Renegade Style - Enchanted Dreams
by
Sandra Richardson
Every now and then I encounter a
heart-warming capitalist and regain my faith in the
American way. One is Lois Fernandez, owner of
Enchanted Dreams Art and Antique Emporium,
226 Paseo del Pueblo Norte. The store provides a vehicle
to raise money for the non-profit organization,
Enchanted Dreams Foundation, to support children and
families affected by Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Lois in Victorian White - Photo Sandra
Richardson
I met Lois and learned a lot about
this condition when she came to the Hardey Writers’
Group one night. She penned this piece (which she’s
graciously given me permission to condense and print)
about her daughter.
My name is Alyssa. I was born
March 3, 1993… Pisces. I swam in mother’s womb
for 9 months. My world waiting for me. I entered into my
world silently. I did not cry, I did not know how. I
could hear speech, yet I could not imitate it. I could
see the blanky on me, yet I could not sense how it felt.
I wanted to roll over to reach the bunny in my crib, but
I didn’t know how. I watched the world around me.
My body grew, became heavier
and yet my muscles were soft. I could not hold my head
up. Your other children were quick learners. Would I
catch up to them? Would I ever crawl, walk, run?
Who
are these people you seek answers from? What do they
know? I have gifts and when you are ready, I will share
them with you. I will teach you; don't be afraid.
I
want you to know that while you were sleeping I was
dreaming of running in a field of buttercups. You did
not have to carry me, like the 2 1/2 years until I
learned to walk. While you were losing good sleep over
my care, I was going up, up, up into the clouds, dancing
on tippy toes, twirling pirouettes. While you weren't
watching, I found my mouth with a spoonful of noodles—so
what if the spoon was upside down and they spilled down
my chest. While you weren't watching, I saw you cry
yourself to sleep. While you weren't watching, I held
the wind in my hands. While you weren't watching I
shared my gifts with everyone: my smile, my light, my
inner voice. No words are needed to communicate love.
Autism
is a neurological disorder that impairs the development
of a person's ability to communicate and interact with
others. Autism is referred to as a spectrum disorder,
meaning the symptoms can occur in any combination and
with varying degrees of severity. The Foundation’s
vision is that children with ASD are given the
opportunity to pursue and achieve their dreams. ASD
children do work-study at the gallery, and plans for the
future include a show featuring their art.
Currently, several local artists show at the Emporium,
which donates its 40% commission on sales to the
Foundation. The store will serve as an alternate
location for several artist
members
of TAO (Taos Art Organization) for the inaugural TAO
Studio Tour, taking place the last weekend of Sept.
through the first weekend of October.
Lois
visited Taos in 1970 as a fiber artist and teacher of
Navajo weaving. Her loom now sits in the Emporium here,
mulit-colored skeins of yarn dangling from the rafters
above. She also spent many years designing embroidery
before she moved here in 2004 from Point Pleasant Beach,
New Jersey. Her daughter Alyssa now attends Taos High.
The Emporium is an eclectic mix
of original art, Nepalese rugs, antique colonial
furniture, pottery, jewelry, fun hats and fabulous
clothing. Probably Lois’ skills in embroidery led to her
passion for Victorian “Whites,” filmy cotton and lace
blouses, skirts and dresses. These feminine styles from
an elegant, bygone era are popular with brides—something
old—and can look quite hip and new when paired with
turquoise-studded concho belts and colorful cowboy
boots. She also carries original fashions by Taos
designers, Danielle Kennedy and Zandi.
The
store is always in transition, with ‘stuff’ going in and
out all the time. Lois leases some of this space, and
is currently seeking a couple more dealers to add their
flair to the mix. Call:751-7122.
The
space now hosts the Hardey Writers Group, which meets
7:30 p.m. every Thursday night. Bring cookies! Come and
enjoy writing amidst an atmosphere of art, antiques,
culture, couture, and a worthy cause.
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Sandra Richardson, aka Zandi, is
a freelance fashion designer. For more information on
Taos designers, to let us know about upcoming fashion
events, or to comment on “Renegade Style,” call Zandi
Designs: 751-1882 or email:
zandi@taosnet.com |
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Zandi Designs
Original Fashions
505-751-1882
P.O. Box 1798
Ranchos de Taos, NM. 87557
www.zandidesigns.com
Motto: Goddesses Don’t Iron (most clothes are wash & wear)
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