How did this adventure begin? Gift giving has long been a Christmas tradition. Gifts come in all forms of course! Books, sweaters, handmade items, even fruitcakes! Sometimes gifts aren’t presented in boxes but they’re wrapped in ideas! I really enjoy giving and receiving handmade gifts. Ask me sometime about the Christmas tradition my mother started years ago with our extended family. I appreciate my aunt and cousins continuing this handmade gift exchange tradition.
What precipitated this adventure? A gift of adventure exploring two distinctly different themes and cultural areas. Bob had mentioned he wanted to tour a historic music recording studio in Clovis, New Mexico. The first thing I had to do is look up Clovis! I found it on a map but it took some searching! A road trip was in order. A little research, a few emails and a little planning a “handmade” & adventurous gift was almost ready to give! As with any good road trip more stops were added.
By the time this gift was opened it included;
The Petrified Forest
Learn more; https://www.nps.gov/pefo/index.htm
The Norman Petty Recording Studio
Learn more; https://norvajakmusic.com/
Zuni Pueblo
Learn more; https://www.newmexico.org/native-culture/native-communities/zuni-pueblo/
Grab your favorite road trip snack and join our adventure!
A fun stay at El Rancho Hotel in Gallup, New Mexico. Which iconic movie star did NOT stay here? Learn more;
https://elranchohotelgallup.com/
Bob makes it to the recording studio where Buddy Holly recorded several of his hits! 🎼
Kenneth was our tour guide. He shared so many stories!
Original equipment filled the studio-and this was just the start of our tour!
Buddy Holly sat in this very chair!
A video from our tour; (Bob’s favorite Buddy Holly song.)
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=hauhdChxk8g
Peggy Sue’s photo. We learned she was the drummer’s girlfriend-not Buddy’s but her name was perfect for the lyrics!
This typewriter typed musical notes! 🎶
Norman Petty wanted his recording artists to be comfortable and relaxed. He built an apartment behind the studio. And yes Buddy had his tea with honey every morning sitting in this chair!
Some of the artists who recorded here.
Kenneth pulled out memorabilia from every corner of the apartment. He spent over two hours sharing the stories of this historic studio.
Kenneth’s granddaughter accompanied us on the tour.
Kenneth gifted Bob an album!
Our next stop was the Zuni Pueblo. I obtained a photo permit so I could take a few photos.
Our guide taught us about Zuni culture. We learned a lot and have more to learn.
While in the Pueblo we spent time with a potter. Carlos explained how all of his materials are acquired by hand from nature. The clay, the colors, the paintbrush bristles, everything!
Our road trip was full of fun and opportunities to learn about history and cultures.
As with all of our travel we treasure the connections we make with people who live in the communities we are visiting. We met Leroy who worked at El Rancho Hotel for 34 years-we heard lively stories.
We thankfully did not meet the “Bonnie & Clyde” couple who were on the run near Clovis.
Lucille shared her table at a local coffee shop and we became fast friends and shared conversations about life.
We are already looking forward to our next adventure!
“Look for chances to take the less-traveled roads. There are no wrong turns.”
A fun stay at El Rancho Hotel in Gallup, New Mexico. Which iconic movie star did NOT stay here? 
