RICK IN NM- DAY 2

it's always a pleasure to see raymond. he looks tired... he's been working hard to get ready for our exhibitions. this one in albq, and two in LA. more about those later.

raymond takes me to lunch at this great place called EL MODELO. it's an amazing throwback to the 1930s new mexico. you order inside at a counter, behind you can view the cavernous kitchen and work area... there are many employees and even more customers. after you get your food- which they wrap in paper like the ol-time butcher-
you can sit outside on picnic tables in a cute lawn area.

i have what i believe to be the best chili relleno burrito i have ever had! i'm not sure why, maybe because it's prepared simply.
i guess it's because the chilies are very fresh and the tortilla are freshly made.
the best thing about Albuquerque and new mexico is these original places. virtually untouched and operated like they were back in the day. you have to live here or know the locals to have privy to places like this.


we then drive up to JEMEZ SPRINGS and i finally start to unwind and get the city outta me.. this area is so beautiful. untouched by the rat race of life... at least on the surface.








there's raymond's property and house.. it looks more beautiful than i remember. he has all purple flowers in the front yard. it looks like the last scene in the color purple.




there's raymond's new cats and a new dog.. they're so cute...



and there are raymond's huskies.. wow.. what beauty... and all of raymond's art... what an absolute treasure.



raymond has the most comfortable bed.. all soft and fluffy pillows.. i hear whimpering.. like a crying baby... wow.. raymond has two new huskie puppies! they are adorable. they look like little pigs.


i fall asleep for what seems like a very long while and then wake up around 2am... it is pitch black.. so black you cannot see shadows.. it is soooo quiet.. the air is so clear. it is so still. i am so relaxed. i am able to reflect.