pond’s magnetism.

This beautiful book of stories and photographs, both recent and nostalgic, captures not only the experience of life on “the pond”, but the imagination of an idyllic life. Every page is enlightenment to the author’s passion for the people of Island Falls and those of “the Pond.” Historical maps, and brochures, spanning more than 150 years, tell the story of Pleasant Pond’s tremendous natural beauty and its warm-hearted people.

Life and Times on Pleasant Pond is a celebration of Pleasant Pond, Island Falls, Aroostook County, Maine, where the author summers.  This is Sandra Newman’s love letter to her corner of Maine.  A must read for those with memories of the area and a picturesque invitation to those readers who have never visited, but so desire. This is also a tribute to everyone who has memories of life from their own special corner of the world.

This is a book to be treasured by generations, not just by those families and friends who have already experienced their own piece of the "dream life" in Island Falls, but also to the broader audience. Life and Times on Pleasant Pond provides a wonderful historical narrative that outlines the connection between the land and the first families who settled the area and the connections between the families themselves. It is no wonder that Old Joe's middle name is Walker! How the Lanes, Edwards, Walkers and Powers settled and remained in the area is a testament to the goodness that is found here. This book is something more than a history book, because it reads like a romantic memoir as well.

Theodore Roosevelt discovered Island Falls in 1878 and enjoyed three visits to the home and hunting camp of his lifelong friend, William Sewall, one of the town’s original settlers. Through the joint efforts of President Teddy Roosevelt and Maine's former Governor Llewellyn Powers, the woodlands around this area of Aroostook County are protected from development. Time itself can seem irrelevant here. For those who have yet to partake of the pond's shimmering lake or glorious, star-filled skies, the book becomes a "Walden Pond" of sorts, creating within the mind's eye, the ideal place to be, whether young or old. In short, whether the reader has firsthand experience with the pond or not, the book tells the story of where one would rather be.

Life and Times on Pleasant Pond is a wonderful read for those, both young and old, who have memories, stories and history to share. This book is a true tribute to a very special corner of the world, Pleasant Pond, Island Falls, Maine.  Enjoy!

Life and Times on Pleasant Pond is available at area shops and book stores. See listing on www.onpleasanpond.blogspot.com . The Island Falls 2011 calendars are also available. Both can be ordered directly from the web-site www.onpleasantpond.com or visit the shops. Ms Newman is available for book signings, discussion groups and workshops. Contact – info@onpleasantpond.com

Books Available:

Birch Point Campground and Cottages - Pleasant Pond, Maine - birchpointcampground.com

Emerson Store - Island Falls, Maine

Katahdin Public Library - Island Falls, Maine

Jerry's Thriftway - Island Falls, Maine

Book Marc's - Bangor, Maine - http://bookmarcs.com/
Maine Craft Center - Gardiner, Maine - mainecrafts.org
Maine Historical Society - Portand, Maine -http://www.mainehistory.org/
Red Moose Gift Shop - Patten, Maine
Shin Pond House - Shin Pond, Maine - shinpond.com
York's Book Shop - Houlton, Maine


Renassiance Spa - Palm Desert, California -renaissancesurgerycenter.com
Latino Books y mas - Palm Springs, California - latinobooksymas.com

2011 Island Falls calendars available at Emerson Store and Katahdin Library in Island Falls. Also on the web - http://www.onpleasantpond.com/

Merry Christmas and the Happiest New Year!

This holiday season give the gift of your memories of Life and Times on Pleasant Pond. What a perfect time to share, with your family and friends, the history and memories of the area where Utopia does exist. Life and Times on Pleasant Pond features your or your friend's stories - share them! The stories and pictures are timeless, they will put a smile on a special person’s face.

The Island Falls 2011 calendars are now available. Order both directly from the web-site http://www.onpleasantpond.com/


Books available:

Birch Point Campground and Cottages - Pleasant Pond, Maine - birchpointcampground.com
Emerson Store - Island Falls, Maine
Katahdin Public Library - Island Falls, Maine
Jerry's Thriftway - Island Falls, Maine

Red Moose Gift Shop - Patten, Maine
Shin Pond House - Shin Pond, Maine - shinpond.com
York's Book Shop - Houlton, Maine
Maine Craft Center - Gardiner, Maine - mainecrafts.org
Maine Historical Society - Portand, Maine -www.mainehistory.org

Renassiance Spa - Palm Desert, California -renaissancesurgerycenter.com
Latino Books y mas - Palm Springs, California - latinobooksymas.com

Echoes Books Review by Kathryn Olmstead, Editor and Designer

Life and Times on Pleasant Pond, is a celebration of Aroostook county and Island Falls as well as the pond where Sandra Newman spent every summer growing up.  Her comprehensive love letter to this corner of Maine is both a memoir for natives and an invitation to readers who have never been there. Replete with photographs from many local family albums and from Newman's own cameras, as well as from the Island Falls Historical Society, the slick publication spans 150 years of local history, beginning with the first settlements through the Civil war and the days when Theodore Roosevelt found solace and friendship in his visits with William Sewall of Island Falls.  Fishing stories and loving recollections of people are prominent in the material Newman collected in dozens of interviews, which culminate in 40 pages of "Your Stories and Memories" - her gift to the people of her home community.        

Kathryn Olmstead

Editor and Designer

Echoes Magazine

Life and Times Book Reviews

This is my thirty-ninth year on beautiful Pleasant Pond, so your book will hold a special place forever in my heart. Thank you, Sandy, for creating such wonderful memories, beautiful photos, and interesting facts about our "Beloved" lake. Well :) !!

-Nancy MacLean

Hey, Sandy . . . I like your Book!

-David Robinson

My compliments to you in completing your book about Pleasent Pond.
I have read it and it is an outstanding piece of work which I think only you could have done so well. CONGRATULATIONS.

-Ted Roberts

Mary Sherwood has received her numbered and signed copy of The Life and Times on Pleasant Pond, delivered by the author herself! It is beautifully crafted - hearty congrats to Sandy

-Mary Sherwood

Hi Sandy,

I hope this note finds you well. Of course I've finished the book, and have re-read certain portions several times. Anthony likes to hear me read aloud "his story", among other parts of the book that I like.
In short, I'm probably as excited as anyone, including yourself, that your book has finally been written. It came with much anticipation, and it did not disappoint. To realize Joe Edwards' dream that his stories and history could be recorded for all to appreciate, will be a special topic in all of our future discussions.

. . . I am in love with this book! (I think I could be your biggest fan!) With everyone that I have spoken to and discussed the book with, I've been met with very favorable responses.

You ought to be mighty satisfied with yourself, and your efforts to get this dream realized. It is a lovely book of stories and photographs, both recent and nostalgic that captures not only the experience of life on the pond, but the imagination of an idyllic life, as well. It is a book that will be treasured by generations of families who have already experienced their own piece of the "dream life" in Island Falls, but also to a broader audience as well. The book provides a wonderful historical narrative that outlines the connection between the land and the first families who settled the area, but also the connections between the families themselves. It is no wonder that Old Joe's middle name is Walker! How the Lanes, Edwards, Walkers and Powers settled and remained in the area is a testament to the goodness that is found there. However, the book is something more than a history, because it reads like a romantic memoir as well.

Many readers from the area would easily identify with the youthful experiences portrayed, and reflect on similar situations of their own, when fun on the pond was truly felt as one of life's greatest gifts. Time itself, can seem irrelevant here. Your experiences become a metaphor for others who have lived the same dream. For those who have yet to partake of the pond's shimmering lake or glorious, star-filled skies, the book becomes a "Walden Pond" of sorts, creating within the mind's eye, the ideal place to be, whether young or old. In short, whether the reader has firsthand experience with the pond or not, the book tells the story of where one would rather be.

Thanks for being so generous as to include the short stories of others. Ted Roberts' story of catching fish is but one example of the transformation from adult back to youth, which must occur with regularity on the pond. Fond memories with friends and family is the mainstay of our pond experience, and the inclusion of others' perspectives makes certain that your own recollections is by no means unique in this regard. These stories are sure to make one feel more young at heart, and at more peace within yourself, when reflecting on the simple family values that dominate our days here. It seems it is almost impossible to allow life to get too complicated! Bragging rights indeed! It is really fun to read those stories about music heard over the pond from the pavillion, fishing for the big ones, showing good 'ole respect for one's neighbor (or stealing one's first kiss!).

Sandy, what more can I say? You've managed to make a whole community proud to know that the place that they've known is special in their own way, is VERY special in a collective way. I hope that the acclaim is more widely spread, and that your book could be embraced by a larger audience as well. Don't hesitate to use any of my accolades when you promote it in the future. I sure hope you qualify for an award or two for the excellent work you've done.

You are an amazing person, rich in experience and willingness to share with others. You allow for an easy friendship with everyone I have spoken to. I look forward to looking through your web pages at the photographs and stories that have brought you around full circle, and back to the place of your youth. I wish you every success in the future, and hope that you find working on the next book about Mattawamkeag Lake just as rewarding.

Best of Luck,
Joe
Joseph A. Sardina, MD

A True Adventure

This year has been a year of firsts, or crossing crazy ideas off my bucket list. Didn’t you just love that movie!! I went sky diving! Something I promised myself I would NEVER do, and I did it! Owen Ross, the sky diving instructor for Three Rivers in Millinocket, Maine . . . you rock! Thank you so much. I can honestly say, even though I was so scared, it was a thrill of a lifetime. Just floating – a bird’s eye view of the world - marvelous.

The Pack

I jumped from 11,000ft with Skydive New England Tandem Jump attached to Owen Ross, my jump instructor. If you go, he’s the one with funny yellow sun glasses. At 8,000ft I was hooked up to Owen. I was so tightly attached that when he moved, I was like a ragdoll, I flopped and moved. At 10,000ft the door seemed to fly open and I thought I was going to pass out. I was told not to look down, and of course I did – then I froze.

Owen Ross - the Aussie!

Hooked tightly to Owen, he moved towards the door, I flopped and felt myself move forward scared to death. Then I heard him say . . . "let’s go” and over and out we went. Our legs were to the right of the strut so thankfully, we didn't have to climb out on the strut, we dropped out the door and did a somersault. I remember being upside down for a brief moment in time. Not a pleasant feeling in the air!

The Duck Tape Plane

If I was alone . . . would I have jumped? NO! Now I know why I was told to cross my arms over my chest – so I couldn't brace myself on the door frame to stop myself from jumping. Tucking my head . . . Owen, best hug I’ve had in a long time . . out we went! Once out, we even did a somersault and continued to free fall . . . it was awesome. I heard Owen say he was going to pull the ripcord and the parachute would open. Thank our lucky stars, it did and we floated in the air. A bit later he released the tightness of the clamps and we continued down. It so cool, he pulled on the harness straps and we turned to the left, then right, and whirled in a circle. Mount Katahdin was a bit hazy, but beautiful. Thrilling experience!

The plane was so tiny . . . the interior showed a great use of Duck Tape!

Thank you, Owen . . . I loved it! Thank you.

Mt Katahdin from Togue Pond, Camp Natarswi

Great Month in Island Falls and Northern Maine - God's County

It’s August and my books have arrived . Now to see how they are received, reviewed and sell. And, I must admit, I am beyond excited to see and hear my friends' reactions.

My first book signing was at the Katahdin Public Library, the library in my hometown of Island Falls, Maine. Becky, the town librarian and historian, and person really responsible for this book, made this first book signing a reality. It was such fun: people came to get a signed book, their remarks made me giggle with pride and they purchased my book! “Yes, it is a book and the cover is beautiful. Thank you, so much. You want three. Perfect. Signed? No problem.” I had a blast.

The week was so full: Vacation Land Estates on Thursday afternoon with all their guests. Thursday evening was so much fun in Houlton. Linda Feucher, director of the Cary Library, had a book signing just before the Thursday night concert on the commons. This one my Dad came and he greeted all the book signers. I have to admit he was so proud. Isn’t it fun when you see how proud a parent is of you?

Friday was especially fun – Birch Point Campground and Cottages, the home of Joe Edwards and the Edwards’ Family, Chapter 3 in the book. When you read Life and Times, you will also discover many stories written about Joe and/or referring to Joe. Thank you, Andrea and Steve Edwards, for arranging this one, and thank you Andrea, for bringing your Mom. Hi, Rita, you look marvelous!


Sandy with Steve Edwards

Island Falls High School Alumni Banquet – Ava Joy convinced me to take my books, calendars and post cards to this grand event. There were so many people and the reaction was phenomenal. Thank you, school chums! My disappointment, I forgot the Giclée of Barker Rocks. I would have loved to see the reaction. Guess it will just have to live on my wall . . . wonder where that will be??

Sandy with Kevin Robertson

A week until the next book signing, but the fun part is knowing that when anyone says/questions/comments - they want a book, “I have them in my car!”

Weekend of Friday the 13th was Patten Pioneer Days: the Red Moose on Maine Street had a Craft Sale on Friday and the Lumberman’s Museum had their Beanhole Bean Dinner/fundraiser on Saturday the 14th. And I saw friends I haven’t seen for, we won’t go there, but I will tell you, we all look “exactly the same, only better!” Hi Kathy and Debbie!

Sandy with Francis

August 21st was the York's Book Shop -Book Fair. Lynn York had 12 authors, I think three magazines, and one newspaper, for his annual "York’s Book Fair." Again, I had such fun. I met people who remembered my Dad, Dr. Newman, the Island Falls veterinarian for 60 years, and asked about him. People purchased my book because of their memories of Pleasant Pond and the camp grounds, taking swimming lessons, their grandparents’ camp, or maybe dancing at or listening to the music drifting over the water from the pavilion. Whatever the reason, they purchased my book with fond memories. Thank you one and all!!

I thank everyone. I hope you all enjoy my book, and all the stories my friend contributed. It was a labor of love.

Thank you, everyone.
Enjoy your book
Sandy

Island Falls, Maine Arrival

The trip from California to Northern Maine has been an adventure. Covered many miles making many new friends. I will admit to many sleepless nights wondering if the books would ever arrive.

They made the Port of New York July 4th weekend. Being a holiday weekend, it was a waiting game again. Finally, Tuesday, July 6th they were unloaded, put through customs and safely loaded on a truck bound for Boston. In Boston they were transferred to another truck and transported to Mailings Unlimited in Portland, Maine. This is the distribution center from which all the Amazon.com and larger orders will be shipped.

Thursday, July 15, I picked up 240 books and headed to northern Maine for my scheduled book signings and to hand deliever promised books. My first stop was the Maine Historical Society in Portland to complete their order. I have to admit, I so enjoy seeing a buye'rs reaction when they see the book for the first time, then actually open it. I giggle with excitement.

The past week has been so much fun!  The Island Falls Summer Fest, when everyone returns home for a week full of fun. And the all important Alumni Banquet.  If you graduated from Island Falls High School, are married someone who did or are friends of someone who graduated, you may go.  We always honor the oldest graduate and Clara Hathaway, born Feb 5, 103 years ago, again got the honor. What a beautiful, elegant lady. We all treasure her. God Bless you my friend. I love you.

Atlanta to the North Carolina High Country

Leaving Atlanta I know Maine is in sight, but the books are still on the high seas and I still have many miles to travel. Lucky me, I have time for another adventure and it’s Boone, North Carolina and Grandfather Mountain. I have passed the sign for Grandfather Mountain many times and always think, “I will stop the next time.” Well, this is next time and I take a sharp left turn onto Rte 321 from the I40 and head up to the beautiful town of Boone. Boone is a university town in Watauga County located atop the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina. Not knowing what to expect, I am ecstatically surprised at what I discover. This beautiful town was incorporated in 1872 and now has a population is 14,942 and sits at the highest elevation (3266 feet) of any town of its size east of the Mississippi River.

Boone, NC is in the High County of the Blue Ridge Mountain and the home of the beautiful campus of Appalachian State University and the Appalachian State University Football Team. When I asked my waitress at Casa Rustica Restaurant what made Boone so famous, she and everyone in the restaurant admitted the Appalachian Football Team. You have to understand this team is loaded with talent, but they also train at an elevation 3266 feet ft.

This incredible four season area offers everything from snow skiing, hiking, rafting, mountain bike trails, beautiful lakes and zip lining. Once I saw the road side sign for Scream Zip Lines I knew I had to give it a go. I will admit, I have a tremendous fear of heights, so this crazy idea was nuts! Getting to the hotel the night before my death defying adventure, I made myself call ahead and make the next day’s reservation. Yes, I had to pay early to make myself play. The next morning, not knowing where I was going, I headed out at 7:00am hoping I wouldn’t get lost. A few wrong turns later, even my GPS didn’t know where I was going, I finally I arrived at the Scream Zip Line office. A very small building for what I figured such a big adventure. The place was buzzing with activity; even the little people were excited about our upcoming adventure of potential doom. There was a bulletin board of action pictures and one picture was of a puppy dog zipping!

We all lined up and each outfitted with a harness and helmet that we wore riding the van to the zip lining area. I wish I written down the names of my fellow "zippers" because we had so much fun! One family was from the Raleigh, NC area and spends vacations in this gorgeous High Country. The other family was their relatives visiting from New York. Their daughter, Gloria, thought it was a hoot I admitted to being afraid of heights and was willing to do this. I have to admit, despite my initial fear, we all had a blast.

When we were safely down and riding the Scream Van back to the office, they continued to tell me of all the exciting things they had been doing on their vacation, including their visit to Grandfather Mountain and the Wild Life Habitat. I had to promise to visit the animals and assure them I wouldn’t miss the chocolate shop. Delicious!

Grandfather Mountain is a mountain and state park near Linville, North Carolina. At 5,946 feet, it is the highest peak on the eastern escarpment of the Blue Ridge Mountains, one of the major chains of the Appalachian Mountains. The Blue Ridge Parkway passes by the south side of the mountain. It is located at the meeting point of Avery, Caldwell (highest point), and Watauga (highest point) Counties

The original name for Grandfather Mountain was "Tanawha," a Cherokee name meaning "a fabulous hawk or eagle." It was named "Grandfather" by pioneers who recognized the face of an old man in one of the cliffs.

The 228-foot suspension bridge spans an 80-foot chasm at more than one mile in elevation. It was built to give visitors easy access to the breath-taking views of Grandfather Mountain's Linville Peak. To reach the bridge I had climb 50 stairs to walk across a bridge that swings freely a mile above the earth! I am very happy to admit, I was scared to death and with assistance, and I survived!

Leaving The High Country, I head for my friend Mary Lou in Marblehead, Ma and down time.

Life and Times has made it to New York!!

I have been in Georgia for the last ten days visiting my friend, Annie, in Sandy Springs (north Atlanta) waiting impatiently for word the books have arrived. Yesterday, I got word they have made New York and are sitting in the harbor waiting to be unloaded. Buggers - it’s a holiday weekend. Once unloaded, they will go through customs and then wait to be transported to Boston. Boston to Portland will be the easy part, they go by truck! In Portland they will be housed in a distribution center where I will load my car with orders I have received and need to fill. Future orders, depending on size, will either be filled by me, or from this facility. Yes, for all you near Island Falls, I will have your books!!

It has been a long wait, but the end is close for all of you who have patiently waited for Life and Times on Pleasant Pond. Thank you for waiting. I can’t wait for you all to receive your copies, it’s beautiful.

Happy 4th of July

New Mexico To Atlanta

Leaving New Mexico behind, I headed for Atlanta and my friend Annie, but first I had to return to Madrid and Cerillos. Remember the museum I told you about and my grandfather’s elixir bottle I found tucked away on a shelf? Well, I just happened to have one of the posters in my car and I though this delightful place should have one. So, off  Mr Bear and I go to delightful Cerillos to deliver my poster and take Mary copies of pictures Al and I had taken with her and of her.

Surprise . . . I love surprises!! Yes, cowboys are still in the southwest. Meet cowboy Bill. Cowboy Bill was living in Michigan and decided he’s had it with winter. His daughter had moved to New Mexico, and gave glowing reports of the beautiful area. Bill needed a change so he decided to move. The funny thing, he didn’t have a car, only a horse. So dear Cowboy Bill decided to load up a pack horse, bring his two dogs (one was a puppy who got to ride most of the way) and ride his horse from Michigan to Los Cerillos, NM in the winter!! His stories are so funny. He does admit to receiving a few stares, especially when hitching his horse outside of Wal-Mart store, and a few odd comments, but admits, the enter trip was fun and he made many friend. My friends, even though this sounds like a real adventure, I promise I won’t try it, at least for now!!

Leaving Madrid next stop Albuquerque to visit my friend, Trey. Trey is the Reverend of La Mesa Presbyterian Church.What a fun visit we had. While he worked, I will admit to house hunting and finding the cutest adobe house. It was  perfect, except for one really BIG problem . . . no closets! It did have the best-est porch. Just like out of the Old Western TV shows. I think it was wide enough to be called a veranda. Enveloping the entire house. I loved it! Promise, I didn’t buy it, didn’t even make an offer. Later in the day I decided I needed another adventure. - The Sandia Aerial Tramway! The Sandia Tram is the world’s longest tramway. At an elevation of 10,378 feet, the peak has an 11,000 square mile panoramic view. The view at sunset is incredible. You can see forever and a day. With 25 miles of slopes and trails for skiing, hiking and biking, the tram rider can experience the rugged and otherwise inaccessible rock escarpment of the west face of the Sandias.

Bye to New Mexico -  I'll be back - Promise!!

Mr Bear and I are off again knowing I cannot drive straight on to Georgia without visiting my cousin Patti in Little Rock, Arkansas.  Also, my friend Ronnie, who is my running/marathon partner and lives in Topsfield, MA, wants to move to Hot Springs Village, so Patti and I decided Hot Springs  needed a visit. While there we ended up going to a street fair purchasing fresh veggies, fruit and a few flowers because they were so pretty and the scent delicious. We had so much fun!

Leaving Little Rock, I was finally Georgia bound, I thought! While chatting away with my friend Valerie, who lives in Sherman, Maine, I discovered she hasd a cousin in Birmingham, Alabama. Since I have never been to Birmingham, and Valerie’s cousin answered her phone. Why not lunch? Now this was suppose to be a 20 minute lunch. But, NO! Ginger took me to Jim N Nicks. This 2½ hour lunch of consisted of the best Southern Barbeque and the most delicious, scumpous, delightful desert. You have to just love Southern Barbeque. I am sad to leave, but my waistline insists!

Goodbye Ginger,I'll be back!! Off to Atlanta and I made it by night fall, exhausted but received great news -the books had made it through the Panama Canal and are going up the coast!! All is well except the gushing oil well in the Gulf. Ginger just admited oil was coming ashore and everyone was so nervous, worried, and scared of what was potentially going to happen.

Visiting my friend Annie is always so fun. She lives in a condo with the best neighbors and group of friends. She and her friend, Lavern, play Scrabble at least once a week, and if I ask “nicely” they allow me to play. Annie is great at Marketing. She is my Marketing Guru. Any out there need marketing, call Annie!

Wait a minute, Florida is calling and I must go visit Rick and check out the housing marketing in the West Palm Beach area. Besides, he just got a new Hot Tube and I want to try it out. Off to Florida for Mr Bear!

A Bit of New Mexico History – The Land of Enchantment

There is early evidence of the Scandia people living in New Mexico since 12,000-10,000 BC. Between 10,000 - 9,000 BC, Clovis hunters roamed the area in search of mammoth, bison and other game. Throughout the Southwest, between 9,000 - 8,000 BC, the Folsom people flourished at the end of the last Ice Age. The Cochise people, 10,000 – 500 BC, were the first inhabitants to cultivate corn, squash and beans, this is the earliest evidence of agriculture in the Southwest.

Between 700 and 1300 AD, the Anasazi Pueblo Indians cultivated the Chaco Civilization in Chaco Canyon making it the center of the Anasazi civilization. Visiting here one can see the dramatic adobe dwellings, or pueblos the Anasazi (a Navajo word meaning "ancient ones" or possibly "ancient enemies") built.

The pueblos were built or shaped with a straw-and-mud plaster, a typical architectural seen today in the Southwest. These pueblos often rose four to five stories high, an astonishing accomplishment for the time. The dwellings had rooms surrounding a central plaza, and throughout the settlement a number of kivas, meeting places that served a ceremonial purpose. This architecture blended harmoniously with the surrounding landscape with the doors, exterior posts and window frames painted to match the bright blue sky and the brown building the color of the earth. The population of a pueblo might have been around 1,200 people.

Between 1200 –1500 Pueblo Indians established villages along the Rio Grande and its tributaries. The northernmost of New Mexico's 19 pueblos, the Taos Pueblo has been home to the Tiwa tribes for more than 900 years, and appears the same as it did when Coronado’s expedition came in 1540. Though the Tiwa were essentially a peaceful agrarian people, they are perhaps best remembered for spearheading the only successful revolt by Native Americans in history. Launched by Pope (Poh-pay) in 1680, the uprising drove the Spanish from Santa Fe until 1692 and from Taos until 1698.

Pueblos welcome visitors to observe their annual events: The turtle dance on New Year's Day, deer or buffalo dances on Three Kings Day (Jan 6), and corn dances on Santa Cruz Day (May 3), San Antonio Day (June 13), San Juan Day (June 24), Santiago Day (July 25), and Santa Ana Day (July 26). The annual Taos Pueblo Powwow, a dance competition and parade that brings together tribes from throughout North America, is held the second weekend of July on tribal lands off NM 522. The pueblo Christmas celebration begins on Christmas Eve, with bonfires and a procession with children's dances. On Christmas day, the deer or Matachine dances take place.

Acoma Pueblo - Also called Sky City.

Chaco Canyon Pueblos - Ancient pueblos are preserved at Chaco Canyon

Cochiti Pueblo - is the home of Helen Cordero, who created the first storyteller figurines.

Isleta Pueblo New Mexico - . Also called Tuei.

Jemez Pueblo New Mexico - Wala-towa and home to the Peco Pueblo descendants

Laguna Pueblo New Mexico - Ka-waikah or Pueblo of the Lake People.

Nambe Pueblo New Mexico - Nambe Pueblo, New Mexico is 18 miles north of Santa Fe. Near Nambe Falls Recreation

Picuris Pueblo New Mexico - We-Lai. Highlights include the 200-year-old San Lorenzo Mission

Pojoaque Pueblo New Mexico - pronounced Po-Joageh, is home to the Poeh Museum.

San Felipe Pueblo - Koots-cha.

San Ildefonso Pueblo - San Ildefonso Pueblo has been inhabited since the 13th century and is famous for its black-on-black pottery. Also called PO-WOH-GE-OWEENGE.

San Juan Pueblo - Its Tewa name is Ohkay Oweenge.

Sandia Pueblo - Na-fiat.

Santa Ana Pueblo - Tamaya.

Santa Clara Pueblo - includes the Puye Cliff Dwellings. Also called Kha 'Po.

Santo Domingo Pueblo - Santo Domingo is famous for their jewelry and closely guarded and maintained culture.

Taos Pueblo - Taos Pueblo is the largest surviving multistoried Pueblo structure in the United States.

Tesuque Pueblo - Tesuque Pueblo, is one of the smallest in New Mexico.

Zia Pueblo - The Zia's Sun Symbol is the official state insignia that appears on the flag

Pueblo Secrecy wonder why the Pueblos are so secretive, there's good reason. Read about their history of religious persecution.

Memorial Day Weekend in New Mexico

Memorial Day Weekend and I am back in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with my friends. What more could I ask?  From the marvelous Spanish architecture, to my wonderful friends, the great food, magnificent sunsets, and a sky so clear blue, the puffy clouds appear to float in suspension after being tossed high in the sky. There is a saying, “Taos Mountain will call back those it wants to return, and I honestly feel the pull.” The Land of Enchantment has captured me. I will forever return.

 Sunday and the Turquoise Trail

Saturday my friend, Al, and I head off on the Turquoise Trail to Madrid, New Mexico, on his motorcycle. With my camera in hand, I must admit I make him stop many times for, “Pull over, I have to take a picture!” For those who saw the movie Wild Hogs, Madrid is the place Wild Hogs has taken from “Oh, I know the place” to “I have been there! Want to see my t-shirt?”

Madrid was booming in it's heyday, supplying coal for the Santa Fe Railroad, local consumers and the US Government. This company town became famous for its Fourth of July parade, lighted Christmas displays and minor league baseball games in the first lighted stadium in the west. When coal use declined the town fell silent. It became a ghost town. In the early 1970's, artists and craftspeople arrived.

With its many artists and craftpeople, Madrid is fun and very entertaining. The galleries are full of interesting and different objects of art. The Metallo Gallery got me when I saw the display of necklaces handcrafted in New Zealand: engraved fish hooks, originally made of whale bone, held on leather chains. Al was taken with the Tibetan, Oaxacan, Navajo and African rugs in Fines Textiles Inc.

Before we stopped in Madrid, I took Al to Cerrillos where I introduce him to Mary of Mary’s Bar. Mary will be 95 in July and still runs her bar; with so many stories to share, we spent a good bit of the afternoon listening to her memories of Cerrillos. The Los Cerrillos mining district is one of the oldest and most marked of the Old Spanish mineral developments in the Southwest. Cerrillos was full of hearty miners who extracted gold, silver, lead, zinc and turquoise from area mines at its peak in the 1880’s. According to Al, the coalmine was in Madrid and the 300 miners lived in Cerrillos and walked the 3 miles to Madrid everyday to work in the coalmine and these 300 miners and families supported the town’s 21 saloons and four hotels. While it was once seriously considered as the capitol of New Mexico, today  Cerrillos, with its dirt streets, is a picturesque reminder of the Old West. While in Cerrillos we also visit the Casa Grande Trading Post and discover an MK Paine Celery Compound bottle. Interesting, MK Paine was my Great-Great-Great Uncle and he bottled Celery Compound in Windsor, Vermont! Small world.

Monday, Memorial Day and Taos

Another gorgeous day and we decide to ride the High Road to Taos, one of New Mexico’s National Scenic Byways. I remember the first time I drove The High Road to Taos, I was awestruck and camera happy as I gazed at the snow capped Sangre de Cristo Mountains. I remember carefully maneuvering my car along this curvy road as I made my way from Taos to Santa Fe driving through the alpine meadows, stopping in the picturesque Spanish and Pueblo villages, and visiting the many galleries to help sustain the rural economy of this charming, centuries-old region. This beautiful road has inspired many artists and artisans.

Since Al had never been on the High Road, what better place to ride a motorcycle then this curvy road to Taos on such a beautiful day.

Arriving in Taos, I wanted to visit all my friends and “show off my book!” Sun Shades where you can get the best designer eyewear, thank you Tammy and Rob for fixing my glasses. Robert Faurie owns Maison Faurie, the most interesting antique shop (it’s for sale). If you want to buy a velvet-lined box of eyeballs, contact Robert, he has them and a metal chastity belt from 1800’S! We stopped to visit Charlie Collins at his gallery but he was on holiday. Charlie enjoyed (I think) critiquing my photographs when I lived in Taos. Then of course, we had stop in Horse Feathers to visit Lindsey and peruse through his Cowboy Shop. This is the shop where I got my very official Kansas City Brothel Inspector badge!

After lunch at Renato’s Café in Taos we ride the "Low Road” back to Santa Fe.What a fun weekend. Now back to the tasks at hand: the book and driving back to Maine. Hope you enjoyed this quick tour of a place I find so very special.