Albuquerque, NM

I was at my Monday appointment with Daniel Cobb, D.O.M. You know the guy who wrote the heart health book that you can find on www.lulu.com It is a very powerful read. I had, as I often do, arrived early so that I could walk the labryinth outside, and then enjoy some quiet meditation before my treatment. Well I was earlier than I thought, and as I re-entered the building after my walk, I saw my friend Haysen Weir. She had just finished giving a client a massage. Yes she is also an author of a new ebook on how to learn to listen with your hands. It’s designed for all of us to learn several basics to give each other better massages. Great for first timers. You can also find her book at the above link.

We chatted briefly, I wanted my time to meditate, and then Woody Galloway came out. Just last weekend, Haysen had told me about Mr Galloway. She had showed me one of his cards, and told a wonderful story how the card had been very successful and earned enough for his daughter’s college education! Plus more. I’d love to know how he accomplished that.

He gave Haysen one of his photographs. After they talked awhile, Haysen invited me over to see the photograph. I was very impressed. The dramatic sunset over the cumbres pass had so much detail. Woody and I began to talk. Haysen mentioned that I am also a photographer. He pulled out more and more of his work. Fantastic photos of mustangs running in all sorts of weather, mystical skyscapes. One sunset with trees on the bottom of the photo, and and fog of several hues rolling over layered hills and then unexpectedly I saw the church. It’s an old Spanish style adobe church that you could see it’s outline in the fog. I knew the church, and Woody made sure that I understood where it was.

Soon after, I asked how much he sold his work for. He told me the gallery price, and then added, “But for you today you can have one for $20. I knew the photo I wanted: it was a picture of a red tailed hawk, sitting on a tree branch whilst it was snowing. I have a deep connection with hawks. Plus the detail of this photo is fabulous! Woody told me the story.

A few days ago he was at the Bosque, a famous conservatory for birds in southern New Mexico. He told me several stories. Early in his visit, he saw the hawk sitting in the dead tree. He went on his way and captured a dazzling picture of a large crane in flight in the morning red-orange sky. Two hours later, he returned to a spot, and saw that the hawk was still in the same tree. He didn’t want to scare the hawk. He talked to it. He didn’t want to take the tripod, for it would create too much noise. He didn’t know how he would get the camera still enough for a good shot. He walked carefully, and slowly toward the bird, about 30 yards in the snow. He talked again to the bird. He walked a ways further, and there was a perfect tree stump to rest his camera. He asked the hawk if he could take its picture. He knelt down with the camera resting on the tree stump. He assked the hawk another question, and hawk slightly turned his head so their eyes met. The photo was then taken. Woody was less than 30 yards from the hawk.

He also asked the hawk how it could sit there so long in the cold? The hawk responded, ” I can because my father could, because my mother taught me, and because my grandmother and grandfather could, and did their grandparents too.” Woody said that the DNA was so pure that the hawk could speak of these truths.

Thhesse words give you a glimpse into the magic, wonder, and connection some artists experience. Spirit is powerful around us all, and on occassion, some people take the time to listen and connect. Y moment with Woody Galloway transcended the office we stood in. I flew over to the Bosque, knowing the terrain, I felt as if I were there, spirit watching him. I could feel the cold crisp November air, and soft snow melting on my cheeks. I could see his breath releasing through his nostrils, and hear, the soft sounds of his voice calling upon the wise hawk. The stillness surrounds us. Our heart open. The photograph merely a reflection of ageless mystical wonder. We are upon this earth to live intensely, and become one with love. I know because I have been many places, with and without camera, and drank this magical nectar as if a thirsty pilgrim ackowledging manifestation of my quest. Sat Nam.