Happy New Year to all of our members and readers alike! We hope the year 2001 will be a most wonderful year for us all.

Here is the latest to keep you updated...

We would like to introduce and welcome Jacki, the author of "Just Ask Jacki", a new and witty inspiration to our magazine. You can find her article on the Entertainment and Review Page. We are currently configuring the Radio AW radio program which is turning out to be quite an effort, but one that will be well worth it. The game room, after a little more tweaking, shall be launched by the end of the month. And, we are currently working on a Daily Page that will work similar to "My Yahoo" and "My Netscape" pages as a daily start or home page for our members. This new page will feature many helpful tools, calculators, calendar, links, AW links, email login, daily news and much more. The launch date for this latest project has not yet been released, however, we are working diligently to bring this new feature to you shortly.

The year 2000 has seen our birth, our steady growth and the development of many new friendships in our community. We hope the year 2001 will be just as adventurous. In fact, we're counting on it!

The Crone and the Duk *Do* Albuquerque by Mercy

I turned right on First Street, anticipation making my heart beat faster, as I headed to the depot to pick up Paris. Wait! What is that? A dead end, ending not at the AmTrak station, but instead at a huge parking garage that encompasses the whole intersection and a block on either side! I did not go through all of this, however, to be thwarted by an incorrect internet map, so after tracking down some of the few people in downtown Albuquerque on a Saturday afternoon, I found my way and waited for that big shiny train.

Best laid plans ... well, up to a point. After weeks and weeks of lists, it all began to fall apart as the weather man predicted an ice storm which would arrive on the day I was to leave Oklahoma. My birthday was one of fretting, and typing as fast as I could in the hopes that I could leave a day early. I think perhaps my boss did NOT want me to be stuck here anymore than I did so shortly after lunch I headed out. City streets were still snow and ice-packed but the interstates were clear as Gunny (my aging Buick) and I headed west. The trip went smoothly in spite of some bad prognostications from less daring people and the room was ready and now all I needed was my traveling buddy.

Finally, they tell us the train is coming. Just like in the movies, we hear the whistle, and I, along with some other new acquaintances begin to crowd our way out to the tracks. The train stops. There she is!!! I am trying to take pictures and yelling and waving! *Hi, Paris, my name is Susan!* and I get my first hug. Wonderful!

But you know, it can't be that simple. We crowd around the luggage cart ... *where is her luggage?* Finding one bag, we wait until all are gone. There is no more. *It's an ugly green bag with wheels* she tells them. But there are no ugly green bags ... no ugly brown bags ... there are no extra bags.

*I am sure it will turn up soon* the young man tells us as he takes her information and at last we start back towards our home for the week. I'm getting really nervous. Traveling is NOT her favorite hobby. She has been on a train for hours ... now she hasn't got her clothes??? How will she react? Is this going to be a new form of *lesbian drama*? Not to worry, other than a number of rather forceful expirations, she remains calm.

The phone call later that evening isn't reassuring. It isn't in Lamy, it isn't in Raton, it isn't where she started out nor anywhere that she has been along the way to Albuquerque. However, they tell her that she will be reimbursed (up to $100) for anything she needs to buy. Good thing. As much as I like her, I think the same clothes for 5 days might be a bit much! Fortunately she does have 2 pair of dry socks and her snuggly bathrobe and some sweats, so once refreshed by a nap and in comfy clothes, we order pizza (one of the many authentic New Mexican cuisine's we tested) and turn on a replay of a kd lang concert on TV. (And we enjoyed it very much, so there!)

Sunday morning ... the sunrise over the Sandias is absolutely gorgeous!! Like nothing I have ever seen before and after some coffee and the *free continental stale donuts* we head out for ... K-Mart! Woohoo ... to me even this is an adventure since I don't have any of them really close to me at home. We can see our breath as we walk along the sidewalk, yet I am comfortable in a heavy long sleeved shirt. Once she is able to change out of one of my sweatshirts (which was MUCH too big for her) she is looking like the classy lady she is, and we head for Old Town.

Old Town was the original part of Albuquerque, I am told, and it is quite lovely. A huge church, a plaza and a bazillion shops, all in adobe. There is limited parking and the streets aren't wide, so what traffic there is, goes slowly and it's a joy to walk on the streets. The shops are diverse, from traditional art, to tourist things (which I, of course, love!) to Swaroski sculpture, to tea, to clothing, to gems and oh ... a bead shop . We entered one shop of collectibles and other wonderful things and were met by the lovely and wonderful owner. Noticing a gold fish swimming in a big snifter, Paris asked her the name of the fish. *Wanda, of course* she grinned.

*Spelled J-u-a-n-d-a, no doubt?* replied Paris. Laughing, the womon said, *Well, you are so clever! I will have to be sure to spell it that way!* and she started visiting with us. Learning that we were visitors, she asked us where we lived and what we do.

*I'm the cook for the Children's Center at a University* Paris replies.

*...and she writes* I told on Paris.

*Oooh, what do you write? Books?* she asked.

Grinning, Paris said, *Poetry mostly ... and my books are … uuuhh … erotica!*

Squealing, the womon came out from behind her counter. *Oh how exciting! I have never, ever known anyone who wrote erotica!* Another Paris conquest

There was no way we could ever get into all of the shops and explore but we made a big dent and came *home* with goodies to munch on and leftover pizza too! A very good day! A nap, and then an evening of talking and laughing and laughing and laughing. Oh, how my stomach hurt when I went to sleep.

Monday arrives … still no bags. We head down to the depot, just in case, and get to know the young man at the baggage counter even better. What a sweet guy he was. He seemed absolutely devastated (more so than Paris) that the bag had been lost (his first) and called us frequently to let us know that it was still missing! But, aha! Now there is news. The bag is in Chicago! And it will return … Tuesday evening! We tell him we will come get it on Wednesday, since we didn't want to drive at night (17 degrees, you know ... and dark!)

Somewhat relieved, off we go again. Now last year, when I just drove through with a brief overnight stop, I had seen this card which said *Please present this card for your free Indian pot*. This was a major goal of mine. I wanted that free Indian pot. (Paris thought Indians would have the best! And 'free' no less … *Oooo … pottery!* says Paris) She knew that! The store was right downtown and hey ... even a parking place nearby. Oh my, the wonders that shop held. Pottery like I bought my twin as a wedding present at half the price I spent and 1/3 of the eBay price. Jewelry sparkling in the lights. Drums big enough to lie down on. I wanted to be rich sooooo bad! But I did get my little pot, which was actually a magnet … but hey, it is mine and it is free and it is an Indian pot....well, half of one anyway, as it is flat on the back! By now, my tummy is reminding me that another one of my favorite things to do is eat.

Armed with directions from Kurt (the missing baggage man), we head off to the Route 66 Cafe. (Another of the authentic New Mexican cuisine we tested - HotDog and CheeseBurger) The main street that we traveled most of the time is actually old Route 66 and this cafe is original but slicked up I am sure. Glass blocks in the walls, chrome, chrome and more chrome, I feel very deju-vuish as we enter. Oh it's just wonderful. I have been in so many places that looked quite similar, but they are all gone now. I tell Paris as she orders a shake, that I remember getting them and they always brought you this big stainless steel container that it was mixed in with all that wouldn't fit in the glass. Sure enough, our cute waitress arrives with enough chocolate shake for a chat room. *Oh gee, sure … I will help you with that* I graciously offer. We spent a lot of time there, eating our lunch; drinking our shakes and taking scads of photos. I was intrigued by a young man that was there, probably 17 with lots of piercings, and a real affinity for rock and roll of the 50s. Although I thought if he turned to me one more time saying *My mom and dad have that record* I was gonna smack him. LOL

Tuesday morning Paris says *Today we have to go to the bead store*. I am afraid I might have looked at her oddly. We have already been to the bead store. I didn't want to just stay there for a long time, because this is not one of her passions, and this is a joint venture. However, I am not going to argue so I grin agreeably. We rarely seemed to get started fast. Somehow, it seemed we would have the most unplanned discussions about everything under the sun during those morning hours. Perhaps it was the stale doughnuts that inspired them. But finally, we were both dressed and ready for the day, so off we went, back to Old Town … to the bead shop. Still in my agreeable mode, I notice some beads that I *must* have. I shall get them and bring them back home … but as I have them in my hands heading for the counter, I look for Paris. There she is ... over there where all those hematite beads are hanging on the wall. She has some in her hand. The clerk is telling her something. They are cutting the strand. She is going to make something!! Approximately two hours later, we leave, starving for a smoke and each carrying a little bag of beads and a 'made-by-us' necklace! That evening the story-telling and soul-sharing is punctuated by comments such as *Could I have just four of those little silver, curvy beads?*

I woke up Wednesday morning to a very serious Paris. *We can't go anywhere this morning* she says.

*OK … are you ill?* I ask full of concern.

*No* she says grinning shamefacedly, *I have to make something!* Off come the covers, and out come the beads! (We used the turned over corner of the bedspreads to *sort beads*) After awhile though we realize, we have to go back! There is always one thing that would make it just perfect (or perhaps make it fasten) so, by this time, the car knows the way to the bead store. We are greeted with big smiles and encouragement as we fatten their coffers once more. We do find time to explore some more stores as we look for a feather or 2. A store that just has cat stuff, including giant catnip cigars, which were big hits at Christmas! A store all about birds and other wildlife (right across from the cat store LOL). Paris was startled by a large flock of pigeons that took off joyously about 12 inches over her head, as we opened the shop door. (She was thinking EARTHquake … it was loud, quick and it shook, dangnear!) She apologized to the occupants of the shop, for yelling (a cuss word) and held her chest for a few! ~whew~! Then we found another candy store. This one has chocolate Necco wafers!!! (If you are young, you probably have no idea what a find that is) Paris asks the proprietor if they have non-pariels. We had talked about those chocolate delicacies with the little white sprinkles, earlier in the day. They don't have them, they're no longer popular. However, the shop owner says she will go make one and off she goes into the candy kitchen returning shortly with candy just for Paris. And then proceeds to tell us about how there used to be a bed and breakfast just for *womyn* and the owners were good customers. It seems though, that their dog got sick and had bladder control problems. This meant that their visitors became only those who loved the dog, and eventually they were out of business. Lesbians! You gotta love 'em. I understood that perfectly! But, ummm … were we that obvious? And she certainly wasn't *family* =^shrug^=

That evening was spent making jewelry. A new necklace for me and a couple of projects by Paris. All made, I might add, using tools out of the car toolbox. Not a lot of finesse there, but hey, they worked! I had found a store that had cedar berries. They are wonderful little beads … well after they have holes in them. So there I sat on the floor with a big embroidery needle stuck in one end of the berry and gripping it with a huge pair of channel locks as I forced it down. Every once in a while, one would move faster than I had planned, and Paris would duck as it sailed out of the pliers and over her head. It was fun!!

Of course, we had to go show off our handiwork. By this time, we were part of the family. They greeted us by first names, I sang along to the radio that was on. Even talked to other customers when they came in. One of the clerks told me that was how she got her job there. She was always there and talking to everyone that came in so they finally decided they should just hire her! Hey, that's a thought. I wonder if I can support my *kids* and myself on a bead shop clerk's salary??

We make another trip to the train station. The bag is there, and the young man has covered it with tags from every destination that is on the boards! Laughing, Paris takes its' picture before removing the tags. No further confusion needed! We say *See ya tomorrow* and the guy says *You leaving tomorrow?* Paris smiles and nods. He says, kiddingly *wanna check your bag?* Paris cracks up and says (in kind of a snarky whisper) *I don't think so!!*

Alas, Thursday arrives. One more trip to Old Town. But first we stop along the side of the street to take photos. There were a row of homes, with one vacant lot and the view behind them was just amazing. Clear blue sky with only an occasional airplane tail to interrupt the color. The air is crisp, and although Mr. Entertainment on the Weather Channel assures us that the temperatures in the daytime won't be all that warm, it is different. Even Paris is comfortable most of the time in her jacket. And this is a California girl! As we take picture after picture, including our footprints in the sand, the gentleman next door comes out. Seeing me with a handful of sand he asks *Do you need some sand for a project? I have some out back if you would like some.*

I explain to him that we are visiting, and I just want to take a little bit of it home with me. He then tells me that he and his wife have recently moved there. Have been waiting for years to come to Albuquerque and have visited many times. And I am not wrong. It is a most wonderful, majical place! Paris picks out interesting rocks for me, even a big one, and with pockets loaded we head back to the car. (What I would like, Sir, is some way to carry home the colors and the feel of the air and the fresh scent that I discover, even though we are in a big city.)

We go make a few last purchases; revisit the stores we liked the best. I keep darting off to take more pictures. *That building is for rent!* *Oh, wait, let's go back down this hidden street one more time!* We go say good-bye to Juanda, and her owner, and Paris tells her she will write her a story. And then tells her that she writes lesbian erotica, which instead of horror, is met with giggles. Uh oh, Paris … do you really need another toaster oven? The womon hugs us (sincerely, twice even) before we get out of her store, saying good-bye, and makes Paris promise to send her the poem or story. We go back to the candy store. Besides Necco wafers, I have now discovered rock candy on a stick, and need some to carry me home. We, of course, go to the bead store again. Paris needs a little help with a clasp for her project. One of the clerks says, *Why don't you just move here. You know you really should!* Paris says, thumbing my way *she's gonna!*

A nap that is too soon over; a hurried light dinner (more authentic New Mexican cuisine, which thruout the NM visit, consisted of KFC, PizzaHut, and BBQ Ribs! HA!) and then back to the depot. It's packed with people going somewhere for the holidays. The train is late. People are playing games of cards with their children. Young people with huge backpacks. A young girl goes by carrying a large stuffed monkey. She and Paris trade compliments as the girl smiles at the DewBear Paris is holding. The train is coming. I am suddenly soooooo sad. I don't want this new friend to leave. I don't want to leave. I want it to be forever Albuquerque sun; hysterical giggling; new projects. As I turn for one last hug I gulp out *Thank you for coming!* In true Paris style, she hugs me back and says *Well, I didn't this time, but maybe next!* OMG … one last laugh as she boards the train!

I am in the same position I was when she arrived. Standing by some railroad tracks laughing and crying at the same time. What a wonderful adventure it was! There IS majic in Albuquerque … at least for me. It's in the sky, it's in the soul of the city. It's in the hearts of the most friendly people I have ever encountered. It's there. And besides all that, I had the chance to translate a beautiful friendship into real life. *Paris … thank you for coming!*

And now, it's time for me to pack up. Time for one last treasure sorting. Time enough to finish off this roll of Necco wafers before I leave in the morning. Time to go home to my babies and Christmas. Time to start planning on when I am coming back. It's a dream ... aren't we supposed to have them at this time of year? And hey, soon it will be New Year's Eve and time for resolutions. I have some ideas!

And to all of you, may you each have a chance to make a dream come true. It doesn't have to be a trip to Albuquerque. You know what your dreams are. You can do it too. If Paris and I can do this, you can do anything!

See ya next month.