#loveletters

Love Letter to Life 08.31.2024 Up In Flames

| Pamela Markoya

Dear Life, Morning headline: “Zozobra burns in massive, joyous inferno for centennial”; filled with “gloomies” written on slips of paper placed inside the 50′ effigy. I could hear the 65,000 people, music, and loud groaning of ZoZo as he went up in flames. “Burn him, burn him”. Strange rituals we humans do have. I quietly released the current “gloomies” in my life and welcomed in love, peace, and beauty. Woke at 4:00am, thoughts immersed in packing. Yesterday I received the keys to new condo. Moving on my mind.
Yours Truly, Pamela Rose

Acrylic & Watercolor on Paper

Love Letter to Life 08.28.2024 Mother’s Funeral, Cancer Treatments, and Moving

| Pamela Markoya

Dear Life, I signed a lease for a condo in Santa Fe. I get the keys Sep 1st. Cancer treatments and medical appointments fill the calendar until Sep11th. I fly to CT Sep 12 -17 for our mother’s funeral. Mover’s are booked for Sep 19th. Yesterday I had the thought, “I am at a breaking point”. The feeling passed. I went to bed at 9:30pm exhausted. Woke at 5:00am feeling rested. An hour at a time, life is manageable. The grief waves through me. The high tide of feelings recede. Life is a process of surfing.
Yours Truly, Pamela Rose

Tempera on Paper 08.27.2024

Love Letter to Life 08.22.2024 Rose Markoya 06.23.1930- 08.21.2024

| Pamela Markoya

Dear Life, My mother has passed peacefully from this world. Her large spirit touched the lives of a large family, friends, and everyone she met. A few weeks ago while I visited, she told stories with flourishing detail. “The Hungarian Tank” rolled with determination, stubbornness, and a heart that wanted a better life for her children, grandchildren, and neighbors. She was quick to put a homemade meal on the table and give leftovers to everyone. Rosie, you are the Queen forever now.

Yours Truly, Pamela Rose

Photo on her 94th Birthday with granddaughter Violet 06.23.24

Love Letter to Life 08.18.2024 135 X 2 = 270

| Pamela Markoya

Dear Life, The past week was consumed with seeking a new place to live (still looking) with one “day” off to re-center in the studio. As I walked through the door, my shoulders went down and I sighed. Felt so good to be in my quiet space. I did this painting to “focus”. Making art grounds me, clears my mind, gives me a boost of energy. For decades, I’ve experienced a spiritual connection during my creative practice: Focus, Structure and Community. All three are essential for my well-being. Thank you for being community.
Yours Truly, Pamela Rose

Tempera on Paper 08.16.2024

Love Letter to Life 08.15.2024 Covered Wagon

| Pamela Markoya

Dear Life, I am preparing to move my wagon with no destination in sight but I have faith the best “home” for me is on the horizon. The early pioneers must have felt this way while rolling across the vast landscape looking for “gold”, seeking a better life at great cost. I am seeking a place to lay down my head in peace and nurture my body and soul.
Yours Truly, Pamela Rose

Covered Wagon by Erika Wannamacher

Love Letter to Life 08.09.2024 Grounded

| Pamela Markoya

Dear Life, Working in the studio helps me remain grounded during cancer treatments, family sorrows, and looking for a new place in Santa Fe where I can live peacefully. There’s a lot on my plate. But like these pots of tempera, each moment is contained and somehow manageable as I breathe into it. I am given what I need.
To my Santa Fe community: I need a quiet and affordable home to move into by October. A place I can put all I own under one roof. Preferably 2 bedroom with garage or storage. It is time to make this change. Thank you.
Yours Truly, Pamela Rose

Love Letter to Life 08.05.2024 Tempera

| Pamela Markoya

Dear Life, All things in life are temporary. This achy body will find relief when this month’s treatments are over later this week. The existential questioning about life and death will be relieved and answered by living in the moment. The weight of worry lifts while focusing on the palette of life’s colors. This is where creativity lives. This is where hope lives. This is where I find comfort and peace. Pots of paint. Prayers of love letters.
Your Truly, Pamela Rose

Tempera Paint on Notebook Paper

Love Letter to Life 08.01.2024 Summer Density

| Pamela Markoya

Dear Life, I returned to the studio yesterday. Sat with my work, took it down, signed each piece, and put into portfolio. Clearing the walls for new work. My body is acclimating to Santa Fe’s altitude and oral chemo meds. Next week are three days of medical appointments: Bloodwork, oncologist, infusion, and injection. Hence, I am here in NM as my mother’s body stubbornly says good-bye to this world in CT. Not an easy time. Breathe. I am experiencing the letting go process of a dying parent. In my 24 hours, along with the grief, I find moments of peace, beauty, joy, and the ongoing flow of love.
Yours Truly, Pamela Rose

Watercolor on Yupo Paper

Love Letter to Life 07.30.2024 A Kindred Spirit

| Pamela Markoya

Dear Life, While traveling from Maine to CT, I stopped at a Rest Area crowded with cars and trucks. In front of the large center, Larry had a table and sign set up, “Pop-Up Book Sale”. I stood awhile watching travelers pass him by without a glance so walked up and said, “Hello, I’m Pamela and please tell me about your book”. A 30-minute heartfelt “journey” happened as we told personal stories with laughter and tears. I bought his book to share with my sister. When an “angel” smiles, notice and smile back.
Yours Truly, Pamela Rose