Halloween is and always will be one of my favorite holidays…..but this past Halloween will forever be marred by the actions of person or persons unkown.

I had just spent a perfectly lovely day at the Albuquerque Zoo.  Going to zoos is one of my favorite past times.  My sweet husband bought me a beautiful camera and telephoto lenses about 4 yrs ago.  So….I love to photograph the animals and use those photos as painting resources.  Hubby had dropped me off that day and when he came back to pick me up, I suggested dinner out before going home.  We went to Pappadeaux’s Seafood and it was sooo good.  Upon exiting the restaurant, we notice someone quickly ducking down by our truck.  We were curious, but really didn’t think to much about it.  As we grew closer to the truck a white car pulled out of the parking space and sped down the parking lot to exit.  Billy unlocked the doors and it was then that we realized we had been robbed.  They had very expertly ‘popped’ the lock, retrieved my camera bag (which was in the backseat, inside a pet carrier, they left the pet carrier) and set the lock back in place.  At first we could not even figure out how they had gotten into the truck.  It was not until the manager of the restaurant came out and pointed out that the lock was cracked, that we knew the how of it all.

The police arrived about 30 minutes later with a real life CSI to fingerprint our truck.  The officer explained that vehicles like ours (big dually truck out of state plates) were targets.  Usually the thieves were looking for guns, but of course would take anything of value.  Now we rarely leave anything of value in our truck, because “yes” we know better….but not that day.  To make matters worse, not only did they get my expensive camera and two lenses; but also my wallet.  I don’t like carrying a purse when I’m photographing so I just tuck my wallet inside my camera backpack.  They got credit cards and some personal identification.  Luckily I did have my driver’s license on my person so they didn’t get that at least.

Needless to say we were pretty shaken by the whole event.  So many things run through your mind and so many ‘what ifs” present themselves.  Yes…I should never have left my valuables in the truck!  BUT!!  This is not my fault and I’m not going to blame myself for expecting that my valuables would be safe in our truck behind locked doors.  I have also come to realize that there is much to be thankful for and yes I do believe my angels were looking out for me.  Thankful that I had my Driver’s license on my person as replacing the other forms of ID would have been next to impossible without it.  Thankful that they did only minor damage to the truck….no major body damage or broken windows…it’s drivable and we can continue our travels.  Thankful that my dogs were not in those carriers!  Thankful that no one was hurt!

I’ve spent the days since canceling credit cards, signing up for Lifelock, and filling out all the paper work that goes along with this kind of thing.  Still don’t know if the insurance will cover the camera….we will find out on Tuesday.  It may sound strange, but going through the process of replacing cards filing reports has made me feel empowered….not the helpless victim anymore….there are things you can do to put your life back and protect what is yours.  Will they ever be caught….will I get my ‘stuff’ back?  Unlikely, but I’m ok with that too.  Why….because I’m not going to let them have any more power over me.  It’s done.

My sweet husband has me looking for a replace camera and lenses already! I’m so excited at the prospect of a new, bigger and better camera.  It has been 4 yrs and a lot of new technology has come about making photography easier then ever!

Back on the road, we are currently relaxing in Las Cruces New Mexico.  Had a great meal at our favorite Mexican restaurant complete with Prickly Pear Margaritas and fried ice cream!  We will be heading to Tucson next, then on to Yuma for the winter.  Once in Yuma, I’ll be back to my easel with a couple of new art projects to share!

 

18 Comments

    1. I’m so sorry to hear that, Maria. I too lost some very nice photos…I was particularly excited about the koala bear pics I had captured. Koala bears tend to sleep alot! But I had managed to be there at feeding time….got some fab photos…but alas they are gone now too!

  2. What a wonderful attitude. It really is the best way isn’t, although not always easy. As someone who has a name for my camera, I can totally relate to your initial upset. So glad that you will be getting a new camera to play with and that you found a positive. I look forward to seeing photos from the new camera 🙂

    1. Thanks Kama….yes, I hated the fact that someone else had their hands on my personal “stuff”….things I had worked hard for and taken ‘special’ care with…but you finally realize they are just ‘things’ and you can replace them and move on…..

  3. Debbie, I am so sorry that your camera and wallet were stolen. There is such a sense of violation when that happens to us. Not sure what the silver lining or lesson might be but I always look for one because it helps me to move from anger to compassion and forgiveness. Thanks for sharing this post with us.

    1. Thanks Nancy….I too always try to find the bright side. It just makes life a bit easier all the way around….doesn’t it!

  4. Yes to getting over it! They’ve long moved on and so must you. They can’t be allowed to win. Had my car window smashed back in May and phone stolen from front seat where it had fallen quietly and unnoticed from my purse. Still picking up shards of glass these 6 months later. Had to change all my passwords and get a new phone. It was so time consuming. However I refused to let these small minded, grasping people take over. Good on you Debbie. Don’t let it color your life! Looking forwar to seeing the photos from your new camera!

    1. Thanks Kelly. Yes it is soooo time consuming….all the phone calls, the forms, the explaining over and over again! I’m hoping that as I fill out this final form to the IRS this morning, I can finally shut the door on this whole thing.

  5. Debbie, How frustrating! And how impressive you are with returning to what sounds like a fairly peaceful place of empowerment.

  6. So sorry for the run in with such an unpleasant experience. They must have thought they needed your stuff more than you did. Hope thi insurance covers the camera. Hugs and wishes for better experiences to come

    1. Thanks Debbie….I often wonder what the driving force behind acts like this are. If it were for food…or shelter I could understand, but the ‘get away’ car looked brand new….I guess that could have been stolen too….LOL!

  7. Oh I’m so sorry you experienced this! And yet you’re navigating it with such grace that you’re modeling something important for all of us. I thank you for that. And I hope a new camera comes to you with perfect ease.

  9. So sorry that happened, but glad that you’re able to replace things, including your camera. Looking forward to your paintings after you settle in at Yuma.

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