So Thankful

As Thanksgiving weekend draws to a close, I am so thankful for:

• my sisters and brother, all of whom I got to see over the weekend
• my dear son and his wife who celebrate their 10th anniversary on December 1
• my sweet mother and the pretty green dress she found to wear on Thanksgiving Day
• my cozy apartment and covered parking space
• my computer, my cell phone, and all the technology available to me (even when I don't understand it)
• my love of reading, books, and libraries
• my CDs of Native American flute music that I bought on my trip to Arizona

During the month of November, on several different days, I made a list of 7 things I was especially thankful for at that moment, entering them into my personal, handwritten journal.  Tonight, I share my list with all those who might read my blog, and I invite you to make your own. 

Memorial Services for Laurence

My friend Laurence passed away earlier this fall (see my October 2 blog).  Not too long afterward, his family held a memorial service in California.  Today is the memorial service in Oregon.

In some ways, I feel like I have already been to a third memorial service - at the Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona, Arizona.  The Chapel is the site of one of Sedona's famous vortexes or energy centers and just a short drive from the center of town.  It was definitely on my "places to go" list.  With so many things to see and do, however, I didn't actually get there until late afternoon on my last full day in Arizona. 

As I walked up to the Chapel from the parking lot, I admired once again the rugged landscape I had enjoyed throughout my trip.  On entering, I was struck by the powerful simplicity of the Chapel's design and the reverence of all those visiting.  I sat for a while, enjoying the peacefulness, then noticed candles flickering along a side wall.  I asked someone whether I could light a candle in memory of a friend, and she said that candle-lighting would be a part of the Taize Prayer Service which would start in about 15 minutes. I had not even realized that services were held at the Chapel, but I decided to stay. 

As the service opened, a woman asked that we share where we had come from to visit the Chapel.  I was surprised to hear that people from Norway, Italy, South Africa, and many other countries were present as well as those from the United States.  It was clear that many faiths were represented. 

Together, we joined in the chants and readings that made up the service.  Then, we were invited to pick up a candle, light it, and put it on the altar.  The prayerful chanting continued as every person had a chance to participate.  I marveled at this meeting of so many people from so many places, both geographically and spiritually, and their willingness to pray together.  How appropriate it seemed that I could light a candle for Laurence in this serene and sacred space!  Probably no one else there even knew Laurence, but I felt this peaceful coming together honored him in a special way.

I feel very fortunate to have experienced this international and inspirational Taize Prayer Service.  What a beautiful way to complete my trip to Sedona and to remember my beloved friend.

Note:  To learn more about the Chapel of the Holy Cross, there are many websites you can visit, such as www.sacred-destinations.com/usa/sedona-chapel-of-the-holy-cross.  It is quite interesting to read the story of the Chapel, which which was inspired and commissioned by sculptor Marguerite Brunswig Staude, student of Frank Lloyd Wright.

Behind and Ahead

One month later, I am still enjoying beautiful memories of my trip to Sedona.  Although Arizona was never on my "Places to Go" list until this year, I am already looking forward to going there again someday.

While on my Sedona trip, I watched very little television.  When I did watch, I thought it interesting that the programming appeared to be an hour off.  For example, something I would usually watch from 9:00-10:00 was aired from
8:00-9:00. 

"Their programs must be an hour earlier like in some states back East," I thought.  It didn't make a lot of sense to me because everything else in Arizona seemed to be on Pacific time, just like at home in Oregon.

As I was preparing to change my clocks tonight and "fall behind" an hour, I realized that Arizona does not observe daylight savings time.  Did that have something to do with the difference?  If I went back to Sedona today, would my 9:00 program actually be on at 9:00?

I've never been a big fan of daylight savings time.  I could never quite see how we were saving daylight.  But, the changing of the clocks did make me think about the fact that the practices of one place are not always the same as the practices of another place. 

While I was judging the time of Arizona's television broadcasting as being "off," Arizona was operating on the same time it always did the year around.  It was Oregon - along with most of the other states - who was"springing ahead" and "falling behind." 

So, who is ahead and who is behind?  Who is on or off?  Maybe it's just that we are where we are, and it's being in the now - my now - that counts.

Returning to Work

After caring for my mother for the last few years, finally moving her into an assisted living facililty, clearing out her crammed 4-bedroom house, and working with a realtor to sell it, I was able to move into my own apartment at the end of May.  My at-home job of caregiving and caretaking was over, except for some paperwork to tie up the loose ends.

Although I was looking forward to getting back to work outside the home, I kept hearing that finding a full-time job would be a challenge in these tough economic times.  While tracking job listings and submitting applications, I also signed up at 2 temporary agencies, but - as the weeks went by - there were no calls to work. 

An unexpected opportunity arose for me to spend a week in Sedona, Arizona.  I longed to take this trip, but I was becoming more concerned about working (and earning!).  As you know if you've been reading this blog, I did go to Sedona.  But, I started formulating a plan to apply for seasonal work when I returned, probably in retail shops.

On the day before I was to fly back to Oregon, I received a call.  A 3-day office job was available, and I could start the day after my return.  And, there was also a possible 3-week job coming up in November!  After four months, I was returning to work at last.

The 3-day assignment went smoothly, and I am now scheduled to start the 3-week assignment next week.  I don't know what I will be doing after Thanksgiving, but I do feel I've started building a little momentum in the direction of finding my full-time work for this new chapter of my life.

Stay tuned for more on returning to work.

Good Eats

Hard to believe I've been talking about my Sedona trip for several days without mentioning the food.  I ate very well throughout the week while keeping to a moderate budget.

Javenlina Cantina:  Enjoyed a good-sized chicken vegetable burrito (and saved half for another meal).  Tasty food and attentive service.  Chips and salsa were good, as was my St. Pauli N.A.  Choice of seating inside or on the terrace.

Oaxaca:  I selected a delicious omelette stuffed with avocado slices for my late lunch.  Although no automatic chips and salsa appeared as in similar restaurants, the service was prompt, the portions generous, and the price reasonable.  The covered patio was pleasant though noisy with multiple family groups nearby and traffic noise from the street.

Rene at Tlaquepacque:  Located in Sedona's "arts and crafts village," I had a delicious tomato bisque and eggs florentine for brunch.  Service was a little slow, but I didn't mind waiting in the peaceful dining room looking out on the fountain of the Patio del Norte.  The walls were hung with original paintings, and a bridal couple happened to stop just outside the window and pose for their photographer.  The entire experience was charming, and I enjoyed a stroll around the village afterward.

Note:  One painting in particular caught my eye - "Make a Wish" by Libby Caldwell.

Schwezwuan Chinese Restaurant:  They offer a huge selection from the adjoining Martini Bar (I didn't try one this time), and a variety of Chinese dishes in a pleasant atmosphere with good service.  I started with spring rolls then went on to the special chow mein (with chicken, pork and shrimp).  I saved half the chow mein for another meal, and finished with the mango ice cream (two scoops, which would have been enough for another meal, too).

Troia's Pizza Pasta Amore:  This meal was my big splurge - I had "butternut squash ravioli," one of the chef's special's, with a glass of Sangiovese.  The food and the service were both very good; however, I have to admit I've had a similar Italian meal at Pastini's in Oregon for significantly less money.  As I left, the man I took to be the proprietor thanked me and said, "Be well."

Wildflower Bread Company:  Modest prices with scenic views from the large windows.  I ordered a tomato/feta/egg sandwich at the counter, picked up a cup of coffee, and sat at a table where my breakfast was served.  Yum!

Because my room at Red Rock Guest House had a microwave and fridge, I did eat some of my meals there.  The reheated chow mein and chicken vegetable burrito were both good, and I went through a box of cereal and a quart of milk during my stay.  It  is possible to eat well in Sedona without spending a bundle.

Autumn Thoughts (Twelve-Year Plan III)

"Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns."  (George Eliot)

Autumn is my favorite season, and October is my favorite month.  Not just because it's my birthday month, but because the air is cooler and crisper, and the colorful leaves seem to demand my attention.  I don't know if it's the football season or upcoming holiday festivities, but there is a sense of anticipation unlike any other time of year.

While growing up, Autumn always meant the beginning of a new school year, with new classes and new clothes and months of possibility stretching ahead of me.  As an adult, Autumn still feels like a beginning to me, with my October 8 birthday marking the start of another year on this planet, another chance in this life to see what I can make of it.

Today, I am adding another intention to my Twelve-Year Plan: to spend more time outdoors.  This intention is prompted by my appreciation for the season as well as my time outdoors on my recent trip to Sedona.  I am surrounded by the beauty of this world, and I want to take time to enjoy it, not only while traveling but in my everyday life.   Ah, delicious Autumn!

My First Night in Sedona

(Obviously, my entries about my Sedona trip are NOT in chronological order.) 

Looking at my notes, I remember driving north on I-17 from Phoenix.  The speed limit was a breezy 75 mph, as opposed to 65 mph in Oregon.  I saw motor-cyclists without helmets (yup, against the law in Oregon).  And, the cactus plants along the road were an unusual sight for me.  However, as the road begin to climb, it reminded me of I-5 between Roseburg and Grants Pass.  I passed several trucks laboring uphill as I sped along toward Sedona.  Darkness fell quickly, and I was grateful for the explicit driving instructions supplied by Sedona Soul Adventures. 

Once I left I-17, I followed the well-paved Hwy 179 the remaining 15 miles of my journey.  I have never driven through so many roundabouts!  I lost count of them even before I made it into central Sedona.  At each one, I had to think ahead about where I was going, so I would be in the correct lane.  What with being in the dark (both literally and figuratively), it took some concentration to get the hang of it.  Sedona has limited outdoor lighting on its streets and businesses, and I had to keep a sharp lookout for signs - and for the numerous pedestrians who nonchalantly wandered back and forth, in and out of the crosswalks.

I had found my way to Sedona, but it took two calls to my host at Red Rock Guest House before I found my final destination.  Feeling tired from traveling and sore from sitting on the plane and in the car, I decided to walk around outside before collapsing into bed.  As I stumbled down the driveway, I was struck again by the limited amount of lighting.  "Maybe I better just stand still while my eyes adjust to the darkness," I thought.  Then, I looked up at the night sky with more stars than I could remember seeing for years and years.  As I stared at the heavens, I knew - at least for that moment - I was in my perfect place.