Peace on Earth

Here is a wish and a prayer for peace in the world, peace of mind, a soft place to land and a warm place to rest your head. Joy to everyone, everywhere. In the words of William Shakespeare;

"Health, Peace and Sweet Content Be Yours."

Christmas, New Mexico Style

Depending on what part of New Mexico you are from or who you ask, there is a difference between two  lights used as holiday decoration. Luminaria's are put together with brown lunch-size paper bags, a candle and sand to anchor the bag. Farolito (pronounced: fod-o-leeto), means little lantern. Anything "ito" or "ita" means little, as in fajita- small belt, versus faja (pronunced- faha)- regular-size belt.

Whether you refer to the  luminous objects used to light the path as Farolito's or Luminaria's, it is a deeply rooted tradition and part of the New Mexico Christmas experience. Christmas in New Mexico would not be complete without seeing the soft lights line sidewalks, driveways, gates, walls and malls, rooftops and porches, private homes and many business' all across the state.

Las Posadas - A Place to Rest

Another New Mexican Christmas custom is centuries-old and involves the reenactment of Joseph and Mary's journey to Bethlehem. It is a humble homage involving parish churches and parishioners. It may start in the neighborhood church with the Mary and Joseph group singing and another choir of voices responding. The faithful gather with a certain simplicity during the heartfelt pilgrimage, bundled-up and ready to stroll from house to house looking for hope and a peaceful place of comfort and joy.

Food served in the traditional Hispanic home around Christmas includes Pasole, a warm bowl of thick, soupy hominy made with or without meat, optional red chile, maybe a bit of chopped onion, a squeeze of lemon, a little oregano and crackers or a flour tortilla. Other favorites include Tamales, wrapped in a corn husk, these candy-bar size delicacies are made of masa, a savory dense dough that encases shredded pork with chicken or steamed vegetables and red or green chile, Chile Rellenos, a crusty peeled and cooked green chile stuffed with cheese or a lightly encrusted green chile/meat-ball, Empanada's, a turn-over type pastry filled with dried fruit or minced meat and Biscochito's, the state cookie, which is light and crispy, sometimes made with a bit of anise in the mix and a dash of cinnamon on top.

The spirit of Christmas in New Mexico is special, it is revered and reflects generations of history. The smell of pine wood or piñon burn in a fire place, the scent is familiar and as comforting as the glow and warmth emitted from the luminaria's or fajolito's.

The Rose

Here's a quote from Bette Midler, American Singer and Actress, born December 1, 1945. Excerpt taken from the song: The Rose

... "It's the heart afraid of breaking that never learns to dance. It is the dream afraid of waking that never takes the chance.  It is the one who won't be taken who cannot seem to give.  And the soul afraid of dying that never learns to live."   

Caduceus ~ Rod of Asclepius

This familiar medical symbol is laden with history. It is symbolism dating back to Antiquity.

CADUCEUS   (pronounced:kuh-doo-c-us) A winged staff with two snakes wrapped around it. The staff carried by Mercury, a messenger.

The Rod of Asclepius, also spelled Asklepios, son of Apollo and ancient Greek god of medicine and healing.

Sunni Marie and Winnie

Driving around Rio Rancho, you never know what or who you're gonna see. Here's a photo taken of a couple of good doggie-dog's and gal pals, Sunnie Marie in the snappy orange bandanna and Wiinie, looking good in  vibrant yellow. This was a photo opportunity of the highest order and we were lucky to have a camera handy to capture the moment. Even luckier the girls didn't seem too bothered by the paparazzi.

..."And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country."

 ~ Excerpt from, January 20th 1961 Inaugural Address by John Fitzgerald "Jack" Kennedy  35th President of The United States 
May 29, 1917 - November 22, 1963

A Hospital on The Horizon

The seeds have been planted, the ground breaks, the foundation set with hope for the future. Good health care harkens closer with every new day and night, every spellbinding dawn and spectacular sunset. Another chance to be better and stronger then the day before.

Work has begun on The UNM Sandoval Regional Medical Center. A hospital for the community, by the community and with the community. The Sandia Mountains frames the landscape as the massive desert rose emerges at a strong and steady pace. People prepare it's way, planning, building, anticipating much goodness, healing, learning, teaching, ready willing and able.