ThE HUMAN ANgle

Daniel T. Montoya:

2020 was a very complex year for me, not just because of COVID and the election, but also because I became my mother’s full-time caretaker at the beginning of the year.  She passed over at the end of May.  Her passing was remarkable as all of her children were present and we were able to give her a deeply spiritual send-off.  I then completed the resolution of her estate and was pleased to honor her last wishes.  I moved to Velarde, NM in August, and shortly thereafter returned to work with HTrust full-time, being appointed President on 10/1/2020.  I also helped my brother, Roger Montoya, get elected as NM State Representative for District 40.  I look forward to this new year, with a sense of hope and optimism, and hope to get in many ski days at TSV before April, and some great backpacking trips over the summer.

Fred E. Winter:

Who knew that technology would take me inward and that I would look forward to twice daily Zoom meetings of virtual silence?  

In the last semester of my senior year in college, I enrolled to learn Transcendental Meditation, which was one of the best long-term investments I ever made, but soon forgot in the thick of graduate school.  I might have been influenced by the trendiness of learning meditation from the guru to the Beatles, but there was something profound in what I experienced. 

Fast forward to 2020, and I am attending twice daily group meditations through Zoom. We are starting our 11th month of these meetings, and I couldn't be more nourished by listening to silence. 

Juana Bergerson:

It’s been a very challenging year that evolved into 2021. Lack of ability to travel led me to finish some big projects around my house which has allowed me to sit quietly and enjoy my space. I am thankful for my Standard Poodle Benji who reminds me every day to take a break and enjoy walk/play time, he always makes me smile. I am most grateful to still be able to spend time with my grandson Shawn and spoil him as much as I am allowed. I have big hopes for 2021, getting over the COVID hump and a rebirth of our world built on love, kindness, and respect.

Elaine Spray:

Caution due to the COVID pandemic lead me to work from home, and I have learned that I really like it! I miss the in-person interactions with my colleagues, but I do not miss the stress of going somewhere. I have always believed that we must individually learn what gives us joy and nurture those things in our daily routines. So now I spend more time brushing my cat, walking on my property, listening to music, drinking more water….

And thanks to technology, I am not lacking for human interaction. I still work together (remotely) with my colleagues and clients, I dance virtually with my Zumba friends, and I enjoy video calls with family and friends.

I look forward to the post-pandemic days and getting routines back to “normal”. But I am glad to have learned how much I enjoy working from home!

Emily Rowlison-Elliott:

2020 was a year to be remembered! Our world forever changed as we all tried to adapt to the new normal. Fear and anxiety a constant presence in our hearts and minds not knowing what each new day would bring.  Meanwhile in the Rowlison-Elliott home, Josephine Violet turned three. She is joyful, sees the world with a sense of awe and wonder; she knows nothing of a global pandemic or political unrest and is blissfully happy to enjoy a chocolate chip cookie. She does not feel isolated or lonely and greets each day with gusto, raring to go! It is easy to forget the chaos in our world living in a home with this child. May we all learn to see through her eyes for just a moment, be fully present and enjoy the magic all around us. This is my hope for 2021!

Manuel Vigil:

In August of 2019 I purchased the house of my paternal grandfather. The property has been in our family for over a century and it’s been an honor to continue the legacy. For almost a year and half now I have been working on a complete renovation of the interior & exterior with my father, brother, and uncle. There’s plenty of blood, sweat, and tears that have gone into the renovation, but it’s been an amazing experience and an incredibly personal journey for my father. As we continue working every weekend on the project, we’re at the phase now of purchasing the fixtures, vanities, toilets, tile, flooring, etc. It is costly but exciting nonetheless. We are about 6-8 months away from finishing the project. My grandfather is 89 and I am looking forward to the opportunity to show him the complete & finished product.

Karli Snyder:

2020 was the year of big changes for my family.  My husband and I moved to Albuquerque early in the year, and I transitioned to becoming the Heritage Trust staff member located in the heart of New Mexico.  Then COVID-19 came and upended our plans on enjoying our relocation to our new home.  We have been lucky to maintain our safety and health during this crazy time, but have not been unaffected by the pandemic as it has touched some of our loved ones.  I also made the plunge back into finishing my Bachelor’s degree at UNM, and that brought its own unique challenges since, like most students across America and the globe, all of my classes are being held remotely.  All things considered, I am extremely fortunate to work for such a dynamic business whose continued support has allowed me to focus on my life goals and maintain my position as part of an incredible team.  I am eager to continue my education and make 2021 the year I finally graduate!