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A simple road trip...

1/31/2022

33 Comments

 
Hello dear blog friends. I want to share an adventure. Sunday I escaped the frustrations of life and drove to Sedona. It's just a little over an hour from where I live. Nothing calms my soul more than nature. Driving through this beautiful area, stopping here and there to simply breathe in the magic, was extraordinary. It's definitely a trip I will be making with some frequency. 
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If you've been to Sedona, you know it is the home of artists, musicians, writers, mystics, and dreamers. The shops abound in crystals, Native American jewelry, and touristy items. And if you enjoy Mexican food, you're in for a treat. 

On this trip, there were several musicians  singing soulful tunes in the patios. And nearby children danced their delight. I wanted to join in the fun, maybe next time.  

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​If time weren't an issue, I would have walked the path through these trees and brush. It's difficult to see the homes in the distance, but if you look carefully, you might be able to identify a few. Can you imagine looking out to your backyard and seeing the majesty of red rock formations?  Wouldn't that be incredible? 



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​In the downtown area, artwork is everywhere visible. I saw a number of Javelinas all dressed up. Thankfully, they were stone art, because the ones I've encountered near my home, are certainly  not as cute as these two. 

How was your weekend? Did you find a way to escape your worries? With all that is going on these days, don't we all need an adventure? I didn't realize how much my soul craved natural beauty, until I arrived in Sedona. Sometimes it just takes a local road trip to transform the day, the week, and maybe much longer. All the best! 💗
33 Comments
Jacquie Biggar
1/31/2022 22:19:23

It looks amazing, Gwen! How awesome that you live that close to a natural wonder.

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Gwen Plano
2/1/2022 05:35:07

It's a blessing for sure, Jacquie. You'd love it. 😊

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Joan Hall link
2/1/2022 04:53:45

What a fun adventure! I've been a few places in Arizona but not Sedona. It's a place I've always wanted to see. It's nice just to hit the road sometimes for a day trip.

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Gwen Plano
2/1/2022 05:36:32

Thank you, Joan. I really needed to get away for the day, and this journey was miraculous. I hope you get to visit Sedona sometime soon. 😊

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Mae Clair link
2/1/2022 06:12:22

Gwen, I was fortunate enough to visit Sedona in the late 90s, and it still remains one of my fondest trip memories. I fell in love with the place, as I imagine everyone who visits does. While there, I saw a local hoop dance, and left with some stunning creations by local artisans, including a kachina doll I treasure.
Loved your photos!

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Gwen Plano
2/1/2022 06:46:36

How wonderful, Mae. It's definitely a heart-filling locale. I'll be visiting more frequently, I suspect. I'm glad you enjoyed the photos. 😊

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Harmony Kent link
2/1/2022 07:19:43

What a lovely trip, Gwen. I can see how it soothed your soul. I took time out for my weekend and turned the house into a (cosy) cave for two days. Curtains closed, candle flickering, soft background music, and a good book … alongside dear hubby, while we ignored the wild wind outside! Hugs 💕🙂

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Gwen Plano
2/1/2022 08:22:00

Wonderful, dear Harmony. Your cosy cave sounds so sweet and inviting. 💗

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Marcia Meara link
2/1/2022 07:30:06

So glad you got to have a beautiful get-away, Gwen. The scenery is magnificent! Thanks so much for sharing with us, and I hope you hold that sense of peace and connection to life within you for a long time.
🤗💖🤗

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Gwen Plano
2/1/2022 08:23:08

Thank you, Marcia. I'm surprised what a difference its made in my heart. I'll definitely be going back again soon. 💗

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John Howell link
2/1/2022 09:03:21

What a wonderful trip, Gwen. The scenery is breathtaking. No wonder artists live there. It must be an inspiration for a painter. Thanks for sharing.

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Gwen Plano
2/1/2022 09:11:22

You'd love it, John. It is breathtaking and it's wonderful being around so many creative folks. Thank you. 😊

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Pete Springer link
2/1/2022 09:46:35

I suppose it's remote location and desert climate explain why so few people live there. I read it's population is just over 10,000. I have artist friends who make an annual pilgrimage to Sedona.

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Gwen Plano
2/1/2022 10:58:28

Thank you, Pete. The housing market is terribly difficult to get in -- very costly and those who live there, don't want to move.

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Jan Sikes
2/1/2022 10:55:47

Oh, how I love Sedona! I'm thrilled that you got to visit and can't imagine it only being an hour away! There is SO much incredible energy there and the vortexes are amazing to visit. Just wonderful!!

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Gwen Plano
2/1/2022 10:59:27

So true, Jan. Incredible energy. Yep, I'll be returning soon. I loved being in the area. 💗

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Elizabeth Gauffreau link
2/1/2022 14:13:31

That looks like a delightful trip! My husband and I had planned a scenic drive for the weekend, but a big Nor'easter nixed that, so I watched the snow all day from my reading nook.

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Gwen Plano
2/1/2022 15:41:03

That sounds beautiful, Liz. We've had very little snow thus far, though it's gotten pretty cold at times. I hope you get to take your scenic drive soon. 😊

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Elizabeth Gauffreau link
2/1/2022 16:08:36

I'm sure the weather will oblige at some point--although we're forecast for an icy mix storm.

Priscilla Bettis link
2/1/2022 17:17:08

Sedona sounds wonderful, Gwen. I'm glad you got to go!

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Gwen Plano
2/2/2022 08:21:07

It is truly a magical place. Thank you, Priscilla.

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D.L. Finn
2/2/2022 00:41:50

There is nothing like a roadtrip to take in nature's beauty and be renewed. I loved the glimpse I got of Sedona when visiting relatives. I wanted to explore the shops more but will more next time. There is something special about it. Beautiful pictures!

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Gwen Plano
2/2/2022 08:22:11

Thank you, Denise. You're right about a road trip. I think it's a necessity for me. I've been cooped up too long. 😊

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Jill Weatherholt link
2/2/2022 04:59:05

I'm so happy you had a nice getaway, Gwen. Your photos are gorgeous. I've never been to Sedona, but I have visited the Tucson area several times. The desert is so full of life...I love it! One thing I'll never forget is the expansive sky. There was bright sunshine in one part while major storms were happening in another...simply amazing. Thanks for sharing! xo

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Gwen Plano
2/2/2022 08:24:00

Thank you, Jill. I'm daily amazed by the sky. I don't know if it's the altitude that makes it brighter but whatever the reason, it's gorgeous.

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Patricia Anne Pierce-garcia Schaack link
2/2/2022 08:46:27

Hi,
Sometimes a simple road trip among nature is all that a person needs to regroup and regain the peace that we think we've lost.
Shalom aleichem

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Gwen Plano
2/2/2022 19:37:44

So true, Pat. And regaining that peace can change our outlook. Thank you. Shalom. 😊

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Yvette M Calleiro link
2/2/2022 13:35:10

Thanks for sharing this post today, Gwen! My son and I will be completing a two-week road trip in Arizona in June, and this is one of our stops. I can't wait! :-)

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Gwen Plano
2/2/2022 19:39:44

Wonderful news! Who knows, maybe we could meet up. Thank you for sharing and let's talk in May and just maybe.... 😊

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Karen Ingalls
2/3/2022 04:31:06

Sedona is one of my favorite places. Have had some spiritual experiences

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Gwen Plano
2/3/2022 10:46:47

Someday we surely will meet, dear Karen, and share stories over tea. What a reunion of souls we will celebrate! 💗

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Staci Troilo link
2/3/2022 10:20:10

How lovely! I can see how that trip would rejuvenate you. Enjoy your time there.

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Gwen Plano
2/3/2022 10:47:29

Thank you, dear Staci. I'm already planning a return trip. 😊

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Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way. ―Viktor E. Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning


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