Happy New Year!

Wow, are we really in a new decade?! This year flew by us, busy with shows both here in Denver and in New Mexico. Rob started doing his newest work of folk art paintings, with great reviews I must add! We met many new friends in New Mexico, which you all might know is my second home. These new friends were very receptive to Rob's art work as a Santero, a maker of Saints. Not very many are this kind or nice, they have that handed down perception that a gringo cannot be a Santero or a folk artist. A true artist knows that when your work comes from the heart, that piece will find its way to the right person. Rob and I have always tried to make our artwork accessible to all walks of life, not just the wealthy. We are not in this to become wealthy, when you make religious iconography art, you want the person buying it to feel the true Maker in it.

As for myself, well my heart still hurts for our families loss of Raymond, but I know it will get better for all us. Way back in the winter my cousin Angelita and her husband Tony asked Rob and I to be Padrinos (Godparents) for their newest baby they had just found out they were pregnant. We were honored to be asked and a little giddy with thoughts of having a new baby in our lives. Our boys are 23 and 22, so it's been a long time since I was around a baby other than at family functions! Rob on the other hand works with children at his day job, so he is no stranger to little ones. So, on November 16th, 2009, Eli Ramon was born and he is truly a joy in our lives! He was a big baby at birth and now at seven weeks old he is a little chunkster and we are blessed to have him in our lives. This little guy has really helped me see that God is so good to us in so many ways, just like He knew I needed this little person in my life to help me with my grief. We see him at least once a week and Rob can't wait to take him to football practice with him this summer!

So what is new for us in 2010? Rob is planning on showing in a Taos gallery this spring through the fall, among our other shows we will do in New Mexico. This is big for him, and I know it will bring the recognition he needs. I will be starting my first metalsmithing class in the middle of January at Clear Creek Academy, I hope to take three classes before the year is done. I will be accredited once this is done. I have always wanted to work with different metals and they have some great instructors there. As much as I love to bead, I need to move forward, push my creativity in a different way. In the meantime I have a new collection going up in the Etsy shop called Las Bandidas, let me know what you think. My Christmas present from Rob was the first class tuition paid for in full! We also plan on doing the pilgrimage to the Santuario de Chimayo for Easter. Rob and my Uncle Lenerd just took a road trip to the ranch in San Juan and through New Mexico this past weekend and hopefully Rob will be able to take more, he always comes back with great new ideas for new pieces. Rob will also coach high school football again this year.

To all of our friends and family that come by and read our blog, a big heartfelt thank you for all the kind words and encouragement you have shown us this past year! We love all of your creativity and your openness to share your works and life with us. May your new year be filled with love and happiness.
Feliz Ano Nuevo!!