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.