Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta 2011

My dear husband, Jeff, recently decided to take up road bicycling with me so we could experience some wonderful adventures together.  I have done a fair amount of bicycle riding, but I’ve never seen the balloons by bike.  So…

This morning we took  a nice 14 mile ride and here are a few pics:

Hot Air Balloon Deflating 

Balloons Galore

Jeff...and hot air balloons in the background

Jeff on his bike

It’s really amazing to see so many balloons in the air all at once. It still excites me after more than 15 years of seeing it and being around them.  I have to say that seeing them by bike was even more incredible than I thought it would be. It’s hard to explain the glorious, peaceful, graceful beauty…just makes me happy to be alive and celebrate life.

My plan is to get more close ups of the balloons this week.  Let’s all pray for continued good weather so the balloons can launch, everybody can stay safe and I can hopefully get some great pics to share.

New Mexico Sunrise and Walking Stick Bug Surprise

Beautiful blessings in plain sight.  We all have *those* days where everything feels off or seems to go wrong.  But, have you ever have had days when everything seemed to be a wonderful, beautiful surprise?  Sometimes all we need to do is slow down, breathe and take a look around. 🙂

I was exceedingly blessed to witness a most spectacular sunrise last Thursday morning.  AND I happened to have my camera with me so I was able to snap a few pics to share.  Click the images to open larger images. Use your browser back button to return to this page.

New Mexico Sunrise

New Mexico Sunrise #3

New Mexico sunrise #3

Later this very same day, I found this little treasure:

Phasmida - Walking Stick Bug underside

Looking through a window at the underside of a Phasmida (Walking Stick Bug).  It’s about 5-6 inches long not including the super long antennae.

Phasmida - Walking Stick Bug

On the outside of the window (it’s highly reflective!). Gorgeous, subtle colors.  Such a treat to see this amazing creature.

Now…how about you tell me about your blessings in plain sight?  😀

 

Santa Fe Century 2011 – bicycle 100 miles or more in one day

Heartbreak Hill -- about 41 miles into the 103 mile ride

Brief summary of the Santa Fe Century: My heart said, “YES!” My knee said, “NO!” My head said, “Remember what happened the last time you didn’t listen to your body? Yes, that’s right, you tore your ACL and you were out for a year.”  Knee/head/wisdom won. I quit just shy of making 40 miles. Very disappointed, but I know it was the right decision.

On the bright side, I was able to be present to watch my two riding buddies finish their first century rides–YAY for Connie & Alee!!!

Nearing the finish line...
Turn the corner to find the finish line!

It’s true that I was sad and disappointed that I had to pull out short of my goal.  Clearly this outcome is a perceived failure.  Yet, how much worse would I feel if I had not listened to my body and damaged my knee to the degree that it would require serious medical intervention or even surgery?  Possibly being out of commission and off the bike for an entire year (like when I tore my ACL).  Perhaps, taking a step back and looking at the bigger picture, the wisdom I gained weighs heavier in the success column.  Afterall, I will be back on the bike and there will be more century rides to complete THIS year.

I have learned so much more about my body and myself…and about what I need to do to get stronger and prepare for next time.  Why is it that I seem to learn the more from perceived failures than expected successes?