TEXANALANE ADVENTURES

"Livin' Life with Spunk, Sass, and Soul"

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Giddyup ya’ll and thanks for visiting my blog! I’m a native Texan. Mother of 4. Smiler and Lover of life. Old enough to know better and too young to care (or vice versa on any given day). Livin’ life with SPUNK, SASS, AND SOUL. Sharing my newest adventures as a Boomer and independently moving to NM, a dream manifested … and appreciated! You can also catch my other WordPress blog: TEXANALANE ADVENTURES … go figure, ya’ll!

  • CULTURES, TRADITIONS, and ME

    CULTURES, TRADITIONS, and ME

    Yesterday, I was walking to the plaza to attend the movie, ELEANOR THE GREAT. It’s absolutely a beautiful film, poignant and thought-provoking. Try to see it if you can. Now, back to my topic …

    I was walking to the historic Fountain Theater, crossing the plaza square and eagerly people watching. I am so pleased to be embraced in Mesilla culture as it casually shares its colorful uniqueness with the community, newcomers, and visitors. As I was walking by, I caught sight of this beautiful young woman and her stunning dress. We did not chat because photographers were busily staging her poses, etc. But, as I stood there watching and listening, I was intrigued to know what special event was happening … a wedding? Perhaps a quinceanera?

    Point being, this small community brings me much pleasure as I watch and learn. It is a simple life, very senior friendly, very generous. Seniors receive a free lunch M-F, city transportation is free, senior transportation is free, and preschool childcare will soon be offered for free. There is very little red tape, just simply adding one’s self to a list (Age is easily identifiable, right?) Certainly feels like taxation with representation. Moreover and more important to me, there is a generous amount of kindness, hospitality. I feel an appreciation for my business at the plaza stores.

    As a newbie, every week teaches me something about the region … Billy the Kid history, White Sands Park, Indigenous history, crazy, beautiful sunsets, and so much more. I belong to a historical Mesilla Valley Film Society, a non-profit group that emphasizes American independent films, foreign and alternative films, and fundraising events for other non-profits. Local volunteers greet us at the door and, of course, proudly run the concession stand with traditional popcorn, candy, and drinks. The event is absolutely delightful. Often, a guest director shares inside stories and info regarding the film, etc. Mesilla is abundantly blessed with art, film, music, and more. And I get to be part of it …Yay!

    Yes, cultures are important. Diversity is important. Seeking knowledge is important, and unconditional love of all people is paramount. I am blessed to inquire, to learn, to share. Life is good!

    Open your minds. Look for fun! And always, live life lovingly, my friends.

    Texana Lane

  • “Strangers Are Just Friends Waiting to Happen”… Rod Mckuen

    All boxes are unpacked. Even the kitchen drawers are organized. Insurance is transferred, and specialty doctors are located. Change of address is accomplished. Basically, everything is completed that felt unsurmountable six weeks ago. What now? Mmm, maybe making some friends?

    Am I ready to make friends? Have I adapted? Am I grounded enough to continue my story or to reinvent what I would like to change? Have I self-reflected enough to be authentic and aligned with my core desires? Are my heart, mind, and soul aligned with my purpose?

    Well, I cannot jump over nor walk around the fact that I am missing my friends and family. So, the answer to my homesickness is to make new friends, locate like-minded spirits, visit places of interest and open my mind to new adventures. Oh! Places to see and people to meet!

    Frankly, the truth is that LIFE directs me toward the experiences and people that will affect my life. I feel that I have always been guided toward those who have taught me valuable lessons, both helpful and detrimental. Surely, one cannot learn without relationships, whether intimate or casual. The people who surround us create the world we experience, and thus we see life through the lens of varied perspectives and paradigms. Isn’t that beautiful?

    Through friendships, acquaintances, co-workers, lovers, close friends or casual, our minds expand. That new knowledge opens doors to varied cultures, histories, values, and more. Today, I realize that my life is intertwined with every person I have met. All of my life’s experiences are knitted tightly with the old, and my current existence weaves with color, texture, and aliveness created by past, current, and future friends and relationships. My individuality is a summation of all the people that I have met and loved. The changing and endless possibilities of relationships and experiences reflect life’s unique mysteries.

    With each friendship and love, life changes like a kaleidoscope reflecting two surfaces (like mirrors) tilted toward each other at an angle, so that one or more traits on one end of the mirror shows a symmetrical pattern and repeated reflection. A beautiful, beguiling panorama of changing images of many colors, shapes, and unique patterns that reveal each one of us.

    We are all reflecting each other’s symmetry of values, looks, emotions, and paradigms.

    To me, the most exciting part of making new friends is the mystery of how, when and where that will happen. It could be anywhere, anytime, any place, and isn’t that intriguing?. At seventy-seven with several physical limitations, I can rule out distant hiking trails to be explored or exciting places to cut a rug and dance til I drop. I accept the facts that this new chapter of life looks considerably different from previous escapades; yet, I also realize that exciting experiences are soon to be found with all kinds of people, young and old, similar to me and very different from me.

    So, here’s my plan of action. I visit local shops. I introduce myself as being new to the community and how much I love it here. I have chips, salsa, and tacos at my local bar, restaurant, cafe, deli … wherever … and I get to know the waiters, bartenders, and the locals. I join clubs including like-minded people that I can share hobbies, talents, etc. I know my next door neighbor by inviting her to dinner. In other words, I don’t wait for anyone to knock on my door. That simply does not happen. Instead, I put myself out there and let the Universe do its job. Before I know it, I am being asked to join others for a coffee klatch, a music club membership, a day at the flea market.

    I realize that not everyone I meet will want to be my friend. I am certainly not everyone’s cup of tea. However, somewhere between meeting someone and establishing a true kinship, a connection will be established, and a seed of lifelong friendship will grow. Today, I am not sure who that will be, but I certainly know who my ‘today’ friends and family are. For all of them I am beyond grateful and humbled. Every day I am lifted by their love, compassion, values, and true friendship.

    Today, I had lunch at La Posta, a local restaurant and bar. Danny and Evy are the bartenders. They call me by name. They know what I want to order. They listen to my stories, and we talk casually about the world and life. I am blessed. I am honored. I am grateful.

    This weekend, I experienced Mesilla’s annual Jazz and Blues Festival. It was awesome! Can’t wait until next year. Yes! New places. New friends. New life. I have the best of both old and new … and tomorrow!

  • FIESTA! An Event Mesilla Style!

    How do I explain what it’s like living in Mesilla, NM?

    Firstly, it feels like a moment in time, a time that I’ve labeled, PRIMITIVE ROMANCE. As I speak to the old timers, I learn that within their lifetime, the plaza was once all dirt with horses and buggies hitched to posts, while the Rio Grande flowed flawlessly nearby. Adobe homes lined the streets, colorfully adorned with vines and flowers. Dust swirled from door to door defining its high desert topography. Today, much of its population includes those families who were, indeed, pioneers and adventurers, as Mesilla became a stagecoach stopover and as more and more visitors left but returned as soon as they could.

    Indeed, Mesilla, NM is a step back in time and yet timeless. In 2001, I visited Mesilla for the first time. No, it was not planned. Actually, I was driving my first solo trip from Texas to California, and my car broke down. What could have been a disaster for me, became my great desire to one day return and live here. Crazy? Perhaps, but on that overnight excursion while waiting for car repair, I experienced its charm, its culture, its friendliness … its mountains, desert, art … its desire to retain what history had provided.

    Today, September, 2025, Mesilla has not changed much. Of course, beyond its city limits, a population explosion happened over the last twenty-four years. But, Mesilla itself, has retained its lowkey, authentic way of living. It still looks like a Mexican village where all homes are adobe, and the plaza maintains its small-town ambience with locals performing their native dances, restaurants serving tasty cuisine, and creative vendors selling their wares alongside farm to market booths. Others, like me, can sit on park benches absorbing the good vibes of a well respected community and its charm.

    It’s FIESTA holiday! I keenly observe locals and out of town visitors stroll around the village plaza, eating New Mexico treats and listening to mariachis sing with great gusto as pretty, young girls dance their Ballet Folklorico: The Dance of the People. I sense Mesilla’s strong pride in its history. And, I imagine hardy pioneers enduring summer’s intense heat as hot dust whips in their faces. I fantasize the history that has unfolded and how the culture has remained authentic and true. I love that so much … which is the WHY for my current who, what, and where stage of life.

    Being seventy-seven and deciding to independently move to Mesilla was both easy and hard, and, yes, impetuous and practical. No need to bore my readers for all the right or wrong reasons for my move, but I feel I should at least say, “It’s a twenty-four year manifestation that I feared would never happen.” “Age, health, and family were all considerations, and well … the Universe took care of the rest, bringing the opportunity. The door of opportunity opened, and I felt that I would always regret it if I did not take the chance or the risks.”

    “So, here I am, nestled into my small, adobe apartment with cedar-logged ceiling matching all the pictures that I had cut out of magazines as I imagined my southwest motif and southwest-style clothing.” Someone recently said, “You fit in perfectly!” Of course, I do. It’s where my heart belongs.

    Long story short. My message is about my adventures in Mesilla, NM; but more importantly, it’s about never being too old to make a dream come true or taking a risk. Yes, it may prove to be short-lived. Yes, it may prove to be to not align with my upcoming needs. But, what if I hadn’t? Someone once said that, “It’s not all the accomplishments in your life that are remembered; it’s regrets that are remembered when we are ready to cross over.”

    My ‘cross-over’ time’ is getting closer every day, (as is everybody’s), and I have enough regrets. So, I decided to not add another regret to the list.

    It’s FIESTA! I sit on the plaza bench, cane in hand, and a local ninetyish gentleman is pointing out historical landmarks and Mesilla’s unique culture. Chimes ring sweetly from the Basilica San Albino Catholic Church across the street.

    I sense that I am lucky. I am adventurous. I am open to learn, to lean into new experiences. I am old, but the gleam in my eyes tells me that my young-at-heart soul will never outgrow my sense of wonder and curiosity. I am blessed.

    Live life lovingly,

    Texana Lane

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  • WHY DO I BLOG?

    WHY DO I BLOG?

    OH! LET ME COUNT THE WAYS …

    Blogging has always grounded me. What does that mean? In these latter years, (should you be of a certain age), feeling connected and rooted is important, ie: health, wealth, lifestyle, as well as being close to a hospital, specialists, and family … well, you get the picture. And yes, I am mandated to concern myself with all of the above. But, what do these practical needs have to do with blogging?

    Here’s my take: Blogging allows me the opportunity to re-assess my wants vs. needs. When I write, I dig deep and re-evaluate my alignment with personal bucket lists, health, finances, relationships, and so much more. Sharing my experiences, plus my ideas and feelings provides an outlet to connect with memories, to dream of tomorrow, to truly take a close look at who I am vs. who I want to be. Sometimes that alignment looks about right. At other times, nothing aligns; thus, the light in my eyes looks dimmer, and the smile seems a bit forced. Simply put, blogging enables me to align my heart, mind, and soul to express my feelings authentically and honestly.

    Peering into today, yesterday and tomorrow at one time, while staring at one computer screen, may require my ADHD to kick in full speed, and I enjoy it! Blogging, however, requires me to slow down, discern the ‘me then’ vs the ‘me now’ and how I wish to elaborate with my fellow readers. Which begs the question: “How many of you journal? How many of you are willing to expose your thoughts and ideals?” I also must ask myself, “Why?” Why is it important that we share our feelings and paradigms?”

    For me, reading and learning about others is vital to my personal growth. I no longer must cling to old ideas and perspectives or beliefs that no longer serve me. I am eager to learn, to integrate cultural differences, and to live these last chapters of my life with grace, humility, and gratitude. Perhaps, if I can share my unconditional love for all of God’s spirits, and if I can be influenced by God and His power and His purpose, I will have achieved my goal through blogging.

    If I can lift one person to rise above the darkness that surrounds us, or motivate one reader to feel the Light that is shadowed by defeat, or by depression, angst, insecurities, and sorrows, then blogging is my WHY, and self-awareness is my HOW.

    Knowing one’s self is supposed to be easier in older age. Is that true for you? Do you feel that sharing your elderly wisdom is respected or even self-evident? I suggest that you give blogging a try! Share your inner wisdom(s). Someone, somewhere is eager to learn another way to view life. Someone, somewhere can learn from our mistakes, our victories, our weaknesses and our strengths.

    We need you!

    Live Life Lovingly,

    Texana Lane