On my first day in Santa Fe, I went to Whole Foods. I was taking it all in…noticing how the sign was so small that I drove past it, how the architecture blended in with the mountains, how people moved slower and seemed to be aware and considerate of each other. I walked past the security guard and we smiled at each other. I continued shopping. The next time I passed him, he stopped me. He said that he sees a lot of people everyday, and he felt a presence of calm and strength radiating from me. Shocking! He asked my name and wanted to know who I was named after. I was always embarrassed about this issue because she was a distant relative and I didn’t know much about her. I said that it was no one important. When he insisted on knowing, I confessed that it was an uncle’s mother who was left to raise three children on her own. My mother admired her strength. “See,” he said. “I knew it!”
I went home and called my mother to find out more information about my great-aunt. She couldn’t remember anything else. I already knew the important part.
People here seem to treat everyone like they are valued friends. The girl signing me into a yoga class, the woman at the chocolate shop, the man finding an item for me at the market are all present and warm and welcoming. When I saw the security guard again today to take his picture, he apologized for not remembering my name. He said that he was trying to be more present in 2014. I don’t think that they understand how extraordinary that is. For them it is the norm. I know that it’s not. I appreciate it each and every time!
Love it!
Only you Ellie can turn a mundane chore (grocery shopping) into a wonderful and enjoyable experience!
Love the blog!! Your description of your initial attempts to get to Santa Fe were hysterical !!!
Now I look forward to hearing about your daily excursions !