What a man, what a life.

“I have steak at home; why go out for hamburger?” - Paul Newman, in response to a question about his marital fidelity
Originally uploaded by 365bunnies

The night before the news of Paul Newman's death, I was having dinner at the home of some friends. I posed one of my favorite questions to ask, when things got a little quiet at the table..."If you could pick a celebrity, past or present, to be with-who would you pick?" I answered first to get the ball rolling, and I said the same name I've always said. Paul Newman. Hands down. No competition. Not only was he the most handsome man to ever exist, in my book, but he stayed married to the same woman for fifty years, and donated millions of dollars to charity. Simply, the man got "IT". I hope to find someone just like him. Hell, I want to be just like him. The outpouring of sadness over his death reminded me of a beautiful quote that I'd heard many times but never seen demonstrated, until now.

“When you were born, you cried while the world rejoiced. Live your life in such a way that when you die, the world cries while you rejoice.” - Ancient Sanskrit saying

He truly left an imprint on this world. Isn't that what we all want to do?
I know I do.

I took this photo in a quaint little gift shop in Historic Downtown Franklin, Tennessee. This word is something I have been putting off for far too long. The word "Bloom" is a verb and reminds me that I need to open up, unfold, and grow like flowers do-towards the light. No more distractions, no more excuses, no more time. Just begin.

Here's my quote to lead the way:

"I have been impressed with the urgency of doing. Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Being willing is not enough; we must do.” -Leonardo da Vinci

(Quote courtesy of Sparkletopia)

~Nashville~

~Nashville Lights~
Originally uploaded by MaryleeUSA

I made it!!!! Still recuperating from all the driving, so I'm just taking it easy for a couple of days to let everything try to sink in...It's all kinda surreal right now. It was a great journey and I'll post more of the details soon...

Oklahoma City

Skirvin Hotel
Originally uploaded by 1980Andrew

On our last night, I decided to splurge on the beautiful Skirvin Hotel in downtown Oklahoma City. It was just what this weary traveler needed. It took forever to get out of New Mexico because all the roads out of Taos were only two lane...but it was a beautiful scenic drive. So by the time we made it to OKC we were very happy to have such a luxurious bed to sleep in for the night. We went down to the bar and enjoyed a lovely old man playing a red piano for us. We met a guy from Brooklyn who was there recording an album with The Flaming Lips. It was a great night and I actually wished we could have stayed longer and taken in more of the city. It's the cleanest downtown area that I've ever seen...no homeless people, no trashy streets, no funky smells. On our way out the next morning, we stopped by the Oklahoma City Bombing Memorial. It's a very fitting tribute to the people who lost their lives there over a decade ago...

Taos

Taos Peak view
Originally uploaded by benrobertsabq

We got here late. Once the sun went down it was very difficult to find our way into Taos. There were no streetlights whatsoever and it was a tiny two lane road most of the way. Also all the signs that warned us about the variety of creatures that could be crossing at any time didn't help. There were signs for deer, elk, rams, and cows. We actually did see a buck and a deer on the shoulder right before we entered Taos...
Hopefully we'll get to see a little more of Taos tomorrow before we leave in the morning. My own pictures are coming soon...

Sedona

Sedona
Originally uploaded by joe_stremph

Where to begin...

Wow. This country is stunningly, achingly beautiful. I have been moved to tears at the sheer beauty of trees and just the vastness of it all. My spirit is overwhelmed with it's newfound freedom. I now believe that road trips are a necessity to the human spirit. They certainly are to mine. While in Flagstaff yesterday my partner in crime, Alison and I decided to take a day trip to Sedona...well Sedona turned out to one of the most spectacular sights we'd ever seen so have decided to spend the night. So here I am blogging from a place that must be visited by everyone at least once in their life. It blows the Grand Canyon out of the water. It truly is majestic and mystical and no matter how many pictures we take it just doesn't capture the magic that is Sedona. There are a million sparkling stars outside, looking up feels like your in a planetarium.
I got not one, but TWO psychic readings while here today. Both were a great confirmation that I have made the right decision by inviting all this change into my life.

Made it to Flagstaff!!!

Now I'm off to Sedona for the day...possibly night. There I'll be able to catch everyone up on all the fun stuff that happened in Flagstaff!! It's beautiful out here!! Photos to come soon...