Why I love photography or My "No Guts No Glory" trip: I lost my job a few years ago. I had a SW Air ticket that was about to expire so I decided to go someplace I have never been and...

bebo1998 Loc: Baltimore MD area

I lost my job a few years ago. I had a SW Air ticket that was about to expire so I decided to go someplace I have never been and flew to New Mexico, alone, with absolutely no itinerary. I also looked in the "yellow" pages and found a photographer in Albuquerque, called her, explained my situation and asked her if she would give me some ideas. Not only did she agree, she invited me to her studio and gave me an outline for a 5-day trip that included Madrid, Abiquiu, Santa Fe, Chimayo and Taos. Who would do that for a stranger? The photographers' community is very generous.

Each day I drove to my destination, explored and shot during the day, and drove to the next spot in the evening. Some of those drives were fairly solitary - it was my own version of Outward Bound.

My friends said I was the only woman they knew who would do such a thing and they were concerned about my safety. I asked my son if he though I was being reckless and said I was not a stupid person, but to call him morning and evening and check in with details.

The result was that I met wonderful people, saw amazing things, took hundreds of photos, and forgot my problems for a few days - I got my mojo back.

The highlight was when I drove to Abiquiu - the location of Georgia O'Keefe's home - I drove around the pueblo looking for the museum and was about to leave when a truck with "Georgia O'Keefe Museum" stopped and the driver asked if I needed help. I explained myself and he told me to wait for him. He came back a few minutes later and said the home/museum was closed on Monday, but he got permission to take me through. I had a private tour for almost two hours and saw every inch of the grounds, home, and studio, including what was in her kitchen cupboards. Three generations of the Lopez' family had worked for O'Keefe (as he called her) and he and his siblings' jobs were protected in her will. It was an amazing experience - and Mr. Lopez laughed when I looked through my imaginary viewfinder at the scenes I could not shoot, because photos are not allowed and in this he stuck to the rules. :?

I like to take photos inside of the shops - and a man asked why would want to do that. I told him I to be able to show people details of what I saw....for those who would not be able to travel there.

Kyle Zimmerman is the photographer who helped and encouraged me to do this. Check her out in Albuquerque if you get a chance.

Penny MG Loc: Fresno, Texas

bebo1998 wrote:

I lost my job a few years ago. I had a SW Air ticket that was about to expire so I decided to go someplace I have never been and flew to New Mexico, alone, with absolutely no itinerary. I also looked in the "yellow" pages and found a photographer in Albuquerque, called her, explained my situation and asked her if she would give me some ideas. Not only did she agree, she invited me to her studio and gave me an outline for a 5-day trip that included Madrid, Abiquiu, Santa Fe, Chimayo and Taos. Who would do that for a stranger? The photographers' community is very generous.

Each day I drove to my destination, explored and shot during the day, and drove to the next spot in the evening. Some of those drives were fairly solitary - it was my own version of Outward Bound.

My friends said I was the only woman they knew who would do such a thing and they were concerned about my safety. I asked my son if he though I was being reckless and said I was not a stupid person, but to call him morning and evening and check in with details.

The result was that I met wonderful people, saw amazing things, took hundreds of photos, and forgot my problems for a few days - I got my mojo back.

The highlight was when I drove to Abiquiu - the location of Georgia O'Keefe's home - I drove around the pueblo looking for the museum and was about to leave when a truck with "Georgia O'Keefe Museum" stopped and the driver asked if I needed help. I explained myself and he told me to wait for him. He came back a few minutes later and said the home/museum was closed on Monday, but he got permission to take me through. I had a private tour for almost two hours and saw every inch of the grounds, home, and studio, including what was in her kitchen cupboards. Three generations of the Lopez' family had worked for O'Keefe (as he called her) and he and his siblings' jobs were protected in her will. It was an amazing experience - and Mr. Lopez laughed when I looked through my imaginary viewfinder at the scenes I could not shoot, because photos are not allowed and in this he stuck to the rules. :?

I like to take photos inside of the shops - and a man asked why would want to do that. I told him I to be able to show people details of what I saw....for those who would not be able to travel there.

Kyle Zimmerman is the photographer who helped and encouraged me to do this. Check her out in Albuquerque if you get a chance.

I lost my job a few years ago. I had a SW Air tic... (show quote)

Nice story! I am glad Ms. Zimmerman was so helpful. A trip such as yours is a good way to clear the head and get a new perspective. Glad you enjoyed New Mexico. There is a little town called "cloudcroft" that is absolutely beautiful and even moreso, is the road that gets you there. Please post some of the pictures from our trip. we'd love to see some!

Acountry330 Loc: Dothan,Ala USA

Sounds like you had a wonderful time.

bebo1998 Loc: Baltimore MD area

Thanks for your kind comments - I am trying to load some shots, but keep getting a message "too large" I'm trying again

Clay sculpture with beads applied with quills

Mining equipment in Madrid

Rancho de Taos

Taos reservation entrance to graveyard

Abiquiu village church

colorful shop window

Taos pueblo under gorgeous NM skies

love these old guys

Entrance

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

bebo1998 wrote:

I lost my job a few years ago. I had a SW Air ticket that was about to expire so I decided to go someplace I have never been and flew to New Mexico, alone, with absolutely no itinerary. I also looked in the "yellow" pages and found a photographer in Albuquerque, called her, explained my situation and asked her if she would give me some ideas. Not only did she agree, she invited me to her studio and gave me an outline for a 5-day trip that included Madrid, Abiquiu, Santa Fe, Chimayo and Taos. Who would do that for a stranger? The photographers' community is very generous.

Each day I drove to my destination, explored and shot during the day, and drove to the next spot in the evening. Some of those drives were fairly solitary - it was my own version of Outward Bound.

My friends said I was the only woman they knew who would do such a thing and they were concerned about my safety. I asked my son if he though I was being reckless and said I was not a stupid person, but to call him morning and evening and check in with details.

The result was that I met wonderful people, saw amazing things, took hundreds of photos, and forgot my problems for a few days - I got my mojo back.

The highlight was when I drove to Abiquiu - the location of Georgia O'Keefe's home - I drove around the pueblo looking for the museum and was about to leave when a truck with "Georgia O'Keefe Museum" stopped and the driver asked if I needed help. I explained myself and he told me to wait for him. He came back a few minutes later and said the home/museum was closed on Monday, but he got permission to take me through. I had a private tour for almost two hours and saw every inch of the grounds, home, and studio, including what was in her kitchen cupboards. Three generations of the Lopez' family had worked for O'Keefe (as he called her) and he and his siblings' jobs were protected in her will. It was an amazing experience - and Mr. Lopez laughed when I looked through my imaginary viewfinder at the scenes I could not shoot, because photos are not allowed and in this he stuck to the rules. :?

I like to take photos inside of the shops - and a man asked why would want to do that. I told him I to be able to show people details of what I saw....for those who would not be able to travel there.

Kyle Zimmerman is the photographer who helped and encouraged me to do this. Check her out in Albuquerque if you get a chance.

I lost my job a few years ago. I had a SW Air tic... (show quote)

Good for you. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. :thumbup:

cockney greg Loc: London E17

Fantastic photos bebo, thanks for showing us. Solo is always the best way to meet the locals. More power to your elbow.

crimesc324 Loc: West Palm Beach, Florida

Great photos. Keep up the good work!

ozdude Loc: Brisbane Australia

Great traveler shots Bebo. :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

djtravels Loc: Georgia boy now

Brought home a lot of good memories,I bet. Good shots.

riverlass Loc: northern California

Went to New Mexico once, a long time ago. It was beautiful and so different than Northern California. I want to go back some day, soon, with my new love of photography, new skills and all my good equipment. It was a photo shoot like no other. Santa Fe, Taos etc.... a beautiful place.
Love your photos.

Country's Mama Loc: Michigan

Wonderful story and fantastic photos. Thanks for taking us with you.

Jim Carr Loc: Ridgecrest,CA

You deserve to be proud of yourself. So should your son. Life is too short for 'What if's'. You will always have that great trip in your back pocket. Good luck with the job search.

bebo1998 Loc: Baltimore MD area

thanks to all of you for the kind messages -