Capulin Contemplations — Newsletter

There are times I want to leave this state, pack up and find a new adventure somewhere else. But then autumn trundles around, and I’m reminded why I always hesitate to leave New Mexico.

There will always be somewhere “better” than here, somewhere that seems to offer greater promise. But this is why I’m so reluctant to leave New Mexico, this peaceful—even pensive—portion of the year.

The end of summer. The beginning of autumn. The best time of year in New Mexico.

Every October, the hometown of Capulin Creations—Albuquerque, New Mexico—hosts the largest hot air balloon festival in the world. Along with it rolls out the art shows, the craft and music festivals, the amazing food, and the even more amazing people.

This is quintessential New Mexico, the Southwest at its finest.

I wasn’t born in New Mexico, but I got here as soon as I could. It’s such a wildly beautiful place, I can’t imagine living anywhere else. New Mexico is a study in dichotomy, a land of contrasts. Between its droughts and floods, volcanoes and river valleys, forest fires and ice caves, this land will entrap you. But only because it has enchanted you. Whether you’re a permanent resident here, an occasional visitor, or only dream of this enchanting place, I trust you’ll find it as fascinating as I do.

Use what you’ve got. Don’t reinvent the wheel. Love the one you’re with. How many more clichés can I stick in here? A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush? The grass is always greener on the other side? Sometimes I feel I have to look outside of my house or my city or my life to find the good stuff, the truly inspiring stuff, as though what I have around and in front of and inside me isn’t good enough. But the mundane scraps of life can be the most inspiring. Sometimes I simply need to...