Ahhh, the restorative powers of travel… As I glance out my window to a damp and dreary day, I’m fairly certain it’s sunny in Arizona. On cloudy days like these it’s good to know that sunscreen is still essential in some part of the world. It’s an affirmation of the Earth’s steady rotation and 23 ½ degree axis tilt. It’s a reminder that our own turn with warmth will come again.
Last week, I kind of bumped myself ahead in the line of those awaiting select signs of spring (flowers always trump mud puddles). Once my kids were launched toward their Hawaii trip with dad, I did a quick late night pack for my early flight to Phoenix/Sedona. Fortunately this required little actual brain activity beyond deciphering the scribbles on my various “to do” lists. My reasoning skills had diminished to “mom minimum” by then. Without the lists I’d have had to rely on restaging room entries until my brain found a familiar path back toward its original intention (“OK, I was compelled to walk from my bedroom to the kitchen because…? Oh yeah. I’m thirsty”).
I had blearily suspected that I was exhausted and tried to build some breaks into the daily schedule, but it’s
impractical to expect a mother of three to walk past burgeoning piles of laundry in her own home. For six lovely days in Arizona, however, I stuffed my worn clothing into a plastic hotel bag, liberated from laundry at last. I ignored schedules beyond the rhythm within and loaded up on my favorite outdoor activities. Camelback Mountain, South Mountain Park and Preserve, McDowell Mountain, Montezuma’s Castle and Well, Sedona, Red Rock State Park, Oak Creek Canyon… The most rejuvenating path is most often the scenic one.And the only thing “forgotten” was the stress I gladly left behind…
Color me jealous. Snowed here yesterday.
When I was in Arizona, Phoenix, I was amazed at the contrast between the bright green irrigated lawns and the “moonscape” natural landscape.
Glad you destressed!
And the only thing “forgotten” was the stress I gladly left behind…
Gorgeous.
Bob,
I understand that there have been big developments in “pet friendly” astroturf-type lawns; seems like that would be an easier way to go than maintaining an oasis in the desert!
There had been a fair amount of recent rain, so some sections of desert had significant blooms. Spectacular!
Ali,
I find it incredibly relaxing to wander with my camera, focused only on the sensory data of the moment. It takes a little discipline not to think too far ahead, but it’s so good to let present life enfold you!
My favorite photo, believe it or not, is of a bug on Camelback Mountain! I’ll post that and some others in another day or so…
I appreciate you commenting on my blogs, and I am sorry if I haven’t returned the favor, my pain sometimes takes over me. I throughly enjoy your topics posted in your blog and your layout, its soothing to me and a joy to read…thank you !!!
Hey Heather,
I somehow found my way to your site. It’s wonderful! I see some of my friends (Mee Moe) have been here too. You’ve got great pictures and a nice flare! I’ll look forward to coming back for a visit.
Take care.
Hi, Heather
How are you?
I was on Suzanne’s blog & browsed about to your blog. I see you have some good pics on your travel blog! The weather does not look too hot. Wonderful.
I do know Arizona has the Grand Canyon in it. Good blog!
Abas
voyage.aimvotal.com
Thanks for sharing your great photos! Great that you have forgotten your stress, and I do hope that enjoyed your stay there.
“I stuffed my worn clothing into a plastic hotel bag, liberated from laundry at last.”
lol…I know some people (wink, wink) who have been wishing for this in their own home for some time now. I say maybe when I win the lotto…lol.
Super post and photos. Love them!!!
I have had tons of sunspots removed from my face. Wear that sunscreen.
Hugs, JJ
mee mOe,
Not a worry. You’re one of my regular reads because I enjoy your perspectives. We both have fairly full (as in overflowing!) lives…
Intrepid,
Glad we found each other! Your Joshua Tree/U2 post was great and I’ve bookmarked your site.
Thank you Abas,
I found your site through Suzanne as well. Intriguing Egyptian video…
Land Projects UK,
It was a wonderful trip. Did some hiking around Sedona and revisited Montezuma’s Castle as well… Traveling always rejuvenates me!
Adrian,
That’s always the hardest thing for me to ignore! I’ll be working away in my study, the dryer buzzes and I simply fly out of my chair! From time to time, I’ll take my laptop to a coffee shop in an effort to stifle my automatic response to the summonses of my laundry room!
Exiting my house is good. Exiting my state is even better!
JJ,
Yes! I’ve even taken to wearing daily sunscreen/moisturizer in Ohio (which is cloudy for far too many days)! Wish I’d been more careful as a teen-ager, but no one knew the long-term effects back then (um… like fifteen years ago, right?).
Glad you like arizona-i want to move out of arizona, but hubby won`t move..I was born here and now i want to move where it is cooler ,not hotter…
PurpleFrog,
Arizona in the spring is pleasant; AZ in the summer can be brutal I hear…
You reminded me of a post I wrote last summer: http://heatherdugan.com/blog/photo/contrasting-templates/ regarding an Arizona friend’s reaction to new residents who complain about the heat!