Sunny Breakfast

•Aloha Fruity Salad Rolls•

********************

Laughter is the sun that
drives winter from the
human face.
………..Victor Hugo

********************

There is nothing like breakfast in the sun. The rays of light are so invigorating. Coffee and my favorite vegetarian sushi rolls from Whole Foods go perfect together. Yum! When I eat right, I can’t help but want to throw on my killa purps and exercise. I’m glad the weekend weather will be nice.

A Referral, Followers, and a Visit to Dream Land

–’Cause I “Ain’t No Joke”–

Today was a good day for several reasons. First of all– I love the approaching summer sun on the weekend. I also had a great referral, I upped my followers, and I went to dream land!

It’s sweet to get more props for my web site from the Honolulu born mystery/thriller author Tricia Fields. She is directing readers to me through Good Reads. I can’t wait to hook up with this creative force at the 2013 Tony Hillerman Writers Conference. Tricia is currently reading Young Men and Fire by Norman Maclean. Hum?? I may have to see what that book is all about?

Today I hit a benchmark of 500 followers. I try and offer a wide range of topics to keep you all interested. Since I started My Voyage Through Time in 2011, I always told myself I would be happy to reach or touch just a handful of people who really care and are not plastic. It is nice to know that many more than I expected joined my voyage- so thank you!

Lastly– today I went to dream land. They revamped my local Sports Authority and it’s just awesome!! It is now my favorite store next to Whole Foods! Body and mind go hand in hand, so you have to work on both. The authority made me ooze sheer love with: neon Nike gear; life size pictures of real super heroes; shiny free weights; and Under Armour football/baseball gloves in every color that I don’t have yet (I use them for weight training and already have several pairs).

I guess I can say it was a good day. Peace and good thoughts.
**F

–Daryn Hits a Body Bag–

–Sports Authority in Santa Fe, New Mexico–

Unpredictable

•Friday Night Storm Clouds•
………………………………….by Felicia Lujan

What is it about the weather? It’s so unpredictable. Elements are cutting. Illusions of summer entertain a frigid antagonist. I shiver. I sink and wait for a reluctant warmth. What is it about the weather in New Mexico? Clouds go and come just to bring the rain. I shimmer. I float and wait for the winds of change. What is it about the weather? It is always unpredictable. Elements are piercing. The illusion of a ray of light is quickly swept away with storms.

by Felicia Lujan
3.8.2013

Painting in the Sun

I spent the morning in the warm sun painting. I am working on a mini billboard for an event on March 12. Summer will be here soon and I can’t wait. There was a breeze, still the light draft was invigorating. My wind chimes sounded sweet and enchanting~ which inspires me. Sometimes I forget just how much I love to paint. I enjoy my quiet time- just me, the wind, the sun, bird songs and a brush.

After hitting the track and running a few errands, it got really windy here. I took the afternoon to consolidate my art supplies. My new little cabinet is a rolling rainbow. It will come in very handy!

~• Overcast •~

Overcast day in Santa Fe~ 2.3.2013~
Photograph by Felicia Lujan

……………………………….

Clouds may ransom an
overcast heart~ still rain
will never fall to shake
her leaves.

~~~Felicia Lujan
……………………………….

•Sea of Tears•

~~~~~~~~~~••~~~~~~~~~~
I would walk 5 million miles
just to fall right at your feet.
My back could ache. I could
fall apart, but my heart would
skip a beat.
~~~~~~~~~~••~~~~~~~~~~
If you asked me for a ray of
light, I’d bottle up the sun.
There would be endless night
and starry eyes until you
decided you were done.
~~~~~~~~~~••~~~~~~~~~~
I would drink of skull and
bones, if I had one last request.
My throat may close. My pulse
would grow weak, but I’d put
this body to the test.
~~~~~~~~~~••~~~~~~~~~~
If you asked me for an ocean
view, I would cry a sea of
tears. My well would dry, but
I could use the waves to
whisper right into your ear.
~~~~~~~~~~••~~~~~~~~~~
I would run 5 hours straight
to peep into your thoughts.
My feet would ache. I may fall
apart, but that’s just what it
is I sought.
~~~~~~~~~~••~~~~~~~~~~
by Felicia Lujan
1.16.2013

Seduce the Moon

 

~The Sun and The Moon~
by Boris Vallejo
(1987)

I like to think that the moon is there
even if I am not looking at it.

~~Albert Einstein

The lunisolar date is 1.11. I could not ignore my number, the symbol, and the signs on the eve which brings the first new moon to 2013. How could I disregard the rare synchronization of the moon and sun? How could I snub a tiny moment in time when the sun is actually capable of caressing the path of the moon? It would seem to be coincidental to others, but there is an underlying connectedness. To some it may be just an astronomical glitch visible in the western horizon, but to me it is extraordinary. On this day the sun and moon will share the same longitude, still they will never actually touch. It seems that the sun will perpetually fail to seduce the moon.

After work, terrestrial bodies continued to adorn my mind. Lost in the stars, I blindly fondled several CDs while in line at Whole Foods. Still seeing stars, instinctively I picked up the CD of a musician I had never heard of. Why did I reach for a disc with the word “moon” on the cover? The disc of newbie Phillip Phillips rendered me conscious and so I read on. I decided I should buy The World from the Side of the Moon when I flipped it over to read the track list. How could I not acquire a disc which listed track 1 as “Man On the Moon” on the night of the 1st month of a new moon on the 11th? Phillips sings about watching “the world from a side of the moon,” while “looking at the sun.”

James A. Notopoulos published The Symbolism of the Sun and Light in the Republic of Plato in 1944. The paper was featured in Classical Philology (Vol. 39, No. 3) and focused on the moon and sun as symbols. These symbolic, distant orbs were studied using myths and poetry. Notopoulos said “symbolism is inherent in the very nature of thought,” and that “language itself is symbolic; when insight grasps meaning, it expresses it through the written word, which is an image of thought.” It was interesting to learn tonight that “Plato developed the emotional and intellectual association of light.” Notopoulos’s paper goes on to discuss light as a symbol of knowledge and the divine. The author also puts forth the notion that “the moon derives its light from the sun through reflection.”

Cosmology and the nature of the heavens affects how I interpret symbols, signs and synchronicity. Indeed these may be simplistic thoughts that I merely complicate. Maybe these things mean nothing at all? It is always hard to know all of the answers in the mystery of life. One thing is clear to me. The poet Hermann Hesse once said “we are sun and moon, dear friend; we are sea and land. It is not our purpose to become each other; it is to recognize each other, to learn to see the other and honor him for what he is: each the other’s opposite and complement.” Even though the sun may never seduce the moon, in someway they may connect astronomically.

~•Dark Descent•~

9:30pm~
I am up in the air right now, and making the great descent into Albuquerque. Flying in the dark, fog, and rain was a little scary. The flight was delayed by an hour due to fog and problems with the weight of the plane. Almost home. I received several text messages from caring members of my family when I got into Fort Worth. Apparently Santa Fe received her first snow of the season today. Following is my “in flight” poem about descent.

11:57pm~
Arrived in Santa Fe at about 11:30pm. There was black ice and snow here. I have heard that there was a fatal accident. There was a detour and I ended up stuck in traffic.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~••DARK DESCENT••~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~
~~~~
~~
~
~•••••~•••••~•••••~
Once I soared above the
distant lonesome twinkle.
~•••••~•••••~•••••~
I danced with moonlight
until my feet could sing.
~•••••~•••••~•••••~
My wings were soft~ each
feather kissed by the sun.
~•••••~•••••~•••••~
There was a time when I
could fly beyond the night.
~•••••~•••••~•••••~
My wings were bright~
each feather colored by
a rainbow.
~•••••~•••••~•••••~
Chopped air has crippled
my fall from stars and sky.
~•••••~•••••~•••••~
Tangled in snow filled~
empty clouds~ I’m heavy.
~•••••~•••••~•••••~
A dark decent~ a steady
fall toward the frost
bitten earth.
~•••••~•••••~•••••~
~•••••~•••••~
by Felicia Lujan
December 9, 2012

If A Cottonwood Could Speak

~Cottonwood Tree~ Lenora Curtin Wetland Preserve in Santa Fe, New Mexico~

……………………………………..

The day, water, sun, moon,
night~ I do not have to
purchase these things with
money.
~~~Plautis
……………………………………..

Today was a beautiful day for a walk to the Lenora Curtin Wetland Preserve here in Santa Fe. For years I have been walking by the monster Cottonwood trees there. All the miles, all the walks, and I never found myself wondering what I wondered today.

There are about three or four huge trees in the preserve. I did a little research tonight into these trees because I started seeing each as a witness. These trees have eye witnessed history in ways that will never be known. I found it interesting to think that they know many secrets. They know how to survive hundreds of years.

The particular tree I photographed may be the largest. After looking into the calculations for estimating the age of this tree I realized two things. First~ I am not a mathematician (haha) and second~ I need to have a real measurement to work with. Next time I go to the wetland, I will measure the tree. Can you imagine what some trees have seen over the years?

They carry the secrets of people and the land. This Cottonwood stood tall while people were born and died. The power of place is critical. The branches were used to start fires~ keep warm~ cook food~ maybe send smoke signals? These trees were used as landmarks, they provided shade, maybe even refuge?

Then there are the beautiful sounds. There is the sound of content birds dashing about. They absolutely love the Cottonwoods. Or what about the sound of each autumn leaf rustling in the wind? It is captivating to listen to. This is where we can all find, or have all found peace.

All I am saying is for one moment~ just imagine… if a Cottonwood could speak.

~Cattails and the Pond~ Lenora Curtin Wetland Preserve in Santa Fe, New Mexico~

A Rough Diamond

~Earrings I purchased from a woman in need of warmth on 11.11.12~

The wind was blowing hard on Sunday. I could feel the icy fingertips of old man winter clawing on my back. It was just another day. Another day to tread the cracked pavement of old parking lots. Another day to push my heavy basket of groceries up that same steep slope. Just another day to walk fast looking blindly on to my next task~ and then I saw her.

She was walking from person to person in the blistering cold. Her box of trinkets was wrapped tightly in her arms. I noticed her from a distance. She has a kind face. Under the dirt and tangled hair, there is beauty. Even with her best smile she was getting a solid “NO” from each person she asked.

The woman has approached me a few times over the last year. She carries a fancy little leather box filled with handmade jewelry she declares as her own. I have turned her down a few times under the summer sun. Sunday was different because I felt bad for her. She is likely addicted to drugs and homeless. I could have sworn I saw track marks once, but self induced paranoia can get the best of us. It was just so cold that day and it will only get colder.

Sometimes I wonder how we can stay warm when it is cold if we continue to cherish stone hearts? I lied to her at first. I told her the same story I tell all the others~ that I had paid with a check inside. She smiled at me politely, said thanks and walked away. When she was walking away, I noticed how red her face was. It was tarnished by the wind. She held on to her fancy fur hat when a gust almost snagged it away.

At that moment I realized I could afford to help her out even if it was just this once. I didn’t care what she would really use the money for. All I knew was that I was acting in good faith with a warm heart. Quickly rolling down my window I called to her. She came back and opened her case for me. I paid for a set of earrings that I didn’t need, but it made me feel good.

She was probably someone once~ yet she is still someone’s daughter and she may be someone’s mother. Now she has slipped into the shadows. It can be cold there~ but I must have faith that one day she will feel the warmth on her face again.

»•«Candy Red»•«

»»»»»•••••«««««
Candy red like
burnt edges of
a floating memory.
Sweet and sour-
through the thickest
shell I cannot see.
»»»»»•••••«««««
Candy red like
lips on fire- steady
tainted by the flame.
Scorching words
to drive the calmest
minds insane.
»»»»»•••••«««««
Candy red like
the fastest car
catching another
forceful ray. Slow
down to taste the
sugar paint so you
can lose your way.
»»»»»•••••«««««
Candy red, not black
and blue like the
middle of my mind.
Licorice- flavoring
true- just the sweetest
thing you’ll find.
»»»»»•••••«««««

by Felicia Lujan
November 3, 2012

A Kinky Sunset

New Mexico Sunset to the South by Felicia

New Mexico has awe inspiring sunsets. While I was on my way home from the store, I absorbed the spectacular sunset to the south of me and downloaded the contents of my day. It was amazing. I envisioned wonderful things while my eyes absorbed vivid colors. All I can do is wonder- wonder what is happening in places I will never go. The sun has set on another day, making way for the night. Today was a day full of rule breaking for me. I ate a big ole enchilada lunch after hitting a rather tight, high rep leg workout (what a waste). That lunch included carbs I have been avoiding for at least two weeks (bread and tortillas—so much for that). What can we do? I also skipped cardio today so I decided just to keep breaking rules and move straight on to liquor for the night. Maybe that’s what I need??? I *rarely* drink- but tonight it was time to get my “Kinky” on LoL. A 5x distilled vodka and some carmel- alcohol infused whipped cream should be inspiring. Maybe I’ll come up with a new script?

“Kinky” (5x distilled vodka) with mango and Cream Liquor

11*****Posted using WordPress for BlackBerry*****11

~The Nothing~

~Black Hole and the Moon~

~THE NOTHING~

<O><O><O><O><O><O><O>
~Idle words divert themselves into a vibrant void~
~the haughtiest of ears sealed shut~ eyes closed~
~like a thousand needles through a single soul~
~an empty pierce leaving flesh and stars exposed~
~hath holds sun while hiding nighttime near~
~nothingness seeps from palms to fingertips~
~always absent from broken~ melted dreams~
~accustomed to the naught gifted to my lips~
~nonexistence feeding hungry fools and ghosts~
~words still lost~ gone to float in zero gravity~
~nullity is mine to hold with a loving embrace~
~missing from the evening sky~
~I am the nothing~ so I see~
<O><O><O><O><O><O><O>

by Felicia Lujan
October 30, 2012

~Undone~

~Undone~
Original poem and digital composite
featuring a corset by Felicia Lujan.

~~~~

~~~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Liberate my painted~ moonlit soul

unlace an ocean and the deep.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Release the bosom~ pull on strings

untie the knots while I’m asleep.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Loosen a strand of needless time

undo the need to have a key.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Open me up~ corsets breed the weak

unfasten these ties and let me see.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Alter the fit and change the mold

I will promise to deflect the sun.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Free the wings secured by twine

for it is time to come undone.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~

~~~~

by Felicia Lujan

October 14, 2012

Atalaya: The Unforgiving Trail

~~Chamisa Plants and Blue Sky~~
Atalaya Trail in Santa Fe, New Mexico
September 23, 2012
*Photograph by Felicia Lujan*

~~Purple Wildflowers~~
Atalaya Trail in Santa Fe, New Mexico
September 23, 2012
*Photograph by Felicia Lujan*

Last weekend we went hiking here in Santa Fe. Sunday is a regular workout day for us and that includes a workout day for Daryn. We usually eat what we want on Friday night and on Saturday, but by Sunday it is time to get “back on track” by eating right and exercising. It was a really beautiful day and the views on this hike were amazing. I actually had a great time until the very end. I landed up taking a nasty fall. I spiraled in the air ultimately landing with a mouth full of New Mexico earth. My ankle and foot ended up severely bruised, and my knee got totally jacked up. The good news is I didn’t break anything.

~~Sign~~
Atalaya Trail in Santa Fe, New Mexico
September 23, 2012
*Photograph by Felicia Lujan*

~~View of the City of Santa Fe~~
Atalaya Trail in Santa Fe, New Mexico
September 23, 2012
*Photograph by Felicia Lujan*

The hike up was good. I did jog almost the entire way, which may have contributed to a tired ankle. Contrary to what one “other” may think, I was paying very close attention to my surroundings. I took some sweet photographs and took the time to actually absorb the forest. The Santa Fe National Forest is a tranquil place. The Atalaya Trail coincides with Atalaya Mountain. The trail is around a total of seven miles long. We did about three miles that day. Mike would have pushed to go further if we hadn’t had Daryn. “D” is 7 years old and he was starting to get tired. I was so proud of him for going even that distance~ complimenting him on his well developed endurance. I took a photo of him with a red face as he rested on a moss rock once he had raised his white flag.

~~Daryn Resting on a Moss Rock~~
Atalaya Trail in Santa Fe, New Mexico
September 23, 2012
*Photograph by Felicia Lujan*

I would rather have my seven year old stop than risk him being injured in some way. I have been injured several times over the years while working out. The most notable injuries were endured in the gym. I have slammed my hand into the treadmill while running. I still have a scar on my right hand knuckle. A tricept pull down bar once came off the machine and fell on my head. Unfortunately, that injury required stitches. Another time I turned my ankle on a fitness ball for abs (that time I was messing around and landed up on the floor).

~~Sun Through the Tree~~
Atalaya Trail in Santa Fe, New Mexico
September 23, 2012
*Photograph by Felicia Lujan*

~~Trees~~
Atalaya Trail in Santa Fe, New Mexico
September 23, 2012
*Photograph by Felicia Lujan*

This time my injury came outdoors. No crutches, no pills, little complaining~ just surviving some pain. My sister called me last night to check on me. She said “I had wanted to ask you if you got to work out last week?” She is always so considerate. I love my sis. I told her that I had insisted on working out. I did upper body when I could and on Friday I completed a low impact leg workout regardless of the bruising. After all these years of working out, I have come to understand that fitness and injury can go hand in hand unless you are a cyborg. It is unfortunate, but true. We just need to push thorough the pain and stay on track. The unforgiving trail has nothing on this!

~~My Knee~~
Atalaya Trail in Santa Fe, New Mexico
September 23, 2012
*Photograph by Felicia Lujan*