4/30/09 Back from Vacation

OK, I’m back. Took three weeks off from blogging because … not sure, why … had to do laundry, I guess. Truthfully, I’ve been mighty busy minding the new store location, and tourist season is on in Sedona, so grabbing a blogging break has been difficult.

Since the last blog, I did take a short spur-o’-the-minute vacation. It feels odd to take a vacation when I live in a vacation destination. No doubt, Sedona is much prettier than where I went on vacation, but it’s still nice to get out of town, wherever “town” is -- escape the minor dramas of small-town life for a few evenings. Nevertheless, I am glad to be back. I love this town, and its collective personality -- though eccentric -- has become my comfort zone. It’s home.

The Odds: Yesterday, a lady from Phoenix walks into the store and comments, “This same John Denver song was playing in your store last time I was in Sedona, over a month ago. What are the odds of that?” Actually, the odds are pretty good. For those who don’t know, I’m going for the world record for continuous plays of An Evening with John Denver Live 1974. I’ve played it on repeat, all day, every day, at Sedona Green Gallery & Gifts for at least six months now. Hey, it relaxes me, and if that’s as eccentric as I get, I’m doing well. Friends have warned this will sooner or later drive me crazy. Some, attempting an intervention, have brought me CDs. Alas, to no avail. Although -- I shouldn’t admit this -- I’m starting to get a wee bit tired of the album. Another couple months and I’ll probably change over to a new CD. Any suggestions?

Little lizards grow up: A couple months ago, I mentioned on this blog that Sedona's baby lizards were out in huge numbers, scampering rock-to-rock along the water fountains here in the Sedona Uptown Mall. Well, the little lizards have grown up now, but they’re still running up and down the fountain rocks. Tourists love taking pictures of lizards, so if you fall into that category of traveler, this is a great time of year to visit Arizona. I was watching them this afternoon -- the lizards, not the tourists -- and would have snapped a photo, but my camera is still at home on top of my suitcase.

Blog Jots:

Ran out today for lunch at Sedona Memories sandwich shop. It had been a couple months since I’d been there. Ummmm, best sandwiches ever. Just saying. Excellent macaroni salad, too.

Had pizza at A Pizza Heaven again last night. It’s become my favorite pizza spot in Sedona. I’ll give it a Double-Ummmm. Best Meat-lover’s pizza in Sedona. Service can be slow, but -- wow -- “That’s some good pie!” as my friend from Jersey says.

I was a guest on KAZM’s Visit Sedona Radio show a couple weeks ago; reminded folks that Sedona Green has a new and improved location -- same plaza, we’re just on the ground level now. Good show, but this one wasn’t video recorded for the internet version. Sorry ‘bout that.

New art at Sedona Green:
+ I’m getting ready to hang a large-format piece by Steve Brown. Steve is one of Sedona’s best photographers, and a good pal of mine, so I’m excited to finally get one of his fine works into the shop.
+Michael Arambula’s hand-carved tiny cactus of turquoise and other semi-precious stones are now available. Michael is an emerging AZ artist whose work has already sold well in the store. And great prices: $16 to $40 per piece!
+ Rebecca Two Moons’ prayer feathers.
+ Charlotte Mills’ beaded Spirit Jewelry.
+ Dennis Mead’s collectible Dia De Los Muertos hand-signed prints.
+ Six new original paintings by Luke July -- more from his popular Sedona Colors series.

OK, I’ll plan to blog more soon. Have a great rest o’ the week, folks.
I’ll end with a couple of my vacations photos -- not particularly interesting, but these are the only pictures I have with me at the moment. I know, I know, I didn’t mention where I went. (I’m getting a bit more private about such things. ) Here are a couple photos nonetheless. Blog more later.