So many beautiful balloons! 
ABQ sunset; moonrise over the Sandia Mountains
So many people love life in New Mexico. How did I get here? Why did I stay? If you read on, you’ll see some gorgeous scenery, and find some answers…
My Mom was born in New Mexico
My great- and great-great grandparents from Missouri homesteaded in New Mexico in the late 1800s, and my mother was born there in 1915, a few years after New Mexico became a state in 1912. Mom was an artist, and when she retired, she went back to New Mexico to find her roots. I visited her there, and never looked back.
One of the first things I did after moving to New Mexico was to crew in the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta– so exciting!
I raised my family rurally, south of Albuquerque
My own small family lived rurally on Merrymet Farm, in a traditional adobe abode on a few acres, along a dirt road. Have you read John Nichols’ Milagro Beanfield War? (It’s hilarious!) We irrigated our fields, as those bean farmers and the traditional Pueblo peoples did, via an acequia from the Rio Grande.
The Big Chical; the acequia madre for Merrymet.
We enjoyed our small town life, our neighbors, and living away from the city. It was a great place to raise my 2 daughters.
Family Activities
One activity we loved doing together was crewing for our friend Sharon’s hot air balloon, “Seeking Nirvana.”
“Seeking Nirvana”, the prettiest balloon in the skies!…or, as here, when ‘sailing’ on Elephant Butte Lake…
My daughter, who still lives in NM, and I still enjoy crewing – especially during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
We also participated in our local Miata club after I bought my lovely little red car.
City vs. Country
After my husband died, I moved to a small house in Albuquerque. It was a good move. I could walk to my laboratory at the university, didn’t have all the upkeep of the farm, and I enjoyed all of the cultural activities to be had. Did you know that Albuquerque has the most live theater, per capita, of anywhere in the world?!
Environment of New Mexico
You can’t beat the weather in New Mexico! The high desert is dry and warm, the landscapes are gorgeous, the living is easy, and even the big towns are manageable.
The main problem (for me!)? No ocean!
Moki Dugway 
Favorite cottonwood 
NM Sunset, by Frank 
Sunset near Tomé Hill 
Monument 
Taos Gorge 
Junipers 
NM Sunset by Alicia 
Love NM!
Visitor Information
Have you ever been to New Mexico? I’d love your reactions. And, if you plan to visit, be sure to let me know; I’d love to meet you!
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Ooh the hot air balloons seem like a must-do activity in New Mexico. I’ve never been but am considering a trip to the USA sometime in the future so will definitely let you know.
Nice article and beautiful photos. This makes me want to visit New Mexico again!
I have been to Taos but would love to explore more, especially the hot air balloons!
Amazing, love the photos!
Wow, I love your family’s story! What a wonderful legacy you’re part of. I am so looking forward to visiting New Mexico sometime– it’s super high on my list!