by Rachel King

Today's itinerary was intense and full… We were on the go from first thing in the morning until tonight, and it's difficult to process everything we saw, heard, and learned. We met a heady mix of artists, writers, scholars, poets, and chefs. Every one had an incredible story; most are from somewhere else, and heard the call of Santa Fe. I was struck by the talent and chutzpah of people who have come here to pursue a passion or a dream, and have reinvented themselves in the process.

Those who didn't move here from elsewhere, of course, are the Native Americans whose art and spiritual life is felt everywhere. I can now understand why this place speaks so deeply both to the Native Americans and to artists—they are surrounded by mountains and desert, color, incredible light, and rugged earth. There's both a spatial and emotional openness that you immediately feel here.

A bonus to the cultural riches we have encountered today has been meeting the wonderful Santa Fe women who have volunteered to drive us around, open their homes, and join us for some of the tours. Each has a story as well. It is a privilege to welcome them to the JWA community, as they welcome us into theirs.