Only recently have I discovered the magic of Santa Fe—a place where the high-desert air seems to hold eons of stories and spirits. Santa Fe’s nick name is “The City Different" and it tracks with a density of top shelf museums, a large population of interesting people, and an aesthetic that acknowledges history and the future. Shuffling into my fiftieth year, my greatest desire isn’t to celebrate a number, but to celebrate the "curiously connected" community of friends I’ve gathered along the way. This week is an invitation to slow down, to wander through the mountains, and to experience the vibrant culture of this region with people I love. At the heart of our gathering is the 102nd Burning of Zozobra, a ritual born in an artist’s backyard in 1924 that has become a powerful symbol of renewal. By feeding our collective "glooms" to the fire, we honor the importance of letting go of what no longer serves us so that we can fully live in the present. Whether we are sharing a meal on the Plaza, hiking a among the pinyon pine, or watching as "Old Man Gloom" goes up in smoke, my hope is that we leave this week lighter, more connected, and ready for whatever the next chapter holds.