The Test of Life Palacios

The Test of Life

With sun set low in amber sky Life laughed at two who’d take the test Two who thought that they would try To be “The” two unlike the rest “Let’s try to be the best,” said they, “But not today.”

Laughter echoed across the ages For life had heard these words before From warrior, king and peon But few achieved before they reached their nevermore “Let’s try,” each said, “But not today.”

Life’s test is not in right or wrong Nor does it test for more or less Nor does it test for weak or strong Bur rather, choose from two you like the best “Let’s try,” said they, “But not today.”

How oft must people fail Before they understand the test Before the savor of Eve’s apple fails Before love’s cherished above the rest “Let’s try,” said they, “But not today.”

They lived and laughed and taunted life Two soon they parted ways They followed trouble and strife Gold fetters of drugs was the price to pay “You’ll love,” laughed life, “But not today.”

HOW SAD THAT TOO MANY PEOPLE LOSE THEIR WAY TO DRUGS AND ALCOHOL. THEY START OUT WITH AMBITIONS FOR A LIFE OF JOY AND LOVE. THEN SET THEIR DREAMS ASIDE THINKING THEY WILL START ON THEIR DREAMS LATER. —PALACIOS

Historic Downtown Gallup 7:00pm to 9:00pm

JAMESTOWN

LAND FOR SALE

2 ACRE to 6 ACRE LOTS FOR SALE Mesa Ridge Ranch Subdivision

Drive South

Exit 39 I 40 GALLUP

Mesa Ridge Ranch offers breathtaking views. We invite you to experience this region of natural beauty and unspoiled wilderness. Our cool summers eliminate the need for air conditioning most of the time, which adds up to affordable living at its best.

Mesa Ridge Ranch is immediately adjacent to US Forest Service and State land and at the edge of the Zuni Mountains where there are abundant recreational opportunities available, including fishing, hiking, and rock climbing.

Visit Gallup, the Indian Capital of the World, just 8 miles to the west. It is renowned for its abundant shopping opportunities. There are many public and private schools in the area, as well as supermarkets, banks, and hospitals.

Contact: (505) 290-1987 www.mesaridgeranch.com

GALLUP ARTSCRAWL

October 12th Howl at the Moon

In Front of Sammy C’s

Halloween Costume Contest for Humans and Pets Music by DJ SPEEDY Tarot Card Reader Face Painters

In Front of Event Center and In the Event Center

Pumpkin Patch with fresh pumpkins for sale - all proceeds to benefit the Humane Society Humane Society Adoptathon gallupARTS Famile Craft (Events Center) - Make moon magnets! Kids’ Games

2nd Street Intersection

ODD-LAB FIRE DANCERS!! Bright Life Studio’s Dancers portrayal of “Women who run with Wolves” Bright Life Studio’s Break Dancers Walkway

Craft Vendors Food Vendors

Presented by Gallup Business Improvement District with support from City of Gallup

Quintana’s Music

Live Music from Dennis Yazzie and Nightbreeze Camille’s Café

Face painting with Lynette Curley! Art Galleries

Art123 Gallery: The Passionate Journey - Show Opening - A show of love for the Earth by plein air landscape painter B. Emerson Kitsman, wildlife printmaker Joseph S. Jenike, and stone sculptor Kelly Byars OPO GALLERY: Art by - Greg Ballenger

Yazzie’s Indian Art Gallery: Various Indigenous Art Make Shift Gallery: Artist Don Mullins and Standing Feather, from Galleria Carnaval in El Morro, NM LOOM GALLERY: Vanessa Manulito at traditional Navajo Weaver Gallup Coffee Company: salon show opening featuring all local artists Consignment Boutique: 25% off select items Weaving in Beauty: Weaving demonstrations

Leather Work

By Coye Balok

Let me try to tell you how my brain works. This could get complicated. I like to be moving. I like to be doing stuff. I can sometimes have 4 to 5 projects happening at once. This isn’t always a good thing but it is the way I am wired. I’m a little scatterbrained and a little ADD, I’ve accepted it and learned to cope with it and try hard to play to the strengths of it. God created me this way and I need to learn how to manage it and deal with it. I believe we are all creative people, one of God’s magnificent designs. I am very creative. One of the drawbacks to being very creative and artistic is, we are usually ashamed of it. I’ve never understood that. When God gives us natural abilities, we should be proud of them and use them. It has taken me some years to get to this point, mentally. My dad and mom are both very creative people, too, and at the same time, learning how to not hide it or be ashamed of it. Now some people will say, “Oh, I’m not creative,” and I don’t agree. We all are in different ways. I can’t sing or read music or do complicated computer stuff. I’m not a very patient teacher; I’m not good with sick people or blood; I am definitely not good with sick animals or broken animals. Those are all talents, those are all areas a person can be creative. I have a wife who can teach, read music, and sing. I have a brother who is great with kids, healthy and sick. I have another brother who can repair shattered bones in animals. Another sister who is good at living healthily for her and her family. Another brother who has his own TV show (I have a lot of siblings). Those are all talents, and most of them involve being creative and thinking of solutions in different ways. My brain is always looking for solutions and how to make stuff. All. The. Time. It can be frustrating, definitely distracting. I may miss part of a sermon (sorry Tim), but I have a new idea for a leather bag and strap fastener that I will sketch on any piece of paper. I have to get it down or it will take all my attention, or heaven forbid, I’ll forget the idea. I even wake up at night or get ideas when I’m in the shower. It’s how I’m made.

Now into my current situation. Leather. I’ve been interested in leather stuff most of my life. Eddie Stalcup showed me how to make knife cases for knives we were making and that is really what got this project moving forward. I bought a sewing machine just for sewing heavy duty leather. City Electric in downtown Gallup has all the leather and supplies I could ever need. They also have years and years of experience working with leather. I’m pretty well set. My friend Tressa, @tsinbikee, really gets credit for my leather purse and bags start though. She texted me with a picture and said, “Can you make one of these for me?” I looked and measured and bought some leather, and what do you know; made a little clutch wallet. That started my journey into tote bags, purses, wallets, shave kits, bracelets, braiding, messenger bags, belts, key rings, and about a hundred more things that are in my head and haven’t made it to the shop table yet. Most of my stuff is on my instagram account, @coyebalok, and for sale at Makeshift Gallery, 213 W. Coal downtown Gallup. Insta is the best way to get hold of me if you want me to make something for you. How does it work you may ask? I want to make durable stuff that someone can