The Navajo Medicine Pony ~ Living a Magical Life

Navajo Medicine Pony ~ Pure Vision Studios

In my last post, I promised the story of The Navajo Medicine Pony.  I think we all get to choose the type of life we live.  I have chosen a magical life.  I believe.

Angel Wynn of NativeStock Pictures is my dear friend, mentor and co-creator.  Angel is the leading supplier of Indian Country Imagery. We both share a great love and respect for the Native American People and their culture. She, my husband (who is a very brave man) and I were on a mad adventure in Arizona in 2009. It will take many posts to tell you all of the amazing places we were honored to see and photograph on that journey.
 

Certainly one of the highlights of our trip was a visit to Canyon De Chelly in Chinle, Arizona part of the Navajo Nation. I will post the story of our unforgettable tour through the bottom of Canyon De Chelly another time. Epic doesn't even come close to covering it.

After a very long and magical day, we were headed back to the campground at sunset.  Horses are everywhere in Chinle.  I understand the Navajo Nation is not in the habit of restricting their horses behind fences.  Several times we had already witnessed horses running freely through town.  At the end of this day, however, a beautiful single pony stepped out of the brush by the side of the road bathed in the beautiful light of an Arizona sunset. 

Angel and I were nothing but ##@es and elbows grabbing our gear from the back of the cab and we were out of the car in 2 seconds.  The horse just stood there patiently posed.  We shot like crazy thinking this was going to be over as quickly as it started and the horse would run. No....just looking at us with it's soulful eyes and "gifting" us with a magical moment. Finally, we decided to move along before we caused an accident on the highway.

I felt we had just experienced something really mystical but I really didn't know what it was exactly.  I still don't know. Maybe I don't ever have to know. Do we make the magic or does it make us?

I printed a big 40 x 40 canvas of this photo for one of my first big shows.  It has always been a treat to see people drawn to it.  Some are analytical about it's magic...I was even once asked if I had something "blowing" the horses mane.  Most people ask for the story and I am happy to tell it again and again.  Many people are moved to a memory of their favorite horse and I am honored to hear "their" story.  I have sold many of the smaller prints of this photo but the big canvas stayed with me.

As I told in my previous post, this was the canvas viewed by Michael Wamego.  His face lit up like that Arizona sunset and he smiled the most beautiful smile. He knew it would be his.  I am honored that my first big canvas of the Navajo Medicine Pony has now found it's true home in the workshop of such a beautiful spirit, Michael Wamego of the Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma.  Michael told me this is a medicine pony and explained they have a special aura. He tells me his dog will sit patiently staring at the pony while he works, but he turns away if you catch him staring at it.  How honored am I? Michael loves his pony and I love my beautiful flute. Someday I will return to Canyon De Chelly and Chinle,  Arizona and learn more about this amazing spot on planet earth.  In the meantime I just continue to love this Navajo Pony and it's great gift to me. There is something so powerful about the southwest. It draws me back time and time again like a long forgotten home.

Canyon De Chelly - Pure Vision Studios

Sunrise at Spider Woman Rock  ~ Pure Vision Studios

Magic is all around.  Just look for it.  I think I will take a walk in the woods now.

Michael Wamego and His Beautiful Native American Flutes

Native American Flute Creator, Michael Wamego

Photo by Teri Lee Niedrich Pure Vision Studios

Meeting amazing artists is definitely one of the best things about doing a show.  This year at the Thousand Springs Festival, I networked with other photographers, heard the scoop about other shows that are doing well and met ridiculously talented people.  I always collect a few cards and try to pass along the word to people I think would be interested in their work. I am often honored to be in a show with such talented artists.

Sometimes things get a little magical with these connections and that makes the event  unforgettable! About a month before the show, I mentioned to my husband that I wanted to get a flute. The Native American Flute has the most soulful sound of all of the wind instruments.  I wanted one in a bad way but this was a very busy summer and I had not really pursued it.

As we were setting up our booth on Saturday morning, I heard the sound of a flute. Wild. There was actually a booth with Native American Flutes!  Well the morning was busy but Marsha, Michael's wife, came into our booth and started up a very interesting conversation about mules.  People talk to me about mules because of the Wagon Days photos I have and I love mules so it is often a popular topic in our booth.  Marsha is a really "bright" spirit.  Most people glow, some people sparkle.  I was delighted to find out that she was Michael's wife and I got a chance for a little break later and went straight to their booth.  Wow.

Michael Wamego is a Vietnam War Veteran and a member of the Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma.  After he returned from his service, he began to create beautiful Native American Flutes as did his Grandfather before him.  Michael proceeded to tell me fascinating stories of his mystical journey creating these amazing flutes.  He carefully selects the wood and the wood speaks to him.  Sometimes the wood will not be made into a flute until the time is right.  He has story after story of how these flutes find their way to the one person who was meant to own them.  Michael exhibits his spirit given talent in his booth where he carves a flute on the spot.  You can read more about Michael and his flutes on his website, The Shaman's Dream.

Michael has a real appreciation for his flutes...they are his babies.  I feel the same way about my photography.  It is always so exciting to see them find their home ...and sometimes I get very attached to certain pieces.  One canvas print had been with me for a long time and I had it in my home when we were not showing..  The photograph WAS called "Navajo Pony"...now I have renamed it "Navajo Medicine Pony".  The photo moves many people and honestly...it does have some kind of magic...ju ju whatever you want to call it.. about it.  I will tell the tale in my next posting....  


I had my eye on one of Michael's beautiful flutes.  I played it and it spoke to me.  Michael came into my booth and took one look at the Navajo pony and said it was a "medicine" pony.  He wanted that canvas and we made a very very good trade.  Now I play my beautiful flute once a day and when I miss the pony..I know it has a very powerful home. The universe unfolds as it should.


Michael Wamego and his wonderful wife, Marsha will be exhibiting TODAY at the Trailing of the Sheep Folklife Fair, Roberta McKercher in Haiiley, ID.  If you are anywhere in the vicinity of this Fair...don't miss it.  Check out their website.  Don't get me stahted talkin about the Trailing of the Sheep Festival that is another post!

As I close this posting I am on my way to photograph this happy community event. I love taking photos of people being the way they were created to be, happy.  I am looking forward to seeing my new friends, Michael and Marsha.  Life is good.

Thousand Springs Festival ~ Magical Places

Thousand Springs State Park is most certainly one of Idaho's most magical places.  The Thousand Springs Festival is held annually on Ritter Island within the park and recently welcomed 4,000 guests.  We had to skip this festival last year but were determined not to miss it again. We redesigned our booth and were anxious to try it out in one of our favorite shows.

 Pure Vision Studios Booth @ Thousand Springs Fest 2011

We had the most amazing time!  Despite the booth being a bit warm for temps in the 90's (who would have thought end of Sept??), we loved the dark curtain look of the new booth. We will have to smooth out the bugs for warmer shows but all in all it was a huge success.

Shows like this produce a high that is truly hard to describe! I spoke with children just learning to appreciate art (certainly my most important critics), tweens and teens who were aspiring photographers, fellow artists and photographers, and seniors who talked of the old days in Idaho.

We did well and I made a nice trade at the end of the show for a really cool hand carved Native American Flute.....(Next Story )    I confess that I have a bit o' the "Carni" and Gypsy in me and this could be my retirement plan.....loved it!  Already talking more shows ..please stay tuned.

Top 5! The Best Things to Do in Sun Valley Idaho

View from the top Bald Mtn 9,105 ft Sun Valley, ID on a Bluebird Day
photo purevisionstudios.com

Top 5 The Best Things to Do in Sun Valley Idaho

1. Go Bluebird on Baldy!

Last year Sun Valley Resort celebrated its 75th year as the United States first and consistently one of its most successful ski resorts. Successful for many reasons, they just simply do it right. Laying down some fresh tracks on Baldy on one of its many "bluebird days" is hands down the best thing to do in Sun Valley. With a total Lift Capacity Per Hour of 26,780 even on a big powder day the smiling crowds are not waiting in line (per skier, Sun Valley has more uphill capacity than any other ski area). Sun Valley has something for everyone from the super family friendly Dollar Mountain with a new "state of the sport" terrain parks to a Gondola ride up to the famous Roundhouse Restaurant for an unforgettable dinner.

The Big Hitch, Wagon Days! photo purevisionstudios.com

2. Travel Back in Time with Wagon Days

As celebrations go in Ketchum, Sun Valley, Idaho it doesn't get any bigger than Wagon Days. The Big Hitch Parade is the highlight of the celebration. It has grown into the largest non-motorized parade in the West, displaying more than a hundred museum-quality buggies, carriages, tacks, carts, buckboards, and wagons of every variety in existence today. The Wagon Days Big Hitch, historic wagons used to haul ore from the area, are powered by an authentic 20-draft mule jerkline. Adding spice to the parade is a lively assortment of authentically costumed individuals, numerous breeds of horses, from Arabs to Morgans to Pasos. Plus, professional and scholastic marching bands from around the state and the intermountain west. It's a blast from the past not to be missed! Parties and special events abound all through Labor Day Weekend. A perfect way to wrap up the summer.

Wagon Days "Shootout Gang" photo purevisionstudios.com

3. Enjoy a Perfect Cut at the Pioneer Saloon

There's a reason why "The Pio", as it is affectionately called by locals, is often the first recommendation any local will give you for a fun place for a drink and a really great meal. The atmosphere reflects the true grit spirit and the adventurous heart of so many people in this beautiful wild western valley. For 30 years owner Duffy Whitmer is often seen working shoulder to shoulder with his staff making sure he personally welcomes his guests. The Pioneer Saloon treats you to a casual, friendly atmosphere with an offering of a wide variety of beers, wine and liquors then it dazzles you with perfectly prepared cuts of beef, seafood, fresh trout and the absolute, real deal overstuffed Idaho potato.

The author, Teri Lee Niedrich, enjoying the end of a Mountain Bike ride in Sun Valley

"ahhhhh the flats"...Now for some "Despos"

4. Get in the Zone on a Mountain Bike Trail

The Sun Valley area offers outstanding mountain bike trails! In fact, Sun Valley Idaho hosted the very successful USA Cycling Cross Country Mountain Bike National Championships

July 14-17, 2011 and will host again July 12-15, 2012 . Quoting local, Rebecca Rusch to USA Cycling on usacycling.org “I have traveled the world and the U.S. for races and I live in the Sun Valley area of Idaho because it has some of the best trails I’ve ever ridden as well as welcoming cycling community,” explains three-time 24 Hour Mountain Bike World Champion Rebecca Rusch. “I already know this place is world-class and I’m really looking forward to sharing what Idaho has to offer with the best cyclists in the U.S.” What else can I say? Single track through the woods to die for... I will add that local trails vary from the beginner friendly Harriman Trail to trails that challenge the most passionate mountain biking enthusiast. PS ..a few of them can turn out to be "a three hour tour" if you know what I mean so be sure to buy one of the local trail books. By the way if you are a "roadie", Sun Valley has an excellent bike path and plenty of challenging road cycling. For more info on rallies and competitions check out visitsunvalley.com

Claudette Colbert and Gary Cooper at Sun Valley Photo Courtesy: SVR

5. Dig the Historical Vibe of the Sun Valley Lodge Resort

Okay, this last one was a hard one. I have to be honest there are so many really cool festivals and events worth mentioning in this amazing town like the Wellness Festival in the spring, The Trailing of the Sheep festival in the fall and the Nordic Festival in the winter but the winner is...anytime at the The Sun Valley Lodge Resort. Seriously, I am a local and I stay at the lodge and play tourist in my home town quite frequently. I am connected with the Sun Valley Resort in no way but sheer admiration. There is such a great vibe at the Sun Valley Lodge. The Lodge has been meticulously maintained and upgraded with luxurious details for 75 years. Walking down the hallways and enjoying a little time travel with the old celebrity photographs is a treat. Be sure to have a mug of beer, glass of wine or better yet a glass of champagne with you to make it fun. Enjoy the old school Duchin Room named for Eddie Duchin, an American popular pianist and bandleader of the 1930s and '40s, famous for his engaging onstage personality and his elegant piano style. You will be sure to hear some classic jazz entertainment. Sit in the "gangster" corner in the back. Very private and dark but big enough for your entourage. If you want to stay in the vibe, have dinner at the Ram Restaurant. If you are on a tight budget, just have a drink and the escargot (killer), then have pizza later. Just go with it and hang out. Who knows who you will meet? Maybe Warren Miller , Arnold Schwarzenegger , Steve Miller, or Mark Zuckerberg will walk by. Sure there are many newer ski resorts to enjoy today. In fact, since Sun Valley was the very first....ALL of them are newer. However, Sun Valley Resort with all of the latest technologies and amenities boasts 75 years of eloquent history. This grand ole dame has mastered the art of staying young at heart. Enjoy.