Flagstaff is

a lot like Florida in the summer. How so, you say? It has rained almost every afternoon at 3PM, just like Orlando. It's sometimes a hard, teeming rain, othertimes it just seems to "spit". It is a great way to break up the day, as in what should I do before the rain, or after.
Today I decided to make beads after the rain. I was a little tired, we hiked yesterday and "kinda-sorta" missed a turn-off, and that turned our hike into a little longer than we had planned, so I have been tired and achy since then, which really isn't a good combination when working with fire. I will be interested to find out what will come out of the kiln in the morning.
I was experimenting with form and shape, inspired by Heather's new career as a "Doula". What is a Doula? She assists during labor and delivery to try to make it as drug free as possible. It is a special calling, and I am sure Heather will be one of the best!

All weekends

should be like this one. What a great time! My husband came up for the weekend which was filled with activities. Friday night was Celtic music night at Heritage Square in Flagstaff, and much to my surprise, one of my favorite groups, and the headliner for the weekend, the Wicked Tinkers, played a short set. If you have never had the opportunity to watch this great tribal Celtic musical group perform, you are definitely missing out on a great time. The energy in the crowd was palpable, from the kids to the seniors. Everybody was clapping and yelling and dancing and truly enjoying a beautiful evening in the square. Talk about warming up the crowd! Incredible!

Saturday was a great day on the Kachina Trail. The weather, though slightly toasty by Flagstaff standards, was still beautiful, and the trail meanders through the beautiful Ponderosa Pine Forest near Snowbowl. It is so peaceful, clean, green and refreshing up there. A good place to restore your soul. The hike is not so difficult that it leaves you breathless, but it is challenging enough to know you got a workout. After hiking with friends, we joined others for a BBQ in the enchanted land of Sedona. Beautiful day, delicious food, good friends and conversation. What else could anybody ask for?

The Wicked Tinkers! That's what! Sunday we all went to the Celtic Festival in Flagstaff to watch the Tinkers play and laugh and drink and whirl and do the same ourselves. Happy wonderful music, laughter, good Guiness and good company. The festival certainly did not disappoint. Afterwards, a swim and a BBQ once again to complete a great weekend.

It was sad to say goodbye to my husband and daughters before they headed down the mountain. However, it was also a good time to reflect on the simple joys of family, friendship, music and laughter. How absolutely full I felt as I fell into bed on Sunday, feeling as though I was the happiest soul on the planet. I wish this happiness for each and every one of you.

Gees, not to complain

But it sure is hot here today. I am in Phoenix for a couple of days this week, and boy oh boy, let's leave it at that.

Yesterday was Sunday, what a great day for a hike. Bob and I hiked the Kachina Trail, near Snowbowl. It was perfect, coolish, green and just a little challenging. Good thing I brought my trusty walking stick, which, as it turns out, is the perfect way to start a conversation.

My walking stick has a face carved into it, and people frequently comment on it. Because of it, we met some very nice folks who were considering moving to the Flagstaff area. It's always good to meet new friends, I hope it works out for them. And it's always great to have an ice-breaker, a way to start a conversation.

I think many opportunities are missed just because we are not sure how to greet people, or just what to say. A very wise woman once told me that I should try and find something nice to say or a compliment to make to every person I meet, because that may be the only nice thing the other person hears all day. I do try to take this to heart.

I have been working or should I say playing very hard with my beads, making new jewelry and getting very creative. I have posted new items in my Etsy store, take a look if you are so inclined.