Discovering Gold in Silver City

What defines and reflects who we are as individuals is directly related to the communities we serve.  Josie and I recently visited a city known for its riches in Silver, Silver City, New Mexico.  What many may not be aware of is the Gold that has recently been refined, mentored and exploited, its rich diversity of talented Artists, the cities children and the Gila National Forest.  Like the mining town we lived in back home, Ely, Minnesota, there is an underlying tension between the free thinkers and the miners.  This however is not a story about the differences or tensions, but instead the similarities they both share and care about as a community, their youth and sustainability.  Josie and I spent a day there and found some real Golden treasures to report on.  The first and foremost reason we visited was is to attend a concert performed by Carlos Nickai and his Jazz Quartet.  I’ve been a fan of Carlos’ for many years, being attracted to the natural mythical rhythm and sounds of his flute.  We’re not big fans of Jazz, but the quartet didn’t let us down as they engaged with the audience and we were transported to another realm as they engulfed our senses.  While visiting this artistic little town I had two issues I needed assistance with.  My computer had recently crashed, as did my mountain bike and me.  A record for me, having broken my second front hand brake handle within less than a week, I needed to find both a bike shop and a computer repair center.  At least I can claim that my technical riding skills have improved these past several weeks and have the battle scars to prove it.  Our first stop was “Bikeworks : All for Bikes : Bikes for All” “A community Bike Workshop Demystifying bicycle mechanics since the last century”.  This is one of the coolest non-profits I’ve come across in my travels.  I especially love non-profits that not only give, but have resources available along with mentors to teach a skill that enhances, liberates and inspires the mind, body & soul. Bikeworks embraces it all!  Like the old saying goes, don’t just feed’em a fish, teach’em to fish.  This Bicycle shop achieves this philosophy by mentoring their youth on how to fix-up and maintain their bikes while emulating how fun and rewarding it is to serve their community instead of just taking from it.  This little shop also houses a for profit company called “Binary Circuits” a computer repair G.A.S. Station.  We met a local volunteer by the name of Gabe and he was not only helpful with our computer needs, but was also one of the most cheerful people I’d met that day.  Another example of how doing what we love affects everyone and everything we encounter in a positive way.  Since they didn’t have what I needed in terms of a new brake handle, Gabe directed us next door to the Gila Hike and Bike where I was helped by a cheerful and knowledgeable bike mechanic, Erika.  She set me up with all I needed to finish an upgrade to disc brakes I’ve been wanting for years and a set of new brake handles.  Another shop employee Martyn, a young man originally from England, gave us some great insights for some local trails along with a map and technical descriptions of the trails themselves.  From there, we perused a few more shops and we’re met by Arlan and Lynne in Guadalupe’s at 505 Bullard Street.  We found lots of beautiful things you may want to add to your G.A.S. tool box.  They have a unique selection of “Spiritual Art, Gifts & Books From Around The World”.  Just off the beaten path is the Tranquil Buzz coffee House run by Dale Ruckos the owner.  Dale has a plethora of books lining the shelves to investigate while sitting in one of the many comfy chairs and couches that fill his shop.  He also has an intimate little porch in the back where you can escape the world and find some shade beneath the trees.  After enjoying a cup of Java and a relaxing contemplative moment, I was moved by spirit to ask a local by the name of Anna of RavensongArts for a reading.  Her authenticity was confirmed shortly after entering her center when, in her own words and without my solicitation, voiced the exact question I was going to ask.  She primarily uses tarot cards for her readings which I’m vaguely familiar.  I prefer to use the animal spirit Medicine Cards by Jamie Sams and David Carson for my own personal guidance and affirmations.  I would recommend Anna to anyone who is seeking good vibes, wisdom and Art.  Her Spiritual Arts Center can be found at, 106 W. Yankie Street.  Finally, I’d like to acknowledge the Little Toad Creek Brewery and Distillery.  Josie and I split a Ruben sandwich between us for dinner and must admit, it was the best I’ve ever had.  They also have a wide variety of other delicious foods and a good selection of locally brewed beers and distilled spirits to choose from.  We’ve only scratched the surface of what the surrounding area has to offer in terms of diverse natural landscapes and, so we plan on spending a few weeks here to explore more deeply this region known for its Silver, Gold and G.A.S.!