FIRMLY PLANTED â—½ ENCOURAGEMENT
There and Back
by Dina Cavazos
Last month I shared my perspective on traveling--more specifically, leaving “the nest I call home,” as my story was titled. My friend Jeannie and I both had milestone birthdays (June and August), so we decided to go somewhere special. She loves going places, I don’t; but because it was an occasion, I agreed. The closer it got, the more mixed my feelings were: excitement to see old friends in new places, and, yet, angst about leaving home. If you read the story, maybe you’re wondering how it turned out?
​
After lining up care for my plants, cat, and birds, I decided to leave worry behind and trust they were being cared for. I said good-bye to my cozy nest and we flew to Albuquerque NM. The flight was short, only an hour and a half.
​
When we arrived, we rented a car and headed toward the historic district. It was a slow week-day, and early, so many stores were still closed, but we came to a little café that was open. We walked in to a tiny space with about four tables but were soon led into an expansive dining room with glass windows looking out to a beautiful plant filled patio.
Then I remembered…. several years ago, the kids and I went to see their paternal grandfather who lived in that area. We spent the night in Albuquerque, and ate at that same restaurant. I remember enjoying the garden and fountain with my then 6 year old grandson. That was a happy coincidence.
​
Eager to get to Santa Fe, we headed out for the hour-long drive. First stop was Loretto Chapel, located in the middle of the historic tourist district. The main attraction was a “miraculous staircase.” It took longer to find parking than to tour the chapel. The narrow spiral staircase was hand made of beautiful wood, protected so no one can climb on it. We had fun with each other in the old-fashioned confessionals.
​
From there we walked to shops selling beautiful things, some handmade, some imported. Streets are narrow, and many are lined with charming and old adobe buildings, crowded together and extending far back behind gated entrances. We didn’t buy much, but one shop had gorgeous glassware made in the “holy land.” Jeannie bought me a wine glass for my birthday, a really nice memento.
Then we drove to the nearby art district to find Dominique Boisjoli Fine Art where my friend Sandy Preston displays her art. What a feast for the eyes! I wish we’d had more time to spend at the galleries—it would have been more enjoyable than shopping (mostly looking).
​
We stayed the night at Sandy’s small community near Santa Fe. Her adobe style home overlooks an expansive view in a quiet, peaceful setting—very relaxing. Beauty in both home and garden reflect her artistry. Sandy graciously made us breakfast and offered to take us to the best thrift stores, our last adventure in Santa Fe, so fun! My best find was a sleeveless embroidered turquoise lounging dress for $10 (I’m wearing it as I write this!)
It was time for the two-hour drive north to our mutual friends’ cabin near Mora. We took the scenic High Road to Taos, interesting and historical. There were run-down looking buildings along the way that seemed abandoned. We stopped at a few places looking for chips to snack on but there were none—imagine that! The landscape was rolling hills and mountains in the distance, sparsely populated.
​
We arrived at Steve and Vickie’s remote cabin set in a valley surrounded by pine trees—polar opposite of the deserts of Santa Fe. Despite signs of a devastating fire five years ago--burned trees and piles of dead wood—it was a serene and delightful place. These dear friends were wonderful hosts, driving us around to see more beautiful country, tiny spread-out communities, and abandoned adobe sites. Vickie served up her magical food, we hiked a little, and Steve kept us entertained with stories of local life. Each morning I sat on the deck overlooking the valley enjoying coffee and silence with God as the sun came up over the mountains. I made it a point to see the truly black night sky with more stars than I’d seen since childhood growing up in south Texas. It was exquisite.
​
The last night Steve played his guitar, singing songs he wrote that stirred my heart. It was a perfect end to a wonderful trip, the best part being spending time with friends: Sandy, Vickie, Steve, and of course my traveling partner Jeannie. Both the desert and the mountains had their unforgettable charms.
I could write much more, but it’s time to end the story. The last two days Jeannie had symptoms that felt like allergies. When we got back, she tested positive for Covid and symptoms started for me the next day. It was my first time to get Covid and it was pretty miserable. Thankfully, it didn’t hit hard during the trip. My plants and cat survived, the birds were still here, and all was well. It was good to be back among my plants, prisms, and pet kitty.
​
Am I glad I went? Yes.
​
Would I have gone if I knew I’d get Covid? No.
​
Am I ready to leave my nest again? Not for a while….a long while.