(1249,1,'2010-10-21 23:03:29','2010-10-22 06:03:29','<p>I am blessed to live in one of the most beautiful states in our great nation. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I think we might also boast the most diverse landscapes of any of the other 49 states. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I awoke on Day 25 in the Sonoran Desert, which is actually quite stunning. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1213\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"The Long &amp; Winding Road That Leads to My Door\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/longandwindingroadleadstomydoor.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1213\" title=\"longandwindingroadleadstomydoor\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/longandwindingroadleadstomydoor-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>After a 2 hour drive, I scaled the Red Rocks of Sedona.  </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901801.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1215\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901801-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>After another 30 minute drive the next morning, I hiked a pine and aspen forest trail in Flagstaff (trail elevation 9600 ft.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p> <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA100200.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1216\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA100200-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>As you can see, if you can tolerate 115 temps for a few months, then this state is one breathtakingly majestic oyster. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The plan for Day 25 started with a Google hunt for the height of the <strong><a href=\"http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/fall-colors/fall_colors.shtml\" target=\"_blank\">Aspen \"gold rush\" in Flagstaff</a></strong>.  I\'ve been to Flagstaff many times, but never at the peak of fall foliage, and I wanted an autumnal experience to remember. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The second weekend of October is considered THE weekend to visit Flagstaff for fall colors, so I called up my friend, David (aka Captain Adventure), who lives and breathes nature stuff.  It took him about a ¼ of a second to accept my invitation.  (You may recall David from the <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/09/19/day-3-flashback-friday-grease-sing-along/\" target=\"_blank\">Grease Sing-along</a></strong>.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>We decided to turn this into a 2-day nature extravaganza.  First stop:  Sedona, Arizona.  Which.  Is.  Absolutely.  Incredible.  One of my favorite places on earth.  If you\'ve never been, start plotting a Sedona escape soon. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Sedona is known not only for its stunning one-of-a-kind scenery, but also for its Woo Woo factor.  If you\'re ready to get you\'re New Agey freak on, then Sedona is your place.  I would guesstimate that Sedona has more psychics per capita than anywhere else on earth. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>If New Agey freak freaks you out, then just focus on the red rocks and mind your own beeswax.  Sedona attracts people from all around the world, so I guarantee you won\'t feel out of place. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Of course, I was chomping at the bit for a psychic reading because a.  I like to get my freak on every once and awhile and b.  I wanted to learn about the fate of this blog.  Because psychics are always right, you know.  According to <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychic_Friends_Network\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Dionne Warwick</strong>.</a> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>However, when you\'re traveling with Captain Adventure, you don\'t waste sunshine and perfect 80 degree weather on psychics.  You must first conquer the mountain! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>When you hike Sedona with girlfriends, you leisurely follow hiking paths, share girl stories, and stumble upon a naked man in the woods.  (True story.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>When you hike Sedona with Captain Adventure, you make your own path.  Up a rock.  Thinking that if your mother saw you, she would freak out and not in the New Agey way. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1218\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Feel the Fear and Climb That Rock Anyway! \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901811.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1218\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901811-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I don\'t know what was more exhilarating, the climb or the vistas. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA090179.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1219\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA090179-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Few people hang in there all the way to the top, and for those who do, there are special rewards.  Lucky for me, Captain Adventure fancies himself a masseur, so I received a cranial massage while passed out on the lone flat rock.  David wouldn\'t let fellow hikers take his masseur-in-action photo because he suddenly felt shy (???), but I assure you, it cleared my sinus headache in about 10 seconds flat. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA090192.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1220\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA090192-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>(Ladies, you are probably drooling with envy at this point.  Yes, David is single.  If you want me to play matchmaker, contact me privately, and you and David can exchange digits.  Although now that I think about it, I may need him to remain single for this Dating Game idea I have for the blog, but that\'s for another day.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>After our trek down the rocks, David threw a surprise tailgate party for two.  We toasted to my newfound alter ego, Captina Adventura, with mango margaritas David blended at home and stored in his cooler.  It was only <em>slightly </em>white trashy, because how white trashy can you truly be drinking exotic margaritas out of the back of a Subaru Outback in Sedona? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">And now the moment you’ve all been waiting for:  The Woo Woo </span></span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"> </span></span></span></strong> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p>When in Rome, eat pasta.  When in France, eat cheese.  When in Sedona, visit a psychic. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>You can also embark on a UFO hunt, but that’s for another adventure.  There’s only so much time in the day, peeps! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Superfreaky\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901981.jpg\"><img title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901981-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I talked David into booking an appointment with the psychic as well.  We both viewed the opportunity as \"for entertainment purposes only\".  Our names are not Dionne. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>After dinner, we headed on down to <strong><a href=\"http://www.sedonacrystalvortex.com/\" target=\"_blank\">The Crystal Vortex</a> </strong>to see Gita who was previously referred to me with rave reviews. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I volunteered to go first while David waited in the store.  Gita asked me if I had any questions, and not wanting to lead her in any way, shape or form, I replied, \"I\'m a Virgo, and therefore I plan too much.  I don\'t want to direct this reading, so just tell me what you \'see\'.\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Gita smiled serenely and asked to see my palms.  Yep.  My palms.  No one has ever read my palms before.  Except...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>ON DAY 19 (6 DAYS PRIOR) WHEN I READ MY OWN PALMS AS PART OF OUR <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/05/day-19-poolside-palm-reading/\" target=\"_blank\">POOLSIDE PALM READING! </a> </strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong> </p>\r\n\r\n<p>I told you this was Woo Woo. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Or maybe it was just a coinkidink.  I\'ll leave that for you to decide. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I did not say a word as Gita read my palms.  She told me that I was highly creative and pursued many different interests wholeheartedly and with great passion.  (She also told me that I am an extraordinarily passionate lover.  Oo la la!!!  Unfortunately, it\'s been such a dreadfully long dry spell that I can\'t even remember if she\'s right about that or not.) </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>She told me that I take on creative projects that are therapeutic for me and give me hope.  (Oh, I <em>may</em> have touched on this briefly in <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>365 or Bust</strong>.</a> )</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And she rambled on with all sorts of accurate stuff that you\'re just going to have to take my word on. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Gita asked if this all made sense, and I squeaked out a \"Yes\". </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>She asked if I had any questions.  I replied, \"Nope.  Keep going, please.\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>She asked me to choose a tarot deck.  I picked the one that was colorful and artsy.  No creepy tarot decks here. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I chose three cards.  Gita explained:</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #993300;\"><strong>My \"Past\" Card:  Ice-olation </strong></span>-- In my past, I felt sadness and isolation.  I found myself in a stagnant place.  A rut.  (I SWEAR to you that I am not making this up!!!)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>My \"Present\" Card:  The Dream</strong> </span>-- The card portrayed Cinderella, but Gita clarified that this card signifies that it is now time to leave the fairy tale behind.   It is time to start living a real life dream that I am consciously implementing in my life.  (Ummm...yeah.  The \"Move Over, Cinderella\" shirt in <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/about/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>What Makes Me Tick</strong></a>.  The quote on the home page of my blog.  The whole PREMISE of this blog!  WOO WOO!!!)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #339966;\"><strong>My \"Future\" Card:  Creativity</strong> </span>-- Gita reiterated that I will be finding my reality.  She told me that I will be \"flowering\".  (Late Bloomer!!!  Flowering!!!!  WOO WOO WOO WOO WOO WOO WOO WOO WOO WOO!!!)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Gita checked back in with me and asked if all of this rang true.  At that point, I could hold it in no longer.  I came clean and blurted out <em>everything.</em>  In a very excited state, I might add.  Because I\'m passionate and all. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Gita smiled serenely with a look of \"Well, I <em>am</em> psychic.  What did you expect?\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>She encouraged me to pick a card for the blog.  This felt much scarier than scaling that damn rock with Captain Adventure, but I took a deep breath and drew one. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>My \"Blog\" Card:  Queen of the Harvest</strong> </span>-- Wow. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Gita pointed out the card was self explanatory.  The Queen in the card was holding a cornucopia of fruits, veggies, and flowers.  She explained that by sharing my light with others, I would reap the fruits of my labor. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>At this point I fainted, and David rushed in to resuscitate me. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Now THAT part I made up for dramatic effect.  :-) </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I didn\'t faint, but I was certainly blown away by the evening\'s \"entertainment\". </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Gita then produced a whimsical deck of mini cards decorated with little birds.  She asked me to pick three \"gypsy\" cards for the success of the blog.   Wooooooo...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Gita interpreted: </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong>3 Royal Cards!</strong></span>  -- Very good luck! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Jack of Spades --</strong> Signifies trust.  Trust the process.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Queen of Hearts</span></strong> -- At first, Gita was puzzled.  This is the \"mother\" card.  She couldn\'t understand how my mother was related to the success of the blog. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Maybe it\'s because my mother runs a couple of Internet boards, and she has enlisted the support of many lovely ladies who now give me daily warm fuzzies by following this blog? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Yep.  My 60-something mother has social media mojo.  Who knew? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Gita smiled her peaceful smile and nodded in agreement. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">King of Hearts</span> </strong>-- Gita said that the man of my life will be connected to this blog.  She followed with, \"But you\'re not with anyone now, correct?\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Now.  I ask you.  Wouldn\'t MOST people make the assumption that David and I are a couple?  Scheduling our readings together and arriving together?  In Sedona?  One of the most romantic places on the planet?!?!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Didn\'t YOU make that assumption at the beginning of this post?  Hmmmmm???? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Gita is goooooood. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Gita advised me to stay open and not abandon my longing for love.  And just when I thought all boys were schmucks. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>O.k., Gita.  You were right on about everything else.  I\'ll give it a try. </p>','Day 25:  Sedona Woo Woo and Other Adventures','','inherit','open','open','','1108-revision-40','','','2010-10-21 23:03:29','2010-10-22 06:03:29','',1108,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/21/1108-revision-40/',0,'revision','',0),(1250,1,'2010-10-21 23:04:50','2010-10-22 06:04:50','<p>I am blessed to live in one of the most beautiful states in our great nation. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I think we might also boast the most diverse landscapes of any of the other 49 states. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I awoke on Day 25 in the Sonoran Desert, which is actually quite stunning. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1213\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"The Long &amp; Winding Road That Leads to My Door\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/longandwindingroadleadstomydoor.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1213\" title=\"longandwindingroadleadstomydoor\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/longandwindingroadleadstomydoor-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>After a 2 hour drive, I scaled the Red Rocks of Sedona.  </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901801.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1215\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901801-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>After another 30 minute drive the next morning, I hiked a pine and aspen forest trail in Flagstaff (trail elevation 9600 ft.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p> <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA100200.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1216\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA100200-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>As you can see, if you can tolerate 115 temps for a few months, then this state is one breathtakingly majestic oyster. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The plan for Day 25 started with a Google hunt for the height of the <strong><a href=\"http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/fall-colors/fall_colors.shtml\" target=\"_blank\">Aspen \"gold rush\" in Flagstaff</a></strong>.  I\'ve been to Flagstaff many times, but never at the peak of fall foliage, and I wanted an autumnal experience to remember. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The second weekend of October is considered THE weekend to visit Flagstaff for fall colors, so I called up my friend, David (aka Captain Adventure), who lives and breathes nature stuff.  It took him about a ¼ of a second to accept my invitation.  (You may recall David from the <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/09/19/day-3-flashback-friday-grease-sing-along/\" target=\"_blank\">Grease Sing-along</a></strong>.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>We decided to turn this into a 2-day nature extravaganza.  First stop:  Sedona, Arizona.  Which.  Is.  Absolutely.  Incredible.  One of my favorite places on earth.  If you\'ve never been, start plotting a Sedona escape soon. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Sedona is known not only for its stunning one-of-a-kind scenery, but also for its Woo Woo factor.  If you\'re ready to get you\'re New Agey freak on, then Sedona is your place.  I would guesstimate that Sedona has more psychics per capita than anywhere else on earth. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>If New Agey freak freaks you out, then just focus on the red rocks and mind your own beeswax.  Sedona attracts people from all around the world, so I guarantee you won\'t feel out of place. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Of course, I was chomping at the bit for a psychic reading because a.  I like to get my freak on every once and awhile and b.  I wanted to learn about the fate of this blog.  Because psychics are always right, you know.  According to <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychic_Friends_Network\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Dionne Warwick</strong>.</a> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>However, when you\'re traveling with Captain Adventure, you don\'t waste sunshine and perfect 80 degree weather on psychics.  You must first conquer the mountain! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>When you hike Sedona with girlfriends, you leisurely follow hiking paths, share girl stories, and stumble upon a naked man in the woods.  (True story.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>When you hike Sedona with Captain Adventure, you make your own path.  Up a rock.  Thinking that if your mother saw you, she would freak out and not in the New Agey way. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1218\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Feel the Fear and Climb That Rock Anyway! \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901811.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1218\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901811-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I don\'t know what was more exhilarating, the climb or the vistas. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA090179.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1219\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA090179-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Few people hang in there all the way to the top, and for those who do, there are special rewards.  Lucky for me, Captain Adventure fancies himself a masseur, so I received a cranial massage while passed out on the lone flat rock.  David wouldn\'t let fellow hikers take his masseur-in-action photo because he suddenly felt shy (???), but I assure you, it cleared my sinus headache in about 10 seconds flat. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA090192.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1220\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA090192-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>(Ladies, you are probably drooling with envy at this point.  Yes, David is single.  If you want me to play matchmaker, contact me privately, and you and David can exchange digits.  Although now that I think about it, I may need him to remain single for this Dating Game idea I have for the blog, but that\'s for another day.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>After our trek down the rocks, David threw a surprise tailgate party for two.  We toasted to my newfound alter ego, Captina Adventura, with mango margaritas David blended at home and stored in his cooler.  It was only <em>slightly </em>white trashy, because how white trashy can you truly be drinking exotic margaritas out of the back of a Subaru Outback in Sedona? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">And now the moment you’ve all been waiting for:  The Woo Woo </span></span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"> </span></span></span></strong> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p>When in Rome, eat pasta.  When in France, eat cheese.  When in Sedona, visit a psychic. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>You can also embark on a UFO hunt, but that’s for another adventure.  There’s only so much time in the day, peeps! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Superfreaky\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901981.jpg\"><img title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901981-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I talked David into booking an appointment with the psychic as well.  We both viewed the opportunity as \"for entertainment purposes only\".  Our names are not Dionne. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>After dinner, we headed on down to <strong><a href=\"http://www.sedonacrystalvortex.com/\" target=\"_blank\">The Crystal Vortex</a> </strong>to see Gita who was previously referred to me with rave reviews. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I volunteered to go first while David waited in the store.  Gita asked me if I had any questions, and not wanting to lead her in any way, shape or form, I replied, \"I\'m a Virgo, and therefore I plan too much.  I don\'t want to direct this reading, so just tell me what you \'see\'.\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Gita smiled serenely and asked to see my palms.  Yep.  My palms.  No one has ever read my palms before.  Except...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>ON DAY 19 (6 DAYS PRIOR) WHEN I READ MY OWN PALMS AS PART OF OUR <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/05/day-19-poolside-palm-reading/\" target=\"_blank\">POOLSIDE PALM READING! </a> </strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong> </p>\r\n\r\n<p>I told you this was Woo Woo. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Or maybe it was just a coinkidink.  I\'ll leave that for you to decide. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I did not say a word as Gita read my palms.  She told me that I was highly creative and pursued many different interests wholeheartedly and with great passion.  (She also told me that I am an extraordinarily passionate lover.  Oo la la!!!  Unfortunately, it\'s been such a dreadfully long dry spell that I can\'t even remember if she\'s right about that or not.) </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>She told me that I take on creative projects that are therapeutic for me and give me hope.  (Oh, I <em>may</em> have touched on this briefly in <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>365 or Bust</strong>.</a> )</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And she rambled on with all sorts of accurate stuff that you\'re just going to have to take my word on. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Gita asked if this all made sense, and I squeaked out a \"Yes\". </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>She asked if I had any questions.  I replied, \"Nope.  Keep going, please.\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>She asked me to choose a tarot deck.  I picked the one that was colorful and artsy.  No creepy tarot decks here. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I chose three cards.  Gita explained:</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #993300;\"><strong>My \"Past\" Card:  Ice-olation </strong></span>-- In my past, I felt sadness and isolation.  I found myself in a stagnant place.  A rut.  (I SWEAR to you that I am not making this up!!!)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>My \"Present\" Card:  The Dream</strong> </span>-- The card portrayed Cinderella, but Gita clarified that this card signifies that it is now time to leave the fairy tale behind.   It is time to start living a real life dream that I am consciously implementing in my life.  (Ummm...yeah.  The \"Move Over, Cinderella\" shirt in <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/about/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>What Makes Me Tick</strong></a>.  The quote on the home page of my blog.  The whole PREMISE of this blog!  WOO WOO!!!)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #339966;\"><strong>My \"Future\" Card:  Creativity</strong> </span>-- Gita reiterated that I will be finding my reality.  She told me that I will be \"flowering\".  (Late Bloomer!!!  Flowering!!!!  WOO WOO WOO WOO WOO WOO WOO WOO WOO WOO!!!)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Gita checked back in with me and asked if all of this rang true.  At that point, I could hold it in no longer.  I came clean and blurted out <em>everything.</em>  In a very excited state, I might add.  Because I\'m passionate and all. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Gita smiled serenely with a look of \"Well, I <em>am</em> psychic.  What did you expect?\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>She encouraged me to pick a card for the blog.  This felt much scarier than scaling that damn rock with Captain Adventure, but I took a deep breath and drew one. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>My \"Blog\" Card:  Queen of the Harvest</strong> </span>-- Wow. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Gita pointed out the card was self explanatory.  The Queen in the card was holding a cornucopia of fruits, veggies, and flowers.  She explained that by sharing my light with others, I would reap the fruits of my labor. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>At this point I fainted, and David rushed in to resuscitate me. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Now THAT part I made up for dramatic effect.  :-) </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I didn\'t faint, but I was certainly blown away by the evening\'s \"entertainment\". </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Gita then produced a whimsical deck of mini cards decorated with little birds.  She asked me to pick three \"gypsy\" cards for the success of the blog.   Wooooooo...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Gita interpreted: </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong>3 Royal Cards!</strong></span>  -- Very good luck! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Jack of Spades --</strong> Signifies trust.  Trust the process.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Queen of Hearts</span></strong> -- At first, Gita was puzzled.  This is the \"mother\" card.  She couldn\'t understand how my mother was related to the success of the blog. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Maybe it\'s because my mother runs a couple of Internet boards, and she has enlisted the support of many lovely ladies who now give me daily warm fuzzies by following this blog? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Yep.  My 60-something mother has social media mojo.  Who knew? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Gita smiled her peaceful smile and nodded in agreement. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">King of Hearts</span> </strong>-- Gita said that the man of my life will be connected to this blog.  She followed with, \"But you\'re not with anyone now, correct?\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Now.  I ask you.  Wouldn\'t MOST people make the assumption that David and I are a couple?  Scheduling our readings together and arriving together?  In Sedona?  One of the most romantic places on the planet?!?!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Didn\'t YOU make that assumption at the beginning of this post?  Hmmmmm???? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Gita is goooooood. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Gita advised me to stay open and not abandon my longing for love.  And just when I thought all boys were schmucks. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>O.k., Gita.  You were right on about everything else.  I\'ll give it a try. </p>','Day 25:  Sedona Woo Woo and Other Adventures','','inherit','open','open','','1108-revision-41','','','2010-10-21 23:04:50','2010-10-22 06:04:50','',1108,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/21/1108-revision-41/',0,'revision','',0),(1251,1,'2010-10-21 23:04:58','2010-10-22 06:04:58','<p>I am blessed to live in one of the most beautiful states in our great nation. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I think we might also boast the most diverse landscapes of any of the other 49 states. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I awoke on Day 25 in the Sonoran Desert, which is actually quite stunning. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1213\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"The Long &amp; Winding Road That Leads to My Door\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/longandwindingroadleadstomydoor.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1213\" title=\"longandwindingroadleadstomydoor\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/longandwindingroadleadstomydoor-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>After a 2 hour drive, I scaled the Red Rocks of Sedona.  </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901801.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1215\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901801-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>After another 30 minute drive the next morning, I hiked a pine and aspen forest trail in Flagstaff (trail elevation 9600 ft.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p> <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA100200.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1216\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA100200-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>As you can see, if you can tolerate 115 temps for a few months, then this state is one breathtakingly majestic oyster. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The plan for Day 25 started with a Google hunt for the height of the <strong><a href=\"http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/fall-colors/fall_colors.shtml\" target=\"_blank\">Aspen \"gold rush\" in Flagstaff</a></strong>.  I\'ve been to Flagstaff many times, but never at the peak of fall foliage, and I wanted an autumnal experience to remember. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The second weekend of October is considered THE weekend to visit Flagstaff for fall colors, so I called up my friend, David (aka Captain Adventure), who lives and breathes nature stuff.  It took him about a ¼ of a second to accept my invitation.  (You may recall David from the <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/09/19/day-3-flashback-friday-grease-sing-along/\" target=\"_blank\">Grease Sing-along</a></strong>.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>We decided to turn this into a 2-day nature extravaganza.  First stop:  Sedona, Arizona.  Which.  Is.  Absolutely.  Incredible.  One of my favorite places on earth.  If you\'ve never been, start plotting a Sedona escape soon. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Sedona is known not only for its stunning one-of-a-kind scenery, but also for its Woo Woo factor.  If you\'re ready to get you\'re New Agey freak on, then Sedona is your place.  I would guesstimate that Sedona has more psychics per capita than anywhere else on earth. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>If New Agey freak freaks you out, then just focus on the red rocks and mind your own beeswax.  Sedona attracts people from all around the world, so I guarantee you won\'t feel out of place. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Of course, I was chomping at the bit for a psychic reading because a.  I like to get my freak on every once and awhile and b.  I wanted to learn about the fate of this blog.  Because psychics are always right, you know.  According to <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychic_Friends_Network\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Dionne Warwick</strong>.</a> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>However, when you\'re traveling with Captain Adventure, you don\'t waste sunshine and perfect 80 degree weather on psychics.  You must first conquer the mountain! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>When you hike Sedona with girlfriends, you leisurely follow hiking paths, share girl stories, and stumble upon a naked man in the woods.  (True story.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>When you hike Sedona with Captain Adventure, you make your own path.  Up a rock.  Thinking that if your mother saw you, she would freak out and not in the New Agey way. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1218\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Feel the Fear and Climb That Rock Anyway! \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901811.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1218\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901811-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I don\'t know what was more exhilarating, the climb or the vistas. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA090179.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1219\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA090179-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Few people hang in there all the way to the top, and for those who do, there are special rewards.  Lucky for me, Captain Adventure fancies himself a masseur, so I received a cranial massage while passed out on the lone flat rock.  David wouldn\'t let fellow hikers take his masseur-in-action photo because he suddenly felt shy (???), but I assure you, it cleared my sinus headache in about 10 seconds flat. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA090192.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1220\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA090192-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>(Ladies, you are probably drooling with envy at this point.  Yes, David is single.  If you want me to play matchmaker, contact me privately, and you and David can exchange digits.  Although now that I think about it, I may need him to remain single for this Dating Game idea I have for the blog, but that\'s for another day.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>After our trek down the rocks, David threw a surprise tailgate party for two.  We toasted to my newfound alter ego, Captina Adventura, with mango margaritas David blended at home and stored in his cooler.  It was only <em>slightly </em>white trashy, because how white trashy can you truly be drinking exotic margaritas out of the back of a Subaru Outback in Sedona? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">And now the moment you’ve all been waiting for:  The Woo Woo </span></span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"> </span></span></span></strong> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p>When in Rome, eat pasta.  When in France, eat cheese.  When in Sedona, visit a psychic. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>You can also embark on a UFO hunt, but that’s for another adventure.  There’s only so much time in the day, peeps! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Superfreaky\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901981.jpg\"><img title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901981-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I talked David into booking an appointment with the psychic as well.  We both viewed the opportunity as \"for entertainment purposes only\".  Our names are not Dionne. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>After dinner, we headed on down to <strong><a href=\"http://www.sedonacrystalvortex.com/\" target=\"_blank\">The Crystal Vortex</a> </strong>to see Gita who was previously referred to me with rave reviews. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I volunteered to go first while David waited in the store.  Gita asked me if I had any questions, and not wanting to lead her in any way, shape or form, I replied, \"I\'m a Virgo, and therefore I plan too much.  I don\'t want to direct this reading, so just tell me what you \'see\'.\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Gita smiled serenely and asked to see my palms.  Yep.  My palms.  No one has ever read my palms before.  Except...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>ON DAY 19 (6 DAYS PRIOR) WHEN I READ MY OWN PALMS AS PART OF OUR <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/05/day-19-poolside-palm-reading/\" target=\"_blank\">POOLSIDE PALM READING! </a> </strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong> </p>\r\n\r\n<p>I told you this was Woo Woo. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Or maybe it was just a coinkidink.  I\'ll leave that for you to decide. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I did not say a word as Gita read my palms.  She told me that I was highly creative and pursued many different interests wholeheartedly and with great passion.  (She also told me that I am an extraordinarily passionate lover.  Oo la la!!!  Unfortunately, it\'s been such a dreadfully long dry spell that I can\'t even remember if she\'s right about that or not.) </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>She told me that I take on creative projects that are therapeutic for me and give me hope.  (Oh, I <em>may</em> have touched on this briefly in <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>365 or Bust</strong>.</a> )</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And she rambled on with all sorts of accurate stuff that you\'re just going to have to take my word on. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Gita asked if this all made sense, and I squeaked out a \"Yes\". </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>She asked if I had any questions.  I replied, \"Nope.  Keep going, please.\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>She asked me to choose a tarot deck.  I picked the one that was colorful and artsy.  No creepy tarot decks here. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I chose three cards.  Gita explained:</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #993300;\"><strong>My \"Past\" Card:  Ice-olation </strong></span>-- In my past, I felt sadness and isolation.  I found myself in a stagnant place.  A rut.  (I SWEAR to you that I am not making this up!!!)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>My \"Present\" Card:  The Dream</strong> </span>-- The card portrayed Cinderella, but Gita clarified that this card signifies that it is now time to leave the fairy tale behind.   It is time to start living a real life dream that I am consciously implementing in my life.  (Ummm...yeah.  The \"Move Over, Cinderella\" shirt in <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/about/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>What Makes Me Tick</strong></a>.  The quote on the home page of my blog.  The whole PREMISE of this blog!  WOO WOO!!!)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #339966;\"><strong>My \"Future\" Card:  Creativity</strong> </span>-- Gita reiterated that I will be finding my reality.  She told me that I will be \"flowering\".  (Late Bloomer!!!  Flowering!!!!  WOO WOO WOO WOO WOO WOO WOO WOO WOO WOO!!!)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Gita checked back in with me and asked if all of this rang true.  At that point, I could hold it in no longer.  I came clean and blurted out <em>everything.</em>  In a very excited state, I might add.  Because I\'m passionate and all. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Gita smiled serenely with a look of \"Well, I <em>am</em> psychic.  What did you expect?\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>She encouraged me to pick a card for the blog.  This felt much scarier than scaling that damn rock with Captain Adventure, but I took a deep breath and drew one. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>My \"Blog\" Card:  Queen of the Harvest</strong> </span>-- Wow. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Gita pointed out the card was self explanatory.  The Queen in the card was holding a cornucopia of fruits, veggies, and flowers.  She explained that by sharing my light with others, I would reap the fruits of my labor. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>At this point I fainted, and David rushed in to resuscitate me. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Now THAT part I made up for dramatic effect.  :-) </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I didn\'t faint, but I was certainly blown away by the evening\'s \"entertainment\". </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Gita then produced a whimsical deck of mini cards decorated with little birds.  She asked me to pick three \"gypsy\" cards for the success of the blog.   Wooooooo...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Gita interpreted: </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong>3 Royal Cards!</strong></span>  -- Very good luck! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Jack of Spades --</strong> Signifies trust.  Trust the process.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Queen of Hearts</span></strong> -- At first, Gita was puzzled.  This is the \"mother\" card.  She couldn\'t understand how my mother was related to the success of the blog. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Maybe it\'s because my mother runs a couple of Internet boards, and she has enlisted the support of many lovely ladies who now give me daily warm fuzzies by following this blog? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Yep.  My 60-something mother has social media mojo.  Who knew? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Gita smiled her peaceful smile and nodded in agreement. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">King of Hearts</span> </strong>-- Gita said that the man of my life will be connected to this blog.  She followed with, \"But you\'re not with anyone now, correct?\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Now.  I ask you.  Wouldn\'t MOST people make the assumption that David and I are a couple?  Scheduling our readings together and arriving together?  In Sedona?  One of the most romantic places on the planet?!?!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Didn\'t YOU make that assumption at the beginning of this post?  Hmmmmm???? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Gita is goooooood. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Gita advised me to stay open and not abandon my longing for love.  And just when I thought all boys were schmucks. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>O.k., Gita.  You were right on about everything else.  I\'ll give it a try. </p>','Day 25:  Sedona Woo Woo and Other Adventures','','inherit','open','open','','1108-revision-42','','','2010-10-21 23:04:58','2010-10-22 06:04:58','',1108,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/21/1108-revision-42/',0,'revision','',0),(1252,1,'2010-10-21 23:12:24','2010-10-22 06:12:24','<p>I am blessed to live in one of the most beautiful states in our great nation. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I think we might also boast the most diverse landscapes of any of the other 49 states. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I awoke on Day 25 in the Sonoran Desert, which is actually quite stunning. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_1213\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"The Long &amp; Winding Road That Leads to My Door\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/longandwindingroadleadstomydoor.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1213\" title=\"longandwindingroadleadstomydoor\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/longandwindingroadleadstomydoor-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>After a 2 hour drive, I scaled the Red Rocks of Sedona.  </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901801.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1215\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901801-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>After another 30 minute drive the next morning, I hiked a pine and aspen forest trail in Flagstaff (trail elevation 9600 ft.)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p> <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA100200.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1216\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA100200-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>As you can see, if you can tolerate 115 temps for a few months, then this state is one breathtakingly majestic oyster. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The plan for Day 25 started with a Google hunt for the height of the <strong><a href=\"http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/fall-colors/fall_colors.shtml\" target=\"_blank\">Aspen \"gold rush\" in Flagstaff</a></strong>.  I\'ve been to Flagstaff many times, but never at the peak of fall foliage, and I wanted an autumnal experience to remember. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The second weekend of October is considered THE weekend to visit Flagstaff for fall colors, so I called David (aka Captain Adventure), who lives and breathes nature stuff.  It took him about a ¼ of a second to accept my invitation.  (You may recall David from the <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/09/19/day-3-flashback-friday-grease-sing-along/\" target=\"_blank\">Grease Sing-along</a></strong>.)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>We decided to turn this into a 2-day nature extravaganza.  First stop:  Sedona, Arizona.  Which.  Is.  Absolutely.  Incredible.  One of my favorite places on earth.  If you\'ve never been, start plotting a Sedona escape soon. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Sedona is known not only for its stunning one-of-a-kind scenery, but also for its Woo Woo factor.  If you\'re ready to get you\'re New Agey freak on, then Sedona is your place.  I would guesstimate that Sedona has more psychics per capita than anywhere else on earth. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>If New Agey freak freaks you out, then just focus on the red rocks and mind your own beeswax.  Sedona attracts people from all around the world, so I guarantee you won\'t feel out of place. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Of course, I was chomping at the bit for a psychic reading because a.  I like to get my freak on every once and awhile and b.  I wanted to learn about the fate of this blog.  Because psychics are always right, you know.  According to <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychic_Friends_Network\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Dionne Warwick</strong>.</a> </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>However, when you\'re traveling with Captain Adventure, you don\'t waste sunshine and perfect 80 degree weather on psychics.  You must first conquer the mountain! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>When you hike Sedona with girlfriends, you leisurely follow hiking paths, share girl stories, and stumble upon a naked man in the woods.  (True story.)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>When you hike Sedona with Captain Adventure, you make your own path.  Up a rock.  Thinking that if your mother saw you, she would freak out and not in the New Agey way. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_1218\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Feel the Fear and Climb That Rock Anyway! \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901811.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1218\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901811-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I don\'t know what was more exhilarating, the climb or the vistas. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA090179.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1219\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA090179-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Few people hang in there all the way to the top, and for those who do, there are special rewards.  Lucky for me, Captain Adventure fancies himself a masseur, so I received a cranial massage while passed out on the lone flat rock.  David wouldn\'t let fellow hikers take his masseur-in-action photo because he suddenly felt shy (???), but I assure you, it cleared my sinus headache in about 10 seconds flat. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA090192.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1220\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA090192-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>(Ladies, you are probably drooling with envy at this point.  Yes, David is single.  If you want me to play matchmaker, contact me privately, and you and David can exchange digits.  Although now that I think about it, I may need him to remain single for this Dating Game idea I have for the blog, but that\'s for another day.)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>After our trek down the rocks, David threw a surprise tailgate party for two.  We toasted to my newfound alter ego, Captina Adventura, with mango margaritas David blended at home and stored in his cooler.  It was only <em>slightly </em>white trashy, because how white trashy can you truly be drinking exotic margaritas out of the back of a Subaru Outback in Sedona? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">And now the moment you’ve all been waiting for:  The Woo Woo </span></span></span></strong></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"> </span></span></span></strong> </p>\n\n<p><strong> </strong></p>\n\n<p>When in Rome, eat pasta.  When in France, eat cheese.  When in Sedona, visit a psychic. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>You can also embark on a UFO hunt, but that’s for another adventure.  There’s only so much time in the day, peeps! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Superfreaky\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901981.jpg\"><img title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901981-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I talked David into booking an appointment with the psychic as well.  We both viewed the opportunity as \"for entertainment purposes only\".  Our names are not Dionne. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>After dinner, we headed on down to <strong><a href=\"http://www.sedonacrystalvortex.com/\" target=\"_blank\">The Crystal Vortex</a> </strong>to see Gita who was previously referred to me with rave reviews. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I volunteered to go first while David waited in the store.  Gita asked me if I had any questions, and not wanting to lead her in any way, shape or form, I replied, \"I\'m a Virgo, and therefore I plan too much.  I don\'t want to direct this reading, so just tell me what you \'see\'.\" </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Gita smiled serenely and asked to see my palms.  Yep.  My palms.  No one has ever read my palms before.  Except...</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>ON DAY 19 (6 DAYS PRIOR) WHEN I READ MY OWN PALMS AS PART OF OUR <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/05/day-19-poolside-palm-reading/\" target=\"_blank\">POOLSIDE PALM READING! </a> </strong></p>\n\n<p><strong> </strong> </p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</span></strong></p>\n\n<p><strong> </strong> </p>\n\n<p>I told you this was Woo Woo. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Or maybe it was just a coinkidink.  I\'ll leave that for you to decide. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I did not say a word as Gita read my palms.  She told me that I was highly creative and pursued many different interests wholeheartedly and with great passion.  (She also told me that I am an extraordinarily passionate lover.  Oo la la!!!  Unfortunately, it\'s been such a dreadfully long dry spell that I can\'t even remember if she\'s right about that or not.) </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>She told me that I take on creative projects that are therapeutic for me and give me hope.  (Oh, I <em>may</em> have touched on this briefly in <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>365 or Bust</strong>.</a> )</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</strong></span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>And she rambled on with all sorts of accurate stuff that you\'re just going to have to take my word on. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Gita asked if this all made sense, and I squeaked out a \"Yes\". </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>She asked if I had any questions.  I replied, \"Nope.  Keep going, please.\" </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>She asked me to choose a tarot deck.  I picked the one that was colorful and artsy.  No creepy tarot decks here. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I chose three cards.  Gita explained:</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #993300;\"><strong>My \"Past\" Card:  Ice-olation </strong></span>-- In my past, I felt sadness and isolation.  I found myself in a stagnant place.  A rut.  (I SWEAR to you that I am not making this up!!!)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>My \"Present\" Card:  The Dream</strong> </span>-- The card portrayed Cinderella, but Gita clarified that this card signifies that it is now time to leave the fairy tale behind.   It is time to start living a real life dream that I am consciously implementing in my life.  (Ummm...yeah.  The \"Move Over, Cinderella\" shirt in <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/about/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>What Makes Me Tick</strong></a>.  The quote on the home page of my blog.  The whole PREMISE of this blog!  WOO WOO!!!)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #339966;\"><strong>My \"Future\" Card:  Creativity</strong> </span>-- Gita reiterated that I will be finding my reality.  She told me that I will be \"flowering\".  (Late Bloomer!!!  Flowering!!!!  WOO WOO WOO WOO WOO WOO WOO WOO WOO WOO!!!)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Gita checked back in with me and asked if all of this rang true.  At that point, I could hold it in no longer.  I came clean and blurted out <em>everything.</em>  In a very excited state, I might add.  Because I\'m passionate and all. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Gita smiled serenely with a look of \"Well, I <em>am</em> psychic.  What did you expect?\"</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>She encouraged me to pick a card for the blog.  This felt much scarier than scaling that damn rock with Captain Adventure, but I took a deep breath and drew one. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>My \"Blog\" Card:  Queen of the Harvest</strong> </span>-- Wow. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Gita pointed out the card was self explanatory.  The Queen in the card was holding a cornucopia of fruits, veggies, and flowers.  She explained that by sharing my light with others, I would reap the fruits of my labor. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>At this point I fainted, and David rushed in to resuscitate me. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Now THAT part I made up for dramatic effect.  :-) </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I didn\'t faint, but I was certainly blown away by the evening\'s \"entertainment\". </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Gita then produced a whimsical deck of mini cards decorated with little birds.  She asked me to pick three \"gypsy\" cards for the success of the blog.   Wooooooo...</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Gita interpreted: </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong>3 Royal Cards!</strong></span>  -- Very good luck! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Jack of Spades --</strong> Signifies trust.  Trust the process.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Queen of Hearts</span></strong> -- At first, Gita was puzzled.  This is the \"mother\" card.  She couldn\'t understand how my mother was related to the success of the blog. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Maybe it\'s because my mother runs a couple of Internet boards, and she has enlisted the support of many lovely ladies who now give me daily warm fuzzies by following this blog? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Yep.  My 60-something mother has social media mojo.  Who knew? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Gita smiled her peaceful smile and nodded in agreement. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">King of Hearts</span> </strong>-- Gita said that the man of my life will be connected to this blog.  She followed with, \"But you\'re not with anyone now, correct?\" </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Now.  I ask you.  Wouldn\'t MOST people make the assumption that David and I are a couple?  Scheduling our readings together and arriving together?  In Sedona?  One of the most romantic places on the planet?!?!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Didn\'t YOU make that assumption at the beginning of this post?  Hmmmmm???? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Gita is goooooood. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Gita advised me to stay open and not abandon my longing for love. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>And just when I thought all boys were schmucks. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>O.k., Gita.  You were right on about everything else.  I\'ll give it a try. </p>','Day 25:  Sedona Woo Woo and Other Adventures','','inherit','open','open','','1108-autosave','','','2010-10-21 23:12:24','2010-10-22 06:12:24','',1108,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/21/1108-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(1253,1,'2010-10-21 23:06:01','2010-10-22 06:06:01','<p>I am blessed to live in one of the most beautiful states in our great nation. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I think we might also boast the most diverse landscapes of any of the other 49 states. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I awoke on Day 25 in the Sonoran Desert, which is actually quite stunning. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1213\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"The Long &amp; Winding Road That Leads to My Door\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/longandwindingroadleadstomydoor.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1213\" title=\"longandwindingroadleadstomydoor\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/longandwindingroadleadstomydoor-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>After a 2 hour drive, I scaled the Red Rocks of Sedona.  </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901801.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1215\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901801-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>After another 30 minute drive the next morning, I hiked a pine and aspen forest trail in Flagstaff (trail elevation 9600 ft.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p> <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA100200.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1216\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA100200-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>As you can see, if you can tolerate 115 temps for a few months, then this state is one breathtakingly majestic oyster. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The plan for Day 25 started with a Google hunt for the height of the <strong><a href=\"http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/fall-colors/fall_colors.shtml\" target=\"_blank\">Aspen \"gold rush\" in Flagstaff</a></strong>.  I\'ve been to Flagstaff many times, but never at the peak of fall foliage, and I wanted an autumnal experience to remember. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The second weekend of October is considered THE weekend to visit Flagstaff for fall colors, so I called up my friend, David (aka Captain Adventure), who lives and breathes nature stuff.  It took him about a ¼ of a second to accept my invitation.  (You may recall David from the <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/09/19/day-3-flashback-friday-grease-sing-along/\" target=\"_blank\">Grease Sing-along</a></strong>.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>We decided to turn this into a 2-day nature extravaganza.  First stop:  Sedona, Arizona.  Which.  Is.  Absolutely.  Incredible.  One of my favorite places on earth.  If you\'ve never been, start plotting a Sedona escape soon. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Sedona is known not only for its stunning one-of-a-kind scenery, but also for its Woo Woo factor.  If you\'re ready to get you\'re New Agey freak on, then Sedona is your place.  I would guesstimate that Sedona has more psychics per capita than anywhere else on earth. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>If New Agey freak freaks you out, then just focus on the red rocks and mind your own beeswax.  Sedona attracts people from all around the world, so I guarantee you won\'t feel out of place. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Of course, I was chomping at the bit for a psychic reading because a.  I like to get my freak on every once and awhile and b.  I wanted to learn about the fate of this blog.  Because psychics are always right, you know.  According to <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychic_Friends_Network\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Dionne Warwick</strong>.</a> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>However, when you\'re traveling with Captain Adventure, you don\'t waste sunshine and perfect 80 degree weather on psychics.  You must first conquer the mountain! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>When you hike Sedona with girlfriends, you leisurely follow hiking paths, share girl stories, and stumble upon a naked man in the woods.  (True story.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>When you hike Sedona with Captain Adventure, you make your own path.  Up a rock.  Thinking that if your mother saw you, she would freak out and not in the New Agey way. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1218\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Feel the Fear and Climb That Rock Anyway! \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901811.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1218\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901811-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I don\'t know what was more exhilarating, the climb or the vistas. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA090179.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1219\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA090179-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Few people hang in there all the way to the top, and for those who do, there are special rewards.  Lucky for me, Captain Adventure fancies himself a masseur, so I received a cranial massage while passed out on the lone flat rock.  David wouldn\'t let fellow hikers take his masseur-in-action photo because he suddenly felt shy (???), but I assure you, it cleared my sinus headache in about 10 seconds flat. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA090192.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1220\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA090192-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>(Ladies, you are probably drooling with envy at this point.  Yes, David is single.  If you want me to play matchmaker, contact me privately, and you and David can exchange digits.  Although now that I think about it, I may need him to remain single for this Dating Game idea I have for the blog, but that\'s for another day.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>After our trek down the rocks, David threw a surprise tailgate party for two.  We toasted to my newfound alter ego, Captina Adventura, with mango margaritas David blended at home and stored in his cooler.  It was only <em>slightly </em>white trashy, because how white trashy can you truly be drinking exotic margaritas out of the back of a Subaru Outback in Sedona? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">And now the moment you’ve all been waiting for:  The Woo Woo </span></span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"> </span></span></span></strong> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p>When in Rome, eat pasta.  When in France, eat cheese.  When in Sedona, visit a psychic. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>You can also embark on a UFO hunt, but that’s for another adventure.  There’s only so much time in the day, peeps! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Superfreaky\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901981.jpg\"><img title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901981-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I talked David into booking an appointment with the psychic as well.  We both viewed the opportunity as \"for entertainment purposes only\".  Our names are not Dionne. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>After dinner, we headed on down to <strong><a href=\"http://www.sedonacrystalvortex.com/\" target=\"_blank\">The Crystal Vortex</a> </strong>to see Gita who was previously referred to me with rave reviews. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I volunteered to go first while David waited in the store.  Gita asked me if I had any questions, and not wanting to lead her in any way, shape or form, I replied, \"I\'m a Virgo, and therefore I plan too much.  I don\'t want to direct this reading, so just tell me what you \'see\'.\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Gita smiled serenely and asked to see my palms.  Yep.  My palms.  No one has ever read my palms before.  Except...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>ON DAY 19 (6 DAYS PRIOR) WHEN I READ MY OWN PALMS AS PART OF OUR <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/05/day-19-poolside-palm-reading/\" target=\"_blank\">POOLSIDE PALM READING! </a> </strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong> </p>\r\n\r\n<p>I told you this was Woo Woo. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Or maybe it was just a coinkidink.  I\'ll leave that for you to decide. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I did not say a word as Gita read my palms.  She told me that I was highly creative and pursued many different interests wholeheartedly and with great passion.  (She also told me that I am an extraordinarily passionate lover.  Oo la la!!!  Unfortunately, it\'s been such a dreadfully long dry spell that I can\'t even remember if she\'s right about that or not.) </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>She told me that I take on creative projects that are therapeutic for me and give me hope.  (Oh, I <em>may</em> have touched on this briefly in <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>365 or Bust</strong>.</a> )</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And she rambled on with all sorts of accurate stuff that you\'re just going to have to take my word on. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Gita asked if this all made sense, and I squeaked out a \"Yes\". </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>She asked if I had any questions.  I replied, \"Nope.  Keep going, please.\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>She asked me to choose a tarot deck.  I picked the one that was colorful and artsy.  No creepy tarot decks here. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I chose three cards.  Gita explained:</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #993300;\"><strong>My \"Past\" Card:  Ice-olation </strong></span>-- In my past, I felt sadness and isolation.  I found myself in a stagnant place.  A rut.  (I SWEAR to you that I am not making this up!!!)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>My \"Present\" Card:  The Dream</strong> </span>-- The card portrayed Cinderella, but Gita clarified that this card signifies that it is now time to leave the fairy tale behind.   It is time to start living a real life dream that I am consciously implementing in my life.  (Ummm...yeah.  The \"Move Over, Cinderella\" shirt in <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/about/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>What Makes Me Tick</strong></a>.  The quote on the home page of my blog.  The whole PREMISE of this blog!  WOO WOO!!!)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #339966;\"><strong>My \"Future\" Card:  Creativity</strong> </span>-- Gita reiterated that I will be finding my reality.  She told me that I will be \"flowering\".  (Late Bloomer!!!  Flowering!!!!  WOO WOO WOO WOO WOO WOO WOO WOO WOO WOO!!!)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Gita checked back in with me and asked if all of this rang true.  At that point, I could hold it in no longer.  I came clean and blurted out <em>everything.</em>  In a very excited state, I might add.  Because I\'m passionate and all. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Gita smiled serenely with a look of \"Well, I <em>am</em> psychic.  What did you expect?\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>She encouraged me to pick a card for the blog.  This felt much scarier than scaling that damn rock with Captain Adventure, but I took a deep breath and drew one. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>My \"Blog\" Card:  Queen of the Harvest</strong> </span>-- Wow. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Gita pointed out the card was self explanatory.  The Queen in the card was holding a cornucopia of fruits, veggies, and flowers.  She explained that by sharing my light with others, I would reap the fruits of my labor. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>At this point I fainted, and David rushed in to resuscitate me. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Now THAT part I made up for dramatic effect.  :-) </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I didn\'t faint, but I was certainly blown away by the evening\'s \"entertainment\". </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Gita then produced a whimsical deck of mini cards decorated with little birds.  She asked me to pick three \"gypsy\" cards for the success of the blog.   Wooooooo...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Gita interpreted: </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong>3 Royal Cards!</strong></span>  -- Very good luck! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Jack of Spades --</strong> Signifies trust.  Trust the process.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Queen of Hearts</span></strong> -- At first, Gita was puzzled.  This is the \"mother\" card.  She couldn\'t understand how my mother was related to the success of the blog. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Maybe it\'s because my mother runs a couple of Internet boards, and she has enlisted the support of many lovely ladies who now give me daily warm fuzzies by following this blog? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Yep.  My 60-something mother has social media mojo.  Who knew? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Gita smiled her peaceful smile and nodded in agreement. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">King of Hearts</span> </strong>-- Gita said that the man of my life will be connected to this blog.  She followed with, \"But you\'re not with anyone now, correct?\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Now.  I ask you.  Wouldn\'t MOST people make the assumption that David and I are a couple?  Scheduling our readings together and arriving together?  In Sedona?  One of the most romantic places on the planet?!?!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Didn\'t YOU make that assumption at the beginning of this post?  Hmmmmm???? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Gita is goooooood. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Gita advised me to stay open and not abandon my longing for love.  And just when I thought all boys were schmucks. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>O.k., Gita.  You were right on about everything else.  I\'ll give it a try. </p>','Day 25:  Sedona Woo Woo and Other Adventures','','inherit','open','open','','1108-revision-43','','','2010-10-21 23:06:01','2010-10-22 06:06:01','',1108,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/21/1108-revision-43/',0,'revision','',0),(1254,1,'2010-10-21 23:07:14','2010-10-22 06:07:14','<p>I am blessed to live in one of the most beautiful states in our great nation. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I think we might also boast the most diverse landscapes of any of the other 49 states. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I awoke on Day 25 in the Sonoran Desert, which is actually quite stunning. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1213\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"The Long &amp; Winding Road That Leads to My Door\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/longandwindingroadleadstomydoor.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1213\" title=\"longandwindingroadleadstomydoor\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/longandwindingroadleadstomydoor-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>After a 2 hour drive, I scaled the Red Rocks of Sedona.  </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901801.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1215\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901801-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>After another 30 minute drive the next morning, I hiked a pine and aspen forest trail in Flagstaff (trail elevation 9600 ft.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p> <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA100200.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1216\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA100200-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>As you can see, if you can tolerate 115 temps for a few months, then this state is one breathtakingly majestic oyster. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The plan for Day 25 started with a Google hunt for the height of the <strong><a href=\"http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/fall-colors/fall_colors.shtml\" target=\"_blank\">Aspen \"gold rush\" in Flagstaff</a></strong>.  I\'ve been to Flagstaff many times, but never at the peak of fall foliage, and I wanted an autumnal experience to remember. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The second weekend of October is considered THE weekend to visit Flagstaff for fall colors, so I called David (aka Captain Adventure), who lives and breathes nature stuff.  It took him about a ¼ of a second to accept my invitation.  (You may recall David from the <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/09/19/day-3-flashback-friday-grease-sing-along/\" target=\"_blank\">Grease Sing-along</a></strong>.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>We decided to turn this into a 2-day nature extravaganza.  First stop:  Sedona, Arizona.  Which.  Is.  Absolutely.  Incredible.  One of my favorite places on earth.  If you\'ve never been, start plotting a Sedona escape soon. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Sedona is known not only for its stunning one-of-a-kind scenery, but also for its Woo Woo factor.  If you\'re ready to get you\'re New Agey freak on, then Sedona is your place.  I would guesstimate that Sedona has more psychics per capita than anywhere else on earth. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>If New Agey freak freaks you out, then just focus on the red rocks and mind your own beeswax.  Sedona attracts people from all around the world, so I guarantee you won\'t feel out of place. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Of course, I was chomping at the bit for a psychic reading because a.  I like to get my freak on every once and awhile and b.  I wanted to learn about the fate of this blog.  Because psychics are always right, you know.  According to <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychic_Friends_Network\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Dionne Warwick</strong>.</a> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>However, when you\'re traveling with Captain Adventure, you don\'t waste sunshine and perfect 80 degree weather on psychics.  You must first conquer the mountain! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>When you hike Sedona with girlfriends, you leisurely follow hiking paths, share girl stories, and stumble upon a naked man in the woods.  (True story.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>When you hike Sedona with Captain Adventure, you make your own path.  Up a rock.  Thinking that if your mother saw you, she would freak out and not in the New Agey way. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1218\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Feel the Fear and Climb That Rock Anyway! \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901811.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1218\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901811-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I don\'t know what was more exhilarating, the climb or the vistas. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA090179.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1219\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA090179-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Few people hang in there all the way to the top, and for those who do, there are special rewards.  Lucky for me, Captain Adventure fancies himself a masseur, so I received a cranial massage while passed out on the lone flat rock.  David wouldn\'t let fellow hikers take his masseur-in-action photo because he suddenly felt shy (???), but I assure you, it cleared my sinus headache in about 10 seconds flat. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA090192.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1220\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA090192-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>(Ladies, you are probably drooling with envy at this point.  Yes, David is single.  If you want me to play matchmaker, contact me privately, and you and David can exchange digits.  Although now that I think about it, I may need him to remain single for this Dating Game idea I have for the blog, but that\'s for another day.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>After our trek down the rocks, David threw a surprise tailgate party for two.  We toasted to my newfound alter ego, Captina Adventura, with mango margaritas David blended at home and stored in his cooler.  It was only <em>slightly </em>white trashy, because how white trashy can you truly be drinking exotic margaritas out of the back of a Subaru Outback in Sedona? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">And now the moment you’ve all been waiting for:  The Woo Woo </span></span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"> </span></span></span></strong> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p>When in Rome, eat pasta.  When in France, eat cheese.  When in Sedona, visit a psychic. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>You can also embark on a UFO hunt, but that’s for another adventure.  There’s only so much time in the day, peeps! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Superfreaky\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901981.jpg\"><img title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901981-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I talked David into booking an appointment with the psychic as well.  We both viewed the opportunity as \"for entertainment purposes only\".  Our names are not Dionne. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>After dinner, we headed on down to <strong><a href=\"http://www.sedonacrystalvortex.com/\" target=\"_blank\">The Crystal Vortex</a> </strong>to see Gita who was previously referred to me with rave reviews. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I volunteered to go first while David waited in the store.  Gita asked me if I had any questions, and not wanting to lead her in any way, shape or form, I replied, \"I\'m a Virgo, and therefore I plan too much.  I don\'t want to direct this reading, so just tell me what you \'see\'.\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Gita smiled serenely and asked to see my palms.  Yep.  My palms.  No one has ever read my palms before.  Except...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>ON DAY 19 (6 DAYS PRIOR) WHEN I READ MY OWN PALMS AS PART OF OUR <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/05/day-19-poolside-palm-reading/\" target=\"_blank\">POOLSIDE PALM READING! </a> </strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong> </p>\r\n\r\n<p>I told you this was Woo Woo. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Or maybe it was just a coinkidink.  I\'ll leave that for you to decide. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I did not say a word as Gita read my palms.  She told me that I was highly creative and pursued many different interests wholeheartedly and with great passion.  (She also told me that I am an extraordinarily passionate lover.  Oo la la!!!  Unfortunately, it\'s been such a dreadfully long dry spell that I can\'t even remember if she\'s right about that or not.) </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>She told me that I take on creative projects that are therapeutic for me and give me hope.  (Oh, I <em>may</em> have touched on this briefly in <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>365 or Bust</strong>.</a> )</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And she rambled on with all sorts of accurate stuff that you\'re just going to have to take my word on. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Gita asked if this all made sense, and I squeaked out a \"Yes\". </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>She asked if I had any questions.  I replied, \"Nope.  Keep going, please.\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>She asked me to choose a tarot deck.  I picked the one that was colorful and artsy.  No creepy tarot decks here. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I chose three cards.  Gita explained:</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #993300;\"><strong>My \"Past\" Card:  Ice-olation </strong></span>-- In my past, I felt sadness and isolation.  I found myself in a stagnant place.  A rut.  (I SWEAR to you that I am not making this up!!!)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>My \"Present\" Card:  The Dream</strong> </span>-- The card portrayed Cinderella, but Gita clarified that this card signifies that it is now time to leave the fairy tale behind.   It is time to start living a real life dream that I am consciously implementing in my life.  (Ummm...yeah.  The \"Move Over, Cinderella\" shirt in <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/about/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>What Makes Me Tick</strong></a>.  The quote on the home page of my blog.  The whole PREMISE of this blog!  WOO WOO!!!)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #339966;\"><strong>My \"Future\" Card:  Creativity</strong> </span>-- Gita reiterated that I will be finding my reality.  She told me that I will be \"flowering\".  (Late Bloomer!!!  Flowering!!!!  WOO WOO WOO WOO WOO WOO WOO WOO WOO WOO!!!)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Gita checked back in with me and asked if all of this rang true.  At that point, I could hold it in no longer.  I came clean and blurted out <em>everything.</em>  In a very excited state, I might add.  Because I\'m passionate and all. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Gita smiled serenely with a look of \"Well, I <em>am</em> psychic.  What did you expect?\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>She encouraged me to pick a card for the blog.  This felt much scarier than scaling that damn rock with Captain Adventure, but I took a deep breath and drew one. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>My \"Blog\" Card:  Queen of the Harvest</strong> </span>-- Wow. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Gita pointed out the card was self explanatory.  The Queen in the card was holding a cornucopia of fruits, veggies, and flowers.  She explained that by sharing my light with others, I would reap the fruits of my labor. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>At this point I fainted, and David rushed in to resuscitate me. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Now THAT part I made up for dramatic effect.  :-) </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I didn\'t faint, but I was certainly blown away by the evening\'s \"entertainment\". </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Gita then produced a whimsical deck of mini cards decorated with little birds.  She asked me to pick three \"gypsy\" cards for the success of the blog.   Wooooooo...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Gita interpreted: </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong>3 Royal Cards!</strong></span>  -- Very good luck! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Jack of Spades --</strong> Signifies trust.  Trust the process.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Queen of Hearts</span></strong> -- At first, Gita was puzzled.  This is the \"mother\" card.  She couldn\'t understand how my mother was related to the success of the blog. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Maybe it\'s because my mother runs a couple of Internet boards, and she has enlisted the support of many lovely ladies who now give me daily warm fuzzies by following this blog? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Yep.  My 60-something mother has social media mojo.  Who knew? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Gita smiled her peaceful smile and nodded in agreement. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">King of Hearts</span> </strong>-- Gita said that the man of my life will be connected to this blog.  She followed with, \"But you\'re not with anyone now, correct?\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Now.  I ask you.  Wouldn\'t MOST people make the assumption that David and I are a couple?  Scheduling our readings together and arriving together?  In Sedona?  One of the most romantic places on the planet?!?!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Didn\'t YOU make that assumption at the beginning of this post?  Hmmmmm???? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Gita is goooooood. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Gita advised me to stay open and not abandon my longing for love.  And just when I thought all boys were schmucks. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>O.k., Gita.  You were right on about everything else.  I\'ll give it a try. </p>','Day 25:  Sedona Woo Woo and Other Adventures','','inherit','open','open','','1108-revision-44','','','2010-10-21 23:07:14','2010-10-22 06:07:14','',1108,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/21/1108-revision-44/',0,'revision','',0),(1255,1,'2010-10-22 11:28:00','2010-10-22 18:28:00','<p>I am blessed to live in one of the most beautiful states in our great nation. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I think we might also boast the most diverse landscapes of any of the other 49 states. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I awoke on Day 25 in the Sonoran Desert, which is actually quite stunning. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1213\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"The Long &amp; Winding Road That Leads to My Door\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/longandwindingroadleadstomydoor.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1213\" title=\"longandwindingroadleadstomydoor\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/longandwindingroadleadstomydoor-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>After a 2 hour drive, I scaled the Red Rocks of Sedona.  </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901801.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1215\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901801-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>After another 30 minute drive the next morning, I hiked a pine and aspen forest trail in Flagstaff (trail elevation 9600 ft.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p> <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA100200.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1216\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA100200-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>As you can see, if you can tolerate 115 temps for a few months, then this state is one breathtakingly majestic oyster. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The plan for Day 25 started with a Google hunt for the height of the <strong><a href=\"http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/fall-colors/fall_colors.shtml\" target=\"_blank\">Aspen \"gold rush\" in Flagstaff</a></strong>.  I\'ve been to Flagstaff many times, but never at the peak of fall foliage, and I wanted an autumnal experience to remember. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The second weekend of October is considered THE weekend to visit Flagstaff for fall colors, so I called David (aka Captain Adventure), who lives and breathes nature stuff.  It took him about a ¼ of a second to accept my invitation.  (You may recall David from the <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/09/19/day-3-flashback-friday-grease-sing-along/\" target=\"_blank\">Grease Sing-along</a></strong>.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>We decided to turn this into a 2-day nature extravaganza.  First stop:  Sedona, Arizona.  Which.  Is.  Absolutely.  Incredible.  One of my favorite places on earth.  If you\'ve never been, start plotting a Sedona escape soon. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Sedona is known not only for its stunning one-of-a-kind scenery, but also for its Woo Woo factor.  If you\'re ready to get you\'re New Agey freak on, then Sedona is your place.  I would guesstimate that Sedona has more psychics per capita than anywhere else on earth. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>If New Agey freak freaks you out, then just focus on the red rocks and mind your own beeswax.  Sedona attracts people from all around the world, so I guarantee you won\'t feel out of place. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Of course, I was chomping at the bit for a psychic reading because:  a.  I like to get my freak on every once and awhile and b.  I wanted to learn about the fate of this blog.  Because psychics are always right, you know.  According to <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychic_Friends_Network\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Dionne Warwick</strong>.</a> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>However, when you\'re traveling with Captain Adventure, you don\'t waste sunshine and perfect 80 degree weather on psychics.  You must first conquer the mountain! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>When you hike Sedona with girlfriends, you leisurely follow hiking paths, share girl stories, and stumble upon a naked man in the woods.  (True story.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>When you hike Sedona with Captain Adventure, you make your own path.  Up a rock.  Thinking that if your mother saw you, she would freak out and not in the New Agey way. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1218\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Feel the Fear and Climb That Rock Anyway! \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901811.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1218\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901811-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I don\'t know what was more exhilarating, the climb or the vistas. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA090179.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1219\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA090179-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Few people hang in there all the way to the top, and for those who do, there are special rewards.  Lucky for me, Captain Adventure fancies himself a masseur, so I received a cranial massage while passed out on the lone flat rock.  David wouldn\'t let fellow hikers take his masseur-in-action photo because he suddenly felt shy (???), but I assure you, it cleared my sinus headache in about 10 seconds flat. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA090192.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1220\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA090192-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>(Ladies, you are probably drooling with envy at this point.  Yes, David is single.  If you want me to play matchmaker, contact me privately, and you and David can exchange digits.  Although now that I think about it, I may need him to remain single for this Dating Game idea I have for the blog, but that\'s for another day.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>After our trek down the rocks, David threw a surprise tailgate party for two.  We toasted to my newfound alter ego, Captina Adventura, with mango margaritas David blended at home and stored in his cooler.  It was only <em>slightly </em>white trashy, because how white trashy can you truly be drinking exotic margaritas out of the back of a Subaru Outback in Sedona? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">And now the moment you’ve all been waiting for:  The Woo Woo </span></span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"> </span></span></span></strong> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p>When in Rome, eat pasta.  When in France, eat cheese.  When in Sedona, visit a psychic. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>You can also embark on a UFO hunt, but that’s for another adventure.  There’s only so much time in the day, peeps! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Superfreaky\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901981.jpg\"><img title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901981-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I talked David into booking an appointment with the psychic as well.  We both viewed the opportunity as \"for entertainment purposes only\".  Our names are not Dionne. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>After dinner, we headed on down to <strong><a href=\"http://www.sedonacrystalvortex.com/\" target=\"_blank\">The Crystal Vortex</a> </strong>to see Gita who was previously referred to me with rave reviews. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I volunteered to go first while David waited in the store.  Gita asked me if I had any questions, and not wanting to lead her in any way, shape or form, I replied, \"I\'m a Virgo, and therefore I plan too much.  I don\'t want to direct this reading, so just tell me what you \'see\'.\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Gita smiled serenely and asked to see my palms.  Yep.  My palms.  No one has ever read my palms before.  Except...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>ON DAY 19 (6 DAYS PRIOR) WHEN I READ MY OWN PALMS AS PART OF OUR <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/05/day-19-poolside-palm-reading/\" target=\"_blank\">POOLSIDE PALM READING! </a> </strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong> </p>\r\n\r\n<p>I told you this was Woo Woo. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Or maybe it was just a coinkidink.  I\'ll leave that for you to decide. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I did not say a word as Gita read my palms.  She told me that I was highly creative and pursued many different interests wholeheartedly and with great passion.  (She also told me that I am an extraordinarily passionate lover.  Oo la la!!!  Unfortunately, it\'s been such a dreadfully long dry spell that I can\'t even remember if she\'s right about that or not.) </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>She told me that I take on creative projects that are therapeutic for me and give me hope.  (Oh, I <em>may</em> have touched on this briefly in <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>365 or Bust</strong>.</a> )</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And she rambled on with all sorts of accurate stuff that you\'re just going to have to take my word on. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Gita asked if this all made sense, and I squeaked out a \"Yes\". </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>She asked if I had any questions.  I replied, \"Nope.  Keep going, please.\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>She asked me to choose a tarot deck.  I picked the one that was colorful and artsy.  No creepy tarot decks here. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I chose three cards.  Gita explained:</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #993300;\"><strong>My \"Past\" Card:  Ice-olation </strong></span>-- In my past, I felt sadness and isolation.  I found myself in a stagnant place.  A rut.  (I SWEAR to you that I am not making this up!!!)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>My \"Present\" Card:  The Dream</strong> </span>-- The card portrayed Cinderella, but Gita clarified that this card signifies that it is now time to leave the fairy tale behind.   It is time to start living a real life dream that I am consciously implementing in my life.  (Ummm...yeah.  The \"Move Over, Cinderella\" shirt in <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/about/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>What Makes Me Tick</strong></a>.  The quote on the home page of my blog.  The whole PREMISE of this blog!  WOO WOO!!!)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #339966;\"><strong>My \"Future\" Card:  Creativity</strong> </span>-- Gita reiterated that I will be finding my reality.  She told me that I will be \"flowering\".  (Late Bloomer!!!  Flowering!!!!  WOO WOO WOO WOO WOO WOO WOO WOO WOO WOO!!!)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Gita checked back in with me and asked if all of this rang true.  At that point, I could hold it in no longer.  I came clean and blurted out <em>everything.</em>  In a very excited state, I might add.  Because I\'m passionate and all. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Gita smiled serenely with a look of \"Well, I <em>am</em> psychic.  What did you expect?\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>She encouraged me to pick a card for the blog.  This felt much scarier than scaling that damn rock with Captain Adventure, but I took a deep breath and drew one. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>My \"Blog\" Card:  Queen of the Harvest</strong> </span>-- Wow. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Gita pointed out the card was self explanatory.  The Queen in the card was holding a cornucopia of fruits, veggies, and flowers.  She explained that by sharing my light with others, I would reap the fruits of my labor. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>At this point I fainted, and David rushed in to resuscitate me. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Now THAT part I made up for dramatic effect.  :-) </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I didn\'t faint, but I was certainly blown away by the evening\'s \"entertainment\". </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Gita then produced a whimsical deck of mini cards decorated with little birds.  She asked me to pick three \"gypsy\" cards for the success of the blog.   Wooooooo...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Gita interpreted: </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong>3 Royal Cards!</strong></span>  -- Very good luck! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Jack of Spades --</strong> Signifies trust.  Trust the process.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Queen of Hearts</span></strong> -- At first, Gita was puzzled.  This is the \"mother\" card.  She couldn\'t understand how my mother was related to the success of the blog. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Maybe it\'s because my mother runs a couple of Internet boards, and she has enlisted the support of many lovely ladies who now give me daily warm fuzzies by following this blog? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Yep.  My 60-something mother has social media mojo.  Who knew? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Gita smiled her peaceful smile and nodded in agreement. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">King of Hearts</span> </strong>-- Gita said that the man of my life will be connected to this blog.  She followed with, \"But you\'re not with anyone now, correct?\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Now.  I ask you.  Wouldn\'t MOST people make the assumption that David and I are a couple?  Scheduling our readings together and arriving together?  In Sedona?  One of the most romantic places on the planet?!?!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Didn\'t YOU make that assumption at the beginning of this post?  Hmmmmm???? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Gita is goooooood. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Gita advised me to stay open and not abandon my longing for love.  And just when I thought all boys were schmucks. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>O.k., Gita.  You were right on about everything else.  I\'ll give it a try. </p>','Day 25:  Sedona Woo Woo and Other Adventures','','inherit','open','open','','1108-revision-45','','','2010-10-22 11:28:00','2010-10-22 18:28:00','',1108,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/22/1108-revision-45/',0,'revision','',0),(1256,1,'2010-10-22 15:54:46','2010-10-22 22:54:46','<p>Day 2 of Nature Extravaganza with David aka Captain Adventure involved schlepping up the switchbacks to cool and breezy Flagstaff, Arizona. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>You may recall from yesterday\'s post that I craved an autumnal experience to remember, and the user-friendly <a href=\"http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/fall-colors/fall_colors.shtml\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Coconino National Forest website</strong></a> promised me a <em>climax</em> of colors during the 2nd week of October.  What woman could resist the promise of a colorful climax? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Unfortunately, after much hype and foreplay, Coconino didn\'t deliver.  Hmph.  Very anti-climactic, if you ask me.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Captain Adventure, the eternal optimist, announced a change of plans!  We would make lemons into lemonade! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Me, the eternal smart ass, announced that squeezing lemons into lemonade is sooooo cliché.  Insted, we would turn lemons into lemon cream pie! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Captain Adventure shot me a \"What planet are you from?\" look.  (It\'s o.k.  I\'m used to it. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>He then kindly obliged with, \"I love lemon cream pie!\" </p>','Day 26:  Flagstaff Foliage Flop ','','inherit','open','open','','1110-revision-2','','','2010-10-22 15:54:46','2010-10-22 22:54:46','',1110,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/22/1110-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(1257,1,'2010-10-22 16:05:52','2010-10-22 23:05:52','<p>Day 2 of Nature Extravaganza with David aka Captain Adventure involved schlepping up the switchbacks to cool and breezy Flagstaff, Arizona. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>You may recall from yesterday\'s post that I craved an autumnal experience to remember, and the user-friendly <a href=\"http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/fall-colors/fall_colors.shtml\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Coconino National Forest website</strong></a> promised me a <em>climax</em> of colors during the 2nd week of October.  What woman could resist the promise of a colorful climax? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Unfortunately, after much hype and foreplay, Coconino didn\'t deliver.  Hmph.  Very anti-climactic, if you ask me.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Captain Adventure, the eternal optimist, announced a change of plans!  We would make lemons into lemonade! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Me, the eternal smart ass, announced that squeezing lemons into lemonade is sooooo cliché.  Instead, we would turn lemons into lemon cream pie! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Captain Adventure shot me a \"What planet are you from?\" look.  (It\'s o.k.  I\'m used to it. )</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>He then kindly obliged with, \"I love lemon cream pie!\" </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Ingredients for Day 26\'s Lemon Cream Pie:</p>\n\n<ul>\n	<li>Flagstaff forest</li>\n	<li>Hiking trail </li>\n	<li>Yellow Aspens climaxing in sweet harmony</li>\n	<li>Good company</li>\n	<li>Fresh Air</li>\n	<li>65 degrees and sunshine</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Should you find yourself short on yellow aspens, simply substitute and get turned on by another autumn staple -- multitudes of pine cones. </p>','Day 26:  Flagstaff Foliage Flop ','','inherit','open','open','','1110-revision-3','','','2010-10-22 16:05:52','2010-10-22 23:05:52','',1110,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/22/1110-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(1258,1,'2010-10-22 16:09:46','2010-10-22 23:09:46','<p>Day 2 of Nature Extravaganza with David (aka Captain Adventure) involved schlepping up the switchbacks to cool and breezy Flagstaff, Arizona. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>You may recall from yesterday\'s post that I craved an autumnal experience to remember, and the user-friendly <a href=\"http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/fall-colors/fall_colors.shtml\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Coconino National Forest website</strong></a> promised me a <em>climax</em> of colors during the 2nd weekend of October.  What woman could resist the promise of a colorful climax? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Unfortunately, after much hype and foreplay, Coconino didn\'t deliver.  Hmph.  Very<em> anti</em>-climactic, if you ask me.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Captain Adventure, the eternal optimist, announced a change of plans!  We would make lemons into lemonade! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I, the eternal smart ass, announced that squeezing lemons into lemonade is sooooo cliché.  Instead, we would turn lemons into lemon cream pie! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Captain Adventure shot me a \"What planet are you from?\" look.  (It\'s o.k.  I\'m used to it. )</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>He then kindly obliged with, \"I love lemon cream pie!\" </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Ingredients for Day 26\'s Lemon Cream Pie:</p>\n\n<ul>\n	<li>Flagstaff forest</li>\n	<li>Hiking trail </li>\n	<li>Yellow Aspens climaxing in sweet harmony</li>\n	<li>Good company</li>\n	<li>Fresh Air</li>\n	<li>65 degrees and sunshine</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Should you find yourself short on yellow aspens, simply substitute and get turned on by another autumn staple -- multitudes of pine cones. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Ahhhhhh...</p>','Day 26:  Flagstaff Foliage Flop ','','inherit','open','open','','1110-revision-4','','','2010-10-22 16:09:46','2010-10-22 23:09:46','',1110,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/22/1110-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(1259,1,'2010-10-22 16:10:45','2010-10-22 23:10:45','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-36','','','2010-10-22 16:10:45','2010-10-22 23:10:45','',1110,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA100201.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1260,1,'2010-10-22 16:11:52','2010-10-22 23:11:52','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','Exceptional foliage foreplay.  Too bad I couldn\'t stick around.  ','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-37','','','2010-10-22 16:11:52','2010-10-22 23:11:52','',1110,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA1002011.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1261,1,'2010-10-22 16:14:40','2010-10-22 23:14:40','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','Exceptional foliage foreplay.  Too bad I couldn\'t stick around until the end.','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-38','','','2010-10-22 16:14:40','2010-10-22 23:14:40','',1110,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA1002012.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1262,1,'2010-10-22 16:14:03','2010-10-22 23:14:03','[caption id=\"attachment_1260\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Exceptional foliage foreplay. Too bad I couldn&#39;t stick around. \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA1002011.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1260\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA1002011-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n<p>Day 2 of Nature Extravaganza with David (aka Captain Adventure) involved schlepping up the switchbacks to cool and breezy Flagstaff, Arizona. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>You may recall from yesterday\'s post that I craved an autumnal experience to remember, and the user-friendly <a href=\"http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/fall-colors/fall_colors.shtml\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Coconino National Forest website</strong></a> promised me a <em>climax</em> of colors during the 2nd weekend of October.  What woman could resist the promise of a colorful climax? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Unfortunately, after much hype and foreplay, Coconino didn\'t deliver.  Hmph.  Very<em> anti</em>-climactic, if you ask me.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Captain Adventure, the eternal optimist, announced a change of plans!  We would make lemons into lemonade! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I, the eternal smart ass, announced that squeezing lemons into lemonade is sooooo cliché.  Instead, we would turn lemons into lemon cream pie! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Captain Adventure shot me a \"What planet are you from?\" look.  (It\'s o.k.  I\'m used to it. )</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>He then kindly obliged with, \"I love lemon cream pie!\" </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Ingredients for Day 26\'s Lemon Cream Pie:</p>\n\n<ul>\n	<li>Flagstaff forest</li>\n	<li>Hiking trail </li>\n	<li>Yellow Aspens climaxing in sweet harmony</li>\n	<li>Good company</li>\n	<li>Fresh Air</li>\n	<li>65 degrees and sunshine</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Should you find yourself short on yellow aspens, simply substitute and get turned on by another autumn staple -- multitudes of pine cones. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Ahhhhhh...</p>','Day 26:  Flagstaff Foliage Flop ','','inherit','open','open','','1110-revision-5','','','2010-10-22 16:14:03','2010-10-22 23:14:03','',1110,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/22/1110-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(1263,1,'2010-10-22 16:16:52','2010-10-22 23:16:52','<p>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_1261\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Exceptional foliage foreplay. Too bad I couldn&#39;t stick around until the end.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA1002012.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1261\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA1002012-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n</p>\n\n<p>Day 2 of Nature Extravaganza with David (aka Captain Adventure) involved schlepping up the switchbacks to cool and breezy Flagstaff, Arizona. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>You may recall from yesterday\'s post that I craved an autumnal experience to remember, and the user-friendly <a href=\"http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/fall-colors/fall_colors.shtml\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Coconino National Forest website</strong></a> promised me a <em>climax</em> of colors during the 2nd weekend of October.  What woman could resist the promise of a colorful climax? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Unfortunately, after much hype and foreplay, Coconino didn\'t deliver.  Hmph.  Very<em> anti</em>-climactic, if you ask me.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Captain Adventure, the eternal optimist, announced a change of plans!  We would make lemons into lemonade! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I, the eternal smart ass, announced that squeezing lemons into lemonade is sooooo cliché.  Instead, we would turn lemons into lemon cream pie! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Captain Adventure shot me a \"What planet are you from?\" look.  (It\'s o.k.  I\'m used to it. )</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>He then kindly obliged with, \"I love lemon cream pie!\" </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Ingredients for Day 26\'s Lemon Cream Pie:</p>\n\n<ul>\n	<li>Flagstaff forest</li>\n	<li>Hiking trail </li>\n	<li>Yellow Aspens climaxing in sweet harmony</li>\n	<li>Good company</li>\n	<li>Fresh Air</li>\n	<li>65 degrees and sunshine</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Should you find yourself short on yellow aspens, simply substitute and get turned on by another autumn staple -- multitudes of pine cones. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Ahhhhhh...</p>','Day 26:  Foliage Foreplay in Flagstaff','','inherit','open','open','','1110-revision-6','','','2010-10-22 16:16:52','2010-10-22 23:16:52','',1110,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/22/1110-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(1265,1,'2010-10-22 16:18:03','2010-10-22 23:18:03','[caption id=\"attachment_1260\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Exceptional foliage foreplay. Too bad I couldn&#39;t stick around. \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA1002011.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1260\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA1002011-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n<p>Day 2 of Nature Extravaganza with David (aka Captain Adventure) involved schlepping up the switchbacks to cool and breezy Flagstaff, Arizona. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>You may recall from yesterday\'s post that I craved an autumnal experience to remember, and the user-friendly <a href=\"http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/fall-colors/fall_colors.shtml\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Coconino National Forest website</strong></a> promised me a <em>climax</em> of colors during the 2nd weekend of October.  What woman could resist the promise of a colorful climax? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Unfortunately, after much hype and foreplay, Coconino didn\'t deliver.  Hmph.  Very<em> anti</em>-climactic, if you ask me.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Captain Adventure, the eternal optimist, announced a change of plans!  We would make lemons into lemonade! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I, the eternal smart ass, announced that squeezing lemons into lemonade is sooooo cliché.  Instead, we would turn lemons into lemon cream pie! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Captain Adventure shot me a \"What planet are you from?\" look.  (It\'s o.k.  I\'m used to it. )</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>He then kindly obliged with, \"I love lemon cream pie!\" </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Ingredients for Day 26\'s Lemon Cream Pie:</p>\n\n<ul>\n	<li>Flagstaff forest</li>\n	<li>Hiking trail </li>\n	<li>Yellow Aspens climaxing in sweet harmony</li>\n	<li>Good company</li>\n	<li>Fresh Air</li>\n	<li>65 degrees and sunshine</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Should you find yourself short on yellow aspens, simply substitute and get turned on by another autumn staple -- multitudes of pine cones. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Ahhhhhh...</p>','Day 26:  Flagstaff Foliage Flop ','','inherit','open','open','','1110-revision-8','','','2010-10-22 16:18:03','2010-10-22 23:18:03','',1110,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/22/1110-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(1264,1,'2010-10-22 16:17:17','2010-10-22 23:17:17','<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1261\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Exceptional foliage foreplay. Too bad I couldn&#39;t stick around until the end.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA1002012.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1261\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA1002012-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Day 2 of Nature Extravaganza with David (aka Captain Adventure) involved schlepping up the switchbacks to cool and breezy Flagstaff, Arizona. \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>You may recall from yesterday\'s post that I craved an autumnal experience to remember, and the user-friendly <a href=\"http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/fall-colors/fall_colors.shtml\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Coconino National Forest website</strong></a> promised me a <em>climax</em> of colors during the 2nd weekend of October.  What woman could resist the promise of a colorful climax? \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Unfortunately, after much hype and foreplay, Coconino didn\'t deliver.  Hmph.  Very<em> anti</em>-climactic, if you ask me.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Captain Adventure, the eternal optimist, announced a change of plans!  We would make lemons into lemonade! \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I, the eternal smart ass, announced that squeezing lemons into lemonade is sooooo cliché.  Instead, we would turn lemons into lemon cream pie! \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Captain Adventure shot me a \"What planet are you from?\" look.  (It\'s o.k.  I\'m used to it. )\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>He then kindly obliged with, \"I love lemon cream pie!\" \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Ingredients for Day 26\'s Lemon Cream Pie:\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p> \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Flagstaff forest</li>\r\n	<li>Hiking trail </li>\r\n	<li>Yellow Aspens climaxing in sweet harmony</li>\r\n	<li>Good company</li>\r\n	<li>Fresh Air</li>\r\n	<li>65 degrees and sunshine</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n\r\n<p>Should you find yourself short on yellow aspens, simply substitute and get turned on by another autumn staple -- multitudes of pine cones. \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Ahhhhhh...\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>','Day 26:  Foliage Foreplay in Flagstaff','','inherit','open','open','','1110-revision-7','','','2010-10-22 16:17:17','2010-10-22 23:17:17','',1110,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/22/1110-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(1266,1,'2010-10-22 16:18:35','2010-10-22 23:18:35','<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1260\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Exceptional foliage foreplay. Too bad I couldn&#39;t stick around. \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA1002011.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1260\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA1002011-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p>Day 2 of Nature Extravaganza with David (aka Captain Adventure) involved schlepping up the switchbacks to cool and breezy Flagstaff, Arizona. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>You may recall from yesterday\'s post that I craved an autumnal experience to remember, and the user-friendly <a href=\"http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/fall-colors/fall_colors.shtml\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Coconino National Forest website</strong></a> promised me a <em>climax</em> of colors during the 2nd weekend of October.  What woman could resist the promise of a colorful climax? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Unfortunately, after much hype and foreplay, Coconino didn\'t deliver.  Hmph.  Very<em> anti</em>-climactic, if you ask me.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Captain Adventure, the eternal optimist, announced a change of plans!  We would make lemons into lemonade! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I, the eternal smart ass, announced that squeezing lemons into lemonade is sooooo cliché.  Instead, we would turn lemons into lemon cream pie! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Captain Adventure shot me a \"What planet are you from?\" look.  (It\'s o.k.  I\'m used to it. )</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>He then kindly obliged with, \"I love lemon cream pie!\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Ingredients for Day 26\'s Lemon Cream Pie:</p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Flagstaff forest</li>\r\n	<li>Hiking trail </li>\r\n	<li>Yellow Aspens climaxing in sweet harmony</li>\r\n	<li>Good company</li>\r\n	<li>Fresh Air</li>\r\n	<li>65 degrees and sunshine</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n\r\n<p>Should you find yourself short on yellow aspens, simply substitute and get turned on by another autumn staple -- multitudes of pine cones. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Ahhhhhh...</p>','Day 26:  Flagstaff Foliage Flop ','','inherit','open','open','','1110-revision-9','','','2010-10-22 16:18:35','2010-10-22 23:18:35','',1110,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/22/1110-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(1268,1,'2010-10-22 16:20:42','2010-10-22 23:20:42','<p>\n\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_1260\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Exceptional foliage foreplay. Too bad I couldn&#39;t stick around. \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA1002011.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1260\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA1002011-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n</p>\n\n<p>Day 2 of Nature Extravaganza with David (aka Captain Adventure) involved schlepping up the switchbacks to cool and breezy Flagstaff, Arizona. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>You may recall from yesterday\'s post that I craved an autumnal experience to remember, and the user-friendly <a href=\"http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/fall-colors/fall_colors.shtml\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Coconino National Forest website</strong></a> promised me a <em>climax</em> of colors during the 2nd weekend of October.  What woman could resist the promise of a colorful climax? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Unfortunately, after much hype and foreplay, Coconino didn\'t deliver.  Hmph.  Very<em> anti</em>-climactic, if you ask me.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Captain Adventure, the eternal optimist, announced a change of plans!  We would make lemons into lemonade! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I, the eternal smart ass, announced that squeezing lemons into lemonade is sooooo cliché.  Instead, we would turn lemons into lemon cream pie! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Captain Adventure shot me a \"What planet are you from?\" look.  (It\'s o.k.  I\'m used to it. )</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>He then kindly obliged with, \"I love lemon cream pie!\" </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Ingredients for Day 26\'s Lemon Cream Pie:</p>\n\n<ul>\n	<li>Flagstaff forest</li>\n	<li>Hiking trail </li>\n	<li>Yellow Aspens climaxing in sweet harmony</li>\n	<li>Good company</li>\n	<li>Fresh Air</li>\n	<li>65 degrees and sunshine</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Should you find yourself short on yellow aspens, simply substitute and get turned on by another autumn staple -- multitudes of pine cones. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Ahhhhhh...</p>','Day 26:  Flagstaff Foliage Flop ','','inherit','open','open','','1110-revision-11','','','2010-10-22 16:20:42','2010-10-22 23:20:42','',1110,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/22/1110-revision-11/',0,'revision','',0),(1267,1,'2010-10-22 16:19:03','2010-10-22 23:19:03','<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1260\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Exceptional foliage foreplay. Too bad I couldn&#39;t stick around. \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA1002011.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1260\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA1002011-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p> \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Day 2 of Nature Extravaganza with David (aka Captain Adventure) involved schlepping up the switchbacks to cool and breezy Flagstaff, Arizona. \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>You may recall from yesterday\'s post that I craved an autumnal experience to remember, and the user-friendly <a href=\"http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/fall-colors/fall_colors.shtml\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Coconino National Forest website</strong></a> promised me a <em>climax</em> of colors during the 2nd weekend of October.  What woman could resist the promise of a colorful climax? \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Unfortunately, after much hype and foreplay, Coconino didn\'t deliver.  Hmph.  Very<em> anti</em>-climactic, if you ask me.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Captain Adventure, the eternal optimist, announced a change of plans!  We would make lemons into lemonade! \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I, the eternal smart ass, announced that squeezing lemons into lemonade is sooooo cliché.  Instead, we would turn lemons into lemon cream pie! \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Captain Adventure shot me a \"What planet are you from?\" look.  (It\'s o.k.  I\'m used to it. )\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>He then kindly obliged with, \"I love lemon cream pie!\" \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Ingredients for Day 26\'s Lemon Cream Pie:\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p> \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Flagstaff forest</li>\r\n	<li>Hiking trail </li>\r\n	<li>Yellow Aspens climaxing in sweet harmony</li>\r\n	<li>Good company</li>\r\n	<li>Fresh Air</li>\r\n	<li>65 degrees and sunshine</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n\r\n<p>Should you find yourself short on yellow aspens, simply substitute and get turned on by another autumn staple -- multitudes of pine cones. \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Ahhhhhh...\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>','Day 26:  Flagstaff Foliage Flop ','','inherit','open','open','','1110-revision-10','','','2010-10-22 16:19:03','2010-10-22 23:19:03','',1110,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/22/1110-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),(1270,1,'2010-10-22 16:21:42','2010-10-22 23:21:42','<p>\n</br>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_1260\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Exceptional foliage foreplay. Too bad I couldn&#39;t stick around. \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA1002011.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1260\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA1002011-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n</p>\n\n<p>Day 2 of Nature Extravaganza with David (aka Captain Adventure) involved schlepping up the switchbacks to cool and breezy Flagstaff, Arizona. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>You may recall from yesterday\'s post that I craved an autumnal experience to remember, and the user-friendly <a href=\"http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/fall-colors/fall_colors.shtml\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Coconino National Forest website</strong></a> promised me a <em>climax</em> of colors during the 2nd weekend of October.  What woman could resist the promise of a colorful climax? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Unfortunately, after much hype and foreplay, Coconino didn\'t deliver.  Hmph.  Very<em> anti</em>-climactic, if you ask me.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Captain Adventure, the eternal optimist, announced a change of plans!  We would make lemons into lemonade! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I, the eternal smart ass, announced that squeezing lemons into lemonade is sooooo cliché.  Instead, we would turn lemons into lemon cream pie! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Captain Adventure shot me a \"What planet are you from?\" look.  (It\'s o.k.  I\'m used to it. )</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>He then kindly obliged with, \"I love lemon cream pie!\" </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Ingredients for Day 26\'s Lemon Cream Pie:</p>\n\n<ul>\n	<li>Flagstaff forest</li>\n	<li>Hiking trail </li>\n	<li>Yellow Aspens climaxing in sweet harmony</li>\n	<li>Good company</li>\n	<li>Fresh Air</li>\n	<li>65 degrees and sunshine</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Should you find yourself short on yellow aspens, simply substitute and get turned on by another autumn staple -- multitudes of pine cones. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Ahhhhhh...</p>','Day 26:  Flagstaff Foliage Flop ','','inherit','open','open','','1110-revision-13','','','2010-10-22 16:21:42','2010-10-22 23:21:42','',1110,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/22/1110-revision-13/',0,'revision','',0),(1269,1,'2010-10-22 16:21:06','2010-10-22 23:21:06','<p>\r\n<br/>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1260\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Exceptional foliage foreplay. Too bad I couldn&#39;t stick around. \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA1002011.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1260\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA1002011-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p>Day 2 of Nature Extravaganza with David (aka Captain Adventure) involved schlepping up the switchbacks to cool and breezy Flagstaff, Arizona. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>You may recall from yesterday\'s post that I craved an autumnal experience to remember, and the user-friendly <a href=\"http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/fall-colors/fall_colors.shtml\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Coconino National Forest website</strong></a> promised me a <em>climax</em> of colors during the 2nd weekend of October.  What woman could resist the promise of a colorful climax? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Unfortunately, after much hype and foreplay, Coconino didn\'t deliver.  Hmph.  Very<em> anti</em>-climactic, if you ask me.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Captain Adventure, the eternal optimist, announced a change of plans!  We would make lemons into lemonade! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I, the eternal smart ass, announced that squeezing lemons into lemonade is sooooo cliché.  Instead, we would turn lemons into lemon cream pie! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Captain Adventure shot me a \"What planet are you from?\" look.  (It\'s o.k.  I\'m used to it. )</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>He then kindly obliged with, \"I love lemon cream pie!\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Ingredients for Day 26\'s Lemon Cream Pie:</p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Flagstaff forest</li>\r\n	<li>Hiking trail </li>\r\n	<li>Yellow Aspens climaxing in sweet harmony</li>\r\n	<li>Good company</li>\r\n	<li>Fresh Air</li>\r\n	<li>65 degrees and sunshine</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n\r\n<p>Should you find yourself short on yellow aspens, simply substitute and get turned on by another autumn staple -- multitudes of pine cones. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Ahhhhhh...</p>','Day 26:  Flagstaff Foliage Flop ','','inherit','open','open','','1110-revision-12','','','2010-10-22 16:21:06','2010-10-22 23:21:06','',1110,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/22/1110-revision-12/',0,'revision','',0),(1271,1,'2010-10-22 16:22:25','2010-10-22 23:22:25','<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1260\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Exceptional foliage foreplay. Too bad I couldn&#39;t stick around. \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA1002011.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1260\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA1002011-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n</br>\r\n\r\n<p>Day 2 of Nature Extravaganza with David (aka Captain Adventure) involved schlepping up the switchbacks to cool and breezy Flagstaff, Arizona. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>You may recall from yesterday\'s post that I craved an autumnal experience to remember, and the user-friendly <a href=\"http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/fall-colors/fall_colors.shtml\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Coconino National Forest website</strong></a> promised me a <em>climax</em> of colors during the 2nd weekend of October.  What woman could resist the promise of a colorful climax? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Unfortunately, after much hype and foreplay, Coconino didn\'t deliver.  Hmph.  Very<em> anti</em>-climactic, if you ask me.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Captain Adventure, the eternal optimist, announced a change of plans!  We would make lemons into lemonade! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I, the eternal smart ass, announced that squeezing lemons into lemonade is sooooo cliché.  Instead, we would turn lemons into lemon cream pie! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Captain Adventure shot me a \"What planet are you from?\" look.  (It\'s o.k.  I\'m used to it. )</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>He then kindly obliged with, \"I love lemon cream pie!\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Ingredients for Day 26\'s Lemon Cream Pie:</p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Flagstaff forest</li>\r\n	<li>Hiking trail </li>\r\n	<li>Yellow Aspens climaxing in sweet harmony</li>\r\n	<li>Good company</li>\r\n	<li>Fresh Air</li>\r\n	<li>65 degrees and sunshine</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n\r\n<p>Should you find yourself short on yellow aspens, simply substitute and get turned on by another autumn staple -- multitudes of pine cones. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Ahhhhhh...</p>','Day 26:  Foliage Foreplay in Flagstaff ','','inherit','open','open','','1110-revision-14','','','2010-10-22 16:22:25','2010-10-22 23:22:25','',1110,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/22/1110-revision-14/',0,'revision','',0),(1273,1,'2010-10-22 16:25:42','2010-10-22 23:25:42','<p>\n</br>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_1260\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Exceptional foliage foreplay. Too bad I couldn&#39;t stick around. \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA1002011.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1260\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA1002011-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n</p>\n\n<p>Day 2 of Nature Extravaganza with David (aka Captain Adventure) involved schlepping up the switchbacks to cool and breezy Flagstaff, Arizona. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>You may recall from yesterday\'s post that I craved an autumnal experience to remember, and the user-friendly <a href=\"http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/fall-colors/fall_colors.shtml\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Coconino National Forest website</strong></a> promised me a <em>climax</em> of colors during the 2nd weekend of October.  What woman could resist the promise of a colorful climax? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Unfortunately, after much hype and foreplay, Coconino didn\'t deliver.  Hmph.  Very<em> anti</em>-climactic, if you ask me.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Captain Adventure, the eternal optimist, announced a change of plans!  We would make lemons into lemonade! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I, the eternal smart ass, announced that squeezing lemons into lemonade is sooooo cliché.  Instead, we would turn lemons into lemon cream pie! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Captain Adventure shot me a \"What planet are you from?\" look.  (It\'s o.k.  I\'m used to it. )</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>He then kindly obliged with, \"I love lemon cream pie!\" </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Ingredients for Day 26\'s Lemon Cream Pie:</p>\n\n<ul>\n	<li>Flagstaff forest</li>\n	<li>Hiking trail </li>\n	<li>Yellow Aspens climaxing in sweet harmony</li>\n	<li>Good company</li>\n	<li>Fresh Air</li>\n	<li>65 degrees and sunshine</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Should you find yourself short on yellow aspens, simply substitute and get turned on by another autumn staple -- multitudes of pine cones. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Ahhhhhh...</p>','Day 26:  Flagstaff Foliage Flop ','','inherit','open','open','','1110-revision-16','','','2010-10-22 16:25:42','2010-10-22 23:25:42','',1110,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/22/1110-revision-16/',0,'revision','',0),(1272,1,'2010-10-22 16:24:37','2010-10-22 23:24:37','<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1260\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Exceptional foliage foreplay. Too bad I couldn&#39;t stick around. \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA1002011.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1260\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA1002011-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p> \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Day 2 of Nature Extravaganza with David (aka Captain Adventure) involved schlepping up the switchbacks to cool and breezy Flagstaff, Arizona. \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>You may recall from yesterday\'s post that I craved an autumnal experience to remember, and the user-friendly <a href=\"http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/fall-colors/fall_colors.shtml\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Coconino National Forest website</strong></a> promised me a <em>climax</em> of colors during the 2nd weekend of October.  What woman could resist the promise of a colorful climax? \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Unfortunately, after much hype and foreplay, Coconino didn\'t deliver.  Hmph.  Very<em> anti</em>-climactic, if you ask me.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Captain Adventure, the eternal optimist, announced a change of plans!  We would make lemons into lemonade! \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I, the eternal smart ass, announced that squeezing lemons into lemonade is sooooo cliché.  Instead, we would turn lemons into lemon cream pie! \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Captain Adventure shot me a \"What planet are you from?\" look.  (It\'s o.k.  I\'m used to it. )\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>He then kindly obliged with, \"I love lemon cream pie!\" \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Ingredients for Day 26\'s Lemon Cream Pie:\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p> \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Flagstaff forest</li>\r\n	<li>Hiking trail </li>\r\n	<li>Yellow Aspens climaxing in sweet harmony</li>\r\n	<li>Good company</li>\r\n	<li>Fresh Air</li>\r\n	<li>65 degrees and sunshine</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n\r\n<p>Should you find yourself short on yellow aspens, simply substitute and get turned on by another autumn staple -- multitudes of pine cones. \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Ahhhhhh...\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>','Day 26:  Foliage Foreplay in Flagstaff ','','inherit','open','open','','1110-revision-15','','','2010-10-22 16:24:37','2010-10-22 23:24:37','',1110,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/22/1110-revision-15/',0,'revision','',0),(1275,1,'2010-10-22 16:27:08','2010-10-22 23:27:08','[caption id=\"attachment_1260\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Exceptional foliage foreplay. Too bad I couldn&#39;t stick around. \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA1002011.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1260\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA1002011-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n<p>Day 2 of Nature Extravaganza with David (aka Captain Adventure) involved schlepping up the switchbacks to cool and breezy Flagstaff, Arizona. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>You may recall from yesterday\'s post that I craved an autumnal experience to remember, and the user-friendly <a href=\"http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/fall-colors/fall_colors.shtml\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Coconino National Forest website</strong></a> promised me a <em>climax</em> of colors during the 2nd weekend of October.  What woman could resist the promise of a colorful climax? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Unfortunately, after much hype and foreplay, Coconino didn\'t deliver.  Hmph.  Very<em> anti</em>-climactic, if you ask me.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Captain Adventure, the eternal optimist, announced a change of plans!  We would make lemons into lemonade! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I, the eternal smart ass, announced that squeezing lemons into lemonade is sooooo cliché.  Instead, we would turn lemons into lemon cream pie! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Captain Adventure shot me a \"What planet are you from?\" look.  (It\'s o.k.  I\'m used to it. )</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>He then kindly obliged with, \"I love lemon cream pie!\" </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Ingredients for Day 26\'s Lemon Cream Pie:</p>\n\n<ul>\n	<li>Flagstaff forest</li>\n	<li>Hiking trail </li>\n	<li>Yellow Aspens climaxing in sweet harmony</li>\n	<li>Good company</li>\n	<li>Fresh Air</li>\n	<li>65 degrees and sunshine</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Should you find yourself short on yellow aspens, simply substitute and get turned on by another autumn staple -- multitudes of pine cones. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Ahhhhhh...</p>','Day 26:  Flagstaff Foliage Flop ','','inherit','open','open','','1110-revision-18','','','2010-10-22 16:27:08','2010-10-22 23:27:08','',1110,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/22/1110-revision-18/',0,'revision','',0),(1274,1,'2010-10-22 16:26:22','2010-10-22 23:26:22','<p> \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1260\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Exceptional foliage foreplay. Too bad I couldn&#39;t stick around. \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA1002011.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1260\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA1002011-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Day 2 of Nature Extravaganza with David (aka Captain Adventure) involved schlepping up the switchbacks to cool and breezy Flagstaff, Arizona. \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>You may recall from yesterday\'s post that I craved an autumnal experience to remember, and the user-friendly <a href=\"http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/fall-colors/fall_colors.shtml\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Coconino National Forest website</strong></a> promised me a <em>climax</em> of colors during the 2nd weekend of October.  What woman could resist the promise of a colorful climax? \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Unfortunately, after much hype and foreplay, Coconino didn\'t deliver.  Hmph.  Very<em> anti</em>-climactic, if you ask me.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Captain Adventure, the eternal optimist, announced a change of plans!  We would make lemons into lemonade! \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I, the eternal smart ass, announced that squeezing lemons into lemonade is sooooo cliché.  Instead, we would turn lemons into lemon cream pie! \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Captain Adventure shot me a \"What planet are you from?\" look.  (It\'s o.k.  I\'m used to it. )\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>He then kindly obliged with, \"I love lemon cream pie!\" \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Ingredients for Day 26\'s Lemon Cream Pie:\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Flagstaff forest</li>\r\n	<li>Hiking trail </li>\r\n	<li>Yellow Aspens climaxing in sweet harmony</li>\r\n	<li>Good company</li>\r\n	<li>Fresh Air</li>\r\n	<li>65 degrees and sunshine</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n\r\n<p>Should you find yourself short on yellow aspens, simply substitute and get turned on by another autumn staple -- multitudes of pine cones. \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Ahhhhhh...\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>','Day 26:  Flagstaff Foliage Flop ','','inherit','open','open','','1110-revision-17','','','2010-10-22 16:26:22','2010-10-22 23:26:22','',1110,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/22/1110-revision-17/',0,'revision','',0),(1276,1,'2010-10-22 16:27:25','2010-10-22 23:27:25','<p>[caption id=\"attachment_1260\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Exceptional foliage foreplay. Too bad I couldn&#39;t stick around. \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA1002011.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1260\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA1002011-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]</p>\r\n<p>Day 2 of Nature Extravaganza with David (aka Captain Adventure) involved schlepping up the switchbacks to cool and breezy Flagstaff, Arizona. </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>You may recall from yesterday\'s post that I craved an autumnal experience to remember, and the user-friendly <a href=\"http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/fall-colors/fall_colors.shtml\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Coconino National Forest website</strong></a> promised me a <em>climax</em> of colors during the 2nd weekend of October.  What woman could resist the promise of a colorful climax? </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Unfortunately, after much hype and foreplay, Coconino didn\'t deliver.  Hmph.  Very<em> anti</em>-climactic, if you ask me.</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Captain Adventure, the eternal optimist, announced a change of plans!  We would make lemons into lemonade! </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>I, the eternal smart ass, announced that squeezing lemons into lemonade is sooooo cliché.  Instead, we would turn lemons into lemon cream pie! </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Captain Adventure shot me a \"What planet are you from?\" look.  (It\'s o.k.  I\'m used to it. )</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>He then kindly obliged with, \"I love lemon cream pie!\" </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Ingredients for Day 26\'s Lemon Cream Pie:</p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Flagstaff forest</li>\r\n<li>Hiking trail </li>\r\n<li>Yellow Aspens climaxing in sweet harmony</li>\r\n<li>Good company</li>\r\n<li>Fresh Air</li>\r\n<li>65 degrees and sunshine</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p>Should you find yourself short on yellow aspens, simply substitute and get turned on by another autumn staple -- multitudes of pine cones. </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Ahhhhhh...</p>\r\n','Day 26:  Flagstaff Foliage Flop ','','inherit','open','open','','1110-revision-19','','','2010-10-22 16:27:25','2010-10-22 23:27:25','',1110,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/22/1110-revision-19/',0,'revision','',0),(1277,1,'2010-10-22 16:27:40','2010-10-22 23:27:40','<p>[caption id=\"attachment_1260\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Exceptional foliage foreplay. Too bad I couldn&#39;t stick around. \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA1002011.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1260\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA1002011-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]</p>\r\n<p>Day 2 of Nature Extravaganza with David (aka Captain Adventure) involved schlepping up the switchbacks to cool and breezy Flagstaff, Arizona. </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>You may recall from yesterday\'s post that I craved an autumnal experience to remember, and the user-friendly <a href=\"http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/fall-colors/fall_colors.shtml\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Coconino National Forest website</strong></a> promised me a <em>climax</em> of colors during the 2nd weekend of October.  What woman could resist the promise of a colorful climax? </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Unfortunately, after much hype and foreplay, Coconino didn\'t deliver.  Hmph.  Very<em> anti</em>-climactic, if you ask me.</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Captain Adventure, the eternal optimist, announced a change of plans!  We would make lemons into lemonade! </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>I, the eternal smart ass, announced that squeezing lemons into lemonade is sooooo cliché.  Instead, we would turn lemons into lemon cream pie! </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Captain Adventure shot me a \"What planet are you from?\" look.  (It\'s o.k.  I\'m used to it. )</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>He then kindly obliged with, \"I love lemon cream pie!\" </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Ingredients for Day 26\'s Lemon Cream Pie:</p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Flagstaff forest</li>\r\n<li>Hiking trail </li>\r\n<li>Yellow Aspens climaxing in sweet harmony</li>\r\n<li>Good company</li>\r\n<li>Fresh Air</li>\r\n<li>65 degrees and sunshine</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p>Should you find yourself short on yellow aspens, simply substitute and get turned on by another autumn staple -- multitudes of pine cones. </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Ahhhhhh...</p>\r\n','Day 26:  Foliage Foreplay in Flagstaff ','','inherit','open','open','','1110-revision-20','','','2010-10-22 16:27:40','2010-10-22 23:27:40','',1110,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/22/1110-revision-20/',0,'revision','',0),(1278,1,'2010-10-22 16:28:29','2010-10-22 23:28:29','<p>[caption id=\"attachment_1260\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Exceptional foliage foreplay. Too bad I couldn&#39;t stick around. \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA1002011.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1260\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA1002011-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]</p>\r\n</p>\r\n<p>Day 2 of Nature Extravaganza with David (aka Captain Adventure) involved schlepping up the switchbacks to cool and breezy Flagstaff, Arizona. </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>You may recall from yesterday\'s post that I craved an autumnal experience to remember, and the user-friendly <a href=\"http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/fall-colors/fall_colors.shtml\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Coconino National Forest website</strong></a> promised me a <em>climax</em> of colors during the 2nd weekend of October.  What woman could resist the promise of a colorful climax? </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Unfortunately, after much hype and foreplay, Coconino didn\'t deliver.  Hmph.  Very<em> anti</em>-climactic, if you ask me.</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Captain Adventure, the eternal optimist, announced a change of plans!  We would make lemons into lemonade! </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>I, the eternal smart ass, announced that squeezing lemons into lemonade is sooooo cliché.  Instead, we would turn lemons into lemon cream pie! </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Captain Adventure shot me a \"What planet are you from?\" look.  (It\'s o.k.  I\'m used to it. )</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>He then kindly obliged with, \"I love lemon cream pie!\" </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Ingredients for Day 26\'s Lemon Cream Pie:</p>\r\n</p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Flagstaff forest</li>\r\n<li>Hiking trail </li>\r\n<li>Yellow Aspens climaxing in sweet harmony</li>\r\n<li>Good company</li>\r\n<li>Fresh Air</li>\r\n<li>65 degrees and sunshine</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p>Should you find yourself short on yellow aspens, simply substitute and get turned on by another autumn staple -- multitudes of pine cones. </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Ahhhhhh...</p>\r\n','Day 26:  Foliage Foreplay in Flagstaff ','','inherit','open','open','','1110-revision-21','','','2010-10-22 16:28:29','2010-10-22 23:28:29','',1110,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/22/1110-revision-21/',0,'revision','',0),(1279,1,'2010-10-22 16:29:20','2010-10-22 23:29:20','<p>[caption id=\"attachment_1260\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Exceptional foliage foreplay. Too bad I couldn&#39;t stick around. \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA1002011.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1260\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA1002011-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]</p>\r\n</br>\r\n<p>Day 2 of Nature Extravaganza with David (aka Captain Adventure) involved schlepping up the switchbacks to cool and breezy Flagstaff, Arizona. </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>You may recall from yesterday\'s post that I craved an autumnal experience to remember, and the user-friendly <a href=\"http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/fall-colors/fall_colors.shtml\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Coconino National Forest website</strong></a> promised me a <em>climax</em> of colors during the 2nd weekend of October.  What woman could resist the promise of a colorful climax? </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Unfortunately, after much hype and foreplay, Coconino didn\'t deliver.  Hmph.  Very<em> anti</em>-climactic, if you ask me.</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Captain Adventure, the eternal optimist, announced a change of plans!  We would make lemons into lemonade! </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>I, the eternal smart ass, announced that squeezing lemons into lemonade is sooooo cliché.  Instead, we would turn lemons into lemon cream pie! </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Captain Adventure shot me a \"What planet are you from?\" look.  (It\'s o.k.  I\'m used to it. )</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>He then kindly obliged with, \"I love lemon cream pie!\" </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Ingredients for Day 26\'s Lemon Cream Pie:</p>\r\n</br>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Flagstaff forest</li>\r\n<li>Hiking trail </li>\r\n<li>Yellow Aspens climaxing in sweet harmony</li>\r\n<li>Good company</li>\r\n<li>Fresh Air</li>\r\n<li>65 degrees and sunshine</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p>Should you find yourself short on yellow aspens, simply substitute and get turned on by another autumn staple -- multitudes of pine cones. </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Ahhhhhh...</p>\r\n','Day 26:  Foliage Foreplay in Flagstaff ','','inherit','open','open','','1110-revision-22','','','2010-10-22 16:29:20','2010-10-22 23:29:20','',1110,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/22/1110-revision-22/',0,'revision','',0),(1282,1,'2010-10-22 16:32:28','2010-10-22 23:32:28','<p>[caption id=\"attachment_1260\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Exceptional foliage foreplay. Too bad I couldn&#39;t stick around until the end. \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA1002011.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1260\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA1002011-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]</p>\n<p></br></p>\n<p>Day 2 of Nature Extravaganza with David (aka Captain Adventure) involved schlepping up the switchbacks to cool and breezy Flagstaff, Arizona. </p>\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n<p>You may recall from yesterday\'s post that I craved an autumnal experience to remember, and the user-friendly <a href=\"http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/fall-colors/fall_colors.shtml\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Coconino National Forest website</strong></a> promised me a <em>climax</em> of colors during the 2nd weekend of October.  What woman could resist the promise of a colorful climax? </p>\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n<p>Unfortunately, after much hype and foreplay, Coconino didn\'t deliver.  Hmph.  Very<em> anti</em>-climactic, if you ask me.</p>\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n<p>Captain Adventure, the eternal optimist, announced a change of plans!  We would make lemons into lemonade! </p>\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n<p>I, the eternal smart ass, announced that squeezing lemons into lemonade is sooooo cliché.  Instead, we would turn lemons into lemon cream pie! </p>\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n<p>Captain Adventure shot me a \"What planet are you from?\" look.  (It\'s o.k.  I\'m used to it. )</p>\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n<p>He then kindly obliged with, \"I love lemon cream pie!\" </p>\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n<p>Ingredients for Day 26\'s Lemon Cream Pie:</p>\n<p></br></p>\n<ul>\n<li>Flagstaff forest</li>\n<li>Hiking trail </li>\n<li>Yellow Aspens climaxing in sweet harmony</li>\n<li>Good company</li>\n<li>Fresh Air</li>\n<li>65 degrees and sunshine</li>\n</ul>\n<p>Should you find yourself short on yellow Aspens, simply substitute and get turned on by another autumn staple -- multitudes of pine cones. </p>\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n<p>Ahhhhhh...</p>\n','Day 26:  Foliage Foreplay in Flagstaff ','','inherit','open','open','','1110-revision-25','','','2010-10-22 16:32:28','2010-10-22 23:32:28','',1110,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/22/1110-revision-25/',0,'revision','',0),(1280,1,'2010-10-22 16:29:29','2010-10-22 23:29:29','<p>[caption id=\"attachment_1260\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Exceptional foliage foreplay. Too bad I couldn&#39;t stick around. \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA1002011.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1260\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA1002011-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]</p>\r\n<p></br></p>\r\n<p>Day 2 of Nature Extravaganza with David (aka Captain Adventure) involved schlepping up the switchbacks to cool and breezy Flagstaff, Arizona. </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>You may recall from yesterday\'s post that I craved an autumnal experience to remember, and the user-friendly <a href=\"http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/fall-colors/fall_colors.shtml\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Coconino National Forest website</strong></a> promised me a <em>climax</em> of colors during the 2nd weekend of October.  What woman could resist the promise of a colorful climax? </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Unfortunately, after much hype and foreplay, Coconino didn\'t deliver.  Hmph.  Very<em> anti</em>-climactic, if you ask me.</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Captain Adventure, the eternal optimist, announced a change of plans!  We would make lemons into lemonade! </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>I, the eternal smart ass, announced that squeezing lemons into lemonade is sooooo cliché.  Instead, we would turn lemons into lemon cream pie! </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Captain Adventure shot me a \"What planet are you from?\" look.  (It\'s o.k.  I\'m used to it. )</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>He then kindly obliged with, \"I love lemon cream pie!\" </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Ingredients for Day 26\'s Lemon Cream Pie:</p>\r\n<p></br></p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Flagstaff forest</li>\r\n<li>Hiking trail </li>\r\n<li>Yellow Aspens climaxing in sweet harmony</li>\r\n<li>Good company</li>\r\n<li>Fresh Air</li>\r\n<li>65 degrees and sunshine</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p>Should you find yourself short on yellow aspens, simply substitute and get turned on by another autumn staple -- multitudes of pine cones. </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Ahhhhhh...</p>\r\n','Day 26:  Foliage Foreplay in Flagstaff ','','inherit','open','open','','1110-revision-23','','','2010-10-22 16:29:29','2010-10-22 23:29:29','',1110,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/22/1110-revision-23/',0,'revision','',0),(1281,1,'2010-10-22 16:31:09','2010-10-22 23:31:09','<p>[caption id=\"attachment_1260\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Exceptional foliage foreplay. Too bad I couldn&#39;t stick around. \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA1002011.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1260\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA1002011-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]</p>\r\n<p></br></p>\r\n<p>Day 2 of Nature Extravaganza with David (aka Captain Adventure) involved schlepping up the switchbacks to cool and breezy Flagstaff, Arizona. </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>You may recall from yesterday\'s post that I craved an autumnal experience to remember, and the user-friendly <a href=\"http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/fall-colors/fall_colors.shtml\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Coconino National Forest website</strong></a> promised me a <em>climax</em> of colors during the 2nd weekend of October.  What woman could resist the promise of a colorful climax? </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Unfortunately, after much hype and foreplay, Coconino didn\'t deliver.  Hmph.  Very<em> anti</em>-climactic, if you ask me.</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Captain Adventure, the eternal optimist, announced a change of plans!  We would make lemons into lemonade! </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>I, the eternal smart ass, announced that squeezing lemons into lemonade is sooooo cliché.  Instead, we would turn lemons into lemon cream pie! </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Captain Adventure shot me a \"What planet are you from?\" look.  (It\'s o.k.  I\'m used to it. )</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>He then kindly obliged with, \"I love lemon cream pie!\" </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Ingredients for Day 26\'s Lemon Cream Pie:</p>\r\n<p></br></p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Flagstaff forest</li>\r\n<li>Hiking trail </li>\r\n<li>Yellow Aspens climaxing in sweet harmony</li>\r\n<li>Good company</li>\r\n<li>Fresh Air</li>\r\n<li>65 degrees and sunshine</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p>Should you find yourself short on yellow aspens, simply substitute and get turned on by another autumn staple -- multitudes of pine cones. </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Ahhhhhh...</p>\r\n','Day 26:  Foliage Foreplay in Flagstaff ','','inherit','open','open','','1110-revision-24','','','2010-10-22 16:31:09','2010-10-22 23:31:09','',1110,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/22/1110-revision-24/',0,'revision','',0),(1283,1,'2010-10-22 16:32:34','2010-10-22 23:32:34','<p>[caption id=\"attachment_1260\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Exceptional foliage foreplay. Too bad I couldn&#39;t stick around until the end. \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA1002011.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1260\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA1002011-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]</p>\r\n<p></br></p>\r\n<p>Day 2 of Nature Extravaganza with David (aka Captain Adventure) involved schlepping up the switchbacks to cool and breezy Flagstaff, Arizona. </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>You may recall from yesterday\'s post that I craved an autumnal experience to remember, and the user-friendly <a href=\"http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/fall-colors/fall_colors.shtml\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Coconino National Forest website</strong></a> promised me a <em>climax</em> of colors during the 2nd weekend of October.  What woman could resist the promise of a colorful climax? </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Unfortunately, after much hype and foreplay, Coconino didn\'t deliver.  Hmph.  Very<em> anti</em>-climactic, if you ask me.</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Captain Adventure, the eternal optimist, announced a change of plans!  We would make lemons into lemonade! </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>I, the eternal smart ass, announced that squeezing lemons into lemonade is sooooo cliché.  Instead, we would turn lemons into lemon cream pie! </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Captain Adventure shot me a \"What planet are you from?\" look.  (It\'s o.k.  I\'m used to it. )</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>He then kindly obliged with, \"I love lemon cream pie!\" </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Ingredients for Day 26\'s Lemon Cream Pie:</p>\r\n<p></br></p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Flagstaff forest</li>\r\n<li>Hiking trail </li>\r\n<li>Yellow Aspens climaxing in sweet harmony</li>\r\n<li>Good company</li>\r\n<li>Fresh Air</li>\r\n<li>65 degrees and sunshine</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p>Should you find yourself short on yellow Aspens, simply substitute and get turned on by another autumn staple -- multitudes of pine cones. </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Ahhhhhh...</p>\r\n','Day 26:  Foliage Foreplay in Flagstaff ','','inherit','open','open','','1110-revision-26','','','2010-10-22 16:32:34','2010-10-22 23:32:34','',1110,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/22/1110-revision-26/',0,'revision','',0),(1284,1,'2010-10-22 16:32:50','2010-10-22 23:32:50','<p>[caption id=\"attachment_1260\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Exceptional foliage foreplay. Too bad I couldn&#39;t stick around until the end. \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA1002011.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1260\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA1002011-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]</p>\r\n<p></br></p>\r\n<p>Day 2 of Nature Extravaganza with David (aka Captain Adventure) involved schlepping up the switchbacks to cool and breezy Flagstaff, Arizona. </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>You may recall from yesterday\'s post that I craved an autumnal experience to remember, and the user-friendly <a href=\"http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/fall-colors/fall_colors.shtml\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Coconino National Forest website</strong></a> promised me a <em>climax</em> of colors during the 2nd weekend of October.  What woman could resist the promise of a colorful climax? </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Unfortunately, after much hype and foreplay, Coconino didn\'t deliver.  Hmph.  Very<em> anti</em>-climactic, if you ask me.</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Captain Adventure, the eternal optimist, announced a change of plans!  We would make lemons into lemonade! </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>I, the eternal smart ass, announced that squeezing lemons into lemonade is sooooo cliché.  Instead, we would turn lemons into lemon cream pie! </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Captain Adventure shot me a \"What planet are you from?\" look.  (It\'s o.k.  I\'m used to it. )</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>He then kindly obliged with, \"I love lemon cream pie!\" </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Ingredients for Day 26\'s Lemon Cream Pie:</p>\r\n<p></br></p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Flagstaff forest</li>\r\n<li>Hiking trail </li>\r\n<li>Yellow Aspens climaxing in sweet harmony</li>\r\n<li>Good company</li>\r\n<li>Fresh Air</li>\r\n<li>65 degrees and sunshine</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p>Should you find yourself short on yellow Aspens, simply substitute and get turned on by another autumn staple -- multitudes of pine cones. </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Ahhhhhh...</p>\r\n','Day 26:  Foliage Foreplay in Flagstaff ','','inherit','open','open','','1110-revision-27','','','2010-10-22 16:32:50','2010-10-22 23:32:50','',1110,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/22/1110-revision-27/',0,'revision','',0),(1285,1,'2010-10-22 23:11:46','2010-10-23 06:11:46','<p>[caption id=\"attachment_1260\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Exceptional foliage foreplay. Too bad I couldn&#39;t stick around until the end. \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA1002011.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1260\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA1002011-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Day 2 of Nature Extravaganza with David (aka Captain Adventure) involved schlepping up the switchbacks to cool and breezy Flagstaff, Arizona. </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>You may recall from yesterday\'s post that I craved an autumnal experience to remember, and the user-friendly <a href=\"http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/fall-colors/fall_colors.shtml\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Coconino National Forest website</strong></a> promised me a <em>climax</em> of colors during the 2nd weekend of October.  What woman could resist the promise of a colorful climax? </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Unfortunately, after much hype and foreplay, Coconino didn\'t deliver.  Hmph.  Very<em> anti</em>-climactic, if you ask me.</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\nOur visit was turned out to be a bit premature.  I hate it when that happens.\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Captain Adventure, the eternal optimist, announced a change of plans!  We would make lemons into lemonade! </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>I, the eternal smart ass, announced that squeezing lemons into lemonade is sooooo cliché.  Instead, we would turn lemons into lemon cream pie! </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Captain Adventure shot me a \"What planet are you from?\" look.  (It\'s o.k.  I\'m used to it. )</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>He then kindly obliged with, \"I love lemon cream pie!\" </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Ingredients for Day 26\'s Lemon Cream Pie:</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Flagstaff forest</li>\r\n<li>Hiking trail </li>\r\n<li>Yellow Aspens climaxing in sweet harmony</li>\r\n<li>Good company</li>\r\n<li>Fresh Air</li>\r\n<li>65 degrees and sunshine</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p>Should you find yourself short on yellow Aspens, simply substitute and get turned on by another autumn staple -- multitudes of pine cones. </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Ahhhhhh...</p>\r\n','Day 26:  Foliage Foreplay in Flagstaff ','','inherit','open','open','','1110-autosave','','','2010-10-22 23:11:46','2010-10-23 06:11:46','',1110,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/22/1110-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(1286,1,'2010-10-22 16:33:48','2010-10-22 23:33:48','<p>[caption id=\"attachment_1260\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Exceptional foliage foreplay. Too bad I couldn&#39;t stick around until the end. \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA1002011.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1260\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA1002011-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]</p>\r\n<p></br></p>\r\n<p>Day 2 of Nature Extravaganza with David (aka Captain Adventure) involved schlepping up the switchbacks to cool and breezy Flagstaff, Arizona. </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>You may recall from yesterday\'s post that I craved an autumnal experience to remember, and the user-friendly <a href=\"http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/fall-colors/fall_colors.shtml\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Coconino National Forest website</strong></a> promised me a <em>climax</em> of colors during the 2nd weekend of October.  What woman could resist the promise of a colorful climax? </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Unfortunately, after much hype and foreplay, Coconino didn\'t deliver.  Hmph.  Very<em> anti</em>-climactic, if you ask me.</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Captain Adventure, the eternal optimist, announced a change of plans!  We would make lemons into lemonade! </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>I, the eternal smart ass, announced that squeezing lemons into lemonade is sooooo cliché.  Instead, we would turn lemons into lemon cream pie! </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Captain Adventure shot me a \"What planet are you from?\" look.  (It\'s o.k.  I\'m used to it. )</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>He then kindly obliged with, \"I love lemon cream pie!\" </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Ingredients for Day 26\'s Lemon Cream Pie:</p>\r\n<p></br></p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Flagstaff forest</li>\r\n<li>Hiking trail </li>\r\n<li>Yellow Aspens climaxing in sweet harmony</li>\r\n<li>Good company</li>\r\n<li>Fresh Air</li>\r\n<li>65 degrees and sunshine</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p>Should you find yourself short on yellow Aspens, simply substitute and get turned on by another autumn staple -- multitudes of pine cones. </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Ahhhhhh...</p>\r\n','Day 26:  Foliage Foreplay in Flagstaff ','','inherit','open','open','','1110-revision-28','','','2010-10-22 16:33:48','2010-10-22 23:33:48','',1110,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/22/1110-revision-28/',0,'revision','',0),(1287,1,'2010-10-22 23:09:35','2010-10-23 06:09:35','<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1260\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Exceptional foliage foreplay. Too bad I couldn&#39;t stick around until the end. \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA1002011.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1260\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA1002011-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Day 2 of Nature Extravaganza with David (aka Captain Adventure) involved schlepping up the switchbacks to cool and breezy Flagstaff, Arizona. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>You may recall from yesterday\'s post that I craved an autumnal experience to remember, and the user-friendly <a href=\"http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/fall-colors/fall_colors.shtml\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Coconino National Forest website</strong></a> promised me a <em>climax</em> of colors during the 2nd weekend of October.  What woman could resist the promise of a colorful climax? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Unfortunately, after much hype and foreplay, Coconino didn\'t deliver.  Hmph.  Very<em> anti</em>-climactic, if you ask me.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Captain Adventure, the eternal optimist, announced a change of plans!  We would make lemons into lemonade! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I, the eternal smart ass, announced that squeezing lemons into lemonade is sooooo cliché.  Instead, we would turn lemons into lemon cream pie! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Captain Adventure shot me a \"What planet are you from?\" look.  (It\'s o.k.  I\'m used to it. )</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>He then kindly obliged with, \"I love lemon cream pie!\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Ingredients for Day 26\'s Lemon Cream Pie:</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Flagstaff forest</li>\r\n	<li>Hiking trail </li>\r\n	<li>Yellow Aspens climaxing in sweet harmony</li>\r\n	<li>Good company</li>\r\n	<li>Fresh Air</li>\r\n	<li>65 degrees and sunshine</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n\r\n<p>Should you find yourself short on yellow Aspens, simply substitute and get turned on by another autumn staple -- multitudes of pine cones. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Ahhhhhh...</p>','Day 26:  Foliage Foreplay in Flagstaff ','','inherit','open','open','','1110-revision-29','','','2010-10-22 23:09:35','2010-10-23 06:09:35','',1110,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/22/1110-revision-29/',0,'revision','',0),(1288,1,'2010-10-22 23:12:07','2010-10-23 06:12:07','<p>[caption id=\"attachment_1260\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Exceptional foliage foreplay. Too bad I couldn&#39;t stick around until the end. \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA1002011.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1260\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA1002011-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Day 2 of Nature Extravaganza with David (aka Captain Adventure) involved schlepping up the switchbacks to cool and breezy Flagstaff, Arizona. </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>You may recall from yesterday\'s post that I craved an autumnal experience to remember, and the user-friendly <a href=\"http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/fall-colors/fall_colors.shtml\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Coconino National Forest website</strong></a> promised me a <em>climax</em> of colors during the 2nd weekend of October.  What woman could resist the promise of a colorful climax? </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Unfortunately, after much hype and foreplay, Coconino didn\'t deliver.  Hmph.  Very<em> anti</em>-climactic, if you ask me.</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\nOur visit turned out to be a bit premature.  I hate it when that happens.\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Captain Adventure, the eternal optimist, announced a change of plans!  We would make lemons into lemonade! </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>I, the eternal smart ass, announced that squeezing lemons into lemonade is sooooo cliché.  Instead, we would turn lemons into lemon cream pie! </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Captain Adventure shot me a \"What planet are you from?\" look.  (It\'s o.k.  I\'m used to it. )</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>He then kindly obliged with, \"I love lemon cream pie!\" </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Ingredients for Day 26\'s Lemon Cream Pie:</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Flagstaff forest</li>\r\n<li>Hiking trail </li>\r\n<li>Yellow Aspens climaxing in sweet harmony</li>\r\n<li>Good company</li>\r\n<li>Fresh Air</li>\r\n<li>65 degrees and sunshine</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p>Should you find yourself short on yellow Aspens, simply substitute and get turned on by another autumn staple -- multitudes of pine cones. </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Ahhhhhh...</p>\r\n','Day 26:  Foliage Foreplay in Flagstaff ','','inherit','open','open','','1110-revision-30','','','2010-10-22 23:12:07','2010-10-23 06:12:07','',1110,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/22/1110-revision-30/',0,'revision','',0),(1289,1,'2010-10-22 23:13:51','2010-10-23 06:13:51','<p>[caption id=\"attachment_1260\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Exceptional foliage foreplay. Too bad I couldn&#39;t stick around until the end. \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA1002011.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1260\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA1002011-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Day 2 of Nature Extravaganza with David (aka Captain Adventure) involved schlepping up the switchbacks to cool and breezy Flagstaff, Arizona. </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>You may recall from yesterday\'s post that I craved an autumnal experience to remember, and the user-friendly <a href=\"http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/fall-colors/fall_colors.shtml\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Coconino National Forest website</strong></a> promised me a <em>climax</em> of colors during the 2nd weekend of October.  What woman could resist the promise of a colorful climax? </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Unfortunately, after much hype and foreplay, Coconino didn\'t deliver.  Hmph.  Very<em> anti</em>-climactic, if you ask me.</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Our visit turned out to be a bit premature.  I hate it when that happens.</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Captain Adventure, the eternal optimist, announced a change of plans!  We would make lemons into lemonade! </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>I, the eternal smart ass, announced that squeezing lemons into lemonade is sooooo cliché.  Instead, we would turn lemons into lemon cream pie! </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Captain Adventure shot me a \"What planet are you from?\" look.  (It\'s o.k.  I\'m used to it. )</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>He then kindly obliged with, \"I love lemon cream pie!\" </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Ingredients for Day 26\'s Lemon Cream Pie:</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Flagstaff forest</li>\r\n<li>Hiking trail </li>\r\n<li>Yellow Aspens climaxing in sweet harmony</li>\r\n<li>Good company</li>\r\n<li>Fresh Air</li>\r\n<li>65 degrees and sunshine</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p>Should you find yourself short on yellow Aspens, simply substitute and get turned on by another autumn staple -- multitudes of pine cones. </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Ahhhhhh...</p>\r\n','Day 26:  Foliage Foreplay in Flagstaff ','','inherit','open','open','','1110-revision-31','','','2010-10-22 23:13:51','2010-10-23 06:13:51','',1110,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/22/1110-revision-31/',0,'revision','',0),(1290,1,'2010-10-23 17:40:15','2010-10-24 00:40:15','I\"ve never been a huge fan of opera.  Specifically, I\'m not a fan of the singing style.  \n\nOr it may be rebellion that traces back to college.  My classically trained voice coaches refused to work with me on musical theatre pieces.  (And I was a theatre major.)  Oh, noooooo...Musical theatre is base!  Opera is grand!  If you want to study with me, you will sing arias!  \n\nThere are worse fates in life than being forced to sing Puccini arias.  ','Day 27:  Opening Night at the Opera ','','inherit','open','open','','1112-revision-3','','','2010-10-23 17:40:15','2010-10-24 00:40:15','',1112,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/23/1112-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(1291,1,'2010-10-23 18:56:32','2010-10-24 01:56:32','<p>I\"ve never been a huge fan of opera. Specifically, I\'m not a fan of the singing style.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Or it may be rebellion that traces back to college. My classically trained voice coaches refused to work with me on musical theatre pieces. (And I was a theatre major.)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Their reasoning was something to the effect of, \"Oh, noooooo...Musical theatre is base! Opera is grand! If you want to study with me, you will sing arias!\"</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Granted, there are worse fates in life than being forced to sing Puccini arias.  In fact, listening to Puccini makes me feel weak in the knees.  Puccini oozes Romance.  It\'s Puccini you hear in the scene from <em>Room with a View</em> where George Emerson marches across the field and lays one on Lucy Honeychurch.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>In a lifetime not too long ago, I used to offer a summer program where children ages 1st -4th grades would meet every afternoon for three weeks.  Culminating activity?  Child-sized version of Mozart\'s <em>The Magic Flute</em>.  Oh, yes, it was adorable.  And I successfully brainwashed many a child into a Mozart obsession.  :-)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 27:  Opening Night at the Opera ','','inherit','open','open','','1112-revision-4','','','2010-10-23 18:56:32','2010-10-24 01:56:32','',1112,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/23/1112-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(1299,1,'2010-10-23 21:00:19','2010-10-24 04:00:19','','azopera','','inherit','open','open','','azopera','','','2010-10-23 21:00:19','2010-10-24 04:00:19','',1112,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/azopera.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1292,1,'2010-10-23 20:46:06','2010-10-24 03:46:06','<p>I\"ve never been a huge fan of opera. Specifically, I\'m not a fan of the singing style.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Or it may be rebellion that traces back to college. My classically trained voice coaches refused to work with me on musical theatre pieces. (And I was a theatre major.)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Their reasoning was something to the effect of, \"Oh, noooooo...Musical theatre is base! Opera is grand! If you want to study with me, you will sing arias!\"</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Granted, there are worse fates in life than being forced to sing Puccini arias.  In fact, listening to Puccini makes me feel weak in the knees.  Puccini oozes Romance.  It is Puccini you hear in the scene from <em>Room with a View</em> where George Emerson marches across the field and lays one on Lucy Honeychurch.  Sigh...</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>In other opera memory lane news:  In a lifetime not too long ago, I created a summer program where children ages 1st -4th grades would meet every afternoon for three weeks.  Culminating activity?  Child-sized version of Mozart\'s opera, <em>The Magic Flute</em>.  Oh, yes, it was adorable.  And I successfully brainwashed many a child into a Mozart obsession.  :-)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>But most opera leaves me lukewarm.  Until the evening of Day 27, Opening Night of the Opera. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Opening Night of an opera season has always intrigued with its glamor and sophisticatication.  And this town could use more sophistication.  Trust me. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>To join me, I invited one of my most chic friends, Brittany (aka Britters).  Although Britters recently confessed to me that she hated my nickname for her.  Not chic enough.  Not chic at all, really.  So I changed her nickname to \"Britt\", which sounds very sultry and Swedish, yah? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Britt and I originally dreamed of wearing gowns to Opening Night, but with no fairy godmother in sight, (and no time to shop), we donned a more than acceptable substitute:  fancy/sexy dresses and strappy/sexy shoes. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>An evening at the opera calls for somewhere classy beforehand.  We decided on <a href=\"http://www.cheuvronts.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Cheuvront\'s</strong></a>, one of my favorite wine bars in Phoenix.  You have to love a restaurant who plays old James Bond movies with French subtitles.  ???  I have no idea why they do this, but it\'s cool.  Trust me again. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Cheuvront\'s also mixes up the best mojitos in town.  And they have a cheese menu.  That\'s right.  Half of their regular menu is devoted to cheese.  Can you spell L-A-C-T-A-I-D? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Luckily, I am not lactose intolerant, and neither is Britt, so we happily ordered the cheese plate.  Très délicieux!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>After wine, cheese and girl talk, Britt and I arrived at Symphony Hall for Gilbert and Sullivan\'s <em>The Pirates of Penzance</em>. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The lights dimmed, the orchestra played, the chorus of singers entered the stage and...Magic.  Pure Magic. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.azopera.com/performances.php?opera=pirates\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Arizona Opera</strong></a> mounted a tremendous production full of wit, humor, talent and heart. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Am I a convert?  Only time will tell. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>For now, I say, \"Bravo, Arizona Opera!  Bravo!\"  I will be back for Puccini\'s <em>Turandot</em> in January. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /> </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 27:  Opening Night at the Opera ','','inherit','open','open','','1112-revision-5','','','2010-10-23 20:46:06','2010-10-24 03:46:06','',1112,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/23/1112-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(1293,1,'2010-10-23 20:48:17','2010-10-24 03:48:17','<p>I\'ve never been a huge fan of opera. Specifically, I\'m not a fan of the singing style.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Or it may be rebellion that traces back to college. My classically trained voice coaches refused to work with me on musical theatre pieces. (And I was a theatre major.)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Their reasoning was something to the effect of, \"Oh, noooooo...Musical theatre is base! Opera is grand! If you want to study with me, you will sing arias!\"</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Granted, there are worse fates in life than being forced to sing Puccini arias.  In fact, listening to Puccini makes me feel weak in the knees.  Puccini oozes Romance.  It is Puccini you hear in the scene from <em>Room with a View </em>where George Emerson marches across the field and lays one on Lucy Honeychurch.  Sigh...</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>In other opera memory lane news:  In a lifetime not too long ago, I created a summer program where children ages 1st -4th grades would meet every afternoon for three weeks.  Culminating activity?  Child-sized version of Mozart\'s opera, <em>The Magic Flute</em>.  Oh, yes, it was adorable.  And I successfully brainwashed many a child into a Mozart obsession.  :-)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>But most opera leaves me lukewarm.  Until the evening of Day 27, Opening Night of the Opera. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Opening Night of an opera season has always intrigued with its glamor and sophistication.  And this town could use more sophistication.  Trust me. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>To join me, I invited one of my most chic friends, Brittany (aka Britters).  Although Britters recently confessed to me that she hated my nickname for her.  Not chic enough.  Not chic at all, really.  So I changed her nickname to \"Britt\", which sounds very sultry and Swedish, yah? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Britt and I originally dreamed of wearing gowns to Opening Night, but with no fairy godmother in sight, (and no time to shop), we donned a more than acceptable substitute:  fancy/sexy dresses and strappy/sexy shoes. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>An evening at the opera calls for somewhere classy beforehand.  We decided on <a href=\"http://www.cheuvronts.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Cheuvront\'s</strong></a>, one of my favorite wine bars in Phoenix.  You have to love a restaurant who plays old James Bond movies with French subtitles.  ???  I have no idea why they do this, but it\'s cool.  Trust me again. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Cheuvront\'s also mixes up the best mojitos in town.  And they have a cheese menu.  That\'s right.  Half of their regular menu is devoted to cheese.  Can you spell L-A-C-T-A-I-D? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Luckily, I am not lactose intolerant, and neither is Britt, so we happily ordered the cheese plate.  Très délicieux!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>After wine, cheese and girl talk, Britt and I arrived at Symphony Hall for Gilbert and Sullivan\'s <em>The Pirates of Penzance</em>. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The lights dimmed, the orchestra played, the chorus of singers entered the stage and...Magic.  Pure Magic. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.azopera.com/performances.php?opera=pirates\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Arizona Opera</strong></a> mounted a tremendous production full of wit, humor, talent and heart. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Am I a convert?  Only time will tell. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>For now, I say, \"Bravo, Arizona Opera!  Bravo!\"  I will be back for Puccini\'s <em>Turandot</em> in January. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /> </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 27:  Opening Night at the Opera ','','inherit','open','open','','1112-revision-6','','','2010-10-23 20:48:17','2010-10-24 03:48:17','',1112,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/23/1112-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(1294,1,'2010-10-23 20:50:17','2010-10-24 03:50:17','<p>I\'ve never been a huge fan of opera. Specifically, I\'m not a fan of the singing style.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Or it may be rebellion that traces back to college. My classically trained voice coaches refused to work with me on musical theatre pieces. (And I was a theatre major.)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Their reasoning was something to the effect of, \"Oh, noooooo...Musical theatre is base! Opera is grand! If you want to study with me, you will sing arias!\"</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Granted, there are worse fates in life than being forced to sing Puccini arias.  In fact, listening to Puccini makes me feel weak in the knees.  Puccini oozes Romance.  It is Puccini you hear in the scene from <em>Room with a View </em>where George Emerson marches across the field and lays one on Lucy Honeychurch.  Sigh...</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>In other opera memory lane news:  In a lifetime not too long ago, I created a summer program where children ages 1st -4th grades would meet every afternoon for three weeks.  Culminating activity?  Child-sized version of Mozart\'s opera, <em>The Magic Flute</em>.  Oh, yes, it was adorable.  And I successfully brainwashed many a child into a Mozart obsession.  :-)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>But most opera leaves me lukewarm.  Until the evening of Day 27, Opening Night of the Opera. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Opening Night of an opera season has always intrigued with its glamour and sophistication.  And this town could use more sophistication.  Trust me. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>To join me, I invited one of my most chic friends, Brittany (aka Britters).  Although Britters recently confessed to me that she hated my nickname for her.  Not chic enough.  Not chic at all, really.  So I changed her nickname to \"Britt\", which sounds very sultry and Swedish, yah? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Britt and I originally dreamed of wearing gowns to Opening Night, but with no fairy godmother in sight, (and no time to shop), we donned a more than acceptable substitute:  fancy/sexy dresses and strappy/sexy shoes. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>An evening at the opera calls for somewhere classy beforehand.  We decided on <a href=\"http://www.cheuvronts.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Cheuvront\'s</strong></a>, one of my favorite wine bars in Phoenix.  You have to love a restaurant that plays old James Bond movies with French subtitles.  ???  I have no idea why they do this, but it\'s cool.  Trust me again. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Cheuvront\'s also mixes up the best mojitos in town.  And they have a cheese menu.  That\'s right.  Half of their regular menu is devoted to cheese.  Can you spell L-A-C-T-A-I-D? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Luckily, I am not lactose intolerant, and neither is Britt, so we happily ordered the cheese plate.  Très délicieux!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>After wine, cheese and girl talk, Britt and I arrived at Symphony Hall for Gilbert and Sullivan\'s <em>The Pirates of Penzance</em>. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The lights dimmed, the orchestra played, the chorus of singers entered the stage and...Magic.  Pure Magic. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.azopera.com/performances.php?opera=pirates\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Arizona Opera</strong></a> mounted a tremendous production full of wit, humor, talent and heart. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Am I a convert?  Only time will tell. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>For now, I say, \"Bravo, Arizona Opera!  Bravo!\"  I will be back for Puccini\'s <em>Turandot</em> in January. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /> </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 27:  Opening Night at the Opera ','','inherit','open','open','','1112-revision-7','','','2010-10-23 20:50:17','2010-10-24 03:50:17','',1112,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/23/1112-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(1298,1,'2010-10-23 20:53:59','2010-10-24 03:53:59','<p>I\'ve never been a huge fan of opera. Specifically, I\'m not a fan of the singing style.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Or it may be rebellion that traces back to college. My classically trained voice coaches refused to work with me on musical theatre pieces. (And I was a theatre major.)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Their reasoning was something to the effect of, \"Oh, noooooo...Musical theatre is base! Opera is grand! If you want to study with me, you will sing arias!\"</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Granted, there are worse fates in life than being forced to sing Puccini arias.  In fact, listening to Puccini makes me feel weak in the knees.  Puccini oozes Romance.  It is Puccini you hear in the scene from <em>A </em>Room<em> with a View </em>where George Emerson marches across the field and lays one on Lucy Honeychurch.  Sigh...</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>In other opera memory lane news:  In a lifetime not too long ago, I created a summer program where children ages 1st - 4th grades would meet every afternoon for three weeks.  Culminating activity?  A child-sized version of Mozart\'s opera, <em>The Magic Flute</em>.  Oh, yes, it was adorable.  And I successfully brainwashed many a child into a Mozart obsession.  :-)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>But most opera leaves me lukewarm.  Until the evening of Day 27, Opening Night of the Opera. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Opening Night of an opera season has always intrigued with its glamour and sophistication.  And this town could use more sophistication.  Trust me. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>To join me, I invited one of my most chic friends, Brittany aka Britters.  (Although Britters recently confessed to me that she hated my nickname for her.  Not chic enough.  Not chic at all, really.  So I changed her nickname to \"Britt\", which sounds very sultry and Swedish, yah?)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Britt and I originally dreamed of wearing gowns to Opening Night, but with no fairy godmother in sight, (and no time to shop), we donned a more than acceptable substitute:  fancy/sexy dresses and strappy/sexy shoes. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>An evening at the opera calls for somewhere classy beforehand.  We decided on <a href=\"http://www.cheuvronts.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Cheuvront\'s</strong></a>, one of my favorite wine bars in Phoenix.  You have to love a restaurant that plays old James Bond movies with French subtitles.  ???  I have no idea why they do this, but it\'s cool.  Trust me again. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Cheuvront\'s also mixes up the best mojitos in town.  And they have a cheese menu.  That\'s right.  Half of their regular menu is devoted to cheese.  Can you spell L-A-C-T-A-I-D? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Luckily, I am not lactose intolerant, and neither is Britt, so we happily ordered the cheese plate.  Très délicieux!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>After wine, cheese and girl talk, Britt and I arrived at Symphony Hall for Gilbert and Sullivan\'s <em>The Pirates of Penzance</em>. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The lights dimmed, the orchestra played, the chorus of singers entered the stage and...Magic.  Pure Magic. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.azopera.com/performances.php?opera=pirates\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Arizona Opera</strong></a> mounted a tremendous production full of wit, humor, talent and heart. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Am I a convert?  Only time will tell. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>For now, I say, \"Bravo, Arizona Opera!  Bravo!\"  I will be back for Puccini\'s <em>Turandot</em> in January. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /> </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 27:  Opening Night at the Opera ','','inherit','open','open','','1112-revision-11','','','2010-10-23 20:53:59','2010-10-24 03:53:59','',1112,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/23/1112-revision-11/',0,'revision','',0),(1295,1,'2010-10-23 20:50:39','2010-10-24 03:50:39','<p>I\'ve never been a huge fan of opera. Specifically, I\'m not a fan of the singing style.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Or it may be rebellion that traces back to college. My classically trained voice coaches refused to work with me on musical theatre pieces. (And I was a theatre major.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Their reasoning was something to the effect of, \"Oh, noooooo...Musical theatre is base! Opera is grand! If you want to study with me, you will sing arias!\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Granted, there are worse fates in life than being forced to sing Puccini arias.  In fact, listening to Puccini makes me feel weak in the knees.  Puccini oozes Romance.  It is Puccini you hear in the scene from <em>A </em>Room<em> with a View </em>where George Emerson marches across the field and lays one on Lucy Honeychurch.  Sigh...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In other opera memory lane news:  In a lifetime not too long ago, I created a summer program where children ages 1st -4th grades would meet every afternoon for three weeks.  Culminating activity?  Child-sized version of Mozart\'s opera, <em>The Magic Flute</em>.  Oh, yes, it was adorable.  And I successfully brainwashed many a child into a Mozart obsession.  :-)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>But most opera leaves me lukewarm.  Until the evening of Day 27, Opening Night of the Opera. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Opening Night of an opera season has always intrigued with its glamour and sophistication.  And this town could use more sophistication.  Trust me. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>To join me, I invited one of my most chic friends, Brittany (aka Britters).  Although Britters recently confessed to me that she hated my nickname for her.  Not chic enough.  Not chic at all, really.  So I changed her nickname to \"Britt\", which sounds very sultry and Swedish, yah? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Britt and I originally dreamed of wearing gowns to Opening Night, but with no fairy godmother in sight, (and no time to shop), we donned a more than acceptable substitute:  fancy/sexy dresses and strappy/sexy shoes. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>An evening at the opera calls for somewhere classy beforehand.  We decided on <a href=\"http://www.cheuvronts.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Cheuvront\'s</strong></a>, one of my favorite wine bars in Phoenix.  You have to love a restaurant that plays old James Bond movies with French subtitles.  ???  I have no idea why they do this, but it\'s cool.  Trust me again. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Cheuvront\'s also mixes up the best mojitos in town.  And they have a cheese menu.  That\'s right.  Half of their regular menu is devoted to cheese.  Can you spell L-A-C-T-A-I-D? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Luckily, I am not lactose intolerant, and neither is Britt, so we happily ordered the cheese plate.  Très délicieux!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>After wine, cheese and girl talk, Britt and I arrived at Symphony Hall for Gilbert and Sullivan\'s <em>The Pirates of Penzance</em>. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The lights dimmed, the orchestra played, the chorus of singers entered the stage and...Magic.  Pure Magic. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.azopera.com/performances.php?opera=pirates\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Arizona Opera</strong></a> mounted a tremendous production full of wit, humor, talent and heart. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Am I a convert?  Only time will tell. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>For now, I say, \"Bravo, Arizona Opera!  Bravo!\"  I will be back for Puccini\'s <em>Turandot</em> in January. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 27:  Opening Night at the Opera ','','inherit','open','open','','1112-revision-8','','','2010-10-23 20:50:39','2010-10-24 03:50:39','',1112,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/23/1112-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(1296,1,'2010-10-23 20:51:27','2010-10-24 03:51:27','<p>I\'ve never been a huge fan of opera. Specifically, I\'m not a fan of the singing style.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Or it may be rebellion that traces back to college. My classically trained voice coaches refused to work with me on musical theatre pieces. (And I was a theatre major.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Their reasoning was something to the effect of, \"Oh, noooooo...Musical theatre is base! Opera is grand! If you want to study with me, you will sing arias!\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Granted, there are worse fates in life than being forced to sing Puccini arias.  In fact, listening to Puccini makes me feel weak in the knees.  Puccini oozes Romance.  It is Puccini you hear in the scene from <em>A </em>Room<em> with a View </em>where George Emerson marches across the field and lays one on Lucy Honeychurch.  Sigh...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In other opera memory lane news:  In a lifetime not too long ago, I created a summer program where children ages 1st - 4th grades would meet every afternoon for three weeks.  Culminating activity?  A Child-sized version of Mozart\'s opera, <em>The Magic Flute</em>.  Oh, yes, it was adorable.  And I successfully brainwashed many a child into a Mozart obsession.  :-)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>But most opera leaves me lukewarm.  Until the evening of Day 27, Opening Night of the Opera. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Opening Night of an opera season has always intrigued with its glamour and sophistication.  And this town could use more sophistication.  Trust me. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>To join me, I invited one of my most chic friends, Brittany (aka Britters).  Although Britters recently confessed to me that she hated my nickname for her.  Not chic enough.  Not chic at all, really.  So I changed her nickname to \"Britt\", which sounds very sultry and Swedish, yah? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Britt and I originally dreamed of wearing gowns to Opening Night, but with no fairy godmother in sight, (and no time to shop), we donned a more than acceptable substitute:  fancy/sexy dresses and strappy/sexy shoes. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>An evening at the opera calls for somewhere classy beforehand.  We decided on <a href=\"http://www.cheuvronts.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Cheuvront\'s</strong></a>, one of my favorite wine bars in Phoenix.  You have to love a restaurant that plays old James Bond movies with French subtitles.  ???  I have no idea why they do this, but it\'s cool.  Trust me again. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Cheuvront\'s also mixes up the best mojitos in town.  And they have a cheese menu.  That\'s right.  Half of their regular menu is devoted to cheese.  Can you spell L-A-C-T-A-I-D? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Luckily, I am not lactose intolerant, and neither is Britt, so we happily ordered the cheese plate.  Très délicieux!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>After wine, cheese and girl talk, Britt and I arrived at Symphony Hall for Gilbert and Sullivan\'s <em>The Pirates of Penzance</em>. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The lights dimmed, the orchestra played, the chorus of singers entered the stage and...Magic.  Pure Magic. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.azopera.com/performances.php?opera=pirates\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Arizona Opera</strong></a> mounted a tremendous production full of wit, humor, talent and heart. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Am I a convert?  Only time will tell. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>For now, I say, \"Bravo, Arizona Opera!  Bravo!\"  I will be back for Puccini\'s <em>Turandot</em> in January. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 27:  Opening Night at the Opera ','','inherit','open','open','','1112-revision-9','','','2010-10-23 20:51:27','2010-10-24 03:51:27','',1112,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/23/1112-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(1297,1,'2010-10-23 20:51:52','2010-10-24 03:51:52','<p>I\'ve never been a huge fan of opera. Specifically, I\'m not a fan of the singing style.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Or it may be rebellion that traces back to college. My classically trained voice coaches refused to work with me on musical theatre pieces. (And I was a theatre major.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Their reasoning was something to the effect of, \"Oh, noooooo...Musical theatre is base! Opera is grand! If you want to study with me, you will sing arias!\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Granted, there are worse fates in life than being forced to sing Puccini arias.  In fact, listening to Puccini makes me feel weak in the knees.  Puccini oozes Romance.  It is Puccini you hear in the scene from <em>A </em>Room<em> with a View </em>where George Emerson marches across the field and lays one on Lucy Honeychurch.  Sigh...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In other opera memory lane news:  In a lifetime not too long ago, I created a summer program where children ages 1st - 4th grades would meet every afternoon for three weeks.  Culminating activity?  A child-sized version of Mozart\'s opera, <em>The Magic Flute</em>.  Oh, yes, it was adorable.  And I successfully brainwashed many a child into a Mozart obsession.  :-)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>But most opera leaves me lukewarm.  Until the evening of Day 27, Opening Night of the Opera. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Opening Night of an opera season has always intrigued with its glamour and sophistication.  And this town could use more sophistication.  Trust me. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>To join me, I invited one of my most chic friends, Brittany (aka Britters).  Although Britters recently confessed to me that she hated my nickname for her.  Not chic enough.  Not chic at all, really.  So I changed her nickname to \"Britt\", which sounds very sultry and Swedish, yah? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Britt and I originally dreamed of wearing gowns to Opening Night, but with no fairy godmother in sight, (and no time to shop), we donned a more than acceptable substitute:  fancy/sexy dresses and strappy/sexy shoes. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>An evening at the opera calls for somewhere classy beforehand.  We decided on <a href=\"http://www.cheuvronts.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Cheuvront\'s</strong></a>, one of my favorite wine bars in Phoenix.  You have to love a restaurant that plays old James Bond movies with French subtitles.  ???  I have no idea why they do this, but it\'s cool.  Trust me again. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Cheuvront\'s also mixes up the best mojitos in town.  And they have a cheese menu.  That\'s right.  Half of their regular menu is devoted to cheese.  Can you spell L-A-C-T-A-I-D? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Luckily, I am not lactose intolerant, and neither is Britt, so we happily ordered the cheese plate.  Très délicieux!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>After wine, cheese and girl talk, Britt and I arrived at Symphony Hall for Gilbert and Sullivan\'s <em>The Pirates of Penzance</em>. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The lights dimmed, the orchestra played, the chorus of singers entered the stage and...Magic.  Pure Magic. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.azopera.com/performances.php?opera=pirates\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Arizona Opera</strong></a> mounted a tremendous production full of wit, humor, talent and heart. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Am I a convert?  Only time will tell. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>For now, I say, \"Bravo, Arizona Opera!  Bravo!\"  I will be back for Puccini\'s <em>Turandot</em> in January. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 27:  Opening Night at the Opera ','','inherit','open','open','','1112-revision-10','','','2010-10-23 20:51:52','2010-10-24 03:51:52','',1112,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/23/1112-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),(1300,1,'2010-10-23 21:01:24','2010-10-24 04:01:24','<p><a href=\"http://www.azopera.com/performances.php?opera=pirates\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-1299\" title=\"azopera\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/azopera-200x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" /></a>I\'ve never been a huge fan of opera. Specifically, I\'m not a fan of the singing style.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Or it may be rebellion that traces back to college. My classically trained voice coaches refused to work with me on musical theatre pieces. (And I was a theatre major.)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Their reasoning was something to the effect of, \"Oh, noooooo...Musical theatre is base! Opera is grand! If you want to study with me, you will sing arias!\"</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Granted, there are worse fates in life than being forced to sing Puccini arias.  In fact, listening to Puccini makes me feel weak in the knees.  Puccini oozes Romance.  It is Puccini you hear in the scene from <em>A Room</em> <em>with a View</em> where George Emerson marches across the field and lays one on Lucy Honeychurch. **  Sigh...</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>In other opera memory lane news:  In a lifetime not too long ago, I created a summer program where children ages 1st - 4th grades would meet every afternoon for three weeks.  Culminating activity?  A child-sized version of Mozart\'s opera, <em>The Magic Flute</em>.  Oh, yes, it was adorable.  And I successfully brainwashed many a child into a Mozart obsession.  :-)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>But most opera leaves me lukewarm.  Until the evening of Day 27, Opening Night of the Opera. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Opening Night of an opera season has always intrigued with its glamour and sophistication.  And this town could use more sophistication.  Trust me. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>To join me, I invited one of my most chic friends, Brittany aka Britters.  (Although Britters recently confessed to me that she hated my nickname for her.  Not chic enough.  Not chic at all, really.  So I changed her nickname to \"Britt\", which sounds very sultry and Swedish, yah?)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Britt and I originally dreamed of wearing gowns to Opening Night, but with no fairy godmother in sight, (and no time to shop), we donned a more than acceptable substitute:  fancy/sexy dresses and strappy/sexy shoes. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>An evening at the opera calls for somewhere classy beforehand.  We decided on <a href=\"http://www.cheuvronts.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Cheuvront\'s</strong></a>, one of my favorite wine bars in Phoenix.  You have to love a restaurant that plays old James Bond movies with French subtitles.  ???  I have no idea why they do this, but it\'s cool.  Trust me again. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Cheuvront\'s also mixes up the best mojitos in town.  And they have a cheese menu.  That\'s right.  Half of their regular menu is devoted to cheese.  Can you spell L-A-C-T-A-I-D? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Luckily, I am not lactose intolerant, and neither is Britt, so we happily ordered the cheese plate.  Très délicieux!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>After wine, cheese and girl talk, Britt and I arrived at Symphony Hall for Gilbert and Sullivan\'s <em>The Pirates of Penzance</em>. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The lights dimmed, the orchestra played, the chorus of singers entered the stage and...Magic.  Pure Magic. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.azopera.com/performances.php?opera=pirates\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Arizona Opera</strong></a> mounted a tremendous production full of wit, humor, talent and heart. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Am I a convert?  Only time will tell. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>For now, I say, \"Bravo, Arizona Opera!  Bravo!\"  I will see you again for Puccini\'s <em>Turandot</em> in January. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>** If this is too obscure and you have no earthly idea what I am talking about, for your viewing pleasure...</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 27:  Opening Night at the Opera ','','inherit','open','open','','1112-revision-12','','','2010-10-23 21:01:24','2010-10-24 04:01:24','',1112,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/23/1112-revision-12/',0,'revision','',0),(1301,1,'2010-10-23 21:03:03','2010-10-24 04:03:03','<p><a href=\"http://www.azopera.com/performances.php?opera=pirates\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-1299\" title=\"azopera\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/azopera-200x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" /></a>I\'ve never been a huge fan of opera. Specifically, I\'m not a fan of the singing style.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Or it may be rebellion that traces back to college. My classically trained voice coaches refused to work with me on musical theatre pieces. (And I was a theatre major.)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Their reasoning was something to the effect of, \"Oh, noooooo...Musical theatre is base! Opera is grand! If you want to study with me, you will sing arias!\"</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Granted, there are worse fates in life than being forced to sing Puccini arias.  In fact, listening to Puccini makes me feel weak in the knees.  Puccini oozes Romance.  It is Puccini you hear in the scene from <em>A Room</em> <em>with a View</em> where George Emerson marches across the field and lays one on Lucy Honeychurch. **  Sigh...</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>In other opera memory lane news:  In a lifetime not too long ago, I created a summer program where children ages 1st - 4th grades would meet every afternoon for three weeks.  Culminating activity?  A child-sized version of Mozart\'s opera, <em>The Magic Flute</em>.  Oh, yes, it was adorable.  And I successfully brainwashed many a child into a Mozart obsession.  :-)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>But most opera leaves me lukewarm.  Until the evening of Day 27, Opening Night of the Opera. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Opening Night of an opera season has always intrigued with its glamour and sophistication.  And this town could use more sophistication.  Trust me. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>To join me, I invited one of my most chic friends, Brittany aka Britters.  (Although Britters recently confessed to me that she hated my nickname for her.  Not chic enough.  Not chic at all, really.  So I changed her nickname to \"Britt\", which sounds very sultry and Swedish, yah?)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Britt and I originally dreamed of wearing gowns to Opening Night, but with no fairy godmother in sight, (and no time to shop), we donned a more than acceptable substitute:  fancy/sexy dresses and strappy/sexy shoes. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>An evening at the opera calls for somewhere classy beforehand.  We decided on <a href=\"http://www.cheuvronts.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Cheuvront\'s</strong></a>, one of my favorite wine bars in Phoenix.  You have to love a restaurant that plays old James Bond movies with French subtitles.  ???  I have no idea why they do this, but it\'s cool.  Trust me again. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Cheuvront\'s also mixes up the best mojitos in town.  And they have a cheese menu.  That\'s right.  Half of their regular menu is devoted to cheese.  Can you spell L-A-C-T-A-I-D? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Luckily, I am not lactose intolerant, and neither is Britt, so we happily ordered the cheese plate.  Très délicieux!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>After wine, cheese and girl talk, Britt and I arrived at Symphony Hall for Gilbert and Sullivan\'s <em>The Pirates of Penzance</em>. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The lights dimmed, the orchestra played, the chorus of singers entered the stage and...Magic.  Pure Magic. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.azopera.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Arizona Opera</strong></a> mounted a tremendous production full of wit, humor, talent and heart. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Am I a convert?  Only time will tell. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>For now, I say, \"Bravo, Arizona Opera!  Bravo!\"  I will see you again for Puccini\'s <em>Turandot</em> in January. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>** If this is too obscure and you have no earthly idea what I am talking about, for your viewing pleasure...</p>\n\n','Day 27:  Opening Night at the Opera ','','inherit','open','open','','1112-revision-13','','','2010-10-23 21:03:03','2010-10-24 04:03:03','',1112,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/23/1112-revision-13/',0,'revision','',0),(1302,1,'2010-10-23 21:05:04','2010-10-24 04:05:04','<p><a href=\"http://www.azopera.com/performances.php?opera=pirates\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-1299\" title=\"azopera\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/azopera-200x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" /></a>I\'ve never been a huge fan of opera. Specifically, I\'m not a fan of the singing style.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Or it may be rebellion that traces back to college. My classically trained voice coaches refused to work with me on musical theatre pieces. (And I was a theatre major.)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Their reasoning was something to the effect of, \"Oh, noooooo...Musical theatre is base! Opera is grand! If you want to study with me, you will sing arias!\"</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Granted, there are worse fates in life than being forced to sing Puccini arias.  In fact, listening to Puccini makes me feel weak in the knees.  Puccini oozes Romance.  It is Puccini you hear in the scene from <em>A Room</em> <em>with a View</em> where George Emerson marches across the field and lays one on Lucy Honeychurch. **  Sigh...</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>In other opera memory lane news:  In a lifetime not too long ago, I created a summer program where children ages 1st - 4th grades would meet every afternoon for three weeks.  Culminating activity?  A child-sized version of Mozart\'s opera, <em>The Magic Flute</em>.  Oh, yes, it was adorable.  And I successfully brainwashed many a child into a Mozart obsession.  :-)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>But most opera leaves me lukewarm.  Until the evening of Day 27, Opening Night of the Opera. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Opening Night of an opera season has always intrigued with its glamour and sophistication.  And this town could use more sophistication.  Trust me. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>To join me, I invited one of my most chic friends, Brittany aka Britters.  (Although Britters recently confessed to me that she hated my nickname for her.  Not chic enough.  Not chic at all, really.  So I changed her nickname to \"Britt\", which sounds very sultry and Swedish, yah?)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Britt and I originally dreamed of wearing gowns to Opening Night, but with no fairy godmother in sight, (and no time to shop), we donned a more than acceptable substitute:  fancy/sexy dresses and strappy/sexy shoes. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>An evening at the opera calls for somewhere classy beforehand.  We decided on <a href=\"http://www.cheuvronts.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Cheuvront\'s</strong></a>, one of my favorite wine bars in Phoenix.  You have to love a restaurant that plays old James Bond movies with French subtitles.  ???  I have no idea why they do this, but it\'s cool.  Trust me again. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Cheuvront\'s also mixes up the best mojitos in town.  And they have a cheese menu.  That\'s right.  Half of their regular menu is devoted to cheese.  Can you spell L-A-C-T-A-I-D? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Luckily, I am not lactose intolerant, and neither is Britt, so we happily ordered the cheese plate.  Très délicieux!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>After wine, cheese and girl talk, Britt and I arrived at Symphony Hall for Gilbert and Sullivan\'s <em>The Pirates of Penzance</em>. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The lights dimmed, the orchestra played, the chorus of singers entered the stage and...Magic.  Pure Magic. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.azopera.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Arizona Opera</strong></a> mounted a tremendous production full of wit, humor, talent and heart. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Am I a convert?  Only time will tell. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>For now, I say, \"Bravo, Arizona Opera!  Bravo!\"  I will see you again for Puccini\'s <em>Turandot</em> in January. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>** If this is too obscure and you have no earthly idea what I am talking about, for your viewing pleasure...</p>\n\n<object width=\"480\" height=\"385\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/POJeGvFeGe0?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US\"></param><param name=\"allowFullScreen\" value=\"true\"></param><param name=\"allowscriptaccess\" value=\"always\"></param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/POJeGvFeGe0?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" allowscriptaccess=\"always\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" width=\"480\" height=\"385\"></embed></object>','Day 27:  Opening Night at the Opera ','','inherit','open','open','','1112-revision-14','','','2010-10-23 21:05:04','2010-10-24 04:05:04','',1112,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/23/1112-revision-14/',0,'revision','',0),(1303,1,'2010-10-23 21:09:28','2010-10-24 04:09:28','<p><a href=\"http://www.azopera.com/performances.php?opera=pirates\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-1299\" title=\"azopera\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/azopera-200x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" /></a>I\'ve never been a huge fan of opera. Specifically, I\'m not a fan of the singing style.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Or it may be rebellion that traces back to college. My classically trained voice coaches refused to work with me on musical theatre pieces. (And I was a theatre major.)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Their reasoning was something to the effect of, \"Oh, noooooo...Musical theatre is base! Opera is grand! If you want to study with me, you will sing arias!\"</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Granted, there are worse fates in life than being forced to sing Puccini arias.  In fact, listening to Puccini makes me feel weak in the knees.  Puccini oozes Romance.  It is Puccini you hear in the scene from <em>A Room</em> <em>with a View</em> where George Emerson marches across the field and lays one on Lucy Honeychurch. **  Sigh...</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>In other opera memory lane news:  In a lifetime not too long ago, I created a summer program where children ages 1st - 4th grades would meet every afternoon for three weeks.  Culminating activity?  A child-sized version of Mozart\'s opera, <em>The Magic Flute</em>.  Oh, yes, it was adorable.  And I successfully brainwashed many a child into a Mozart obsession.  :-)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>But most opera leaves me lukewarm.  Until the evening of Day 27, Opening Night of the Opera. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Opening Night of an opera season has always intrigued with its glamour and sophistication.  And this town could use more sophistication.  Trust me. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>To join me, I invited one of my most chic friends, Brittany aka Britters.  (Although Britters recently confessed to me that she hated my nickname for her.  Not chic enough.  Not chic at all, really.  So I changed her nickname to \"Britt\", which sounds very sultry and Swedish, yah?)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Britt and I originally dreamed of wearing gowns to Opening Night, but with no fairy godmother in sight, (and no time to shop), we donned a more than acceptable substitute:  fancy/sexy dresses and strappy/sexy shoes. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>An evening at the opera calls for somewhere classy beforehand.  We decided on <a href=\"http://www.cheuvronts.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Cheuvront\'s</strong></a>, one of my favorite wine bars in Phoenix.  You have to love a restaurant that plays old James Bond movies with French subtitles.  ???  I have no idea why they do this, but it\'s cool.  Trust me again. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Cheuvront\'s also mixes up the best mojitos in town.  And they have a cheese menu.  That\'s right.  Half of their regular menu is devoted to cheese.  Can you spell L-A-C-T-A-I-D? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Luckily, I am not lactose intolerant, and neither is Britt, so we happily ordered the cheese plate.  Très délicieux!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>After wine, cheese and girl talk, Britt and I arrived at Symphony Hall for Gilbert and Sullivan\'s <em>The Pirates of Penzance</em>. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The lights dimmed, the orchestra played, the chorus of singers entered the stage and...Magic.  Pure Magic. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.azopera.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Arizona Opera</strong></a> mounted a tremendous production full of wit, humor, talent and heart. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Am I a convert?  Only time will tell. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>For now, I say, \"Bravo, Arizona Opera!  Bravo!\"  I will see you again for Puccini\'s <em>Turandot</em> in January. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>                                                           ************************************</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>♥ If the movie reference is too obscure and you have no earthly idea what I am talking about, for your viewing pleasure...</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>\n<object classid=\"clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000\" width=\"480\" height=\"385\" codebase=\"http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0\"><param name=\"allowFullScreen\" value=\"true\" /><param name=\"allowscriptaccess\" value=\"always\" /><param name=\"src\" value=\"http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/POJeGvFeGe0?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US\" /><param name=\"allowfullscreen\" value=\"true\" /><embed type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"480\" height=\"385\" src=\"http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/POJeGvFeGe0?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" allowscriptaccess=\"always\"> </embed></object>\n</p>','Day 27:  Opening Night at the Opera ','','inherit','open','open','','1112-revision-15','','','2010-10-23 21:09:28','2010-10-24 04:09:28','',1112,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/23/1112-revision-15/',0,'revision','',0),(1304,1,'2010-10-23 21:10:28','2010-10-24 04:10:28','<p><a href=\"http://www.azopera.com/performances.php?opera=pirates\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-1299\" title=\"azopera\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/azopera-200x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" /></a>I\'ve never been a huge fan of opera. Specifically, I\'m not a fan of the singing style.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Or it may be rebellion that traces back to college. My classically trained voice coaches refused to work with me on musical theatre pieces. (And I was a theatre major.)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Their reasoning was something to the effect of, \"Oh, noooooo...Musical theatre is base! Opera is grand! If you want to study with me, you will sing arias!\"</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Granted, there are worse fates in life than being forced to sing Puccini arias.  In fact, listening to Puccini makes me feel weak in the knees.  Puccini oozes Romance.  It is Puccini you hear in the scene from <em>A Room</em> <em>with a View</em> where George Emerson marches across the field and lays one on Lucy Honeychurch.  Sigh...  ♥</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>In other opera memory lane news:  In a lifetime not too long ago, I created a summer program where children ages 1st - 4th grades would meet every afternoon for three weeks.  Culminating activity?  A child-sized version of Mozart\'s opera, <em>The Magic Flute</em>.  Oh, yes, it was adorable.  And I successfully brainwashed many a child into a Mozart obsession.  :-)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>But most opera leaves me lukewarm.  Until the evening of Day 27, Opening Night of the Opera. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Opening Night of an opera season has always intrigued with its glamour and sophistication.  And this town could use more sophistication.  Trust me. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>To join me, I invited one of my most chic friends, Brittany aka Britters.  (Although Britters recently confessed to me that she hated my nickname for her.  Not chic enough.  Not chic at all, really.  So I changed her nickname to \"Britt\", which sounds very sultry and Swedish, yah?)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Britt and I originally dreamed of wearing gowns to Opening Night, but with no fairy godmother in sight, (and no time to shop), we donned a more than acceptable substitute:  fancy/sexy dresses and strappy/sexy shoes. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>An evening at the opera calls for somewhere classy beforehand.  We decided on <a href=\"http://www.cheuvronts.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Cheuvront\'s</strong></a>, one of my favorite wine bars in Phoenix.  You have to love a restaurant that plays old James Bond movies with French subtitles.  ???  I have no idea why they do this, but it\'s cool.  Trust me again. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Cheuvront\'s also mixes up the best mojitos in town.  And they have a cheese menu.  That\'s right.  Half of their regular menu is devoted to cheese.  Can you spell L-A-C-T-A-I-D? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Luckily, I am not lactose intolerant, and neither is Britt, so we happily ordered the cheese plate.  Très délicieux!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>After wine, cheese and girl talk, Britt and I arrived at Symphony Hall for Gilbert and Sullivan\'s <em>The Pirates of Penzance</em>. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The lights dimmed, the orchestra played, the chorus of singers entered the stage and...Magic.  Pure Magic. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.azopera.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Arizona Opera</strong></a> mounted a tremendous production full of wit, humor, talent and heart. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Am I a convert?  Only time will tell. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>For now, I say, \"Bravo, Arizona Opera!  Bravo!\"  I will see you again for Puccini\'s <em>Turandot</em> in January. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>                                                           ************************************</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>♥ If the movie reference is too obscure and you have no earthly idea what I am talking about, for your viewing pleasure...</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>\n<object classid=\"clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000\" width=\"480\" height=\"385\" codebase=\"http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0\"><param name=\"allowFullScreen\" value=\"true\" /><param name=\"allowscriptaccess\" value=\"always\" /><param name=\"src\" value=\"http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/POJeGvFeGe0?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US\" /><param name=\"allowfullscreen\" value=\"true\" /><embed type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"480\" height=\"385\" src=\"http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/POJeGvFeGe0?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" allowscriptaccess=\"always\"> </embed></object>\n</p>','Day 27:  Opening Night at the Opera ','','inherit','open','open','','1112-revision-16','','','2010-10-23 21:10:28','2010-10-24 04:10:28','',1112,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/23/1112-revision-16/',0,'revision','',0),(1305,1,'2010-10-23 21:12:30','2010-10-24 04:12:30','<p><a href=\"http://www.azopera.com/performances.php?opera=pirates\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-1299\" title=\"azopera\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/azopera-200x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" /></a>I\'ve never been a huge fan of opera. Specifically, I\'m not a fan of the singing style.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Or it may be rebellion that traces back to college. My classically trained voice coaches refused to work with me on musical theatre pieces. (And I was a theatre major.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Their reasoning was something to the effect of, \"Oh, noooooo...Musical theatre is base! Opera is grand! If you want to study with me, you will sing arias!\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Granted, there are worse fates in life than being forced to sing Puccini arias.  In fact, listening to Puccini makes me feel weak in the knees.  Puccini oozes Romance.  It is Puccini you hear in the scene from <em>A Room</em> <em>with a View</em> where George Emerson marches across the field and lays one on Lucy Honeychurch.  Sigh...  ♥</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In other opera memory lane news:  In a lifetime not too long ago, I created a summer program where children ages 1st - 4th grades would meet every afternoon for three weeks.  Culminating activity?  A child-sized version of Mozart\'s opera, <em>The Magic Flute</em>.  Oh, yes, it was adorable.  And I successfully brainwashed many a child into a Mozart obsession.  :-)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>But most opera leaves me lukewarm.  Until the evening of Day 27, Opening Night of the Opera. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Opening Night of an opera season has always intrigued with its glamour and sophistication.  And this town could use more sophistication.  Trust me. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>To join me, I invited one of my most chic friends, Brittany aka Britters.  (Although Britters recently confessed to me that she hated my nickname for her.  Not chic enough.  Not chic at all, really.  So I changed her nickname to \"Britt\", which sounds very sultry and Swedish, yah?)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Britt and I originally dreamed of wearing gowns to Opening Night, but with no fairy godmother in sight, (and no time to shop), we donned a more than acceptable substitute:  fancy/sexy dresses and strappy/sexy shoes. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>An evening at the opera calls for somewhere classy beforehand.  We decided on <a href=\"http://www.cheuvronts.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Cheuvront\'s</strong></a>, one of my favorite wine bars in Phoenix.  You have to love a restaurant that plays old James Bond movies with French subtitles.  ???  I have no idea why they do this, but it\'s cool.  Trust me again. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Cheuvront\'s also mixes up the best mojitos in town.  And they have a cheese menu.  That\'s right.  Half of their regular menu is devoted to cheese.  Can you spell L-A-C-T-A-I-D? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Luckily, I am not lactose intolerant, and neither is Britt, so we happily ordered the cheese plate.  Très délicieux!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>After wine, cheese and girl talk, Britt and I arrived at Symphony Hall for Gilbert and Sullivan\'s <em>The Pirates of Penzance</em>. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The lights dimmed, the orchestra played, the chorus of singers entered the stage and...Magic.  Pure Magic. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.azopera.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Arizona Opera</strong></a> mounted a tremendous production full of wit, humor, talent and heart. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Am I a convert?  Only time will tell. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>For now, I say, \"Bravo, Arizona Opera!  Bravo!\"  I will see you again for Puccini\'s <em>Turandot</em> in January. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>                                                           ************************************</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>♥ If the movie reference is too obscure and you have no earthly idea what I am talking about, for your viewing pleasure...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n<object classid=\"clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000\" width=\"480\" height=\"385\" codebase=\"http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0\"><param name=\"allowFullScreen\" value=\"true\" /><param name=\"allowscriptaccess\" value=\"always\" /><param name=\"src\" value=\"http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/POJeGvFeGe0?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US\" /><param name=\"allowfullscreen\" value=\"true\" /><embed type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"480\" height=\"385\" src=\"http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/POJeGvFeGe0?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" allowscriptaccess=\"always\"> </embed></object>\r\n</p>','Day 27:  Opening Night at the Opera ','','inherit','open','open','','1112-revision-17','','','2010-10-23 21:12:30','2010-10-24 04:12:30','',1112,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/23/1112-revision-17/',0,'revision','',0),(1306,1,'2010-10-23 21:42:42','2010-10-24 04:42:42','<p><a href=\"http://www.azopera.com/performances.php?opera=pirates\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-1299\" title=\"azopera\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/azopera-200x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" /></a>I\'ve never been a huge fan of opera. Specifically, I\'m not a fan of the singing style.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Or it may be rebellion that traces back to college. My classically trained voice coaches refused to work with me on musical theatre pieces. (And I was a theatre major.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Their reasoning was something to the effect of, \"Oh, noooooo...Musical theatre is base! Opera is grand! If you want to study with me, you will sing arias!\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Granted, there are worse fates in life than being forced to sing Puccini arias.  In fact, listening to Puccini makes me feel weak in the knees.  Puccini oozes Romance.  It is Puccini you hear in the scene from <em>A Room</em> <em>with a View</em> where George Emerson marches across the field and lays one on Lucy Honeychurch.  Sigh...  ♥</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In other opera memory lane news:  In a lifetime not too long ago, I created a summer program where children ages 1st - 4th grades would meet every afternoon for three weeks.  Culminating activity?  A child-sized version of Mozart\'s opera, <em>The Magic Flute</em>.  Oh, yes, it was adorable.  And I successfully brainwashed many a child into a Mozart obsession.  :-)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>But most opera leaves me lukewarm.  Until the evening of Day 27, Opening Night of the Opera. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Opening Night of an opera season has always intrigued with its glamour and sophistication.  And this town could use more sophistication.  Trust me. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>To join me, I invited one of my most chic friends, Brittany aka Britters.  (Although Britters recently confessed to me that she hated my nickname for her.  Not chic enough.  Not chic at all, really.  So I changed her nickname to \"Britt\", which sounds very sultry and Swedish, yah?)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Britt and I originally dreamed of wearing gowns to Opening Night, but with no fairy godmother in sight, (and no time to shop), we donned a more than acceptable substitute:  fancy/sexy dresses and strappy/sexy shoes. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>An evening at the opera calls for somewhere classy beforehand.  We decided on <a href=\"http://www.cheuvronts.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Cheuvront\'s</strong></a>, one of my favorite wine bars in Phoenix.  You have to love a restaurant that plays old James Bond movies with French subtitles.  ???  I have no idea why they do this, but it\'s cool.  Trust me again. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Cheuvront\'s also mixes up the best mojitos in town.  And they have a cheese menu.  That\'s right.  Half of their regular menu is devoted to cheese.  Can you spell L-A-C-T-A-I-D? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Luckily, I am not lactose intolerant, and neither is Britt, so we happily ordered the cheese plate.  Très délicieux!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>After wine, cheese and girl talk, Britt and I arrived at Symphony Hall for Gilbert and Sullivan\'s <em>The Pirates of Penzance</em>. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The lights dimmed, the orchestra played, the chorus of singers entered the stage and...Magic.  Pure Magic. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.azopera.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Arizona Opera</strong></a> mounted a tremendous production full of wit, humor, talent and heart. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Am I a convert?  Only time will tell. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>For now, I say, \"Bravo, Arizona Opera!  Bravo!\"  I will see you again for Puccini\'s <em>Turandot</em> in January. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>                                                           ************************************</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>♥ If the movie reference is too obscure and you have no earthly idea what I am talking about, for your viewing pleasure...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n<object classid=\"clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000\" width=\"480\" height=\"385\" codebase=\"http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0\"><param name=\"allowFullScreen\" value=\"true\" /><param name=\"allowscriptaccess\" value=\"always\" /><param name=\"src\" value=\"http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/POJeGvFeGe0?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US\" /><param name=\"allowfullscreen\" value=\"true\" /><embed type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"480\" height=\"385\" src=\"http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/POJeGvFeGe0?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" allowscriptaccess=\"always\"> </embed></object>\r\n</p>','Day 27:  Opening Night at the Opera ','','inherit','open','open','','1112-autosave','','','2010-10-23 21:42:42','2010-10-24 04:42:42','',1112,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/23/1112-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(1308,1,'2010-10-23 21:35:54','2010-10-24 04:35:54','','Day ','','inherit','open','open','','1307-revision','','','2010-10-23 21:35:54','2010-10-24 04:35:54','',1307,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/23/1307-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1309,1,'2010-10-27 01:11:41','2010-10-27 08:11:41','&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1485\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"198\" caption=\"I originally had the photo of The Shining twins here. And it freaked me out so badly that I replaced it with something generic. It&#39;s true! :-o\"]<a href=\"http://media.photobucket.com/image/horror%20movie/Edge19/Horror%20Movies/HorrorMovieLogo.jpg?o=194\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1485 \" title=\"HorrorMovieLogo\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/HorrorMovieLogo.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"198\" height=\"81\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s time to play <em><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Name That Horror Flick! </span></strong></em>\r\n\r\n<strong><em> </em></strong>\r\n\r\n<em><strong> </strong></em>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #333399;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #003366;\">\"Ch-ch-ch!  Kill, kill, kill!  Ch-ch-ch!  Kill, Kill, Kill!\"</span></strong></span> *\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #808000;\"><strong>\"Have you checked the children?\" </strong></span>+\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>\"REDRUM!!!  REDRUM!!!\"</strong> </span> ^\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I was a teenager, I lived for horror flicks.  <em>Friday the 13th, Halloween, Nightmare on Elm Street</em>...I saw them all.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce I was living on my own, I wanted no part of them.  It\'s one thing to get totally creeped out and then sleep soundly knowing that your Dad is in the next room.  It\'s another thing to get scared out of you mind and then go to bed alone in a completely quiet house.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAbout 5 years ago, as I flipped through channels, I came across <em>Halloween II.  </em>I was nostalgically drawn in.  I then woke up at 2 a.m. seeing Mike Myers at the foot of my bed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Never again!\", said I.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Until recently, when my blog Svengali double dog dared me to watch a horror movie during Halloween week.  Alone.  In my house.  Uh-oh. </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"No way, no how,\" I told Svenny.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"But you asked people to suggest ideas for the blog.  Watching a horror movie alone is my idea!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s true.  I welcome your ideas, dear reader.  I even showcase a handy template where you can submit your ideas for my 365 project on this site.  [If you would like to do so now, kindly click <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/submit-a-365-idea/\" target=\"_blank\">Your Wish is My Command (sort of)</a></strong>]<strong>  </strong>The only two ideas that I have completely ruled out are skydiving and free diving with sharks.  So in the scheme of things, I can handle a horror flick.  Alone.  Without a warm body to protect me when things go bump in the night.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUgh.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\">You gotta live up to a double dog dare. </span></strong></span></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the spirit of Halloween, I wanted this week\'s bloggy adventures to be Halloweenie in nature.  With 7 slots to fill, I decided that I better suck it up and watch the horror flick solo.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI turned on my cable\'s ON DEMAND channel and noticed that their Horror movie menu was quite extensive this month.  I <em>really</em> wanted to watch the original <em>Friday the 13th</em>, but with that one nowhere in sight, I decided that (and I feel ridiculous for verbalizing this) <em><strong>Freddy vs. Jason</strong> </em>would be my best bet for both campy and scary.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the spirit of Your Wish is My Command, I emailed  Svenny and asked him to take a look at the Horror movie menu and get back to me with 3 choices.  I hinted that <em>Freddy vs. Jason </em>might be a good fit hoping that he would find it sufficiently slasherific and therefore <strong>NOT PICK </strong><em><strong>THE SHINING!!!</strong>  </em>The ghostly twins do me in every time.  No way, no HOW could I watch <em>The Shining</em> alone!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSvenny\'s reply surprised me.  \"We need to go to the theatre to see <em>Paranormal Activity 2!\"</em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt first, I almost blurted back, \"But Day 30 involves watching a scary movie home alone!  That\'s the whole point!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong>And then I got smart.</strong> </span></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nStupid, stupid girl.  WhatEVER are you thinking?!  Watching slasher flick home alone vs. watching ghost movie with member of the opposite sex who is easy on the eyes and has big biceps to grab onto when you get scared.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs I said, I got smart.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSvenny picked me up at 7.  One of my former students whom I taught when he was in kindergarten sold us our tickets.  Now THAT\'S frightening!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe took to our seats and Svenny asked, \"Have you and I been to a movie together yet?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI coquettishly reminded him, \"No, we haven\'t.  Are you going to try to make out with me during the movie?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSvenny gazed deep into my eyes and announced, \"I just ate Chinese food!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, Svennkyins.  Your honeyed words are more than a girl\'s heart can bear!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs Svenny corrected himself and rambled on that he actually ate \"Lean Cuisine\" -- and he relayed this information while scarfing down a gigantic pretzel -- my mind wandered to Jim, a guy I dated briefly a few years prior. <br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\">Jim looked like he stepped off the cover of <em>Men\'s Health</em>.</span></strong> </span></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe possessed both body and brains.  He was a rocket scientist or something like that for a Big &amp; Famous Company.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnywho, Jim\'s perfect body turned out to be just one facet of his perfect life.  His bachelor pad was cleaner than a hospital.  His car looked like it was detailed every weekend.  He lined up his athletic shoes -- one pair for each day of the week -- perfectly in his home gym.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor our 5th date, Jim invited me to his house for dinner.  He cooked perfectly healthy burritos.  Jim made his with onions.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt the end of the evening, he walked me to my car, and as with the previous 4 dates, hugged me goodbye.  (My mother insisted he was gay, but I thought that he might just be a shy rocket scientist or something like that.  Women often make excuses for 6-pack abs.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI couldn\'t help myself.  I inquired, \"Jim, are you<em> ever</em> going to kiss me?\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo which he replied, \"But Michelle!  I JUST ATE ONIONS!!!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd that\'s how I knew Jim and I were not a match.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\">Jim is the kind of guy who, when you roll over in bed in the morning ready to romp, will fly out of bed to brush his teeth first. </span></span></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGoodbye, Jim!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut Svennykins and I are just friends.  So I expected some sort of joke as a response from him.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe lights dimmed, and I sank into my theatre seat.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI rarely watch TV, so I was unfamiliar with the <em>Paranormal Activity</em> commercials that everyone in the greater Phoenix-Scottsdale area has apparently seen.  Therefore, I didn\'t know what the heck this movie was about. Except paranormality (if that\'s a word).   And I  DIDN\'T know that it was filmed <em>Blair Witch </em>style with moving cameras that made me motion sick within the first two minutes of the film.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #808000;\">Bleck. </span></span></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEqually upsetting was the unveiling of the dog in the film\'s initial moments.  I knew right then that the dog was destined for disaster, and I cannot handle doggie deaths in movies.  I\'d rather see Jason slash an idiot teenager\'s throat than see an innocent canine at the hands of the bad guy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd.  The.  Film.  Was.  S-L-O-W.  <em>Painfully</em> slow.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI also learned that this movie doesn\'t involve your ordinary run-of-the-mill ghosts, but evil demons.  Which I refuse to discuss any further because I believe in living in the light.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\">What kind of freakazoids spend months and years of their lives developing and filming this stuff?  Now THAT\'S scary!</span></span></span></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"> </span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn a nutshell:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Slower than molasses</li>\r\n	<li>Sickening (from motion sickness, not from gore)</li>\r\n	<li>Cute toddler (who is the victim of freakazoid\'s demented plot)</li>\r\n	<li>The real hero of the film, the sweet and obedient German Shepherd, is the first to \"get it\".  Bastards.</li>\r\n	<li>No gore</li>\r\n	<li>No gratuitous sex scenes</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\">Horrors!  They just don\'t make them like they used to. </span></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn our way out, Svenny and I agreed that the movie wasn\'t scary.  Nope.  Startling at points, but certainly not scary.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then he dropped me off at home.  Alone.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUgh.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe house was eerily silent.  Great timing for my broken SoundDock.  No music for me to break the silence.  Except...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI remembered the music channels on TV that I never use!  Feeling shaken by the \"dark stuff\" that I refuse to further discuss, the Christian channel seemed like the most logical choice.  Yep.  I BLARED Jesus throughout every corner of my house.  Worked like a charm.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil bed.  When I needed to turn off the TV.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI hate to admit this, but before bed, I carried my phone with me throughout the house as I checked every closet.  How silly is that?  What if something had jumped out at me?  \"Pardon me, Boogeyman, but could you please give me a sec while I call Svenny?  He lives right down the street and can be here in a flash!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI took an allergy pill to knock me out, and I slept like a wee babe.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo more horror movies for me until my next cohabitation.  No way, no how.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n*************************************************************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnswers to <strong><em><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Name That Horror Flick!</span></em></strong>\r\n\r\n<strong><em> </em></strong>\r\n\r\n<em><strong>*  <span style=\"color: #003366;\">Friday the 13th.</span></strong>  </em>All 50 of them.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n+  <em><strong><span style=\"color: #808000;\">When a Stranger Calls.</span></strong>  </em>This is another one that you couldn\'t pay me to watch alone.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n^  <em><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">The Shining</span></strong></em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 30: Horror Movie Night','','publish','closed','closed','','day-30-horror-movie-night','','','2012-02-24 17:12:29','2012-02-25 00:12:29','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=1309',0,'post','',7),(9819,1,'2012-02-27 20:20:38','2012-02-28 03:20:38','','IMG00045-20120226-1701','','inherit','open','open','','img00045-20120226-1701','','','2012-02-27 20:20:38','2012-02-28 03:20:38','',9818,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/IMG00045-20120226-1701.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(9820,1,'2012-02-27 20:21:31','2012-02-28 03:21:31','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9819\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9819\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-9819\" title=\"IMG00045-20120226-1701\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/IMG00045-20120226-1701.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPlease tell me that I\'m not alone in my procrastination problem dirty little secret.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI actually felt understood when I visited France end of January/early February.  The French still had holly and wreaths everywhere!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBut it\'s now February 28th, peeps.  I suppose I\'ve enjoyed the Christmas cheer these past few weeks, but now it\'s time to let go.  I will not embarrass myself by letting these linger through March.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThank goodness it\'s Leap Year.  I get an extra day!  :-D\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\'Fess up, sisters!  Who has Christmas decor that just won\'t go away?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Are there any other Christmas stragglers out there?  ','','inherit','open','open','','9818-revision','','','2012-02-27 20:21:31','2012-02-28 03:21:31','',9818,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/27/9818-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2273,1,'2010-11-27 17:37:53','2010-11-28 00:37:53','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB250186.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2263 alignleft\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB250186-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\n\n<p>I used to think that being single on Thanksgiving sucked. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Oh, how times have changed! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Here are the advantages of a single girl\'s TDay:</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<ul>\n	<li>You get to spend it with people whom you <em>want </em>to spend time with, rather than people whom you are <em>obligated</em> to spend time with</li>\n	<li>As much as I love kids, I prefer peace and quiet during a feast</li>\n	<li>I am also a fan of adult discussions about music, art, and culture. </li>\n	<li>Discussions that quickly fall into the gutter are equally as fun</li>\n	<li>NO DRAMA</li>\n	<li>Copious amounts of wine </li>\n	<li>Eclectic iTunes playlists</li>\n	<li>NO DRAMA</li>\n	<li>Lots of laughter amongst good friends</li>\n	<li>Plenty of leftovers</li>\n	<li>NO DRAMA </li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Kimeee and I have been spending Thanksgiving together since 2002.  Some gathering have been large, some have been small, some have included boyfriends, a few even included a fiancé (Kimeee\'s), and a couple have included our friend, Mark. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>This year we invited Laney into our inner circle.  A former wine rep, Laney knows wine and brought plenty of it.  Boy, did we <span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">get lit</span> enjoy ourselves! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Laney also presented me with the most deliciously lovely book which doubles as a fantastic future blog idea!  Hurrah! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The book:  <em>The Elixir of Life.</em></p>\n\n<p><em></em> </p>\n\n<p>She had me at the title.  How perfect!   How appropros!  How Laney to pick something so perfectly appropros for moi!  xo</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The book\'s tagline:  finding love and joy in the passionate pursuit of food. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Well, well, well.  Was Laney thinking of the <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/27/day-60-3-yes-3-when-harry-met-sally-moments-during-1-dinner/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>3 When Harry Met Sally \"moments\"</strong> </a>that I experienced at El Chorro the night before?  Hmmm?</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The book\'s mojo:  author Lisa Dahl travels to Tuscany, Italy, to celebrate the elixirs of the olive and the vine, and the elixir of inspiration that underlies her decades of Italian- and Mediterranean-influenced cusine. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The book jacket goes on to describe Dahl\'s \"lusty cooking\". </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Oh, yeah. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>AND...coinkidink of coinkidinks...Ms. Dahl resides in my fair state!!!  In magical Sedona, which I just so happened to introduce you to on Day</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>So here\'s my plan, peeps: </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>In early 2011, when we are all whining about our post-holiday blues (or perhaps even Valentine\'s Schmalentine\'s day), we are all diving into food porn together.  </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>We are going to be soooooo <em><strong>Julie &amp; Julia</strong></em>, and we\'re going to have a blast!  </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>For one week, we are going to cook a different recipe(s) every night from Lisa Dahl\'s lusty book.  Yes, that\'s right.  We will all cook the recipes together in our perspective kitchens and then blog/comment about our experiences throughout the week. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>If you want to live vicariously through us and simply stalk us on the blog, that\'s fine, too.  Lusty stuff always involves creepy peeping Toms and Tinas.  Just kidding!  Of course, you are welcome to just follow and let us entertain you.  Or maybe you will be so inspired and filled with lust that you MUST cook one of the recipes or your life cannot go on.  Now THAT would make for a great comment section! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>At the end of all of this cooking/living vicariously/lustfulness, I will travel to the enchanting Sedona, Arizona (twist my arm) to dine at one of Lisa Dahl\'s fine establishments, Cucina Rustica</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 61:  Thankful for Fellow TDay Orphans','','inherit','open','open','','2257-revision-4','','','2010-11-27 17:37:53','2010-11-28 00:37:53','',2257,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/27/2257-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(2274,1,'2010-11-27 17:41:42','2010-11-28 00:41:42','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB250186.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2263 alignleft\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB250186-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\n\n<p>I used to think that being single on Thanksgiving sucked. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Oh, how times have changed! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Here are the advantages of a single girl\'s TDay:</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<ul>\n	<li>You get to spend it with people whom you <em>want </em>to spend time with, rather than people whom you are <em>obligated</em> to spend time with</li>\n	<li>As much as I love kids, I prefer peace and quiet during a feast</li>\n	<li>I am also a fan of adult discussions about music, art, and culture. </li>\n	<li>Discussions that quickly fall into the gutter are equally as fun</li>\n	<li>NO DRAMA</li>\n	<li>Copious amounts of wine </li>\n	<li>Eclectic iTunes playlists</li>\n	<li>NO DRAMA</li>\n	<li>Lots of laughter amongst good friends</li>\n	<li>Plenty of leftovers</li>\n	<li>NO DRAMA </li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Kimeee and I have been spending Thanksgiving together since 2002.  Some gathering have been large, some have been small, some have included boyfriends, a few even included a fiancé (Kimeee\'s), and a couple have included our friend, Mark. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>This year we invited Laney into our inner circle.  A former wine rep, Laney knows wine and brought plenty of it.  Boy, did we <span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">get lit</span> enjoy ourselves! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Laney also presented me with the most deliciously lovely book which doubles as a fantastic future blog idea!  Hurrah! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The book:  <em>The Elixir of Life.</em></p>\n\n<p><em> </em> </p>\n\n<p>She had me at the title.  How perfect!   How appropros!  How Laney to pick something so perfectly appropros for moi!  xo</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The book\'s tagline:  finding love and joy in the passionate pursuit of food. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Well, well, well.  Was Laney thinking of the <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/27/day-60-3-yes-3-when-harry-met-sally-moments-during-1-dinner/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>3 When Harry Met Sally \"moments\"</strong> </a>that I experienced at El Chorro the night before?  Hmmm?</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The book\'s mojo:  author Lisa Dahl travels to Tuscany, Italy, to celebrate the elixirs of the olive and the vine, and the elixir of inspiration that underlies her decades of Italian- and Mediterranean-influenced cusine. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The book jacket goes on to describe Dahl\'s \"lusty cooking\". </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Oh, yeah. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>AND...coinkidink of coinkidinks...Ms. Dahl resides in my fair state!!!  In magical Sedona, which I just so happened to introduce you to on Day</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>So here\'s my plan, peeps: </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>In early 2011, when we are all whining about our post-holiday blues (or perhaps even Valentine\'s Schmalentine\'s day), we are all diving into food porn together.  </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>We are going to be soooooo <em><strong>Julie &amp; Julia</strong></em>, and we\'re going to have a blast!  </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>For one week, we are going to cook a different recipe(s) every night from Lisa Dahl\'s lusty book.  Yes, that\'s right.  We will all cook the recipes together in our perspective kitchens and then blog/comment about our experiences throughout the week. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>If you want to live vicariously through us and simply stalk us on the blog, that\'s fine, too.  Lusty stuff always involves creepy peeping Toms and Tinas.  Just kidding!  Of course, you are welcome to just follow along and let us entertain you.  Or maybe you will be so inspired and filled with lust that you MUST cook one of the recipes or your life cannot go on.  Now THAT would make for a great comment section! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>At the end of all of this cooking/living vicariously/lustfulness, I will travel to the enchanting Sedona, Arizona (twist my arm) to dine at one of Lisa Dahl\'s fine culinary establishments, Cucina Rustica or Dahl &amp; Di Luca. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Now here\'s the outrageously fun part:  I am inviting all fellow Late Bloomers and Late Bloomer Wannabees to join me!  Hell -- even the token male readers are invited! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I am so excited about this that I don\'t know how I\'m going to sleep tonight. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Details to follow as the weeks pass. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Until then, Buon Giorno!<br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 61:  Thankful for Fellow TDay Orphans','','inherit','open','open','','2257-revision-5','','','2010-11-27 17:41:42','2010-11-28 00:41:42','',2257,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/27/2257-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(1623,1,'2010-11-01 01:11:55','2010-11-01 08:11:55','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA310181.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-1632\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA310181-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>On Day 34, I originally planned to attend a Pumpkin and Chili Festival on a local farm.  And then…Life Happened When I Was Making Plans.  Again.  Are we in agreement that this was the theme for the week??? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This case of Life Happens involved a girlfriend-in-crisis.  The last thing a girlfriend-in-crisis needs/wants is festivity.  She needs/wants “nesting”.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Plan B included a nesting night of tea, talk, tears and caramel apples.  The Portuguese always default to food to solve the problems of the world and girlfriends-in-crisis. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I had never made caramel apples before.  Have you?  They are super easy to make, although a bit messy.  A shout out to my friend Yovani aka Yo-Yo who made this culinary adventure a little less sticky for me. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Here’s how: </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Ingredients:</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>1 14 oz bag of caramels</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>5 medium apples (granny smith are best)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>2 tbsp water</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Nuts (optional)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Crushed Butterfingers or other candy (optional)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">You will also need:</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>5 popsicle sticks</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Parchment paper</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Directions:</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Important first step for sanity from Yo-Yo:  Spray ALL utensils and pans (yes, ALL) involved with cooking spray before you get started.  You’ll see…</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong></p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Wash those apples well so you’re not polluting your treats with pesticides.  If you are using organic, wash them well because who knows where those apples have been!<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Insert the popsicle sticks.  You may need to pound them in a bit which helps in getting rid of any residual aggression that you did or didn’t know you were carrying around. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Cover a large plate with the parchment paper.  SPRAY!<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>SPRAY a large saucepan. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Open the bag of caramels.  Realize that those are a whole lotta caramels that you need to unwrap before you can melt them.  Greaaatttt..  Tell yourself that this is an opportunity for a mindless breather.  </li>\r\n</ul>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1633\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yep. You need to unwrap them all. Breathe. \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA300179.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1633\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA300179-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>SPRAY the stirring spoon.  SPRAY a ladle. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Melt those puppies (with the 2 tbsp water) over a medium-low heat.    Stir constantly.<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Dunk the newly non-toxic apples in the caramel.  Ladle the caramel over the apple to cover. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Roll the caramel apple in the crushed nuts or candy now while still warm.  (Yo-Yo never mentioned this, but you will find that the nuts or candy don’t stick very well.  This portion of our culinary adventure now evolves into an art project where you are mashing bits of nuts or candy into the apple with your hands.)<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Place your apples on the SPRAYED parchment-papered plate. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.  Remove for at least 15 minutes prior to serving.  Store the rest in the fridge. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Eat.  Brush.  Floss.  </li>\r\n</ul>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>The great thing about caramel apples is that the nutritional potency of the apple offsets the effects of the candy coating.</strong></span>  I am not sure if you were aware of this.  In addition, if you roll your apples in chopped walnuts as I did, the label notes that you receive 25% of your daily allowance of copper.  I\'m not sure what copper does, but let\'s just assume that it is vital to our health and general well-being. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Yours in health,</p>','Day 35:  When Life Gets Sticky, Gather Apples ','','publish','open','open','','day-35-when-life-gets-sticky-gather-apples','','','2010-10-31 13:47:30','2010-10-31 20:47:30','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=1623',0,'post','',3),(1322,1,'2010-10-24 20:21:39','2010-10-25 03:21:39','<p><a href=\"www.hairpeace.com\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-1319\" title=\"salvadorsign\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/salvadorsign2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\n\n<p> Most women tend to be fiercely loyal to their hairstylists.  Suggest to a woman that she try a new stylist and a look of horror (tinged with guilt) crosses her face.  A woman would sooner call it quits with her significant other than abandon or cheat on her mane guy/girl. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>And, yes, this applies to women who are downright unhappy with their stylist!  They would rather stay in a dysfunctional hair relationship than break away to healthier pastures.  They walk around with a bad haircut and/or color because they don’t want to hurt their hairstylist’s <em>feelings</em>. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I know.  I used to feel that way as well.  Until the day I was forced to break up with “G”.  He left me with no choice.   </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>G was my hairstylist from five years ago.  I met him at a party.  At the time, I was displeased with my hair.  My metrosexual poster boy friend recommended a top stylist in Snobbsdale who dyed my tresses a lighter shade of black and razor cut my hair.  The color made me look like I was in dire need of a makeover, and the razor made my hair frizz to a frazzle. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>At the party (hosted by metrosexual poster boy, ironically), G sat down next to me and told me that he loved my dress.  (+10 points)  He then commented that my shoes were to die for.  (+20 points)  We talked incessantly for a while, and it came up in conversation that he was a hairstylist.  I immediately blurted out my hair woes. Don’t we often treat our hairstylists like therapists?  God bless them for listening. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>G calmly assessed the damage.  He explained to me that my hair was too dark and washed me out.  (+50 points)  G was HORRIFIED that someone had taken a razor to the hair of someone of “Mediterranean descent”.  (+100 points)  My hair should be blunt cut to eliminate the frizzle-frazzle!  (+500 points) </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>This was destined to be a hair relationship made in Heaven! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I called G that Tuesday to schedule an appointment.  When our big day rolled around, it was everything a girl could want.  I will never forget – he dyed my hair with a color called “Swedish blonde” which sounded ridiculous at first.  Me?  A blonde?  Uh…no.  BUT!!!!  G transformed my hair into shade of golden brunette perfect for my skin tone.  And his blunt cut layers made my hair bouncing and behaving!  (+ points ad infinitum)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I was hooked. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>G and I also started to see each other outside of the salon.  (Platonically.  G wasn’t attracted to women.)  He shared my taste for indie restaurants and coffeehouses.  We had so much fun together.  </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Then one day, G was in a mood.  (He had a flair for the dramatic.)  He was stressed out about a guy who dissed him and ticked off at his landlord.  In the midst of relaying his hassles in vivid detail during my haircut, he cut my layers unevenly.  i.e. He screwed up my hair.  Big time.  Every woman’s worst hair nightmare. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Now, I am a forgiving sort.  I am prone to granting second chances.  We are all human.  We all make mistakes.  We should all give one another a little more grace. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>So I went back to G for a quick fix. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Which turned out to be not a fix, but another disaster. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>In some aspects, breaking up with G was worse than breaking up with a boyfriend.  With a boyfriend, you take time off to heal and ready yourself for another relationship someday.  With your hairstylist, you need to find another one right away.  This is far from ideal when you’re gun-shy and suffering from hair trauma. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Argh. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I went through a few hairstylists after G.  Everyone was good at first, and then they slacked off after a year or so.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I was then introduced to a husband/wife cut/color duo who are great.  I absolutely adore them – talented, super smart, and warm.  But our schedules haven’t been meshing lately.  Availability is limited to one Saturday a month, and if I happen to have other plans that Saturday, then I’m SOL.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>And this is how I came to cheat on my hairstylist.  I needed an appointment for this past Saturday, and my stylists were unavailable. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>For months, my friend Britt waxed on about <em>“Salvador”.</em>  The way she talked about him, I envisioned some sort of mythical Hair God. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>“<em>Salvador</em> is the best stylist that I’ve ever been to.  He specializes in natural color.”  (+50 points)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>“<em>Salvador</em> is the only one in this town who knows how to cut hair.  He cuts the layers blunt so your hair is thick and voluptuous and doesn’t get scraggly as with point cutting.”  (+100 points)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>“<em>Salvador</em> has a really cool artsy studio downtown with art and photographs and instruments.”  (I’m a sucker for artsy fartsy.  +50 points.)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>“<em>Salvador</em> understands how to cut wavy hair.” (+100 points)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>“<em>Salvador</em>!  <em>Salvador</em>!  <em>Salvador</em>!”  (+50 points for reputation of mythical proportion) </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>So this past Saturday morning I hauled my cookies downtown for an appointment with <em>Salvador</em>. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Upon entering aforementioned artsy fartsy studio, I was greeted by an overly enthusiastic Golden Retriever named Tahoe.  (+ points ad infinitum)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Salvador (with locks of mythical proportion) welcomed me to the salon and chit-chatted away about the morning.  I was up late the night before, slept in, and had just started drinking my coffee, so I slurped it down in a hurry with hopes that I could be a tenth as chipper as Tahoe and ready to talk to another human being.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Classical music played in the background (+10 points) while Salvador sat me in the chair and inquired about what I wanted to do with my hair.  I asked him what he would do given carte blanche. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>All I can remember is “natural color” and I agreed to the rest.  When a mythical Hair God shares his opinion, you really should just take it and get on with your day.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Once I was properly caffeinated, we were able to ramble on about all sorts of common interests from music to guitar to writing to entrepreneurship to topics ad infinitum.  (+1000 points)  I am sure that you will agree with me that NOTHING is more awkward than sitting in a hairstylist’s chair whom you are unable to talk to.  How can they <em>possibly </em>serve as your surrogate therapist/dating coach/sounding board if you can’t carry on a decent conversation??? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Salvador worked his magic throughout conversational turns and many musical shifts (as you ease into the morning the classical needs to be replaced with rock) and then…Voila!  Hair Extraordinaire! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I have already received numerous compliments from “the outside”. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>In this illicit affair, the cheating paid off and no one got hurt.**</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The most surprising thing about Salvador is that for a mythical Hair God, he is extraordinarily down-to-earth and <em>a really good guy</em>. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Often with myths, we develop high expectations that can’t be adhered to in Real Life.  Salvador will exceed your expectations.  And you’ll have fun in the process.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Go see him and Tahoe.  </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"http://www.hairpeace.com/\" target=\"_blank\">http://www.hairpeace.com/</a></strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>                                *************************************</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Please note that I do not condone cheating in other relationships.  But if your hairstylist isn’t cutting it (pun intended), then by all means get out there and sow your wild oats with someone new! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 28:  Have YOU Ever Cheated on Your Hairdresser?','','inherit','open','open','','1307-revision-5','','','2010-10-24 20:21:39','2010-10-25 03:21:39','',1307,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/24/1307-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(1355,1,'2010-10-24 21:01:39','2010-10-25 04:01:39','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/salcalvinfo.gif\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-1326\" title=\"salcalvinfo\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/salcalvinfo.gif\" alt=\"\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.hairpeace.com/Home.html\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-1319\" title=\"salvadorsign\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/salvadorsign2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Most women tend to be fiercely loyal to their hairstylists.  Suggest to a woman that she try a new stylist and a look of horror (tinged with guilt) crosses her face.  A woman would sooner call it quits with her significant other than abandon or cheat on her mane guy/girl. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And, yes, this applies to women who are downright unhappy with their stylist!  They would rather stay in a dysfunctional hair relationship than break away to healthier pastures.  They walk around with a bad haircut and/or color because they don’t want to hurt their hairstylist’s <em>feelings</em>. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I know.  I used to feel that way as well.  Until the day I was forced to break up with “G”.  He left me with no choice.   </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff; font-size: large;\">Like all new relationships, it was A Match Made in Heaven.  At first.  </span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff; font-size: large;\"> </span></strong> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>G was my hairstylist from five years ago.  I met him at a party.  At the time, I was displeased with my hair.  My metrosexual poster boy friend recommended a top stylist in Snobbsdale who dyed my tresses a lighter shade of black and razor cut my hair.  The color made me look like I was in dire need of a makeover, and the razor made my hair frizz to a frazzle. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>At the party (hosted by metrosexual poster boy, ironically), G sat down next to me and told me that he loved my dress.  (+10 points)  He then commented that my shoes were to die for.  (+20 points)  We talked incessantly for a while, and it came up in conversation that he was a hairstylist.  I immediately blurted out my hair woes. Don’t we often treat our hairstylists like therapists?  God bless them for listening. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>G calmly assessed the damage.  He explained to me that my hair was too dark and washed me out.  (+50 points)  G was HORRIFIED that someone had taken a razor to the hair of someone of “Mediterranean descent”.  (+100 points)  My hair should be blunt cut to eliminate the frizzle-frazzle!  (+500 points) </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This was destined to be a hair relationship made in Heaven! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I called G that Tuesday to schedule an appointment.  When our big day rolled around, it was everything a girl could want.  I will never forget – he dyed my hair with a color called “Swedish blonde” which sounded ridiculous at first.  Me?  A blonde?  Uh…no.  BUT!!!!  G transformed my hair into shade of golden brunette perfect for my skin tone.  And his blunt cut layers made my hair bouncing and behaving!  (+ points ad infinitum)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I was hooked. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>G and I also started to see each other outside of the salon.  (Platonically.  G wasn’t attracted to women.)  He shared my taste for indie restaurants and coffeehouses.  We had so much fun together.  </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: large;\">Drama Queens belong on the stage and not in the salon.</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Then one day, G was in a mood.  (He had a flair for the dramatic.)  He was stressed out about a guy who dissed him and ticked off at his landlord.  In the midst of relaying his hassles in vivid detail during my haircut, he cut my layers unevenly.  i.e. He screwed up my hair.  Big time.  Every woman’s worst hair nightmare. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Now, I am a forgiving sort.  I am prone to granting second chances.  We are all human.  We all make mistakes.  We should all give one another a little more grace. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So I went back to G for a quick fix. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Which turned out to be not a fix, but another disaster. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: large;\">Breaking Up is Hard to Do </span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: large;\"> </span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In some aspects, breaking up with G was worse than breaking up with a boyfriend.  With a boyfriend, you take time off to heal and ready yourself for another relationship someday.  With your hairstylist, you need to find another one right away.  This is far from ideal when you’re gun-shy and suffering from hair trauma. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Argh. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I went through a few hairstylists after G.  Everyone was good at first, and then they slacked off after a year or so.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I was then introduced to a husband/wife cut/color duo who are great.  I absolutely adore them – talented, super smart, and warm.  But our schedules haven’t been meshing lately.  Availability is limited to one Saturday a month, and if I happen to have other plans that Saturday, then I’m SOL.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And this is how I came to cheat on my hairstylist.  I needed an appointment for this past Saturday, and my stylists were unavailable. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff6600; font-size: large;\"><strong>If you are going to cheat, then reach for the hairstylist to the stars.  </strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /> For months, my friend Britt waxed on about <em>“Salvador”.</em>  The way she talked about him, I envisioned some sort of mythical Hair God. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>“<em>Salvador</em> is the best stylist that I’ve ever been to.  He specializes in natural color.”  (+50 points)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>“<em>Salvador</em> is the only one in this town who knows how to cut hair.  He cuts the layers blunt so your hair is thick and voluptuous and doesn’t get scraggly as with point cutting.”  (+100 points)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>“<em>Salvador</em> has a really cool artsy studio downtown with art and photographs and instruments.”  (I’m a sucker for artsy fartsy.  +50 points.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>“<em>Salvador</em> understands how to cut wavy hair.” (+100 points)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>“<em>Salvador</em>!  <em>Salvador</em>!  <em>Salvador</em>!”  (+50 points for reputation of mythical proportion) </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So this past Saturday morning I hauled my cookies downtown for an appointment with <em>Salvador</em>. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Upon entering aforementioned artsy fartsy studio, I was greeted by an overly enthusiastic Golden Retriever named Tahoe.  (+ points ad infinitum)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.hairpeace.com\" target=\"_blank\"><img title=\"tahoe\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/tahoe2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"97\" height=\"118\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Salvador (with locks of mythical proportion) welcomed me to the salon and chit-chatted away about the morning.  I was up late the night before, slept in, and had just started drinking my coffee, so I slurped it down in a hurry with hopes that I could be a tenth as chipper as Tahoe and ready to talk to another human being.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Classical music played in the background (+10 points) while Salvador sat me in the chair and inquired about what I wanted to do with my hair.  I asked him what he would do given carte blanche. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>All I can remember is “natural color” and I agreed to the rest.  When a mythical Hair God shares his opinion, you really should just take it and get on with your day.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Once I was properly caffeinated, we were able to ramble on about all sorts of common interests from music to guitar to writing to entrepreneurship to topics ad infinitum.  (+1000 points)  I am sure that you will agree with me that NOTHING is more awkward than sitting in a hairstylist’s chair whom you are unable to talk to.  How can they <em>possibly </em>serve as your surrogate therapist/dating coach/sounding board if you can’t carry on a decent conversation??? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Salvador worked his magic throughout conversational turns and many musical shifts (as you ease into the morning the classical needs to be replaced with rock) and then…Voila!  Hair Extraordinaire! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I have already received numerous compliments from “the outside”. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In this illicit affair, the cheating paid off and no one got hurt.**</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The most surprising thing about Salvador is that for a mythical Hair God, he is extraordinarily down-to-earth and <em>a really good guy</em>. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Often with myths, we develop high expectations that can’t be adhered to in Real Life.  Salvador will exceed your expectations.  And you’ll have fun in the process.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Go see him and Tahoe.  </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.hairpeace.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>http://www.hairpeace.com/</strong></span></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>                           </strong> ****************************************</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>** Please note that I do not condone cheating in other relationships.  But if your hairstylist isn’t cutting it (pun intended), then by all means get out there and sow your wild oats with someone new! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 28:  Have YOU Ever Cheated on Your Hairdresser?','','inherit','open','open','','1307-revision-35','','','2010-10-24 21:01:39','2010-10-25 04:01:39','',1307,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/24/1307-revision-35/',0,'revision','',0),(1354,1,'2010-10-24 21:01:13','2010-10-25 04:01:13','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/salcalvinfo.gif\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-1326\" title=\"salcalvinfo\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/salcalvinfo.gif\" alt=\"\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.hairpeace.com/Home.html\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-1319\" title=\"salvadorsign\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/salvadorsign2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Most women tend to be fiercely loyal to their hairstylists.  Suggest to a woman that she try a new stylist and a look of horror (tinged with guilt) crosses her face.  A woman would sooner call it quits with her significant other than abandon or cheat on her mane guy/girl. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And, yes, this applies to women who are downright unhappy with their stylist!  They would rather stay in a dysfunctional hair relationship than break away to healthier pastures.  They walk around with a bad haircut and/or color because they don’t want to hurt their hairstylist’s <em>feelings</em>. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I know.  I used to feel that way as well.  Until the day I was forced to break up with “G”.  He left me with no choice.   </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff; font-size: large;\">Like all new relationships, it was A Match Made in Heaven.  At first.  </span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff; font-size: large;\"> </span></strong> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>G was my hairstylist from five years ago.  I met him at a party.  At the time, I was displeased with my hair.  My metrosexual poster boy friend recommended a top stylist in Snobbsdale who dyed my tresses a lighter shade of black and razor cut my hair.  The color made me look like I was in dire need of a makeover, and the razor made my hair frizz to a frazzle. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>At the party (hosted by metrosexual poster boy, ironically), G sat down next to me and told me that he loved my dress.  (+10 points)  He then commented that my shoes were to die for.  (+20 points)  We talked incessantly for a while, and it came up in conversation that he was a hairstylist.  I immediately blurted out my hair woes. Don’t we often treat our hairstylists like therapists?  God bless them for listening. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>G calmly assessed the damage.  He explained to me that my hair was too dark and washed me out.  (+50 points)  G was HORRIFIED that someone had taken a razor to the hair of someone of “Mediterranean descent”.  (+100 points)  My hair should be blunt cut to eliminate the frizzle-frazzle!  (+500 points) </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This was destined to be a hair relationship made in Heaven! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I called G that Tuesday to schedule an appointment.  When our big day rolled around, it was everything a girl could want.  I will never forget – he dyed my hair with a color called “Swedish blonde” which sounded ridiculous at first.  Me?  A blonde?  Uh…no.  BUT!!!!  G transformed my hair into shade of golden brunette perfect for my skin tone.  And his blunt cut layers made my hair bouncing and behaving!  (+ points ad infinitum)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I was hooked. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>G and I also started to see each other outside of the salon.  (Platonically.  G wasn’t attracted to women.)  He shared my taste for indie restaurants and coffeehouses.  We had so much fun together.  </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: large;\">Drama Queens belong on the stage and not in the salon.</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Then one day, G was in a mood.  (He had a flair for the dramatic.)  He was stressed out about a guy who dissed him and ticked off at his landlord.  In the midst of relaying his hassles in vivid detail during my haircut, he cut my layers unevenly.  i.e. He screwed up my hair.  Big time.  Every woman’s worst hair nightmare. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Now, I am a forgiving sort.  I am prone to granting second chances.  We are all human.  We all make mistakes.  We should all give one another a little more grace. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So I went back to G for a quick fix. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Which turned out to be not a fix, but another disaster. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: large;\">Breaking Up is Hard to Do </span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: large;\"> </span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In some aspects, breaking up with G was worse than breaking up with a boyfriend.  With a boyfriend, you take time off to heal and ready yourself for another relationship someday.  With your hairstylist, you need to find another one right away.  This is far from ideal when you’re gun-shy and suffering from hair trauma. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Argh. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I went through a few hairstylists after G.  Everyone was good at first, and then they slacked off after a year or so.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I was then introduced to a husband/wife cut/color duo who are great.  I absolutely adore them – talented, super smart, and warm.  But our schedules haven’t been meshing lately.  Availability is limited to one Saturday a month, and if I happen to have other plans that Saturday, then I’m SOL.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And this is how I came to cheat on my hairstylist.  I needed an appointment for this past Saturday, and my stylists were unavailable. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff6600; font-size: large;\"><strong>If you are going to cheat, then reach for the hairstylist to the stars.  </strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /> For months, my friend Britt waxed on about <em>“Salvador”.</em>  The way she talked about him, I envisioned some sort of mythical Hair God. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>“<em>Salvador</em> is the best stylist that I’ve ever been to.  He specializes in natural color.”  (+50 points)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>“<em>Salvador</em> is the only one in this town who knows how to cut hair.  He cuts the layers blunt so your hair is thick and voluptuous and doesn’t get scraggly as with point cutting.”  (+100 points)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>“<em>Salvador</em> has a really cool artsy studio downtown with art and photographs and instruments.”  (I’m a sucker for artsy fartsy.  +50 points.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>“<em>Salvador</em> understands how to cut wavy hair.” (+100 points)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>“<em>Salvador</em>!  <em>Salvador</em>!  <em>Salvador</em>!”  (+50 points for reputation of mythical proportion) </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So this past Saturday morning I hauled my cookies downtown for an appointment with <em>Salvador</em>. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Upon entering aforementioned artsy fartsy studio, I was greeted by an overly enthusiastic Golden Retriever named Tahoe.  (+ points ad infinitum)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.hairpeace.com\" target=\"_blank\"><img title=\"tahoe\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/tahoe2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"97\" height=\"118\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Salvador (with locks of mythical proportion) welcomed me to the salon and chit-chatted away about the morning.  I was up late the night before, slept in, and had just started drinking my coffee, so I slurped it down in a hurry with hopes that I could be a tenth as chipper as Tahoe and ready to talk to another human being.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Classical music played in the background (+10 points) while Salvador sat me in the chair and inquired about what I wanted to do with my hair.  I asked him what he would do given carte blanche. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>All I can remember is “natural color” and I agreed to the rest.  When a mythical Hair God shares his opinion, you really should just take it and get on with your day.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Once I was properly caffeinated, we were able to ramble on about all sorts of common interests from music to guitar to writing to entrepreneurship to topics ad infinitum.  (+1000 points)  I am sure that you will agree with me that NOTHING is more awkward than sitting in a hairstylist’s chair whom you are unable to talk to.  How can they <em>possibly </em>serve as your surrogate therapist/dating coach/sounding board if you can’t carry on a decent conversation??? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Salvador worked his magic throughout conversational turns and many musical shifts (as you ease into the morning the classical needs to be replaced with rock) and then…Voila!  Hair Extraordinaire! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I have already received numerous compliments from “the outside”. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In this illicit affair, the cheating paid off and no one got hurt.**</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The most surprising thing about Salvador is that for a mythical Hair God, he is extraordinarily down-to-earth and <em>a really good guy</em>. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Often with myths, we develop high expectations that can’t be adhered to in Real Life.  Salvador will exceed your expectations.  And you’ll have fun in the process.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Go see him and Tahoe.  </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.hairpeace.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>http://www.hairpeace.com/</strong></span></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>                           </strong> ****************************************</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>** Please note that I do not condone cheating in other relationships.  But if your hairstylist isn’t cutting it (pun intended), then by all means get out there and sow your wild oats with someone new! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 28:  Have YOU Ever Cheated on Your Hairdresser?','','inherit','open','open','','1307-revision-34','','','2010-10-24 21:01:13','2010-10-25 04:01:13','',1307,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/24/1307-revision-34/',0,'revision','',0),(1356,1,'2010-10-24 21:02:02','2010-10-25 04:02:02','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/salcalvinfo.gif\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-1326\" title=\"salcalvinfo\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/salcalvinfo.gif\" alt=\"\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.hairpeace.com/Home.html\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-1319\" title=\"salvadorsign\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/salvadorsign2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Most women tend to be fiercely loyal to their hairstylists.  Suggest to a woman that she try a new stylist and a look of horror (tinged with guilt) crosses her face.  A woman would sooner call it quits with her significant other than abandon or cheat on her mane guy/girl. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And, yes, this applies to women who are downright unhappy with their stylist!  They would rather stay in a dysfunctional hair relationship than break away to healthier pastures.  They walk around with a bad haircut and/or color because they don’t want to hurt their hairstylist’s <em>feelings</em>. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I know.  I used to feel that way as well.  Until the day I was forced to break up with “G”.  He left me with no choice.   </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff; font-size: large;\">Like all new relationships, it was A Match Made in Heaven.  At first.  </span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff; font-size: large;\"> </span></strong> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>G was my hairstylist from five years ago.  I met him at a party.  At the time, I was displeased with my hair.  My metrosexual poster boy friend recommended a top stylist in Snobbsdale who dyed my tresses a lighter shade of black and razor cut my hair.  The color made me look like I was in dire need of a makeover, and the razor made my hair frizz to a frazzle. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>At the party (hosted by metrosexual poster boy, ironically), G sat down next to me and told me that he loved my dress.  (+10 points)  He then commented that my shoes were to die for.  (+20 points)  We talked incessantly for a while, and it came up in conversation that he was a hairstylist.  I immediately blurted out my hair woes. Don’t we often treat our hairstylists like therapists?  God bless them for listening. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>G calmly assessed the damage.  He explained to me that my hair was too dark and washed me out.  (+50 points)  G was HORRIFIED that someone had taken a razor to the hair of someone of “Mediterranean descent”.  (+100 points)  My hair should be blunt cut to eliminate the frizzle-frazzle!  (+500 points) </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This was destined to be a hair relationship made in Heaven! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I called G that Tuesday to schedule an appointment.  When our big day rolled around, it was everything a girl could want.  I will never forget – he dyed my hair with a color called “Swedish blonde” which sounded ridiculous at first.  Me?  A blonde?  Uh…no.  BUT!!!!  G transformed my hair into shade of golden brunette perfect for my skin tone.  And his blunt cut layers made my hair bouncing and behaving!  (+ points ad infinitum)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I was hooked. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>G and I also started to see each other outside of the salon.  (Platonically.  G wasn’t attracted to women.)  He shared my taste for indie restaurants and coffeehouses.  We had so much fun together.  </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: large;\">Drama Queens belong on the stage and not in the salon.</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Then one day, G was in a mood.  (He had a flair for the dramatic.)  He was stressed out about a guy who dissed him and ticked off at his landlord.  In the midst of relaying his hassles in vivid detail during my haircut, he cut my layers unevenly.  i.e. He screwed up my hair.  Big time.  Every woman’s worst hair nightmare. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Now, I am a forgiving sort.  I am prone to granting second chances.  We are all human.  We all make mistakes.  We should all give one another a little more grace. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So I went back to G for a quick fix. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Which turned out to be not a fix, but another disaster. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: large;\">Breaking Up is Hard to Do </span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: large;\"> </span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In some aspects, breaking up with G was worse than breaking up with a boyfriend.  With a boyfriend, you take time off to heal and ready yourself for another relationship someday.  With your hairstylist, you need to find another one right away.  This is far from ideal when you’re gun-shy and suffering from hair trauma. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Argh. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I went through a few hairstylists after G.  Everyone was good at first, and then they slacked off after a year or so.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I was then introduced to a husband/wife cut/color duo who are great.  I absolutely adore them – talented, super smart, and warm.  But our schedules haven’t been meshing lately.  Availability is limited to one Saturday a month, and if I happen to have other plans that Saturday, then I’m SOL.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And this is how I came to cheat on my hairstylist.  I needed an appointment for this past Saturday, and my stylists were unavailable. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff6600; font-size: large;\"><strong>If you are going to cheat, then reach for the hairstylist to the stars.  </strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /> For months, my friend Britt waxed on about <em>“Salvador”.</em>  The way she talked about him, I envisioned some sort of mythical Hair God. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>“<em>Salvador</em> is the best stylist that I’ve ever been to.  He specializes in natural color.”  (+50 points)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>“<em>Salvador</em> is the only one in this town who knows how to cut hair.  He cuts the layers blunt so your hair is thick and voluptuous and doesn’t get scraggly as with point cutting.”  (+100 points)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>“<em>Salvador</em> has a really cool artsy studio downtown with art and photographs and instruments.”  (I’m a sucker for artsy fartsy.  +50 points.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>“<em>Salvador</em> understands how to cut wavy hair.” (+100 points)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>“<em>Salvador</em>!  <em>Salvador</em>!  <em>Salvador</em>!”  (+50 points for reputation of mythical proportion) </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So this past Saturday morning I hauled my cookies downtown for an appointment with <em>Salvador</em>. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Upon entering aforementioned artsy fartsy studio, I was greeted by an overly enthusiastic Golden Retriever named Tahoe.  (+ points ad infinitum)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.hairpeace.com\" target=\"_blank\"><img title=\"tahoe\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/tahoe2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"97\" height=\"118\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Salvador (with locks of mythical proportion) welcomed me to the salon and chit-chatted away about the morning.  I was up late the night before, slept in, and had just started drinking my coffee, so I slurped it down in a hurry with hopes that I could be a tenth as chipper as Tahoe and ready to talk to another human being.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Classical music played in the background (+10 points) while Salvador sat me in the chair and inquired about what I wanted to do with my hair.  I asked him what he would do given carte blanche. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>All I can remember is “natural color” and I agreed to the rest.  When a mythical Hair God shares his opinion, you really should just take it and get on with your day.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Once I was properly caffeinated, we were able to ramble on about all sorts of common interests from music to guitar to writing to entrepreneurship to topics ad infinitum.  (+1000 points)  I am sure that you will agree with me that NOTHING is more awkward than sitting in a hairstylist’s chair whom you are unable to talk to.  How can they <em>possibly </em>serve as your surrogate therapist/dating coach/sounding board if you can’t carry on a decent conversation??? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Salvador worked his magic throughout conversational turns and many musical shifts (as you ease into the morning the classical needs to be replaced with rock) and then…Voila!  Hair Extraordinaire! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I have already received numerous compliments from “the outside”. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In this illicit affair, the cheating paid off and no one got hurt.**</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The most surprising thing about Salvador is that for a mythical Hair God, he is extraordinarily down-to-earth and <em>a really good guy</em>. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Often with myths, we develop high expectations that can’t be adhered to in Real Life.  Salvador will exceed your expectations.  And you’ll have fun in the process.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Go see him and Tahoe.  </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.hairpeace.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>http://www.hairpeace.com/</strong></span></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>                           </strong> ****************************************</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>** Please note that I do not condone cheating in other relationships.  But if your hairstylist isn’t cutting it (pun intended), then by all means get out there and sow your wild oats with someone new! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 28:  Have YOU Ever Cheated on Your Hairdresser?','','inherit','open','open','','1307-revision-36','','','2010-10-24 21:02:02','2010-10-25 04:02:02','',1307,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/24/1307-revision-36/',0,'revision','',0),(1357,1,'2010-10-24 21:02:30','2010-10-25 04:02:30','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/salcalvinfo.gif\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-1326\" title=\"salcalvinfo\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/salcalvinfo.gif\" alt=\"\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.hairpeace.com/Home.html\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-1319\" title=\"salvadorsign\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/salvadorsign2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Most women tend to be fiercely loyal to their hairstylists.  Suggest to a woman that she try a new stylist and a look of horror (tinged with guilt) crosses her face.  A woman would sooner call it quits with her significant other than abandon or cheat on her mane guy/girl. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And, yes, this applies to women who are downright unhappy with their stylist!  They would rather stay in a dysfunctional hair relationship than break away to healthier pastures.  They walk around with a bad haircut and/or color because they don’t want to hurt their hairstylist’s <em>feelings</em>. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I know.  I used to feel that way as well.  Until the day I was forced to break up with “G”.  He left me with no choice.   </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff; font-size: large;\">Like all new relationships, it was A Match Made in Heaven.  At first.  </span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff; font-size: large;\"> </span></strong> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>G was my hairstylist from five years ago.  I met him at a party.  At the time, I was displeased with my hair.  My metrosexual poster boy friend recommended a top stylist in Snobbsdale who dyed my tresses a lighter shade of black and razor cut my hair.  The color made me look like I was in dire need of a makeover, and the razor made my hair frizz to a frazzle. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>At the party (hosted by metrosexual poster boy, ironically), G sat down next to me and told me that he loved my dress.  (+10 points)  He then commented that my shoes were to die for.  (+20 points)  We talked incessantly for a while, and it came up in conversation that he was a hairstylist.  I immediately blurted out my hair woes. Don’t we often treat our hairstylists like therapists?  God bless them for listening. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>G calmly assessed the damage.  He explained to me that my hair was too dark and washed me out.  (+50 points)  G was HORRIFIED that someone had taken a razor to the hair of someone of “Mediterranean descent”.  (+100 points)  My hair should be blunt cut to eliminate the frizzle-frazzle!  (+500 points) </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This was destined to be a hair relationship made in Heaven! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I called G that Tuesday to schedule an appointment.  When our big day rolled around, it was everything a girl could want.  I will never forget – he dyed my hair with a color called “Swedish blonde” which sounded ridiculous at first.  Me?  A blonde?  Uh…no.  BUT!!!!  G transformed my hair into shade of golden brunette perfect for my skin tone.  And his blunt cut layers made my hair bouncing and behaving!  (+ points ad infinitum)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I was hooked. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>G and I also started to see each other outside of the salon.  (Platonically.  G wasn’t attracted to women.)  He shared my taste for indie restaurants and coffeehouses.  We had so much fun together.  </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: large;\">Drama Queens belong on the stage and not in the salon.</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Then one day, G was in a mood.  (He had a flair for the dramatic.)  He was stressed out about a guy who dissed him and ticked off at his landlord.  In the midst of relaying his hassles in vivid detail during my haircut, he cut my layers unevenly.  i.e. He screwed up my hair.  Big time.  Every woman’s worst hair nightmare. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Now, I am a forgiving sort.  I am prone to granting second chances.  We are all human.  We all make mistakes.  We should all give one another a little more grace. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So I went back to G for a quick fix. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Which turned out to be not a fix, but another disaster. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: large;\">Breaking Up is Hard to Do </span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: large;\"> </span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In some aspects, breaking up with G was worse than breaking up with a boyfriend.  With a boyfriend, you take time off to heal and ready yourself for another relationship someday.  With your hairstylist, you need to find another one right away.  This is far from ideal when you’re gun-shy and suffering from hair trauma. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Argh. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I went through a few hairstylists after G.  Everyone was good at first, and then they slacked off after a year or so.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I was then introduced to a husband/wife cut/color duo who are great.  I absolutely adore them – talented, super smart, and warm.  But our schedules haven’t been meshing lately.  Availability is limited to one Saturday a month, and if I happen to have other plans that Saturday, then I’m SOL.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And this is how I came to cheat on my hairstylist.  I needed an appointment for this past Saturday, and my stylists were unavailable. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff6600; font-size: large;\"><strong>If you are going to cheat, then reach for the hairstylist to the stars.  </strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /> For months, my friend Britt waxed on about <em>“Salvador”.</em>  The way she talked about him, I envisioned some sort of mythical Hair God. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>“<em>Salvador</em> is the best stylist that I’ve ever been to.  He specializes in natural color.”  (+50 points)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>“<em>Salvador</em> is the only one in this town who knows how to cut hair.  He cuts the layers blunt so your hair is thick and voluptuous and doesn’t get scraggly as with point cutting.”  (+100 points)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>“<em>Salvador</em> has a really cool artsy studio downtown with art and photographs and instruments.”  (I’m a sucker for artsy fartsy.  +50 points.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>“<em>Salvador</em> understands how to cut wavy hair.” (+100 points)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>“<em>Salvador</em>!  <em>Salvador</em>!  <em>Salvador</em>!”  (+50 points for reputation of mythical proportion) </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So this past Saturday morning I hauled my cookies downtown for an appointment with <em>Salvador</em>. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Upon entering aforementioned artsy fartsy studio, I was greeted by an overly enthusiastic Golden Retriever named Tahoe.  (+ points ad infinitum)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.hairpeace.com\" target=\"_blank\"><img title=\"tahoe\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/tahoe2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"97\" height=\"118\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Salvador (with locks of mythical proportion) welcomed me to the salon and chit-chatted away about the morning.  I was up late the night before, slept in, and had just started drinking my coffee, so I slurped it down in a hurry with hopes that I could be a tenth as chipper as Tahoe and ready to talk to another human being.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Classical music played in the background (+10 points) while Salvador sat me in the chair and inquired about what I wanted to do with my hair.  I asked him what he would do given carte blanche. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>All I can remember is “natural color” and I agreed to the rest.  When a mythical Hair God shares his opinion, you really should just take it and get on with your day.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Once I was properly caffeinated, we were able to ramble on about all sorts of common interests from music to guitar to writing to entrepreneurship to topics ad infinitum.  (+1000 points)  I am sure that you will agree with me that NOTHING is more awkward than sitting in a hairstylist’s chair whom you are unable to talk to.  How can they <em>possibly </em>serve as your surrogate therapist/dating coach/sounding board if you can’t carry on a decent conversation??? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Salvador worked his magic throughout conversational turns and many musical shifts (as you ease into the morning the classical needs to be replaced with rock) and then…Voila!  Hair Extraordinaire! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I have already received numerous compliments from “the outside”. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In this illicit affair, the cheating paid off and no one got hurt.**</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The most surprising thing about Salvador is that for a mythical Hair God, he is extraordinarily down-to-earth and <em>a really good guy</em>. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Often with myths, we develop high expectations that can’t be adhered to in Real Life.  Salvador will exceed your expectations.  And you’ll have fun in the process.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Go see him and Tahoe.  </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.hairpeace.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>http://www.hairpeace.com/</strong></span></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>                           </strong> ****************************************</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>** Please note that I do not condone cheating in other relationships.  But if your hairstylist isn’t cutting it (pun intended), then by all means get out there and sow your wild oats with someone new! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 28:  Have YOU Ever Cheated on Your Hairdresser?','','inherit','open','open','','1307-revision-37','','','2010-10-24 21:02:30','2010-10-25 04:02:30','',1307,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/24/1307-revision-37/',0,'revision','',0),(1358,1,'2010-10-24 21:02:48','2010-10-25 04:02:48','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/salcalvinfo.gif\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-1326\" title=\"salcalvinfo\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/salcalvinfo.gif\" alt=\"\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.hairpeace.com/Home.html\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-1319\" title=\"salvadorsign\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/salvadorsign2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Most women tend to be fiercely loyal to their hairstylists.  Suggest to a woman that she try a new stylist and a look of horror (tinged with guilt) crosses her face.  A woman would sooner call it quits with her significant other than abandon or cheat on her mane guy/girl. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And, yes, this applies to women who are downright unhappy with their stylist!  They would rather stay in a dysfunctional hair relationship than break away to healthier pastures.  They walk around with a bad haircut and/or color because they don’t want to hurt their hairstylist’s <em>feelings</em>. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I know.  I used to feel that way as well.  Until the day I was forced to break up with “G”.  He left me with no choice.   </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff; font-size: large;\">Like all new relationships, it was A Match Made in Heaven.  At first.  </span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff; font-size: large;\"> </span></strong> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>G was my hairstylist from five years ago.  I met him at a party.  At the time, I was displeased with my hair.  My metrosexual poster boy friend recommended a top stylist in Snobbsdale who dyed my tresses a lighter shade of black and razor cut my hair.  The color made me look like I was in dire need of a makeover, and the razor made my hair frizz to a frazzle. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>At the party (hosted by metrosexual poster boy, ironically), G sat down next to me and told me that he loved my dress.  (+10 points)  He then commented that my shoes were to die for.  (+20 points)  We talked incessantly for a while, and it came up in conversation that he was a hairstylist.  I immediately blurted out my hair woes. Don’t we often treat our hairstylists like therapists?  God bless them for listening. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>G calmly assessed the damage.  He explained to me that my hair was too dark and washed me out.  (+50 points)  G was HORRIFIED that someone had taken a razor to the hair of someone of “Mediterranean descent”.  (+100 points)  My hair should be blunt cut to eliminate the frizzle-frazzle!  (+500 points) </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This was destined to be a hair relationship made in Heaven! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I called G that Tuesday to schedule an appointment.  When our big day rolled around, it was everything a girl could want.  I will never forget – he dyed my hair with a color called “Swedish blonde” which sounded ridiculous at first.  Me?  A blonde?  Uh…no.  BUT!!!!  G transformed my hair into shade of golden brunette perfect for my skin tone.  And his blunt cut layers made my hair bouncing and behaving!  (+ points ad infinitum)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I was hooked. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>G and I also started to see each other outside of the salon.  (Platonically.  G wasn’t attracted to women.)  He shared my taste for indie restaurants and coffeehouses.  We had so much fun together.  </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: large;\">Drama Queens belong on the stage and not in the salon.</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Then one day, G was in a mood.  (He had a flair for the dramatic.)  He was stressed out about a guy who dissed him and ticked off at his landlord.  In the midst of relaying his hassles in vivid detail during my haircut, he cut my layers unevenly.  i.e. He screwed up my hair.  Big time.  Every woman’s worst hair nightmare. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Now, I am a forgiving sort.  I am prone to granting second chances.  We are all human.  We all make mistakes.  We should all give one another a little more grace. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So I went back to G for a quick fix. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Which turned out to be not a fix, but another disaster. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: large;\">Breaking Up is Hard to Do </span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: large;\"> </span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In some aspects, breaking up with G was worse than breaking up with a boyfriend.  With a boyfriend, you take time off to heal and ready yourself for another relationship someday.  With your hairstylist, you need to find another one right away.  This is far from ideal when you’re gun-shy and suffering from hair trauma. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Argh. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I went through a few hairstylists after G.  Everyone was good at first, and then they slacked off after a year or so.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I was then introduced to a husband/wife cut/color duo who are great.  I absolutely adore them – talented, super smart, and warm.  But our schedules haven’t been meshing lately.  Availability is limited to one Saturday a month, and if I happen to have other plans that Saturday, then I’m SOL.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And this is how I came to cheat on my hairstylist.  I needed an appointment for this past Saturday, and my stylists were unavailable. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff6600; font-size: large;\"><strong>If you are going to cheat, then reach for the hairstylist to the stars.  </strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /> For months, my friend Britt waxed on about <em>“Salvador”.</em>  The way she talked about him, I envisioned some sort of mythical Hair God. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>“<em>Salvador</em> is the best stylist that I’ve ever been to.  He specializes in natural color.”  (+50 points)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>“<em>Salvador</em> is the only one in this town who knows how to cut hair.  He cuts the layers blunt so your hair is thick and voluptuous and doesn’t get scraggly as with point cutting.”  (+100 points)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>“<em>Salvador</em> has a really cool artsy studio downtown with art and photographs and instruments.”  (I’m a sucker for artsy fartsy.  +50 points.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>“<em>Salvador</em> understands how to cut wavy hair.” (+100 points)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>“<em>Salvador</em>!  <em>Salvador</em>!  <em>Salvador</em>!”  (+50 points for reputation of mythical proportion) </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So this past Saturday morning I hauled my cookies downtown for an appointment with <em>Salvador</em>. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Upon entering aforementioned artsy fartsy studio, I was greeted by an overly enthusiastic Golden Retriever named Tahoe.  (+ points ad infinitum)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.hairpeace.com\" target=\"_blank\"><img title=\"tahoe\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/tahoe2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"97\" height=\"118\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Salvador (with locks of mythical proportion) welcomed me to the salon and chit-chatted away about the morning.  I was up late the night before, slept in, and had just started drinking my coffee, so I slurped it down in a hurry with hopes that I could be a tenth as chipper as Tahoe and ready to talk to another human being.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Classical music played in the background (+10 points) while Salvador sat me in the chair and inquired about what I wanted to do with my hair.  I asked him what he would do given carte blanche. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>All I can remember is “natural color” and I agreed to the rest.  When a mythical Hair God shares his opinion, you really should just take it and get on with your day.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Once I was properly caffeinated, we were able to ramble on about all sorts of common interests from music to guitar to writing to entrepreneurship to topics ad infinitum.  (+1000 points)  I am sure that you will agree with me that NOTHING is more awkward than sitting in a hairstylist’s chair whom you are unable to talk to.  How can they <em>possibly </em>serve as your surrogate therapist/dating coach/sounding board if you can’t carry on a decent conversation??? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Salvador worked his magic throughout conversational turns and many musical shifts (as you ease into the morning the classical needs to be replaced with rock) and then…Voila!  Hair Extraordinaire! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I have already received numerous compliments from “the outside”. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In this illicit affair, the cheating paid off and no one got hurt.**</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The most surprising thing about Salvador is that for a mythical Hair God, he is extraordinarily down-to-earth and <em>a really good guy</em>. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Often with myths, we develop high expectations that can’t be adhered to in Real Life.  Salvador will exceed your expectations.  And you’ll have fun in the process.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Go see him and Tahoe.  </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.hairpeace.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>http://www.hairpeace.com/</strong></span></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>                           </strong> ****************************************</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>** Please note that I do not condone cheating in other relationships.  But if your hairstylist isn’t cutting it (pun intended), then by all means get out there and sow your wild oats with someone new! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 28:  Have YOU Ever Cheated on Your Hairdresser?','','inherit','open','open','','1307-revision-38','','','2010-10-24 21:02:48','2010-10-25 04:02:48','',1307,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/24/1307-revision-38/',0,'revision','',0),(1359,1,'2010-10-24 21:03:07','2010-10-25 04:03:07','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/salcalvinfo.gif\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-1326\" title=\"salcalvinfo\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/salcalvinfo.gif\" alt=\"\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.hairpeace.com/Home.html\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-1319\" title=\"salvadorsign\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/salvadorsign2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Most women tend to be fiercely loyal to their hairstylists.  Suggest to a woman that she try a new stylist and a look of horror (tinged with guilt) crosses her face.  A woman would sooner call it quits with her significant other than abandon or cheat on her mane guy/girl. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And, yes, this applies to women who are downright unhappy with their stylist!  They would rather stay in a dysfunctional hair relationship than break away to healthier pastures.  They walk around with a bad haircut and/or color because they don’t want to hurt their hairstylist’s <em>feelings</em>. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I know.  I used to feel that way as well.  Until the day I was forced to break up with “G”.  He left me with no choice.   </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff; font-size: large;\">Like all new relationships, it was A Match Made in Heaven.  At first.  </span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff; font-size: large;\"> </span></strong> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>G was my hairstylist from five years ago.  I met him at a party.  At the time, I was displeased with my hair.  My metrosexual poster boy friend recommended a top stylist in Snobbsdale who dyed my tresses a lighter shade of black and razor cut my hair.  The color made me look like I was in dire need of a makeover, and the razor made my hair frizz to a frazzle. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>At the party (hosted by metrosexual poster boy, ironically), G sat down next to me and told me that he loved my dress.  (+10 points)  He then commented that my shoes were to die for.  (+20 points)  We talked incessantly for a while, and it came up in conversation that he was a hairstylist.  I immediately blurted out my hair woes. Don’t we often treat our hairstylists like therapists?  God bless them for listening. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>G calmly assessed the damage.  He explained to me that my hair was too dark and washed me out.  (+50 points)  G was HORRIFIED that someone had taken a razor to the hair of someone of “Mediterranean descent”.  (+100 points)  My hair should be blunt cut to eliminate the frizzle-frazzle!  (+500 points) </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This was destined to be a hair relationship made in Heaven! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I called G that Tuesday to schedule an appointment.  When our big day rolled around, it was everything a girl could want.  I will never forget – he dyed my hair with a color called “Swedish blonde” which sounded ridiculous at first.  Me?  A blonde?  Uh…no.  BUT!!!!  G transformed my hair into shade of golden brunette perfect for my skin tone.  And his blunt cut layers made my hair bouncing and behaving!  (+ points ad infinitum)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I was hooked. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>G and I also started to see each other outside of the salon.  (Platonically.  G wasn’t attracted to women.)  He shared my taste for indie restaurants and coffeehouses.  We had so much fun together.  </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: large;\">Drama Queens belong on the stage and not in the salon.</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Then one day, G was in a mood.  (He had a flair for the dramatic.)  He was stressed out about a guy who dissed him and ticked off at his landlord.  In the midst of relaying his hassles in vivid detail during my haircut, he cut my layers unevenly.  i.e. He screwed up my hair.  Big time.  Every woman’s worst hair nightmare. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Now, I am a forgiving sort.  I am prone to granting second chances.  We are all human.  We all make mistakes.  We should all give one another a little more grace. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So I went back to G for a quick fix. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Which turned out to be not a fix, but another disaster. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: large;\">Breaking Up is Hard to Do </span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: large;\"> </span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In some aspects, breaking up with G was worse than breaking up with a boyfriend.  With a boyfriend, you take time off to heal and ready yourself for another relationship someday.  With your hairstylist, you need to find another one right away.  This is far from ideal when you’re gun-shy and suffering from hair trauma. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Argh. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I went through a few hairstylists after G.  Everyone was good at first, and then they slacked off after a year or so.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I was then introduced to a husband/wife cut/color duo who are great.  I absolutely adore them – talented, super smart, and warm.  But our schedules haven’t been meshing lately.  Availability is limited to one Saturday a month, and if I happen to have other plans that Saturday, then I’m SOL.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And this is how I came to cheat on my hairstylist.  I needed an appointment for this past Saturday, and my stylists were unavailable. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff6600; font-size: large;\"><strong>If you are going to cheat, then reach for the hairstylist to the stars.  </strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /> For months, my friend Britt waxed on about <em>“Salvador”.</em>  The way she talked about him, I envisioned some sort of mythical Hair God. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>“<em>Salvador</em> is the best stylist that I’ve ever been to.  He specializes in natural color.”  (+50 points)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>“<em>Salvador</em> is the only one in this town who knows how to cut hair.  He cuts the layers blunt so your hair is thick and voluptuous and doesn’t get scraggly as with point cutting.”  (+100 points)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>“<em>Salvador</em> has a really cool artsy studio downtown with art and photographs and instruments.”  (I’m a sucker for artsy fartsy.  +50 points.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>“<em>Salvador</em> understands how to cut wavy hair.” (+100 points)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>“<em>Salvador</em>!  <em>Salvador</em>!  <em>Salvador</em>!”  (+50 points for reputation of mythical proportion) </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So this past Saturday morning I hauled my cookies downtown for an appointment with <em>Salvador</em>. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Upon entering aforementioned artsy fartsy studio, I was greeted by an overly enthusiastic Golden Retriever named Tahoe.  (+ points ad infinitum)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.hairpeace.com\" target=\"_blank\"><img title=\"tahoe\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/tahoe2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"97\" height=\"118\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Salvador (with locks of mythical proportion) welcomed me to the salon and chit-chatted away about the morning.  I was up late the night before, slept in, and had just started drinking my coffee, so I slurped it down in a hurry with hopes that I could be a tenth as chipper as Tahoe and ready to talk to another human being.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Classical music played in the background (+10 points) while Salvador sat me in the chair and inquired about what I wanted to do with my hair.  I asked him what he would do given carte blanche. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>All I can remember is “natural color” and I agreed to the rest.  When a mythical Hair God shares his opinion, you really should just take it and get on with your day.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Once I was properly caffeinated, we were able to ramble on about all sorts of common interests from music to guitar to writing to entrepreneurship to topics ad infinitum.  (+1000 points)  I am sure that you will agree with me that NOTHING is more awkward than sitting in a hairstylist’s chair whom you are unable to talk to.  How can they <em>possibly </em>serve as your surrogate therapist/dating coach/sounding board if you can’t carry on a decent conversation??? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Salvador worked his magic throughout conversational turns and many musical shifts (as you ease into the morning the classical needs to be replaced with rock) and then…Voila!  Hair Extraordinaire! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I have already received numerous compliments from “the outside”. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In this illicit affair, the cheating paid off and no one got hurt.**</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The most surprising thing about Salvador is that for a mythical Hair God, he is extraordinarily down-to-earth and <em>a really good guy</em>. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Often with myths, we develop high expectations that can’t be adhered to in Real Life.  Salvador will exceed your expectations.  And you’ll have fun in the process.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Go see him and Tahoe.  </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.hairpeace.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>http://www.hairpeace.com/</strong></span></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>                           </strong> ****************************************</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>** Please note that I do not condone cheating in other relationships.  But if your hairstylist isn’t cutting it (pun intended), then by all means get out there and sow your wild oats with someone new! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 28:  Have YOU Ever Cheated on Your Hairdresser?','','inherit','open','open','','1307-revision-39','','','2010-10-24 21:03:07','2010-10-25 04:03:07','',1307,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/24/1307-revision-39/',0,'revision','',0),(1360,1,'2010-10-24 21:04:09','2010-10-25 04:04:09','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/salcalvinfo.gif\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-1326\" title=\"salcalvinfo\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/salcalvinfo.gif\" alt=\"\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.hairpeace.com/Home.html\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-1319\" title=\"salvadorsign\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/salvadorsign2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Most women tend to be fiercely loyal to their hairstylists.  Suggest to a woman that she try a new stylist and a look of horror (tinged with guilt) crosses her face.  A woman would sooner call it quits with her significant other than abandon or cheat on her mane guy/girl. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And, yes, this applies to women who are downright unhappy with their stylist!  They would rather stay in a dysfunctional hair relationship than break away to healthier pastures.  They walk around with a bad haircut and/or color because they don’t want to hurt their hairstylist’s <em>feelings</em>. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I know.  I used to feel that way as well.  Until the day I was forced to break up with “G”.  He left me with no choice.   </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff; font-size: large;\">Like all new relationships, it was A Match Made in Heaven.  At first.  </span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff; font-size: large;\"> </span></strong> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>G was my hairstylist from five years ago.  I met him at a party.  At the time, I was displeased with my hair.  My metrosexual poster boy friend recommended a top stylist in Snobbsdale who dyed my tresses a lighter shade of black and razor cut my hair.  The color made me look like I was in dire need of a makeover, and the razor made my hair frizz to a frazzle. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>At the party (hosted by metrosexual poster boy, ironically), G sat down next to me and told me that he loved my dress.  (+10 points)  He then commented that my shoes were to die for.  (+20 points)  We talked incessantly for a while, and it came up in conversation that he was a hairstylist.  I immediately blurted out my hair woes. Don’t we often treat our hairstylists like therapists?  God bless them for listening. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>G calmly assessed the damage.  He explained to me that my hair was too dark and washed me out.  (+50 points)  G was HORRIFIED that someone had taken a razor to the hair of someone of “Mediterranean descent”.  (+100 points)  My hair should be blunt cut to eliminate the frizzle-frazzle!  (+500 points) </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This was destined to be a hair relationship made in Heaven! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I called G that Tuesday to schedule an appointment.  When our big day rolled around, it was everything a girl could want.  I will never forget – he dyed my hair with a color called “Swedish blonde” which sounded ridiculous at first.  Me?  A blonde?  Uh…no.  BUT!!!!  G transformed my hair into shade of golden brunette perfect for my skin tone.  And his blunt cut layers made my hair bouncing and behaving!  (+ points ad infinitum)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I was hooked. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>G and I also started to see each other outside of the salon.  (Platonically.  G wasn’t attracted to women.)  He shared my taste for indie restaurants and coffeehouses.  We had so much fun together.  </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: large;\">Drama Queens belong on the stage and not in the salon.</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Then one day, G was in a mood.  (He had a flair for the dramatic.)  He was stressed out about a guy who dissed him and ticked off at his landlord.  In the midst of relaying his hassles in vivid detail during my haircut, he cut my layers unevenly.  i.e. He screwed up my hair.  Big time.  Every woman’s worst hair nightmare. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Now, I am a forgiving sort.  I am prone to granting second chances.  We are all human.  We all make mistakes.  We should all give one another a little more grace. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So I went back to G for a quick fix. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Which turned out to be not a fix, but another disaster. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: large;\">Breaking Up is Hard to Do </span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: large;\"> </span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In some aspects, breaking up with G was worse than breaking up with a boyfriend.  With a boyfriend, you take time off to heal and ready yourself for another relationship someday.  With your hairstylist, you need to find another one right away.  This is far from ideal when you’re gun-shy and suffering from hair trauma. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Argh. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I went through a few hairstylists after G.  Everyone was good at first, and then they slacked off after a year or so.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I was then introduced to a husband/wife cut/color duo who are great.  I absolutely adore them – talented, super smart, and warm.  But our schedules haven’t been meshing lately.  Availability is limited to one Saturday a month, and if I happen to have other plans that Saturday, then I’m SOL.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And this is how I came to cheat on my hairstylist.  I needed an appointment for this past Saturday, and my stylists were unavailable. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff6600; font-size: large;\"><strong>If you are going to cheat, then reach for the hairstylist to the stars.  </strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /> For months, my friend Britt waxed on about <em>“Salvador”.</em>  The way she talked about him, I envisioned some sort of mythical Hair God. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>“<em>Salvador</em> is the best stylist that I’ve ever been to.  He specializes in natural color.”  (+50 points)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>“<em>Salvador</em> is the only one in this town who knows how to cut hair.  He cuts the layers blunt so your hair is thick and voluptuous and doesn’t get scraggly as with point cutting.”  (+100 points)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>“<em>Salvador</em> has a really cool artsy studio downtown with art and photographs and instruments.”  (I’m a sucker for artsy fartsy.  +50 points.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>“<em>Salvador</em> understands how to cut wavy hair.” (+100 points)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>“<em>Salvador</em>!  <em>Salvador</em>!  <em>Salvador</em>!”  (+50 points for reputation of mythical proportion) </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So this past Saturday morning I hauled my cookies downtown for an appointment with <em>Salvador</em>. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Upon entering aforementioned artsy fartsy studio, I was greeted by an overly enthusiastic Golden Retriever named Tahoe.  (+ points ad infinitum)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.hairpeace.com\" target=\"_blank\"><img title=\"tahoe\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/tahoe2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"97\" height=\"118\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Salvador (with locks of mythical proportion) welcomed me to the salon and chit-chatted away about the morning.  I was up late the night before, slept in, and had just started drinking my coffee, so I slurped it down in a hurry with hopes that I could be a tenth as chipper as Tahoe and ready to talk to another human being.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Classical music played in the background (+10 points) while Salvador sat me in the chair and inquired about what I wanted to do with my hair.  I asked him what he would do given carte blanche. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>All I can remember is “natural color” and I agreed to the rest.  When a mythical Hair God shares his opinion, you really should just take it and get on with your day.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Once I was properly caffeinated, we were able to ramble on about all sorts of common interests from music to guitar to writing to entrepreneurship to topics ad infinitum.  (+1000 points)  I am sure that you will agree with me that NOTHING is more awkward than sitting in a hairstylist’s chair whom you are unable to talk to.  How can they <em>possibly </em>serve as your surrogate therapist/dating coach/sounding board if you can’t carry on a decent conversation??? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Salvador worked his magic throughout conversational turns and many musical shifts (as you ease into the morning the classical needs to be replaced with rock) and then…Voila!  Hair Extraordinaire! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I have already received numerous compliments from “the outside”. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In this illicit affair, the cheating paid off and no one got hurt.**</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The most surprising thing about Salvador is that for a mythical Hair God, he is extraordinarily down-to-earth and <em>a really good guy</em>. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Often with myths, we develop high expectations that can’t be adhered to in Real Life.  Salvador will exceed your expectations.  And you’ll have fun in the process.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Go see him and Tahoe.  </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.hairpeace.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>http://www.hairpeace.com/</strong></span></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>                           </strong> ****************************************</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>** Please note that I do not condone cheating in other relationships.  But if your hairstylist isn’t cutting it (pun intended), then by all means get out there and sow your wild oats with someone new! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 28:  Have YOU Ever Cheated on Your Hairdresser?','','inherit','open','open','','1307-revision-40','','','2010-10-24 21:04:09','2010-10-25 04:04:09','',1307,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/24/1307-revision-40/',0,'revision','',0),(1361,1,'2010-10-25 17:36:22','2010-10-26 00:36:22','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/salcalvinfo.gif\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-1326\" title=\"salcalvinfo\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/salcalvinfo.gif\" alt=\"\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.hairpeace.com/Home.html\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-1319\" title=\"salvadorsign\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/salvadorsign2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Most women tend to be fiercely loyal to their hairstylists.  Suggest to a woman that she try a new stylist and a look of horror (tinged with guilt) crosses her face.  A woman would sooner call it quits with her significant other than abandon or cheat on her mane guy/girl. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>And, yes, this applies to women who are downright unhappy with their stylists!  They would rather stay in a dysfunctional hair relationship than break away to healthier pastures.  They walk around with a bad haircut and/or color because they don’t want to hurt their hairstylist’s <em>feelings</em>. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I know.  I used to feel that way as well.  Until the day I was forced to break up with “G”.  He left me with no choice.   </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff; font-size: large;\">Like all new relationships, it was A Match Made in Heaven.  At first.  </span></strong></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff; font-size: large;\"> </span></strong> </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>G was my hairstylist from five years ago.  I met him at a party.  At the time, I was displeased with my hair.  My metrosexual poster boy friend recommended a top stylist in Snobbsdale who dyed my tresses a lighter shade of black and razor cut my hair.  The color made me look like I was in dire need of a makeover, and the razor made my hair frizz to a frazzle. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>At the party (hosted by metrosexual poster boy, ironically), G sat down next to me and told me that he loved my dress.  (+10 points)  He then commented that my shoes were to die for.  (+20 points)  We talked incessantly for a while, and it came up in conversation that he was a hairstylist.  I immediately blurted out my hair woes. Don’t we often treat our hairstylists like therapists?  God bless them for listening. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>G calmly assessed the damage.  He explained to me that my hair was too dark and washed me out.  (+50 points)  G was HORRIFIED that someone had taken a razor to the hair of someone of “Mediterranean descent”.  (+100 points)  My hair should be blunt cut to eliminate the frizzle-frazzle!  (+500 points) </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>This was destined to be a hair relationship made in Heaven! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I called G that Tuesday to schedule an appointment.  When our big day rolled around, it was everything a girl could want.  I will never forget – he dyed my hair with a color called “Swedish blonde” which sounded ridiculous at first.  Me?  A blonde?  Uh…no.  BUT!!!!  G transformed my hair into shade of golden brunette perfect for my skin tone.  And his blunt cut layers made my hair bouncing and behaving!  (+ points ad infinitum)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I was hooked. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>G and I also started to see each other outside of the salon.  (Platonically.  G wasn’t attracted to women.)  He shared my taste for indie restaurants and coffeehouses.  We had so much fun together.  </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: large;\">Drama Queens belong on the stage and not in the salon.</span></strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Then one day, G was in a mood.  (He had a flair for the dramatic.)  He was stressed out about a guy who dissed him and was ticked off at his landlord.  In the midst of relaying his hassles in vivid detail during my haircut, he cut my layers unevenly.  i.e. He screwed up my hair.  Big time.  Every woman’s worst hair nightmare. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Now, I am a forgiving sort.  I am prone to granting second chances.  We are all human.  We all make mistakes.  We should all give one another a little more grace. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>So I went back to G for a quick fix. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Which turned out to be not a fix, but another disaster. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: large;\">Breaking Up is Hard to Do.  </span></strong></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: large;\"> </span></strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>In some aspects, breaking up with G was worse than breaking up with a boyfriend.  With a boyfriend, you take time off to heal and ready yourself for another relationship someday.  With your hairstylist, you need to find another one right away.  This is far from ideal when you’re gun-shy and suffering from hair trauma. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Argh. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I went through a few hairstylists after G.  Everyone was good at first, and then they slacked off after a year or so.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I was then introduced to a husband/wife cut/color duo who are great.  I absolutely adore them – talented, super smart, and warm.  But our schedules haven’t been meshing lately.  Availability is limited to one Saturday a month, and if I happen to have other plans that Saturday, then I’m SOL.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>And this is how I came to cheat on my hairstylist.  I needed an appointment for this past Saturday, and my stylists were unavailable. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff6600; font-size: large;\"><strong>If you are going to cheat, then reach for the hairstylist to the stars.  </strong></span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /> For months, my friend Britt waxed on about <em>“Salvador”.</em>  From the way she talked about him, I envisioned some sort of mythical Hair God. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>“<em>Salvador</em> is the best stylist that I’ve ever been to.  He specializes in natural color.”  (+50 points)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>“<em>Salvador</em> is the only one in this town who knows how to cut hair.  He cuts the layers blunt so your hair is thick and voluptuous and doesn’t get scraggly as with point cutting.”  (+100 points)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>“<em>Salvador</em> has a really cool artsy studio downtown with art and photographs and instruments.”  (I’m a sucker for artsy fartsy.  +50 points.)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>“<em>Salvador</em> understands how to cut wavy hair.” (+100 points)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>“<em>Salvador</em>!  <em>Salvador</em>!  <em>Salvador</em>!”  (+50 points for reputation of mythical proportion) </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>So this past Saturday morning I hauled my cookies downtown for an appointment with <em>Salvador</em>. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Upon entering aforementioned artsy fartsy studio, I was greeted by an overly enthusiastic Golden Retriever named Tahoe.  (+ points ad infinitum)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.hairpeace.com\" target=\"_blank\"><img title=\"tahoe\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/tahoe2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"97\" height=\"118\" /></a></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Salvador (with locks of mythical proportion) welcomed me to the salon and chit-chatted away about the morning.  I was up late the night before, slept in, and had just started drinking my coffee, so I slurped it down in a hurry with hopes that I could be a tenth as chipper as Tahoe and ready to talk to another human being.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Classical music played in the background (+10 points) while Salvador sat me in the chair and inquired about what I wanted to do with my hair.  I asked him what he would do given carte blanche. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>All I can remember is “natural color” and I agreed to the rest.  When a mythical Hair God shares his opinion, you really should just take it and get on with your day.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Once I was properly caffeinated, we were able to ramble on about all sorts of common interests from music to guitar to writing to entrepreneurship to topics ad infinitum.  (+1000 points)  I am sure that you will agree with me that NOTHING is more awkward than sitting in a hairstylist’s chair whom you are unable to talk to.  How can they <em>possibly </em>serve as your surrogate therapist/dating coach/sounding board if you can’t carry on a decent conversation??? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Salvador worked his magic throughout conversational turns and many musical shifts (as you ease into the morning the classical needs to be replaced with rock) and then…Voila!  Hair Extraordinaire! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I have already received numerous compliments from “the outside”. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>In this illicit affair, the cheating paid off and no one got hurt.**</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The most surprising thing about Salvador is that for a mythical Hair God, he is extraordinarily down-to-earth and <em>a really good guy</em>. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Often with myths, we develop high expectations that can’t be adhered to in Real Life.  Salvador will exceed your expectations.  And you’ll have fun in the process.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Go see him and Tahoe.  </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.hairpeace.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>http://www.hairpeace.com/</strong></span></a></p>\n\n<p><strong> </strong></p>\n\n<p><strong>                           </strong> ****************************************</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>** Please note that I do not condone cheating in other relationships.  But if your hairstylist isn’t cutting it (pun intended), then by all means get out there and sow your wild oats with someone new! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 28:  Have YOU Ever Cheated on Your Hairdresser?','','inherit','open','open','','1307-autosave','','','2010-10-25 17:36:22','2010-10-26 00:36:22','',1307,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/24/1307-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(1649,1,'2010-11-02 08:09:50','2010-11-02 15:09:50','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB010182.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-1651\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB010182-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>Svennykins (my blog Svengali, as you probably recall by now) forwarded me an email a week ago.  The e-mail was from his Men\'s Group at church, and they needed volunteers for their Harvest Festival on Halloween Night.  This is a MegaChurch, which means it would be a MegaFestival, which means there would be MegaKids. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Svenny expressed a slight hesitation over the MegaKids part.  I, being the oversized kid that flips for Halloween each year, couldn\'t think of anything better than spending the evening with oversugared MegaKids in costumes.  </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I also needed an audience for my Spooky Voice Changer that I bought 2 months prior.  I am embarrassed to say just how excited I was over this Spooky Voice Changer, but you can ask any of my colleagues at work if you must know.  I purchased one at a book fair in our building alongside one of the managers who was purchasing one for her 7 year-old son.  Ahem.  I then left the fair to terrorize the office with my new toy.  Until the batteries died. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>With a fresh 9 volt, I was now ready for a younger crowd! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\"Have no fear, Svenny!  I am a professional!  Leave the kids to me, and you just stand by the car and do your thing.\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Svenny\'s volunteer duties involved showcasing his Fancy Schmancy car at the Harvest Festival\'s car show. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PA310180.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1653\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PA310180-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>3 token male readers, you can pick up your tongues from off the floor now. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Women, Svenny drives a Lamborghini.  Before I met Svenny, I wouldn\'t have known a Lamborghini if it cut me off in traffic, so don\'t feel bad if when you saw the photo, you didn\'t have a clue either. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The very first time I met Svenny, he showed up in a Toyota pick up truck because he googled me and found a blog post of mine on my old blog titled <strong><a href=\"http://latebloomerdiary.blogspot.com/2010/02/baby-you-can-drive-my-car-but-only-if.html\" target=\"_blank\">\"Baby, You Can Drive My Car\" </a> </strong>where I compared cars to men.  In summary, I was more than unkind to Camp Hummer/Ridiculous Vehicles and bestowed my graces upon Camp Honda/Toyota with Camp Nissan in a close 3rd place.  Heh heh heh. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So Svenny wisely made his humble first appearance in the Toyota.  But life is never black and white, and neither are blog posts, and even though I might assume that a Lamborghini owner is an obnoxious egomaniac, Svenny breaks the stereotype. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Svenny\'s story is actually quite remarkable.  He is the definition of the American \"success story\".  He paid his own way through college and built his business solo.  He then retired at some ridiculously young age.  37 I think.  You can read more about his story in his new book, <em><strong><a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Millionaire-Fastlane-Crack-Wealth-Lifetime/dp/0984358102/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1288671824&amp;sr=8-1\" target=\"_blank\">The Millionaire Fastlane.  </a></strong></em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And Svenny\'s dreams all started when he was a 12 year-old boy and saw a Lamborghini for the first time.  Dreams do come true, boys and girls!  Speaking of which...back to the MegaKids...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Svenny picked me up for the Festival and his first question was, \"So what are you?\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I was perplexed.  \"What am I?\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\"Yeah.  What are you?\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\"Svenny, I am wearing a poodle skirt.\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\"So what are you?  Who from the 1950s?\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>???</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>See, Ladies?  Svenny might be a business whiz (and my personal tech guru, thank my lucky stars), but he is still a man and he is still from Mars. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>After nearly tearing my rotator cuff trying to get the car door down (Lamborghini, have you ever thought about making an automatic thingamajig for this???  Helloooo????) I turned my Scary Voice Changer on Svenny.  Who couldn\'t hear me because that car is sooooooo LOUD. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>No worries.  The Scary Voice Changer was meant to torment innocent children, not 41 year-old men. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>We arrived at the church and in appropriate biblical fashion, the seas parted.  Seemingly, the rest of the universe could care less about almost-torn rotator cuffs, loud engines that muffle Scary Voice Changers, and severely wind-blown hair.  The rest of the universe thinks the Lambo (as serious \"car people\" call it) is the Rock Star of the Car World. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The Pastor of the church apparently thought that the Lambo was the devil itself because after staring at a fairly new Mustang for an ungodly amount of time, he walked right past the Lambo with his nose in the air. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Svenny surmised that the Lambo represents several of the Seven Deadly Sins, including gluttony, vanity, greed, etc.  But I know Svenny, and I am here to clear his name and tell you that he is not a sinner!  Although he did chow down on waaaayyyyy too many packs of Skittles which is pretty gluttonous. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>But then again, who <em>doesn\'t </em>make themselves sick on candy on Halloween?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The true stars of the evening were the children, of course.  Children and animals always upstage adults, and I am here to tell you that they also upstage Fancy Schmancy sports cars. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Actual observations from the mouths of babes: </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>6 year-old boy:</strong>  It\'s a Transformer!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Father:</strong>  It\'s called a Lamborghini.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>6 year-old boy:</strong>  It\'s a Transformer! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>13 year-old boy:  </strong>How much does it cost?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Svenny:</strong>  A new one costs 420 thousand.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>13 year-old:</strong>  No way.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Svenny:</strong>  That\'s what they cost new. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>13 year-old:</strong>  No way. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>13 year-old\'s friend:</strong>  That\'s cheap! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Svenny:</strong>  Excuse me?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>13 year old\'s friend:</strong>  I thought it cost 2 billion! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>3 year-old boy:</strong>  It\'s a Transformer!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>4 year old-boy:</strong>  It\'s a SuperCar! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>10 year old-boy to his friend:</strong>  Dude!  When I grow up and I\'m rich, I\'m going to buy one!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>The joke that I milked every single time someone asked me if the Lambo was mine:</strong>  Yes, it\'s mine.  After 16 years of working hard as a teacher, I decided to treat myself. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Evidence that Svenny is both a Stereotype-Breaker and a SuperSoftie:</strong>  At car shows, I am told that owners do not let people sit or lean against the cars as it could cause damage/scratching.  Svenny couldn\'t resist the kids, and allowed them to have their pictures taken in the car. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><em>Awwwww......</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And last but not least, my favorite costume of the evening...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PA310179.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1656\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PA310179-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>','Day 36:  An Out-of-the-Mouths-of-Babes Kinda Night','','publish','open','open','','day-36-an-out-of-the-mouths-of-babes-kinda-night','','','2010-11-02 08:09:50','2010-11-02 15:09:50','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=1649',0,'post','',7),(1368,1,'2010-10-25 17:56:58','2010-10-26 00:56:58','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','Take a whiff. Nothing beats puppy breath!','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-39','','','2010-10-25 17:56:58','2010-10-26 00:56:58','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA240189.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1362,1,'2010-10-24 21:04:26','2010-10-25 04:04:26','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/salcalvinfo.gif\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-1326\" title=\"salcalvinfo\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/salcalvinfo.gif\" alt=\"\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.hairpeace.com/Home.html\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-1319\" title=\"salvadorsign\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/salvadorsign2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Most women tend to be fiercely loyal to their hairstylists.  Suggest to a woman that she try a new stylist and a look of horror (tinged with guilt) crosses her face.  A woman would sooner call it quits with her significant other than abandon or cheat on her mane guy/girl. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And, yes, this applies to women who are downright unhappy with their stylist!  They would rather stay in a dysfunctional hair relationship than break away to healthier pastures.  They walk around with a bad haircut and/or color because they don’t want to hurt their hairstylist’s <em>feelings</em>. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I know.  I used to feel that way as well.  Until the day I was forced to break up with “G”.  He left me with no choice.   </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff; font-size: large;\">Like all new relationships, it was A Match Made in Heaven.  At first.  </span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff; font-size: large;\"> </span></strong> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>G was my hairstylist from five years ago.  I met him at a party.  At the time, I was displeased with my hair.  My metrosexual poster boy friend recommended a top stylist in Snobbsdale who dyed my tresses a lighter shade of black and razor cut my hair.  The color made me look like I was in dire need of a makeover, and the razor made my hair frizz to a frazzle. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>At the party (hosted by metrosexual poster boy, ironically), G sat down next to me and told me that he loved my dress.  (+10 points)  He then commented that my shoes were to die for.  (+20 points)  We talked incessantly for a while, and it came up in conversation that he was a hairstylist.  I immediately blurted out my hair woes. Don’t we often treat our hairstylists like therapists?  God bless them for listening. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>G calmly assessed the damage.  He explained to me that my hair was too dark and washed me out.  (+50 points)  G was HORRIFIED that someone had taken a razor to the hair of someone of “Mediterranean descent”.  (+100 points)  My hair should be blunt cut to eliminate the frizzle-frazzle!  (+500 points) </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This was destined to be a hair relationship made in Heaven! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I called G that Tuesday to schedule an appointment.  When our big day rolled around, it was everything a girl could want.  I will never forget – he dyed my hair with a color called “Swedish blonde” which sounded ridiculous at first.  Me?  A blonde?  Uh…no.  BUT!!!!  G transformed my hair into shade of golden brunette perfect for my skin tone.  And his blunt cut layers made my hair bouncing and behaving!  (+ points ad infinitum)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I was hooked. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>G and I also started to see each other outside of the salon.  (Platonically.  G wasn’t attracted to women.)  He shared my taste for indie restaurants and coffeehouses.  We had so much fun together.  </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: large;\">Drama Queens belong on the stage and not in the salon.</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Then one day, G was in a mood.  (He had a flair for the dramatic.)  He was stressed out about a guy who dissed him and ticked off at his landlord.  In the midst of relaying his hassles in vivid detail during my haircut, he cut my layers unevenly.  i.e. He screwed up my hair.  Big time.  Every woman’s worst hair nightmare. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Now, I am a forgiving sort.  I am prone to granting second chances.  We are all human.  We all make mistakes.  We should all give one another a little more grace. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So I went back to G for a quick fix. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Which turned out to be not a fix, but another disaster. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: large;\">Breaking Up is Hard to Do </span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: large;\"> </span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In some aspects, breaking up with G was worse than breaking up with a boyfriend.  With a boyfriend, you take time off to heal and ready yourself for another relationship someday.  With your hairstylist, you need to find another one right away.  This is far from ideal when you’re gun-shy and suffering from hair trauma. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Argh. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I went through a few hairstylists after G.  Everyone was good at first, and then they slacked off after a year or so.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I was then introduced to a husband/wife cut/color duo who are great.  I absolutely adore them – talented, super smart, and warm.  But our schedules haven’t been meshing lately.  Availability is limited to one Saturday a month, and if I happen to have other plans that Saturday, then I’m SOL.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And this is how I came to cheat on my hairstylist.  I needed an appointment for this past Saturday, and my stylists were unavailable. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff6600; font-size: large;\"><strong>If you are going to cheat, then reach for the hairstylist to the stars.  </strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /> For months, my friend Britt waxed on about <em>“Salvador”.</em>  The way she talked about him, I envisioned some sort of mythical Hair God. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>“<em>Salvador</em> is the best stylist that I’ve ever been to.  He specializes in natural color.”  (+50 points)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>“<em>Salvador</em> is the only one in this town who knows how to cut hair.  He cuts the layers blunt so your hair is thick and voluptuous and doesn’t get scraggly as with point cutting.”  (+100 points)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>“<em>Salvador</em> has a really cool artsy studio downtown with art and photographs and instruments.”  (I’m a sucker for artsy fartsy.  +50 points.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>“<em>Salvador</em> understands how to cut wavy hair.” (+100 points)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>“<em>Salvador</em>!  <em>Salvador</em>!  <em>Salvador</em>!”  (+50 points for reputation of mythical proportion) </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So this past Saturday morning I hauled my cookies downtown for an appointment with <em>Salvador</em>. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Upon entering aforementioned artsy fartsy studio, I was greeted by an overly enthusiastic Golden Retriever named Tahoe.  (+ points ad infinitum)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.hairpeace.com\" target=\"_blank\"><img title=\"tahoe\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/tahoe2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"97\" height=\"118\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Salvador (with locks of mythical proportion) welcomed me to the salon and chit-chatted away about the morning.  I was up late the night before, slept in, and had just started drinking my coffee, so I slurped it down in a hurry with hopes that I could be a tenth as chipper as Tahoe and ready to talk to another human being.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Classical music played in the background (+10 points) while Salvador sat me in the chair and inquired about what I wanted to do with my hair.  I asked him what he would do given carte blanche. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>All I can remember is “natural color” and I agreed to the rest.  When a mythical Hair God shares his opinion, you really should just take it and get on with your day.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Once I was properly caffeinated, we were able to ramble on about all sorts of common interests from music to guitar to writing to entrepreneurship to topics ad infinitum.  (+1000 points)  I am sure that you will agree with me that NOTHING is more awkward than sitting in a hairstylist’s chair whom you are unable to talk to.  How can they <em>possibly </em>serve as your surrogate therapist/dating coach/sounding board if you can’t carry on a decent conversation??? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Salvador worked his magic throughout conversational turns and many musical shifts (as you ease into the morning the classical needs to be replaced with rock) and then…Voila!  Hair Extraordinaire! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I have already received numerous compliments from “the outside”. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In this illicit affair, the cheating paid off and no one got hurt.**</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The most surprising thing about Salvador is that for a mythical Hair God, he is extraordinarily down-to-earth and <em>a really good guy</em>. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Often with myths, we develop high expectations that can’t be adhered to in Real Life.  Salvador will exceed your expectations.  And you’ll have fun in the process.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Go see him and Tahoe.  </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.hairpeace.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>http://www.hairpeace.com/</strong></span></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>                           </strong> ****************************************</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>** Please note that I do not condone cheating in other relationships.  But if your hairstylist isn’t cutting it (pun intended), then by all means get out there and sow your wild oats with someone new! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 28:  Have YOU Ever Cheated on Your Hairdresser?','','inherit','open','open','','1307-revision-41','','','2010-10-24 21:04:26','2010-10-25 04:04:26','',1307,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/24/1307-revision-41/',0,'revision','',0),(1363,1,'2010-10-24 21:46:14','2010-10-25 04:46:14','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/salcalvinfo.gif\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-1326\" title=\"salcalvinfo\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/salcalvinfo.gif\" alt=\"\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.hairpeace.com/Home.html\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-1319\" title=\"salvadorsign\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/salvadorsign2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Most women tend to be fiercely loyal to their hairstylists.  Suggest to a woman that she try a new stylist and a look of horror (tinged with guilt) crosses her face.  A woman would sooner call it quits with her significant other than abandon or cheat on her mane guy/girl. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And, yes, this applies to women who are downright unhappy with their stylists!  They would rather stay in a dysfunctional hair relationship than break away to healthier pastures.  They walk around with a bad haircut and/or color because they don’t want to hurt their hairstylist’s <em>feelings</em>. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I know.  I used to feel that way as well.  Until the day I was forced to break up with “G”.  He left me with no choice.   </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff; font-size: large;\">Like all new relationships, it was A Match Made in Heaven.  At first.  </span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff; font-size: large;\"> </span></strong> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>G was my hairstylist from five years ago.  I met him at a party.  At the time, I was displeased with my hair.  My metrosexual poster boy friend recommended a top stylist in Snobbsdale who dyed my tresses a lighter shade of black and razor cut my hair.  The color made me look like I was in dire need of a makeover, and the razor made my hair frizz to a frazzle. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>At the party (hosted by metrosexual poster boy, ironically), G sat down next to me and told me that he loved my dress.  (+10 points)  He then commented that my shoes were to die for.  (+20 points)  We talked incessantly for a while, and it came up in conversation that he was a hairstylist.  I immediately blurted out my hair woes. Don’t we often treat our hairstylists like therapists?  God bless them for listening. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>G calmly assessed the damage.  He explained to me that my hair was too dark and washed me out.  (+50 points)  G was HORRIFIED that someone had taken a razor to the hair of someone of “Mediterranean descent”.  (+100 points)  My hair should be blunt cut to eliminate the frizzle-frazzle!  (+500 points) </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This was destined to be a hair relationship made in Heaven! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I called G that Tuesday to schedule an appointment.  When our big day rolled around, it was everything a girl could want.  I will never forget – he dyed my hair with a color called “Swedish blonde” which sounded ridiculous at first.  Me?  A blonde?  Uh…no.  BUT!!!!  G transformed my hair into shade of golden brunette perfect for my skin tone.  And his blunt cut layers made my hair bouncing and behaving!  (+ points ad infinitum)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I was hooked. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>G and I also started to see each other outside of the salon.  (Platonically.  G wasn’t attracted to women.)  He shared my taste for indie restaurants and coffeehouses.  We had so much fun together.  </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: large;\">Drama Queens belong on the stage and not in the salon.</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Then one day, G was in a mood.  (He had a flair for the dramatic.)  He was stressed out about a guy who dissed him and ticked off at his landlord.  In the midst of relaying his hassles in vivid detail during my haircut, he cut my layers unevenly.  i.e. He screwed up my hair.  Big time.  Every woman’s worst hair nightmare. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Now, I am a forgiving sort.  I am prone to granting second chances.  We are all human.  We all make mistakes.  We should all give one another a little more grace. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So I went back to G for a quick fix. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Which turned out to be not a fix, but another disaster. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: large;\">Breaking Up is Hard to Do </span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: large;\"> </span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In some aspects, breaking up with G was worse than breaking up with a boyfriend.  With a boyfriend, you take time off to heal and ready yourself for another relationship someday.  With your hairstylist, you need to find another one right away.  This is far from ideal when you’re gun-shy and suffering from hair trauma. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Argh. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I went through a few hairstylists after G.  Everyone was good at first, and then they slacked off after a year or so.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I was then introduced to a husband/wife cut/color duo who are great.  I absolutely adore them – talented, super smart, and warm.  But our schedules haven’t been meshing lately.  Availability is limited to one Saturday a month, and if I happen to have other plans that Saturday, then I’m SOL.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And this is how I came to cheat on my hairstylist.  I needed an appointment for this past Saturday, and my stylists were unavailable. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff6600; font-size: large;\"><strong>If you are going to cheat, then reach for the hairstylist to the stars.  </strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /> For months, my friend Britt waxed on about <em>“Salvador”.</em>  The way she talked about him, I envisioned some sort of mythical Hair God. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>“<em>Salvador</em> is the best stylist that I’ve ever been to.  He specializes in natural color.”  (+50 points)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>“<em>Salvador</em> is the only one in this town who knows how to cut hair.  He cuts the layers blunt so your hair is thick and voluptuous and doesn’t get scraggly as with point cutting.”  (+100 points)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>“<em>Salvador</em> has a really cool artsy studio downtown with art and photographs and instruments.”  (I’m a sucker for artsy fartsy.  +50 points.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>“<em>Salvador</em> understands how to cut wavy hair.” (+100 points)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>“<em>Salvador</em>!  <em>Salvador</em>!  <em>Salvador</em>!”  (+50 points for reputation of mythical proportion) </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So this past Saturday morning I hauled my cookies downtown for an appointment with <em>Salvador</em>. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Upon entering aforementioned artsy fartsy studio, I was greeted by an overly enthusiastic Golden Retriever named Tahoe.  (+ points ad infinitum)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.hairpeace.com\" target=\"_blank\"><img title=\"tahoe\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/tahoe2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"97\" height=\"118\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Salvador (with locks of mythical proportion) welcomed me to the salon and chit-chatted away about the morning.  I was up late the night before, slept in, and had just started drinking my coffee, so I slurped it down in a hurry with hopes that I could be a tenth as chipper as Tahoe and ready to talk to another human being.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Classical music played in the background (+10 points) while Salvador sat me in the chair and inquired about what I wanted to do with my hair.  I asked him what he would do given carte blanche. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>All I can remember is “natural color” and I agreed to the rest.  When a mythical Hair God shares his opinion, you really should just take it and get on with your day.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Once I was properly caffeinated, we were able to ramble on about all sorts of common interests from music to guitar to writing to entrepreneurship to topics ad infinitum.  (+1000 points)  I am sure that you will agree with me that NOTHING is more awkward than sitting in a hairstylist’s chair whom you are unable to talk to.  How can they <em>possibly </em>serve as your surrogate therapist/dating coach/sounding board if you can’t carry on a decent conversation??? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Salvador worked his magic throughout conversational turns and many musical shifts (as you ease into the morning the classical needs to be replaced with rock) and then…Voila!  Hair Extraordinaire! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I have already received numerous compliments from “the outside”. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In this illicit affair, the cheating paid off and no one got hurt.**</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The most surprising thing about Salvador is that for a mythical Hair God, he is extraordinarily down-to-earth and <em>a really good guy</em>. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Often with myths, we develop high expectations that can’t be adhered to in Real Life.  Salvador will exceed your expectations.  And you’ll have fun in the process.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Go see him and Tahoe.  </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.hairpeace.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>http://www.hairpeace.com/</strong></span></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>                           </strong> ****************************************</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>** Please note that I do not condone cheating in other relationships.  But if your hairstylist isn’t cutting it (pun intended), then by all means get out there and sow your wild oats with someone new! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 28:  Have YOU Ever Cheated on Your Hairdresser?','','inherit','open','open','','1307-revision-42','','','2010-10-24 21:46:14','2010-10-25 04:46:14','',1307,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/24/1307-revision-42/',0,'revision','',0),(1364,1,'2010-10-24 21:49:04','2010-10-25 04:49:04','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/salcalvinfo.gif\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-1326\" title=\"salcalvinfo\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/salcalvinfo.gif\" alt=\"\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.hairpeace.com/Home.html\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-1319\" title=\"salvadorsign\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/salvadorsign2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Most women tend to be fiercely loyal to their hairstylists.  Suggest to a woman that she try a new stylist and a look of horror (tinged with guilt) crosses her face.  A woman would sooner call it quits with her significant other than abandon or cheat on her mane guy/girl. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And, yes, this applies to women who are downright unhappy with their stylists!  They would rather stay in a dysfunctional hair relationship than break away to healthier pastures.  They walk around with a bad haircut and/or color because they don’t want to hurt their hairstylist’s <em>feelings</em>. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I know.  I used to feel that way as well.  Until the day I was forced to break up with “G”.  He left me with no choice.   </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff; font-size: large;\">Like all new relationships, it was A Match Made in Heaven.  At first.  </span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff; font-size: large;\"> </span></strong> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>G was my hairstylist from five years ago.  I met him at a party.  At the time, I was displeased with my hair.  My metrosexual poster boy friend recommended a top stylist in Snobbsdale who dyed my tresses a lighter shade of black and razor cut my hair.  The color made me look like I was in dire need of a makeover, and the razor made my hair frizz to a frazzle. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>At the party (hosted by metrosexual poster boy, ironically), G sat down next to me and told me that he loved my dress.  (+10 points)  He then commented that my shoes were to die for.  (+20 points)  We talked incessantly for a while, and it came up in conversation that he was a hairstylist.  I immediately blurted out my hair woes. Don’t we often treat our hairstylists like therapists?  God bless them for listening. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>G calmly assessed the damage.  He explained to me that my hair was too dark and washed me out.  (+50 points)  G was HORRIFIED that someone had taken a razor to the hair of someone of “Mediterranean descent”.  (+100 points)  My hair should be blunt cut to eliminate the frizzle-frazzle!  (+500 points) </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This was destined to be a hair relationship made in Heaven! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I called G that Tuesday to schedule an appointment.  When our big day rolled around, it was everything a girl could want.  I will never forget – he dyed my hair with a color called “Swedish blonde” which sounded ridiculous at first.  Me?  A blonde?  Uh…no.  BUT!!!!  G transformed my hair into shade of golden brunette perfect for my skin tone.  And his blunt cut layers made my hair bouncing and behaving!  (+ points ad infinitum)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I was hooked. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>G and I also started to see each other outside of the salon.  (Platonically.  G wasn’t attracted to women.)  He shared my taste for indie restaurants and coffeehouses.  We had so much fun together.  </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: large;\">Drama Queens belong on the stage and not in the salon.</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Then one day, G was in a mood.  (He had a flair for the dramatic.)  He was stressed out about a guy who dissed him and was ticked off at his landlord.  In the midst of relaying his hassles in vivid detail during my haircut, he cut my layers unevenly.  i.e. He screwed up my hair.  Big time.  Every woman’s worst hair nightmare. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Now, I am a forgiving sort.  I am prone to granting second chances.  We are all human.  We all make mistakes.  We should all give one another a little more grace. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So I went back to G for a quick fix. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Which turned out to be not a fix, but another disaster. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: large;\">Breaking Up is Hard to Do </span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: large;\"> </span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In some aspects, breaking up with G was worse than breaking up with a boyfriend.  With a boyfriend, you take time off to heal and ready yourself for another relationship someday.  With your hairstylist, you need to find another one right away.  This is far from ideal when you’re gun-shy and suffering from hair trauma. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Argh. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I went through a few hairstylists after G.  Everyone was good at first, and then they slacked off after a year or so.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I was then introduced to a husband/wife cut/color duo who are great.  I absolutely adore them – talented, super smart, and warm.  But our schedules haven’t been meshing lately.  Availability is limited to one Saturday a month, and if I happen to have other plans that Saturday, then I’m SOL.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And this is how I came to cheat on my hairstylist.  I needed an appointment for this past Saturday, and my stylists were unavailable. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff6600; font-size: large;\"><strong>If you are going to cheat, then reach for the hairstylist to the stars.  </strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /> For months, my friend Britt waxed on about <em>“Salvador”.</em>  The way she talked about him, I envisioned some sort of mythical Hair God. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>“<em>Salvador</em> is the best stylist that I’ve ever been to.  He specializes in natural color.”  (+50 points)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>“<em>Salvador</em> is the only one in this town who knows how to cut hair.  He cuts the layers blunt so your hair is thick and voluptuous and doesn’t get scraggly as with point cutting.”  (+100 points)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>“<em>Salvador</em> has a really cool artsy studio downtown with art and photographs and instruments.”  (I’m a sucker for artsy fartsy.  +50 points.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>“<em>Salvador</em> understands how to cut wavy hair.” (+100 points)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>“<em>Salvador</em>!  <em>Salvador</em>!  <em>Salvador</em>!”  (+50 points for reputation of mythical proportion) </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So this past Saturday morning I hauled my cookies downtown for an appointment with <em>Salvador</em>. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Upon entering aforementioned artsy fartsy studio, I was greeted by an overly enthusiastic Golden Retriever named Tahoe.  (+ points ad infinitum)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.hairpeace.com\" target=\"_blank\"><img title=\"tahoe\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/tahoe2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"97\" height=\"118\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Salvador (with locks of mythical proportion) welcomed me to the salon and chit-chatted away about the morning.  I was up late the night before, slept in, and had just started drinking my coffee, so I slurped it down in a hurry with hopes that I could be a tenth as chipper as Tahoe and ready to talk to another human being.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Classical music played in the background (+10 points) while Salvador sat me in the chair and inquired about what I wanted to do with my hair.  I asked him what he would do given carte blanche. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>All I can remember is “natural color” and I agreed to the rest.  When a mythical Hair God shares his opinion, you really should just take it and get on with your day.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Once I was properly caffeinated, we were able to ramble on about all sorts of common interests from music to guitar to writing to entrepreneurship to topics ad infinitum.  (+1000 points)  I am sure that you will agree with me that NOTHING is more awkward than sitting in a hairstylist’s chair whom you are unable to talk to.  How can they <em>possibly </em>serve as your surrogate therapist/dating coach/sounding board if you can’t carry on a decent conversation??? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Salvador worked his magic throughout conversational turns and many musical shifts (as you ease into the morning the classical needs to be replaced with rock) and then…Voila!  Hair Extraordinaire! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I have already received numerous compliments from “the outside”. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In this illicit affair, the cheating paid off and no one got hurt.**</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The most surprising thing about Salvador is that for a mythical Hair God, he is extraordinarily down-to-earth and <em>a really good guy</em>. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Often with myths, we develop high expectations that can’t be adhered to in Real Life.  Salvador will exceed your expectations.  And you’ll have fun in the process.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Go see him and Tahoe.  </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.hairpeace.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>http://www.hairpeace.com/</strong></span></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>                           </strong> ****************************************</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>** Please note that I do not condone cheating in other relationships.  But if your hairstylist isn’t cutting it (pun intended), then by all means get out there and sow your wild oats with someone new! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 28:  Have YOU Ever Cheated on Your Hairdresser?','','inherit','open','open','','1307-revision-43','','','2010-10-24 21:49:04','2010-10-25 04:49:04','',1307,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/24/1307-revision-43/',0,'revision','',0),(1365,1,'2010-10-24 21:51:57','2010-10-25 04:51:57','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/salcalvinfo.gif\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-1326\" title=\"salcalvinfo\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/salcalvinfo.gif\" alt=\"\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.hairpeace.com/Home.html\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-1319\" title=\"salvadorsign\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/salvadorsign2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Most women tend to be fiercely loyal to their hairstylists.  Suggest to a woman that she try a new stylist and a look of horror (tinged with guilt) crosses her face.  A woman would sooner call it quits with her significant other than abandon or cheat on her mane guy/girl. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And, yes, this applies to women who are downright unhappy with their stylists!  They would rather stay in a dysfunctional hair relationship than break away to healthier pastures.  They walk around with a bad haircut and/or color because they don’t want to hurt their hairstylist’s <em>feelings</em>. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I know.  I used to feel that way as well.  Until the day I was forced to break up with “G”.  He left me with no choice.   </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff; font-size: large;\">Like all new relationships, it was A Match Made in Heaven.  At first.  </span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff; font-size: large;\"> </span></strong> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>G was my hairstylist from five years ago.  I met him at a party.  At the time, I was displeased with my hair.  My metrosexual poster boy friend recommended a top stylist in Snobbsdale who dyed my tresses a lighter shade of black and razor cut my hair.  The color made me look like I was in dire need of a makeover, and the razor made my hair frizz to a frazzle. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>At the party (hosted by metrosexual poster boy, ironically), G sat down next to me and told me that he loved my dress.  (+10 points)  He then commented that my shoes were to die for.  (+20 points)  We talked incessantly for a while, and it came up in conversation that he was a hairstylist.  I immediately blurted out my hair woes. Don’t we often treat our hairstylists like therapists?  God bless them for listening. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>G calmly assessed the damage.  He explained to me that my hair was too dark and washed me out.  (+50 points)  G was HORRIFIED that someone had taken a razor to the hair of someone of “Mediterranean descent”.  (+100 points)  My hair should be blunt cut to eliminate the frizzle-frazzle!  (+500 points) </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This was destined to be a hair relationship made in Heaven! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I called G that Tuesday to schedule an appointment.  When our big day rolled around, it was everything a girl could want.  I will never forget – he dyed my hair with a color called “Swedish blonde” which sounded ridiculous at first.  Me?  A blonde?  Uh…no.  BUT!!!!  G transformed my hair into shade of golden brunette perfect for my skin tone.  And his blunt cut layers made my hair bouncing and behaving!  (+ points ad infinitum)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I was hooked. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>G and I also started to see each other outside of the salon.  (Platonically.  G wasn’t attracted to women.)  He shared my taste for indie restaurants and coffeehouses.  We had so much fun together.  </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: large;\">Drama Queens belong on the stage and not in the salon.</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Then one day, G was in a mood.  (He had a flair for the dramatic.)  He was stressed out about a guy who dissed him and was ticked off at his landlord.  In the midst of relaying his hassles in vivid detail during my haircut, he cut my layers unevenly.  i.e. He screwed up my hair.  Big time.  Every woman’s worst hair nightmare. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Now, I am a forgiving sort.  I am prone to granting second chances.  We are all human.  We all make mistakes.  We should all give one another a little more grace. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So I went back to G for a quick fix. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Which turned out to be not a fix, but another disaster. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: large;\">Breaking Up is Hard to Do </span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: large;\"> </span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In some aspects, breaking up with G was worse than breaking up with a boyfriend.  With a boyfriend, you take time off to heal and ready yourself for another relationship someday.  With your hairstylist, you need to find another one right away.  This is far from ideal when you’re gun-shy and suffering from hair trauma. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Argh. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I went through a few hairstylists after G.  Everyone was good at first, and then they slacked off after a year or so.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I was then introduced to a husband/wife cut/color duo who are great.  I absolutely adore them – talented, super smart, and warm.  But our schedules haven’t been meshing lately.  Availability is limited to one Saturday a month, and if I happen to have other plans that Saturday, then I’m SOL.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And this is how I came to cheat on my hairstylist.  I needed an appointment for this past Saturday, and my stylists were unavailable. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff6600; font-size: large;\"><strong>If you are going to cheat, then reach for the hairstylist to the stars.  </strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /> For months, my friend Britt waxed on about <em>“Salvador”.</em>  From the way she talked about him, I envisioned some sort of mythical Hair God. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>“<em>Salvador</em> is the best stylist that I’ve ever been to.  He specializes in natural color.”  (+50 points)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>“<em>Salvador</em> is the only one in this town who knows how to cut hair.  He cuts the layers blunt so your hair is thick and voluptuous and doesn’t get scraggly as with point cutting.”  (+100 points)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>“<em>Salvador</em> has a really cool artsy studio downtown with art and photographs and instruments.”  (I’m a sucker for artsy fartsy.  +50 points.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>“<em>Salvador</em> understands how to cut wavy hair.” (+100 points)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>“<em>Salvador</em>!  <em>Salvador</em>!  <em>Salvador</em>!”  (+50 points for reputation of mythical proportion) </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So this past Saturday morning I hauled my cookies downtown for an appointment with <em>Salvador</em>. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Upon entering aforementioned artsy fartsy studio, I was greeted by an overly enthusiastic Golden Retriever named Tahoe.  (+ points ad infinitum)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.hairpeace.com\" target=\"_blank\"><img title=\"tahoe\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/tahoe2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"97\" height=\"118\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Salvador (with locks of mythical proportion) welcomed me to the salon and chit-chatted away about the morning.  I was up late the night before, slept in, and had just started drinking my coffee, so I slurped it down in a hurry with hopes that I could be a tenth as chipper as Tahoe and ready to talk to another human being.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Classical music played in the background (+10 points) while Salvador sat me in the chair and inquired about what I wanted to do with my hair.  I asked him what he would do given carte blanche. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>All I can remember is “natural color” and I agreed to the rest.  When a mythical Hair God shares his opinion, you really should just take it and get on with your day.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Once I was properly caffeinated, we were able to ramble on about all sorts of common interests from music to guitar to writing to entrepreneurship to topics ad infinitum.  (+1000 points)  I am sure that you will agree with me that NOTHING is more awkward than sitting in a hairstylist’s chair whom you are unable to talk to.  How can they <em>possibly </em>serve as your surrogate therapist/dating coach/sounding board if you can’t carry on a decent conversation??? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Salvador worked his magic throughout conversational turns and many musical shifts (as you ease into the morning the classical needs to be replaced with rock) and then…Voila!  Hair Extraordinaire! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I have already received numerous compliments from “the outside”. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In this illicit affair, the cheating paid off and no one got hurt.**</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The most surprising thing about Salvador is that for a mythical Hair God, he is extraordinarily down-to-earth and <em>a really good guy</em>. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Often with myths, we develop high expectations that can’t be adhered to in Real Life.  Salvador will exceed your expectations.  And you’ll have fun in the process.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Go see him and Tahoe.  </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.hairpeace.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>http://www.hairpeace.com/</strong></span></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>                           </strong> ****************************************</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>** Please note that I do not condone cheating in other relationships.  But if your hairstylist isn’t cutting it (pun intended), then by all means get out there and sow your wild oats with someone new! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 28:  Have YOU Ever Cheated on Your Hairdresser?','','inherit','open','open','','1307-revision-44','','','2010-10-24 21:51:57','2010-10-25 04:51:57','',1307,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/24/1307-revision-44/',0,'revision','',0),(1370,1,'2010-10-25 17:59:38','2010-10-26 00:59:38','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-40','','','2010-10-25 17:59:38','2010-10-26 00:59:38','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA240193.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(2318,1,'2010-11-29 11:17:46','2010-11-29 18:17:46','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB250186.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2263 alignleft\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB250186-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I used to think that being single on Thanksgiving sucked. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Oh, how times have changed! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>Here are the advantages of a single girl\'s T-Day:</strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>You get to spend it with people whom you <em>want </em>to spend time with, rather than people whom you are <em>obligated</em> to spend time with</li>\r\n	<li>As much as I love kids, I prefer peace and quiet during a feast</li>\r\n	<li>I am also a fan of adult discussions about music, art, and culture. </li>\r\n	<li>Discussions that quickly fall into the gutter are equally as fun</li>\r\n	<li>NO DRAMA</li>\r\n	<li>Copious amounts of wine </li>\r\n	<li>Eclectic iTunes playlists</li>\r\n	<li>NO DRAMA</li>\r\n	<li>Lots of laughter amongst good friends</li>\r\n	<li>Plenty of leftovers</li>\r\n	<li>NO DRAMA </li>\r\n</ul>\r\n\r\n<p>Kimeee and I have been spending Thanksgiving together since 2002.  Some gathering have been large, some have been small, some have included boyfriends, a few even included a fiancé (Kimeee\'s), and a couple have included our friend, Mark. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This year we invited Laney into our inner circle.  A former wine rep, Laney knows wine and brought plenty of it.  Boy, did we <span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">get lit</span> enjoy ourselves! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Laney also presented me with the most deliciously lovely book which doubles as a fantastic future blog idea!  Hurrah! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>The book:  <em>The Elixir of Life.</em></strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><em> </em> </p>\r\n\r\n<p>She had me at the title.  How perfect!   How apropos!  How Laney to pick something so perfectly apropos for moi!  xo</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>The book\'s tagline:  finding love and joy in the <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">passionate</span> pursuit of food. </strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Well, well, well.  Was Laney thinking of the <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/27/day-60-3-yes-3-when-harry-met-sally-moments-during-1-dinner/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>3 When Harry Met Sally \"moments\"</strong> </a>that I experienced at El Chorro the night before?  Hmmm?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The book\'s mojo:  author Lisa Dahl travels to Tuscany, Italy, to celebrate the elixirs of the olive and the vine, and the elixir of inspiration that underlies her decades of Italian- and Mediterranean-influenced cuisine. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><strong>The book jacket goes on to describe Dahl\'s \"lusty cooking\". </strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Oh, yeah. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>AND...coinkidink of coinkidinks...Ms. Dahl resides in my fair state!!!  In magical Sedona, which I just so happened to introduce you to on <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/22/day-25-sedona-woo-woo-and-other-adventures/\"><strong>Day 25!</strong></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So here\'s my plan, peeps: </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>In early 2011, when we are all whining about our post-holiday blues (or perhaps even Valentine\'s Schmalentine\'s Day), we are all diving into food porn together.  </strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>We are going to be soooooo <a href=\"http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1135503/\" target=\"_blank\"><em><strong>Julie &amp; Julia</strong></em>,</a> and we\'re going to have a blast!  </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>For one week, we are going to cook a different recipe(s) every night from Lisa Dahl\'s lusty book.  Yes, that\'s right.  We will all cook the recipes together in our perspective kitchens and then blog/comment about our experiences throughout the week. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>If you want to live vicariously through us and simply stalk us on the blog, that\'s fine, too.  Lusty stuff always involves creepy peeping Toms and Tinas.  Just kidding!  Of course, you are welcome to just follow along and let us entertain you.  Or maybe you will be so inspired and filled with lust that you MUST cook one of the recipes or your life cannot go on.  Now THAT would make for a great comment section! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>At the end of all of this cooking/living vicariously/lustfulness, I will travel to the enchanting Sedona, Arizona (twist my arm) to dine at one of Lisa Dahl\'s fine culinary establishments, Cucina Rustica or Dahl &amp; Di Luca. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>Now here\'s the outrageously fun part:  I am inviting all fellow Late Bloomers and Late Bloomer Wannabees to join me in Sedona for a Lusty Feast!  </strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong> </strong></span></span> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>Hell -- even the token male readers are invited!  If you are hot, we even <em>encourage </em>you to attend!</strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I am so excited about this that I don\'t know how I\'m going to sleep tonight. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Details to follow as the weeks pass. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Until then, Buon Giorno!<br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 61:  Thankful for Fellow T-Day Orphans','','inherit','open','open','','2257-revision-16','','','2010-11-29 11:17:46','2010-11-29 18:17:46','',2257,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/29/2257-revision-16/',0,'revision','',0),(1381,1,'2010-10-25 18:19:28','2010-10-26 01:19:28','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-44','','','2010-10-25 18:19:28','2010-10-26 01:19:28','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA2401881.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(2317,1,'2010-11-27 17:57:50','2010-11-28 00:57:50','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB250186.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2263 alignleft\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB250186-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\n\n<p>I used to think that being single on Thanksgiving sucked. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Oh, how times have changed! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>Here are the advantages of a single girl\'s T-Day:</strong></span></span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<ul>\n	<li>You get to spend it with people whom you <em>want </em>to spend time with, rather than people whom you are <em>obligated</em> to spend time with</li>\n	<li>As much as I love kids, I prefer peace and quiet during a feast</li>\n	<li>I am also a fan of adult discussions about music, art, and culture. </li>\n	<li>Discussions that quickly fall into the gutter are equally as fun</li>\n	<li>NO DRAMA</li>\n	<li>Copious amounts of wine </li>\n	<li>Eclectic iTunes playlists</li>\n	<li>NO DRAMA</li>\n	<li>Lots of laughter amongst good friends</li>\n	<li>Plenty of leftovers</li>\n	<li>NO DRAMA </li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Kimeee and I have been spending Thanksgiving together since 2002.  Some gathering have been large, some have been small, some have included boyfriends, a few even included a fiancé (Kimeee\'s), and a couple have included our friend, Mark. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>This year we invited Laney into our inner circle.  A former wine rep, Laney knows wine and brought plenty of it.  Boy, did we <span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">get lit</span> enjoy ourselves! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Laney also presented me with the most deliciously lovely book which doubles as a fantastic future blog idea!  Hurrah! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>The book:  <em>The Elixir of Life.</em></strong></span></span></p>\n\n<p><em> </em> </p>\n\n<p>She had me at the title.  How perfect!   How appropros!  How Laney to pick something so perfectly appropros for moi!  xo</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>The book\'s tagline:  finding love and joy in the <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">passionate</span> pursuit of food. </strong></span></span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Well, well, well.  Was Laney thinking of the <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/27/day-60-3-yes-3-when-harry-met-sally-moments-during-1-dinner/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>3 When Harry Met Sally \"moments\"</strong> </a>that I experienced at El Chorro the night before?  Hmmm?</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The book\'s mojo:  author Lisa Dahl travels to Tuscany, Italy, to celebrate the elixirs of the olive and the vine, and the elixir of inspiration that underlies her decades of Italian- and Mediterranean-influenced cusine. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><strong>The book jacket goes on to describe Dahl\'s \"lusty cooking\". </strong></span></span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Oh, yeah. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>AND...coinkidink of coinkidinks...Ms. Dahl resides in my fair state!!!  In magical Sedona, which I just so happened to introduce you to on <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/22/day-25-sedona-woo-woo-and-other-adventures/\"><strong>Day 25!</strong></a></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>So here\'s my plan, peeps: </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>In early 2011, when we are all whining about our post-holiday blues (or perhaps even Valentine\'s Schmalentine\'s Day), we are all diving into food porn together.  </strong></span></span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>We are going to be soooooo <a href=\"http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1135503/\" target=\"_blank\"><em><strong>Julie &amp; Julia</strong></em>,</a> and we\'re going to have a blast!  </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>For one week, we are going to cook a different recipe(s) every night from Lisa Dahl\'s lusty book.  Yes, that\'s right.  We will all cook the recipes together in our perspective kitchens and then blog/comment about our experiences throughout the week. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>If you want to live vicariously through us and simply stalk us on the blog, that\'s fine, too.  Lusty stuff always involves creepy peeping Toms and Tinas.  Just kidding!  Of course, you are welcome to just follow along and let us entertain you.  Or maybe you will be so inspired and filled with lust that you MUST cook one of the recipes or your life cannot go on.  Now THAT would make for a great comment section! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>At the end of all of this cooking/living vicariously/lustfulness, I will travel to the enchanting Sedona, Arizona (twist my arm) to dine at one of Lisa Dahl\'s fine culinary establishments, Cucina Rustica or Dahl &amp; Di Luca. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>Now here\'s the outrageously fun part:  I am inviting all fellow Late Bloomers and Late Bloomer Wannabees to join me in Sedona for a Lusty Feast!  </strong></span></span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong> </strong></span></span> </p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>Hell -- even the token male readers are invited!  If you are hot, we even <em>encourage </em>you to attend!</strong></span></span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I am so excited about this that I don\'t know how I\'m going to sleep tonight. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Details to follow as the weeks pass. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Until then, Buon Giorno!<br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 61:  Thankful for Fellow T-Day Orphans','','inherit','open','open','','2257-revision-15','','','2010-11-27 17:57:50','2010-11-28 00:57:50','',2257,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/27/2257-revision-15/',0,'revision','',0),(1373,1,'2010-10-25 18:05:40','2010-10-26 01:05:40','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-41','','','2010-10-25 18:05:40','2010-10-26 01:05:40','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA240191.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(2316,1,'2010-11-28 21:31:51','2010-11-29 04:31:51','<p><a href=\"http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/10/l_ef10d8f613104533979b987f28006f01.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2305\" title=\"FOL1\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/FOL1-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I\'m a sucker for holiday traditions. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Two days after Thanksgiving, my fair community turns on the lights.  Big time. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Every cactus, tree, and desert shrub along our main street is decked with white lights.  We are so darned festive that our light parade actually gets the name \"festival\".  We are known as \"The Festival of Lights\".  How cool is that???</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>We even throw a big party to kick it off!  It\'s appropriately )although not-so-creatively) named The Festival of Lights Kick-Off Party.  Phoenicians and Suburbanites from all over my fair city descend upon us.  We have to close streets and shuttle people from the YMCA.  Yep.  My community knows how to throw a PARTY! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The party consists of more than a 100 street vendors, a stage with rotating entertainment, more bouncy thingies than you can count, lots o\' food, and a Beer and Wine Garden.  EVERY Arizona festival has a beer an wine garden.  It\'s a state mandate.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The premier destination for most childless adults is usually the state-mandated Beer and Wine Garden.  However, when you are a big dork like me, you <em>run</em> (not walk) when you see this beckoning in the distance...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/churl/852774508/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2306\" title=\"FunnelCake!!!\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/FunnelCake-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>A festival just wouldn\'t be a festival without funnel cake.  DELISH!!!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The Kick-Off Party concludes with...and I promise you that I am not making this up...Santa on a Harley.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.azcentral.com/community/ahwatukee/articles/1130ar-lights30Z14.html?&amp;wired\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2308\" title=\"santaharley\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/santaharley-300x205.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"205\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Only in Arizona, my friends.  Only in Arizona.  :-)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>What holiday traditions did you kick off this weekend?  Please share with us in the comment section below!<br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 63:  Festival of Lights','','inherit','open','open','','2261-revision-9','','','2010-11-28 21:31:51','2010-11-29 04:31:51','',2261,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/28/2261-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(1376,1,'2010-10-25 18:10:38','2010-10-26 01:10:38','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','Love at First Sight','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-42','','','2010-10-25 18:10:38','2010-10-26 01:10:38','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA240188.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1380,1,'2010-10-25 18:18:26','2010-10-26 01:18:26','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-43','','','2010-10-25 18:18:26','2010-10-26 01:18:26','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA2401911.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(2315,1,'2010-11-28 21:29:58','2010-11-29 04:29:58','<p><a href=\"http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/10/l_ef10d8f613104533979b987f28006f01.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2305\" title=\"FOL1\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/FOL1-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I\'m a sucker for holiday traditions. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Two days after Thanksgiving, my fair community turns on the lights.  Big time. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Every cactus, tree, and desert shrub along our main street is decked with white lights.  We are so darned festive that our light parade actually gets the name \"festival\".  We are known as \"The Festival of Lights\".  How cool is that???</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>We even throw a big party to kick it off!  It\'s appropriately although not-so-creatively named The Festival of Lights Kick-Off Party.  Phoenicians and Suburbanites from all over my fair city descend upon us.  We have to close streets and shuttle people from the YMCA.  Yep.  My community knows how to throw a PARTY! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The party consists of more than a 100 street vendors, a stage with rotating entertainment, more bouncy thingies than you can count, lots o\' food, and a Beer and Wine Garden.  EVERY Arizona festival has a beer an wine garden.  It\'s a state mandate.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The premier destination for most childless adults is usually the state-mandated Beer and Wine Garden.  However, when you are a big dork like me, you <em>run</em> (not walk) when you see this beckoning in the distance...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/churl/852774508/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2306\" title=\"FunnelCake!!!\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/FunnelCake-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>A festival just wouldn\'t be a festival without funnel cake.  DELISH!!!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The Kick-Off Party concludes with...and I promise you that I am not making this up...Santa on a Harley.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.azcentral.com/community/ahwatukee/articles/1130ar-lights30Z14.html?&amp;wired\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2308\" title=\"santaharley\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/santaharley-300x205.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"205\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Only in Arizona, my friends.  Only in Arizona.  :-)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>What holiday traditions did you kick off this weekend?  Please share with us in the comment section below!<br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 63:  Festival of Lights','','inherit','open','open','','2261-revision-8','','','2010-11-28 21:29:58','2010-11-29 04:29:58','',2261,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/28/2261-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(1382,1,'2010-10-25 18:21:10','2010-10-26 01:21:10','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-45','','','2010-10-25 18:21:10','2010-10-26 01:21:10','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA240185.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(2314,1,'2010-11-28 21:28:05','2010-11-29 04:28:05','<p><a href=\"http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/10/l_ef10d8f613104533979b987f28006f01.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2305\" title=\"FOL1\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/FOL1-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I\'m a sucker for holiday traditions. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Two days after Thanksgiving, my fair community turns on the lights.  Big time. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Every cactus, tree, and desert shrub along our main street is decked with white lights.  We are so darned festive that our light parade actually gets the name \"festival\".  We are known as \"The Festival of Lights\".  How cool is that???</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>We even throw a big party to kick it off!  It\'s appropriately (although not-so-creatively) named The Festival of Lights Kick-Off Party.  Phoenicians and Suburbanites from all over my fair city descend upon us.  We have to close streets and shuttle people from the YMCA.  Yep.  My community knows how to throw a PARTY! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The party consists of more than a 100 street vendors, a stage with rotating entertainment, more bouncy thingies than you can count, lots o\' food, and a Beer and Wine Garden (EVERY Arizona festival has a beer an wine garden.  It\'s a state mandate.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The premier destination for most childless adults is usually the state-mandated Beer and Wine Garden.  However, when you are a big dork like me, you <em>run</em> (not walk) when you see this beckoning in the distance...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/churl/852774508/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2306\" title=\"FunnelCake!!!\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/FunnelCake-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>A festival just wouldn\'t be a festival without funnel cake.  DELISH!!!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The Kick-Off Party concludes with...and I promise you that I am not making this up...Santa on a Harley.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.azcentral.com/community/ahwatukee/articles/1130ar-lights30Z14.html?&amp;wired\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2308\" title=\"santaharley\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/santaharley-300x205.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"205\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Only in Arizona, my friends.  Only in Arizona.  :-)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>What holiday traditions did you kick off this weekend?  Please share with us in the comment section below!<br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 63:  Festival of Lights','','inherit','open','open','','2261-revision-7','','','2010-11-28 21:28:05','2010-11-29 04:28:05','',2261,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/28/2261-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(2313,1,'2010-11-28 21:27:16','2010-11-29 04:27:16','<p><a href=\"http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/10/l_ef10d8f613104533979b987f28006f01.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2305\" title=\"FOL1\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/FOL1-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I\'m a sucker for holiday traditions. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Two days after Thanksgiving, my fair community turns on the lights.  Big time. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Every cactus, tree, and desert shrub along our main street is decked with white lights.  We are so darned festive that our light parade actually gets the name \"festival\".  We are known as \"The Festival of Lights\".  How cool is that???</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>We even throw a big party to kick it off!  It\'s appropriately (although not-so-creatively) named The Festival of Lights Kick-Off Party.  Phoenicians and Suburbanites from all over my fair city descend upon us.  We have to close streets and shuttle people from the YMCA.  Yep.  My community knows how to throw a PARTY! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The party consists of more than a 100 street vendors, a stage with rotating entertainment, more bouncy thingies than you can count, lots o\' food, and a Beer and Wine Garden (EVERY Arizona festival has a beer an wine garden.  It\'s a state mandate.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The premier destination for most childless adults is usually the state-mandated Beer and Wine Garden.  However, when you are a big dork like me, you <em>run</em> (not walk) when you see this beckoning in the distance...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/churl/852774508/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2306\" title=\"FunnelCake!!!\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/FunnelCake-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>A festival just wouldn\'t be a festival without funnel cake.  DELISH!!!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The Kick-Off Party concludes with...and I promise you that I am not making this up...Santa on a Harley.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.azcentral.com/community/ahwatukee/articles/1130ar-lights30Z14.html?&amp;wired\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2308\" title=\"santaharley\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/santaharley-300x205.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"205\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Only in Arizona, my friends.  Only in Arizona.  :-)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>What holiday traditions did you kick off this weekend?  Please share with us in the comment section below!<br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 63:  Festival of Lights','','inherit','open','open','','2261-revision-6','','','2010-11-28 21:27:16','2010-11-29 04:27:16','',2261,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/28/2261-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(2312,1,'2010-11-28 21:25:42','2010-11-29 04:25:42','<p><a href=\"http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/10/l_ef10d8f613104533979b987f28006f01.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2305\" title=\"FOL1\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/FOL1-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I\'m a sucker for holiday traditions. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Two days after Thanksgiving, my fair community turns on the lights.  Big time. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Every cactus, tree, and desert shrub along the main street is decked with white lights.  We are so darned festive that our light parade actually gets the name \"festival\".  We are known as \"The Festival of Lights\".  How cool is that???</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>We even throw a big party to kick it off!  It\'s appropriately (although not-so-creatively) named The Festival of Lights Kick-Off Party.  Phoenicians and Suburbanites from all over my fair city descend upon us.  We have to close streets and shuttle people from the YMCA.  Yep.  My community knows how to throw a PARTY! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The party consists of more than a 100 street vendors, a stage with rotating entertainment, more bouncy thingies than you can count, lots o\' food, and a Beer and Wine Garden (EVERY Arizona festival has a beer an wine garden.  It\'s a state mandate.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The premier destination for most childless adults is usually the state-mandated Beer and Wine Garden.  However, when you are a big dork like me, you <em>run</em> (not walk) when you see this beckoning in the distance...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/churl/852774508/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2306\" title=\"FunnelCake!!!\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/FunnelCake-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>A festival just wouldn\'t be a festival without funnel cake.  DELISH!!!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The Kick-Off Party concludes with...and I promise you that I am not making this up...Santa on a Harley.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.azcentral.com/community/ahwatukee/articles/1130ar-lights30Z14.html?&amp;wired\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2308\" title=\"santaharley\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/santaharley-300x205.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"205\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Only in Arizona, my friends.  Only in Arizona.  :-)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>What holiday traditions did you kick off this weekend?  Please share with us in the comment section below!<br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 63:  Festival of Lights','','inherit','open','open','','2261-revision-5','','','2010-11-28 21:25:42','2010-11-29 04:25:42','',2261,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/28/2261-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(2311,1,'2010-11-28 21:30:05','2010-11-29 04:30:05','<p><a href=\"http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/10/l_ef10d8f613104533979b987f28006f01.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2305\" title=\"FOL1\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/FOL1-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I\'m a sucker for holiday traditions. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Two days after Thanksgiving, my fair community turns on the lights.  Big time. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Every cactus, tree, and desert shrub along our main street is decked with white lights.  We are so darned festive that our light parade actually gets the name \"festival\".  We are known as \"The Festival of Lights\".  How cool is that???</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>We even throw a big party to kick it off!  It\'s appropriately although not-so-creatively named The Festival of Lights Kick-Off Party.  Phoenicians and Suburbanites from all over my fair city descend upon us.  We have to close streets and shuttle people from the YMCA.  Yep.  My community knows how to throw a PARTY! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The party consists of more than a 100 street vendors, a stage with rotating entertainment, more bouncy thingies than you can count, lots o\' food, and a Beer and Wine Garden.  EVERY Arizona festival has a beer an wine garden.  It\'s a state mandate.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The premier destination for most childless adults is usually the state-mandated Beer and Wine Garden.  However, when you are a big dork like me, you <em>run</em> (not walk) when you see this beckoning in the distance...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/churl/852774508/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2306\" title=\"FunnelCake!!!\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/FunnelCake-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>A festival just wouldn\'t be a festival without funnel cake.  DELISH!!!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The Kick-Off Party concludes with...and I promise you that I am not making this up...Santa on a Harley.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.azcentral.com/community/ahwatukee/articles/1130ar-lights30Z14.html?&amp;wired\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2308\" title=\"santaharley\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/santaharley-300x205.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"205\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Only in Arizona, my friends.  Only in Arizona.  :-)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>What holiday traditions did you kick off this weekend?  Please share with us in the comment section below!<br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 63:  Festival of Lights','','inherit','open','open','','2261-autosave','','','2010-11-28 21:30:05','2010-11-29 04:30:05','',2261,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/28/2261-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(2308,1,'2010-11-28 21:17:52','2010-11-29 04:17:52','','santaharley','','inherit','open','open','','santaharley','','','2010-11-28 21:17:52','2010-11-29 04:17:52','',2261,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/santaharley.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(2310,1,'2010-11-28 21:25:07','2010-11-29 04:25:07','<p><a href=\"http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/10/l_ef10d8f613104533979b987f28006f01.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2305\" title=\"FOL1\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/FOL1-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I\'m a sucker for holiday traditions. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Two days after Thanksgiving, my fair community turns on the lights.  Big time. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Every cactus, tree, and desert shrub along the main street is decked with white lights.  We are so darned festive that our light parade actually gets the name \"festival\".  We are known as \"The Festival of Lights\".  How cool is that???</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>We even throw a big party to kick it off!  It\'s appropriately (although not-so-creatively) named The Festival of Lights Kick-Off Party.  Phoenicians and Suburbanites from all over my fair city descend upon us.  We have to close streets and shuttle people from the YMCA.  Yep.  My community knows how to throw a PARTY! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The party consists of more than a 100 street vendors, a stage with rotating entertainment, more bouncy thingies than you can count, lots o\' food, and a Beer and Wine Garden (EVERY Arizona festival has a beer an wine garden.  It\'s a state mandate.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The premier destination for most childless adults is usually the state-mandated Beer and Wine Garden.  However, when you are a big dork like me, you <em>run</em> (not walk) when you see this beckoning in the distance...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/churl/852774508/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2306\" title=\"FunnelCake!!!\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/FunnelCake-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>A festival just wouldn\'t be a festival without funnel cake.  DELISH!!!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The Kick-Off Party concludes with...and I promise you that I am not making this up...Santa on a Harley.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.azcentral.com/community/ahwatukee/articles/1130ar-lights30Z14.html?&amp;wired\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2308\" title=\"santaharley\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/santaharley-300x205.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"205\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Only in Arizona, my friends.  Only in Arizona.  :-)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>What holiday traditions did you kick off this weekend?  Please share with us in the comment section below!<br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 63:  Festival of Lights','','inherit','open','open','','2261-revision-4','','','2010-11-28 21:25:07','2010-11-29 04:25:07','',2261,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/28/2261-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0);
