Albuquerque, NM

When I left my house to go swimming, one of the first “things” I saw was a hawk circling very high in in a skyblue sky. Our winter day had grown warm. The lama’s stood in their corral watching over the neighborhood. The pool was closed. Clean up time after a hectic holiday. My swim buddy though brought me a book Choose the Right Word by S.I. Hayakawa. She found a copy and got it for me as it has been one of her most helpful resource books for writing. Her best gift provides continued support and encouragement for my adventures in writing.

Pool was closed and I had the perfect opportunity to return home, eat, and work. That was a fleeting thought. I drove over to Open Hands Resale store. They offered a great sale on clothes. I didn’t discover anything I wanted. I wandered over to the books as easily as a carrier pigeon flies home. A couple of younger booksellers were considering what they could buy to sell on ebay. I began letting my eyes scan titles. Suddenly, I had three books: not for resale. One an anthology of May Sarton’s writing would sell for at least $15.00. Another, by Nicholas Evans called The Divide, not a big reseller, and the third by Annie Proulx, That Old Ace in the Hole. I am pretty certain I haven’t read it yet. Just checked, I bought the same Sarton book last week! Since today’s books were on $0.25 each, it doesn’t matter.

Clear Light Books Gallery has moved next to Open Hands. Harmon Houghton has been in business for 20 years. He is primarily a wholesale book distributor. His small retail store holds lots of wonders. He also gave me a tour of the warehouse. He has a special section where returns or slightly “damaged” books sell for $5-$10. If you are in Santa Fe, the new address is 851 West San Maeto. Online you can find him at: www.clearlightbooks.com

Harmen Houghton presented the gift here as he talked about business. I also found a great book, Health for LIfe, Secrets of Tibetan Ayurveda by Robert Sachs. Foreword by Dr. Lobsang Rapgay. It’ll be a perfect supplement for my healing journey, and may open my eyes for suggestions to customers.
If you love Tibetan books or books about Tibetans, this store is great. Ditto for Dee Brown’s books on the west, Native American studies, stories, and more, and books about New Mexico. These are only a few areas of interest for Mr. Harmon Houghton.

I stopped at Alfanoose Cafe, 1412 Second St, just down the road from Clear Light. You heard of stories about the less than fancy restaurant with amazing food: Alfanoose fits the bill. Very reasonably priced, it offers Middle eastern meals at very reasonable prices. I had a bowl of fava beans, a half order, that was very good! I’d love to know the recipe. You might have to wait some as they prepare food from scratch, and to the suggestions of the guests!

I remembered that a friend had told me of a place where I could find old prints at reasonable prices, at Steven’s, A consignment Gallery. 2701 Cerrillos Rd, Santa Fe. It was like walking through another old world. I did not find any wondrous deals, but I did run into an old co-worker from Hastings. He’s working in the movie biz now, and may have a directing job soon.

The sun was on it’s way to set and temperatures rapidly dropped. I went to my Feldenkris class and witnessed a fantastic sunset. After class a good friend and I went to the Hidden Chicken for dinner and to catch up on our news. It’s on St Michaels Dr behind Kinkos. If you pass Pacheoco, you’ve gone too far.