Southwestern Mission In Chimayo, New Mexico

You will find that most of the photographs of El Santuario de Chimayo are of the exterior.  But for me the interior is by far the most interesting and beautiful to view.  The old Spanish mission was built in 1816 by a private individual and became a National Historic Landmark in 1970.  It is definitely a worthwhile destination on your next trip to the southwest.  I took this photo a few years ago, and have always liked the warm golden glow inside the sanctuary. I have taken a second look at it making minor improvements and have given it a new crop. If curious, you can see the earlier version and post here.  

Sacred Sanctuary

An old Spanish mission is bathed in soft golden light illuminating the lovely wooden interior and altar. Chimayo, New Mexico

spanish mission art

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Bodega Bay, Home to Hitchcock Movie "The Birds"

On a recent trip to California we visited the northern coastal town of Bodega Bay. It was not until we arrived that I realized it was the home of Alfred Hitchcock's movie, "The Birds." I remember watching that scary movie as a kid, and with that in mind, I set about recording the sights of this sleepy little coastal town. Now how on earth did Hitchcock manage to scare us with this tranquil setting?

Schoolhouse
The old schoolhouse used in Hitchcock's movie, "The Birds." Bodega Bay, California

Ellen Orr's Grave
Ellen Orr's grave is located at St. Teresa of Avila Church, Bodega, California.

God's House
An architectural photo of a white clapboard Christian church with rays of light shining down from a cloud filled sky. St. Teresa of Avila Church, Bodega, California
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Church Door
An architectural photo of a beautiful wooden Christian church door. St. Teresa of Avila Church, Bodega, California
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Sacred Sanctuary in Chimajo, New Mexico

We had been visiting the historical Spanish missions in the southwestern United States on our vacation a couple years ago. Both of us appreciate old architecture, history and culture. As we went from small village to small village I discovered that most of the old churches did not allow photography inside. Discouraged but respectful I left the camera in the car and contented myself to soaking up memories. I was moved by the feeling of sacredness in these old missions. The peaceful serenity permeated the atmosphere. So when we arrived at the mission in Chimajo I expected the same, but it felt even more enduring and sacred. It almost seemed as if the hundreds of years of loving worship there had changed the structure itself. You can imagine my great delight when I was told it was permissible to photograph the inside of the mission. I very much wanted to capture the feeling of this mission and not just the image. I hope it brings you a feeling of peaceful serenity.

The Altar
An ornate Spanish altar in a historical southwestern mission is rich in warm colors of orange, red, and gold and glows in the soft light. Chimajo, New Mexico
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Sacred Sanctuary
A filtered and soft candlelight glows inside this ornately decorated Spanish mission in Chimajo, New Mexico.
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