Tied to the Post

It’s black and white

It started with a “Splat,” then came “Black Hole,” “Boomerang,” and most recently, “Diné Diamonds.” What can all those things possibly have in common? Well, when it comes to Twin Rocks Trading Post, the likely answer is Navajo baskets, and baskets it is. First, a little context. Several years ago,...

The irony of ignorance

As I look back on the early days of Twin Rocks Trading Post, I am reminded what Orson Welles said shortly after the release of his cinematic masterpiece Citizen Kane. When asked what allowed him to write, produce, direct, and star in Kane, the 26-year-old novice filmmaker commented that ignorance...

Druids in our midst: The Winter Solstice celebration in Bluff

Tied to the Post Throughout the ages, cultures around the world have found their own way of celebrating the Winter Solstice, that point in the year when the sun reverses its southern course and days begin to lengthen. This event marks the beginning of a new year and new possibilities. Bluff, as...

Sacred places

It was early, pre-dawn as I trudged across what remained of the old alfalfa field toward the deer stand in the cottonwood tree along Spring Creek. The morning was frosty, caused by air currents rolling over and down the flanks of Blue Mountain to the west. The bitter draft kept finding its way...

Whose story is it anyway?

TIED TO THE POST Of all the people we work with, Dennis Ross is one of our all-time favorites. Our fondness for him is not necessarily based in his artistic talents; it is mostly about the way he conducts his life. Biologically, Dennis is half Navajo and half Hopi, which makes for an interesting...

Hastiin

I had a disturbing and thought-provoking encounter last week, and it has been on my mind ever since. I had just been relieved from a morning stint at the café and while pushing through the glass doors to exit the building, I ran into an old friend. He was coming up the front steps for lunch. I have...

Try if you might

Who knew that a massive accumulation of tiny, delicate snowflakes could bring down a barbed wire fence? Most farmers and ranchers, I suspect. I thought the fence would simply become encased within said snowdrift until the spring thaw released it in fine fashion. Not true! The heavy and malicious...

A strong, steady patriarch moves on

Papa Duke passed on Sunday. Our strong and steady patriarch has slipped away. Dad grew up fast and hard, which taught him how to survive and gifted him with a desire and determination to improve his lot in life. Our father’s motto could easily have been “Buy, sell, trade, while focusing on...

My life as a leaf

TIED TO THE POSTby Steve & Barry Simpson A while ago, I was thumbing through an old issue of Southwestern Art magazine when I noticed an advertisement for a bronze sculpture. The sculpture looked interesting, so I paused for a closer look. The ad showed three men sitting beneath a...

Thunderbolts and lightning

TIED TO THE POSTby Steve & Barry Simpson White hot bolts of lightning bee-bopped across the darkened horizon, as we topped out on the south side of Devil’s Canyon. It looked as if an electrified game of pin ball was being played above the torn and ragged, moisture-laden clouds. I...