Peru, Part 2- Cusco

Cusco, the historical capital of the Inca Empire, is one of the most visited cities in Peru and the gateway to Machu Picchu. The city is maze of winding cobblestone streets and ancient rock walls, pieced perfectly together without the use of mortar—strong enough to withstand more than 500 years of history.

Cusco is known as the bellybutton of the universe by the native Quechua . It was once the center of the Inca Empire and considered the connection to the womb of the Pachamama—the mother earth.

A three hour train ride from Cusco brings you to the lost city of Machu Picchu.

Standing almost 8,000 ft above sea level, surrounded by lush mountain forest, Machu Picchu appears like a scene from a dream. Clouds settle on the surrounding peaks, light streams through windows in majestic rock walls, and llamas graze on vibrant green grass. Once a bustling civilization, Machu Picchu now lays in rest, guarding secrets from ancient times.

Here, one feels a connection to the natural forces of the universe. Each wall and building of Machu Picchu was carefully constructed in relation to the cycles of the sun, moon, and stars. Rocks were painstakingly cut to fit tightly together—some so perfectly that it’s impossible to slip even a blade of grass between the two stones. There is magic and mystery in this space and it pulls you in with impressive force.
                    

A trip to Peru is a journey into ancient worlds, lost civilizations, and vibrant culture. Thank you for coming on this journey with me…I hope that one day each of you will meet this country with your own eyes. 

(And a big thank you to Lisa Landolino, for many of these pictures.)

Shine on...

Birthday letter to my baby boy

To my baby boy, on his third birthday.

Precious Tai-
three years ago today, here on this very bed, you took your first breath. Wrapped in afternoon peach-colored sunlight, we held onto one another. I soaked you up, studying every perfect curve of your tiny body. You took inventory of your new world, closed your deep brown eyes, and nursed your way back to dreamland.

I knew, on the day you were born, that my entire life had been leading me up to that moment. Each breath, each step, brought me closer to the day that I would finally meet you. Like a far away star, I felt you pulling me--- your energy reaching across lightyears and forcefields, coaxing me into motherhood a 24.

Now, you've made your journey around the sun three whole times. You are an expert at this game we call life. Full of lightning energy, you charge your way through the world-- speeding forward, stopping only for snuggles and bunny kisses.

Each day you surprise me with new wisdom and growth. You are ready to take on the world. And to the world, I say this: Watch out! A wild little being is headed your way. He is brave and kind and carries enough energy in his small body to power a country. Open your arms to him. Keep him safe, please. He is my heart, the joy of my world. He is my everything, and I thank you for sharing him with me.

Journey to Peru, Part 1

This post originally appeared over at the Bohemian Collective, but I thought I'd share it here as well. It's cold and gloomy outside to today, and my wanderlust has me thinking of (warm!) far away places.

I’d like to take you on a journey with me, to a place that is dear to my heart…..

Peru is a country of warmth and color. The food is spicy, the people friendly, the scenery breathtaking.

A cross-country trip will take you from glaciers high in the Andes to astounding expanses of desert, from the colorful Amazon jungle to sandy beaches dotted with palm trees. Here in Peru, ancient history and indigenous culture rub shoulders with modern cities and the metropolis of Lima.

There are fifty one different indigenous peoples in Peru and the country’s history dates back thousands of years. Incan and pre-Incan ruins can still be found just outside many of the major cities and the land seems to vibrate with ancient energy.

Deep in the jungle and high in the Andes, the indigenous communities continue to live close to the land, in harmony with nature. Art, ceremony, medicine, and healing practices all are rooted in a deep respect for the Pachamama…our mother earth. Shamans and healers from many of Peru’s indigenous communities use plant medicines (such as Ayahuasca and San Pedro), vision work, and other ancient practices to heal heart, body, and spirit.

Despite its rich culture and history, Peru struggles with poverty, pollution, and deforestation. The indigenous people constantly fight against the mining, gas, and forestry companies to keep their land, resources, and way of life.

My own history with Peru began when I traveled to Latin America at the age of 18.  7,000 feet in the Andes, I found myself falling in love—with a culture, a country, and a man who would later become my husband. I’m grateful to consider Peru my second home and to have the opportunity to spend time there each year. The country and its people have opened my heart and taught me some of the deepest life lessons……

Around here

I got me an Iphone for my birthday!

And as you can tell, I've been having lots of fun playing with it. 

Some shots from our daily walks...

Labyrinths and angels. Not a bad neighorhood :)

My little light warrior-- leaping his way through life....

Sol y luna...for my papa

And shadow play--- always my favorite.

~in love and light~

Links I Love

A few blogs, sites, and stores I'm loving lately:

Bekah at My Little Loves is such a kick-ass young mama and a constant source of inspiration. Her posts are always real, raw, and down to earth.

Spilled Milk- a collaborative photography blog by 18 mamas around the world. Beautiful and inspiring.

Daughter of the Sun- I fell madly in love with this blog when I discovered it. This mama is so earthy and awesome, and the travel pictures she takes make me swoon.

I'm lusting after so many of the treasures at New Tribe Textiles. Best thing about this Etsy shop-- they live in New Mexico too!

Dream....

Happy weekend to all!!