Desert Diva

I thought it would be fun to participate in this “photo blogging activity.” Every week there is a theme and the one for this week is “Comfy.”

My photo is from this past summer. I was visiting some new friends that were camphosting in Salmonberry Park near Alsea, Oregon. One weekend the temperature went into the “triple digits.” To keep cool, many of the campers set their lawn chairs in the river to relax. Terrie and her “girl” Hannah are staying “comfy” and cool.

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OK, that’s not a blogging activity page – it’s just that I’m leaving after work today to go to Nuevo Casas Grandes for the weekend. I only wish I could take my “Cali girl” with me, but she’s going to the kennel.

For some reason, my blog has been acting “buggy” (for lack of a better term). However, I’ve been tweaking it a lot lately with new plug-in’s, etc… I’m backing up the information so even if I have a problem, the data is still there.

OK, off to finish the “last minute” packing. Vaya con Dios…

Last Friday I visited my hairdresser for my routine “color and cut.” I’ve had all kinds of conversations with Lisa, but on Friday we talked about my “blog.” Blogs don’t make sense to Lisa (my hairdresser), and I attemped to explain why I kept one.

I finally applied for a domain, procured a webhost, and uploaded the blogging software WordPress.  It’s been quite a “learning curve,” but the ride has been fun!

For me, blogging is a creative outlet for self-expression. I love to travel and take pictures, and my blog serves as a record of my journeys. However, on another level my blog is an online “journal” where I’m allowed to “think out loud.” I love the fact that family and friends that I can’t see on a day-to-day basis can “visit” with me via my blog. I’m sure some days what I write is more interesting than other days – which brings me to the main point.

Lately, I’ve followed links to blogs that are what I call flat or lacking in creative expression. Their blogs consist of the “task of the day” and offer little to the reader. Here are some examples of the – uh, “activities.”

• Monday Memories
• Tackle It Tuesday
• Wordless Wednesday
• Works for Me Wednesday
• Thursday Thirteen

I suppose I’m not entirely against “activities” because I’ve signed up for the Saturday Photo Hunt where folks post a picture on Saturday of the current “theme.” However, I’d rather not post for a day or two if I don’t really have anything to say. OK, that’s my “rant” for the day…

Today I gave a co-worker a ride home to Old Mesilla. Several years ago when I first moved to New Mexico from the midwest, one of the first places I went exploring was the Mesilla plaza. There’s a lot of history in this concentrated area… At the time Mesilla was founded, most of the population lived “around the plaza” as protection from Apache raiders. Billy the Kid was tried and escaped from jail, the consummation of the Gadsden purchase took place, and there was a political riot in 1871.

Each week a farmer’s market is held on Sunday afternoon, and visitors stroll with coffee drinks or just sit and chat. During the year, many celebrations and festivals are held in the plaza.

However, the most beautiful (and interesting) part of the plaza to me is a small adobe house near the church. Josephina Emerson lived in this small house for a number of years, tending the flowers as she participated in the life of the community. Gone now, the gate still bears a wooden sign “Josephina’s.” Many artists have painted the famed “Josephina’s Gate.” Everytime I visit Mesilla and walk by the house, I think of Josephina and the years of love she spent in this tiny home.

OK, admit it – we all have off days and blue moods from time-to-time. A few months ago I wrote about a twenty-nine year old guy named Matt that dropped out of the “rat race” to travel and film his dancing in “obscure” places.

Sometimes, when I am feeling a little blue or just want to take in the “wonder” of the world I watch Matt’s “dancing” videos. No, Matt isn’t an accomplished dancer. However, his dancing in different locations all over the world says “I’ve been there, and expanded my horizons.” Whether you love the “dance” or not, you have to appreciate Matt’s “journey.” The music (Deep Forest) is uplifting and the scenery is incredible.

Matt actually has two videos – here’s his newest (2006)…