A Step Forward For Taos
Hello Taos Community, my name is Sorchè Morgan, the creator and founder of Hum Media LLC and The HumMagazine. I have been in Taos for nearly six years, and no matter how many times I have left this place, these mountains and familiar faces call me back, they call me home. So I keep coming back, reclaiming the space that was made for me to contain here.Taos is home. However, I'm originally from Chattanooga, TN, but very far removed.
You see, when I was young, I had dreams of travel, dreams of adventure, dreams of experiencing the unknown, and that's precisely what I did. I am one of ten kids and was also home schooled, which was such a blessing because a lot of my identity was developed in my childhood home walls, where I taught myself things like classical piano, making silly homemade videos,and even teaching myself advanced gymnastics. I spent a lot of time learning and absorbing the world around me through a tiny lens,the internet or the little interactions I got with the neighborhood kids. Anything that peaked my curiosity , I tried it. But you see, whatI was really teaching myself was discipline, bravery, and strength for the unknown, for I had no idea just what life had in store for me. I like to describe myself as a "Jack of all trades," and master of none.
when I left home, I never looked back. I took off like a rocket ship, diving deep into every new experience thatI could. Because For me, this was the first time that I had stepped out into a new world on my own, without my parents leading my decisions.However, I quickly learned of my differences compared to what some call "normal society" or "Social Norms." I found myself living a life watching from the outside. I didn't fit in. Some would say that I was too loud and proud and shared too much excitement for life and challenge. Others deemed me useless because they didn't know how to understand me or control me. Soon, I became just another lost soul, moving from place to place, packing with me my regrets and rejections. I soon learned of the bitter taste of loneliness, a dark hidden place within each of us.
Crawling Out Of A Shell
My appetite for adventure never left me, in any case. Every new place that I visited brought some new sense of hope. I have traveled across thirty-six U.S states, living the nomadic life. This brought profound, insightful clarity into my purpose and shed light onto my talents. I have also traveled across seventeen countries and practiced with spiritual leaders to wakening my highest well being.Every decision that I made, every tear that I cried, and every prayer that I prayed led me to Taos, New Mexico.
Taos was a place that has been waiting for me, even before I was born. Somehow somewhere, I have been here many times. I feel whole when I am here. And I yearn for Taos when I am away. Taos gives me the same sense of safety, much like the safety I felt as a child growing up in my hometown. I have been able to settle here and appreciate my talents once again and even teach myself some brand new things. The people of Taos have shared their uniqueness with me and given me space to embrace my differences. It's here that I became the light to my own darkness.
The images that you see in this magazine are raw, unedited, and caught in the perfect moment. These individuals brought me a great appreciation for my community and the people in it as I rewrite their stories. I have always had a creative mind. I remember the first time I picked up a professional camera and took my first shot. I asked myself, "Does everyone's photos look this cool?!" then knew that photography and capturing beautiful moments were something that I would forever do. It truly is an emotional connection when I look through that camera lens. Someone told me once upon a time that I was the product and that my destiny was to serve others, to give. This magazine came to life at one of my darkest times. I felt hopeless and useless, so I found a way to channel my talents. I filled this magazine with lots of colors, and suddenly my life became very colorful and beautiful. I have given these amazing people a platform. They have lifted me up as I lift them. I hope that others reading this magazine will get the same feelings of gratitude, fascination, and appreciation for such fantastic talent displayed within these pages.
A Gift For Taos
Now, it's my turn to give a gift to Taos. The Hum Magazine was designed to bring the community out of the hidden dark place, loneliness. This pandemic, COVID 19, this year 2020, has been a very lonely place for many. So many have lost their lives alone. And as winter approaches and we are encouraged to stay within our homes, let us not be lonely. Because there is a hum that not only speaks, but it listens. It tells your story to strangers, family, and friends. The Hum is a uniting experience, bringing a community together in strength because weakness and defeat have never been apart of Tao's history.
The Hum Magazine features your neighbor, the person you see at the grocery store, your friend, or your family. The Hum Magazine sheds light on people just being people. We all have goals,struggles, wins, and failures. We are all the same. I hope by reading The Hum Magazine, you can appreciate the bravery of each individual stepping forward and offering their skills, business, and talents with Taos. Everyone has a story, and The Hum Magazine would love to hear yours and share it with the community. I call this magazine emotional color because it's bright and vibrant. With every new story, there's a beautiful face to match it. Their stories are raw and unedited. I have been so privileged and honored to know these people who live right here in Taos and are still pursuing incredible things that help keep people connected. So I have one question for you, Taos? Have you heard about the hum? On behalf of Hum Media LLC and The Hum Magazine, please help me recognize and honor the participants in November's issue of The Hum Magazine.
Sorche@thehummedia.com