Specks of sparkles and bits of glitter lie permanently embedded in the sisal floor of my bedroom, refusing to succumb to the pull of the vacuum, they having fallen from festive fabrics and decorations worn to past events…perinneal reminders of the fact of those occasions.
4 years ago when the Albuquerque Journal North invited me to write a column on philanthropic events around town, I said I’d like to do it if it wouldn’t be “a society page” about Mrs. C wearing Oscar, or other superficial, vacuous fluff. It must have substance and share meaningfully about each charitable organization and its issues, as well as the party. They said okay. I hope I’ve fulfilled that goal.
Back then Paul and I were out about every night of the week supporting something! We were both on a number of boards, and he was king bee of charity auctioneers. I remember one year I complained to him because he had agreed to auction every single Friday and Saturday night to where we could not accept one weekend invitation – to go away, or even attend a dinner party, all year long!
We went to galas, cocktail parties, award ceremonies! He auctioned and I wrote the story about nearly every philanthropic organization in Santa Fe, from the shelters to animal, educational, medical, all kinds of crises, diseases, musical and artistic charities and every genre of community interest.
And now, at this point, the column has come full circle…some organizations have been featured twice, thrice, and a few, like the Lensic and the Opera, several times each!
Today the pendulum has swung the other way…
Paul has cut way back in his auctioning; he will only do a couple a year now, so we’re not attending the numerous functions we used to. I have to tell the Journal our secret; I no longer have my “finger on the pulse of the philanthropic community”!
Therefore, I feel my column has run its course. In writing it I’ve learned so much about our town’s organizations and the many generous people of Santa Fe who are involved with them. It has been a humbling and enriching experience, and it’s been really fun!
I was blessed with the world’s most fabulous editor, Mark Oswald! I fully expected someone to slice up and rewrite what I wrote, but aside from fixing errors and typos, he left my work alone. (Except for that One Time, after the Mayors Ball at the Convention Center when I wrote about mayors having big balls, and he cut that out. He said “it wouldn’t fly with the big brass.” I never could understand that?) I thank him and the Journal North for honoring my words, letting me write what I wanted to write about and go where I wanted to with the story until it came together with the charity, and I am grateful for the opportunity of having this chapter of my life.
I say goodbye with a touch of nostalgia, and if there is anyone who has enjoyed reading this column, know that I will sincerely miss connecting with you. We could connect again, [a shameless plug!] in my yellow office at Sotheby’s by the Santacafe, where I am in my 30th year of helping nice people sell and buy property. I will give you Un Poquito Mas!
Change your words into truth and then change that truth into love …
Stevie Wonder