Down too far to care

Carlotta's wedding was lovely. My favorite moment of the whole weekend: we were waiting in the back room for the ceremony to begin. Her level of anticipation was visible; she hovered between tears and elation, exuding this ecstatic nervous energy that was truly beautiful. In 16 years, I've never seen her look so in love or so happy.

Despite the occasional downpour, Chicago in May is a much more pleasant place to be than the below-freezing tundra I visited back in January. I love the architecture and the vibrance, although I'm not quite ready to trade my mountains for a skyline view.









After only a day at home, I packed up again for Utah/Colorado tour 2011. Durango, Canyonlands, Moab, Arches, and Mesa Verde- 1200+ miles covered with minimal planning. 6 years into my NM residence, I am appalled at my lack of exploration. It helped having good company to push me into action.




Arches








Anasazi ruins at Mesa Verde





Since the two things I was looking forward to have drawn to a conclusion, I've fallen into a post-adventure slump. I've been spending too much time playing with google maps, estimating driving times, and wishing for a real summer...

I believe these lyrics have made an appearance here before, but the Old 97's have been haunting my inner monologue all week.

"And I wonder where I'll wind up, but I'm heading west I know, wind my way through Texas and into New Mexico. And I don't know what you've been told, the streets of where I'm from are paved with hearts instead of gold"