Scottsdale, Sedona & Flagstaff, AZ

Happy Birthday, Nanny! Today, my grandma would have been 94 years old! Although she is no longer with me physically, I still have moments when I feel her presence.  Today was one of those moments.  At 7:30 am, Papa G and I rolled up to the Chapman Ford dealership in Scottsdale, AZ, with the hope that the AC was going to get fixed! Fingers & toes crossed, several prayers &  4 hours later, the AC was fixed and good as new.  The best part (besides having air conditioning back) the total for a $1,400 job was only $100!!! It was under warranty!! Hooray!! Yippee!! I wanted to kiss Tina, the amazingly supportive, kind and helpful service woman at Ford, but she allowed me to hug her instead! I knew today was going to be a GLORIOUS day after this news! I could not help but think that Nanny had something to do with it, too! Thanks, Bella! 

Around noon, we were on our way to Sedona, Arizona! Wow! What an amazing place to visit! Everyone reading this should have "Explore Sedona" on their bucket lists for sure! Even though it was 2.5 hours north of Scottsdale, the temperature was about 20 degrees cooler! Of course, the day we had air ;) 

I will forever remember my first visit to Sedona & I will make a point to not make it my last! Papa G and I drove through Red Rock State Park where we were awed by gorgeous red rocks and mountains.  The feeling I experienced here was similar to my experience in Yosemite National Park 4 years ago.  Gazing at the incredible structures all around me, I could not help but to feel an overwhelming sense of tranquility and presence of God.  This was a beautiful feeling, especially after a couple challenging days of travel.  But in those moments spent exploring and capturing the Red Rocks' beauty, I could conclude that everything would be alright-in the journey before us, in my future job and whatever may lie ahead of me.  What an awesome experience to have! 

We continued our Sedona journey up to the Chapel of the Holy Cross, a Catholic chapel that was positioned right i the midst of the red rocks.  The donor of such an enchanting chapel was Marguerite Brunswig Staude.  Her main purpose for having the chapel constructed: "Though Catholic in faith, as a work of art, the chapel had a universal appeal. It's doors will ever be open to one and all, regardless of creed.  The the church may come to live in the souls of men and be a living reality...herein lies the whole message of this chapel."  

Dad and I continued the trek to Uptown Sedona where we enjoyed margaritas and Mexican food at Taos Cantina, a delicious find with an amazing view! Uptown is a quaint area of Sedona filled with tons of shops and restaurants from crystal & vortex shops to fudge shops! Another "must stop" when you all travel through Sedona. 

By 5:50 pm, Papa G and I were on the road again toward Flagstaff, AZ.  This enjoyable ride took us through the mountains but with a very different terrain. These mountains had thousands of trees on them! A driver's dream come true! The winding roads reminding me of my drives through Lake Tahoe, to Stinson Beach & Muir Woods.  It's unbelievable to me that roads up, down and around mountains were constructed by human hands! Drives like these always make me appreciate the art of road construction! 

Dad and I arrived at the most adorable hotel in Flagstaff, Little America Hotel.  I would totally recommend staying at one of these hotels in the western area of the U.S. at some point during your travels.  The chain started in the 1930s and still has the 30s charm! For some reason, I pictured Marilyn Monroe staying in a hotel room, similar to this one.  I felt like I was in one of her movies as I walked into our hotel room (with the exception of the flat screen TV ;) 

After a couple night caps and a stroll around the grounds, Papa G and I are all ready for bed! Dreaming about the Grand Canyon...Until tomorrow, friends!