Transitioning After the Workshop

There always seems to be a transition period after a relatively intense workshop. The focus of our latest workshop involved our parent-child-triangle. With both MC and I attending together, but not working as a couple, we each came out of the program with much to digest. The six-day program gave us very little time for exercise. As a result, I've been taking long walks in the residential neighborhoods and waterfront areas of Sausalito. I came across this beauty in the commercial shopping district and thought it would be fun to communicate with her. She has been singing sweet songs of transition to me. I'm grateful for what I can find on city streets.

If you are interested in knowing what mermaids have to say, look here:

http://www.kimantieaubooks.com/2008/10/church-of-old-mermaids.html

Today is our last day in Sausalito. We have been away from home for more than one month. Before returning to Santa Fe, we'll make a trip to Carlsbad, CA for a Michael's family reunion. In the aftermath of our parent-child-triange workshop, this should be interesting.

Above the Clouds

I know that I do not post to this blog site often.  I follow so many skilled bloggers and writers, I have convinced myself that I am unable to write anything meaningful.

My partner, MC and I are currently in California, where we are attending a workshop of self-discovery related to deep issues revolving around the parent child triangle.  I thought that I worked on this issue in the 70's, 80's, 90's and more than half a dozen times since 2001.

I am amazed at how often I have moved through the same issues, each time peeling back a new layer and opening to a dramatic childhood episode.

What I find truly amazing, is that my partner's mother issues and my father issues are the source of our triggers within our relationship.

I cannot say that this week long workshop is easy for me.  There are times when I wanted to run out and fly away to a safe place.  But I know the value of guided experiences and their good works.

So here I remain at a small retreat center, high above the clouds.

Santa Fe During the Christmas Week

As a part of my Santa Fe tradition, I took a day to wander around the Plaza and some of the art galleries of Santa Fe.  Prior to 2008, I was a tourist, driving up to New Mexico from Palm Springs, California.  I came to enjoy the hot mineral waters in the Taos area and to visit the art galleries of Santa Fe.  My trip north from California was my way of finding winter-like weather.

These days, I live in Santa Fe, NM with my partner Michael.  Although he is not fond of being a tourist in the city in which he resides, I find comfort in walking the streets and browsing the galleries as I did in the past.  There is comfort in honoring my own winter tradition. 

During the week between Christmas and the end of the year, I took a day to myself to turn inward, yet be in the world.

Doors at the Loretta Chapel on Old Santa Fe Trail near Plaza.

Time for a a pomegranate truffle and a Pre-Columbian Mesoamerican Mayan Aztec elixir at the Kakawa Chocolate House.

Rosaries on tree branches outside the Loretta Chapel.

The Governor's Palace at the Plaza in Santa Fe.  This is where tourists come to purchase silver and turquoise Native arts.

One of my favorite traditions is having a hot bowl of green chili stew and a local tap beer.
My lunch stop was at Blue Corn Cafe, in the Mercado on Water Street.

Farolitos illuminate the dark and is a tradition to the Santa Fe area.

Solstice

I was awake early to call in the light.  Before going to sleep last night, I prepared the fireplace for an early morning fire.  I've been waiting for this morning.  The outside cold morning air was a crisp contrast to the warmth inside the house.  My morning was spent reading, writing, reflecting and being in deep gratitude for the turning of the Great Wheel.

On this day, I dance with the flames of the Wheel of Life.

Jasper, Alberta Canada

Mostly, we spent our time camping. I took three hours to walk around the city of Jasper, while Michael went for a run on Whistler Peak. I thought of Uma, a blogger that I like to follow, while I photographed these unedited photos.





I would like to add more photos when I return to Santa Fe and find some time to indulge in learning how to create a more interesting blog space.

Nelson, British Columbia

Michael and I are currently on vacation in Canada. I took a little walking tour of Nelson yesterday. It was mostly a rainy day, but refreshing to my dry skin.

Gardening in Santa Fe

The morning light in northern New Mexico is magical. The afternoon and evening sun is brutal and can make significant changes in the garden or in my body in a matter of minutes. I've been able to get out into the garden most mornings, at least for a little while.

Last year, a professional landscaper created a dry riverbed to divert water that drains from the roof. This year, I had to remove every rock from the riverbed, install weed barrier fabric, then replace the rocks. It was labor intensive.

I've been trying my hand at both container gardening as well as transplanting perennials that I purchase from at Santa Fe Farmers' Market. Every Saturday I attend a lecture someplace in Santa Fe, where I learn technical tips and suggestions for gardening in this harsh climate.

There has not been a thunderstorm in Santa Fe since January, when a freak snowstorm brought thunder and lightning. There has not been a slow steady rain here since last September. Trying to garden here has obstacles that I never imagined. The ground is parched. My soul is feeling much the same.