This.... is... miraculous. I loved reading this post about your pilgrimage to D.H. Lawrences's residence in New Mexico. Thank you for bringing me back to Lawrence and to the holy red of the Southwest. It was like you played an old piece of music that stirred my soul into reminding me that we are on this long journey together, to keep seeking communion, and to connect to the never ending human spirit.
It is not often that I read a poem, cannot stop, and then put my head down to weep afterwards. But when I read this one... oh dear god do I feel the aliveness pulsing through my whole body!
I live in New Mexico, have been here over two years. I am in Las Cruces, though, way down south and it is hot. And temperatures will probably keep rising. Therefore, I hope to return to the redwoods of true northern California. I have enjoy the desert, but it is time to go home. Great article!
Got a Taos adventure camping in a cave above the Rio Grande in winter 4WD cross country. Hot springs below fire at night above "If your heart is warm, you are warm." Blackberry Brandy, The Who "Keep me warm let me wear your coat." and two buddies who will never be forgotten. Great article. I always had an old decaying paperback "Love Among the Haystacks" on my shelf to remind me that doing anything is doing something. Live like your life depends on it. Keep the inspiring visions coming!
Love this piece! What a treat to learn about the O’Keefe connection and see her rendition of the tree and of Tennessee Williams’s brief stay with DHL’s widow.
It’s a reminder I can’t believe I haven’t yet made it to Taos.
It seems right and proper that O'Keefe should lie upon the same bench under that tree that Lawrence did. In their own way, they were making love to each other with their arts. When I visited her museum in Santa Fe, I left the building enchanted, stunned. I couldn't leave the yard, but sat upon one of the adobe benches under the trees, enjoying the buzzing feeling of energy infused into my body. Her works on the walls were still alive by the touch of her hand and brush. Someday, I must revisit New Mexico and Taos, to visit Lawrence's homestead home and commune with him there. Thank you, Erik, for this magnificent piece.
Thank you for this beautiful essay. I can imagine it must have a profound pilgrimage to this famous ranch. And you write so eloquently about two of my favourite artists - Lawrence and O'Keeffe.
Thank you for writing this. I was introduced to Lawrence about a year ago when I discovered his poetry in Bloom’s anthology. He was probably the poet I resonated with most. “The Ship of Death” and “Shadows” are two of my favorites. Also, after reading so much McCarthy the past few years, I’ve desperately wanted to explore the southwest. Glad you got to experience this.
Thanks Erik from the depth of my apocalyptic stewed heart. You made me feel like I was there and got me out of my doom scrolling for a cherished moment.
Beautiful! I've always felt that same love and appreciation of DHL -- his wild yearning spirit, never quenched by civilization and society.
Me, too!
Beautiful piece & a trip of my dreams ✨
This.... is... miraculous. I loved reading this post about your pilgrimage to D.H. Lawrences's residence in New Mexico. Thank you for bringing me back to Lawrence and to the holy red of the Southwest. It was like you played an old piece of music that stirred my soul into reminding me that we are on this long journey together, to keep seeking communion, and to connect to the never ending human spirit.
Have you read the poem, "Almond Blossom" ? https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/44573/almond-blossom
It is not often that I read a poem, cannot stop, and then put my head down to weep afterwards. But when I read this one... oh dear god do I feel the aliveness pulsing through my whole body!
Wonder full.
I live in New Mexico, have been here over two years. I am in Las Cruces, though, way down south and it is hot. And temperatures will probably keep rising. Therefore, I hope to return to the redwoods of true northern California. I have enjoy the desert, but it is time to go home. Great article!
Got a Taos adventure camping in a cave above the Rio Grande in winter 4WD cross country. Hot springs below fire at night above "If your heart is warm, you are warm." Blackberry Brandy, The Who "Keep me warm let me wear your coat." and two buddies who will never be forgotten. Great article. I always had an old decaying paperback "Love Among the Haystacks" on my shelf to remind me that doing anything is doing something. Live like your life depends on it. Keep the inspiring visions coming!
Love this piece! What a treat to learn about the O’Keefe connection and see her rendition of the tree and of Tennessee Williams’s brief stay with DHL’s widow.
It’s a reminder I can’t believe I haven’t yet made it to Taos.
It seems right and proper that O'Keefe should lie upon the same bench under that tree that Lawrence did. In their own way, they were making love to each other with their arts. When I visited her museum in Santa Fe, I left the building enchanted, stunned. I couldn't leave the yard, but sat upon one of the adobe benches under the trees, enjoying the buzzing feeling of energy infused into my body. Her works on the walls were still alive by the touch of her hand and brush. Someday, I must revisit New Mexico and Taos, to visit Lawrence's homestead home and commune with him there. Thank you, Erik, for this magnificent piece.
Thank you for this beautiful essay. I can imagine it must have a profound pilgrimage to this famous ranch. And you write so eloquently about two of my favourite artists - Lawrence and O'Keeffe.
Thank you for writing this. I was introduced to Lawrence about a year ago when I discovered his poetry in Bloom’s anthology. He was probably the poet I resonated with most. “The Ship of Death” and “Shadows” are two of my favorites. Also, after reading so much McCarthy the past few years, I’ve desperately wanted to explore the southwest. Glad you got to experience this.
Thank you for reminding me of what I always loved in Lawrence.
If you go to the La Fonda hotel in the Taos town square, they have Lawrence’s paintings on display (well, they did 30 years ago, anyway).
I have made the pilgrimage a few times from my rancho up in Mora, it’s a great day trip for me & I always give that tree a rub as well…
Fabulous piece! I too have spent magical times around Taos, at seminars Stuart Wilde gave there years ago. Hope to return someday.
Amazing piece - DH Lawerence was a new world ecological transcendentalist. I never quite appreciated it, now do. Thanks!
Thanks Erik from the depth of my apocalyptic stewed heart. You made me feel like I was there and got me out of my doom scrolling for a cherished moment.