Arizona

Therapy comes in many forms

by Ingrid

The intoxicating beauty of towering red rock sandstone monoliths and buttes…. rocks aptly named Coffee Pot Rock and Cathedral Rock…. equal parts of rugged and luxury….  a small town blessed with an abundance of beauty and surrounded by National Forest land…..Sedona, Arizona

These words barely begin to personify stunning Sedona, Arizona.  Sedona served as stop number two for my excursion with my daughter, and as you might expect, it did not disappoint.  Ashton was pleasantly awed by the angular rock formations, high mesas, and stunning colors.  Sedona

Talk about a visual treat.  A feast for the eyes.  An abundance of beauty in all directions.

SedonaThose beautiful red rocks serve as a backdrop for a number of outdoor activities ranging from spiritual pursuits to hundreds of hiking and biking trails to guided Jeep excursions.

Lots of great dining options
Lots of great dining options

Since Ashton and I only had a couple of hours to tour the area, we set our sights on exploring the shops.  Sedona is well-known for its vortex energy and folks from around the world come here for healing and spiritual renewal.

SedonaMany of the shops focus on the metaphysical and sell jewelry made from various crystals and stones, each serving a distinct purpose.  We stepped into the Sedona Crystal Vortex shop and found ourselves learning the metaphysical value of the array of polished stones.  The store offered everything from loose stones, to stunning pieces of jewelry that I would classify as “Art”, to simple elasticized bracelets. Sedona

As we perused the numerous bracelets, we read the special benefits of wearing particular stones.  It seems there’s a stone for whatever ails a person.

 

SedonaMy skeptical nature may have had me doing an eye roll, but the bracelets were cute and thus I figured what the heck.  It certainly couldn’t hurt to wear one of these ‘healing‘ bracelets and I can always use a little help.  Hmm….. I pondered which stone(s) would be most beneficial for me;   creativity, energizing, harmony, inspiration, courage, grounding, prosperity, calming, balance?  The list went on, and although I was tempted to walk out of there with half a dozen bracelets, my wallet thanked me for walking out empty-handed.  Perhaps I should have indulged in a citrine stone bracelet = prosperity!

Ashton, on the other hand, found healing and inspirational therapy at a wine shop.  Following a little wine tasting, she walked out of the store with two bottles of Arizona wines.

Sedona

We spent another hour engrossed in retail therapy before heading off for a little spiritual enlightenment.Chapel of the Holy Cross

Regardless of one’s faith, a visit to the Chapel of the Holy Cross is a must.  Built in 1956 this Catholic Chapel rises 70 feet (21m) out of a 1,000 foot (300m) red rock cliff.

Sedona

I must admit, a quiet moment of reflection inside this church had more of an impact on my aura than any of the crystals or healing stones I handled that day.  Perhaps my chakras are in need of attention.

On that note, I know just the place to go to have my chakras aligned, engage in vortex energy, have my aura analyzed, or purchase stones to help heal whatever ails me 😉  Yes, Sedona…. I shall return.  I’m itching to hit your trails!

Sedona

Before heading out of town, we made one final stop.  Not only had I worked up a thirst, but I felt compelled to show Ashton the architecture on this one of a kind McDonald’s. Sedona Yep, this is the only McDonald’s in the world where the arches are turquoise instead of golden.  So when I told her we were stopping at the Turquoise Arches for soft drinks, she was initially perplexed and later humored.

Crystal Healing
November’s Chopin Fashion Handmade Metal Leaf Pendant Wood Prayer Bracelet Link Wrist Necklace

80 thoughts on “Therapy comes in many forms”

  2. I didn’t know Chapel of the Holy Cross was so beautiful inside! We stopped in the Sedona area in early March for about 4 days and did some very enjoyable hiking and exploring there. Fantastic boondocking in Coconino National Forest too. Love your photos!

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  3. As I was reading your post it made me think about a “therapy” session I had this morning as I was sitting in the cab of the tractor. Large snowflakes were falling lazily around me while I sat it the warm cab. The work was done but I just sat there for a few minutes and thought….how cool it this?

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    1. We’ve stayed at Dead Horse Ranch SP a couple of times. Great place to stay and explore the area. I’ll be sure and check out your blog post on your visit. Thanks for the link.

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  6. I am so missing the desert as I see your posts and MonaLisa, Kay and Tom – seems that everyone we meet is out west and we are stuck here in Florida. Even Pete is agreeing with me that this may be out last year coming here…the west has so much more appeal.

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    1. You’re not the first person I’ve heard this from. We enjoy the desert weather way too much to consider a whole winter along the coast. I know it’ll be a wet cold one along the TX Gulf Coast this January when we go for our birding, but we’ll be here in the desert next year as well ready to indulge in some baked goodies and socializing 🙂

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  7. Looks like you had another delightful mother-daughter field trip! I haven’t been to Sedona in at least 20 years — I think it’s time for a revisit. I have wonderful memories of hiking in the beautiful red rocks high above the town. A little retail therapy would be fun, too. 🙂

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    1. 20 years? I guarantee, it has grown like a weed and traffic can get crazy. But it’s so worth sharing this beautiful place with all the other tourists. Hiking those amazing trails is next on the list 🙂

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  8. I think we have covered most of the trails in Sedona, having lived there for over 5 years. It was a beautiful place to call home. You captured her beauty nicely Ingrid.

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    1. I think I may have had a difficult time selling a home in Sedona, but I’m sure those of us with a gypsy gene feel compelled to change up the scenery 😉 I’m sure the hiking there is fabulous. One day I’ll actually schedule enough time to check out a trail or two.

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  9. It great to see you introducing travel to Ashton. Though she seems reluctant to be impressed by her new digs, you’ve certainly opened the door to going out and doing a bit of explore. Who knows, maybe some of it will rub off and she will be following the inspiration of her mother and grandmother…some time in the future.

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    1. Oh, that gal has been traveling since she was little. In college, she even spent a semester in Sydney Australia. She definitely has the gypsy gene. My efforts are focused on sharing the beauty of the desert with her which she is getting used to. The desert is an acquired taste for those not born to it 🙂

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      1. I can admire the beauty of the desert but it is not a place I’d choose to live in full time…I worship water too much for that to happen.

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        1. I would imagine a FL gal would have difficulties enduring a lengthy stay in the desert 😉 I always look forward to my Texas Gulf Coast visits!

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          1. My grandparents loved the California desert and I spent a bit of time there, no problem.They also owned an RV and did a lot of RVing in their retirement and went to a variety of geographic areas, including deserts. My sister lived in the high desert in California for about ten years. I’m actually from the San Francisco south Bay Area…only recently transplanted to Florida. 😉 Now…I hear the Texas Gulf Coast is amazing…and I would like to venture down there one of these days. 😀

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            1. I have yet to visit San Francisco. Hubby lived in San Jose (long before meeting me). One day I’ll make it to San Fran. We go to TX for the birding and enjoy it.

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  12. I have only been to Sedona once but hope to return again. Such astounding beauty. How wonderful to have the opportunity to share these adventures with your daughter!

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  13. This is a lovely post about Sedona at the same time immersing Ashton deeper into Arizona’s own unique beauty. I don’t think I can live there, the red rocks will give me a headache 🙂
    We succumbed to one form of Sedona’s retail therapy. And the artwork is now residing in a storage room waiting to be uncovered and displayed again.

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    1. An overload of stunning scenery can cause headaches 😆 Perhaps, one day you’ll be able to display that Sedona artwork in a new home. Hmm, wherever shall that be? Fruita? I think not…. more headache causing red rock… hehe!

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    1. Thanks. Looks like you had a nice visit to the area as well. Hope you were feeling well enough to really enjoy it. And btw – Happy Birthday (I wasn’t able to comment on your post).

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  19. I don’t think I can read your blog anymore. I am missing the desert, and your photos make me miss it even more. (kidding) I love Sedona.

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    1. Haha! I’m sure you’ll be back in the desert next winter. In the meantime, I’m enjoying your change of scenery while I enjoy sitting in the desert 😆

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  20. Sedona has been one of our favorite places since the 70’s when it was a sleepy little town surrounded by astonishing views. We still love it but, oh my, how its grown! Does the Elks Lodge still have a few rv spots out back?
    Sue

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    1. Sedona is a wonderful place to visit, but I’m not sure I’d want to live here. Yes, the Elks Lodge does have some RV spots and the lodge is in a great location. It’s on our list 😉

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  23. Sedona would be a perfect place for some mother/daughter time!! I just love everything about this area (except the home prices). I do think the wine therapy was much more fun than rocks…good thinking, Ashton! What a neat place to show Ashton to demonstrate Arizona’s wonders:)

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    1. I wanted to show Ashton that there’s so much more to Arizona than Phoenix. She was dually impressed. I’m in love with this part of AZ (Prescott, Sedona) but like you, not the home prices. Now that daughter has immersed herself in her new job, our mother/daughter outings will be few and far between…. at least for a while 🙂

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  24. We spent a week in Sedona several years ago and loved it. Hopefully we can work it into an RV trip to the Southwest. “Ashton, on the other hand, found healing and inspirational therapy at a wine shop.” I’m guessing this will work better than a bracelet 🙂

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    1. Well, it seemed to work quite well for Ashton 😆 Let me know when it’s time for you to make a return visit to AZ. I’m sure I can offer up my two cents!

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  25. Sedona is on our plans for late February and after reading your blog I am even more enthusiastic about our visit. We will definitely visit the church, it looks beautiful 😊

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  26. Den’s aunt and uncle owned a home in Sedona in the 1980’s. The town itself has grown so much since then. I LOVE that red rock..Telaquepaque..sp?..anyway, it is a shopping area near Sedona we have been too…Also, I think you are fairly close to Taos Pueblo, which is worth a visit..They weren’t fond of bringing cameras in when we were there, but that was 100 years ago..lol…I like Ashtons way of treating all those problems…wine.

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    1. A couple of years ago, Al and I camped at Dead Horse Ranch SP and spent some time exploring Sedona. I loved the architecture at the Tlaquepaque Shopping Plaza. We also enjoyed some awesome meals at a couple of restaurants my friend LuAnn recommended. She used to live there as well. I’m sure you can relate to Ashton’s form of therapy 😉

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  27. Too much fun is going on with you and your sister! 😉
    You know how much I love rocks and gems and find them out in the desert. I still am not sure about healing properties.
    When you go back to Sedona… You must take the back trail called Schnebly Hill Trail. It is a must! You will need your truck. (You can hike in some areas but the best shots of Sedona come from that trail.)

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    1. Sisters??? I knew I liked you! Thanks for the heads up on Schnebly Hill Trail. I’d love to spend more time in Sedona strictly photographing the stunning landscape so always interested in good locations. One of these days I’ll need to see your rock collection.

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  30. We visited Sedona last year when I was in Arizona & loved it as well Ingrid. Our only regret was that we didn’t have a little longer to explore the area further.

    I have a friend who is very versed in the healing powers of crystals & stones. When we visited Lake Louise together, we went into a favourite shop of hers where she buys pieces. I was fascinated as she explained all of the energies & healing powers of the various rocks & crystals.

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    1. I’ve been to Sedona a few times and always walk away wishing I’d spent more time exploring. There are so many fabulous hiking trails, and I have yet to explore any. I find the whole healing crystal stuff fascinating and actually purchased a book on the subject.

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  31. Ingrid, I wish I would have known you were going to be visiting Sedona. There is a FABULOUS little sandwich shop off the main drag of the town. It’s called Sedona Memories. Mostly a local place to eat and they only have a few tables outside and one inside I think. Don and I ate there and we could have split the sandwich it was so HUGE! I know you’ll most likely go back to Sedona so check it out. Take cash because they don’t take credit cards.
    Nancy Sails

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    1. Oh, I’m sure I’ll be returning to Sedona thus I’ll make a note of this sandwich shop. Ashton and I had just come from Jerome where we ate a big lunch. So it was snack time in Sedona. Nice hearing from you Nancy. Hope to see you this winter in AZ 🙂

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  32. Now this place needs to be called Garden of the Gods! How beautiful. I love the turquoise arches, can’t imagine how bad mcd’s wanted to be in there to change their colors. Love the bracelets also. I do believe the energies in the rocks. . Have you felt better yet? 😉😉

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    1. We all know how McDonald’s likes to keep things uniform. So I imagine it was quite the compromise to make the golden arches turquoise. I’m coughing a LOT less these days and energy is starting to return. It’s been a rough road. Thank you for asking. I think slowing down the travels this winter will be a good idea. It’ll allow me to focus on my health.

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