It's a New Year

#sol16

The start of a new year . . . a time to reflect . . . time to look forward! However, No New Year Resolutions for me . . .why set myself up for failure, right?! I'd rather set my intentions on things that will bring peace and harmony into my life.  So my word this year will be harmony . . .  Here is my short list . . .
Last year . . .
*We really settled in and New Mexico really feels like home.  We made new friends, but will always miss the old ones . . .
Last year . . .
*Marked by 5th anniversary of being cancer free!
Last year . . .
*We discovered and shared so many wonderful places we are/were lucky enough to enjoy with family and friends.
Last year . . .
*I had time to read more books than I have in years!

This year . . .
*I will continue to get my body healthier now that I'm "drug free" from cancer meds
This year . . .
*I want to expand on my yoga practice.
This year . . .
*I want to help and be there for others when needed . . . and just continue to be the best person that I can!

Happy Healthy New Year Everybody!

A "Holiday" Feel Good Story

It's been a few weeks since I've been writing and sharing . . . where does the time go?!?  Now just a few days before Christmas and I have a delightful "spirit of the season" story to share!
A friend and I were going to go to lunch and were unsure of the location of the place.  It came upon us so fast that we missed the turn into the parking lot.  I quickly looked up and told my friend to make a quick left at the corner and come back around to get into the parking lot. Unfortunately neither of us so the "no left turn" sign and very quickly a policeman that was directing traffic waved at us to pull over.  I of course felt terrible because it was me who told her to turn left!  The police officer went through all the usual items when one is pulled over, and told us he didn't have the ticket book to write the ticket so we would have to meet him at the police station in about 1 1/2 hours.  We pulled into the lot for a quick lunch which of course neither of us could enjoy.  My friend was most upset because she had not had a ticket in 40 years!  I decided that I would go out to the officer and plead her case when I looked up and saw the officer.  I waved him over to talk . . . plead her case when he handed my friend her license back.  He told us that he checked her record and saw that she had an excellent driving record and would give her a pass.  The two of us were so grateful we almost jumped up and kissed him!  After he left we decided would buy he and his partner and gift card to the restaurant so they could enjoy lunch on us!  We waved the office over to us once outside and tried to give him the gift cards.  He told us that he could not except the "gift" but to pay it forward to someone in need!  We decided to give it to my friend who works for Catholic Charities . . . he would be able to give the gift cards to a family in need.  Such a nice ending to a not so nice lunch date!
Merry Christmas . . . Happy Holidays Everybody!

Giving Thanks

Thanksgiving is a couple of days away and as most people, I like to reflect on all the wonderful things in my life that I'm thankful for.  Trust me, I am so very thankful each and everyday but this time of year I make my list just to reinforce all of my blessings!  Here is my list in no particular order-

~My family, how very lucky to have so many loving people in my life!

~Friends, which are my second family, people that know are only a phone call away.

~Of course I am so very thankful for my health, in fact I am now cancer free for 5 years!

~This wonderful life I have found here in New Mexico! So much beauty which I never tire of!

~The new people that have come in to my life here in New Mexico. So warm and kind.

~This blogging community . . . where I am fortunate enough to share my thoughts with so many wonderful, caring people and learn about others and their lives.  So cool to feel connected with people I have never actually met face to face!

Thankful for the awesome sunsets!

Thankful for these little beauties!

Thankful for being lucky enough to see this!

Thankful for being able to experience  a hot air balloon ride! 

Thankful for these beauties!

Thankful for friends' visit and sharing a warm fire!

And finally . . . thankful for the miles of  hiking trails!

Photo Blog Today

Today is a photo flash back of sorts . . . I thought I would share some of photos of some of my favorite things!  I really love looking back, the memories are like experiencing it all over again!

A Road Runner hanging out where we like to hike!

Signs of fall, on the hiking trail! 

Views from the hot air balloon ride from last week!  It was truly an amazing experience!

The beautiful Sandia Mountains!  The red hue comes from their name . . . Sandia means watermelon!

Brew and Blues Festival!  Gorgeous day and great music!

Looking Down . . . Instead of Up

 For almost a year and a half since moving to New Mexico, I have been memorized by the beauty of seeing hot air balloons soaring through the sky!  Many mornings, I look up and see these beauties floating ever so slowly creating a magical picture I never tire of!  Of course Balloon Fiesta is the icing on the proverbial cake. I thought about taking a ballon ride, wondered if I ever really would and then friends came out to visit and said it was on their bucket list and well we decided why not?! The experience was so much more than I imagined it to be. It really is like floating, floating ever so slowly  overlooking breathtaking views and the only sound is the propane firing to keep the balloon soaring! While I will continue to look up in awe at the beautiful balloons . . . the experience of looking down was in one word AMAZING!

Setting up the basket

Heating the envelope

My sister and cousin helping to keep the envelope steady

Our friends with my cousin, sister and me  . . . getting ready to fly!!!

Floating over the Rio Grande!

    

Mimosas at the end of the flight!