2010 The Beginning

Every year since 1986 we go to a Wyoming dude ranch. While we're there, various vendors drop by hoping to sell Dudes jewelry, rugs, stuff. My friend Pam was a major customer. She wasn't interested in the low end; it was high end or she's not buying. 2009, a vendor was on his way to Santa Fe Indian Market. Years ago, I went to market. I told Pam - We should do this, go to Market; you'd loose your mind. Besides, my nephew works at the opera. I'd get to see him.

She was busy traveling the world with IBM however we booked room reservations at the La Posada. I flew in from Kentucky and I believe Pam came in from Ankara or some other exotic location. I remember she was flying out to Paris. I was flying out to Kentucky.

Ok, so I arrive first in Santa Fe; plenty of time to pick up my compact rental car, go to the hotel, unpack and come back to get Pam. The rental car guy tells me The car lots out that door - pick any car. (Keep in mind Santa Fe has the teeny tiny airport) i'm standing in the car lot - there's a couple of black Hummers, a red one and a blue one; nothing else, must be in the wrong car lot. Go back inside and apologize for bothering him, but where is the car lot? Yes indeed, I was standing in the correct lot. My only option was a Hummer. I about fainted but 1st I had to figure out how to toss my suitcase into the back and then climb into the driver's seat.

I will say this for a Hummer; people tend to get out of the way. No one darting out in front of you at the crosswalks. Embarrassing couple of days at the hotel. The staff prides themselves on face/name recognition. i.e. without saying a word; they see you and call out Bring Mrs. French's car. For me it was Mrs. French wants her Hummer!

Market was so different than I remembered; probably 4x larger and sooooo many people. I learned the true collectors arrived at the booths hours before the opening. Immediately I head to Jacob's friend, Teri's booth. Over the years since their college days she and her sister developed impressive resumes and devoted following. Collectors lined for them. I bought one of Teri's beaded bracelets and my next purchase was from Dennis; her husband. While looking for Dennis's booth, I spotted a painting of a Straight Dancer - and knew, if I could afford it; the painting was going home with me. I made a bee-line for it. Standing in front of the painting, I turned to the artist and was stunned to recognize Dennis. It was meant to be.

Pam and I stayed 3 days. We ate at The Shed and Geronimos. Attended 2 operas Madam Butterfly and Albert Herring. I have to admit, the Hummer didn't add much to our Opera Entrance. We both wore long, flowing dresses. Sitting in the Hummer, neither of our feet could touch the ground. We looked like a couple of Cat Women leaping from the car. Not The Look we intended.

The infamous hummer

Nephew Ben and I in front of Opera housing

I decided before I left; I'd be coming back. Market combined my favorites - Native art and artists. It was like a huge out-door-museum. I thought it would be fun to come with a group of women...just a thought.