I've had two writing projects knocking around in my head, so I took some time to finish the first draft of a play (quite good if I may say) and dumping out a story that could become a novella (still working on this and hoping to finish it for NaNoWriMo). I enjoyed clearing my calendar and focusing on getting the words out. It was one of those times when characters just do and say what they want.
Then came the road trip. I was headed to see my dear friend Hilary who was visiting San Antonio for a conference. I had set the deadline for the draft of my play as the night before I would depart. As a reward for finishing (read: creatively making an excuse to head down the highway), Tom and I decided to enjoy a week of windshield time. So off we went. San Antonio - Santa Fe - Durango - Taos - Home.
Our timing was perfect. It had snowed just before we had set out, so there was a light dusting left on ground and blankets in the mountains. Santa Fe is a favorite destination for food, art, and nature. We enjoyed two nights there, ate really great meals at Amavi and Ristra, and fell in love with a painting by Nikolai Timkov.
From there, we headed to Durango. The drive was spectacular. After a while, you just can't say anything other than "Wow!" And I gave up trying to take pictures - you just can't capture it.
In Durango, we stayed at the Strater Hotel, dined at Cosmopolitan (nice meal), and found a great gallery, Ellis Contemporary, and met Monica, the owner. She carries wonderful glass and jewelry along with other arts.
The next day, we headed back down into New Mexico to Taos. Stayed in a private condo, time share, thing. Nice and quiet. Taos was quiet. Actually, every place was quiet and without much traffic. I guess everyone was gearing up for the holiday week. And it was time for us to head back.
The next morning, we boogied home.
Here are some shots out of the April 1st Project:
