On a recent trip to New Mexico I found creative inspiration in so many people and places it was almost overwhelming. The stunning scenery as we drove through the mountains was uplifting in itself. But the people we met on those drives and in Santa Fe were what really made the trip inspiring.

We met amazing people in the galleries and cafés we visited. The range and depth of talent was inspiring. The impact of spirit on the artwork was magnificent. Artwork born of deep meditation states, paintings inspired by drumming and dancing, and sculptures conceived in pure love – they all lifted my level of joy and desire to create.

In Chimayo an artist who worked in black etched tin told me that she uses turquoise and coral in her pieces because they are so powerful together. I saw the combination in much of the Native American jewelry in the Santa Fe area. When I returned home I pulled out some of my Tibetan beads and found the combination of turquoise and coral prevailed again. It sparked the question, why?

I’m told that in Native American culture, Coral represents Mother Earth and Turquoise represents Father Sky. The Coral nurtures and the Turquoise protects you. And when the two are combined with silver, which symbolizes purity and truth, you have the marriage of Earth and Sky.

Travel gives us new perspectives, sometimes we’re reminded of things we knew, but forgot, and other times we see something totally brand new to us. On this trip I rediscovered the vibrancy of coral and turquoise and the energy and beauty they impart. And the spirit and energy of the people we met brought a new level of awareness and appreciation to my life. What a beautiful thing!