Land Of Enchantment...I'll Say!

So dear reader, it's been quite the journey.

From a day often, okay, always spent in constant pain because of a brain injury 8 years ago, I write today pain-free.

I don't know whether it was being away from Tucson for a week, being in New Mexico, having amazing spa treatments (some not so great) or soaking in miraculous mineral geothermal hot springs, but I am, this very second not in chronic pain.

My brain/head injury came charging back to my memory after hearing the devastating news about Natasha Richardson's freak accident and death, there but for the grace of God go I eight years ago, when I suffered this traumatic head injury. It's a roundabout way of saying that I feel doubly blessed, and saddened, upon learning of this woman's untimely demise.

But onto New Mexico, where I believe some major healing of mine took place. Land of Enchantment is an apt state motto and I would love very much an opportunity to return, preferably during the summer, when Tucson turns into hellacious misery as the temperature escalates.

On the other hand, trade heat for snow? Nah, we'll take our chances out here, thank you.
Now, for a quick funny eyeball at the state's attempt to draw on Hollywood movie-makers, you might be interested in a little something I wrote for a new LA trade Blog, TheWrap.com .

I have a couple of newer posts, under Guest Blogs, but this one is all New Mexico, all the time, and combines gossip about last year's "Bachelor" (whose woman friend, not the "winner" of the dopey tv show, is a bigwig in the state pr machinery) with exciting movie-making incentives for the state.

Speaking of an overview of the state's tourism push, check out the official blog first, which will fill in all the blanks of places missed by your hearty spa-trekker: NewMexico.org

One of the most endearing places I stayed is off the beaten tourist path, making it all the more quiet and peaceful. And I heard that the James Taylors have lodged in several units because of the secluded options. And this place is Bishop's Lodge Resort and ShaNah Spa, (no, not the '50s rock group), found on the site: bishopslodge.com

This is one historical place on hundreds of acres and once served as not only a real bishop's home, it had also been a convent. The original chapel is still around, in all its musty glory, for anyone to view. Couples often choose to wed in this quaint spot, before hurrying outside to catch a breath of clean, clean air.

This place is gorgeous, a perfect family place because it has all the stuff kids love: green rolling hills to freely run around, a creek to play in and even fish, and so much space they can use their outside voices without fear of recrimination.

The main entrance has been renovated and sports contemporary touches along with authentic indigenous touches and southwest flare, making it cozy and luxurious at the same time.

There's an involved biography of the Bishop Lamy who lived here, on the website, so there's no point in recounting it here. And I encourage you to thoroughly peruse the site, it is loaded with great and informative tidbits about the history and fascinating lore of this region.

Another cool footnote to history, Willa Cather fictionalized Bishop Lamy's life story, for whom the Lodge is named, of course, in one of her books. Two points to anyone who finds the name of the book on the site!

The ShaNah spa, based on Native Americana and ably staffed by capable therapists, is smallish but run by a wonderful director, Antonieta Matter, who hand-wrote me a personal letter hoping the treatment was to my satisfaction. (It was! It was!) Plus, she gifted me with an aromatherapy candle and an essential oil remedy for my bath, to help me sleep! How did she know I have trouble sleeping? She's enchanted I'm sure!

Same goes for the Managing Director Richard Verruni, who was not only a cool guy, he was also from my hometown of Philadelphia, so we had lots of catching up to do. Hoagies, South Philly, Flyers, oh the joy of not living there anymore!

This Lodge is so unique not only because of the great spa treatments available, but because people here are happy, mensches and personable.

I don't what they're drinking, but I want to bottle it. In fact, I do believe the Enchantment is all around New Mexico, in the air, the spirit, the faces of the real people who live and work here. Hey, they should hire me as a PR rep!

Another absolutely wonderful experience took place at the Inn and Spa at Loretto in Sante Fe
The busy, in-the-middle-of-town hotel was bustling with conventioneers the day I stopped in, but the delightful Spa Director Suzanne Chavez, who mixes essentials oils for massages, in her office, is a charming wonderful human being.

I had such an amazing treatment, whicih addressed my still-painful situation, and the therapist taught me some stretching exercises to help work out some kinks. I'm still doing those stretches, Suzanne! Be sure to pass on the word....

I wish I spent more time with Suzanne, but afterwards we had a delicious lunch right in the hotel and it couldn't have been more delicious. Tortilla soup and chicken salad that was adorned with just the right amount of spices. We had such a good time bonding over food (what else?) that we have to pick up where we left off. I'll be back shortly for dinner, Suzanne.

In fact, reading this has made me realize how much more there is to write, but I'm still jet-lagged, or at least lagged, and must continue later.

Georgia O'Keefe land! I just had to add that.