Dragonfly and Unicorn #13

I love dragonflies- they are good luck and you see them a lot around here in New Mexico. Chilly peppers too. A simple image that just calms the soul. Like unicorns and fairies. Mystical and mysterious- yet comforting. I ride passenger side on my way to work and home- and as I travel down the streets of Albuquerque, I love the individuality, art, statues and colorful murals that don our city. Each a reminder that someone slowed down and added it to our home turf.

The mountains edge in around us, like a warm hug. Often snow capped and awe inspiring. Lifting up the bustle of every day life. Cars speed by, always in a hurry. Red lights mean - one more coming through- not stop. You have to slow your roll to make it through commutes. Be ready to just wait a few seconds before pulling through an intersection at a green. A few moments before a left turn. You get used to it.

Like I have gotten used to these last six months- the elevation and dryness. It is very much a part of the culture. Wide roads and iron footed drivers. But the best parts of this city are the ways in which the residents adapt. Help one another. Seek outdoor calm. Remember to say thank you. It is a city smaller than most, less densely populated than most. Yet, more full of generosity and kindness than most.

It is a dragonfly- soaring and nurturing. It is a unicorn- flamboyantly and unconditionally honest and loud. It thrives off its quirkiness and pride. It is colorful and noisy. Many of my students believe this city to be boring- as we were discussing in class today. I told them I have travelled the world- I have lived in many places- and this niche in the mountains might not be full of tourist attractions, but it is abundantly and gloriously filled with small gems that you need to slow down and look for.

The unexpected. The often harsh- but adaptable spirit of its residents is why it is so diverse and beautiful. Accepting and grateful for what it has. Does it have problems- yes. All cities do. But the edges are less sharp than other places. Its curving and winding down its own path- and that is how we like it. Brash and bold- with a lot of heart.