Sunsets

SOL Day 18

Beautiful sunsets are quite common in New Mexico. Last night's, well take a look for your self!

Nature's canvas, exploding with hues of red, orange and yellow

Breathtaking, amazing, awe-inspiring

Colors so vivid, impossible to recreate

Breathtaking, amazing, awe-inspiring

A day comes to an end, with renewed hope for tomorrow

Breathtaking, amazing, awe-inspiring

Unexpected Conversation

SOL Day 17


Yesterday I went to a consignment store in town to try and sell some clothes I don't wear anymore. I've been to this store maybe 4 times since moving here almost 2 years ago.  The owner is a woman my age, and as she checks out the clothes, we've shared small talk about fun things to do in New Mexico, working out, trips etc.  Today however, as she was going through my clothes, I simply asked if she had any trips planned.  Quite unexpectedly she began sharing some very personal things with me that ultimately have caused she and her second husband to separate. It seems the majority of their problems stem from the fact that he is an alcoholic, somewhat abusive and how there is a huge riff between him and her family.  We talked for almost an hour, I listened more than I spoke, because sometimes I think people don't want your opinion, they just want to think out loud.  I was glad I was there for her today, because obviously she just needed to talk. I walked out of the store, hoping that her deep faith will help her through this, and if they are meant to be together, they will be together in a healthy relationship.

Meatless, Tuesday

SOL Day 16

Like many others, I have started incorporating meatless dinners a few times a week.  I'm always looking for recipes to see the ingredients and then I put my own twist on it.  The down side to this however, it's hard to share recipes to people that like the exact ingredients along with the exact amount of each.  Last night's dinner, stir fry veggies and quinoa.  If you are not familiar with quinoa, here are 7 reasons to start incorporating it into your diet.  Just remember, quinoa alone doesn't have a lot of flavor but when mixed with other foods . . . very yummy!

Here are seven health benefits of quinoa:
• Quinoa is one of the most protein-rich foods we can eat. ... 
• Quinoa contains almost twice as much fiber as most other grains. ... 
• Quinoa contains Iron. ... 
• Quinoa contains lysine. ... 
• Quinoa is rich in magnesium. ... 
• Quinoa is high in Riboflavin (B2). ... 
• Quinoa has a high content of manganese.

Now for the "recipe":
-cook a cup of quinoa according to directions (instead of water I use organic chicken stock)
-heat olive oil and salute a few cloves of garlic
-add a chopped onion and cook for a few minutes . . . until onions are translucent
-add veggies of your choice- I used fresh chopped broccolini, cauliflower, yellow and green zucchini, carrots, and asparagus.
While veggies are cooking, I added some of my favorite spices,such as ginger, turmeric, salt, pepper and a little crushed hot pepper.
When veggies are done to your liking, add the cooked quinoa.  Stir it up and enjoy!

Little Big Shots

SOL Day 15

I'm not a huge TV watcher but every once in a while there's a show that I have to talk about.  Just recently, I fell upon the show called, Little Big Shots.  The show is hosted by one of my favorite TV personalities, Steve Harvey.  If you are not familiar with him, he is hysterical and seems to be a down to earth sort of guy.  His humor reminds me of a male Ellen Degeneres, whom I also love!  Anyway, back to the show.  The premise of the show is, Steve showcases kids' from all over the world and their sometimes very unusual yet amazing talents none the less.  That in itself is makes a great show considering some of the talented kids I've seen, but now add the quick wit, hilarious facial expressions of Steve, mixed with "kids saying the darnedest things" and you have the perfect recipe for laughs!  So, if you are in need of a smile, a chuckle or even a belly aching laugh tune in to Little Big Shots on Sunday night! You won't be disappointed!

My Zen Place

SOL Day 14

Today we took a break from our normal workout routine and met a friend for a hike.  Marcy, was actually the realtor that sold us our land here in New Mexico almost 13 years ago.  The first time we came out and met, we really connected with her.  Throughout the years we would keep in touch and whenever we were out for a visit we made sure to get together with her.  We try and meet a few times a month to walk and of course other times to eat.  It's a great way fit in exercise and catch up.  Our usual spot to meet, is also one of my favorite trails on the Bosque.  Parts of the trail are overgrown with brush, parts run along the river and up at the top there are horse and tree farms in clear view.  It's such a peaceful almost zen feeling when I'm there!  Sometimes we are lucky to see an eagle or hawk, a few roadrunners and even coyotes!  Luckily, the coyotes kept their distance.