The mystery about Albuquerque escapes me.
I try to pin it down.
It’s the setting—the Sandia’s, the desert, the river.
No, it’s the people.
It’s the offerings of the community,
No, it’s the people.
It’s so much, so large, so elusive.
The watermelon red sunset over the Sandia Mountains.
Spanish name for watermelon
named for the color splashed over the
mountains at dusk.
Our spiritual Native ancestors who walked this land before us
instilling their heart and soul into the very earth.
The ancient Petroglyphs stand sentinel to the west
and Mount Taylor in the far distance west.
The gorgeous Sandia’s corral the residents on the east.
The Rio Grande weaves a thread through the scenic valley.
Sandia Pueblo borders the north,
and Isleta Pueblo hems in the south.
Albuquerque—surrounded, unique and mystique!
The people play a major role in its charm.
As a child, I visited Albuquerque often because my aunt and uncle
lived here.
Visits to the mall and the Thanksgiving Day parade downtown
echoed through my soul as I contemplated re-locating
here.
When I had the opportunity to move, I took it
quickly.
My first exposure as a working adult won my heart.
The faculty, parents and students of Washington middle school,
“La Washa” for those of us who love that south valley school,
welcomed me with open arms.
The connections there ran deep
fun collaborative projects that welded the staff together.
Many Friday afternoon after school
together in a local bar with memorable jokes
that still resonate with just one line remembered.
The staff was so tight the first couple years I worked there,
we had to have two Christmas parties.
One was not enough!
I still socialize with many of the “La Washa” staff member.
Other schools
Other faculties
Other colleagues
continued deep connections.
Many cultures live side-by-side here,
celebrating their own heritage and each other’s.
Strong Spanish/Hispanic and Native American populations,
Caucasians, Blacks, Greek, Asians and Vietnamese, too.
The mixture gives me a strong respect for all ethnicities.
My recovery community saved my life
and continues to each day.
My church community, Hope in the Desert Episcopal Church,
and its people loved and accepted me during a down time in my life.
A magnificent view of the Sandia’s out the window over the alter
each Sunday calms my spirit.
Fr. Dan’s soft-spoken words encourage me.
Today my focus is my square dance community.
A tight-knit bunch that loves to dance and have fun.
A beautiful dance hall on the north side of town
probably the best in the country.
A lively group of people, an activity, and a place that finds my soul.
Add the Albuquerque weather to the mix and the mystery.
Mild winters and summers
Our snow accumulation is normally slight
The summer weather only goes over 100 degrees a few days,
otherwise, balmy, beautiful weather for most of the year.
Summers and fall are the best.
Often, I sit outside in the night time
listen to the serenades of the cicadas
loud and boisterous yet so soothing.
The desert moon’s light magnifies the stars strewn
across a black canopy of night.
And there’s so much more!
The University of New Mexico
The Balloon Fiesta
The Gathering of Nations
The Greek Festival
Old Town
Yes, I believe Albuquerque has a mystique about it!
For years before I moved here, I listened to
Jim Glasser sing about “The Lights of Albuquerque.”
Every time I heard it,
My heart leapt,
My spirit soared.
It has always had a mystique for me!
Have you ever been to Albuquerque? Share your comments. Check out my web site: https://www.laradasbooks.com Until January 31, 2019, 25% Discount on Digital copies of my books at my Etsy Shop, Larada’s Reading Loft
