What’s that out by the pool?

I just read a story in the Albuquerque Journal about cattle wandering around Rio Rancho. Well, knowing Rio Rancho, ‘The City of Vision’ that dates way back to the roaring 1970’s when Amrep reigned supreme, I find this to be pretty funny since Rio Rancho is a mecca for city folk from other bigger cities, namely New York. It’s no longer the arid mesa land that crooked Amrep Reps sold to unsuspecting New Yorkers in the 1970’s but a qualified city boasting the “fastest growing community in New Mexico”
Perhaps some of the Cowboys and Cowgirls from Corrales, Los Lunas and surrounding areas will find some extra work, or a bit of practice for their next event, roping and returning the cattle to their rightful owners. 
I wish they would have posted a picture …

Wandering Cattle Trouble For Rio Rancho Homeowners
By Associated Press on Fri, Apr 13, 2012
POSTED AT: 8:40 am
Cattle wandering off the open range are creating problems for residents of some Rio Rancho neighborhoods.
They’re complaining that herds of a dozen or more cows are tearing up their properties.
The suburb just north of Albuquerque is the fastest-growing city in New Mexico.
The cattle come in search of grass and water, and if the properties aren’t fenced, state law says there’s nothing homeowners can do to recover their damages.
KVOA-TV in Albuquerque reports that Rio Rancho Police Sgt. Nicholas Onken keeps a rope in his squad car because police are called to move cows off roadways about twice a week.
The only thing the homeowners can do is fence off their properties. Then they can bill the livestock’s owner for any damages.

Happy Easter

Have a blessed day!

Your journey has no beginning … it has no end

…And the truth of the matter is it is always right and you are always where you are supposed to be, and every thought and action is exactly what it should be and your journey just continues to flow! It’s what makes everything worthwhile!

To drive or not to drive … that is the question!

So that is my question of the day … drive or not drive. Although I have driven across country several times, up and down and all around, I am seriously considering letting the moving company take my vehicle and my boy and I can fly out to New Mexico. I just talked to Miss M who works for the moving company, conveniently owned by my childhood friend and who has moved me several times in the past and has always done an excellent job. I also like that I get a bit of special treatment. Miss M is my friends daughter and such a sweetie. She got the scoop from her father so she knows all about me which makes me feel very comfortable.
It’s not such an easy decision. With the cost of gas, hotels and food, it might be about the same cost as moving the vehicle. Driving would include a stop in Mount Pleasant, SC, then Mandeville LA, on to Breaux Bridge LA, Dallas TX,  Keller TX, a possible stop in Amarillo TX and finally Albuquerque, NM. 
… but it’s not about cost … it’s about the drive and the long days of being on the road. I guess I am getting old, so is my vehicle.

On the move …

Hey, Hey,

Just wanted to update everyone on what is happening in my world. J.R and I will be returning to New Mexico at the end of June. We both loved South Carolina and will always hold our time there dear, as well as all the great people we met there, <<<sweet Lisa, Linda and Charmayne ~~ to mention a few>>> And … our time in New York was also purposeful. Being near my dear friend, for forever and a day, Ginny has been my delight and enjoying the company of some very good people from an earlier time in my life has allowed me to reminisce about very good times <<<Goodie and Sal and Norma are a joy in my world>>> New York has always been about la mia famiglia, my brother and sisters, nieces and nephews. Nevertheless, I think everyone knows my heart is happiest in the west and my soul is enchanted by those rose-colored mountains of New Mex. We are both excited to be going home and picking up where we left off with our good friends.

J.R will start high school … can ya’ believe it? I’m just amazed at how the years pass. A great kid, an artist at heart, lover of music, social animal and a looooooong drink of water nearing almost 6” foot at the age of 14 and not more than 120 pounds … all muscle. I just visited with his teachers for parent-teacher conferences and it looks like he’ll finish 8th grade with fine grades and they all had nice things to say about him. <<<Curtsying; thank you, thank you! Taking all the credit, yes I am!>>>
Besides for enjoying new adventures and having good times, I’ll be working with a new client … Cowgirl Dirt Cosmetics. <<<thank you to those who were professional or personal references in the review process>>> In addition to Cowgirl Dirt, I expect to continue with at least one of my current clients and try to pick up at least one more in the Albuquerque area, so wish me luck. I approached Cowgirl Dirt after trying some of their products and loving the look. I’ll be representing the wholesale line to retailers and I’ll also have the ability to sell at retail to individuals. Sort of a unique proposition and one I really like. Brings me back to my really early days in college when I worked for a well know cosmetic company. This time, things are different; my ideas about cosmetics and beauty have changed. Cowgirl Dirt products are all 100% Natural and Organic. Ding Ding!!! It will be nice working with a fun product and with a fun and ethical company. I hope you’ll check them out, try some of the samples they sell and see what you think. Use my page link to place an order. If you are interested in carrying the product in your business, contact me at maria@cowgirldirt.com .
As for news about the family, many of you know that my Mom, who is going to be 94 in April, has had some health problems and that is to be expected at her age. Last week though, she was taken to the emergency room after suffering from three seizures, each about 20 minutes apart. Then, when she was in the hospital, she suffered another. She is home now but much weaker than she has been in the past and she is sleeping most of the day. Please remember her in your thoughts and prayers.
My niece and godchild is pregnant with her first bambino. The baby’s room is decorated with sock monkey linens and blankets … and it’s beyond cute! She is due in June, and has chosen to be surprised by the gender, I’m betting a boy.  She is staying home now to enjoy all the wonders of preparing for motherhood. She’ll be a wonderful Mom!
…And there’s good news from the FL family too. My brother-in-law has been cancer-free 18 months now. Woo-hoo!!! It looks like their move to FL has been good for them. My other niece, who is also in FL, is now the Director of Mktg & Bus Development for Simon Malls in Ocala. She’s 26, smart and beautiful. I’m so proud of her.
I’d love to hear from you about your good times and happy days, leave a comment below or email me ... and I’m wishing each of you the sweetest blessings.
~~
Alrighty then,
smile and be happy
Maria

Brenn Hill ... Wyoming Wind

Nice song on the first day of spring!

Soooooooo happy spring is here ...

I think I'd like to visit Wyoming some springtime.

What about you?

Ranching on the Rocks with Gail Steiger and Amy Hale Auker

The March issue includes an outstanding article by Senior Editor Jennifer Denison which is also the cover story, "Ranching on the Rocks," about the lives and work of Gail Steiger and Amy Hale Auker (Rightful Place by Amy Hale Auker) on Arizona's remote Spider Ranch. See my own review of Amy delightful book, Rightful Place

Related articles

• [reviewing] Rightful Places by Amy Hale Auker (beachwalkermari.blogspot.com)

Words to savor

Secrets of the Missing Crown: A Pilgrimage of Change by Sunday Larson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I can not help but love Sunday Larson's use of words in this wonderfully enchanting story. Woven with magic poetry, this story is laid before us with a healthy dose of imagination, wonderful animal characters and true wisdom. If you are a desert wanderer or believer in guardian angels as I am, this book will be a delight. It's a quick read but much nicer when read slow and savored. You will truly enjoy this story and the beautiful artwork by Karen Vogel. I know you will return to it from time to time to savor the bits as I have already.

http://www.amazon.com/Secret-Missing-Cro...

View all my reviews

Kindness

Before You Know What Kindness Really Is
--by Naomi Shihab Nye (Apr 19, 2011)

Before you know what kindness really is
you must lose things,
feel the future dissolve in a moment
like salt in a weakened broth.
What you held in your hand,
what you counted and carefully saved,
all this must go so you know
how desolate the landscape can be
between the regions of kindness.
How you ride and ride
thinking the bus will never stop,
the passengers eating maize and chicken
will stare out the window forever.
Before you learn the tender gravity of kindness,
you must travel where the Indian in a white poncho lies dead by the side
of the road.
You must see how this could be you, how he too was someone
who journeyed through the night with plans
and the simple breath that kept him alive.
Before you know kindness as the deepest thing inside,
you must know sorrow as the other deepest thing.
You must wake up with sorrow.
You must speak to it till your voice
catches the thread of all sorrows
and you see the size of the cloth.
Then it is only kindness that makes sense anymore,
only kindness that ties your shoes
and sends you out into the day to mail letters and purchase bread,
only kindness that raises its head
from the crowd of the world to say
it is I you have been looking for,
and then goes with you every where
like a shadow or a friend.
--Naomi Shihab Nye, from The Words Under the Words

Friends forever ...

An old cowboy was riding his trusty horse followed by his faithful 


dog along an unfamiliar road. The man was enjoying the new 


scenery, when he suddenly remembered dying, and realized that the 


dog beside him had been dead for years, as had his horse. 


Confused, he wondered what was happening, and where the trail 


was leading them.

After a while, they came to a high, white stone wall that looked like 


fine marble. At the top of a long hill, it was broken by a tall arch 


topped by a golden letter “H” that glowed in the sunlight.

Standing before it, he saw a magnificent gate in the arch that looked 


like mother-of-pearl, and the street that led to the gate looked like 


gold.

He rode toward the gate, and as he got closer, he saw a man at a 


desk to one side. Parched and tired out by his journey, he called 


out, ‘Excuse me, where are we?’ 

‘This is Heaven, sir,’ the man answered.

‘Wow! Would you happen to have some water?’ the man asked.

‘Of course, sir. Come right in, and I’ll have some ice water brought 


right up.’

As the gate began to open, the cowboy asked, ‘Can I bring my 


partners, too?’ 

‘I’m sorry, sir, but we don’t accept pets.’

The cowboy thought for a moment, then turned back to the road and 


continued riding, his dog trotting by his side.

After another long ride, at the top of another hill, he came to a dirt 


road leading through a ranch gate that looked as if it had never been 


closed. As he approached the gate, he saw a man inside, leaning 


against a tree and reading a book. 

‘Excuse me,’ he called to the man. ‘Do you have any water?’

‘Sure, there’s a pump right over there. Help yourself.’

‘How about my friends here?’ the traveler gestured to the dog and 


his horse.

‘Of course! They look thirsty, too,’ said the man.

The trio went through the gate, and sure enough, there was an old-


fashioned hand pump with buckets beside it. The traveler filled a 


cup and the buckets with wonderfully cool water and took a long 


drink, as did his horse and dog.

When they were full, he walked back to the man who was still 


standing by the tree. ‘What do you call this place?’ the traveler 


asked. 

‘This is Heaven,’ he answered.

‘That’s confusing,’ the traveler said. ‘The man down the road said 


that was Heaven, too.’

‘Oh, you mean the place with the glitzy, gold street and fake pearly 


gates? That’s hell.’

‘Doesn’t it make you angry when they use your name like that?’

‘Not at all. Actually, we’re happy they screen out the folks who 


would leave their best friends behind.’ 




Posted on Tumblr by Homewhereheart

A pilgrimage of change, a whimsical journey

An elegant story ... delightful words ... 

"My days are spent gathering strands of light." ~ Lei Shamilly

The Well Red Coyote Bookstore - Sedona, AZ

Remembering good medicine

Every time we speak words to people




we are planting seeds. The question




is, are we planting seeds of fear or 




are we planting seeds of hope?

-


Sandra Ingerman, Medicine for the 




Earth

Laughing Pup

This pup looks like he's laughing ... how cute!

Good sounds

New Year goals and non-goals …

I’ve been reading quite a few blogs about what I’ve always called “New Years Resolutions.” Apparently, they are now called goals or non-goals, where goals are new actions to take and non-goals are what you already do well with a positive affirmation to keep doing it. I like that. It’s a new twist and seems to be healthier in nature.
I am really fascinated by the things people are listing as goals  and non-goals. They are much more encompassing, much more worldly, selfless and so much more compassionate. I’ve have not seen one goal to lose weight. Seems lose weight has transformed into ‘Eat like you matter.’ Found that one on the FearLess Blog.
I’m intrigued by this one … “To stop working for myself and start working for the world.” That’s pretty heady stuff.
I read this one on Karen Walrond’s blog CHOOKOOLOONKS, “ Keep telling Marcus and Alex how awesome they are.  Because sweet mother of Gumby, they are, and they deserve to know it.” What a perfect Mom non-goal!
But the thing is … I think there is a shift. Maybe it’s the shift the elders have been talking about that is due to occur in this very year, 2012. I keep seeing it, in writing, all over the place. people being selfless, concerned about the world and the next guy … it’s wonderful!
Maybe it is a release of ego for many people; like in The Shift, the Wayne Dyer movie that said so much about exploring your purpose.
I haven’t really put much effort into resolutions … ever. Never gave a thought to it. Perhaps this is the month and the year to do so. I can think of one non-goal and goal for me right now:

“You have always encouraged people to do their best. Well, keep doing it and while doing it, remember to encourage yourself.”

What are your goals for 2012?

Love yourself ...

"Nothing is impossible to a willing heart"

http://www.islandcowgirl.com/

“Shhhhh! Just between u & me” blog

I woke this morning to a very sweet message from Tiffany Little, owner of the Shhhhh! Just between u & me blog who had this to say:

“I love love love this!!! I am definitely going to share this post and your blog with my followers!! My goal this year is to showcase other bloggers and their posts that I like with my followers. It is scheduled to go live tomorrow 1/6/12 at 11AM EST at http://shhhhhjustbetweenume.blogspot.com I have included links to your page and your blog button. I hope it brings an increase in your readers and followers.”

It’s such a warm feeling to know others appreciate your work. Thank you again Tiffany!!!

If you get a moment, stop by her page and enter her coffee giveaway at http://shhhhhjustbetweenume.blogspot.com/2012/01/tylers-coffee-giveaway-ends-114.html You could win Tyler’s coffee!!

…and coffee is always a treat!!!

Our strength ...

Picture From MysticMama

Strong women don't wait for time, we make it. We don't wait for love, we feel it. We don't wait for money, we earn it. We don't wait for the right path to take, we make one. We don't wait for the right opportunity, we create it. We don't go for less, only the best. We don't compare ourselves to others, we are unique. We don't complain about our misfortunes, we transform them. We don't avoid failure, we welcome challenges. We don't dwell on our mistakes, we learn from them. We don't back down, we find a way around. We don't close our eyes, we open our hearts. We don't run from life, we embrace it! ~Unknown

How nice is this??

So, I'm thinking I have a lot of changes to make as I plan my return to my soul's home in July. I don't really want to take furniture that I have fallen out of love with and plan to sell or donate several things. The first will be my kitchen set and I am drooling to replace it with this luscious set, particularly those wonderful chairs … stylized after mid-20^th century varnished steel chairs. So fresh and clean!! They can be found at Sundance so you know they are much more than I would chose to afford ... but boy they sure are nice. I’m hoping I might be able to find something similar that is less expensive.

I have a feeling you’ll be seeing a good many of my plans for my move here and plenty of pictures of my fancies. Wish me luck that all works out well. 

Yummy salad recipe

I love this recipe from Southern Lady Magazine, probably because I really, really like pomegranates. They say hmmmm … they say pomegranates are very good for you. I just think they taste good and they certainly make the salad look pretty. I like pretty food. I think the prettier the food, the better it is for you. ‘Cause when you surround yourself with pretty, well you just become pretty … you are what you eat after all.

Spinach Salad with Pomegranate Vinaigrette

Makes 4 servings
1 (6-ounce) bag baby spinach
1 cup matchstick carrots
1/2 cup broccoli sprouts
1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
3 tangerines, sectioned
1/3 cup pomegranate arils
Pomegranate Vinaigrette (recipe follows)
1. In a medium bowl, combine baby spinach, carrots, broccoli sprouts, and red onion.
2. Divide spinach mixture evenly among 4 salad plates. Top each salad with tangerine sections and pomegranate arils. Drizzle with Pomegranate Vinaigrette just before serving.

Pomegranate Vinaigrette

Makes about 1 cup
1/2 cup fresh pomegranate juice
2 tablespoons pomegranate-infused balsamic vinegar*
1 teaspoon honey
1 tablespoon minced shallot
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons extra light olive oil
1. In a small bowl, combine pomegranate juice, vinegar, and honey, whisking until honey dissolves. Add shallot, salt, and pepper, whisking to combine well. Gradually add olive oil, whisking to combine.
*You may substitute white balsamic vinegar for pomegranate-infused balsamic vinegar.