I want to preface this by saying that I really love where I live. I’m surrounded by mountains that are most incredible, and a sight that, until nearly 4 years ago, I never tired of. In fact, after living here for 27 years, I was still in awe of my home, and considered it my “heart’s home”…a place where I belong, feel at home, at peace, have attained some healing in my life, and where I feel most spiritually grounded…it was easy to feel this way. I hadn’t felt this awe, and sense of contentment since my ex first walked out, and I confronted him about the OW he was involved w/at that time – 4 years ago in September.
Driving over the mountain last night, ears popping like crazy, listening to my music, I felt content. Peaceful. In awe of the most incredible sunset behind the mountains. The sky was all red and pink, with the sun shining through a few clouds, and the mountains took on this otherworldly glow across the top of the range…incredibly beautiful. I “saw” this sunset…really saw it. Enjoyed it. Loved it. I felt that sense of awe and joy I always felt before all this crap started in my life - for the first time in nearly 4 years.
What a wonderful feeling…to feel alive once again, to feel something other than pain and sadness and anger. All I could do was enjoy the moment (oh yeah!), cry (damn leaky eyes!), and say "Thank you" (over and over...again and again and again).
That quote is the unofficial "credo" of the ADR site. It's so wonderful when its full meaning comes back in someone's story, like yours.
Journeys of discovery are so unpredictable. And so damned long sometimes.
Chris.
ps. What I miss most about living in the West is seeing the purple mountains against the brilliant red-orange sunset. When you talked about an otherworldly glow, that's the picture that came to my mind.
Hey..I didn't know you lived in the West Chris...or did I? I probably forgot! Yeah...I kept looking for the orange in this one...only pinks and reds...so gorgeous. When the shorter mountains in front are in shadow during sunsets like these, the taller ones just sparkle...it's soooo very beautiful.
Kath...I live in Prescott, AZ...mountains all around me. Prescott is sort of a bowl set in the midst of them. I love it. Come visit...I have an extra room!!! And no one will have to sleep in the tub! lol
Am I having another awakening of sorts? Is that what's happening? Because I did the same drive tonight...not as overwhelmingly wondrous as yesterday (it/I felt so "new" again)...but the feeling was still there for me...again...YES!!!!!!!! YES!!!!!!!!YES!!!!!!
I drove 6500 miles to get back home. I want this feeling to last.
That is a beautiful area Cindy. Many years ago I biked through Prescott. I considered staying. Visited a friend in Jerome. I biked through the Oak Creek Canyon, Flagstaff, Sedona and several other AZ towns.
I'm glad you're feeling 'home'.
This message has been edited by Red--Wolf on Jun 26, 2005 5:15 AM
I love Arizona. and Cindy I have driven thru Prescott...favorite place is Sedona the red rock area...I also share the awe of beautiful sunsets found in The west looking at the mountains...beautiful in Canada, Wy...HI looking at the ocean...and the colors are God made...
and I love Free Mantle, Margaret River, and Albany in the western Australia region...similar to Western U S...
Cindy
you live in a most auesome part of the USA IMHO. Az is my favourite state of all those I have seen thus far and I have travelled a good few. Been all around the south western part of Az still to return to do the top. Sadly it was my last trip with STBXH - very mixed memories. Sedona -yes very very beautiful, but Ugh those strip malls (shops?) and Oak Creek Canyon breathtaking, Tuscon an now there is a dream come true I got to see High Chaperal!!!!!!!! LOL but the cherry on the bun has to be the Grand Canyon.
Lovely part of the world.
Jean UK
Hi Cindy: Such a wonderful awakening you are having to your own special self. Prescott is very special to me. Been there many times and applied to Prescott College, where I felt "called" to teach. Didn't work that way, but I usually do some "wintering" in AZ/NM, my favorite southern states. IMHO I live in the most beautiful setting in the northwoods and you live in the most beautiful setting in the SW. Lucky women, us. It's wonderful to hear your powerful story.
Wow...so many of you have been here!!!! A well traveled lot! Yes, I believe I live in the most beautiful place in the world (for me).
Lived in Cottonwood for about 10 years...I call it the armpit of AZ...hot, not much to do there...except that Jerome is nearby, Sedona a hop-skip away...and Flagstaff was a stone's throw. LOL. All still close by...hence my driving over the mountain so frequently...well, and my youngest son and grand daughter are there, as are my IC appointments. Oh! And my "Za Za's". However, I need not really go anywhere, as I feel I have it all right here. Love to hike up around Thumb Butte, and the Granite Dells area. Beautiful.
Judy...I did my Master's at Prescott College...grew up to be an overachiever, and have a triple Master's...Women's Studies, English, and Creative Writing. Recently received notice from them that they're launching their pilot PhD program in August (I think it was August). Very exciting stuff. I wanted very much to get my PhD, eventually, but used to say not till PC did the program. Now? No. I can't do that kind of thinking/analysis anymore. I also taught at Yavapai College...English classes...over at the Verde Valley campus. Not so bad for a habitual run away/rebel (as a juvenile), drug addict/alcoholic, high school drop out!!
Funny, that contented feeling is just sticking with me. LOL. I am ever so grateful to be feeling this way after such a long time. So unexpected...so welcome...so wonderful.
Went to a Blue Grass Festival down on the Square...took my daughter and GrandBumbies...we had soooo much fun. Feel like I'm seeing the world through different eyes right now. Certainly not the ones I've been looking through for the past nearly 4 years.
I remember year 4 Cindy. That was a time when 'the veils' really began to fall away and my perspective changed for the better. Once that happened there was nowhere to go but into that change.
and Cindy I have driven thru Prescott...favorite place is Sedona the red rock area...I also share the awe of beautiful sunsets found in The west looking at the mountains...beautiful in Canada, Wy...HI looking at the ocean...and the colors are God made...