Hop over to FotoFeed to see the snow that’s just out of range in this shot. That’s Kali the Wonder Cat, wondering why the hell she’s outside.
She ran inside right after I took this!
Meanwhile, my neighbor has been going about her business like it hasn’t snowed at all. She has a ’90 Nissan 4WD with 240,000 miles on it. Our ’89 Dodge Spirit is still mired in the driveway, and don’t even ask about the Ford truck. Oh! Yes, it’s snowing again…
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{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
So it’s Kali the Wonder Cat now. Has something happened to Hobbes? If not, how come Kali has usurped his title!
I call all pets by that moniker. There was Lady the Wonder Dog, etc. Hobbes is still the Wonder Cat too, but he doesn’t go outside in the snow. I guess that makes him a little less wonderful.
John, Great photos over the past week! I especially enjoy seeing all the snow… as you imply in your “Indiana” post… cold, wind & snow can be magical under azul skies! While many may crave my 80 degree Naples weather at this time of year, I prefer the snow!
I suspect it can be quite good fun being cooped-up in the “cave” for a day or two at a time. Fire cracklin, pets loungin, spouse cuddled, coffee brewin and of course, the blog spewin! Now that makes for some real explosions of happiness!
Speaking of the cave, as I’ve mentioned before- I have plans to make the move to the Taos area in ’07. I’ve done a fair amount of research regarding building your own adobe or rammed-earth home. Seems like with some determined energy, a project such as this may be in reach for the “average joe”. Any thoughts?
Keep the adventure comin!!!!
It’s within reach, but it’s a helluva lot of work.
Assuming one had enough resources to buy the land — not cheap close in — and could pay one’s bills or make a living somehow while living in town and doing the construction part-time… though I have no idea what your own thoughts are on these things … assuming all that, then yes: from what I understand, one could build such a dwelling oneself from mostly on-site materials (i.e. dirt!).
I do know an architect who specializes in “green building.” His site is the One Earth Design site in the sidebar under ZPD Client Sites. The houses he builds are mammoth and hugely expensive, but the site does have a good rundown on the use of such materials. He also knows a woman in her 50s near here who built her own earth block home one brick at a time using a manual brick-making contraption. It must be a small place, and it had to have taken her a long time, but she built it for less than $700, not counting the property, which has to be one amazing achievement.
“Determined energy” definitely applies.
My other thought is that you would do well not to be in a hurry. I’ve been here seven years, and I’m still finding out about certain areas or neighborhoods that might be desirable. Not that your project has to take anywhere near as long as that! I’m just pointing out how long it can take to become integrated enough with the right locals to get the true facts, if you catch my drift. This would apply to relocating anywhere, obviously.
In my own case, it’s still very much of a struggle, and I don’t use the word lightly. On the other hand, I wouldn’t ever go back and undo what we did to get here. Everyone’s experience is different, too. Just follow your heart, bring three times as much money as you think you’ll need, and try to stay calm.
Thanks for the sage advice… I turned 40 last May (a crazed Gemini through & through) and I’ve never been so seemingly magnetized to Northern NM. It’s downright ethereal! I feel like I’ve spent the past 10 or 15 years of my life wandering aimlessly and I’ve never felt so compelled to make this move. I feel like I’ve been bound by the “capitalist” chains for far too long and need to break free in order to reach deep down inside and discover some real meaning. Making the move, coupled with creating shelter from the earth (as much as possible) just seems like the natural vehicle to move me to the next adventure.
Reading the above, I think you’ll be fine.
I will say this: I felt exactly as you seem to when we moved. I HAD to do it. And while the ostensible reasons I was aware of then were (and are still) valid, the true reward was something utterly unexpected, though it came at a price I would never have agreed to pay if I had known it in advance. (I needed the shock treatment, and I also think the preceding sentence would apply to life in general.) Most people are probably better off asleep, you understand, because once you wake up even just a little, there’s no more rest!
Your mileage may vary. There’s a lot of energy here that will either kill you or show you things you never imagined. Telling you that will probably just add gasoline to the fire, but I’m off the hook. Another fellow about your age read my book, quit his job in Massachusetts, and actually moved here, Jesus Christ. I told my analyst, and she shouted,
“IT’S NOT YOUR FAULT!”
Vaya con dios, amigo.
(You have at least visited once, right???)
I hope for the (good) things I never imagined!!!
Yes, I’ve visited on more than one occasion. In fact, my last visit was last Summer on a solo cross country motorcycle trip…never got on an expressway- back country roads for all 6,000+ miles- it was pure bliss!
I was particularly intrigued by certain parts of Colorado- Ouray was especially breathtaking and I actually purchased a small plot of land in Crested Butte, also a beautiful part of the world. But, I am completely captivated by Northern NM and the proximity to some of the most remarkable desert landscapes in the northern hemishphere.
John, I just finished reading Buffalo Lights (and she’s right… they should put spot lights on ‘dem night-time roamers!)… I enjoyed every passage- clearly written from your heart!
In your writing, both here and in the book, you seem to emphasize the pain you’ve endured with making the move, but yet you almost effortlessly balance the pain with what seems like remarkably enlightening day-to-day experiences. Do you feel like Taos will be your home ad infinitum?
What a great motorcycle trip! I envy you that experience.
The pain I’ve experienced (and spread around) was unavoidable, a side effect of the shock treatment. There was just so much I didn’t know about myself. If a stranger’s impression is that I’ve balanced this with enlightening day-to-day experiences, then I might be halfway home. Thank you for your input on that score.
It’s not easy to give a short answer to your question, but I’ll try. This is a very harsh but powerful place. The longer I stay here, the more I doubt I could ever be happy anywhere else. It’s the spiritual energy and proximity to wilderness, mainly. I would miss that so bad if I lived in a city. On the other hand, if life takes me to another country, for example, i would probably adapt. It’s all a mystery, basically. I certainly don’t have the confidence to say I’ll be here “ad infinitum,” but neither am I looking to go anywhere. Things are still developing for me here.
The only thing I know for certain is that I’ll never go backwards. You CAN “go home again,” but I think it would mangle my soul, and that’s not what I’m on this planet for.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Currently bringing in the new year listening to “Female of the species” by SPACE. The wife downloaded to my I-Pod tunes and told me to listen carefully!!! I have to admit Im in a bit of state of confusion. But, still wishing everyone a happy new year none the less!