New Mexico pt dos

True to form, I'm writing yet another New Mexico post. Yesterday was my Nana's 80th birthday - so we came by plane and car from all over America to help her celebrate!

As I type away on my phone during church service (shh- don't give me away!), I think it's a good time to reflect on legacy. I don't yet consider myself 'old' - I'm just 29 right now - and yet, I'm seeing how so many people and places have left their guiding, transformative mark on me.

I went to middle school and high school in Albuquerque, hence all the NM hubbub... the other day I had the supreme pleasure to drag Steph into my old schools. I was able to march right up to the front offices I could have found with my eyes closed, and proudly announce I was a fantasy author and most importantly, an alumni. I pulled out my books (signed, of course) and donate them to my old libraries. To the places where I first read enduring classics like The Hobbit and The Chronicles of Narnia! - where I learned which books I absolutely hate (looking at you, Kate Chopan).

When my family first moved to Albuquerque back in 2000, I had no idea how formative it would be for me. It's the land of enchantment: a place where people still believe in the miraculous, where squadrons of stealth bombers soar, aliens leave their mark on small Desert towns, and where one short kid fell in love with good stories.

I guess I'm writing this for two reasons: one, to take the time to express my thankfulness and gratitude; and secondly, to encourage you to go back- even if that's not the direction your life is no longer taking you, visit the places which helped form you in all the best ways, seek out the fellow wanderers who helped form you.

Happy writing!

- Ryan