Hello, Strangers!
Remember my last post when I was stressing over how many pairs of shoes to pack?
Well, our trip is over and we are home sweet home. The washer has been running practically nonstop for the last couple of days, but I am just about caught up and ready to put the suitcases away.
We had a WONDERFUL time and our list of places we want to visit again is growing. Please add:
Scottsdale.
Sedona.
Laguna Beach.
We were able to spend just enough time in these wonderful places to wet our appetites for more of what they have to offer.
People. We live in an amazing country and I am so thankful that we are getting a chance to explore parts of it.
Our eyes were opened to even more of the world’s “wisdom” through this trip and I realized what a weirdo I am in the eyes of those the majority consider to be smart.
Here is what I’m talking about…….
We loved the natural beauty of Sedona’s Red Rocks. Hiking, great food, and quirkiness are all things I love.
Sedona is also the place to go if you want your palm read, or your future told, or your dead relatives contacted. Or maybe you need to restock your crystals or have your aura read. The town literature brags that it is the New Age capital of the United States. Or was it world? Either way, I don’t want any of that.
I wish I could describe our reaction to our first view of the Grand Canyon. What a masterpiece by our Creator! Unbelievable and no picture does it justice, especially these taken with my phone.
Reading the posted information, we learned this beautiful, beautiful place was the result of millions and millions and millions and millions of years of water trickling and rushing. Of course, this was presented as fact not theory. No questions asked or wanted.
The prominent rock formations we viewed on the south rim had names like Shiva Temple, Brahma Temple, Vishnu Temple, and Buddha Temple all given by an early explorer, Clarence Dutton. Huh?
After reading carefully, I did find one that was called Solomon’s Temple.
Does anyone else see the irony here? The True Creator gets no credit or praise, but the rocks are crying out praise anyway. So there.
Then we headed north to Las Vegas.
We stayed with my cousin and his wife and loved our time with them. Their warm hospitality and great home cooked meals went above and beyond our expectations.
Big Kudos also to Cirque du Soleil, Love
And Container Park.
And the Anthropologie store at Caesar’s Palace.
I spent $5.00 in the Beverly Hillbillies game because I thought it was the most appropriate slot for me. I ended up with 15 cents. Brad didn’t waste a dime in the machines. He is smart like that.
I’m afraid my “momma” mode kicked in big time in Vegas and I had to hold myself back from going up to the dirty dancers, putting my arm around them and saying, “Honey, do you see the perverts videotaping you on their phones? You were created for so much more than this.” I refrained myself, but I don’t see myself really enjoying a town that has storefronts where one can purchase everything one needs for her stripper show.
See. I told you I was a weirdo.
But that’s ok.
This scripture I read this morning nails it……
I Corinthians 3:18-20 Don’t fool yourself. Don’t think that you can be wise merely by being up-to-date with the times. Be God’s fool—that’s the path to true wisdom. What the world calls smart, God calls stupid. It’s written in Scripture,He exposes the chicanery of the chic.
The Master sees through the smoke screens
of the know-it-alls.
I’m curious. Have you visited any of the places I mentioned? What was your reaction?
Sidebar: I wore every pair of shoes I took, but one. And that is because I only brought the right one. Dang.
Side-Sidebar: Forgive me if this post sounds too intense for a Saturday afternoon. I feel better getting it out of my head and onto the paper. xoxo
Side-Side-Sidebar: I haven’t visited any of you for 2 weeks, but plan to make the rounds soon!
Hi Susan, I love your photos. Looks as if you saw plenty of interesting things. Once, two friends and I went to Florida on holiday and we had over 30 pairs of shoes between us. LOL We were only there 10 days. Blessings, xoxo,susie
Welcome HOME…
And I guess I am a weirdo also, I am at least in good company :o)
The world has gone completely nuts!
And I will praise the Lord all my days and I will not leave it for the rocks to cry out!
Missed you, Roxy
Your trip sounds like so much fun. I enjoyed all of the photos!
Those are some amazing photos. But I think they have the advertising wrong on the New Age capital. I think it is Lilydale in the Finger Lakes region. lol
I thought the Grand Canyon quite remarkable, too and have to say I don't care for Vegas at all…but that is just me.
Glad you are home and had a good time- xo Diana
What stunning photos! Sounds like a fun trip!
It sounds like you had a great trip! My husband and I got married in Vegas, but we didn't spend any money gambling. We did take a flight over the grand canyon – the beauty of God's creation is beyond words! I'm glad you're home safe and sound now.
I loved Sedona except for all the new age stuff. It's such an artist town. Makes me want to paint. I also cried when I got to the Grand Canyon because I'd always wanted to go there. You should go to Zion all the mountains are named after the great men of the old testament and it is beautiful there. I really want to go to Santa fe after seeing an art exhibit from that area. Vegas, we drove through, didn't stop. I know how you felt about the girls. Having 2 daughters makes my heart go out to any girl in that type of situation. Loved your photos! Glad you had a great trip!
I too am a weirdo and am not ashamed. Welcome back!
We are in total agreement…loved the Sedona area but the new age stuff…not so much. Loved the North Rim of the Grand Canyon…and the rocks praise Him. Didn't care for Las Vegas…never saw so many deadened eyes in my entire life. I put a quarter in a slot machine and lost…but I found the quarter on the floor so just re-placed it LOL.
Sounds like an adventurous (and in both an interesting and enjoyable) trip!
So glad to hear your trip went well
Thanks for sharing your awesome pictures
Brett
I am behind on my reading Susan but how wonderful your trip sounds! I have never visited any of those places so your pictures took me there. Always so much laundry after a trip but always well worth it. PS:your "weirdness" is similar to mine : )
Welcome home! We all have quirks about what we bring…I am always off in a big way.
Your photos are beautiful…please share more!
XO,
Jane
Hi Susan! You take some beautiful photos girl! I have been to Sedona, and just loved it. The 'New Age' stuff doesn't bother me, I just find it quirky. The art there was really fun to see. Did you get to the top of one of the mountains to see the church? The vista from there was amazing.
I liked your writing that the Lord created the Grand Canyon, but doesn't get the credit. Kind of funny, isn't it? But we know the truth.
Thank you for sharing! And Happy First day of Spring too 🙂
Ceil
Hello! I actually am a stranger as I have not been here before. I found your blog through the comments section of Haven Help Us' Bedroom Makeover post. I love this post. I'm in a long distance relationship, so I go from state to state more than most people, and packing is always an ordeal. I always just know I'm packing too much, but being there to visit with him during his daily life, I never know what we'll be doing! I definitely relate to your shoe conundrum. It seems your trip was just beautiful! I think this post has convinced me to come back. 🙂 I know my guy and I have an ever growing list of places to see or to visit again. We've mostly stuck to our two states but we're realizing just how much there is between the two! I doubt we'll ever get bored or run out of places to go.