This month marks two years since I arrived in Santa Fe, and as I look back, a lot has changed both personally and in the world since then. While I have managed to become familiar with the area and find my way around on the somewhat safer back roads, I still find myself feeling like a visitor here at times. I marvel at mountains and desert landscapes, breathtaking sunsets and clear night skies, and the distinctive Santa Fe architecture, yet sometimes I still miss green grass, the riotous profusion of flowers, bodies of water, and old friends and family. I am learning that settling into a place and truly feeling at home takes time, lots of time. And the world itself feels less welcoming than a few years ago. I have also learned that I am not alone in these feelings!

One of the best ways I’ve found to feel more at home is to make meaningful, face-to-face connections with others. And one of the best ways I’ve found to do that is through the events, programs, workshops, groups, small gatherings, and other offerings of TTN! I know that my transition to life here in the high desert has been made much easier through my connections with the many friends I have made through my involvement with TTN. It may sound old fashioned, but I strongly believe that real conversation and human connection (not via text, tweet, email, Facebook, or other digital means) is critically important in these times when our lives are too often overwhelmingly consumed by electronic media.

This month I will begin to host "TAKE A BREAK: Conversation and Connection” —a gathering where we can simply get together with others for an hour or so to connect and share what inspires us, what gives us hope, what makes us laugh – to have a brief time free from news and politics and negativity. Look for details in our Calendar of Events!

Please join me and the amazing women of the Santa Fe Chapter of TTN for our inspiring programs, workshops, and lively events!

 “I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” - L.M. Montgomery