CONTRASTS OF BEAUTY

Before landing, looking at the brown, arid desert mounds that trim El Paso, my mind was still tinted with the deep, moist and cold blue of California's coast line. A part of me regretted my return to what can be perceived as a dull, anaemic, colorless landscape. It is so different from the ocean's dramatic and exciting hues that provoked me to gasp from incredulous surprise while I witnessed nature's explosive beauty. I drove back home to New Mexico grateful for night's darkness that helped me relish recent memories, already slightly fading like a dream.

The following morning, as usual, I walked to the window to greet my humble yet splendid mountains. As I stared at them, hoping to inhale some of their stillness, their silence conveyed a lesson: "Nature's palette is vast. Appreciate it all, it is all one."

So, I'm back home reflecting on the contrasts of this planet, of life, of myself - all from one palette.

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I had a wonderful time on vacation. Now back to my life, my people and my blog.

My mountains.

I took too many pictures.

VACATION

Goodbye my mountains, cactus plants, coyotes, tarantulas and rats - for a little while. I've decided I need to experience a different environment, so a few weeks ago I purchased plane tickets and arranged a play date with the ocean.

Changing scenery, relating to a different aspect of nature while focused on its beauty will refresh and soothe my spirit. It's gourmet food for my soul.

Goodbye to you, my friends - just for a little while. I probably won't be visiting your blogs. I'll be wallowing in nature's playgrounds in California, with little on my mind, but maybe a glass of wine in my hand. I'll hopefully return with renewed energy and stimulated creativity.

Know that I think of you. I wonder what you're doing, writing, photographing. Though I'm leaving to find special nourishment, I'll be back soon to you who are my daily bread.