(Originally posted on LiveJournal)
After the excitement of crossing west Texas, I’d planned a side trip on my return to L.A., to go visit a friend in northeastern Arizona. This would involve getting off the I-10 at Deming, New Mexico, and heading northward on the two-lane U.S. 180. Across the desert flats and up through the Mogollon Mountains. I had a lovely day for it, and the country was beautiful. I stopped in one little hamlet (Glenwood) to fill the gas tank – there was NO cell phone reception, not even roaming, and there was such quiet there. The sunny weather and spectacular scenery made up for the Saturday adventure.
And I was on the way to visit friends.
The principal friend in question was the incredibly industrious writer and artist James A. Owen. Who has a whole building set aside to service those occupations. A former church building. That in itself had intrigued me, for in my life I’ve gone past unoccupied church buildings and fantasized about what one could do with the interior space. So I was looking forward to seeing what someone had actually done.
Coppervale Studio
And then there was the actual conversation to be had. Most of our communication has been online, and been very entertaining and agreeable, but we had met in person before.
James A. Owen
So the prospect of time spent with someone truly sympatico was part of what had kept me pushing through the snow on Saturday. I have writer friends, and I have artist friends. But the number of friends who do both isn’t high (or at least the number who admit to doing both).
After my arrival there, and some missed contacts, we connected and I got a brief evening tour of the studio. Sigh. Oh, to have such space! I could have all my books out! I’d have space for all sorts of things. Of course, that particular spot is well away from urban life of the sort I’ve been used to, so I guess it’s a trade-off. Heh.
And conversation too! Shortly after my arrival, his faithful henchman, Joshua Pantalleresco jpantalleresco(another friend, incidentaly) appeared and joined the conversing. So it was all very pleasant.
It was also the sort of break I needed after a week of junk & stuff sorting, evaluation, packing and general emotional baggage that had come from working to close up my mother’s house. It wasn’t a full on vacation, but the visit, short though it was, served much the same duty, and sent me off refreshed. To which I thank James and Josh, and Jeremy (James’ brother and manager – who I met Monday morning before hitting the road).
And then there was the lovely bed & breakfast place I stayed at in Snowflake there. The Heritage Inn. Very charming and comfortable. I’d decided that after a week in a cheap motel in Houston, I would treat myself to the extra comfort of the B&B, and not count the pennies on it. There was the novelty of having a high bed that required steps to get into!
In looking back over the excursion, I’m especially appreciating that it was with friends of similar creative bent. Coming at the time that it did, it’s nudged me forward into a new season, full of interesting prospects (creatively). And then too, seeing someone who has arranged a space where he could be diligent in his creative pursuits … that’s an inspiration. It’s affecting my considerations in how I shall rearrange my apartment to accomodate the things from my mother’s house. I want to make it all conducive for creativity – so that I don’t have to fight the home environment to write or paint or draw.
So…. visiting can be good. 🙂
Comments
sartorias – Nov. 27th, 2007
Sounds good all round!
mattdocmartin – Nov. 27th, 2007
Does Coppervale have as good a head of hair in person?
scribblerworks – Nov. 27th, 2007
LOL! Are you envious?
Yes, he does.
mattdocmartin – Nov. 28th, 2007
I have a decent, full head of hair, but his is just….commanding.
Photo of Coppervale Studio by James A. Owen. Used with permission.
