300 Days of Sunshine

For the second year in a row I had the unique opportunity of attending the Santa Fe opera .  I enjoy musical productions and feel fulfilled by a night of artistic expression.  The creativity and the emotions portrayed in a theatrical performance have a way of renewing my faith in humanity, and I find art to be increasingly important to reflect and reframe our world during trying times.  What better way to celebrate creativity and art than through Puccini's La Boheme , depicting bohemian lifestyle in nineteenth century Paris.    It wasn't until I read the synopsis prior to the show that I realized that RENT  was a modern day re-telling of the story, which made me even more excited for the show! La Boheme  tells the story of a group of four impoverished artists in Paris, navigating  a society that values industry over art,  plagued by class divides, and struggling with financial hardship,  love triangles, relationship woes,    and, in Mimi's case, tuberculosis.  Act I opens

I took an extra day off work for my birthday, determined to spend the weekend doing all the things that bring me joy.  I had a lovely weekend that allowed me to really be present with my friends and my little family, while also enjoying some much-needed "me time."  I had a coffee date and park play with my favorite toddler, saw La Boheme with the hubby at the Santa Fe opera, got a pedicure, enjoyed a yummy dinner out with good friends, and caught up with some friends and family across the miles.  I made time for reading, journaling, and knitting, which always helps me feel balanced.  I didn't let myself get caught up in mundane chores, social media, or work-related tasks.  And I did all the things I love. On my birthday morning we went for a family hike to La Vega in the Pecos Wilderness.  This is one of my favorite medium-distance hikes and one that is largely underrated, in my opinion.  The hike begins with uphill switchbacks along the Windsor Trail then descends t

Happy August!  I love this month, and not only because it's my birthday month.  The weather is starting to cool off in Santa Fe, with lots of impressive thunderstorms and beautiful morning skies lately, and school is starting this week.  While summer is definitely still in full-swing, I've already observed the hint of fall colors on some trees, previewing the season ahead.  My softball team had our final game of the season last week, and my favorite summer tradition of Music on the Hill wrapped up a few weeks ago.  Later this month I'm looking forward to seeing La Boheme at the Santa Fe Opera ! Some of my favorite flavors of summer are berries and rhubarb, especially when I can find ingredients at the local farmers' market.  This Pink and Green pie is a festive and flavorful combination of sweet strawberries, tart rhubarb, and crunchy pistachios, but my favorite part might be the oatmeal crumble on top!  Jaycob enjoyed it with cool whip (which, in my opinion, is not a