We bought some gifts for people, and a few things for the farmhouse, but I only bought this one thing for me, at Maria’s urging. We went to the open market in Sante Fe’s main square and walked along the row of Native-American artists selling jewelry and other works.

A salesperson at the Museum of Indian Culture in Santa Fe suggested we go there, she could see me eying the beautiful silver bracelets I saw at the museum. but not finding the right one .I have never worn much jewelry – I like necklaces with crosses that only I can see – and was not willing to spend hundreds of dollars for silver or gold pieces.

Maria thought I might find something at the market, she insisted on our going, so we parked and walked through the beautiful square. I came across a Navajo artist named David Ponte and he asked me what I was looking for and I said I wasn’t sure.

I liked the idea of a bracelet, but the silver and gold pieces seemed too flashy to me. He showed me this copper and silver piece that was under $200 and I liked it, the colors seemed down to earth and his craftsmanship was striking.

Still, I was reluctant. Maria urged me on, saying the piece was beautiful and she could see that I liked it. And I did.  I also wanted something to remind me of New Mexico, which I loved.

Everyone around me was haggling, and I sometimes love to haggle, but not there, not with Mr. Ponte.

I am not comfortable haggling with gifted artists, it seems cheap and unpleasant to me, I think I saw my mother do too much of it.

So I met his asking price, and then, he stood up to shake my hand, and thanked me for that. He showed me the best way to put it on easily, and it has come to mean a lot to me. Every day I wear it, I like it more.

I’m glad I got it. I don’t ever have to take it off, either, unless it makes Maria cold at night. I can wear it i the shower or bath.