Happy Valentine's Day

Photo by Etsy Artist Wilks Gallery.

I have been tagged by Sandi at Sassy Glass Designs.
Rules of tagging:
1. Link to the person who tagged you
2. Post these Rules in your Blog
3. Write 5 Random things about yourself
4. Tag random people at the end of your post and link to them
5. Let each Person know they've been tagged

5 random things no one probably really wants to know about me:

1) That you can be my friend for years before I share everything about myself to you!

2) When I was a child I dreamed of being a painter and living in some foreign land.

3) I was employed with the hockey team San Jose Sharks. I worked there before they even had there logo, team or coach.

4) I had a house pet that was a bunny rabbit. She ate all the wires of my appliances so I gave her to a family. When I inquired about little bunny I was told that possibly the father ate him!!

5) The only famous person I have dreamt of is David Bowie and that was twice! Maybe after the third dream I will meet him! LOL

I am tagging:

judy elizabeths flock.
everythings blue.
Busy Bead Lady.

Taos Pueblo Musician Robert Mirabal

Often in America the indigenous people of this country are either plain forgotten or romanticized. The next few weeks I am going to highlight some talented artist, musicians, politicians, and writers from Native Country.

I thought I would start with someone I met on several occasions from Taos Pueblo, New Mexico. I thought I would just stick with his bio in order to stay within his public profile. I can tell you I think he is a very funny and nice guy! His concerts are full of incredible energy and he creates a very inclusive feeling.

BIOGRAPHY
Two-time GRAMMY winner, Robert Mirabal, lives with his family at the foot of sacred Taos Mountain in northern New Mexico.

Maintaining a traditional life, keeping the centuries-old customs of the Taos Pueblo people, Robert has been described as a Native American "Renaissance man" - musician, composer, painter, master craftsman, poet, actor, screenwriter, horseman and farmer - and travels extensively playing his music all over the world.

If you live a traditional life you see things differently—spiritually and musically.

His first flute came when he was 18 with money he borrowed from his grand mother, and shortly after wards he had the opportunity to meet Native American flute player R. Carlos Nakai who greatly influenced him.

When we met he looked at my hands and laughed. He said, I have that same scar. It's the scar of the flute maker.

In the years since, Robert has continued the evolution of his flute making and has also become a concert performer and recording artist. His dozen albums of traditional music, rock and roll, and spoken word present a contemporary view of American Indian life that is unequaled.

My music is informed by the ceremonial music that I've heard all my life. What I create comes out of my body and soul in a desire to take care of the spirits of the earth.

A leading proponent of world music, Robert has merged his indigenous American sound with those of Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, tapping into a planetary pulse with a style that defies categorization.

My travels have provided me with experiences that I could have never imagined, and exposed me to a global sound and a global voice.

Whether as a composer, songwriter or musician, Robert has won many honors including two-time Native American Artist of the Year, three-time Songwriter of the Year, a 2006 GRAMMY Award for Sacred Ground, and his 2008 GRAMMY for Johnny Whitehorse Totemic Flute Chants, blending all of Robert's influences into a musical landscape that conjures up both the historic and contemporary West.

His 2002 breakthrough PBS Special, Music From a Painted Cave is unsurpassed in Native American theatrical expression.

His first novel, Running Alone in Photographs is now ready to order and will begin shipping November 14th, 2008.

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