Random Shots from Iriezona

 

Random Shots from Arizona. Including the one of the distance we drove. I love to plant seeds that expand the minds, hearts and lives of my two small gems. This being our 5th road trip, I hope the love of travel on the road has taken root. 

Covid Halloween (2020)

Boo to You, Covid-19.

You tried to jack up all the kids Halloween.

No Treats, Just a Trick.

Or so you thought.

But Folks came up with solutions slick.

Pre-bagged candy or Trunk or Treat.

Leaving Kids with something good to eat.

And though the kids could not knock on doors.

Kids still dressed up and made sure their homes had spooky decors.

So Boo to you, Covid-19.

We still had a fun Halloween.

Little Miss Reader (II)

 

                      

I often think that Havana and I are different in many ways. But when I saw her lug her 800 plus page book about a mile out to Oak Creek Canyon, lay down a blanket, sit down and start reading, I realized just how much alike we are. Havana is an artist. Her creative and imaginative mind loves to paint, draw, and get lost in a good story. I can so relate. We both read at least a book a week. She all fiction, me mixture of fiction and non-fiction. She often asks me about what I am reading and I love to hear her summarize the current story she is immersed in. 

One of the hardest things for Havana during this pandemic has been the library being closed. Initially, the bookstores too. Not being able to read was really hard on her and contributed to a depressed mood. She has a Kindle but is not yet ready to take advantage of it. When bookstores opened a couple of months ago, it was a huge relief and celebration. Havana, who has been very cautious and concerned about catching Covid, was willing to risk going out to score some books. The first trip to Half-Price books, I let her go to town. She walked out with about eight books (of which she read about 3 a week, but remember kids books are smaller than adults. Still, that was impressive.) Since then, we have made several more trips to Half-Price, Barnes & Noble and a sweet used bookstore near our second Airbnb in Prescott. There are many ways to spend money and time but reading a good book is one of the best ways to do both. I am thankful that Havana and I both share a love of reading and an appreciation of a good story.

The Canyons & Red Rocks of Sedona

                                                                                                         

When I went to school and lived in Prescott, I'd often hitchhike over the mountain to the red rocks of Sedona. The canyons and creeks were wonderful places to hike, play and do sacred rituals. Back then, there were no fees to get into certain areas, parking was easy and it was low key, not so much of a tourist destination or an over priced place to live. Right before I moved back to New York, I had a caretaking job at a cattle ranch in next door Cornville. By then I had a car, the drive not so long and each time I'd see those red rocks, a smile would come over my face.

Over time, as it occurs in too many places, things change. Even the ten years since our family last visited, it seems Sedona has shifted. While the human population has dramatically increased, the land has thankfully remained the same. The vibrant red hues still make up the landscape, the cool crisp waters make for good way to spend time communing with nature and the trees that reach towards the sky provide a grounded feeling that is reassuring. There is something special and magical about Sedona.

During our weekend visit, our family enjoyed the natural wonders of Sedona as well as a visit to the chapel in the rocks, where we lit a candle for Grandma Ruth. It was warm in Sedona but the creek was a refreshing refuge. Amara quickly discovered how to make red paint from rocks. Havana settled in on a blanket to enjoy reading Harry Potter, although she did make time to do her own explorations. Don and I found ourselves relaxing, exploring and just breathing in the crisp, fresh air, when not being painted by Amara.

We also got to visit with and break bread with my dear friend Joann. She and her sister Domenica and I go back a few decades (starting in Miami & Jamaica). After I moved away, Joann moved to Arizona and settled in Cottonwood (just down the road from Sedona). Enrolled in Prescott's distant learning program, I would always make sure I'd stop and visit when I'd return to Arizona. Ten years ago, was the last in person visit with the family in tow but social media, texting and phone calls have kept our connection going. We had a lovely visit with her family and some new friends she had over for her famous Sunday night dinner. I could not think of a better way to spend a weekend; out in nature with loved ones and then sharing food and laughter.