Jan Showers Notebook

FEBRUARY                 What can I say about February?  It used to be my least favorite month of the year, but now I see it differently.  The deadliest part of winter does mean that spring is on the way, doesn't it?  All of those bulbs are so going to be so fragrant and fresh--- and we know it won't be long.                      We usually go to St. Barth's in January, but there wasn't time this year with book tour dates and installations for clients.  Jim and I decided to go to Santa Fe to the new Auberge resort, Encantado.  For those of you familiar with Santa Fe, it is on the property where Rancho Encantado was for many years.  It was a magical place---Robert Redford lived there when he was shooting "Milagro Beanfield War" and Grace Kelly loved bringing her children there when they were small.  She wanted to expose them to places in the U.S. that she loved.     Princess Grace and Prince Rainier with their children.  The owner of Rancho Encantado was a woman named Betty Egan.  She held court every evening in the bar, along with her dogs and her sons.  Going to Rancho was always magical for me and the views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains is truly a spiritual experience.   Rancho fell into disrepair after Betty died in the early 90's and deteriorated.  So when it was purchased by The Canyon Group, they had to scrape the buildings and start over.  One of my favorite hospitality firms was responsible for the interiors---Wilson and Associates.   It is absolutely stunning and still charming in a much more modern way.   Here are some views of the new Encantado Resort:       When Jim and I arrived, this is what it looked like. I have never seen such beautiful snow!       Their spa is fabulous and one of the reasons we wanted to stay there.    A great way to start February!!   ANNOUNCEMENT   Jan Showers has started the process of developing a new website-we are very excited to be working with The Old State.  They are so creative and are wonderful collaborators.  The new site will be up and running by May 1.  You will be able to see every antique we have at Jan Showers & Associates on Slocum Street in the Dallas Design District along with several other new features.  Stay tuned.