Sedona and Her Vortexes

If you didn't yet get enough of it, please go back with me to Thanksgiving weekend when we were in Sedona, Arizona. Little by little I'm getting all the photos sorted and put into albums. YAAAY! Here's the Sedona Album.

We stayed at this adorable Sea Pines Resort outside Sedona where there seemed to be hundreds of these tiny "cabins," just perfect for a week's stay. From that point, it was an easy drive to anywhere we wanted to go.


We went to Sedona mainly to see/feel the vortexes for which it is known. I'll get to that in a minute but we had a chance also to visit the Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village in the city. I'm always inspired by the artistic imaginations of people that create incredible pieces of art.

And as always, I'm so curious about the flora and fauna of places I'm not used to...like the desert! And even if we have our own version, like the cattails.



Now, the Sedona vortexes! There are 7 of them in the Sedona area that are considered biggies.

"In Sedona vortexes are created, not by wind or water, but from spiraling spiritual energy. The vortexes of Sedona are named because they are believed to be spiritual locations where the energy is right to facilitate prayer, mediation and healing. Vortex sites are believed to be locations having energy flow that exists on multiple dimensions. The energy of the vortexes interacts with a person’s inner self. It is not easily explained. Obviously it must be experienced."

For me, the Chapel of the Holy Cross, built in 1956 between two natural red rock pinnacles was one of the best.

Inside the chapel was where we both felt calming energy. It brought tears to my eyes!

From the Airport Mesa (above) at sunrise, we climbed high enough to get a spectacular view.

Cathedral Rock (above) is probably the most well-known and photographed of all the vortexes because it's such a picturesque place along the Oak Creek.

Courthouse Butte (above).

Schnebly Hill (above).

Bell Rock (above).

Boynton Canyon is the only vortex of the 7 we didn't quite reach because, well, truth be told, you need a jeep! After trying to get there, driving about 2 mph (if that), we decided to turn back and not risk tearing up the rental car. But 6 out of 7 isn't bad, right?!

OK, now here's my theory. Spiritual energy is within us. Sometimes we feel it more than at other times. That's my take on the Sedona vortexes. It's become quite a tourist business, of course, which diminishes some of the effect. But if/when we are in tune to Spirit, I believe the vortex can be wherever we are. Some places, especially those in Nature, like what you see in these images, can definitely make us more receptive to spiritual powers. I believe it.

Do I second-guess the trip? Not for one second. It was a very beautiful and powerful place on many levels, for which I am thankful and still in awe.

Settling Into the New Year

Yes, I DID go to The Farm in Michigan, and yes, I DID come back safe-n-sound (in spite of a breath-stopping spin-around on the ice going back to the airport this past Sunday)! How long ago was that?!

There was no snow on the ground when I landed in Detroit on December 30, but by the next day there was. So I was a happy camper. The wind-chill factor, however, was so strong every day that I only went outside once (except for two nights in the hot tub, one with the snow falling on our heads).

What I captured with the camera was little and wasn't in the cold outside but in the cold inside the barn.

Don't ask me why I was so fascinated with these kerosene lanterns. I had to use one years ago as my source of light while in Jungle Camp in Mexico. Maybe that's why. Maybe they have a story waiting to be told...like so many of us do.

Actually, that door latch and handle also intrigued me. Another story, for sure. But I wasn't even curious enough to find out what was inside. That's kinda like not asking questions to pull out the stories inside each other, I guess.


I did visit the coop and chatted up a storm with the best of them. They tickle me to death! Inside the house with sister Ruth, Don and Peter, we, too, chatted up a storm, but other times we nested and brooded, reflecting on the moment.

Sister Ruth did a post on the board game we played almost non-stop, morning, noon and night: The Settlers of Catan. I'm not what you'd call a board game lady BUT this game sure is addicting. I think I became a Settler of Catan overnight!

Now that I'm back home...and Donica is in Amsterdam...I'm working on our basement, trying to unclutter and clean it. Did 2008 really come and go just like that? Has 2009 already seen a week pass by? Will I really have to take down the Christmas tree eventually?

So many questions, so little time. That's like looking at the syllabus on the first day of class and being overwhelmed by everything that has to be done by the end of the semester. Remind me that it's doesn't all have to be done TODAY. Settle down, Ginnie. The year has just begun!

Looking Ahead

When we left Phoenix, Arizona, for Sedona, the day after Thanksgiving, we decided to drive the long way via Prescott and Jerome. That's also when we saw Tuzigoot (from my last post).

I told Donica I couldn't imagine being that close to Prescott and not at least driving through it. When I think of Arizona, I think of the biggies: Phoenix, Tucson, Sedona, Flagstaff, Prescott....

So, we drove to Prescott's Courthouse Plaza, got out, took pictures and...basically decided not to waste any more time. It wasn't what we expected.


However, besides the few moments of sun shining on the courthouse (above), I loved this bronze statue that stood in its wings: "Cowboy at Rest." It's a replica of a miniature done by Solon Borglum in 1903 and was so soulful to me as I stared at his face.








As we look ahead to this New Year, 2009, I wish for us all to be "at rest," regardless of what happens. My own personal mantra will be:

"In quietness and in confidence shall be your strength."
(Isaiah 30:15)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

(from Ruth and Don's farm)