I first came to Taos on a vacation when I was twelve. I won't say how long ago that's been, it's enough for you to just know it was quite awhile ago. In fact, I think there was only one traffic light here in Taos, if that gives you a clue.

My parents had moved from Houston to Levelland, TX, just west of Lubbock, and they were looking for a way to get the four kids out of the West Texas heat one summer. We all piled in the pick-up with the camper on top, ready for our camping vacation in the mountains of Ruidoso. Mama and three of the kids were in the back in the camper, one of us rode shotgun with Daddy. Daddy had taken the hose off Mama's vacuum cleaner and hooked it up as an intercom between the front and back. I can still smell the dust from that thing!

Stopping at Stuckey's was the highlight of the long trip to New Mexico. We really liked the Pecan Logs. I think that was before high fructose corn syrup was invented.

We arrived at the campground right at dark (none of the family had ever been camping before), wanted to build a campfire for our marshmallows, but Daddy's flashlight batteries were out of juice and we couldn't see to find any firewood, so we ate sandwiches and tried to sleep in our new sleeping bags. Daddy and my younger brother, Bruce, slept under the stars, and Mama and the rest of us stayed safe in the camper.

Early the next morning we awoke to drizzle, but Daddy took us fishing in the nearby stream, where we actually miraculously caught some fish for breakfast. Well, nobody but Daddy liked fish for breakfast, but it was a success, anyway. The rain, however, continued through the day, so the decision was made to go to Santa Fe and stay at the historic LaFonda Hotel.

We saw the Santa Fe sights for a couple of days and then Mama had the idea to go to Taos. I'll never forget her description of Taos, the way she said, "It's an artist colony!" It made Taos sound so magical and other-worldly, and I was so happy to have what Mama considered to be a real adventure, off the beaten path.

I remember the unpaved streets, the Pueblo, the Rio Grande River, the turquoise skies, the distinct lack of humidity, and the incredible cool breeze and aroma of the pines as we walked by the river. I am not kidding you when I say, that at 12 years of age, I decided right then and there I would move to Taos one day.

In 1992 my husband and I came out here on a vacation, and the next year bought 5 acres of land near the Rio Grande Gorge and here I am to tell my tale today. I had a dream and a vision of where I wanted to spend the rest of my life, and I hope you, the reader, have a vision of your future homeplace, too.

Taos, NM is the most beautiful place in the world to settle. The summer weather is humidity-free, and so comfortable you don't need airconditioning. The winters are snowy, but still dry so you don't feel the cold as much as you would in other places. The community is diverse, welcoming and friendly.

Before Daddy passed away, he and Mama came to visit us here on the edge of the Rio Grande Gorge. It was before our house was finished, and I remember him standing on the land looking at the mountains. He said, "We're in heaven." And, yes, that's where we are here in Taos. We're in heaven.

That's why I'm here, and that's the reason many of us choose to be here. Do you want a little piece of heaven? We've got it, right here.

Call me. I know heaven when I see it.

All best, Katheryn Pate, Associate Broker,575-770-5023