Valley Of Shining Stone: The Story Of Abiquiu

Have you ever dreamt of stepping into a magical world where time stands still, and beauty surrounds your every move? A place where the desert meets the mountains, creating a landscape that is truly breathtaking. Welcome to the Valley of Shining Stone, the enchanting story of Abiquiu.

Abiquiu is a small village nestled in the heart of New Mexico, USA. Its name, originating from the Tewa language, means "shining stone" or "yellow clay." And indeed, the abundance of yellow and red sandstone cliffs that surround the valley give it a mystical charm like no other.

This hidden gem has captured the hearts of many artists, writers, and photographers throughout history, including one of the most famous artists of all time, Georgia O'Keeffe. She fell in love with the area's unique beauty and made it her home for over 40 years.

Valley of Shining Stone: The Story of Abiquiu

by Lesley Poling-Kempes(Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	11761 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	402 pages
Hardcover	:	346 pages
Item Weight	:	1.45 pounds
Dimensions	:	6.14 x 0.81 x 9.21 inches

FREE

O'Keeffe's love affair with Abiquiu began in 1929 when she embarked on a journey through the American Southwest. She stumbled upon the village during a road trip, and in that moment, she knew she had found her sanctuary. The Valley of Shining Stone became her muse, inspiring some of her most iconic paintings like "Ghost Ranch" and "The White Place."

Walking through the Valley of Shining Stone, you can almost hear the whispers of Georgia O'Keeffe's creative spirit. The vibrant colors of the desert landscape, the texture of the adobe walls, and the play of light and shadow all come together to create a visual symphony that leaves visitors spellbound.

One of the most captivating features of Abiquiu is the red sandstone cliffs known as the "Plaza Blanca" or "The White Place." This mystical location is rumored to have been a source of inspiration for O'Keeffe's paintings and was even featured in several Hollywood movies.

Stepping into Plaza Blanca feels like entering another dimension. The towering cliffs, sculpted by centuries of wind and water erosion, create a surreal environment that transports you to a world beyond ordinary reality. The play of light and shadow on the white rocks adds an ethereal touch, making it a paradise for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.

But Abiquiu's allure goes beyond its stunning natural beauty. The village itself holds a rich history and a sense of timeless authenticity. The adobe houses, some dating back hundreds of years, stand as a testament to the enduring spirit of the place and its people.

Exploring the streets of Abiquiu, you'll stumble upon charming chapels, old trading posts, and quirky art studios. The village's multicultural heritage is reflected in its architecture and traditions, blending Indigenous, Spanish, and Anglo-American influences into a vibrant tapestry of culture.

The spirit of Georgia O'Keeffe still lingers in the air, attracting artists from all over the world who seek inspiration in Abiquiu's enchanting landscapes. The Georgia O'Keeffe Home and Studio, located in nearby Ghost Ranch, offers a glimpse into the artist's life and work. Visitors can wander through her private living spaces, art studios, and even see the views that inspired her most famous paintings.

Abiquiu isn't just a place; it's a state of mind. It awakens the senses, ignites creativity, and fills your heart with a profound sense of peace and wonder. As you witness the dusk settling over the Valley of Shining Stone, you'll be reminded of the immortal words of Georgia O'Keeffe, "Nobody sees a flower - really - it is so small it takes time - we haven't time - and to see takes time, like to have a friend takes time."

In a world that moves at an ever-increasing pace, Abiquiu beckons you to slow down, take your time, and discover the true beauty that lies in the simplicities of life.

So pack your bags, grab your camera, and prepare for a journey to the Valley of Shining Stone. Unearth the magic preserved in this desert oasis and create your own masterpiece, whether it be with a paintbrush or a humble pen.

Discover the endless wonders of Abiquiu – A true artist's paradise awaits you!

Valley of Shining Stone: The Story of Abiquiu

by Lesley Poling-Kempes(Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	11761 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	402 pages
Hardcover	:	346 pages
Item Weight	:	1.45 pounds
Dimensions	:	6.14 x 0.81 x 9.21 inches

FREE

North by northwest from old Santa Fe is the winding road to Abiquiu (ah-be-cue'),Ghost Ranch, and el Valle de la Piedra Lumbre, the Valley of Shining Stone: mythical names in a near-mythical place, captured for the ages in the famous paintings of Georgia O'Keeffe.

O'Keeffe saw the magic of sandstone cliffs and turquoise skies, but her life and death here are only part of the story. Reading almost like a novel, this book spills over with other legends buried deep in time, just as some of North America's oldest dinosaur bones lie hidden beneath the valley floor. Here are the stories of Pueblo Indians who have claimed this land for generations. Here, too, are Utes, Navajos, Jicarilla Apaches, Hispanos, and Anglos—many lives tangled together, yet also separate and distinct.

Underlying these stories is the saga of Ghost Ranch itself, a last living vestige of the Old West ideal of horses, cowboys, and wide-open spaces. Readers will meet a virtual Who's Who of visitors from "dude ranch" days, ranging from such luminaries as Willa Cather, Ansel Adams, and Charles Lindbergh to World War II scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer and his colleagues, who were working on the top-secret atomic bomb in nearby Los Alamos. Moving on through the twentieth century, the book describes struggles to preserve the valley's wild beauty in the face of land development and increased tourism.

Just as the Piedra Lumbre landscape has captivated countless wayfarers over hundreds of years, so its stories cast their own spell. Indispensable for travelers, pure pleasure for history buffs and general readers, these pages are a magic carpet to a magic land: Abiquiu, Ghost Ranch, the Valley of Shining Stone.