Image Courtesy of Ted Harsha
Connecting People to Build a Stronger Community
The Abiquiu News is brought to you by Carol and Brian Bondy
Image Courtesy of Ted Harsha
Image Courtesy of Ted Harsha
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Email us with your news
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January 17, 2025
Post Office Closed Monday - Martin Luther King Day
In Gratitude
We thank Luciente for renewing their sponsorship this week and we welcome Marie Pearlingi back at Right at Home Massage.
We thank Djann Hoffman and Lisa Faithorn for renewing their sponsorship. If you missed it, check out our recent feature article on Far Side Farm. We also thank Star York, artist and owner of Rancho Verde Vacation Rentals - Bunk House and Cottage.
We thank Djann Hoffman and Lisa Faithorn for renewing their sponsorship. If you missed it, check out our recent feature article on Far Side Farm. We also thank Star York, artist and owner of Rancho Verde Vacation Rentals - Bunk House and Cottage.
Luciente Inc
Luciente Inc. is pleased to renew our sponsorship of the Abiquiu News. Thank you, Carol and Brian, for your dedication and hard work in creating this valuable community resource.
We also renew our commitment to serving the community. Our food pantries help ensure that no child goes hungry at school, while our Farmers Market grows bigger and better with each passing season.
We are fortunate to have wonderful program managers: Lupita, Andrew, Matti and Donna – thank you! And huge thanks to Sylvia, our terrific bookkeeper.
We are grateful to our local donors, especially to the very generous Abiquiu donors who wish to remain anonymous, but you know who you are – THANK YOU!
Luciente’s Board of Directors sends best wishes to all for a safe and happy New Year.
Randy, Matti, Shaia, Debbie, Thanh, Carol, and Jen
To support Luciente’s work, please visit Lucienteinc.org.
We also renew our commitment to serving the community. Our food pantries help ensure that no child goes hungry at school, while our Farmers Market grows bigger and better with each passing season.
We are fortunate to have wonderful program managers: Lupita, Andrew, Matti and Donna – thank you! And huge thanks to Sylvia, our terrific bookkeeper.
We are grateful to our local donors, especially to the very generous Abiquiu donors who wish to remain anonymous, but you know who you are – THANK YOU!
Luciente’s Board of Directors sends best wishes to all for a safe and happy New Year.
Randy, Matti, Shaia, Debbie, Thanh, Carol, and Jen
To support Luciente’s work, please visit Lucienteinc.org.
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Right at Home Massage
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Marie Pearlingi (per lin’ jee) is a NM Licensed Massage Therapist and Certified BodyMind Coach.
A graduate of Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy (now the CORTIVA institute) Marie has been practicing since 1999 in Connecticut, Florida and now New Mexico.
My business model is to help people feel better in the comfort of their own homes. My price is reasonable. I have been a massage therapist for over 25 years and have worked on thousands of people. Massage therapy is one of those gifts that doesn’t collect dust and makes people feel better. Interested? Give me a call or text at (505) 209-0152 or shoot me an email at rightathomemt@gmail.com. I’m looking forward to meeting you (or seeing you again)!
Learn more about Right at Home Massage and Marie online
Read Marie's article on "Tech Neck" in this week's Abiquiu News.
A graduate of Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy (now the CORTIVA institute) Marie has been practicing since 1999 in Connecticut, Florida and now New Mexico.
My business model is to help people feel better in the comfort of their own homes. My price is reasonable. I have been a massage therapist for over 25 years and have worked on thousands of people. Massage therapy is one of those gifts that doesn’t collect dust and makes people feel better. Interested? Give me a call or text at (505) 209-0152 or shoot me an email at rightathomemt@gmail.com. I’m looking forward to meeting you (or seeing you again)!
Learn more about Right at Home Massage and Marie online
Read Marie's article on "Tech Neck" in this week's Abiquiu News.
Star York - Rancho Verde Bunkhouse and Cottage
We thank Star York for renewing her lodging sponsorship for Rancho Verde
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The Bunkhouse at Rancho Verde
Our bunkhouse features a full kitchen, bathroom, living quarters, and one bedroom with a queen bed, a pull-out couch, and 1 cot. It overlooks a beautiful pasture that the Chama Riverfronts. Rancho Verde is conveniently located near the Georgia O'Keeffe House Museum, Ojo Caliente Mineral Hot Springs, Abiquiu Lake, Bandelier National Monument, and El Santuario de Chimayo. It is situated within an hour's drive to Santa Fe and Taos. Hiking and mountain biking trails are just minutes away. Book on Airbnb or VRBO |
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The Cottage at Rancho Verde
Our new Cottage rental boasts a very private small home on an acre, with a large kitchen, spacious living room, and is a very light and airy space. A queen bed is in the seperate bedroom, with extra sleeping on the fold out couch in the living room. Electric heat, AC, WiFi, large screen TV are all available. Outside is a seating area around a firepit, with a BBQ grill, a fenced in yard for dogs, and 2 large paddocks for horses with automatic waterers. The Chama river is a short walk down thru our horse pastures, and the Santa Fe National Forest is right across our driveway for endless hiking or riding. Email Star for more information and to Book |
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Thank you Contributors and Paid SubscribersLynn W
Gregory B
News and Features
The first cars arrived before dawn. By 9 a.m., vehicles snaked through the food distribution event at the state fairgrounds in Albuquerque. It was a week before Christmas, and thousands of families would come for groceries to get them through the holidays.
The scene is a familiar one in New Mexico, where many people lack adequate food, let alone secure housing, affordable healthcare, and fair-paying jobs. Read More
It doesn’t stop to amaze me that a tiny village in New Mexico, one of the least populated states in America, attracts so many people not only from all over the U.S. but from across the globe. One of them is Birgitte Ginge who used to be a Danish citizen but now lives in Abiquiú, for over twenty years (and has dual citizenship). I was curious: what brought her here? She kindly agreed to an interview. Read More
If you’ve visited Abiquiu’s Plaza Blanca, you’re familiar with the sensation of feeling heat rise from dusty paths while breathing in the calming scents of chamisa, junipers, and sagebrush. Under the right conditions, hikers can convince themselves that they’re watching heatwaves dance through the sandy arroyos like spirits rising with the breeze. (They’re really watching how light will bend, mirage-like, as hot air rises to mix with the cooler air above. No less magical than if visitors actually detected a mysterious apparition guiding them across the land.) Read More
Really, it’s a thing. We spend an inordinate amount of time on our phones, laptops, and desktops whether it’s required or not. Why? Well, it’s fun! There is an unbelievable amount of information to be found on our technology, including this article I’m writing, and the corroborating information found elsewhere.
So, what is it and how do you know if you have it? Well, neck pain for one. But it also can affect your upper back and your shoulder girdle aka the rotator cuff. Read More
Have you ever experienced the joy, the admiration, the raging jealousy of watching someone you love on stage or screen? I haven’t. (Kidding! Of course I have. I absolutely adored my little sisters’ school symphony concerts and didn’t ever even once snore.)
But I got to, recently. I watched a screener of the new movie Laws of Man, and there, right there, was my beloved home state of New Mexico, playing the role of Nevada and maybe also of Utah—convincingly so, I might add, especially if you’ve never been to Nevada or maybe also Utah. Read More
Despite any previous claims I have made to the contrary, I have actual friends all over this country. All over the world! That way, I know I am loved in several time zones, but I don’t have local people infringing on my free time for frivolous activities like “birthday parties” and “driving you to the airport” and “being there for you when you need emotional support.” Read More
The Ben Lujan Library at Northern New Mexico College's Espanola Campus is making room for new books, and we need your help!
Please browse our selection of used books recently withdrawn from the library's collection in January. Explore our displays featuring an eclectic mix of books covering every topic in the Library of Congress. Feel free to take as many books as you'd like—there's no need to worry, as we will replenish our stock. Read More
By now you surely know there are multiple scams making the rounds on social media at any given time.
That's just a sad fact of life in this Internet era. There's a very dangerous scam that's been popping up on Facebook at times for years, and unfortunately it's making the rounds again right now. Read More Previous News and Features
EL RITO — The library’s back room was anything but quiet.
A group of people gathered one recent Thursday around a table in the El Rito Library. On one side of the table, two sewing machines hummed. On the other, sewers dug through boxes of fabric scraps. The weekly quilting circle — which celebrated its 25th year this month — was in full swing. Read More
The start to the 2025 New Mexico legislative session is still several weeks away, but some lawmakers have already introduced proposed changes in state laws.
Legislators started putting forward proposals known as prefiles Thursday, the first day they file bills before the opening gavel on Jan. 21. Three state senators filed five bills on the opening day. read more
A reader this week reached out to us. Her property and the property along their road about 1/4 mile north of the Chevron station have seen the water table rise significantly in the past two months as the river water levels have risen. Water is flooding three out of six families living here. This is downstream from where the channel work was done.
Read More
WASHINGTON - Yesterday, Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, announced a $6.95 million investment from the Infrastructure Law he passed for two projects aimed at reducing the risk of severe wildfires by enhancing forest and watershed health, and supporting agricultural production while reducing water losses in New Mexico. Read More
“Look at that mountain!”, we said as we came over the hill from the north. “What is this place?”
We had never seen anything like it. The desert landscape so varied and diverse - hills, valleys, and canyons were ebbing and flowing like cresting waves. Light shifting in the setting sun, the colors seemed magnified by the canyon walls and desert rocks. Read More
For a fifth time, state lawmakers will make the case for a fundamental right to a clean environment
A proposal to create a fundamental right to a clean environment on par with other rights found in New Mexico’s constitution will return to the Legislature in the coming days. The sponsors will prefile the legislation this week, Sen. Harold Pope (D-Albuquerque), said during a news conference Tuesday with other sponsors and advocates. Lawmakers have already turned in bills dealing with tribal education, retired public sector workers’ health care and foster care in advance of the session starting Jan. 21. Read More
We need all the light we can get in these times. Unfortunately, I’m no longer shining one.
Quite the opposite. I’m turning one more light off: I hereby resign as a contributor to the Washington Post, whose editorial board has yet again neglected to publish my opinions in their once-proud newspaper. Read More
I frequently hear from someone that they don’t use their computer anymore, but instead, they use their iPad. I understand this completely, as I use my desktop so infrequently, but I use my phone all the time. I’ve gotten quite comfortable using my phone for nearly everything, shopping, reading the news, entertainment. Read More
The ongoing saga - I’ve completed refurbishing 22 small form factor computers, which means, they are desktops but small ones. Click to Read and pass on to anyone that might need a basic functional computer!
We are happy to announce that the first report for the Rio Arriba County Groundwater Study “Evaluation of Groundwater Resources for Communities in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico” is now available online at (NMBGMROpen-file Report 630).
The primary goal of this study is to characterize the local and regional aquifers that supply groundwater for domestic and municipal wells. The first phase of the study included the communities of Chama, Dixon, Abiquiu, Medanales, and El Rito. Please stay tuned for an in-depth article about the Abiquiu, Mendanales and El Rito results next week! New study areas for 2025 will include the Upper Rio Chama communities of Brazos, Ensenada, Los Ojos and Rutheron, and the Rio Ojo Caliente Valley including the communities of Chili and Ojo Caliente. If you have a well in one of these areas and would like to take part in the study, please contact Jessica Johnston at 575-770-8585 or aguasnortenas@gmail.com
We get letters
Abiquiu News needs you. If you are interested in providing local news for the Abiquiu News on a regular basis, drop us a line. Let's talk!
If you have a story to tell, send it in. If you want, interview your friend, relative, teacher, co-worker. If you think it would be interesting, I bet other people would too. Give it a try and send something in to us. Carol Bondy Scene Around TownSend us your local images. Send to AbiquiuNewsImages@gmail.com Please send images under 1mb. My inbox will thank you. ~Carol
Geese on Frozen Martin's Pond, El Rito - Image Courtesy of Christie Garcia
Art, Music, Film and Books
https://abiquiuartistsmarket.com/home/
The Locals’ Picks Book List
Zach Hively Casa Urraca Press has created a place for locals in our area to recommend books to each other, and a place to find book suggestions with a personal touch.
This book is available directly from Casa Urraca Press, as well as on the press's Bookshop.org page and at Nest (upon reopening).
Have a book to recommend? Send it to Zach at casaurracaltd@gmail.com – title, author, and the reason you suggest it. The full Locals’ Picks list is available to view here on Bookshop. A purchase from Casa Urraca's link helps support independent bookstores. Abiquiu’s Casa Urraca Press earns a commission from every shopping trip that starts with the above Bookshop link—you can shop the entire Bookshop site in addition to the locals' picks. Plus, a percentage of every book (at least 10%) goes straight to independent bookstores. This is an opportunity to support small businesses with the same convenience as large online retailers. Abiquiu Book Club
The group has compiled the list of books they plan to read for 2025. Check this out and mark your calendar if you wish to join in the discussions.
February - The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Christopher Murray (7) March - Violeta by Isabel Allende (6) April - Goodnight Irene by Luis Urrea (6) May - Whiskey Tender: A Memoir by Deborah Jackson Taffa, (5) June - The Women, by Kristen Hannah (5) July - Theo of Golden by Allen Levi (5) August - The Music of Bees by Eileen Garvin (5) September - Cher Ami and Major Whittlesey by Kathleen Rooney (4) October - James: by Percival Everett (4) November - All Fours by Miranda July (4) December - Anthropology of Turquoise by Ellen Meloy (4) January '26 - Eventide by Kent Haruf The group meets the last Tuesday of each month. Books are recommended by the members. All are welcome to join. Please call Analinda 505 927-6220 if you have questions EventsPlease remember, events will go in for a maximum of three Fridays before the event. Send text, word or publisher file and a separate image, please keep images below 1 mb and send to info@abiquiunews.com. Vertical PDFs or JPGs will be edited for space. Send by Wednesday Noon for inclusion in that Friday's News.
Announcements and Classes
New Moon Manifestation Gathering
Harness the potent energy of the New Moon to renew, seed your intentions and connect to your deep wisdom. Dates: 1/29, 2/27 Time: 6:30–7:30 PM In-Person Only | $20 each This sacred ceremony includes: ● Candlelight meditation ● Yoga Nidra journey to plant your intention ● Reiki Energy to elevate and fortify our collective vibration Empower your divine intention. Call forth your inner moon power. Reserve your spot by payment. ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ Movement to Strengthen and Invigorate Winter invites us inward for reflection but also calls for balancing warmth and energy. This class offers a fun mix of yoga postures and inspired movement focused on physical strengthening, conditioning, balance and ending with a feel good stretch and relaxation. All levels are welcome. Thursdays at Soulfire Studio or Virtually 9–10 AM ($10 per class) ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ Soul Deep 1:1 Immersion This is your time to receive, restore, and go Soul Deep. Indulge in a personal mini retreat designed to renew and empower you. This sacred space blends self-care with authentic connection, helping you realign and leave feeling deeply refreshed and inspired. Your Immersion Includes: Sacred Ceremony & Intention Setting: Begin with clarity and purpose to guide your experience. Personalized Yoga Practice: Tailored movement to meet your unique physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Guided Yoga Nidra: Deep, conscious rest to plant intentions and cultivate manifestation. Reiki Energy Session: Energy healing to balance, bring integration and empowerment across all levels. 3 Hours | $225 (In person or virtually) ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ Contact Joy for details or to reserve your spot at 802-855-3003 or joyousOM@gmail.com Soulfire Studio is located at 247 NM 554 in Abiquiu
We have a kiln! Two potters wheels and an extruder! So, we are ready to open the ceramics studio! In the beginning of January we will sit down with the local potters who are helping get everything settled to decide on our open studio policies and what classes (for adults and youth) will be offered this winter. If you are interested in learning new skills or sharing your knowledge of ceramics, please contact us!
We are also pleased to launch a new Youth Sewing Program with the help of Jeanette Hammond-Cray and other local sewers. We believe that the age range will be 8 and up, but we will have to go case-by-case; there could be a 7 year old ready to start sewing, and there could be 8 year olds who aren’t yet ready. We hope that boys and girls sign up; the ability to sew and mend is a valuable skill for all. We have a list of projects which the participants will be able to select from, with guidance. Students will learn sewing machine operation, maintenance and safety practices. This will include replacing a needle, threading/ winding a bobbin and threading the machine. Safe use of scissors, pins, safety pins, seam ripper and iron. Seam ripper and iron use will need permission and direct supervision of an adult. And many other skills. Students may choose to complete any of these projects, or may come up with their own; Dog bandana, Flag or banner for indoor use, Wall pocket for storage great for bedroom, sports equipment and closet, Firewood bundle carrier, Pillow with or with out an envelope cover, Pet pillow/ bed, Pillow case with or without cuff, Book cover with book mark, Drawstring bag with pockets. The classes will be $10 each, but we have a scholarship fund available, so cost should not be an obstacle. For more information and to register email |
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Friday and Saturday Bistro Dinner
January 17 and 18 Steamed Whole Artichoke with Truffle Aioli $8.50 French Onion Soup Topped with crispy French Crouton and Gruyere Cheese cup. $7.25 Bowl $14.50 Winter Salad Baby kale, chard and arugula with sliced crisp apples, dried cranberries toasted walnuts and crumbled blue cheese Small $6.50 Large $13.50 Entrées are served with your choice of house or special salad Chicken Paprikash Roasted chicken leg and thigh in a rich sauce of Hungarian paprika Sour cream and crush tomatoes $20.75 Wild Cod with Roasted Tomatoes and Olives Serve with Basmati rice and roasted broccolini $21.50 10 oz Rib Eye Steak Grilled to order and served with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted Broccolini $31.50 12” Pizza with Prosciutto, Fig jam and Goat Cheese And arugula $23.00 Dessert Blueberry Cobbler with vanilla ice cream $7.5 
SassySnaggletooth Sassy is a chonky chimichanga who needs to slim down into a sleek street taco! At a whopping 15 pounds over her ideal weight, it’s time for this portly pupper to shed almost half her body weight by trading in her treats for portion controlled meals and a more active life. This sweet muffintop’s mission is to go from fluffy to fit without sacrificing her sass. We have vetted her and it seems her sausage-esque silhouette is simply due to lifestyle. Who wants to give this gorgeous girl the gift of a healthy forever future? We are open to walk-in adopters Monday-Saturday 11am-4:30pm.
www.espanolahumane.org 505-753-8662 
ApolloBow before the brilliance of Apollo, a two-year-old divine tabby whose radiance rivals the sun itself! This celestial kitty was transferred to us from another organization, arriving like a shooting star—nervous, swift, and longing for freedom. But just like the rising sun, Apollo’s warmth began to shine through after a few days of settling in, revealing a playful and affectionate soul hidden beneath his initial shyness. Much like his namesake, Apollo carries the duality of power and gentleness. He loves the soft touch of careful hands, though too much attention can make him retreat to his lofty temple of solitude. But when the moment is right, Apollo will bless you with affection that feels like pure sunlight on your heart. Apollo also has a quirky pastime: playing in his water! Whether splashing like he’s conjuring a sunlit stream or simply amusing himself, his antics are guaranteed to brighten your day. Though he’s not overly vocal, his watchful gaze and thoughtful demeanor speak volumes. With time & patience, Apollo will rise to his full glory—a loyal, loving companion whose presence will warm your home as surely as the sun rises each day.
www.espanolahumane.org 505-753-8662 |
