I have only lived in Arizona and California in my life.....when I lived in AZ we were constantly crossing the desert to visit California and since I have been in California it seems we are constantly crossing the desert to visit Arizona.....don't get me wrong, a road trip is sometimes the best thing for my sanity and Steve loves them too.....this past weekend we headed off again across the desert to keep a tradition we have with our fun friends that used to live near us in LA. When we moved to SD they moved to Phx where I used to live! Steve and I have this little tradition - we get corn nuts and a diet coke and head out (don't judge). We talk a bit at first but mostly we enjoy the comfortable quiet as we drive and both use the time to think...think...think. My mind wanders all over the place with random thoughts.....
How many times have I crossed this desert?...me thinks more than 1,000 and less than 2,000. For ball games, for weddings, for moving, for fun, for hauling furniture, for housewarmings and to say goodbye to loved ones and friends, for Thanksgiving, Christmas and every other holiday and 3 day weekend it seems. I love seeing the same landmarks....Devils Tower....abandon houses and old gas stations from the 50's...the McDonalds at Yuma where we would get the kids something to eat and let our dogs out to play.....the Space Age Lodge in Gila Bend.....the old abandon Horse Racing building just outside of Phoenix. They are like my old friends that I get to see once in awhile and like me not aging too gracefully but are still around :)
What should I do about an opportunity? The conservative in me says stay with what you know and be happy about it, find the good.....the liberal in me says - go for your dreams, you can't discover new oceans if you are not willing to let go of the shore.....who will win?
What is best for my parents and do I do enough? What more can I do for my family? I wonder where those people in that car are going? Did I bring my black top to go with my capris? What was that guys name that took me to???....you get the drift. Basically, I don't solve much or get too many answers, but I love that my mind downloads all the crap I can't seem to do when I am at home or in my day to day....road trips/desert crossing are good for the soul!
This trip was one of our traditions that we try and keep with our good friends. For the past 24 or so years all the guys go dove hunting on opening day, 9/1. All the girls go shopping! What could be better. Over the years when we all lived near LA we would mostly meet up in Palm Springs and stay at great hotels with pools and lounge and go out to eat and shop and play. Over the years and the once larger group has dwindled down to the true and best of friends, mostly Steve, his buddy and his buddies great son and relatives and friends of theirs....from once 10/12 to now 4 or so. But they have the best time razzing each other on their shots and hunting skills (?) and it is great bonding time for them. Since our friends moved to AZ we have been going to their beautiful home in Trilogy off the Loop 303 and the guys base their hunt out of there. We love these people and we have great history with them. While the guys are out shooting my girlfriend who is the best cook and loves to shop in the same shops and for things I want to....we never go clothes shopping - BORING! We hit the antique stores and when we are in Phx our favorite haunt is that historic area of Glendale. Note the 'historic' - when I was growing up we lived on 35th and Glendale and the area around 58th and Glendale/Palmaire was in a not so nice part of Glendale but once in awhile my mom, sister and I would head over to the JCPenneys that was there and was also a Newberrys but we did not venture far from that. My mom did work at the APS on Glendale Avenue and she knew where to go and where not to....but some really smart and wonderful people have revitalized that area and turned it into a shopping mecca - but historic makes me feel really really old...anyway....I digress. So once the guys headed out we went over to Glendale.....love love love that area and this time she took me to the greatest store that I had never been to....The Cottage Garden. Just stepping inside this place is a visual overload and I become incredibly inspired....she has all but one room done in cottage chic, shabby chic and displayed beautifully and I gave in to several temptations, so did my girlfriend and soon the counter was loaded with treasures...but....we then went to the 'front room' that was all done in Halloween. STOP DROP AND ROLL......my girlfriend is the QUEEN OF ALL THINGS HALLOWEEN. That room was probably 10 x 10 and we spent over an hour in there. I could only move one step every 10 minutes because it was visual overload.....yes, the stack on the counter grew and grew and grew. I decided a little Witchy theme for my entryway piece (more on that in upcoming posts) and ideas were flying....it was so incredibly fun. In fact, she is going to be featured in the upcoming December issue (out in November) of Sunset magazine. After that store we were so overwhelmed we stopped at a few other but were so inspired with our Halloween plans our shopping venture headed us to more places like Hobby Lobby, JoAnns and Michaels. We went to a fun lunch and then came home with bags and bags and bags of fun things. The guys had a great hunt, not because of the amount of birds, but the fun they had. The next day we went to Prescott and I don't think I have been there for 20+ years. Lots and lots of fun antique stores and lunch at the Palace. Great drive and later that night we watched movies and hung out. Friday was a few more stops at craft places, some crafting and pool time. It was 110 that day! We got up early Saturday a.m. and once again crossed the desert and our landmarks and were home by noon, which was nice to have a little more time before back to work. Having our BBQ today with the family - good times! What are you all doing this weekend?
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