contributors MarGareT CheaSebro has been a freelance writer for more than 30 years. her articles have appeared in many magazines across the country, some of those articles have won state and national awards. She was a correspondent for the albuquerque Journal and worked for several local newspapers. She is the author of the young adult fantasy/reality novel, The healing Tree, set in aztec. She also wrote the non-fiction book, healing with Trees: Finding a Path to Wholeness. a retired elementary school counselor, she is also a reiki Master and practices several alternative healing techniques. She enjoys playing table tennis.
DoroThy NobiS has been a writer and editor for more than 25 years. She authored a travel guide, The insiders Guide to the Four Corners, published by Globe Pequot Press, and has been a frequent contributor to New Mexico Magazine.
Debra Mayeux, of Farmington, is an awardwinning journalist with recognitions from the associated Press of New Mexico and Colorado and the New Mexico Press association and the Colorado broadcast association. She has covered stories throughout the Southwest and in Mexico and Jordan, where she interviewed diplomats and the royal family. after nearly 20 years in the business, she recently opened her own freelance writing and media business. Mayeux enjoys the outdoors, reading and spending time with her family. She is the coordinator of Farmington Walk and roll, a Safe routes to School organization. She is married to David Mayeux and they have three children: Nick, alexander and Peter.
beN braShear has called the Southern San Juans home for most of his life. he holds a b.a. in Creative Writing from Fort Lewis College and has worked for Cutthroat: a Journal of The arts, as assistant poetry editor. he is currently working as a freelance writer and photographer based out of Durango, Colorado.
WhiTNey hoWLe was born and raised in Farmington and is proud to call San Juan County home. The richness of the landscape and the diverse people, culture and traditions are a photographer’s dream. Whitney has his b.a. in Visual Communication from Collins College in Tempe, ariz. he is a co-owner of howle Design and Photography — a family owned studio offering graphic design, photography, market research and consulting.
publisher
Cindy Cowan Thiele designer
Suzanne Thurman writers
MAGAZINE
Celebrating the Lifestyle, Community & Culture of the Four Corners Vol. 10, No. 1 ©2018 by Firefly MultiMedia Majestic Living is a quarterly publication. Material herein may not be reprinted without express written consent of the publisher. If you receive a copy that is torn or damaged call 505.516.1230. 4 | MAJESTIC LIVING | SPRING 2018
Dorothy Nobis, Margaret Cheasebro, Ben Brashear, Debra Mayeux Tomas Yost Rick Hoerner
Cover photo Comments
photographers
Whitney Howle, Ben Brashear sales
Clint Alexander administration
Lacey Waite For advertising information
Call 505.516.1230 505.573-5223 505.330.4975 WhiTNey hoWLe
Majestic Living welcomes story ideas and comments from readers. email story ideas and comments to fireflymmdesigns@gmail.com
springfeatures:
10 Education, confidence and navigating stress Upon meeting Vince Lawing, one sees a tall man with an athletic build. The 50-year-old spent most of his professional life working as a Farmington firefighter – a job that required physical strength and stamina. He admittedly struggled with his weight, riding the roller coaster of losing pounds and gaining back more. By Debra Mayeux
16 Model car collection
a showpiece the community can enjoy When Donald Dave Stiles left this world for a better one, he left behind his three beautiful and loving daughters, eight grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Oh, and a model car collection that numbered more than 500.
By Dorothy Nobis
20 Aforpassion Fashion
life of 26 Ahelping others
The Dyed Poppy Mobile Clothing Boutique has been in business for almost a year, and owner Ashley Ritter already has won two awards. She was named 2017 NM Boutique of the Year as well as the 2017 NM Mobile Boutique of the Year.
Pete Valencia was born in 1942 in a four-room office on Arrington Street in Historic Downtown Farmington. It was in 2017 that Valencia also decided to leave his job as a U.S. Congressional staffer running the Farmington office for Representative Ben Ray Luan, D-NM, and prior to that the office of former Congressman Tom Udall. “I loved that job.” Valencia said. “You help people.”
By Magaret Cheasebro
By Debra Mayeux
8 | MAJESTIC LIVING | SPRING 2018
gotta 30 You have faith Having taught in large classrooms and as a principal at several small Christian schools, Faith Chestnut felt she could teach better with fewer students, learning their strengths and weaknesses and helping with both.
By Dorothy Nobis
34 Mind, body connection
For many years, Griffith Construction was a thriving business on 19th Street between Schofield Lane and Farmington Avenue. Today, it’s a blossoming new business called Sacred Rebel Yoga Studio. Its owner, Chantell Griffith, is the granddaughter of A.P. Griffith, who built the building in 1959, along with his brothers, Guy and Calvin Griffith.
By Margaret Cheasebro
of 40 Adventure a lifetime place high in 43 Ladies fitness competition
Ninja 45 Navajo teaches fitness SPRING 2018 | MAJESTIC LIVING | 9
Education, confidEncE and navigating strEss Program helped former firefighter Vince Lawing lose 135 pounds Story by Debra Mayeux Photos by Whitney Howle Upon meeting Vince Lawing, one sees a tall man with an athletic build. The 50-year-old spent most of his professional life working as a Farmington firefighter – a job that required physical strength and stamina. He admittedly struggled with his weight, riding the roller coaster of losing pounds and gaining back more. 10 | MAJESTIC LIVING | SPRING 2018
Firefighting physique Lawing, however, had to remain physically able to do his job of being a first responder in all sorts of emergencies – until he retired. Lawing “lost” that identity, which was so important to him, and he turned to food. “I had several emotional things going on
around me,” he said. “The easy fix to feeling horrible was to find some food that I liked.” Lawing had a 5- to 6-year battle with food. “I would go through something where I would drop 30 or 40 pounds. Then I would say, ‘I know I’m going to fail,’ and I would go up higher,” he said.
Battling food Before Lawing knew it, he was overweight, and it was impossible for him to continue doing some of the things he loved. He had been working to rebuild an old Bronco and a Chevrolet wagon. It was a bucket-list project that Lawing started after retirement. “Working on cars like that, you get on and off the ground a dozen times each time you go to work on your car,” Lawing said. “That used to be my happiest place – working on custom parts.”
Weight impacts car projects Lawing smiled as he scrolled through photos on his cellphone to show off pictures of the Bronco and the bright orange wagon. “Cars don’t just bolt together. It takes massaging and working,” he said. His weight, however, had an impact on the projects. “I was at the point where getting up and down off the ground was painful. Working on my cars slowed and stopped,” Lawing said. “I was feeling that my creative outlets had been taken away from me.”
Health problems In addition to losing the ability to work on his cars, Lawing’s health began to deteriorate. His blood sugar and cholesterol were too high. He needed to have neck surgery and his doctor told him he was too heavy for the operating table. Lawing’s surgeon and primary care doctor both told him he had to do something to better his health. With a wife, and two grown children, Lawing knew he was entering a time that potentially should be the best years of his life. “I thought, ‘I’m close to another chapter, and I’m probably going to miss it,’” he said.
in sport and disease from Virginia Polytechnic Institute. She also became a registered dietitian after serving a one-year dietetic internship at Ohio State University.
Starts a new weight loss plan He worked hard to lose 40 pounds on his own, but it still wasn’t enough. His surgeon referred him to Dr. Ashley Lucas at PHD Advanced Nutrition. Lucas is a former professional ballerina who earned a doctorate degree in nutrition
Dr. Lucas‘s weight management program She developed a weight-management protocol which focuses on body composition, body fat and the mind. “When we see our clients initially our goal
is to get them to a body composition where they have the best energy and lowest levels of inflammation,” Lucas said in a telephone interview from her office in Durango, Colorado. The body composition directs her in creating an ideal weight loss program for each individual, and there is a lot of focus on the visceral fat, or belly fat, which, she said, “grows its own tissue and secretes its own hormones. It’s like a cancer. The deep belly fat drives this addiction toward food.” FEBRUARY 2009 | MAJESTIC LIVING | 11
A skeptic at first The focus of her weight loss program is to “determine how much active fat they have and how they can rid themselves of it,” Lucas explained. Lawing was skeptical at first. “I’m hesitant to spend money on myself when it comes to health or wellness,” he said. “I’m like everybody else who has read hundreds of articles about what you should
or shouldn’t do, should or shouldn’t eat. I’ve taken all of these bits and pieces trying to put this into a routine for myself, thinking I’m doing the best I can. The truth is I undermined myself more than I ever imagined.”
Nutrition Lawing would eat salad with low-fat dressing and thought he was doing good, but what he discovered at PHD Advanced Nutrition was that
he wasn’t making the correct food choices to allow his body to lose weight. “I found the pacing amazing. I never felt deprived,” he said. “I’m not going to say that there were not occasions when I had to be disciplined.” Lawing had lived a long life of rewarding himself with meals. “I got into that cycle of seeking out my favorite foods all of the time,” he said.
Mental aspect of weight loss Lucas’ program, however, assisted him with the mental aspects of losing weight. “We talk about why they are eating specific foods and avoiding others. We manipulate the way they eat,” she said. She provides her clients with 80 percent of the food they are going to eat by giving them a breakfast and lunch. The client provides his own dinner. “We will tell each individual – through their meal plan – what they are going to be eating and the amounts they are going to eat,” she explained. “It is really precise. People have to be ready to shift their mindset and make a change or it doesn’t work.” Lawing was ready for that change when he visited Lucas’ Farmington office on 20th Street. “I went to see her, and I had my consultation,” he said. “I left there thinking this is doable. It is sustainable. It is not cheap, but I thought it is time I invest in myself.”
Accountability Lawing knew the program would hold him accountable and he decided that he was going to do it. “I said, ‘This is me time, which I never really had – being a parent and being a fireman.” He started the program and began losing an average of 4 ½ pounds per week. Lucas said that, on average, “men lose 3 ½ pounds, while women lose 2 ½ pounds per week.” She added that the program is fun. “We don’t count calories or restrict calories. Our bodies are much more complicated than calories in and calories out.” 12 | MAJESTIC LIVING | SPRING 2018
“This is about education, confidence, knowing how to navigate social situations, knowinghow to navigate through personal stress and emotional eating and knowing what is normal now...” — Vince Lawing
SPRING 2018 | MAJESTIC LIVING | 13
No calorie counting Lawing liked the “linear and manageable” approach to weight loss, and he also loved the fact that he had a support system. “There was education along the way. Each week we would have consultations with her and her counselors. Every single one of them is sweet, understanding, and supportive,” he said. He no longer was fighting the battle against food; instead, Lawing was learning to enjoy what he was eating.
Navigating restaurants menus He also learned how to navigate restaurant menus, so he doesn’t feel deprived when he takes clients on trips from his fire truck sales position and out to eat. “With the education I got from Dr. Lucas, I can navigate restaurants and fast food,” Lawing said. “I can go to McDonalds and have a meal at McDonalds and stay on course to lose weight.” He said one of the most important things he learned from Lucas was to decide whether eating was a meal or an event. “This is about education, confidence, knowing how to navigate social situations, knowing how to navigate through personal stress and emotional eating and knowing what is normal now – and understanding,” Lawing said.
Down 135 pounds Lawing lost 135 pounds in all, and now he is in the maintenance phase of the program, which he said will be available to him for life. While he was on the program, his wife, Tracy Lawing, even ended up losing 20 pounds – just because he was eating better. “Now I can enjoy food and go out or come home and have food, and I don’t have the guilt,” he said. “My creative outlets are back. My empowerment is back. I can’t not credit her program.” For more information about PHD Advanced Nutrition, visit the company’s website at www.phdadvancednutrition.com. 14 | MAJESTIC LIVING | SPRING 2018
Sharing history’ Donald Dave Stiles model car collection now a showpiece the community can enjoy Story by Dorothy Nobis Photos by Whitney Howle When Donald Dave Stiles left this world for a better one, he left behind his three beautiful and loving daughters, eight grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Oh, and a model car collection that numbered more than 500. Stiles’ daughters, Dona Lynch, Di McClellan and Michelle Winters, began the daunting task of sifting through a house filled with memories, furniture, clothing, family treasures – and the car collection. 16 | MAJESTIC LIVING | SPRING 2018
A car for every month “As far back as we can remember,” Michelle said, “Dad had model cars. We would guess this collection was put together over the course of Dad and Pam’s 44 years of marriage. Dad was crazy about cars from a very young age. Our grandmother, Jane Stiles, recalls him buying his first car, a Model T, for under $100, and that would have been in the early 1950s. Our aunt, Ann Stiles Riddle, remembers Dad
driving her to school in that car.” “When he was younger, and we were little girls, it seemed like he had a different car every month,” recalled Dona. “He bought and sold cars all the time – there was the bright orange Dodge Charger, the lime green Porsche 914, a 1937 Chevrolet Coupe – the list goes on and on. I especially remember an old DeSoto – it had a rear-view mirror on the dash. He had a Datsun and a ’56 Chevy pickup.” “When we were older, he had a really nice ’63 split window Corvette,” Dona added.
Never had a car he didn’t like Michelle chimed in with, “Dad once told me he never met a car he didn’t like!” Stiles and his wife, Pam, were avid antique collectors who belonged to the Four Corners Antique Car Club for many years. Their passion for the small models of antique cars took them to car shows, antique stores and, later, on eBay. Friends and family also contributed to the ever-growing collection. “He bought kits and assembled a majority of the cars himself,” Michelle said. “And we think his favorites were the replicas of actual cars he had owned at one time.” “At one time, he fully restored a 1939 Chevy pickup and then, later, a 1937 Packard,” Michelle added. “Those for sure would have been favorites.”
What to do with hundreds of tiny cars What to do with the hundreds of tiny cars presented a conundrum for Don’s daughters. “At first, we really didn’t know what we should do,” said Michelle. “There was a part of us that wanted to break up the collection. We thought we might have our kids and grandchildren take a few cars each to have something from ‘Grandpa Don.’” As friends stopped by Don’s home for the estate sale, their response to the collection gave his daughters cause for pause. “People were in awe of the investment, the number of cars, and the time that Dad and Pam put into building such an impressive SPRING 2018 | MAJESTIC LIVING | 17
collection,” said Michelle. “We were so accustomed to seeing ‘Dad’s cars” that we took the collection for granted. It was a part of the house and it was a part of dad – he was a ‘car guy’ and that’s what Dad did.”
Researched the value With no idea of what the collection might mean to someone else, Dona, Di and Michelle decided that keeping the collection together was
a great idea. “We researched its value, but we really didn’t find anything comparable,” Michelle said. Taking a break from the emotional and physical task of preparing for the upcoming estate sale, Dona, Di and Michelle took a break for lunch at Three Rivers Eatery and Brewhouse. Chatting with Bob Beckley, their old friend and one of the owners of Three Rivers, Don’s daughters mentioned to Beckley that the estate
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sale would include antiques and memorabilia that might be added to the décor of the popular establishment. “Bob told us to contact John (Silva), his partner, who is the ‘collector,’” said Michelle. “We weren’t even thinking about the car collection and we didn’t know Bob and John were in the design stages of their new venture.”
A score for the Brewstilery’s décor Working on the décor of their new venture, The Brewstillery, Silva and Beckley dropped by the estate sale and purchased a few antiques and collectibles before they noticed the car collection. “Di and I have been good friends for a long time and she used to cut my hair,” Beckley said. “She told me about the estate sale, but I had no idea about the collection until we went by and saw it. Then we went ‘WOW.’” “We decided to purchase the collection for the same reasons ,” Beckley explained. “We love history and wanted to keep another little slice of history alive for others to enjoy as well.” “Plus, it was a good fit for the new Brewstillery bar,” he added.
Personal favorites Looking at the collection, which was about to go to another ‘home,’ Dona, Di and Michelle briefly considered keeping a few of the little cars. “A few of us had our eyes on a couple of cars, for different reasons, but all in all, the display remained complete. It was very tempting not to take a few of the really ‘cool’ models, like the ’73 short bed Chevy pickup (just like the one you had in high school) out of the collection,” said Michelle. “But, like music, these model cars can spark memories of times in our lives we treasure. With so many makes and models, Dad’s collection can surely do that for just about anyone.” “I’m sure the Brewstillery crew members have heard ‘I used to have’ or ‘my grandfather used to drive’ (one of the car replicas) time and time again,” she added. “The customers love the collection,” Beckley 18 | MAJESTIC LIVING | SPRING 2018
said. “It’s been a great showpiece, and everybody always has their favorite car or cars.”
Full circle Dona, Di and Michelle have enjoyed seeing the collection as much as the customers of the Brewstillery. “In a way, things have come full circle,” said Michelle. “It makes sense that this collection landed in Historical Downtown Farmington. Dad’s roots run deep in the Farmington area. His maternal great-grandfather was Frank B. Allen, one of Farmington’s founding fathers. He owned Allen’s Grand Hotel, Opera and Livery Stable – all in the downtown area.” “Dad’s paternal grandfather, Dave Stiles, was a local rancher and businessman. In 1934, he was elected mayor of Farmington,” Michelle said. “I think it’s really great that his collection is on display in this historical setting for all to enjoy. I’m not sure what Dad and Pam had planned, but I bet they would be happy to see the collection intact and on display in such a
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clever way.” “Dad was a native son” Michelle added. “He also built and operated one of the area’s first motels – Stiles’ Cowboy Camp, which was described as more of an early day campground.”
A great family legacy Di enjoys a great sense of pride in seeing her dad’s collection displayed. “It brings back so many fond memories,” she said. “I miss his witty humor and his kindness. I’m happy his legacy and his great love of cars lives on
through this collection.” “I love knowing we have a place to go and see what was a part of our lives for so long,” Dona added. “It’s so heartwarming.” For one of the men who have brought that legacy and love of old cars to his business, Bob Beckley is pleased to offer a piece of history to his customers. “I wish I could see Di’s father’s face, with all the people who are enjoying his great collection now, and hear some of the stories that really make the collection special.”
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SPRING 2018 | MAJESTIC LIVING | 19
A PASSION FOR FASHION
Ashley Ritter and her mobile boutique an award-wining combination Story by Margaret Cheasebro Photos by Whitney Howle The Dyed Poppy Mobile Clothing Boutique hasn’t been in business for almost a year, but owner Ashley Ritter already has won two awards. She was named 2017 NM Boutique of the Year as well as the 2017 NM Mobile Boutique of the Year. She received both awards from the Boutique Hub, an organization that helps boutique owners be supportive instead of competitive. Ashley pops up in parking lots, at people’s homes, and at community events with her step van, similar to a Fed Ex or UPS truck. Inside are racks 20 | MAJESTIC LIVING | SPRING 2018
of clothing as well as jewelry, candles, toothpaste, bath balms and related items. There’s also a dressing room so people can try on the clothes. She has had as many as seven customers comfortably in the van at one time.
Always interested in fashion Always interested in fashion, Ashley mentioned to her family several years ago that one day she hoped to open a boutique. There’s a lot of overhead to owning a store front business. Still, she gave herself five years to see if
she could fulfill her dream. “I was putting my feelers out, trying to research things,” she said. Two years into that process, her older sister Gina, who works in radiology in the New Orleans area, sent her a Craig’s List ad for a mobile boutique in Arkansas. “She said we should do mobile boutiques,” Ashley recalled. “From there it just bloomed.” That was in July 2016. They reached out to the Arkansas mobile boutique business but never heard back from them. Ashley’s husband, Clint Ritter, an operations integrity coordinator for ExxonMobil in Abu Dhabi, told her if she really wanted to pursue a mobile boutique, he would build a van for her. He works 28 days in Abu Dhabi and is home for 28 days.
Husband buys her a step van “I said, no, no, no, it’s okay, don’t worry,” Ashley said. “Literally, he came home on a Thursday, and on Friday he went to Cortez and bought me a 1972 International step van.” Clint started rebuilding the engine and installing a new transmission. Then a cousin, who had purchased a 1978 Chevy step van for its motor, offered to sell his to Ashley. When she discovered it had taller ceilings, she knew she had to have it. At 5 feet 7 inches, she was almost hitting her head in the 1972 van. Clint encouraged his wife to pursue her dreams right from the start. “She has wanted to open a boutique for almost as long as I can remember,” he said. “When the idea was presented to do a mobile boutique, it was a perfect option for us, and I pushed her to jump on the idea. It was a great match for a wife who wanted a boutique and a gearhead husband who is always looking for a project.”
Transformed interior He stripped and cleaned the 1978 van. Mechanically it was pretty sound, but it needed power steering, front end maintenance, and new seating. And he installed shiny wheel covers. “In a couple of weeks, the inside had been transformed,” Clint said. “I had installed solid wood walls, wiring, lighting, decorative ceiling panels, laminate flooring – and I built stairs for access. Ashley and her mom did all the painting inside the truck. After that, it was a matter of building and installing clothing racks and shelves.” He added air conditioning when summer arrived.
One-year celebration coming up Ashley’s grand opening day was April 22, 2017. She plans a one-year celebration in April. “I’ll have grab bags that day which will include four pieces of clothing for a discounted price,” she said. “You can grab the size you need. There will be jewelry in there, too.” Watch for more information about the one-year celebration at www.dyedpoppy.com and on her Facebook page at fb.me/dyedpoppy. “I am so proud of her for what she has accomplished so far with her business,” Clint said. “Her success in this first year has been huge, even with SPRING 2018 | MAJESTIC LIVING | 21
the hiccups and learning curves. I see in her the reminder to the rest of us that you have to chase your dreams. All the hard work and sacrifices – and sometimes stress – are worth it when you get to follow your passion. I know that our kids can, and will, see the hard work and passion from their mom. I hope it inspires them so that they can chase their dreams too.” They have an 11-year-old daughter, Brooke, and a one-year-old son, Deacon.
Supports local businesses Ashley used local businesses to design her logo and to wrap her truck to advertise the company name. The cash register sits on a dresser that was Clint’s as a child. “We had a lady refinish the dresser here in town,” Ashley said. “Being a small business owner, I wanted to make sure I was giving back to small business owners where I could. I know the struggles that we go through trying to
compete against the bigger stores.” Even the name, Dyed Poppy, has local ties. “My maiden name is Dye, so that’s where the Dyed comes from,” she said. “That’s my dad’s side. Poppy is what we called my grandpa on my mom’s side. My sister is actually the one who came up with Dyed Poppy.”
Dyed Poppy is family name They fielded other names, but Ashley kept coming back to Dyed Poppy. “It has so much meaning and so much love behind it,” she said, “and it’s both of our families. It’s who we are.” She often parks the step van in the parking area near Costa Vida restaurant on Main Street. If there’s not a community event on Saturday, she can usually be found in that parking lot on one week day and on Saturdays. She posts her schedule on her Facebook page and website a month in advance. She does home parties too. “I make sure the hostess gets to come into the truck first, and she can pull the items that she may want to buy at the end of the night,” Ashley said. “Then she gets a discount. It all depends on her sales at her party.”
Unique clothes Shelby Riley of Farmington has shopped at Dyed Poppy since it first opened. “She has great clothes displayed really nicely,” Shelby said. “They’re unique, and Ashley helps find the perfect outfit for you. She always thinks of others when she’s ordering her clothes. She has lots of jewelry and lots of clothes sizes that are cute and fashionable.” Ashley tries to keep Farmington informed of fashion trends. “Sometimes it feels like when it comes to fashion we’re three years behind,” she said, “and then when something’s going out of style, we’re just getting it. Even on my Facebook page, I try to share – okay, these are the 2018 trends.”
What’s trending this year Some of those trends include big statement earrings with design, high-low dresses where the dress is shorter in front and longer in back and worn with a duster, which is similar to a long cardigan. 22 | MAJESTIC LIVING | SPRING 2018
“Berets are coming back in,” Ashley added. “So is statement footwear with designs on them or dazzled or have gems on them, things that stand out. It’s the same way with jeans.” Side slit dresses that come to the knee or mid-calf are in as well. Trench coats and Army coats are big too as are florals and velvet. Floral and velvet were big last year as well, and so were screen print T-shirts and statement jewelry. “Also embroidery, especially on jeans,” she said. “I think you’ll see that again this year.”
Goes to market in Las Vegas Twice a year, Ashley goes to market in Las Vegas, Nevada, where she visits merchants who set up for the occasion in the Las Vegas and Mandalay Bay convention centers. She focuses on buying young contemporary styles. “I usually order for the next three to six months,” she said. “Then I come back to Farmington and wait for it to arrive. If dresses fly off the shelves faster than I thought they would, I can shop online since I’m a vendor with them.”
HIS BRIDE OF 65 YEARS HAS DEMENTIA. PALS provides respite care in the home while he works out at Defined Fitness. Why does he work out we ask? So he can be healthy and care for his bride he says.
Love in action we say.
505-325-9600
Locally owned and operated since 2002
111 N. BehrĞŶĚ ͻ Farmington, NM 87401
www.partnersassistedliving.com
#LiveWell#HomeCare by PALS SPRING 2018 | MAJESTIC LIVING | 23
Shop from your phone Jamie Church of Farmington has been shopping there since the business opened. “I love that whole concept of a mobile boutique,” she said. “It’s a fun way to shop. Every time you go, you’ll see something different. I’m overwhelmed by a huge shopping center, but at Ashley’s boutique I can see everything right in front of me. She’s got such great style. Everything I see in her boutique I really like. She has a knack of figuring out what jacket goes with what shirt, so she’s really helpful with her styling. She’s good about putting new pieces she gets on Facebook. I message her and say ‘That’s really cute. Do you have one in my size?’ So it’s not just shopping from your boutique but from your phone as well.” The mobile boutique idea has caught on quickly. “Some girls say ‘I have this event or I’m going to Vegas or I need a dress for a banquet or a wedding, but you’re not open,’” Ashley said. “I’m like, ‘Okay, let’s meet.’ I’ll open up the boutique and tell them where to meet
24 | MAJESTIC LIVING | SPRING 2018
me so they can shop and get some clothes for whatever occasion they’re needing even if it’s a date night or if they have a work conference in Dallas or Santa Fe. Or just because it’s their birthday, but they can’t come on Saturday whenever I’m open.”
Affordably priced clothes Most things in her boutique are priced under $50, though she has a few higher end items. She knows these economic times can be challenging, so she tries to keep things affordable.
“I want to make sure people know that we do see them and they are loved and welcomed,” she said. “When you come in the boutique, I may not know you, but I’m sure, by golly, going to make you my best friend at the end of that because I want you to feel this warm, welcoming love as soon as you come in. I don’t even care if you buy anything. Just come in and walk around and let’s figure out if I have something here for you.” In addition to the boutique, Ashley also has a part-time job as an executive assistant for Woods Insurance. “I’m Bunky Owen and Lyle Love’s assistant,” she said. “I help them out with things that they need. Most of the time I’m not even in the office because I’m helping them manage other aspects of the business or other companies they might have an interest in.”
On Chamber board She’s also on the board of directors of the Farmington Chamber of Commerce. When she was growing up, she saw her parents frequently give back to the community with their volunteer activities. That’s become an important part of her life as well. She picked up her entrepreneurial skills from her dad, Harold Dye, who once owned 24/7 Supply and Rental. When he sold it to PSS, a pipeline supply company in Aztec, he began working for them as a sales representative, traveling around the country and helping sales reps improve their skills. She credits her mom, Ginger Palmer, with
her love of fashion. “My mom has a good sense of style,” Ashley said. “Growing up and watching her get to go to these banquets, or just dressing up for work and caring about her appearance, that’s really where my love of fashion came from. She taught me to mix different things and play with them, and she showed me that fashion can be whatever you want it to be. You get to make it fit you. I learned about fashion by watching the women in my life, such as my mom and sister.”
Born in Farmington An area native, Ashley was born in Farmington and graduated from Bloomfield High School. She eventually earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and during some of those years she worked full time for the Bureau of Land Management. This year, she hope sometimes to take the van to Durango. She’s parked the van in Bloomfield on occasion, and she’s done popups in Aztec when somebody asked her to come for a specific event at their home or business. “If somebody told me ‘We are having an event at our company, would you be interested in coming?’ I would say, absolutely,” she said. She’d do the same for people who ask her to attend events in any of the area communities. “I did an event at Triple J Ranch for a business after hours with the chamber and took the van out there,” she said. “I did a business networking thing and had the boutique set up.”
* Dyed Poppy 50
Visiting Angels 1515 E. 20th St. Farmington, NM
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a life of service Pete Valencia saw politics as a way to work for the people Story by Debra Mayeux Photos by Whitney Howle Pete Valencia was born in 1942 in a four-room office on Arrington Street in Historic Downtown Farmington. “Most of the people were born there,” the 75-year-old said. “We didn’t have a hospital.” When Valencia went to first grade, he recalled parents didn’t pre-register their children, instead a cousin or sibling would take them in and introduce them to the teacher. “You didn’t have to have shots, no records, you just went to school and they accepted you,” he said with smile. “There were so many of us they needed three teachers.” 26 | MAJESTIC LIVING | SPRING 2018
28 in his class There are 28 from the Class of 1960 who graduated together, and they got together last year to celebrate their 57th class reunion, with Pete and his wife Lynda in tow. It was in 2017 that Valencia also decided to leave his job as a U.S. Congressional staffer running the Farmington office for Representative Ben Ray Luan, D-NM, and prior to that the office of former Congressman Tom Udall. “I loved that job.” Valencia said. “You help people.” Valencia spent most of his life helping peo-
ple in service to his country, in the military and in the government. Oddly, when he was 18 and living in Farmington, the late Harry Allen ran the draft board. Valencia decided to go to college and got a deferment for four years. His luck ran out when he graduated from college in 1965, and he got drafted. “My mom got a letter saying I was drafted I told her to throw it in the trash,” Valencia said. “Then, the FBI came looking for me. I told her to tell them I was in Newport, Rhode Island.”
A Naval veteran Valencia ended up enlisting in the Navy, and because he could type 25 words per minute, they put him on the admiral’s staff. “I worked a flag allowance, on an admiral’s staff. We did SEAL Team training, Swift Boat training – everything for Vietnam,” he said. Valencia was on the USS Weiss, and ended up earning a master’s degree on the GI Bill after leaving the military. “I worked for El Paso,” Valencia said. “The superintendent for El Paso had more power than the mayor.” Not long after going to work in the oil patch, Valencia met Lynda, his soon-to-be wife, who was originally from Cortez, Colorado. After they were married, he went to work for the family business, running Valencia Grocery and Trading Post. Lynda recalled a time when a group of investors from Denver visited the store. They were with a federal economic development group. “They asked if we were having trouble expanding,” she said. “They asked Pete to get together a bunch of Hispanic business owners – the Padillas, the Briones and the Nickersons got involved, and they were approved to start a national bank.” The deal fell through, however, when the
late Bruce King, a former Democratic governor of New Mexico, put in a state bank. “That’s when I decided to get involved in politics,” Valencia said.
life.” While living in Santa Fe, she earned her teaching degree from the College of Santa Fe.
A job Let’s make Apodaca the governor Valencia was asked by Jerry Apodaca to run his 1975 Gubernatorial Campaign in San Juan County. He was running against three other Democrats in the primary. “He barely won the primary,” Valencia said. Apodaca went on to win the governorship and was in office for four years. “I asked Lynda if she wanted to go to Santa Fe. She said, ‘Yes.’ She has always supported me,” Valencia said. “I asked the governor, ‘Will you take me?’ He said, “I’ll find something for you. “No one from San Juan County ever went to Santa Fe,” Valencia continued. “I was the first, and I took my lovely wife with me.” Lynda wanted to live in an adobe house, so they bought one near the Plaza. It wasn’t what they hoped for. “There were only two electric outlets in the whole house,” Lynda said. “There was a butane stove in the kitchen. I was cooking on butane!” The Valencias still loved it. “I love Santa Fe,” Lynda said. “I just love
Apodaca gave Valencia a job working for old-time politician Ruben Miera in the Motor Transportation Department. “The staff went around saying, ‘This rookie isn’t going to last,’” Valencia said. He did last, and Miera even took him with him to lobby against Apodaca’s Chief of Staff Bob Cooper, who was trying to abolish the department. “I went to Jerry Sandel. He was my buddy. We went to high school together,” Valencia said. The bill ended up being killed, and both Miera and Valencia kept their jobs. He even went on to become the director of the Motor Transportation Division. Their Santa Fe dream ended when Tony Anaya got elected governor “Lynda and I came home to the grocery business again,” Valencia. After Anaya’s term ended, “Uncle Bruce (King) won again, and I said, ‘We’re going back,’” Valencia said. He was named the director the Employment Secretary Division, but it wasn’t the job he wanted. “I wasn’t happy there. I quit.”
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Coming home The couple returned to San Juan County and Valencia went to work with his brother Gene Valencia at Valencia Insulation, where Pete worked for seven years. It was then that Pete discovered a passion for photography. He took a class at San Juan Collegeand began photographing weddings. Little did he know this skill would help him in his next and longest, adventure working as a congressional aide for Tom Udall. It was in this job that he met movie stars, presidents and world leaders. Valencia met and photographed President Bill Clinton, when he visited Shiprock. He also witnessed the Code Talkers meeting with President George W. Bush, who was supposed to present them with medals. “But he didn’t present them with the gold medal. They said they were going to send the medals to the bank in Gallup, because each medal cost $95,000 to make,” Valencia said. “The Code Talkers wanted their gold medals now, so I was there at the airport and got to see them receive their gold medals. That was exciting.” Another time, Valencia rode in the car with Tom Udall and his father, Stuart Udall, who wanted to visit with Navajo Nation President Kelsey Begay about the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act. This led to Valencia helping uranium workers on their claims.
Lynda meets the presidents Most of the time Lynda was with him meeting officials. “I’ve met all the presidents,” Lynda said. “I met Reagan, Nixon, Carter and Clinton. I loved President Nixon. He was the first one I met. I was so excited.” When Lynda met Jimmy Carter, he was not yet president. “He came up to me and said, ‘Lynda you are the most beautiful woman in this place. Once you meet Lynda you don’t forget her,’” Lynda said. “He was genuinely beautiful. He was a good person. They are all beautiful people.” Lynda recently received a liver transplant from the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix. “I was two weeks from dying. I got cancer, and they removed the cancer. I’m a liver transplant survivor three years in August. Mayo Hospital is a place for miracles,” she said. 28 | MAJESTIC LIVING | SPRING 2018
Working for Ben Ray Lujan After Udall left Congress, Ben Ray Lujan decided to retain Valencia’s services, and he became Lujan’s first employee. “As a congressional staffer, people don’t realize you have all the power of the congressman,” Valencia said. “The congressmen want to stay there, so we have people there to help us.” His favorite job was nominating New Mexico’s top students to the military academies. “Congressman Udall gave me those, and Ben let me keep them,” Valencia said. “We give the nomination and it is strictly competitive; the academies pick them. I was working on 100 percent nominations. Everybody in the 3rd Congressional District, if they wanted it I would give them one. You were looking at 40.” Valencia sent in so many nominations, Udall got called in and asked what he was doing, “In New Mexico you have more than your quotas and especially minorities,” Valencia said. “Our future presidents are coming out
of these academies.” Lynda described her husband as the consummate public servant. “He has that mind if there is a problem and he can help somebody, he does it for the good of the person,” she said. “He is a humble person.” Valencia said it was all about helping the public and his boss. “The secret to helping the congressman is the constituent service work that you do. That is why they get reelected. People always remember. If you do something good for people they tell a couple of people you do something bad they will tell 10.” Now, the Valencias enjoy spending time taking photographs, relaxing and spending time with their three children: DeAnza Marie, an Albuquerque lawyer for the AARP; Joseph, a prosecuting attorney in Santa Fe; and Andrew, vice president of Brown and Brown Insurance Company in Albuquerque. They also love visiting DeAnza’s daughter, 6-year-old Miranda Lynn Sapien.
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You gotta have Faith Faith Chestnut is making a difference one child at a time Story by Dorothy Nobis Photos by Whitney Howle Dressed in a red shirt and denim skirt, Faith Chestnut sat in a chair at a desk in a classroom of Doorways Christian School in Farmington. Chestnut received her bachelor’s degree from Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina, in 1957, with a major in elementary education. Since then, she has had but one goal – to educate children and to share her faith with them. Her career path took her to classrooms in South Carolina, California, Indiana, West Africa and, finally, to New Mexico.
Love of education Four years ago, Chestnut followed her
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family to Farmington where she continued to share with children her love of education and her faith. She taught second grade reading and math at Grace Baptist Christian School. In September of 2017, Chestnut felt a calling. “I wanted to teach,” she said. “I wanted a small school where I could teach children at an individual level.”
Concerned about the large classrooms and mandates teachers in public schools are facing, Chestnut wanted something more for students. “Teachers today are being asked to teach one – way and not all children can learn that way,” she said. “I want to teach as much oneon-one as possible, and you can’t do that in a classroom with 20 or 30 students.”
Hands on teaching Having taught in large classrooms and as a principal at several small Christian schools, Chestnut felt she could teach better with fewer students, learning their strengths and weaknesses and helping with both.
Her own schoolhouse Chestnut began thinking about starting a school of her own and started searching for a building. That search took her to 313 N. Locke Avenue in Farmington.
“I saw this building and I fell in love with it,” Chestnut said with a big smile. “I said, ‘Lord, if I can’t bring this (sale) to fruition, stop me now.’” Her prayer was answered, and the building became hers. Then the challenge became finding furniture for the classrooms. “I needed desks and chairs and I couldn’t afford them,” Chestnut said with a shake of her head. “The next morning, a gentleman from my church called and said he had ten desks and 15 chairs and asked if I wanted them. When I asked how much they were, he said they were free.” With desks and chairs and curriculum gathered from almost 60 years of teaching, Chestnut began the task of making a home that had once been a business into a school.
With some paint and a lot of elbow grease, the little house was transformed into a small school, complete with an art/music room, a play room, rooms for science, math and reading, a kitchen, and an outdoor play area, as well as an office and restroom. With the school ready for students, Chestnut was anxious to get children into the classrooms. “My goal is to teach children who are unable to keep up with the faster paced curriculums which use verbal instructions and much paper work,” Chestnut states in her brochure. “We will teach using many hands-on concrete materials and educational games, as well as paperwork.” “There will be much Christian love, encouragement, praise, shoulder hugs, and awards,” Chestnut continued. “We teach all
subjects with a Biblical world view – that each one (child) is special and was created for God’s glory, though they may be slower and a little different. God has a purpose for each life.”
Praise and appreciation Students must be at least 6 years old and the school’s curriculum only goes through the fourth-grade level. The curriculum is also tailored to each student’s level, Chestnut said. If Chestnut enjoys teaching her students, she is passionate about sharing her faith and her belief that God loves His children. Her conversation is peppered with scripture, and verses from the Bible are posted throughout the school. One of her favorites is Matthew 18:10 – SPRING 2018 | MAJESTIC LIVING | 31
“Take heed that you despise not one of these little ones; for I say to you, that in heaven, their angels do always behold the face of my Father, which is in heaven.” “Children must be praised and appreciated in the classroom, which must be filled with positivity,” Chestnut said. “In this school, the kids know we love them and care for them. There are no harsh words spoken here – we show God’s love.” Chestnut is also determined that all children are taught with patience to ensure they understand what is being taught. She said, “I want to see the light go on” when children understand a lesson. “It breaks my heart if I can’t help kids achieve and learn.” Sitting at a small desk in a classroom, tears filled Chestnut’s eyes. “The Lord wanted me to do this,” she said. “He’s helped me see that little boys and girls don’t get lost. I can help them find the way.” Wiping the tears away, Chestnut added, “In this school, we teach children, not cur-
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riculum. Each child is different, and we want their wisdom to come from the Lord.” Chestnut recited yet another verse of scripture. "Suffer (allow) the little children to come unto me and forbid them not – Luke 18:16.” With a passion for teaching children, a
faith that sustains her and is related to her students, Faith Chestnut hopes to make a difference in the lives of her students. By believing in them, loving them, caring for them and taking the time to get to know them, she is confident she can make that difference – one heart and one student at a time.
“My goal is to teach children who are unable to keep up with the faster paced curriculums which use verbal instructions and much paper work.” — Faith Chestnut
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Mind, body connection Yoga a life changing experience for Chantell Griffith Story by Margaret Cheasebro Photos by Whitney Howle For many years, Griffith Construction was a thriving business on 19th Street between Schofield Lane and Farmington Avenue. Today, it’s a blossoming new business called Sacred Rebel Yoga Studio. Its owner, Chantell Griffith, is the granddaughter of A.P. Griffith, who built the building in 1959, along with his brothers, Guy and Calvin Griffith. 34 | MAJESTIC LIVING | SPRING 2018
“I still keep the name Griffith Company on the front of the building,” Chantell said. “I want to keep that to honor my grandad and his company and what he started.” She has a lease purchase agreement for the property from its owners, her father, Paul Griffith, and his brother, Larry Griffith. “I can’t thank them enough for believing that
this yoga studio is possible,” Chantell said. “It could change a lot of lives.”
Yoga changed her life She provides hot yoga, aerial yoga, restorative yoga, and beginner’s yoga in the 1,900-squarefoot building. Yoga changed her own life, and she opened the business in August 2017 to help
other people find healing as well. “I’ve never been a yoga person, never tried it, never been interested in it,” said Carey Montoya of Farmington. “I’ve known Chantell before. I went to her opening class to show support. I loved the class. Now I go all the time. I’ve seen an increase in my balance and flexibility, and I sleep better.” Chantell didn’t start out with a goal to have a yoga studio. Shortly after graduating from Bloomfield High School in 1990 and attending the University of New Mexico for awhile, she moved to Phoenix, where she lived for several years. “I did property management in Phoenix, where I managed high rise condos and lease ups for new condominiums,” she said.
Returned to Farmington When she returned to Farmington five years ago, she continued in the field of sales. “I had a really successful sales career and was making a good amount of money,” she said. “I had a job that many people would envy. I set my own hours and went out and talked to people, but I felt like I wasn’t making a difference in the lives of others. I would wake up in the morning and truly didn’t want to go to my job. I didn’t want to engage with people. I felt really unfulfilled. Since I’ve been practicing yoga, I love getting up every day. The way that I work through different emotions has been huge.” She got her first taste of yoga when she moved back to Farmington. The method she tried involved using her own body’s strength to resist and move into the yoga posture. “It was interesting,” she said, “but I didn’t fall in love with it.”
Discovers hot yoga About a year later, she discovered hot yoga. “I had been through a pretty tumultuous relationship,” she recalled. “That had been a kind of pattern in my life, not having great relationships. I was pretty devastated and moped around and was really depressed and sad. I found out later I was going through perimenopausal depression, which I had never heard of. I just knew I was exercising, eating right, seeing a therapist, taking medicine and herbs, reading self-help books, doing all these things, and I couldn’t figure out what was going on and why I felt so sad.” When a girl friend told her about hot yoga, she decided to try it. “It was just amazing!” she exclaimed. “It was this really spiritual experience where I was in a hot
room, and I cried the whole hour I was there. I didn’t know what was going on, but I was hooked the minute that I tried it.” She began doing yoga three times a week, and everything changed for her. “It was something internally that just turned on,” she said. “I went, wow, this is life changing.”
Yoga quiets the mind Yoga helped to quiet her mind so she could make a connection with her mind, breath and spirit. She believes it involves connecting with a higher power, whatever people choose to call that. “When you connect with that and listen, it speaks to you and heals you from the inside out,” she said. The practice healed her from many years of feeling guilt and shame. Some of this stemmed from an experience after she became the Connie Mack pageant queen when she was 17 and had just graduated from BHS. That fall she got pregnant with her daughter, Mariah, who is now 26. She served her year as Connie Mack queen. When it came time to give
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her crown away to the next queen, the pageant director called her. “She told me I couldn’t give my crown away because I’d had a baby out of wedlock,” Chantell said. “It ended up that she said, okay, you can walk, you can give your crown away. But I always remember the words she said to me. She said the entire Farmington baseball team will be sitting on the front row, and I want you to know that I can’t be responsible for what they might do to you because they don’t want you representing their town. It scared me. It hurt me so much that I didn’t give my crown away. I was too afraid.”
Sense of guilt and shame She continued to carry a sense of shame and guilt with her wherever she lived. “I always had that hovering over me, that I was bad or I did something wrong because I wasn’t married when I had my daughter,” she said. “Whenever I would go out and see people, I always had this feeling of shame. Yeah, I’m that girl that you guys didn’t want representing your town because I have a daughter out of wedlock. It
was something I didn’t know was buried so deep inside.” When she began practicing yoga, she began healing from the inside out. “I realized we all go through things in our life, and it’s is nothing we need to be ashamed of,” she said. “It’s just where we were at that point in our life. We make mistakes. We make choices that we’re not all that proud of, but it’s all part of our journey, and it makes us who we are today. I wouldn’t trade my daughter for anything in the world. She’s the most amazing light, and she’s beautiful. I’m so grateful to have her.” She now has three children, her daughter Mariah, her son Jordan, 23, and her son Orion, 12, whose father died when he was one year old. Children help motivate her “They’re the three most important reasons that I ever wanted to find fulfillment in my life, to learn to love myself and to heal the wounds of my past,” she said. Once she made a commitment to practice
yoga three times a week, her teacher encouraged her to get a teaching certificate so Chantell could teach yoga too. She earned her certification through the Yoga Alliance and continues to practice yoga regularly. “As often as I can, I go to other yoga teachers in the area,” she said. “It’s so different when you practice than when you teach. I love both aspects of it.” At that time, she still hadn’t opened the studio. Her dad, Paul Griffith, had been leasing the Griffith Construction building to another business. Then it sat empty for a couple of years. “When I found yoga, I thought the building would be perfect for a yoga studio,” Chantell said.
Dad says go for it “We told her to go for it,” Paul said. “The remodel was extensive and long drawn out. She had great contractors doing the work. We’re really excited and pleased for her.” Chantell’s
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family helped with painting and other tasks. Now the largest room, 975 square feet, has space for 30 people to practice beginner or restorative yoga. Restorative yoga is a bit like adult nap time, Chantell explained. People lie down, and blocks and bolsters help their bodies move into the right postures and positions. “I love the restorative yoga on Sunday afternoons,” said Therese Sanchez of Farmington. “It’s a perfect time to unwind and take in the beautiful restorative practice to decompress and get ready for the week. The music Chantell chooses is fantastic. I think she is a beautifully guided individual who shares her thoughts and compassion for others through her yoga practice.”
Aerial yoga new to many On days when the large room is used for aerial yoga, 12 people can practice in it. There’s room for 20 to do hot yoga. About 70 percent of her students are new to yoga. Most have never done aerial yoga. Aerial yoga allows people to use fabric hammocks for inversion therapy where they can hang upside down. The fabric helps to hold their bodies in the correct posture. The polyester blend will hold up to 350 pounds, and the climbing gear that hooks each piece of fabric to the ceiling holds up to 2,500 pounds. “Sometimes we float in the fabric,” Chantell
said. “We call it anti-gravity yoga. It takes weight off your bones and muscles and allows you to fully relax and float.” When she does hot yoga classes in the large room, she heats it to 94-102 degrees with 40 percent humidity. She also has a smaller room for hot yoga, which accommodates five people. It has 60 percent humidity and gets hotter than the larger room.
Emotional breakthroughs “A lot of people cry during the hot yoga class,” she said. “It’s the kind of breakthrough they have when they’re being still and moving into these postures and opening up their body in ways that it hasn’t been before. On a cellular level, inside their body things are happening. The breath is moving through their body. It’s healing in an amazing way.” Music plays in the background along with affirmations to help people focus their mind on something positive. “I’ve had a lot of people say, oh, hot yoga, that sounds terrible. I could never be in a room that’s so hot,” Chantell said. “Once they try it, they change their minds, typically. It’s a really beautiful thing, and it has been so life changing to me.” People can have zero experience with yoga and benefit from it.
No competition “Everything can be taken slowly,” Chantell said. “You don’t have to match the person next to you. There’s no competition. There’s no “this is where you have to be.” Yoga meets you where you are. You build your own practice from there. Maybe this day all you can do is stand there and move your shoulders back. Maybe tomorrow or the next day you can do more.” The studio is open at various times seven days a week with classes that begin as early as 5:30 a.m. and as late as 6:30 p.m. depending on which day of the week it is. Monica Reyes and Soly Culpepper also teach at the studio. Chantell hopes someday she will be able to keep the studio open more often each day. “I’m new to yoga,” said Carrie West of Farmington. “Chantell has made it very welcoming. Yoga is not just a physical workout. It’s kind of an emotional one, more spiritual. It really helps my other workouts that I do,
like running and kick boxing. I have more endurance and flexibility. I really like her class times. My schedule is super busy. There’s always a class that will fit my schedule whether it is early in the morning or a later one.”
looking into the sunset in the evening,” she said. She hopes to remove the gravel, grow grass and form walkways through it with seating areas where people can congregate after a yoga class and enjoy something to eat or drink.
Month-long memberships available Since Chantell started in August, more than 280 students have come to the studio. On a regular basis, between 50 and 100 come each week. She offers month-long memberships so people can come for classes anytime during that 30-day period. “I feel like there’s something in it for everybody,” Chantell said. “It doesn’t matter what size you are, how long you’ve been practicing, or what your physical ability is.” This spring, summer and fall, Chantell hopes to make changes to what was the construction yard in back of the building. The lean-to that once stored wood, pipe and other construction supplies will become an outdoor yoga area. “Then we can do yoga
Her vision becomes reality “A year ago, I was taking my teacher training and not really knowing where I would be, but I definitely had a vision for this place,” she said. “Now here it is.” She is passionate about what yoga can do for others. “It is so needed,” she said., “If people would learn about it and give it a try, they would experience a profound change and something they could connect to., So many of us have gone through emotional traumas in our past that we hold onto, and we relive it so many times in our minds and we can’t figure out how to get it out of there, how to push past it. That’s what this practice has done for me.”
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Rick Hoerner Story and Photos At the end of the last century, the premier high school tournament in Alaska was on an attempt to have a representative of every state play at their tournament by the end of the century. By 1998 they were down to two states, one of them being New Mexico. It seemed the Alaskan tournament had its representative from the Land of Enchantment when Albuquerque Academy agreed to make the trip. That season the Chargers had to withdraw and the Clarke Cochran Christmas Classic was once again in pursuit of a New Mexico representative. 40 | MAJESTIC LIVING | SPRING 2018
In a roundabout 20 years, that’s how the Navajo Prep boys and girls basketball teams ended up in Ketchikan, Alaska, for a basketball tournament and a once in a lifetime adventure. Clarke Cochran Christmas Classic The Clarke Cochran Christmas Classic began in 1978 by the namesake of the tournament who was Ketchikan High School’s athletic director for 16 years before his death in 1983. The Piedra Vista Panthers made the trek to the great white north in 2001 after receiving the invite, playing against teams from Everett, Washington, to Balti-
more, Maryland, and from British Columbia to Las Vegas, and returned again in 2005 A dozen years later Rainy Crisp, the athletic director and girls basketball coach, was looking for a tournament for the Prep athletes that was something out of the ordinary trip to the Santa Fe Indian Tournament. She needed to look no farther than her boys coach, and author of this article, Rick Hoerner, who was the coach when the Panthers made their trips. The Joys of Flying After a quick email to current Kayhi athletic
director Lynn Wadley, the plans were on to begin the voyage to Ketchikan. For many of the Eagles, on both teams, flying would be a new experience, as would seeing the Pacific Ocean. Thankfully for the new flyers, it was dark by the time their airplane landed on Garvina Island, location of the Ketchikan Airport. When the Panthers visited Ketchikan in 2005, Garvina Island was front and center in the national debate on the the so called “bridge to nowhere.” For the folks of Ketchikan, the bridge definitely wasn’t to no- where. It would have replaced the ferry system that brings nearly every retail item into the city by an actual bridge for commercial transport. With so many rookie flyers, it was advantageous to leave at 6 a.m. the day after Christmas. The trip from Albuquerque to San Francisco to Seattle, before finally arriving in Ketchikan, was a mere 10 hours. Packing for the so-called carry-on was another new experience for the Eagles, dragging bags from gate to gate. One surprising joy of the layover in San Francisco is the speed of the Internet, perhaps the fastest I have ever had the pleasure of tapping into – the joys of Silicon Valley. Day and night Though the arrival time on the ticket said 3:40 p.m, it was no 3:40 p.m the players were used to. Arriving in Ketchikan, it’s already dark, and the typical cloudy, rainy days with 40 degree temperatures are nowhere to be found. It’s cold and clear. Apparently, the visitors brought the clear Southwestern skies with them. Next up – the ferry ride to the mainland. Like the airport experience, the short boat ride from Garvina to the mainland is a new one. The Day Off Arriving a day early allowed the players to get to know their host families and adjust to the slightly more than 8 hours of sunlight. In the morning, the players reconvene at Kayhi for a day of sightseeing. First up, a little boat ride to see the city from the ocean. Ketchikan High School has a maritime program to teach their students a trade essential to a local economy, which still has fishing as a mainstay without giving way to the giant cruise ships bringing hundreds of thou-
sands of tourists – a modification that is slowly changing the economy of the town. The boat ride is on a beautiful sunny day, but it’s pretty
A prominent totem in the park is one of William Seward, the man historically responsible for buying Alaska from Russia in 1867. Unfortunately for Seward, his totem is of shame as Seward accepted gifts and celebrations from the Tlingit, but never returned the favor.
cold so it’s in and out of the cabin for some, while others brave the weather and enjoy the spectacular views. Everyone who wants to gets a chance to drive the boat and learn how to fish for salmon and halibut. Driving in a straight line is sort of boring, so now serpentining the channel is the way to go back. Next up is shopping The tourist hot spots are abandoned for the season, but there are some great local shops, especially Crazy Wolf Studios and the Scanlon Art Gallery. The artwork is incredibly beautiful and unique. There are so many similarities to the wonderful art of the Southwest. The difference is the medium. In the Southwest there is the sand. In Alaska, it’s the trees – and the totems are magnificent. Dungeness and king crab After shopping our hosts treat us to lunch – all you can eat Dungeness and king crab with melted butter, salmon steaks and, my new favorite, halibut lasagna. Like the whole trip, the food is a new experience. Here, seafood is the staple and beef and chicken are expensive. Red Lobster will never look the same. Saxman Village After lunch we head to Saxman Village, a totem pole village of the Tlingit people. Our tour guide is “The Mayor,” Joe Williams, who ironically is married to Prep’s biggest fan in Alaska, a woman from Ganado. The Eagles are welcomed like foreign dignitaries with a greeting from the Tlingit councilmen and are taken to the Clan house where a totem carver shows how the work is done and how each totem tells a story of either honor or shame. A prominent totem in the park is one of William Seward, the man historically responsible for buying Alaska from Russia in 1867. Unfortunately for Seward, his totem is of shame as Seward accepted gifts and celebrations from the Tlingit, but never returned the favor. The Eagles are given the greatest gift that can be given, an eagle’s feather for the trip home. Oh Yeah, There’s Basketball Too That evening the skills contests begin with free SPRING 2018 | MAJESTIC LIVING | 41
throws, 3-point and spot shot contests. The Eagles did well. Trejan Clichee finished second in the spot shot and Treston Yazzie was fourth in the free throw contest. But the big winner of the night was Lady Eagles Taylor Woody, who won the 3-point contest Eagles teams take on West Valley Games begin the following day as both Eagles teams take on West Valley of Fairbanks, Alaska, falling to the Wolfpack. Day two is special as the boys team take on Metlakatla, the only remaining completely native team in Alaska. For Metlakatla, it will be the first time they play an all native team in their history. A great game ends with a 59-58 win for the Chiefs. Every time you hear a team complain about their travel, remember the Chiefs whose travels include a 45-minute ferry ride to Ketchikan before catching a flight to Seattle and then on to their game. The average cost for a road game for Metlakatla is roughly $8,000!
Gracious hosts The folks of Ketchikan were gracious, wonderful hosts. All in all, both teams went 1-2 on the court, but the experience was amazing for players, coaches and families. Betty Ojaye, head of the school asked if we could do it next year.
While the odds of returning again any time soon are slim, there’s always hope for another round. The Eagles returned home on December 31. The weather in Ketchikan that day was cloudy with rain and forty degrees – or back to normal.
The Best Local Search!
In Prin Print. t. Online Online.. Digit Digital. al. DirectoryPlus.com 42 | MAJESTIC LIVING | SPRING 2018
Musclemania Local ladies place high in international fitness competition Debra Mayeux Story and Photos When Musclemania brought its International Fitness America Weekend to Las Vegas in November three Farmington women were there to represent the community, and each came away with a trophy in the top five. International competition Jenn Foucault, 36, and Taryn Stubbs, 35, were in the figure competition. Stubbs came in fourth, while Foucault earned a fifth place. Fran Post, 55, came in fifth place in the bikini competition. “This is important because these ladies placed in an international competition,” said Anthony Romero, owner of Complete Physique and trainer for two of the women. “People came from all over the world – Thailand, Korea, Australia, Canada, Mexico – to compete in this.” Romero began training Post in 2006. “I was doing it to stay in shape,” Post said. “I wanted better health and fitness.” Better health and fitness Her first competition was in 2014 in Albuquerque. After mentioning to Romero that she wanted to compete, “Anthony wasn’t real confident that I should do it, but it worked out,” Post said. “I placed second in my first show.”
Fell in love with weight training Her story is similar to that of Foucault’s, who began training five years ago. “I fell in love with weight training. I loved the results,” she said. “It became a passion of mine.” Foucault, a mother of five, worked as a personal trainer, but now teaches health occupations and forensics at Farmington High School, where she also coaches the cheerleading team.
Her first competition was in May 2017, followed by one in October 2017. Both were in Albuquerque, and Foucault earned first-place trophies. Weight training and competing has become a lifestyle for her. “The biggest part of all of it is the eating – structured, clean eating,” Foucault said, adding you really have to know “what fuels your body.” Prior to competition Foucault was working out four hours a day. Her regular schedule consists of two-hour daily workouts. Gym life Stubbs’ life revolves around the gym. She works as a massage therapist and personal trainer at Complete Physique. She decided to compete because she wanted to know what the experience was like. “As a trainer, I wanted to see what it would take, both physically and mentally – to see what it would take to be trained for a competition. I wanted a challenge, to see what I was capable of,” Stubbs said. She began her preparation in March 2017, and she focused on nutrition and exercise. “I liked being able to see what I could do in the gym,” Stubbs said. “Taryn was focused,” said Romero, who trained her for the event. “She was working out on her own at first; when she decided to train seriously she started 14 weeks out. We should have started sooner. I wanted more weight on her, but it worked out.” Experienced trainer Romero is no stranger to training people for competition. He has been involved in up to seven competitions with everyone having a successful outcome. “One of the 44 | MAJESTIC LIVING | SPRING 2018
Competition takes dedication Romero said that there is so much more to a competition than “just going out on stage and walking around.” There is the posing, the purchasing of the bikinis and health aspect of it. “Health is the most important thing about this. Competition is not for everybody. The people who really want to push themselves and have a goal, they should really think about it, because it affects everybody – their jobs, their family” Post added, “You’re simultaneously trying to diet and take off your body fat and keep on your muscle at the same time.”
things I felt was that I was blessed with good people,” he said. “I don’t have to look as good as they do. They go out there and make me look good.” He characterizes the job as being a “master motivator.” He has earned team trophies and several first-place awards for his people. He even trained Miss New Mexico Cameron Blackwood as she prepared for the Miss America Pageant. Tough competition The Musclemania event was difficult, though, because it was an international competition. Post, who is a stylist at the Head Shops said it was not an easy event. “As I get older it is more difficult to maintain my muscle mass,” she said. It also was intimidating, “knowing that it was such a big show. I didn’t know what I would be up against.” For Stubbs, she had to learn how
to walk in five-inch heels and learn how to pose. “I had no idea how to flair my lats, which is vital for a figure competitor,” she said. “It took me a solid 72 hours to figure it out. It would make me tire posing. Holding a pose, you are flexing every muscle in your body.”
Camaraderie When they arrived in Vegas, the other competitors were ready and willing to help. “There was a lot of camaraderie with the women,” Stubbs said. The three ladies from Farmington, although competing against one another, managed to leave with trophies and a sense of satisfaction. “I was excited. I was happy. I was shocked. I had a lot of emotions,” Stubbs said. “I put a lot of work into it and to have a positive outcome was a reward.” Fran said she had a moment of “disbelief,” when she learned that she earned a fifth place in bikini. She plans to compete again. “I enjoy it. I wouldn’t be doing it, if I didn’t.” Stubbs plans to compete again in June and October in Albuquerque. Foucault said she too will continue. “I think I have one more competition in me!”
OvercOming
Obstacles the navajO ninja
Way5
Brandon Todacheenie uses his American Nija Warrior experience to teach kids about physical fitness, perseverance Story By Tomas Yost Courtney photos As he was growing up, 31-yearold Brandon Todacheenie spent most of his time outdoors and being extremely active. Whether he was playing baseball or basketball, skateboarding or roaming the family farm, Todacheenie gravitated toward physical activities. Power Rangers He also grew up watching episodes of the Power Rangers and old ninja movies on VHS. So it is no wonder that the Navajo Ninja has enjoyed success on television as an American Ninja Warrior (ANW) while using that platform to teach the younger generation about physical fitness,
staying active and reaching their goals by overcoming obstacles. Inspiring youth “My experience on ANW is something I want to share with others,” explains Todacheenie. “I hope to inspire youth in the community to be more active and healthy. When I visit schools, I always tell the kids that “If you want something, you have to go and get it.” In my case, I wanted to compete on American Ninja Warrior; I did all the necessary paperwork but also trained very hard. Their hopes and dreams are just as achievable – with lots of hard work.” SPRING 2018 | MAJESTIC LIVING | 45
Reality TV With the advent of reality television, there are plenty of people gravitating toward mixed martial arts, but American Ninja Warrior has just gained recent popularity . . . making it rare that a local resident of the community would have success so early on. But Todacheenie explains that he has been obsessed with the Japanese version for years, before an American spin-off became a reality. Japanese version “I remember watching the Japanese version of ninja warrior called “Sasuke,” explains Todacheenie. “It was a really awesome show and it got my attention. It was my favorite television show in the mid-2000s. I became very interested when they decided to make an American Version of the Japanese show. Training for ANW I always wanted to go to Japan and that’s when I started training for Ninja Warrior. I could hardly do a pull-up or push-up when I started.” And thus the journey began, not only to make it on American Ninja Warrior, but successfully to complete the obstacle course. “I first applied for ANW in 2014 but wasn’t selected,” explains Todacheenie. “I applied again in 2015 and I got the call to compete on ANW for the first time in Houston, where I fell on the second obstacle. I got the call again in 2016 – which was in Oklahoma City – and I failed the third obstacle. Last year in Denver was the first time I made it to the city finals and into the top 30, but I didn’t make the top 15 in the city finals and didn’t qualify for the Las Vegas Finals.” Finding an oasitical course a problem The opportunity of being selected and then having the success that he did last year has provided motivation for the Navajo Ninja to progress further and further in the competi46 | MAJESTIC LIVING | SPRING 2018
tion. Training for the competition is often difficult because the obstacles on the course aren’t readily available at a local gym or to purchase online. “We don’t get to practice on the course or try it out, so we only get one shot at running the course. If you mess up the first time, then that is the end of your season and you have to wait an entire year to compete again.” Creating your own! So Todacheenie has taken it upon himself to get creative in his own yard. “Ever since 2015, I’ve been building American Ninja Warrior obstacle replicas in my front yard. I just kept building and adding more obstacles every year. Having these obstacles has helped me prepare for ANW. I started off with only two obstacles and now I have eight, including the 15-foot warped wall, which I failed last year. “I also travel to Albuquerque to train at Ninja Force Gym because they have Ninja Warrior style obstacles as well.”
Future generations And through it all, Todacheenie’s main focus has been to motivate future generations to get active, set goals and achieve greatness. This is why he is taking his motivational message and ninja obstacles to schools throughout San Juan County and the Navajo Nation. Motivational speaker “I have been blessed to be a motivational speaker at many schools on the reservation. I usually have a small exercise competition and give away some free stuff during my visits. I hope to help the youth by teaching them to conquer an obstacle physically and mentally and by teaching life skills through obstacles.” Perseverance and setting goals The two main life skills that Todacheenie seems to stress at these youth exercise competitions at schools are perseverance and setting goals. “I am trying to teach them how to take on obstacles one at a time. To train for it, achieve it and then move toward another goal/obstacle in life. I can’t do American Ninja Warrior forever, so I want to train the next generation so they can take over and show what they got.” He will compete in 2018 As Todacheenie is setting his sights on teaching the youth in the community, don’t think for a second that his immediate sights
“I am trying to teach them how to take on obstacles one at a time. To train for it, achieve it and then move toward another goal/obstacle in life.” – Brandon Todacheenie aren’t on competing and conquering American Ninja Warrior in 2018. “I have already submitted an application for this season of American Ninja Warrior (season 10),” exclaims Todacheenie. “I also do obstacle course racing. As different races approach I am able to train for them and they ultimately keep me in shape, and it helps me continue my training for ANW. Community support The future looks extremely bright for the Navajo Ninja as the
community continues to back him in competitions and looks to him as a mentor to future generations of young ninja warriors continuing to build on his legacy. “My long-term goals are to continue school to get a degree in physical education, and to open a ninja warrior style obstacle course gym in the Four Corners area,” explains Todacheenie. “I have been blessed to have a family and a community that supports me. I want to thank God for giving me the opportunity to follow my passions and for giving me the ability
to share them with the youth on the Navajo Reservation.” Youth Ninja Day The Navajo Ninja held a Youth Ninja Day at Ojo Amarillo Elementary on January 13 and is planning to host the 2nd Annual Navajo Ninja Kids Competition in the summer or fall of 2018. If you have any questions about becoming a ninja warrior or youth ninja obstacles, or would like Brandon Todacheenie to come out to your school, please send an email to: thenavajoninja@gmail.com. You can also follow the Navajo Ninja on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at: Facebook.com/thenavajoninja Instagram.com/thenavajoninja Twitter.com/thenavajoninja SPRING 2018 | MAJESTIC LIVING | 47
M L
Coolest Things Spring Reset — New Beginnings
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CoLD SToRAgE STAR WARS STYLE
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No MoRE BuDS IN YouR EAR
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Usually I am happy to bid farewell to the cold winter and feel grateful that warmer temperatures are on the horizon. But this year, with the dry and unusually warm winter, I wouldn’t mind some more rain or snow. The one thing that doesn’t change about spring is that it is a new beginning – a kind of mental rest and hope for a great year ahead. Below are a few interesting items to brighten your spring.
EAT LIkE kINgS, WIzARDS AND THE DoCToR
The geek Chef Cookbook Unofficial Recipes from Doctor Who, Game of Thrones, Harry Potter, and more. Comic-lover, avid gamer, and sci-fi and Bringing new meaning to frozen in carOpen-ear, bone-conducting headphones fantasy lover Cassandra Reeder creates bonite, the Han Solo Fridge can hold up to let you enjoy music and the environment real-life recipes for all the delicious foods 18 cans of soda. It's also one of those around you safely. You hear everything. you've seen in your favorite sci-fi and fanawesome fridges that cools or heats its Enjoy music and the environment around tasy movies, TV shows, and video games. contents (depending on which temperature you – at the same time! The Headphones The Geeky Chef Cookbook features over you need). The Han Solo Fridge is also are built to last with water resistant materi- 60 recipes you can re-create in your own made to travel. It's even got a handle on als and Bluetooth wireless connectivity. kitchen! Photographed, step-by-step intop for grabbing, which, let us tell you, is The rich bass allows for an awesome lis- structions show how to make Pumpkin more convenient than carrying a huge tening experience. Talk and take calls Pasties from Harry Potter, and Lemon block of flippin' carbonite. hands free with reduced sound leakage. Cakes from Game of Thrones. Sip from a $129 $50 to 60 bowl of Plomeek Soup from Star Trek and enjoy with Peeta's Cheesy Bread from The Hunger Games. $10.99 Vol. 2 - The Geeky Chef Strikes Back $13 Han Solo Fridge www.thinkgeek.com
SMARTWAVEz™ Head Phones www. SMARTWAVEZ.com or Amazon.co
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4
HE’S BEEN PARCHED SINCE 1942
The Drinking Bird is Back! www.amazon.com www.tintoyarcade.com (Replica of the orniginal) Engineers revive fascination with by the Drinking Bird. At some point in life you've almost certainly marveled at the classic drinking bird toy, and probably lost a few brain cells trying to figure out how it works. Invented in 1946 by a Bell Labs scientist named Miles V. Sullivan, the drinking bird's most interesting illusion isn't its thirst, it's the liquid inside. What looks like water dyed red is actually methylene chloride that boils and turns to a vapour at room temperature. And the ease at which methylene chloride transitions from a liquid to a vapor and back again during tiny temperature changes is what powers the bird. Amazon- Glass $12/ Plastic $6 Tim Toy Archade (Replica of the original) $9.98
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BirD’S eye vieW
luxury Window Bird feeder www.lovethegarden.com www.Amazon.com These bird feeders are small to keep out predator birds. They are transparent so you can watch birds play and eat while relaxing or working around the house. Bird Feeders attract colorful birds like cardinals, finches, robins, and bluebirds. They are easy to fill and clean and strong suction cups ensure secure attachment. The roof keeps out rain and snow. Two perches allow birds to wait on roof, while others feed. The bird feeder is squirrel proof since they can't scale glass & can't get in. Mount high on window away from jumping points for squirrel resissance. $14 to $24
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The fix iS iN
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floWerS iN The Sky
Uberfix MD www.Amazon.com
Sky planter www.boskke.com, www.Amazon.com
Your Personal Car Doctor With the Uberfix MD, gets real-time, easy-to-understand updates about your car’s health right on your phone! This car translator interprets your check engine light in easy-to-understand language and allows you to personally determine the severity of your car’s problems, saving you time, money, and unnecessary trips to your mechanic. Plug the Uberfix MD under the dash of your vehicle and begin saving time and money on repairs.
Defying gravity, the unique upside-down planter encourages abundant greenery at home and at work, without sacrificing floor space. The Sky Planter, with its innovative design, allows you to save space. Look up in any home, office or other indoor environment and the least used space will inevitably be the ceiling. What better place to grow an indoor garden without interrupting your day-to-day living. Look up and enjoy the beauty of nature with a Boskke Sky Planter. P$10 to $30
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Safe TravelS
Nomad Backpack: The Safest anti-Theft Smart Bag in The World www.uncommongoods.com Whether you enjoy traveling or lead a busy “always on the go” lifestyle – this backpack will make your life a whole lot easier. Nomad Backpack was specifically designed to keep your belongings as safe as possible, to protect your electronics and valuables from both – thieves and damage. It’s water-resistant, shockproof, features hidden zippers & pockets and is made of several layers that pickpockets won’t be able to cut through with a knife. $94
$89 SPRING 2018 | MAJESTIC LIVING | 49
Dyed Poppy
continued from 25
Critical of herself After less than a year in business, she tends to be critical of herself. But when she talks it over with Clint, he advises her to look at the bigger picture. “He pointed out the two awards I won,” she said, “and he reminded me that not once in the first year of business have we had to give out of our per-
sonal pocket to the boutique so it could stay open. He said that’s a huge success for a company in their first year. Then I’m like, okay, good point. We’re not struggling. We are successful.” Her passion for the mobile boutique continues to grow. “It doesn’t feel like work,” she said. “It’s a passion I have to make peo-
ple feel comfortable in who they are and how they’re dressed. People say ‘I would never put this on,’ and then they put it on, and oh, my gosh, ‘It’s my favorite outfit.’ That’s so rewarding. The support and love that I’ve gotten from the community and how open they are to a mobile boutique – I can’t even explain how amazing it is.”
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