Appreciating Water

Coming from the Bayou City I thought I understood water. The bayou winding around town, creeks, lakes and our beloved Third Coast trips off of Galveston Island. However it wasn't until I moved to the high desert mountains of New Mexico that I brought to consciousness how this precious liquid is truly the lifeline for all things. 

I know that many including my beloved Bayou City are experiencing too much water right now and my thoughts and prayers are with you. Here in the midst of a drought in the beginning of fire season in the high desert mountains it is very much welcomed. All in one day we had sunshine, rain, snow and hail.

I spent the most glorious rainy day doing all things in the rain and at times even small hail and snow. I was totally present to the wonderful smell I often miss, the taste of it cold on my hair and skin. I danced to my car in the store parking lot. Played in the garden under the shower. And listened to the sound of a distant thunder symphony of soft and hard sounds.

I am thankful for full rain barrels that will supplement my supply and the soothing sound of them filling. 

My garden is shiny, washed clean, and ready for new growth with the sweet scent of rain and the earth.

I have learned to appreciate this precious liquid resource. As with all things gifted to us in nature its good to slow down and take a moment and think about all the ways water impacts your life.

Thankful for Tracks in the Snow

It snowed all night. It sparkled like fallen stars under the moon. This morning I woke up and noticed we had visitors over the night. Dog or coyote tracks on the deck but definitely the four legged kind of visitor.  The dogs usually follow a path from the front of the property where it tends to be more level. The coyotes come from below the ridge. So off went to follow the tracks in the fresh snow.

The sun was still coming up and the clouds were still low. The silent gifts of living on this sacred land are abundant and I am thankful in this moment.

We followed the tracks and it looks like three of them all about the same size went off the side of the deck. They seemed to lead down to the small arroyo so we continued to climb down below the house.

Up and down over the ridge rocks. The path seemed to be leading us to the lower arroyo at the base of the land. 

I was slower than my four legged companion. He sniffed the tracks, left his mark and was in a hurry to find the owners. I on the other hand stopped here and there to get lost in the big blue sky that was emerging from behind the cloudy morning light. 

Feliz dia de amor y amistad aka day of love and friendship

Feliz dia de Amor y Amistad! Happy day of love and friendship! Happy Valentine's Day!

I really enjoy playing in the snow and the corazon/heart shape is a long time favorite of mine. Here are a few I made playing in the snow. Take some time to look in the mirror and say I love you. You have to be able to love yourself just as you are before you can share the love with friends and family.