Reflections of the St. James Hotel Cimarron New Mexico

As I pulled up to this tan Adobe hotel in the small town of Cimarron NM I could almost hear the whip and chains of a Stagecoach coming to a stop just up the road. The St. James Hotel (originally called the Lambert Hotel) part of the Santa Fe Trail was a stop of famous names from the Wild West. With Wyatt Earp, Doc Holiday, Annie Oakley, and Clay Allison, and many others sleeping and well shooting their way into history; I crossed into the lobby wishing I had a colt .44 on my hip. A bobcat and one of the largest Buffalo heads I have ever seen greets you, with furniture that has been a part of the hotel since it opened back in the late eighteen hundreds let me know this was going to be more than just a stay in a hotel.
The feel of this hotel is that of the past, long hallways with rooms and community bathrooms really not much has changed from its heyday boasting as one of the most elegant hotels west of the Mississippi. No Television in your room, and the wireless internet really only works in the lobby. This Hotel really is a place to escaping into the past, and brush the modern world off you like dust at the door. Some of the rooms are just beds, but all made to help you rest. My wife and I stayed in Room twenty three the Waite Phllips Suite, a King size bed with a mattress to die for; a little sitting room off from the bathroom and an old fashion claw foot tub; but each room holds its own little feature to make it unique.
Around every corner not only did I find more to explore but a place to just sit and talk, hang with friends, or just enjoy the peace and quiet. The hotel has two floors each with their own walk tour down history; on the walls are pictures from the hotel, and the town of Cimarron’s past. A long stairway leads to you the second floor, where you can spend time playing cards in the poker room, or sit in the hall next to T.J’s room one of the past owners who was shot only to died three days later from his wounds. His room number eighteen is known by the staff as the most haunted spots in the building, they keep it locked at all times and no one is allowed to rent it out. Many of the staff will take whiskey up to the door and down a shot in honor of his loss. Each room still are open with a key, showing signs of the hotels past, with a Transom Window hand panted with scenes of the Wild West; just adds to the home feel to this hotel. Time has taken its toll on this hotel, but I felt it only added to the charm and love you could feel from its walls.
The Bar and restaurant is just off the lobby, offering food that is an authentic taste of New Mexico. A fire place in the middle of the restaurant, rifles hanging from the wall, its hard wood floors; painting’s hang from the walls of the gunmen from the west. The bar is not just a place to get a beer, but is a full bar, and could be called the town hall, with the mayor, and town Sheriff talking to guest and town members over a beer. Bewared Drunkenness is prohibited but a good time is required by all. Really how could you not in this place where the staff is not just nice but have just as much fun as you. When you eat in the restaurant be ready for real food, not some small portion but steaks that could be a side of beef, chicken full of flavor and plump. All made with the same care and love you feel from all the staff. I look forward to heading back soon, just to relax and enjoy the company of some new friends. When you’re looking for some time away from all the madness going on these days it is worth the trip to relax, enjoy the hospitality, make some new friends, and maybe if you are lucky meet some ghost from the past.

First part of the St. James Chapter

Here is the first paragraph to the first chapter to the St. James Hotel. SO much has happen the first night I think I could write a book just on it. I am so looking forward to one more night at the St. James Hotel and I have to tell you it is so worth the drive. I love this place the history, the energy and well the food is fantastic. I am telling you next time you want to do a road trip head on down to New Mexico and check this place out. I really cant say anything bad about the place other than they serve Pepsi not coke, and we all know how I feel about that. SO here you go the first Paragraph to St. James Hotel

I sat in the hall, recorder in hand watching red flowered wallpaper peal from age, asking one of past owners J.T who supposedly haunts the hotel “Did you play poker with any gunslinger?” as the corner of my eye registers the slightest movement. I was alone on the second floor there was no way I could be seeing what was now walking down this historical hall towards me, a man dressed in chaps, boots, and spurs. I forced myself not to blink for the fear of this moment being missed; a spiritual apparition strolling from history so clear I could see his spurs spin with each steep! I found myself holding my breath and my eyes moving with each of his ghostly steeps. As he passed in front of me I fought the urge to stick out my foot only stopping myself with the knowledge that I may trip him and end up dead at his fast hand and gun I was sure still hung from his hip. Slowly I watched him dissipate as the one light burning down the hall faded into him. My adventures this weekend were sure to be full of excitement. Yes I could think of no where better to begin my paranormal exploration of one of the most historical states in the Wild West New Mexico.

Things I learned from my father

1. Chivalry is not dead just in a slight coma.
2. Even when you’re surrounded by turkeys you can still soar like an eagle.
3. A hardware store is a great place to learn about the birds and the bees.
4. Laugh when you can, sleep if you must but always stand by your friends.
5. Art is everywhere you just are not looking heard enough.
6. MTV may stand for Music Television but this video makes no sense.
7. Movies are good but the BOOK will always be better.
8. No matter what you can still play tennis in an orange sweat suit, and kick ass.
9. There is more to music than just a tune.
10. Everyone will find their end of a rainbow, and if the pot is empty make soup.

Marked for life and loving it

SO I did it! Yes and well I am sort of proud of it, this last Tuesday I got my very first Tattoo. I have to say for years I have wanted one, but was always worried and well let’s face it scared %$*less. For all the build up and fear I had in my head I have to say WHY after the first needle it was like someone rubbing sandpaper on my skin. I was lucky to find a fantastic artist new here in Salt Lake Vinnie the owner of Rebirth Tattoo. He has been doing it for almost 19 years and owns two shops one here in Salt Lake and one in Alaska.
This guy is not just an artist he is honored to put his mark on your skin. I have always felt that tattoos should be something personal and have some meaning, so I went with an Ankh with Wasatch Paranormal written around it; then a Roman numeral one on each side. Now the Ankh for my brothers in Demolay, Wasatch Paranormal for the best damn paranormal team I know, and the roman numerals for two hundred books sold.
I have to say Vinnie put me at easy and I felt like he could work on my arm forever, but it only took around forty five minutes. He loves what he does and is very proud of what he does, this is not just money for him you are a piece of canvas, and you are a walking gallery for Vinnie and his work. With everyone saying once you get your first Tattoo you will always want one more and I think they are right Maybe a TARDIS on the chest, who knows I have a lot of skin to work with.
SO if you’re in the Salt Lake area go check out Rebirth Tattoo on the corner of 300 west and 600 south, tell him Residual Haunting sent you and he will do you a great deal.