I remember, as a child, watching a movie with my parents. Constantly looking over, making sure they were paying attention. Making sure they did not miss the punchline, the plot or great performance. I wanted to share that moment with them, a laugh or a tear. I recall being in a space and experiencing something so beautiful, taking it in, but distracted, thinking how someone I love would react, someone who was not there, maybe has never seen anything like it, knowing they would be in awe. Wondering how and if it would change them? I wanted to share it.
Sedona is that place, it is the space I feel most comfortable and spiritual. It reaffirms my relationship with God, as there is no other explanation for its beauty. There is a warmth, a scent and so much energy. It revives and lifts me. So much, that I hope to one day to call Sedona home.
When we arrived to Sedona in 2017, I was blown away. So much emotion took over, I can’t explain it in a blog. However, I do recall one of my first thoughts; “Tammy has to see this”. Someone like myself, who has not travelled much. I knew there were no pictures that would truly capture the beauty, because the beauty is charged by your physical placement within it.
Who is Tammy? Tammy is my best friend who was sent by angels. Tammy and I began our musical journey back in September of 2016. It was after my mom passed away. We knew each other enough to say hello, we knew that we were both musicians, but that was the extent of it. We ran into one another one night, and I approached her about starting a music project. I don’t know why, not even as I compose this, but I chose her. We never performed together, in fact we were complete opposites, I was unaware of her music capabilities, it was bizarre, but I felt as if it were on auto pilot. The partnership was being fueled by some force (thank you mommy). Within two months we had our first show, a full house in Bethel, CT, and here we are now, just about three years later, one of the most popular acts in Connecticut.
My life would be changed forever, with this most beautiful organic friendship. She does not know it; maybe she does; she picked me up at my weakest and gave me so much strength to achieve the things I never thought possible. My best friend and my sister. Tammy is my voice of reason, my biggest fan, my constant and the only person, outside of my mom, who will not take my shit, but never judge or desert me. She is the friend I call to report the days activities, sometimes 10/15 calls and texts a day. She is the friend I call when in the middle of the store having a mom memory and sobbing out of control. The friend I call when searching for my moms grave underneath a foot of snow, frantic and sobbing. The friend I call to bitch about my husband and kids. Now, The friend I get to share my favorite spaces with through a good portion of our road trip. Tammy and her husband Tom will meet us in Yellowstone and travel with us through to Sedona.
DAY 9: Wake up in Page, AZ for a trip to Antelope Canyon. This will be our second trip to Antelope Canyon. This is the most beautiful slot canyon I have ever seen. Antelope Canyon lives on Navajo Indian Tribal land. This is a guided tour and reservations are highly recommended. I promise, the beauty of this canyon will be imbedded in your memory. My first visit resulted in tears, as I entered the canyon, my jaw dropped and the tears began. Probably the reason this canyon is the most photographed canyon by National Geographic. There is a jeep ride, about 20+ minutes to get you out to the canyon. It is not a strenuous trip. There are two canyons, the upper and the lower. The lower canyon is not as popular, due to some navigating challenges, ladders, etc. Definitely doable. Here is a video from out last visit:
The day continues as we drive out to The Grand Canyon. We will be traveling to the south rim via Desert View Drive. A must see, however, The Grand Canyon lacked luster for me. Probably the masses of people and their carelessness. The initial stare into the canyon was mind blowing, but Todd and I extracted most of the GC beauty along Desert View Drive. With very few people about, it created such a tranquil experience for us. Nevertheless, we will walk the southern rim of the canyon and hike down a bit into the Bright Angel Trail. We will hike down to the 1st switchback for the breathtaking views and head back up. A cocktail and snack at El Tovar Lounge and then hit the trail back to the Jeep for a 1.5 hour cruise into Sedona. Resort check in, pool, spa, sunset and dinner at The Mesa Grill, one of our favorite spots to eat in Sedona.
Up next: 5 Days in Sedona
Somewhere in America 