Meow Wolf . . .

Planning a trip to New Mexico?  If so, you must go up to Santa Fe and visit "Meow Wolf, House of Eternal Return."  The experience is something that is almost impossible to describe and if I could, I would not be able to give justice to the experience!  There were about 50 people that came together and collaborated to "create immersive, multimedia combination of jungle gym, haunted house, children's museum, and art experiences that transport audiences of all ages into fantastic realms of storytelling." Here is the website if you would like to take a look.  www.meowwolf.com  I leave you with some "advice" from Meow Wolf . . .

Always Trust First

Branch Out Into Amazement

It's All About Collaboration

There is Always a Place For Ideas

Creativity is Everything

Stay Open to Discovery

Interact with the World

Go Through Portals of Possibility

2 Years Ago

2 years ago . . . 

I retired from teaching, a job I truly loved

2 years ago . . . 

I packed up and sold my house of 30 years

2 years ago . . . 

I had to say goodbye to 40 plus year friends

2 years ago . . . 
I bought a one way ticket to New Mexico

2 years ago . . . 

I was filled with all kinds of emotions thinking about the new life we were about to begin

2 years ago . . . 

We moved in to our new home and settled in to our new life

Today, I think back . . .

And realize as much as I miss the kiddos, it's good to be away from the stress

Today, I think back . . .

How our new home feels really good and many new memories have been already been made

Today, I think back . . .

How my friends will always be in my heart no matter how many miles separate us, but we have made some really good friends here

Today, I think back . . .

And I am amazed how fast these 2 years have gone by, but very thankful for the many friends that have come so that I can share a little part of this wonderful place I now call home!

One of our many beautiful sunsets!

The Sandia Mountains

Red Rock Festival

Just came off a really nice weekend, which is always really nice!  On Saturday, we had friends over to celebrate the holiday weekend.  A lot of laughs, good food and drink with really good people!  On Sunday, a bunch of us went up to Jemez Springs for the annual Red Rock Festival.  It was set in the beautiful red rocks of the Jemez Mountains which is just breathtaking!  There was beautiful arts and crafts, Native American Dancers and singers and great food.  Some of the pottery and pieces of art was amazing. . . . such talent! There was even a wonderful tribute to honor our countries Vets! Again, what better way to spend a day than with people you enjoy being with!

Happy Memorial Day!

Just a few of the vendors

An Indian Taco . . .it was very yummy!

Mars Experience

I was all set to write about the awesome experience of seeing Mars on Sunday night.  My step-son flew in for the weekend and was as excited as me to go out after sunset and view Mars . . . After all, it was to be a phoneme, a phoneme that doesn't happen often.  We read a bunch of articles throughout the day, figuring out which direction we would need to focus our attention, and we even borrowed my cousin's brand new telescope.  One of the articles said Mars could  almost be the size of a full moon.  So out we went just after sunset, picked the spot to focus the telescope and waited . . . and waited . . . and then it appeared.  Well, we think it appeared, a pin head dot about the size of a small star. Yes, it had a red tinge to it, especially seeing it through the telescope, but was no bigger than an average star.  It was disappointing to say the least, but we did see the moon rise over the mountains which was spectacular.  A bright light appeared behind the mountains just before a sliver of the moon appeared.  Mars, was a bit of a bust, but the spectacular moon rise made up for it!  Here is a picture taken with my phone (so not great quality) just after the moon rose above the mountains.  Yea, if you look really closely the tiny dot to the right is Mars!

Thanks To the Scientists!

Since I am a five year cancer survivor, I felt I must speak about the miraculous treatment that was discovered for a vicious brain cancer using the polio virus!  If you missed it, 60 Minutes broadcast the story on Sunday night.  The scientist who has been working on this for some 20 years has had such great success in the first phase of the study, the FDA wants to fast tract the treatment so many others can hopefully become part of this study and beat this cancer.  Hearing this news makes me so thankful for the men and women who work tirelessly trying to find the "magic" that will beat this horrible disease.  I know there are so many other diseases that are still years away from discovering the "magic" but this gives me so much hope that in time fewer and fewer people will lose what ever  fight they are facing. Unfortunately I am not doing this story justice, so please if you haven't heard about seen the special, google  "60 Minutes Brain Cancer Research.

Tis The Season

It's been a few weeks, but I have been busy!  Another trip to California to help my niece move. She just started a new job and had no time to pack and unpack so we were happy to go help. Since coming home have been very busy planting the veggie garden and cleaning up the plants all around the house.  To my delight, some of the plants around the house our exploding with new growth! The one that I was especially thrilled with is one of our cacti.  This particular cactus was given to us from my brother who lives in Chicago as a going away gift before we moved!  Yes, this is true, a cacti that lives in Chicago and comes back every year.  Hopefully this year, it will bloom with beautiful flowers!

This was the cactus last year.

This is the same cactus this year!

The Wait

Fill it up . . . and they will come

So, I boiled the sugar in water,

let the liquid cool,

gently filled it up

and hung it back on the hook

And I patiently waited . . .

and waited . . .

and waited . . .

As the sun began to set, and my excitement began to wane

I reminded myself  . . .

I Filled it up . . . and they will come

Letter to SOL Friends

SOL Day 31


Dear SOL Friends,

Today ends our month long celebration, of writing and sharing bits of our lives, our hopes, our dreams and our families.  I am still amazed at the slices that made me laugh, pulled at my heartstrings and the slices that taught me more than a few things.  I only wish I could have read more, but with over 300 people, we all know it would just not be possible.  I loved the different formats that so many of you used, so creative, so fun to read!  It was wonderful being connected again with friends even though many miles separate us as well as making new connections.  I also wanted to thank all of you who took the time to read and comment on the various stories I wanted to share.  As someone said to me, it keeps me going, it keeps me writing.  Now that the month is over, we can all become a little less obsessed, (and I mean this in the most positive way) with writing and reading each day.  But let's not forget to stay tuned to the beauty that surrounds us and the little things in our daily lives that make us smile, or not.  We all still have many stories that need to be told.  Hope to see you soon on the SOL on Tuesdays!

Hugs From New Mexico,
Lynn

Memories Flood My Heart Today

SOL Day 30

Yesterday started out like any other day.  First, I went to my weight training class, (UGH) came home, and while eating breakfast thought about what my day would look like.  The fruit bowl on the counter gave me an idea!  There were quite a few bananas that were far too ripe for me to eat, so what do I do?  Of course, I'll make gluten free banana bread for my niece Lyndsey! Since I'll be going back to California in a few weeks to help her move it will work out perfectly!  So I scanned the internet looking for the perfect gluten free recipe. As I  was mixing and measuring the ingredients, all I kept thinking about was my niece. . .

I thought about . . . how I have always been a part of all the important and not so important events in her life

I thought about . . . how proud I was of her when she was accepted to NYU

I thought about . . . what a beautiful human being she is, so kind and caring, passionate about what she does and how she can light up a room.

I thought about . . . her beautiful smile and how at 29 years old she still loves when I hug and kiss her to death.

I thought about . . . how when I had lost all my hair because of chemo treatments, she looked at me, cupped my face ever so gently and said how beautiful I was

I thought about . . . whenever I tell her I have a new wrinkle she laughs and says "oh aunti, you are still beautiful

I thought about . . . how happy I am that she moved from New York and now lives in California, because it is so much closer to New Mexico

I thought about . . . how much she loves her sweets, and how much she will appreciate my efforts

I thought about . . . how I would send her a picture of the banana breads right after they came out of the oven

I thought about . . . what her response would be . . . and I was exactly right . . .

Oh Thank you! Looks so yummy! along with a dozen emoji hearts and kisses!

Funny, how a simple task today took over my heart with so many memories!

Some pans had chocolate chips.

Big Fat Greek Wedding

SOL Day 29


This past weekend I went to see "The Big Fat Greek Wedding #2" along with some members of my Greek family!  Although the movie portrays how us crazy Greeks can behave, I'm sure other groups can identify with the movie just as we did.  There were 5 of us and we all really enjoyed the movie.  Was it an academy award winning film, probably not, but we laughed, got a little teary eyed and walked out of the theatre with smiles on our faces.  We talked about how sometimes, movies can be exactly that, just plain fun without violence and suspense!  I can guarantee if you saw and enjoyed the first, "Big Fat Greek Wedding" you will  enjoy this one as well. After all, what's not to like about family support, family love and the few goofs that make up families!

4 More Days

SOL Day 28

4 More Days . . .

and the March Challenge of writing each day will end until next year

4 More Days . . .
and I won't be reading about others' lives each day

4 More Days . . .
and I wonder if I'll get complacent in what I see and hear 

4 More Days . . .

and I'll go back to only writing on Tuesdays 

4 More Days . . .

and we will start preparing for a friend's visit

4 More Days . . .

and the veggie garden will be open for planting 

4 More Days . . .

and I'll be making my first batch of humming bird food in anticipation of their return

4 More Days . . .

and I'll start planting some flower pots

4 More Days . . .

and I'm sure other things will pop up needing my attention

Chicago Pizza

SOL Day Day 27

If you've read my blog you know I lived in the Chicago area my whole life up until 2 years ago.  If you know anything about Chicago, one of the things it's famous for besides a beautiful lake front, wonderful museums, theatre as good as Broadway is of course PIZZA!  Living in New Mexico has proven there is no other place in the world for pizza once you've had Chicago pizza.  In the almost 2 years living here, and trying every pizza place there is, we have just given up on the idea of having pizza.  So imagine my delight when my cousin Joanne, (she lives next door) told us she found a Chicago pizza recipe and is going to give it a try Saturday night.  We walked in just as she was taking the pizzas out of the oven . . . they smelled and looked amazing!  After one taste we were all "oohing and ahhhing" barely coming up for air. The pizza was D.E.L.I.C.I.O.U.S!   Of course we all ate too much, and the healthy eating plan flew out the window, but it was well worth it.

The pizzas right out of the oven.  Crust and sauce made from scratch!

Well, like I said, pizza was amazing!

Using My Senses

SOL Day 26

I saw . . . a great big smile welcoming me in

I heard . . . the gurgling water gently calling me over

I felt . . .  the warm water caressing my tired feet

I smelled . . . the lavender oil inviting me to relax

I tasted . . . the rich chocolate melting slowly in my mouth

I surrender . . .  sit back and thoroughly enjoy my pedicure!

Picture Post

SOL Day 25

Today, I slice about New Mexico through pictures! Hard to believe I've been living here 2 years this June! I've fallen in love with the beauty of this state, the warmness of the people and the deep culture it holds.  Enjoy!

A couple of the many amazing sunsets I experience almost nightly!

Balloons, and more balloons, after all we are home to The Balloon Fiesta!

I called the shot of this ballon, a "ballon eclipse"

This is the view I had when I was so lucky to take a balloon ride! One word, AWESOME!

The roadrunner I see when I hike!

Another beautiful sight when I hike!

A Kind Man Made My Day

SOL Day 24

This was the slice I wanted to share yesterday until I heard what had happened in Brussels . . .

The other day while loading my car with some heavy items from Cosco, a man parked next to me came over and said, "no, no, please let me lift these items for you".  I mean I admit, I did make a bit of a grunting noise while lifting the first case of water into my car.  I told the nice man, it was really ok, but he insisted. So there I stood while he emptied my cart for me.  I wanted to "pay it forward" so I quickly looked around to see where the cart corral was so I could return his cart for him.  I didn't see one near so I assumed I would have to return them to the store . . . even better for my return favor!  After closing the gate on my car, I ran up to him, grabbed his cart and said, "please, let me return the cart for you!" He let out this huge laugh, just as I noticed, the cart corral was right next to his truck.  To say I was a little embarrassed is an understatement, but he was so kind I got over feeling silly rather quickly. I didn't get to pay it forward to this nice man, but we did share a good laugh together! After the tragedy in Brussels this kind man reinforced that there are so many kind people!

Brussels

SOL Day 23

today: i watch in horror as the news about the bombings in Brussels unfold

today: i had another slice to share about the kindness of a stranger
   want to be: living in a peaceful country . . . a peaceful world

blessings: that i did not know anyone that perished as a result of yet another terrorist attack
  thinking: about the families whose loved ones were taken from them
planning: to share tomorrow, the slice that was intended for today
writing:  this slice with such a heavy heart . . . knowing it can happen again
loving: our country and trying to focus on the good things that happen everyday
grateful: that i can share my thoughts here today


and today {again}: i watched in horror as the news about the bombings in Brussels  unfold

Another Great Book!

SOL Day 22

I just finished another amazing book, so amazing I have to share it today.  The book is, The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto by Mitch Albom.  Mr. Albom does such an amazing job with the main character's story, I had to google him just to be sure he was in fact fictional! Taking the journey with Frankie, tore at my heartstrings but also reinforced my belief that we can survive the unthinkable.  A reoccurring message throughout the book was, "Everyone joins a band in this life," he observes, be it through music, family, friends, or lovers. And those connections change the world. I can't wait to share my feelings at our next book club and also to hear what the other members thought!

Meatless Monday

SOL Day 21

I guess when the brain is blanking for something to write, there's always meatless Monday recipe to share!  Here is one of my favorites!  It's a healthy and delicious alternative to a burger.  If you don't like the sweet potato part, go ahead and put it on a regular bun.

Black Bean Burger with Sweet Potato Bun

Ingredients
2 large, fat sweet potatoes (about 1 1/2 pounds), peeled and cut into eight 1/2-inch rounds
3 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for oiling the grill grates
Kosher salt
One 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed
1/2 cup frozen corn, thawed
1/3 cup finely diced pepper Jack cheese
5 tablespoons stone-ground cornmeal
1 large egg white
2 scallions, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
4 lettuce leaves


Directions
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Prepare a grill for medium-high heat. Brush the sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon of the oil, and sprinkle with a large pinch of salt. Lightly oil the grill grates. Arrange the sweet potato rounds on the grill, cover with the lid and cook until there are nice grill marks and the potatoes are tender but not mushy, 8 to 12 minutes per side. Set aside to cool completely. (These "buns" can be refrigerated in an airtight container up to 2 days.)

Meanwhile, mash the beans and corn in a medium bowl until the beans form almost a paste. Add the cheese, 3 tablespoons of the cornmeal, the egg white, scallions and 3/4 teaspoon salt. Form the mixture into 4 patties about 1/2 inch thick. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes up to overnight.

Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a large ovenproof nonstick skillet over medium heat. Put the remaining 2 tablespoons cornmeal onto a plate. Dredge both sides of the patties in the cornmeal. Cook until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Transfer the skillet to the oven, and bake until the burgers reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, about 5 minutes.

Brush 4 of the grilled sweet potato slices with some of the mayonnaise. Put the lettuce leaves and burgers on the remaining 4 slices, and sandwich together.

Did She Really Think That?!

SOL Day 20

As I sit here writing, the words, Did she really think that?!  keep circling over and over in my brain.  Before I go on and explain, let me give some background information.  My niece Lyndsey whom I adore has a cat named Kiki. Kiki, has shared her thoughts on my blog a few times.  Unfortunately, Lyndsey lives in California so when she travels I'm not able to take care of Kiki. She recently found a great gal to watch Kiki, but unfortunately she was having surgery and could not watch her on this most recent trip.  The service sent a young gal over as a replacement.  Each day of  I text Lyndsey to hear the "report"on how Kiki is doing.  Kiki is special needs, so she sometimes needs a lot of care.  Anyway, this morning I received the text below from Lyndsey:

This picture is of Kiki on Lyndsey's bed. Please understand Lyndsey closes the bedroom door when she is away because she is not allowed in there when Lyndsey is not home.

 Now mind you the space under her bedroom door is maybe a half inch.  I promise I will get to the explanation in a minute . . . I texted Lyndsey back and said, "does she really think she slithered under a closed door?!?"  Does she think Kiki has magical powers! Honestly, as much as I couldn't believe she thought this, I have to admit I did get a chuckle out of it!  Of course my first thoughts were of Kiki stuck in the bedroom without her food or litter box, but Lyndsey assured me it was probably only about 10 hours . . . Still a long time, but she was fine.
Now for the explanation:
Lyndsey had a friend go in to her apartment to look for something she thought she had misplaced.  Her friend did not notice that Kiki had gotten into the bedroom and closed the door behind, leaving Kiki stuck in there. NO magic, no big mystery . . . So unfortunately, Kiki will not be making the TV circuit with her magical powers!

Love My Saturdays

Sol Day 19

If you have read any of my slices, you know I am a retired teacher from the Chicago area now living in New Mexico.  Since retiring, I made a promise, to work out 6 of the 7 days.  To help make this happen, I joined a fitness club.  Each day I take a pretty intense one hour class with some of the most motivating instructors I've ever experienced.  Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays classes starts at 8.  Although I'm an early riser, these mornings are not quite as relaxing as the other days. Usually a quick cup of coffee, check email, and out the door. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, the classes start at 9. I love the extra hour to leisurely sip my coffee, read a few chapters of a book and check email before running out the door. But on Saturdays, the day I take off to let my sore . . . old muscles rest up there is no need to rush out the door at all! Sipping my coffee in the sunroom, leisurely watching the day come alive!  Ahhh Saturdays . . . I just love them!