Land of Enchantment

Dull brown hills mark the western sky.

 Fire in the sky burns over the dark hills. A once barren landscape is aglow in the waning light.

The glare of desert sun is replaced by a kaleidoscope of color.

Desert beauty replaces hot dry winds. Tonight New Mexico really is the "Land of Enchantment."

Storm clouds quickly obscure the golden hills. Cold invigorating winds crisscross the landscape. Back inside for candles, warm oatmeal cookies, and family.

Empty Spaces

Stark beauty in the brown barren rolling hills, empty branches, and golden grass. The trees appear empty, without leaves, standing tall and lacking their green adornment. I looked again and saw the mountains, paths, and grass through the branches. Rather than emptiness, I was able to see beyond the trees. Look to the seemingly empty spaces for a view of the distance and the bigger picture.

Hibernating

I'm not in California anymore. I am accustomed to mild winters and year round walking weather. During my stay in Albuquerque, I am experiencing the coldest winter in decades with snow, ice, and wind chills of 20 below zero. I enjoy the occasional walk in the rain and freezing temperatures are fine, but I don't walk when it is icy. Apparently few people are out walking in this weather, but you see the occasional person on base walking their dog, and I have seen a military march or two.

For the month of February, I feel like I have been in hibernation mostly staying indoors. Exercising at the gym, stair stepping, and the occasional walk have marked my days. I am not really a person who just loves to be outdoors, but I'm in the habit of being out everyday rain or shine.

The environment affects the way we live, behave, and communicate. Where we live often determines who we know, our educational opportunities, and lifestyle. Due to the cold weather and broken pipes, I have been living in a hotel with my daughter and three young children for two weeks. Our circumstances have changed the way we do everything. We are warm and well, but there are so many people who have been without heat for over two weeks and those who have no safe warm place to live.

The weather is warming up to the 40's, we will be moving back to my daughter's house soon, and get back to a normal routine. Since losing my power supply at the airport, living at a hotel with sick children, and adapting to my environment, I haven't posted in a couple of weeks. My goal is to post each week, but the best laid plans can be misplaced when nature sets the course.

Thank You Everyone

I've been walking and writing in this blog for the last 6 months. My purpose was disciplining myself to walk more, write daily whether I wanted to or not, and improve my thinking and creativity. I have learned to write whether or not I feel inspired, and to observe and appreciate nature.

I have reached my overall goal. Writing and sharing my experiences has given me the accountability I needed. Now I plan to post once a week and work on more in depth writing. My goal is to walk at least 150 minutes a week.

Thank you everyone for your comments and encouragement and for sharing this journey with me.