SIMPLY LIVIN'...

My travels have taken me to some pretty incredible places.  I've eaten some very tasty morsels and imbibed on a few extraordinary concoctions that made me sit up and take notice.   I'm very blessed.   Being from a small town, sometimes, it doesn't take much to entertain or amuse me.   Even when life throws you curve balls you least expect... and you aren't sure what tomorrow will bring... sometimes you find life's purest and simple joys at just the exact moment when you need them.

I knew there would come a time when I would want to write a post about "Simply Livin'... I just thought it would be about something different.  However... it truly fits for this particular post.  Last week, my best friend, Wyn and I took a trip out West.  We've been best friends for 30 years.   We joked about finding a few cowboys and the joys of friendship.   One thing to put into perspective... is that my best friend and I are like night and day.  Complete opposites in just about every way.   The great thing... is we accept each other just as we are and for some amazing reason, it's worked for 30 wonderful years.

My Best Friend of 30 Years.  

Whenever I'm going through anything life changing or altering... she's always there.  Today is no different.  She's been with me through every trial and tribulation that I've experienced as well as the triumphs.    We can go weeks or months without seeing each other... and nothing changes.  It's one of the most blessed friendships I've ever known... because regardless of anything... I know that she's always there... a phone call away and vice versa for her.    So... now, that you understand the dynamics, you'll appreciate the journey.

As we've gotten older, wiser, more mature and all of those adjectives that I believe our age group is now identified with... we truly have learned to appreciate all the great things in life.  In our younger days... we took most things for granted.   So... on this particular journey... we knew we'd laugh, cry, eat, drink and do the one thing that we both never do... simply live.   (The one thing we have in common is we both are workaholics --- I think.)   For me... the journey was during a time when I am facing some personal challenges and she's always there to listen, talk.. put me at ease.

As we arrived at our destination, Phoenix/Scottsdale - the first thing we both noticed was how HOT it was and not a Mississippi hot... this was a dry "hot".  After we found our rental car and got underway.. the first thing that happened... we got lost.  Never fails.  Our GPS (Miss Bertha or whatever her name was... ) was of no help.   Finally, my google maps... had us heading in the general direction of where we wanted to go.   Needless to say... trial and error... we finally found where we were supposed to be.

Mmmm... BACON!  

This trip, we stayed at the JW Marriott Camelback, we discovered Arizona.  Cactus, adobe buildings, desert, sun.... you name it.  We even viewed the mountain which remotely looks like the humps on a camel.  Nice.. right?  Actually, the JW really is a beautiful property and its moderately priced, yet a bit upscale.  I've stayed at pretty much all of the properties in this area... and there are some others that are quite pricey, so for the location, this one is actually a good choice.   Be sure to enjoy dinner at BLT one night.. and order the Grilled Bacon as an appetizer.  Lordy Mercy... there are no words to tell you how delicious this tastes.  Mmmmmmm....mmmm.... Bacon.

Our Cheese & Wine at The Mission.  

One evening, we decided to take a tour of old town Scottsdale where they were having an Art Walk.  We thought we would enlighten our lives with some culture, a little art, maybe buy a trinket or two and enjoy a great meal.   Our driver dropped us off... at the edge of Old Town.   We decided to try out the "hottest" ticket in town for dinner as we were told by at least 3 people ---  A relatively new restaurant called The Mission.   First... we had to find it, so we strolled along looking in a few windows... and noticing that ... there was literally nobody around.   We finally found our destination which was located beside a church... housed in a building that looked exactly like an old Mission.  Once inside... it felt homey, had a great little vibe going and there were a number of people enjoying themselves.   They asked us if we wanted to be seated outside on the back patio... and we couldn't decide if we could fathom the "heat" but we took a chance.   They had a huge fan blowing... and to our surprise, it was really quite charming and pleasant. Long story short... the atmosphere was really nice.  I've had a better meal and wine, but all in all, it was an experience.   I'm not sure it quite lived up to the "rave" reviews that we were given on it, but as I've found out... what suits my palate, may not be what suits someone else's.

Appreciating Art!  

Now.. for some art.  We walked the streets (still with very few people) and began to wonder if we were given the wrong date.  We finally stumbled across the first gallery that was open... and as most Mississippians would do... we walked in like we owned the place.   As we began to walk around, taking in the various paintings and sculptures, my friend found one that drew her attention.  She was quietly observing it saying how great that would look in her living room... blah, blah.. blah... when I broke her bubble... I had noticed the price... a cool $15k and gave her this important tid-bit of information.   All she could do.. was say... Does the frame come with it?   Cue... laughter hysterically.

The Rusty Spur 

We quickly realized that this ArtWalk was for the serious inquiries only and not those who were just passing some time... enjoying a few sites.      So, we wandered along, viewing pieces here and there... and laughing at our own ability to realize that we would not be taking home a piece of art.    After all of this... we had built up quite the thirst, so we headed for The Rusty Spur.   We had noticed an ad for it in a book and decided that it looked interesting... and there had to be cowboys there.   What we found... is "home".   We walked in.... and there was a country band playing.  It was small with maybe 10 tables and then the bar.   We found an empty table and sat down.

 Our surprise... we loved the band.  The PsychoBilly Rodeo Band.  (Look them up and The Rusty Spur on Facebook and the Web).  If you're ever in the area... STOP IN... you will be so glad you did.    The other thing we quickly realized is that this little place reminded us of a hang-out we had back home when we were about.. 21.   There were a lot of locals, a few cowboys... and a really great time.   We made some friends, promised we'd be back... and had one of the best times ever.   (Our driver back can verify that... )

Thelma and Louise... 

After discovering that it was National Best Friend Day when we were there, we decided that we would turn this trip into... a Thelma and Louise trip.  Now.. who's Thelma and who's Louise?   For all inquiring minds.... we had to make a few changes.. first... Wyn is a few years older than me... but... she's not the WILD one... so... with that being the only difference, you can figure it out from there.  Our next goal was to find our Brad Pitt.... you'll just have to keep reading.  Just remember Louise's line from the movie...

"You're a real live outlaw, aren't ya? " " I may be an outlaw, darlin', but you're the one stealin' my heart".  

Like I said... regardless of what you're going through in life... you always find ways to laugh and enjoy life.   We decided that we would take a drive.... a rather long one it seems.  We ended up... at the Grand Canyon.   If anyone tells you it's not that far from Phoenix... let me verify for you that it's 3 1/2 hours... at least.  If you've never been in a car with me... especially that long... you'll understand... the pain that Wyn endured.     Once we got there... there was something so overwhelming and peaceful about the awe inspiring beauty... that the drive was forgotten.   It was absolutely breath-taking.   A picture does not do it justice... it's something that everyone needs to see for themselves.

Spa... can you say... AHHHH.   One thing I will tell you.. is that the JW has the Spa thing going on.   We decided to treat ourselves to some much needed pampering.    We both decided on two treatments each and found that we should have just booked an entire day.   I had a hot stone massage and a facial while Wyn enjoyed a body scrub and a massage.   Now.. those of you who know me... know that I could never do a body scrub after my experience at the Arlington in Hot Springs... but Wyn... bring it.  The hot stone massage was one of the best I've ever experienced and I've had a lot of them through the years.   It was relaxing and with all of my health issues and stress... it seemed to help everything that ailed me.  I found an hour of peace.  Wyn said the scrub was just the same.   She met a lady who lives in the area and said that she's been to all the spa's in the area, but loves the JW and keeps coming back here for treatments.   Same with the facial .... it was relaxing and the seaweed mask... ice cold going on... but the effects of it... amazing.

We also found our way to The Buffalo Chip.   This is another cowboy saloon that's located in Cave Creek.  We were meeting my cousin for dinner and one of his friends owns it.  It's quite the drive (30 minutes or so) from Scottsdale, but it's a cute place.   Plenty of cowboys and cowgirls twirling around the dance floor doing the Western dances that I thought were long forgotten.   Just for the record... we did get asked to dance... more than once.   One guy almost pulled my arm out of socket.   It still hurts.

All in all.... this trip proved to be something we both needed for different reasons.   Our last night, we decided to go back to Old Town and enjoy some Italian food.  We found a cute little place "Italian Grotto" right in the middle of town... that has the best dessert I've ever eaten.   Shut My Mouth yummy.   Oh, the italian wasn't bad, either.  We ended our trip... back at The Rusty Spur... and yes... we found our cowboy and a few Brazilians too.

We laughed.  We cried.  We ate and drank... and saw things we'll never forget.  Most of all... we celebrated 30 years of friendship and being there for each other... thick, thin, good health and bad... a shoulder to cry on... and a hug when you need it.    Life... is simply livin' especially when faced with challenges of the unknown... it's good to know that you've got someone you can always count on right beside you.   Thelma and Louise... ain't got nothing on us.   We came, saw and conquered... in other words... we SIMPLY LIVED.

The Lesson Joey Taught Me....

For me... relaxing is not an easy task.   As you've found out through-out reading my blog for the past year... I stress and worry... and finding ways to decompress are difficult for me.  I'm not saying that I haven't been able to accomplish it... but, it's difficult.   One of my favorite things... to do... whether alone or with others... is to spend a couple of hours in a movie theatre being swept away.   

I always  enjoy previews of coming movies, books, television programs, etc.  There are some that "lure" you in from the moment you see them or read about them for the first time.  There are others.. that come out of nowhere and surprise you.  (The Help... The Blind Side...)

For me... every holiday season, there's always one movie that is a "must" see because of the previews.     It seems that the movie industry has figured out that after you do your Christmas Eve... and Christmas Day Lunch with your family, extended family and whoever else stops in that..... by afternoon and evening... YOU need an outlet... so why not take the family to the movie.   This has become a tradition of sorts in my own family and this holiday season was no exception.

So.. this year... without a doubt... I knew from the very first preview, my holiday movie was going to be War Horse.   There was something quite compelling about it that just "had me at hello".

I wasn't sure how I would handle the "war" portion of the movie...but for me, the relationships came through even in the previews and I knew... it was THE ONE movie, I had to see.  So... bundled up, Christmas afternoon... the Clampetts headed to the movie.  (What's interesting is that we had a discussion on the way... that we'd be the only ones there... ummm... NOT.   It was a packed house.... all showings!)

As titled, the horse is definitely the key to all of the relationships in the movie... which I found quite interesting since in life... in a group of people, isn't there always one person or common thing that draws you all together.   In War Horse, "Joey" truly bonds with everyone he encounters and brings out magic in each relationship.  He changes their lives in a way... that you feel as if you have your own connection with the horse.  The movie is about a friendship between a boy and his horse, their journey together, apart and finally back together.  It's a story of love, hope, loyalty and... determination.

From the opening scenes... pure, raw beauty...of a European countryside that showed a simple life...you knew it was going to be special.    It was almost like you were holding your breath from those beginning moments to the most brutal of scenes of war and turmoil.   I felt like a puppet.    Through-out the movie,  there were some moments, when I laughed.  Some when i felt the tears burning and others when... I was holding my hands over my eyes.   The war scenes were tough for me, especially one particular one that involves the horse.   But... tugging your emotions is what a good movie is truly all about.  This one... was a masterpiece at making you feel.   Taking you from high to low, back to high again... and keeping your attention all the way through.  The movie is long.. but, you're so involved, for me... it didn't feel that way at all.

Another positive for me... it was truly a great drama that stayed honest and genuine.  There were no words thrown in just to be thrown in... so you could get an R rating.  Sometimes, I think... they just add those... to add them.  They have no bearing on the movie whatsoever and it drives me crazy.  This movie to me.. was Steven Spielberg at his best, yet... it was completely different from any other film he's done.  It was genius.   He took a beautiful, chestnut horse... that relayed power, integrity and innocence and told the story through his eyes.   The marketing ... the greatest journey is the one that leads back home... an epic adventure... hit the mark.   

As I thought about the movie afterward, the message hit home in a very profound way.   The message of loyalty, friendship, love... and determination is definitely one that should inspire all of us.  It should motivate each of us in our own lives.  It should teach us a lesson... that the gift of friendship and love is unconditional.   It's an unbreakable bond between two individuals,  that no matter what obstacles stand in our way... we should push forward through them all.  I think we can all speak from experience that when we meet someone, become best of friends or love them... know that it was simply meant to be.  We also know... that no matter what... we will always be with this person at whatever costs.   For Joey... he fought a war to get back to where he belonged.   How many wars have you fought for your friends or someone you love to get back to where you belong?  

 I know that when I came out of this movie... yes... there were tears... but there was this heartfelt feeling of gratitude for reminding me of what's most important.  Yes... I definitely plan to spend more time at the movies enjoying the simple pleasure of being taken away from the real world... if only for a few hours because sometimes... you actually find that you can apply it to your own life.  

So, next time you're stressed out, having problems, needing a break... take in a movie.   It might be just the thing to change your perspective and your outlook.

For me... WAR HORSE.... definitely Oscar worthy.   (The horse should GET the statue!!)  SO... VOTE FOR JOEY!!!!!

I Get By With a Little Help from my Friends!

Now... first, you'll be singing that song all day!  So.... just go on and get it out of your system!  BELT IT OUT!  

Friendship.  Its part of our life... at every stage.   From birth to death, friends surround us and make our lives better or in some cases, worse.  (just as we do for them!)  This blog post was originally going to be about something else, but I had a conversation on the airplane yesterday... and I was touched and inspired.  

So... I was sitting next to a lovely elderly lady who started a conversation with me.  She was telling me she was on her way to see her best friend who had moved across the country and that twice a year they each traveled to see the other.   She told me stories of their younger days and how they had kept the friendship alive when they lived so far apart.   As she was talking, her eyes sparkled with laughter and a genuine feeling of love and fondness for this person that I had never met, yet somehow felt connected to instantly.   She asked me if I had a best friend and I told her that indeed I did, not one - but two.  She looked at me quite seriously and said, "Every day is a gift and every friendship another.  Don't ever take it for granted and always take care and nurture them. Without love and attention, they will die."

As I listened to her, I began to think how lucky we all are in this life.  Friends come in all shapes, sizes, colors and backgrounds.   We are all unique and different, yet, when you make a connection with someone - its one of the most precious gifts we are given.  She was so right!

For me, I have a lot of friends across the country which really amazes me.  I have re-connected with friends from my childhood and high school days that I didn't realize how much I missed them until I got the opportunity to talk to them again on a regular basis thanks to the social media phenomenon!  Facebook definitely has the market on re-connecting!

 I have made long lasting friendships that started out as business acquaintances.   Some of my closest friends today happened in just that way and honestly, I cannot imagine my life without them.    But, whether old, new, good or best... one thing is for certain, I am grateful and blessed for each and every one of them.

Emily Dickinson said, "My friends are my estate."  Never a more profound or truer statement. 

I've had several best friends over the course of my life.  Each different, yet they all enriched my life at the time and made it much better.   I would not be the person I am today without all of these influences over the years.  Often, I think, we take friendship for granted.   We shouldn't!  Its give and take.  It's two people investing in a relationship and taking time to make it work. 

Today, as I take a moment to reflect over the course of my 46 years... I know that without friends, life would have been extremely dull.  I feel very honored to know so many people and to be able to call them my friend.   I am extremely blessed with a circle of great friends who through good times or bad, they are always there.   I know that without my two very best friends, one is a sister to me and the other my hero... I would not be the person I am today.    To both of them, I would say... thank you for loving me enough through all my flaws, ups and downs, good, bad and yes... even ugly and for always being there when it counts. 

Take time to tell your own friends how important they are to you.   As the lovely lady on the airplane reminded me... life is precious.  Every day is a gift.   Every friendship is another.

So... now, my goal is to try to name every song written about friends!  Hmmm... wonder how long that will take?