One for the road

Departed Taos early this morning, with stop in Santa Fe's Ikonic Coffeeroaster for cuppas on the way to Albuquerque airport. 

These Advent trips always feel like they end too quickly. I just get in the rhythm of retreat in the High Country, when it's time to pack up and depart. Before we leave, there is always conversation and commitment to return to this place next year. That suits my soul. 

Last night was one final meal of blue corn enchiladas and then a drive around the Plaza to see the newly lit decorations. 

Advent stockings by the fire, an annual tradition. 

A last word about baggage. This year, unlike previous years, I only had one box of things that wouldn't fit in the suitcase to mail home. Definitely lightening up. 

Traveling mercies. 

Ended up having time for a labyrinth in Santa Fe. 

Day 5 continued

This was an awesome day!

Driving north of Taos getting a glimpse of the snow-capped mountains up ahead in Colorado. 

Along with the Sangre de Christo range in northern New Mexico. 

Then a turn to the west brought us to the Wild River Recreation Area. The area is at the edge of the Rio Grande Gorge, with all skill level of hikes in the area. 

As it is the Sabbath we celebrated the Eucharist in the very midst of God's creation. 

A short hike where one can see the confluence of the Red River and the Rio Grande. 

After other short hikes in the area, we ended the day's adventure with a labyrinth walk near Questa. 

I'm so grateful for this most excellent day!

Day 5

A quiet sunrise this morning. 

But a vey noisy fire. 

The word for today is CARE. 

As Christians we are called to care. To care for all we meet, especially for those who are the least among us. Barbara Crafton says "A Christian sees Christ at work in every human endeavor that reaches for the good, and recognizes Christ easily in other people, whether or not those people share one's own precise vision of God’s action in the world."  

We're off to the Wild Rivers Recreation Area. This being the Sabbath, plus traveling with a priest, we shall have Eucharist somewhere along the way. Likely some sort of scenic overlook. We'll also take a short hike with the expectation of encountering Big Horn Sheep. 

Stay tuned. 

Day 4

This is the day the Lord hast made. 

As I awaken, just a hint of the new day. The moon is still up. 

Then soon follows a blush of pink as the new day begins. 

Today's word from the Society of St. John the Evangelist is BELIEVE. 

We are called to believe and trust in God's promises, and to say yes, when God calls us. I certainly believe. And I trust. But I'm not always ready to answer yes when I'm called. The truth is, I'm not very good at being silent and still long enough to even hear the call. 

This place where I find myself today, certainly encourages being quiet and still. 

Gazing upward and seeing God's handiwork. 

Shhh. Listen. Hear. 

Tonight was the annual lighting of Ledux Street. Luminarios line the street and the paths to shops and restaurants. Bonfires are a welcome sight as it was cold. Hot cider and cookies at every shop. Even sticks loaded up with marshmallows at one shop. 

A special event took place at the Harwood Myseum. In collaboration with Los Alamos National Laboratory Community Programs Office, local high school students led this unique artistic experience.  Called Projecting Particles, this projection art piece is a union of particle physics, nature and technology brought together to reconstruct images from nature. Images were projected on an outside wall as stunning music played. 

The day ended in the best way possible. Dinner with a dear friend, a local potterer who years ago introduced us to the Casa innkeeper. Full circle. 

Encounters like this are a gift and they sustain me. Night night. 

Day 3 continued

Gone shopping. 

But first, a weaving exhibit on display in a local entertainment hall. 

Then lunch at Ranchos Plaza Grill. 

The "usual". Blue corn cheese enchiladas. 

At last - La Vista Verde hike, where one can get lost in thought-filled shopping. Figuring out the perfectly fitted gift-words for special people in my life. 

After driving along the Rio Grande for several miles, the road crosses the river and soon after is the trailhead. A 1 1/4 mile mild climb through sage and other grasses, ends at an overlook high above the Rio Grande. Where the road to the trailhead was right next to the river, the trail ends high above the river gorge. 

Oh, about my shopping...

I am off to a good start. I have a number of gift-words in my shopping bag. 

Day 3

Going to bed at 9pm makes it easy to awake before dawn, to catch a glimpse of the coming day. 

Then a further hint...

There is much more to come this day. 

I'm going shopping today. And I may not have to leave the comfort of the couch in front of the fire. Or I may be able to do my shopping as I hike the trail I will take today. 

Bishop Rob Wright of the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta writes in today's "For Faith" about how, when we are shopping for gifts of clothing, FIT is important. If the item fits, then there's cause for joy. He goes on to tell how God gave John the Baptist a perfectly fitting word-gift. A word that was more of a whisper from within, but which would be enough to for John to be a blessing to many people. 

I'm going to shop by listening for my perfect fitting word-gift from God. 

And... I have decided to shop for others who are dear to me. I will seek to find a word-gift that fits perfectly for each one. A word that tells how I see each person is a blessing to me, and to others. 

The sun is up. Time to go shopping. 

Day 2 continued

This has been a day of rest. A lolling morning in front of a roaring fire at the Casa. Eventually went to town for a cuppa and then a Christmas burger, called such because it has both red and green chile on top. Fabulous!

Followed by a pedicure. Yeah, a guy. 

And the piece de restance ----  a massage. Ah.....

My older body is gradually finding some restoration. 

Return home laden with just-cooked chicken soup from a local restaurant. Watched a movie while dining by the fire.  

Yes. indeed, I have found rest-filled peace this day and my burden baggage is gently reduced. 

The Lord almighty grand us a peaceful night and a perfect end. 

Day 2

One thing I seek on my Advent retreat is rest. I'm fortunate in this time of my life to be able to get all the sleep I need. I have few needs of an alarm clock. So the rest I seek here in the high country is of "soul" nature. I'm seeking rest from deadlines - yes, deadlines - and from burdens of things heavy in my heart. 

Eighteen degrees here this morning, with a brilliant blue New Mexico sky. 

I'm reading Barbara Craftan's "Let Every Heart Prepare" meditations for Advent. Today she spoke about rest in terms of physical sleep. She says: " If Christ were to come now, to throw back the covers of my life, cuddled down in the comfortable predictability of its days, exposing me to the bracing air of a new day, it would be hard to respond gracefully at first. Not now. I’m sleep-deprived. But the sleep of the night is only for the sake of the day. God gives us the rest we need, and we need to take it. And then God astounds us with something new, and we awaken to it, refreshed." 

I believe that God will provide the soul-rest I am seeking this day. 

Day 1 continued

Cuppas at Ikonic Coffee Roasters, followed by a labyrinth walk and some meandering around the plaza. 

Then off to meet a LONG time dear friend for lunch. This meal reunion has happened every year for over ten years. Each year passes so quickly! Such delight in seeing each other once again. 

After lunch there was prayer time at the Sanctuario de Chimayo for family members who are struggling with illnesses. 

Then the drive up the high road to Taos. Such a familiar and stunning drive. 

At last the arrival at the Casa. Greeted this year by an email with the code to a lockbox containing the key to the front door. An emptiness in this place so clearly felt. 

A feast of grilled cheeses and apple by the fire. Comfort food. 

Night night. 

Day 1. Santa Fe.

Arrived late last night and fell into bed at La Fonda hotel. Recently renovated, it's a real treasure. We are already planning on staying here next Advent for a couple of days. Maybe longer. The return to Taos is still an unknown with respect to the loss of our innkeeper. 

Now, about that baggage.  

Today's word from the Society of St. John the Evangelist -- a daily word given for each day in Advent--is FORGIVE.  I've been dragging around some "affronts" that occurred a year ago.  While improper and aggressive, I believe holding on to this baggage just weighs me down. Time to pare down. Or to "not stop in the box" any longer. 

I forgive. 

Soon departing.

I'm heavy laden. Not in the assumed way of personal burdens. No, I am heavy laden with luggage. I travel with a carry-on only, but it feels like l decided to carry all my possessions on this trip.  Too many. And my prized LUV tote has had to have its sides unzipped. 

                        

What's up with this over-packed state I'm in?

And it's more than luggage. I'm over-packed in my head. Trying to remember and recall all the tasks I've taken on.  And once recalled, then execute. 

I'm thinking this Advent time is going to involve some serious reflection about my over-packing, with some resolution to pare down. Some intention to prepare to pare, and walking out of Advent seriously lighter in weight. 

My flight departs in an hour. Here's one for the road. 

 

Traveling Mercies.