July 2023 in review

Introduction

This is the ninth post in my Month in review series.

I got a New Mexico license plate on my car.
I got my New Mexico driver’s license.
I’ve been attending martial arts classes for about a month.

The theme of the month is: integration.

Aikido

I joined an Aikido club and I’ve been attending training sessions enthusiastically.

I find many similarities between Aikido and Parkour: the efficiency of movement, economy of energy, and flow.

I like the principles and methods of Aikido. The movements of Aikido are precise, intellectual, gentle, fast adapting, well timed, and coordinated. Aikido is a martial art in which the goal is to neutralize an attack energy while protecting the attacker and the defender from injury and pain.

Month activities

Street photography

Month favorites

• Watching the Supermoon moonrise (July 3rd).
• Visit to Madrid, NM.
• Riya’s first belly dancing performance, Seed to Flower, at Pomegranate Studio.
• Barbie movie première at Violet Crown Cinema.
• Barbie themed party at someone’s house.
• Hosting Riya’s Chinese Cuisine dinner with neighboors.
• Cocktails at Coyote Cafe.
• Burlesque show with Zircus Erotique.
• Watched the movie Delhi-6 with Riya, learned a lot about Indian culture and daily life.
• Lunch at Farmer’s Market at the Santa Fe Railyard.
• Visited the New Mexico History Museum.
• Solo day hike on Tesuque Peak and Lake Peak in the Sangre de Cristo mountains.