02 November 2012

A Memorable Vacation

Written by Marie Gamber. Posted in Uncategorized

Happy Friday! Marie here and I am going to share one of my very memorable vacations with you. I have shared pictures of this in the past but just like a favorite old story, I can’t resist showing the pictures and telling this favorite story again!

For those of you who know me, you know I am a mystery buff. I attend Bouchercon and Left Coast Crime mystery conferences every year. Left Coast Crime held their conference in Santa Fe a few years ago. I was never there before but I immediately fell in love with the place. I spent every minute I could at the Georgia O’Keefe Museum.

Georgia O’Keefe (1887-1986) is one one of the most significant artists of the 20th century. When asked about her sources of inspiration for her art, she would say- ” I find inspiration in the wideness and wonder of the wold as I live in it.” Her work is easily recognized and includes abstractions, large scale depictions of flowers, leaves, rocks, shells and bones. I can understand how Santa Fe was a perfect magical place to inspire creativity and fill one with wonder and awe. I found my self mesmerized and sat there for hours just absorbing the wonder of Georgia O;Keefe’s work.

As if the Georgia O’Keefe Museum wasn’t enough, during my week-long visit to Santa Fe, I stayed at the Inn at Loretto. I soon discovered that the famous and mysterious Loretto Chapel was just next door. Can you imagine that! It is believed to be the first gothic structure west of the Mississippi. However, the chapel had a design flaw… there wasn’t any way to get up to the choir loft. The Sisters made a Novena to St. Joseph, their patron saint for divine guidance. Legend has it that upon the ninth day of the Novena, a mysterious carpenter arrived to design and construct a circular stairway to the loft. The stairway contains thirty three steps in two full 360 degree turns. The stairway has no center support nor is it held from it’s sides. It’s full weight rests on its final tread. There are no nails or screws used in the construction of the stairwell.

Upon completion of the stairway, the carpenter mysteriously disappeared without seeking payment. Legend has it that many believe the carpenter was the embodiment of Saint Joseph the Carpenter. Engineers and architects marvel at the design. The little chapel has a constant flow of visitors. I have taken some pictures so you too, can see the wonderful design of this mysterious staircase. I tried to take pictures from many different angles.

People come from near and far to see the chapel and the miraculous staircase. the Many leave an offering of a Rosary upon a tree branch outside the chapel upon departure.

It was a wonderful week! In addition to getting to see this wonderful staircase, I really enjoyed the city. You combine a mystery conference, the Georgia O’Keefe Museum, miraculous staircase and fabulous people – and you have a dynamo vacation! I found all the architecture and art inspiring and they continue to be a sources of inspiration for my art. I hope you enjoyed these pictures and story. I hope you have a great weekend and stay safe! 😀