So I got to go on an amazing work/academic trip to Albuquerque, New Mexico back in April. I worked incredibly hard to make it a good trip – like I knew I wanted to bead shop, to meet some online friends I never thought I would meet, and to take some photos because THE LIGHT and THE LAND out there is stunning. Luckily, Alayna and I knew each other online for a few years, and when I posted that I wanted to hang out with the locals, we instantly made plans for a visit and a photo session. And legit, it was like hanging out with my favourite cousins. So much laughter and stories instantly, both drawn to getting the best light, both talking madly about the mutuals we know and the stories that bind us as a Dene and Dine.
We spent an evening together out at the resort I was staying at and literally, saw the best light right off a random road and in true sweetmoon style, we were pulling over and having the best family session. Her two kids are the funniest beings, and she is such a caring and patient mama, always listening, always having theme to stop and pay attention.
After the session, I had promised aka bribed the kids with McDonald’s so off we went for ice cream and snacks, talking quick and fast to each other, and me low key already planning how I could bring Aerie with me on the next trip. She dropped me off at the resort with a auntie laugh and an auntie hug and we made plans to hang out again in a couple days with another online friend, and off they went, music on, windows down, smiling big.
