The purpose of the Artist in Residence program here at Bandelier is to give artists, in my case a creative writer, the chance to pursue their craft in the unique environment of this canyon. There is much to experience here. Exploring the park and neighboring points of interest, talking with visitors, and learning from the Rangers are quite fun and very interesting. They are providing me with a lot of material for what I hope will one day be wonderful poems.

One of the things I am doing while I am here is refining a manuscript of poems that reflect my experiences as a military wife and mother. The horizontal spaces in my cozy casita – stools, fireplace hearth, dresser – are covered with poems in various stages of pondering, editing, and arranging.

The table, which is my desk, has everything else – computer, journal, reference material, and a notebook of poems-to-be inspired by my time here. It is a remarkable opportunity to immerse myself in the creative process (many thanks to my husband, who is at home making sure the cat is fed, the garden is watered and the bills are paid – you are the best!).

But, even in the midst of focused effort, there are moments when I do nothing but sit and watch the evening sun retreat up the canyon wall, listening as the sounds of the day quiet into blue dusk.