Middle Road Foundation

The Middle Road Foundation (MRF) is an existing nonprofit program begun by Robert Mirabal in 1998 to serve the needs of Taos Pueblo children and their families in a variety of ways.

The emphasis of the MRF is to provide a bridge between cultures by enhancing educational opportunities and by addressing social and economical issues facing the children of the Pueblo.

Although the first priority for assistance is the Taos Pueblo, the MRF is not confined to only the Pueblo or to Native American children. So far, the MRF has provided assistance in a variety of ways: monetary scholarships, clothing drives, school supplies for the Taos Pueblo Day School, computers, donated to the local Angel Tree for Christmas gifts, benefit concert for the 2003 Encebado Fire, Annual Halloween "Trail of Fears"event. Our largest event to date is the Holiday gift giveaway. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE THAT DONATED THIS 2008 YEAR. IT WAS VERY VERY SUCCESSFUL. We will post photos soon.

We would like to receive the following items (at any time of the year is fine) school supplies, toys, hunting-fishing-camping items for men, women and children, sports equipment, holiday gifts for the elders. Flannel and denim shirts are always welcomed for men. Of course, let's not forget that monetary donations are most appreciated.

We would like to offer financial assistance again to graduating or traveling students. Items can be sent via UPS to 216 Paseo Del Pueblo Norte, Taos NM 87571 or postal at PO Box 641 Taos, NM 87571. We have donation letters with our 501-C(3) number for your taxes. Thank always for your interest and support! Peace and Blessings.
Mirabal Native Flutes

This info came from Robert Mirabal's site http://mirabal.com/about-robert.php

Wordless Wednesday

Exotic Ethnic Jewelry is 2009 trend

Unconventional pieces can make you and your outfit stand out from a crowd by bringing a note of uniqueness, simplicity and style.

In 2009 unconventional materials, such as apple seeds, wood, ceramic, plastic, shells, leather and bold stones can make for astonishing jewelry items.

Big, tribal pieces carry over from 2008 trends into this year. Remember to not get to carried away, wearing one bold piece with more subtle pieces is always better. You don't want to look like Mrs. Roper from the Three's Company television show!

Statement pieces always look great with simple solids. The necklace shown here would look great with a white blouse and jeans.

Also, layering necklaces is still the trend for 2009. A floral summer dress worn with a long bold color opera necklace and a simple choker necklace with a bold pendant.

So, what form of ethnic inspired jewelry will you be making a statement with this season?

Apple Annie necklace

Late winter is the time of year I start getting ready for my summer shows. I finally sat down and created my signature necklace.

My witty dad named this necklace! Created with over 300 apple seeds, Turquoise, Red Coral, Carnelian, Lapis Lazuli.

This triple strand necklace is ever so light in weight. Perfect with a summer dress or fall sweater!

I really had fun designing this necklace. Apple Annie Necklace

Featured Artist Grizzly Mountain Soaps

I have been buying my soap from Grizzly Mountain Soap for 5 years now. As a customer it is easy to feature them.

Grizzly Mountain Soaps is a small home based company made up of mother, daughter, and grandson., located on the Flathead Indian Reservation. Jamie, the daughter, is the woman in front. She sells her soap, during the summer, through out western Montana. You can find her every saturday at the Missoula Saturday market.

They make there soap from Buffalo tallow. Tallow is the fat melted down. Tallow is what makes a soap very creamy. Store bought soap is made from beef or pork tallow. Grizzly Mountain Soap gets there Buffalo fat from meat packers in Montana. The fat would have been thrown away.

There soap bars are large at 5 oz. They last about as long as 3 store bought soaps. They come wrapped in pretty fabric. I always slice mine in thirds and disperse in the shower and sinks.

Grizzly Mountain Soaps also wholesales their soap to a variety of shops in the North West. I was chatting with an owner of an antique store once. He carries there soap and said when he brings in an antique piece that smells like stale cigarettes he places a bar of their soap in the drawer and it absorbs all the bad odors.

They have incredible scents too. My favorite is heather. They carry a Flathead Cherry soap that has actual Flathead cherries in it. The same with there huckleberry too!
You can visit them at "http://www.grizzlymountainsoaps.etsy.com/">http://www.grizzlymountainsoaps.etsy.com/