Monday, August 17, 2015

Mountain Refreshment

There is something about going to the mountains that is refreshment for the soul. Not to mention the cool weather is very refreshing to the body. We spent last week in Northern NM. It was like going home. Upon arriving in Taos at my SIL's Taos House Retreat, I got that overwhelming feeling that I sometimes get when I go back to NM. It is hard to explain, but it is very emotional. I want to cry.  I get a lump in my throat and feel like I've been punched in the stomach. Yep, it hurts. And yet, I'm happy to be there and I always enjoy myself. I've never done drugs, but maybe it is like being off drugs for years and then getting a whiff of your favorite drug and it brings a longing that surprises you. Or maybe it is like seeing an old lover that you know was not good for you, but you remember the good times and long for what could have been.

I talked to my son about my feelings. He was feeling something too. He told me that not many people had a childhood like his growing up in the mountains. Such freedom and beauty! It is hard to explain to people. There is something magical or enchanting about my mountains, but I know their faults too. I know the ugly side of life there. Sometimes the mountains can destroy people. When you are in the land of enchantment, you don't always see the drawbacks until it is too late. I am glad we moved from the mountains, and I'm glad I can go back now and enjoy them.

We took my son and his family - all my grand-babies! It was fun showing them around. We took them on a hike to a mountain lake. We took them to the Rio Grand Gorge bridge. They got to see the Pueblo and do some shopping at the Taos Plaza. They fished in Red River. They played in the hot-tub. And we all ate some great Mexican food.

After the kids left, Toby and I rested. We also spent time doing tourist thangs in Taos. Our friends, Jo and Gene, were in in Angel Fire, so we spent lots of time with them. One night we all met at the Taos Inn and listened to Susan Gibson, a Texas songwriter and singer. One night they came over to the Taos House and we cooked out on the grill. Then Toby and I went to Angel Fire so that Jo and I could paint together. We went up to the Vietnam Memorial to paint. It was a first for me - a bit emotional, but beautiful. I'll post my painting soon. Here is Jo's painting. 

It really was a nice vacation. We even spent some time with family in RR. Now it is back to the real world. Teacher inservice started today. That is a story itself, but I will tell it later.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

I have been reading your blog for a couple of years and I so enjoy it. I found it because of NM/Taos area/Red River/Questa and then found other things we have in common. So I was in that area for a couple of weeks recently (wish we'd met!) and came back and just decided to read your whole blog from start to finish...It took three days straight...That is the way I read books also, obsessive-compulsively. Thanks for the window on what life was like in Red River back in the day. I just love the area. FF

Bag Blog said...

FF, wow! I wish we had met too. I've been thinking about writing more Red River stories. People seem to like them best. I am always amazed that anyone reads my blog. Thanks for that and for commenting.

Jo Castillo said...

It was wonderful to see you guys and meet the gkids in person, the two boys that is. I have many of the same feelings you do about this place. I'm also sort of pleased we don't live here year round, but love the time we spend here in the summer. There is no food like New Mexican food.

FF sounds interesting, happy FF found your blog. You always have fun stories and good info!

We went to ABQ over the weekend for more music so I haven't painted again. Maybe tomorrow......

Bag Blog said...

Jo,
Toby and I certainly ate our share of New Mexican food - starting with the Lota Burger! We also ate another lunch at Orlando's. It is amazing that I did not gain weight - must be the green chilies.