Four

Happy 4th Birthday, my grey Rene!

I have been reflecting on my girl lately, as she and I have been spending quite a bit of time together since I am home a lot more now. I remember when I was driving to meet her at the cell dog training program at Crowley County Correctional Facility, a 2 hour drive south east. I was anxious to meet her, and when I did I remember it wasn't love at first sight from either of us. She was skittish, I was anxious. It is actually surprising I was able to get her into the car without her getting out of her collar and just taking off. I remember when I first got her home, she found her place not in the crate I so lovingly prepared but on the dog bed in the bedroom. She made that her safe place for several days, until she found the couch that is…

Once I got over my anxiety about her anxiety, and learned to take control and be the pack leader, Rene hasn't been far from my side. Since "Gotcha Day" in April 2015 we have grown on each other and are now two peas in a pod. 

We both need our space and are "extroverted introverts". We love a good nap and curling up on the couch watching a TV show or movie. Both of us are routine oriented and we love a good treat whenever we come across something special. We love to take road trips as evidenced by her smile…

And both of us take very good care of our teeth! Look at those pearly whites…

After saying goodbye to Chester and Stan in 2014 after so many years together, I honestly didn't know what dog would steal my heart again. Thanks to my friend Tonda, who suggested looking into greyhounds for adoption, Rene has not only stolen my heart but she has it nestled away somewhere under her favorite blanket.

Rene, I wish us both long, happy and healthy lives side by side for many years to come!

Love, Mama

Holding that which is precious

I was checking one last email before hopping into the shower, an email entitled "Jeannie's Husband" from my friend Amanda.

"Mel, my sister just called me. Jeannie's husband passed away in his sleep. My sister is trying to let everyone know, so I told her I would reach out to you. I gave her your email address so she will reach out with funeral information, as right now Jeannie isn't able to handle any of that, understandably." I stared at my computer and read these words, over and over again, with very little processing the actual meaning.

Jeannie. Jeannie. Jeannie. Mother of 3 fantastic boys, survivor of the suicide of her mother, a devoted wife, a dedicated worker, a dear sweet friend. Jeannie and I worked together at Regis and got to know each other through a potluck women's group. We did the things girlfriends do, drink wine, shopped til we dropped, gossiped. After Mike died, Jeannie gave me a white stuffed bear whom I named Hugs, and who has been with me in all my times of transition.

When I moved to Montrose, we stopped talking though. Maybe it was the distance, where it was hard to keep a strong connection going. I thought I had said or done something upsetting but couldn't remember what. Almost two years went by and two months ago, the thought of Jeannie filled my heart one day driving to work. I called her, left her a message that "for whatever reason we stopped talking, I want you know I am thinking of you and I miss you." She texted me, we got a lunch date on the books, and spent two hours doing what we did best as girlfriends…sipped wine, ate great food, and talked the entire two hours. I can't help but notice the timing in it all, that had I not been back in Jeannie's circle I may not have known this had happened until later.

I know many people think I understand, that I have "been there" and know what she is going through. And I do, to an extent. But I couldn't imagine what it would be like to wake up on a Friday morning, anticipating the weekend with my family, starting a normal day with coffee, shower, newspaper, and breakfast, and as I face that day looking over to my spouse to wake him up and he won't. Won't wake up.

I do, though, understand what it feels like to wake up subsequent mornings without him there. To start a new day without sharing a routine, or anticipating a weekend. That I do know, and that my heart pains on behalf of my dear friend Jeannie. And I feel blessed to be back in her circle so that I can extend the love and support I know I can give her during a time like this.

Today, tomorrow, and subsequent days in the future, hold those precious ones closely. Tell them you love them. Tell them what they mean to you. That is the "present" in the "present moment." To give the gift of loving care because tomorrow they may not be there.

XO Mel

Taos part 3

I woke up in the morning early once again, got myself another cup of complimentary coffee and walked the plaza on a very quiet Sunday morning. I checked out of the hotel around 8am to slowly make my way home. Adios, Historic Taos Inn for now, until later…

On my way out of town I stopped in another favorite spot, the small community called Arroyo Seco going up to the Taos ski area. It is a sweet little spot with lots of interesting shops and an old church. It also has some lovely art decorating the buildings, which adds to the New Mexico artsy charm.

The old church sits tucked away and not far from New Mexico farming landscape. And of course there has to be a good dose of religious art as well, such as this statue of Mary in the "Mary Garden" of the church. 

I left Taos behind and headed home, coming back to Denver with a newly revived spirit, artistic inspirations, and a true understanding that living in the moment is pretty much the one way to get full satisfaction of this life. Thank you Taos, for being my muse and "soul home". I will see you again, maybe sooner rather than later or at least in pictures and my dreams!

Taos part 2

What a joy it was to wake up in Taos this morning! I got a really good night's sleep and woke pretty early. I grabbed some complimentary coffee and took myself on a walk along the South end of the Paseo. As is the charm and nature of Taos, there were many picture perfect places even just along the Paseo.

Taos is well known for being an artist community, and that means all forms, including fiber arts. What I love about Taos is everything seems to have texture. Here are some fiber pieces hanging in front of various stores…one a yarn store, the other an interior design shop…

I went to the Farmer's Market after my morning meandering, coffee, and shower. I found some home made breakfast burritos, bought the BEST salsa I have ever eaten, listened to various musicians on the plaza and just enjoyed a non-crowded Taos morning.

I stuck mostly to the agenda I had put forth yesterday. I left around 9am for the High Road from Taos to Santa Fe. Truly, it is probably one of my favorite things to do on this planet! It is a combination of nature with small villages along the way. Most villages have art galleries and old churches and cemeteries that dot the land. And I love me a cemetery.

This was a cemetery near the town of Truchas, New Mexico

At the Harwood Museum, I saw this painting called "Decoration Day." It looks like an entire village is involved in decorating graves. Why I love New Mexico cemeteries is the contrast between the often very old graves with the fresh fake flowers that decorate the graves. It shows that someone, still, no matter how long ago the person died still has people remembering him or her, whether it be new familial generations or members of the community. 

I found graves from the mid 1900's that still had newer flowers decorating them!

The high road is just a real treat…no traffic, a minimal speed limit so you can just cruise and enjoy the drive.

I came back and went to the E. Blumenschein house/museum and the Harwood Museum. Both made me reflect on the artist pioneers of the early 20th century. The Harwood Museum had an exhibit dedicated to the "Renaissance Woman" Mabel Dodge Luhan who was one of the first people to bring artists and writers to the West and Taos, NM. I would like to believe in time travel along with reincarnation. I would love to come back to this world as one of those pioneers. Travelling from Paris or New York on a train to New Mexico in, like, 1915. To be among the creative souls who so effectively represented New Mexico during the early 20th century and where we all can see the history and landscape from various perspectives. 

I will grab some dinner, listen to a few tunes from the Boxcar Bandits who are playing in the lounge tonight, and hit the sack early. I get to return home to my Rene tomorrow, but not before I continue my journey, which will include more sightseeing and inspirations from the road!

Taos part 1

I had been looking forward to my weekend trip to Taos this weekend for a long time. I don't travel much without Rene, so I decided it was time to get away without my sweet girl. Robert agreed to take care of her, so I thought of where to go. Where would Rene hate going that I would enjoy by myself? I needed a short time, because it is the first time I left her with anyone for more than an overnight and, well, let's just say I am in "baby step" mode. So, I decided on my favorite little artist town and came to Taos today, where Rene would hate the crowds and plaza and I wouldn't be able to do much having her with me.

I haven't been on a 4-5 hour road trip for a while, and it felt good once I got off I-25 and hit the rural Southwest Colorado roads. I turned off for Taos in the little town of Fort Gardner. I saw this sight and it reminded me why I love rural Colorado-the harshness of old metal against the softness of trees once again against the harsh outline of the Rocky Mountains.

I got into Taos just in time for hotel check in and a very brief nap. My favorite place to stay in Taos is the Inn on the Rio, a motor inn owned by a wonderful couple with a hearty and delicious homemade breakfast every morning. The rooms are creatively done (they commissioned Taos artists to paint murals both on the outside and inside of the motel) and the owners are just so nice to visit with. However, this time I stayed at the Historic Taos Inn for a few reasons. It is across the street from the plaza and has its own parking, so I can avoid the Taos congestion and walk everywhere. Plus, it has music every night of the week in its lounge. It gives me something to do if I don't want to go to bed yet. So, after my much needed nap, I walked through the hotel and there was a musician playing and singing in the lobby. She was adorable! Tracy Rae Clark. She is one of those generous spirits who appears to live a very creative existence. She got the crowd singing, playing instruments, and invited this gentleman to play the harmonica with her.

I listened for a while, and then decided to wander around. I found myself at the Alley Cantina for dinner, a locals hang out with New Mexican fare and, oddly, voted the best fish and chips. I ate a chile relleno platter because who can resist one of those and planned my day for tomorrow. I continued to wander around and capture some photos of Taos buildings and flowers and such, one of my favorite things to do. The plaza was quiet, not many shops or galleries open, and not many people walking around. I kind of felt like I had it all to myself.

I gave a lot of thought for tomorrow…it is the annual Pow Wow but I didn't find that out until recently. Plus, I am not a huge crowd person. So, I think this is the agenda:

-Get up early, go to the farmer's market and see if I can wrangle myself some breakfast

-Drive the high road for a bit, the scenic road between Taos and Santa Fe. There is a gallery halfway along I love to stop by. I also love the New Mexican cemeteries that dot the landscape.

-Come back, and head to a few museums: The Harwood Museum has a really great exhibit about the pioneer women artists of Taos who painted in the early 1900's; Go the Blumenschein House and Museum and see how that famed painter lived and worked; Drive to the Milicent Rogers museum as I have been told it is amazing

-Rest up, listen to more music in the hotel lounge, and eat someplace I haven't before 

Sunday I think I am going to take the "long way home" after driving to the little village of Arroyo Seco and seeing the Royal Gorge. 

It sounds like a lot of driving for a short period of time, but I love driving. I didn't love driving as a hospice worker, but I love driving through Rural Colorado. I put on some tunes, or I always try to find whatever public radio station I can get, and just let the road take me where it may.

Robert reported earlier that Rene was doing fine and hasn't run away yet (ha ha!!) so I know she is in good hands.

Ahhh…Taos, I love you! 

XO Mel