Reflection on March 31.

This is my 4th year of participating in the slicing challenge and every March 1, I think "how am I going to find something to write about for 31 days?"  And . . . will each of my slices be "worthy" of a post.  But each day I write, and each day wonderful people make comments even on the slices I don't think are really "worthy"  :-).  It's amazing the inspiration I find reading fellow slicers.  Also, more amazing is the connection I feel to people I have never met face to face.  The connection comes through the stories I read as well through the stories I write.  And for this I am very grateful! It's wonderful that so many people participate, but then it's hard to reach out to everyone's slice.  I guess that's the "good news/ bad news" of this writing community.  Now the Tuesday slice of life will again begin and I can almost guarantee that next Tuesday I will be wracking my brain for something to slice about.  But as always, I can look to others for inspiration! Thanks!

7 Things That Made Last Week Great!

I needed inspiration so what did I do?  Yes, I read some slices and I found inspiration!  Here are 7 things I loved about last week! My list is in no particular order.

1.  My friend came to visit and I loved sharing a few of my favorite things here in New Mexico with her!

2.  I saw the first hummingbird of the season on Friday.  I ran and made some food for the feeder, but he/she hasn't retuned as of yet.  But I know it will!

3.  We planted some flowers, as well as a few herbs and got the yard ready to relax and enjoy.

4.  After numerous trips back and forth to the mall, I finally found a shirt and shoes for my husband for a wedding we have coming up.

5.  My niece called and said she's coming for a visit and bringing a few of her girlfriends!  We love hanging with the girls.

6.  After going back and forth in my mind for months . . . I finally ordered a new laptop and it came on Friday.

7.  We made definite plans and purchased tickets to fly out to Los Angeles to celebrate with my nephew for his 30th birthday in May!

As I look at my list, I am thankful for all the wonderful things that made last week wonderful!  Here's to another great one :-)

For The Love of Pizza!

If you have ever been to Chicago, or at least heard of the great city you must know it is one of the best cities for pizza! It's almost impossible not to love at least one of the famous Chicago pizzas.  I never really "got it" when friends/family would come back to Chicago and the first food item they would want is pizza. Well, NOW I DO!!  There are so many reasons I love New Mexico but pizza is not one of them.  We have asked so many people for pizza recommendations and not a one has come close to a Chicago pizza.  Last night we decided to try yet another recommendation.  We go with no expectation, and hope for the best.  It's sort of funny how while we sit waiting for the pizza, we tell each other not to be picky . . . keep an opened mind, but in the end it just doesn't come close. The pizza last night was not bad, actually it may the best we have had so far, but it's not Chicago.  If you are reading this and think I'm crazy to be making a big deal about pizza then most likely you are not from Chicago ;-)

My Happy Sounds

I was inspired by another slicer for this one . . . Sounds that make me happy.  Here is my list in no particular order.

Ocean waves gently coming to the shore.  I honestly could listen to this all day!  Once my niece was on vacation in Mexico during a very bad winter and she sent me a video of the waves gently coming to the shore.  I would play that video over and over closing my eyes imagining that I was there.

Windchimes- I love the "symphony" in my back yard.  The chimes that are soft and meditative are the best!

Propane Gas that fuels the hot air balloons.  Many mornings we can hear it right from the kitchen window because they are so close!

Seagulls that fly over the ocean.  It's as though they are welcoming the visitors sitting on the beach.

Early spring birds . . . The first time they return and I hear them after winter I always smile.  I hope they know how much I appreciate their return!

A crackling fire while sitting outside looking up at the stars.

Certain songs on my fitness instructor's playlist they motivate me to the next level!

Wonderful Visit with a Wonderful Friend!

Photo walk of my friend's visit.  It was so great to spend time with Griselda and share a few of my favorite things!  Upon arrival we whisked her to Old Town Albaquerque for lunch and a bit of shopping.  The day was warm and sunny . . . Picture perfect.  We came home and relaxed in the yard with a glass of bubbly to welcome her!

Stopping for lunch . . .a favorite activity of course!

First full day started with an early morning cup of coffee and then off to the gym for my favorite class of the 6 we do each week. After all, I said I wanted to share a few of my favorite things!  The class is a high intensity body combat class.  It incorporates boxing, kickboxing, cardio and then about 10 minutes of a killer core workout! It's great fun sweating with a good friend!  But no worries, I made sure we were rewarded with a trip to the therapeutic hot spring afterwards! Another gorgeous day, and another perfect soak in the hot springs.

My cousin, sister and Griselda enjoying the spring!

After dinner we sat around and relaxed and chatted on her last night. But I still had one more day to share another favorite thing before she had to leave in the evening.  We woke up had a nice breakfast then off the Petroglyph National Monument for a 2 mile hike.

A first look at a Petroglyph.

A girl with a BIG heart!

It was a great few days!  But even more important, it was great spending time with a good friend!

Loving Instagram

For a number of years I was a stalker . . . No not that kind!  I was a stalker on Instagram.  I followed my niece, my granddaughters and a few friends.  It was not only fun, but a way to "keep in touch" with their lives through pictures.  Then about 6 months ago ( I know what took me so long) I decided I too should download the app and share my life through pictures!  It's fast, easy and a great way to let all my family and friends know how life is going in New Mexico.  In seconds, they know the wonderful places I've discovered, new restaurants/foods (like green and red chilies) we've grown fond of, as well as the awesome scenery that surrounds me.  I love the connection Instagram allows me to have with the people I love who are now far away!

Hello There . . .

Thanks Leigh Anne for this inspiration!  

I am a member of a fabulous family

I keep cards when special messages are hand written in them

I wish all good things for people

I love living in New Mexico now that I'm retired

I think if you do good things, good will come back to you

I really love seeing the mountains everyday

I need very little since retiring

I should have a little more patience with my hubby at times

I can work out 6 days a week now that I am retired

I always try to be kind and respectful to people

I like-- no LOVE when family and friends come out to visit so I can share the beauty here

Balloons

Colorful Giants

Gliding Slowly Through The Sky

Peaceful To Gaze At

Book Club

When we moved in to our new home we decided to have a "meet the neighbor get together". The night of the party, we asked if any of the neighbors were interested in starting a book club.  The response was great and we actually have a co-ed book club with about 14 people.  Tonight is our first meeting since reading the book, "The Light I Cannot See".  I've never been in a book club before so I'm really excited about it! After reading the book, I have to say I enjoyed  the beginning and loved the end of the book but I feel like the middle dragged a bit and was a little wordy.  I'm really interested in hearing the groups take on the book and to hear a different perspective... You know...  did I miss some deeper message? It isn't my "normal" pick for a book so maybe it was just me "stepping outside the box" and I wasn't prepared.  I'm interested in hearing if anyone has read the book and what you thought of it?

A Whole Lot Of Planting

Today my day flew by!  After yoga this morning went to buy some flowers to plant . . . Picture walk of some of them!

Pear cactus

Could not wait to start some herbs! Basil, cilantro, chives and oregano.

Two tomato plants until I make my raised bed organic garden!

Friday Afternoon . . .

When we moved here one of the "events" we did with our first visitors was a wine tasting at Gruet Winery.  In fact, the couple that came actually did a wine tasting at Gruet close to 30 years ago!  We loved the different wines that we tasted and had so much fun we decided to become members.  One of the best features of the membership for us is that we save on shipping because it's only about 20 minutes from our house.  Yesterday my sister, cousin and I went to Gruet to pick up the order.  Another advantage of the membership is free wine tastings when you go into the winery  Soooo, of course we sat down and tried a sparkling wine and a Cabernet, which is a new wine for Gruet.  Both of the wines were delicious!  But really one of the best parts was sitting and chatting with one of the wine servers named Justin.  It just warms my heart when young adults are polite, interesting and engaging.  Not only did he share his knowledge and passion for wine, but also some hopes for his future plans.  It was a wonderful way to spend a couple of hours on a Friday afternoon! Next Friday evening we are going to attend a wine class and tasting which will be hosted by Laurent Gruet!

Mountains

I am so fortunate to be able to see mountains all around me since moving to New Mexico! I have a wonderful view from the front of my house and of course when driving in my car. At sunset the mountains have a red hue to them which is spectacular! There is something so magical about them.

Mountains . . .

Majestic

Ever changing 

 Black silhouettes that appear far, far away

To . . .

Larger than life 

So close they seem touchable

Mountains . . .

Mesmerizing 

Breathless

They take hold of  me

One of nature's best . . .

Mountains

View out front

Had to add this after playing around with new app Michelle  shared the other day!

Friend's Visit

In less than a week, a friend I used to work with is coming to visit! Griselda was the social worker at the school, and we became fast friends while working together on a behavioral program our school was adopting. We connected on many different levels and supported each other during a scary time for each of us.  She no longer works at that school, as she is now an assistant principal at another school.  I have so much I want to share and show her but am worried the few days she is here are not going to be enough! Im really thankful she is coming and I want her to enjoy every minute she is here! I'm trying to be really creative and not jam too many activities into a day, because I want her to be able to relax a little too.  I love when friends come out to visit, because that is definitely the draw back of moving away.  Even though there is email, phone calls, texts and Instagram it's not the same. I hope to share some of her trip while she is here!
BTW to everyone who read my slice yesterday . . . Haircut went very well!  No wine but they do offer tea and you get a head massage at the start of your appointment!

A New Hairdresser

I'm a little nervous today . . . a little nervous because today is the day I'm getting my first haircut here!  I know this may sound crazy to some, but I had a wonderful relationship with my last hairdresser in Chicago.  Whenever I went to see him, we would talk non stop about, well everything and even more important I LOVED the way he cut my hair! In fact, there were times we would share a glass of wine together as he cut my hair!  The last haircut I had was in December when my husband and I went back for a visit.  To say I'm a bit over due is an understatement! So today is the day, the day I try someone  new, someone I have no connection with, someone who, may not cut my hair the way I like.  I know it's crazy, but I feel like I'm being disloyal in some way . . .   But . . . I'll go in today with a positive attitude, try not to compare the two of them and then suggest that a nice touch is  to offer clients a glass of wine! "Wink . . .wink"

Planting Fever Hit

Planting fever hit big time yesterday and who can blame me with temps hitting the 70's lately!  I couldn't help myself from hitting the Lowes for a few new plants.  All the way to the store I was talking to myself, it still is a little early so be careful what you buy. . . Flowers that like cool weather only, because this is the desert and temps do drop in the evening this time of year.  As I pull up to the store, a giant semi filled with plants is waiting to be emptied. I could feel my heart race a little, but again I reminded myself, stick to the plan Lynn, stick to the plan.  I love this time of year when I can dig my hands in the dirt and create a beautiful new look around the house.  I can happily say I stuck to the plan, bought some cool weather flowers and a plant/bush for the ground that I was assured would be ok.  Here are a few pics!

A type of Daisy 

Pretty Pansy's

Dwarf Burford Holly

New Mexico

N ever ending sunshine
E  every night awesome sunsets
W eather is the best, and yes we have 4 seasons

M ountains, I can't stop talking about them
E nergize by walking on the many awesome trails
X marks the spot as the place to visit if you haven't thus far
I t's the Land of Enchantment- Once here you will understand
C olorful balloons fill the sky many days of the year
O oodles of wineries to enjoy

A Slice That Just Happened . . .

Ok it's my turn . . . What to write, what to write? Today is my turn for no words and no stories. It's early and I'm sitting looking out back at this big beautiful sky, sun shinning brightly trying to get some inspiration.  My mind is sort of all over the place this morning as I wait to leave for yoga.  I really love yoga and am so glad I found a teacher here that I really like as well.  I think it is very important to feel a connection of sorts with your yoga teacher. His/ her voice has to be pleasant to listen to, since a lot of the practice of yoga is done with your eyes closed. To me it's important that your teacher allows your practice to be just that "your practice". Chris, my teacher is constantly telling us this, and reminding us to listen to your own body.  I walk out of class feeling so relaxed inside and out.  My mind is clear and I'm ready, ready for the day!  Well look at this, I found a slice to share!  Namaste...

Truer Word Have Not Been Spoken

       “A sure way to lift oneself up is by helping to lift someone else.” -Booker T. Washington

I L.O.V.E. the above quote, which was on the SOL site on day 12.  I can really connect to the words because it happens to me each day when I go visit my aunt in the nursing home.  When we moved out here my cousins brought my aunt and found a wonderful place for her to live near our home.  We have become very close to some of the ladies that live their as well.  Each time I go, I make sure to spend time visiting with the ladies who have become like family.  They love it when I ask for restaurant suggestions, ask about their families, or just sit together outside in the courtyard admiring the mountains.  It brightens their day and mine!  Although it saddens me to see my aunt failing a bit, when I can get her to laugh and act silly it just warms my heart up!  

Quick Take on American Idol

I'm coming clean, I have been watching American Idol this season.  I watched the first couple of seasons and then stopped for no real reason.  But as I sit here tonight watching the amazing talent of these young people I am just in awe.  If you watch Idol from the beginning, you learn the life stories of the contestants and feel the passion they have for music.  You watch how they grow and step up to the challenge.  The contestants this year are young, multi talented and hungry to win!  Looking at Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr. isn't bad either :-).

Part 2 . . . And I Was NOT Disappointed!

If you read my post yesterday, you know I was anticipating an adventure to a place I have been looking forward to for a while.  I was not disappointed! The drive to our destination was breathtaking! It was some of the prettiest areas that I have seen since moving here to New Mexico.  Nestled  in the mountain village of Jemez Springs is a therapeutic hot spring called Giggling Springs.  The mineral-rich waters (about 10 different minerals) are heated by fires deep within the earth.  It was so serene with a zen like feel from the moment you arrived. Soaking in the waters with the sound of the Jemez River about 20 feet away and surrounded by the Jemez Mountains was just amazing!  I can't wait to return and share it with my friends!  We already have dates scheduled for when friends come at the end of March, early April and the end of April!   Enjoy the photos!

Drive to Jemez

Drive to Jemez

Walking in to springs    

The mineral pool

One more view of pool

Part 1 . . .The Anticipation

Today's slice is a two parter, the first part is about the  anticipation, because I've been wanting to do this for a while.  I first heard about it a few months ago, I heard about it from quite a few people.  I went online to check it out for myself. The pictures looked amazing, just what I imagined, just what I had hoped for. I  was delighted to see it's only about one hour away from home. It's only open Wednesday through Sunday this time of year so today is the day we are finally going!  I know I won't be disappointed, I know I'm going to love this, I know this is going to be an awesome place to bring friends when they come to visit!  I love finding new places that I can share with them.  Well I'm off to get ready before the anticipation drives me crazy!   Come back tomorrow when I share the actual experience . . .

New Day

Sunrise . . .

The chance for a fresh start

The chance for a "do over"

The chance to challenge yourself

The chance to experience something new, even if it's scary

The chance to be a little better person than you were the day before

The chance to love and be loved

The chance to forgive

The chance to feel fortunate that you are seeing a new sunrise 

Sunset . . . 

The chance to reflect on the day and feel good about what you did do and not beat yourself up for 

what you could have done . . . Because if we are lucky we always have another chance tomorrow 

One of the many sunsets I am lucky enough to enjoy!

What a Difference a Day Makes

Yesterday . . .
I woke up to this cute little face waiting for me to feed her.

Today . . .
I wake up, to my work out clothes and gym shoes

Yesterday . . .
I heard the traffic and street noise

Today . . .
I hear the quiet

Yesterday . . .
I saw dozens of people briskly walking

Today . . .
I saw colorful balloons soaring.                                                                            

Yesterday . . .
I was able to give my niece a giant hug and kiss

Today . . .
I text her xoxoxo xoxoxoxo miss you

Yesterday . . .
I was bundled up with hat and gloves

Today . . .
The temps are near 70 with a bright blue sky

Chelsea Market

In an earlier post I mentioned one of the best things about being retired is the ability to be spontaneous!  Heck that's how we ended up coming to New York.  Well when we were getting ready to go back home it happened again.  We were to take the red eye Friday night.  However, about 3 hours before we were to leave I looked at my sister and said, "hey why do we have to leave? Lyndsey is off the next couple of days. Let's see if we can change out tickets and stay through the weekend!" And we did! So instead of returning to beautiful New Mexico, we went to a yummy brunch with one of the best Bloody Mary's I've ever had and from there we went into Manhatten to Chelsea Market, An  unbelievable place with wine bars, bakeries, mini mart with food from all over the world, coffee shop, tea store, a donut shop with a 20 minute wait for a donut, a chocolate store, a meat market, fish market including a lobster store!  An amazing experience which I highly recommend to if you are planning a trip to New York.