Go West, Young Bear! Ashley in New Mexico

Ashley the Traveling Teddy took the advice and headed to the dry, dusty land of New Mexico. She learned a lot about Southwestern art and Native culture, and about cooking with chiles—WOW!! HOT!!

She started at Encantado Resort and Spa, and had a fabulous jet-lag massage with Sue Robuck. AHHHH!

Ashley with Sue Robuck at Encantado

Resort and Spa. Betsa Marsh photo

Ashley travels for the third-grade class of Meredith Schroeder at St. Joseph Consolidated School in Hamilton, Ohio. The Traveling Teddy program is a geography outreach of the Society of American Travel Writers

In Santa Fe, Ashley spent a reflective moment at the altar of San Miguel Mission, the mission church in America, dating back to 1610.

Ashley in San Miguel Mission. Betsa Marsh photo

Walking in Santa Fe, Ashley met Judy Rosetta, a Kewama Indian from the Santo Domingo Pueblo. Judy was making jewelry near Loretto Chapel, and let Ashley try her paw at stringing beads. Judy even gave Ashley her own beautiful turquoise necklace, and Ashley wears it as a fond memento of New Mexico.

Ashley with Judy Rosetta. Betsa Marsh photo

Ashley then went north, to visit more artists in their studios. When she stopped by Jeff Brock’s studio, he let her help make more jewelry, and his wife, Star Laina York, surprised Ashley with a giant bear sculpture she’s making! It will eventually be a large bronze.

Ashley with Star Laina York. Betsa Marsh photo

Ashley helps Jeff Brock make jewelry. Betsa Marsh photo

Nearby, she traveled to the studio of artist Doug Coffin, a Potawatami Indian whose work has been in galleries around the world. Doug introduced Ashley to his mutant rhinoceros Oswell, about 110 years old from Africa.

Ashley with Doug Coffin and Oswell, the mutant rhinoceros from Africa. Betsa Marsh photo

And finally, how better to wrap up a big trip than with chocolate? Ashley checked out all the extravagant Day of the Dead decorations at Todos Santos in Santa Fe, and met Harmony Heffron. She showed Ashley the milagros, small tokens made for prayer requests and thanks. But these are chocolate, brushed with edible silver and gold. Heavenly!