The Butterfly Room

Make a Wish- 8x10
Collection of Fuhr Family 

                The Butterfly Room

Its interesting how no matter how much you plan- the unplanned takes you in a new direction, its important to be flexible and be open to new experiences as they come. The very unfortunate event of my husband breaking his leg while riding his motorcycle changed the course of our vacation, but not in a bad way , I felt bad for his discomfort and inconvenience, however, it allowed us to slow down a bit and take in new experiences and meet some amazing people.

We had planned to ride our bikes through the enchanted circle in the Taos area , but rolling with the punches – we continued our journey in a rented car which allowed us to visit, enjoy the scenery and stop for more photos. This is how we happened upon an incredible four story log cabin home with multiple decks and rock gardens and ultimately meeting an inspiring woman. I parked the car some distance away in order to catch how it was nestled into the mountain. As I walked up closer to view the incredible gardens now in view , I glanced up and saw the electric blue front door with some kind of mosaic above. This wasn't just a yard or garden it was a place of renewal – a perfect balance of kinetic art, wind chimes, flowering butterfly bushes, humming birds dancing on air on the fourth tier deck , water features and wispy ribbons flowing in the breeze .

“Come on up .” the silver haired lady on the third level deck jestured to me. We visited a moment and I told her how wonderful her garden was and asked if she was an artist. I just kinda knew. She asked if I wanted to see her studio- I eagerly agreed. Incredible – paintings mid process on drop cloths filled the space . As we exited her studio she said come on up and see the house. As I approached the front door, she gently lead me by the arm through her kitchen. It was simple enough with 1940 retro dishes in display cabinets, children's drawings with turned up edges showing age and a basket of found objects on the counter. Plant starts in water with elaborate root systems were lined up in the window along with an assortment of small treasures like marbles, shells, and unpolished gemstones. As we toured her expansive hippy chic home in the mountains , I learned more about her as a person. It was like seeing her life in retrospect as each room was adorned by elements of her travels over the last 30 years. She lead a blessed life- not by the evidence of extravagant travel – but I felt much love with in these walls and all around. So much peace. As I saw more interesting elements I asked to take a few pictures, she was delighted. There was an African room with drums, strands of trade beads, weird seed pods, hides, and authentic hand carved masks. Another room was dedicated more American Indian finds and yet another the far east with the rich fabrics and bold colors and statuary of the orient . More pictures. This room opened onto yet another deck with a water feature and a giant brass circular chime that clanged with the breeze. I breathed it in. 

Around the corner was her daughters room. As I entered her child's room I was overcome with emotion- Butterflies! Butterflies everywhere. Fifteen foot vaulted ceilings, covered in dozens of childlike hand drawn butterflies in every imaginable shape and color. These little beauties were created with nothing more than a basic set of markers and ranged in appearance from very simple to complex as the child had grown up. The tears streamed down my face and after a moment, I step back in a strange recoil, as if I was stepping on hallowed ground. I didn't know why, but I felt the raw energy of the child. I took no pictures here it would have been wrong.  Remaining in the doorway, I knew there was a story- I wasn't sure what it was but at that moment I felt her struggle. The butterflies told the story, one of pain, love, joy, sorrow and rebirth When this silver haired child's mother, saw my reaction she got a bit choked up. She asked me if I was ok? I said, “ there is so much energy in here- is this your daughters room?” She explained her daughter had a learning disability from birth and later developed a life threatening brain tumor she suffered with for years of treatment, she said it brought her peace to draw, especially butterflies. How symbolic- she knew someday she would be done with this body and emerge anew. God speed ,where ever you are little butterfly.