This is the story of our adventure of radically changing our lives, leaving our beloved New England after 20 years, and traveling America in our RV in search of a new home.
Today was an amazing event in Santa Fe, the purpose of which was to call attention to the timely and urgent subject of climate change.
To explain the background story further, 20 locations around the world were selected to participate in "art actions" to call attention to climate change, satellite images of which will all be projected worldwide and watched by the attendees at the upcoming Cancun climate change summit. Santa Fe was one of only 5 communities in the United States selected to take part, and we were all excited to be part of such a great event, where Indian, Anglo and Hispanic citizens were all well represented.
"The Santa Fe Art Institute, in coordination with Bill McKibben’s 350.org, an international campaign dedicated to building a movement in response to the global threats of climate change, is spearheading the New Mexico project, which is one of five U.S. sites out of 20 global locations. 3,000 community members will carry and flip blue-painted recycled cardboard to compose the FLASH FLOOD in the dry bed of the Santa Fe River, which has been designated as one of America’s most endangered rivers. The art action and aerial design will be visible and documented from outer space via satellite. The FLASH FLOOD will be projected worldwide alongside the 19 other global aerial designs as part of the Cancun Climate Change Summit, November 29 – December 10, 2010."
So, between 10:53 and 10:56 pm, we created a "living river" as the satellite passed overhead. Meanwhile, news helicopters and cameras on a 5-story high crane shot video and still photos of this spectacular community event.
Representing the Indian community, local Buffalo Dancers performed dances in the river bed:
There was even a local Mariachi band......
As well as people of all ages.....
We're grateful to the Santa Fe Art Institute for making this event a reality, and we hope that we contributed, at least in small part, to a growing global movement bringing the issue of climate change to light.
We spent the morning making calls, doing marketing for our new business, catching up on emails, and otherwise taking care of business. I also did some yard work for a neighbor who recently had surgery, and got some laundry done.
Lucky for Tina, we didn't drag her anywhere today (unlike yesterday when I took both her and Mary to work with me!), and she got to rest to her heart's content and have small walks around The Commons. As she rested in her bed, we couldn't resist a photo shoot since she's so photogenic!
For our Fun Friday activity, we went on a date to an opening at one of our favorite art galleries, then had tapas at El Farol, a famous Spanish tapas restaurant on the equally famous Canyon Road.
It was another local Fun Friday, and we look forward to many more over the coming winter.
This past Friday, Mary and I went to the horse farm just next door to The Commons, and she took her first horseback ride without any assistance from her teacher and friend, Ellen. Mary's equine companion, Snow Leopard, was (mostly) a gentleman, although you'll notice in the video that he kept trying to make a bee-line for me based on the knowledge that I had treats hidden in my jacket pocket!
You may also notice that Mary rode Snow bareback without reins or a bit, and she actually did very well with only leg pressure and her close connection with Snow to keep him in line!
After conquering her fear of heights at the Grand Canyon in May, Mary has now also conquered her life-long fear of horses, with many thanks to Snow and Ellen for the opportunity!
This past week, we were lucky enough to take a hike at the Petroglyph National Monument on the outskirts of Albuquerque. There are thousands of ancient petroglyphs scattered throughout the various sections of the park. We were able to just scratch the surface by hiking in Rinconada Canyon, and we hope to return several times and visit the old volcanoes and other nearby sites, as well.
Some of the petroglyphs have been damaged by bullets, graffiti and other human interference, but there is no mistaking the beauty and timelessness of the images. The black volcanic rock dotting the sagebrush mesa is also strikingly beautiful.
Here are some recent photos of Tina in repose. Note her front legs sweetly stretched out in front of her. Can't you just picture her wearing a cape like "Super Dog"? Or maybe not!
To celebrate my mother's birthday during her weekend visit to Santa Fe from Atlanta, we saw a spectacular flamenco show at El Meson in downtown Santa Fe. The dancing, musicianship and energy were simply without peer.
The late afternoon light here in Santa Fe is just spectacular at this time of year. And here at The Commons on the Alameda, the cottonwoods in the central plaza simply glow as they tower over our cozy community.
Welcome to our travel blog! We left our home and dear friends in Western Massachusetts on October 30, 2009 in search of a new life. We have visited more than twenty states and over thirty intentional communities, and we are now living at a cohousing community in Santa Fe, New Mexico for the foreseeable future.
We'll continue to post about our experiences and adventures frequently, so please visit often and comment when you can. Many blessings on your own life journey, and thanks for stopping by!
We are Certified Laughter Yoga Leaders and Certified Professional Coaches. As wellness professionals, we spread the benefits of laughter and optimal health to individuals, communities, and groups throughout North America.
