It’s only day one and I already love where this project is headed.  Today Angela and I tested our cameras and became more familiar with our equipment. We spoke to Maclovia and became more familiar with Nani. While the day was laid back, our learning was rich.  Both women are fascinating in their own ways. What I find most intriguing about all that we learned today has been the authenticity of this project.

Maclovia is the real deal.  When you think of an authentic, native healer, Maclovia is her. She’s lived many years in many places, always with her knowledge of herbalism.  She’s met many dear friends, has raised many children, and simply enjoys healing others.  When Maclovia looks to cure a patient, she goes out into her garden, finds the proper plant, and harvests it.  I asked her today, “what herbs cure anxiety?” and she named three.

Maclovia’s business is for healing, not for profit. While she makes a living off of selling her herbs, money isn’t the purpose of her endeavors. Today, a frequent customer came into the shop to get a plant for her eyes. When she asked Maclovia how much she owed her, Maclovia responded, “nothing!” She explained to me that the client brought her a different plant the previous week and that was enough compensation.  Her granddaughter, Burna Dette explained it best. She explained to us how her grandmother has a gift and spends her life sharing her gift with other people in the community. When people stumble upon her gift, they are able to tell the authenticity she provides.

The most authentic part of Maclovia’s life is the love she has for her family. She spent 30 minutes today showing Angela and I a photo album of her entire extended family. In fact, her brother-in-law started the pharmacy, making it a family business. When Maclovia moved back to Albuquerque, her brother in law asked her to help at the shop. Every since she started working, Tom and Maclovia worked together using pharmaceuticals and herbs alongside each other to heal patients. After Tom passed away, the pharmacy focuses on herbs. Her daughter works behind the counter and her husband takes care of busy work. The whole family helps around the shop when needed; including cousins and grandchildren.

Nani calls Maclovia a “hidden gem,” of the community. While I agree with Nani, I think the true gem in this project is Nani herself.

Nani is a breath of fresh air. Her outlooks on life are so genuine that you find yourself admiring all that she has accomplished. Her artwork has beautiful stories and abstract meanings, including this current project.  What I find most alluring is Nani’s portrayal of powerful women. She is constantly juxtaposing vibrant women with eloquent nature. This narrative is very similar to Nani’s since she herself is a strong woman who respects plants and her surroundings.

Nani keeps expressing that she wants this piece to bring recognition to an important person in the community. She hopes that when people pass by the mural they ask, “who is that woman, why is she on that wall?”  I have enjoyed watching Nani give Maclovia recognition because I believe Maclovia is just as strong and powerful as Nani.  The mural has sparked life into the shop as well; the local newspaper gave Maclovia recognition for her talents and work.

If more people had outlooks and values like Nani’s, the world would be a more peaceful place.  She truly fights for equality for everyone and everything. For this particular mural, she finds a way to remind the community of this incredible woman we must respect and acknowledge. In addition, Nani adds to the mural plants that grow naturally in the community to help others appreciate what they already have.

My hopes of gaining life experience from this internship are already being fulfilled. I’m excited for what the rest of this week has to come!