While waiting to find out if we were accepted into the Peace Corps, and after leaving Dinosaur National Monument, Jon and I needed somewhere to go. Having run out of the savings we had for travel, we needed to settle in somewhere we could work and earn a little bit of money. Luckily, Jon’s dad has a second home in New Mexico that he offered to us for as long as we needed it. We are very fortunate to have this available to us and jumped at the chance to live in the southwest while we awaited our next move. We arrived in Truth or Consequences at the end of October and (as I am writing this) will be here through mid-August. For almost 11 months, we will live and work in this small, artsy community in the middle of the state.
We’ve had some colorful sunsets in T or C – this one was looking out of our back door.
Prior to being called Truth or Consequences, the city was known as Hot Springs. As you may be able to surmise from the name, it is known for the natural mineral hot springs that bubble up from underground. The area has been a destination for the health-conscious and those seeking relaxation and wellbeing. For hundreds of years, people have journeyed to soak in the hot springs and the tradition continues today. The springs provide healing properties and tourists from around the world arrive to take advantage of the baths.
The Hot Springs Festival was held at the plaza in May, dedicated to alternative medicine, healing waters, and sustainable living.
Truth or Consequences received its name in 1950, after winning a contest to be named after a popular radio show at the time. Host Ralph Edwards committed to visiting the city every year for a parade and festival, held at the beginning of May. He would bring celebrities and helped to promote the city until his death. Called T or C by locals, the unusual name fits the image as an eclectic population has settled in the desert town. Local musicians, artists, craftsmen, and nomads have all settled here and now call this city home.
The annual Fiesta weekend boasts a parade down Main Street, music, food, and vendors.
Living just outside of town, on a hill with a view of the Caballo Mountains and a family of quails on the land, we have a quiet and secluded place to call home. Although we go into Truth or Consequences to work and shop, we also have many days staying at the house and enjoying the scenery. We have been slowly making a handful of improvements to the property – building a rock wall, filling holes in the driveway, and weeding the garden.
We have a variety of cactus and wild bushes in our garden, some of which bear fruit and flowers to provide a bit of color.
We have made a handful of friends in the city and have gotten involved in some local events through volunteer work. A new brewery (opened only a year ago) provides entertainment and a handful of local restaurants give us an excuse to go out and eat every so often. Despite having visited before, when Jon’s dad was living here full-time, we feel like we have just gotten to know the city in the months since we moved here. Truth or Consequences, despite its odd name, has become comfortable and familiar to us in the eight months we have been here and we are grateful to have a place to call home while we prepare for the Peace Corps.
We never tire of the view from our front porch!