INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (1180,1,'2010-10-11 18:57:13','2010-10-12 01:57:13','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/michelle3.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-1142\" title=\"michelle3\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/michelle3-298x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"298\" height=\"300\" /></a>Dear Friends,\r\n\r\n<p> \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>My beloved grandfather passed away early this morning.  I need time to grieve and spend time with my family.  I will return to the blog in a week or two. \r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n<p> \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Thank you for your support during this past month, and I look forward to sharing more curious adventures with you in the upcoming weeks. \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><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Best,\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><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n<p> \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\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>Michelle\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\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[caption id=\"attachment_1155\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Thank you for the best childhood memories, Papa. \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/michelle61.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1155\" title=\"michelle6\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/michelle61-300x227.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"227\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p> <br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p>       <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/michelle41.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1160\" title=\"michelle4\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/michelle41-205x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"205\" height=\"300\" /></a>                  \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/papaimmigration.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1163\" title=\"papaimmigration\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/papaimmigration-300x203.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"203\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<p>My Papa was a Portuguese immigrant who came to this country, started his own business, and worked hard to achieve his success.  He was a Purple Heart veteran of World War II<br class=\"spacer_\" />\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>He always put his family first, and he was a beautiful, gentle soul.  I love you, Papa. \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /> <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/michelle2.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1166\" title=\"michelle2\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/michelle2-201x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"201\" height=\"300\" /></a><br class=\"spacer_\" />Nana and Papa on their wedding day -- April 19th, 1942.  <br class=\"spacer_\" />\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<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<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<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>\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>\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>\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>','To Be Continued...','','inherit','open','open','','1137-revision-35','','','2010-10-11 18:57:13','2010-10-12 01:57:13','',1137,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/11/1137-revision-35/',0,'revision','',0),(1179,1,'2010-10-11 18:53:31','2010-10-12 01:53:31','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/michelle3.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-1142\" title=\"michelle3\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/michelle3-298x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"298\" height=\"300\" /></a>Dear Friends,\r\n\r\n<p> \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>My beloved grandfather passed away early this morning.  I need time to grieve and spend time with my family.  I will return to the blog in a week or two. \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>Thank you for your support during this past month, and I look forward to sharing more curious adventures with you in the upcoming weeks. \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><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Best,\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n<p> \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>Michelle\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\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[caption id=\"attachment_1155\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Thank you for the best childhood memories, Papa. \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/michelle61.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1155\" title=\"michelle6\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/michelle61-300x227.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"227\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p> <br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p>       <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/michelle41.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1160\" title=\"michelle4\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/michelle41-205x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"205\" height=\"300\" /></a>                  \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/papaimmigration.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1163\" title=\"papaimmigration\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/papaimmigration-300x203.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"203\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<p>My Papa was a Portuguese immigrant who came to this country, started his own business, and worked hard to achieve his success.  He was a Purple Heart veteran of World War II<br class=\"spacer_\" />\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>He always put his family first, and he was a beautiful, gentle soul.  I love you, Papa. \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /> <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/michelle2.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1166\" title=\"michelle2\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/michelle2-201x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"201\" height=\"300\" /></a><br class=\"spacer_\" />Nana and Papa on their wedding day -- April 19th, 1942.  <br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n<p> \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p> \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p> \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<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/michelle61.jpg\"></a> \r\n\r\n<p> \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p> \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p> \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<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/michelle61.jpg\"></a> \r\n\r\n<p> \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p> \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p> \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p> \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p> \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p> \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p> \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p> \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p> \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p> \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p> \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p> \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p> \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p> \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p> \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p> \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p> \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p> \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p> \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p> \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p> \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p> \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p> \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p> \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p> \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p> \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p> \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p> \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p> \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p> \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p> \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> \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> \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> \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> \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> \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> \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> \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> \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> \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> \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> \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> \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> \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> \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> \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> \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> \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> \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> \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> \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> \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> \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> \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> \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><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<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<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<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<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<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<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\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>\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>\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>\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>\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>\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>\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>\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>\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>','To Be Continued...','','inherit','open','open','','1137-revision-34','','','2010-10-11 18:53:31','2010-10-12 01:53:31','',1137,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/11/1137-revision-34/',0,'revision','',0),(1185,1,'2010-10-11 19:04:36','2010-10-12 02:04:36','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/michelle3.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-1142\" title=\"michelle3\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/michelle3-298x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"298\" height=\"300\" /></a>Dear Friends,</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>My beloved grandfather passed away early this morning.  I need time to grieve and spend time with my family.  I will return to the blog in a week or two. </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Thank you for your support during this past month, and I look forward to sharing more curious adventures with you in the upcoming weeks. </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Best,</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Michelle</p>\r\n<p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>\r\n<p>[caption id=\"attachment_1155\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Thank you for the best childhood memories, Papa. \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/michelle61.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1155\" title=\"michelle6\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/michelle61-300x227.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"227\" /></a>[/caption]</p>\r\n<p> <br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>       <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/michelle41.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1160\" title=\"michelle4\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/michelle41-205x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"205\" height=\"300\" /></a>                  </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/papaimmigration.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1163\" title=\"papaimmigration\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/papaimmigration-300x203.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"203\" /></a></p>\r\n<p>My Papa was a Portuguese immigrant who came to this country, started his own business, and worked hard to achieve his success.  He was a Purple Heart veteran of World War II.<br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>\r\n<p>He always put his family first, and he was a beautiful, gentle soul.  I love you, Papa.  <br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /> <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/michelle2.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1166\" title=\"michelle2\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/michelle2-201x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"201\" height=\"300\" /></a><br class=\"spacer_\" />Nana and Papa on their wedding day -- April 19th, 1942.  <br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n','To Be Continued...','','inherit','open','open','','1137-revision-40','','','2010-10-11 19:04:36','2010-10-12 02:04:36','',1137,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/11/1137-revision-40/',0,'revision','',0),(1186,1,'2010-10-11 19:06:44','2010-10-12 02:06:44','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/michelle3.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-1142\" title=\"michelle3\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/michelle3-298x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"298\" height=\"300\" /></a>Dear Friends,</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>My beloved grandfather passed away early this morning.  I need time to grieve and spend time with my family.  I will return to the blog in a week or two. </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Thank you for your support during this past month, and I look forward to sharing more curious adventures with you in the upcoming weeks. </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Best,</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Michelle</p>\r\n<p><p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><p>[caption id=\"attachment_1155\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Thank you for the best childhood memories, Papa. \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/michelle61.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1155\" title=\"michelle6\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/michelle61-300x227.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"227\" /></a>[/caption]</p>\r\n<p> <br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>       <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/michelle41.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1160\" title=\"michelle4\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/michelle41-205x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"205\" height=\"300\" /></a>                  </p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/papaimmigration.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1163\" title=\"papaimmigration\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/papaimmigration-300x203.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"203\" /></a></p>\r\n<p>My Papa was a Portuguese immigrant who came to this country, started his own business, and worked hard to achieve his success.  He was a Purple Heart veteran of World War II.<br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><p>He always put his family first, and he was a beautiful, gentle soul.  I love you, Papa.  <br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><p><br class=\"spacer_\" /> <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/michelle2.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1166\" title=\"michelle2\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/michelle2-201x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"201\" height=\"300\" /></a><br class=\"spacer_\" />Nana and Papa on their wedding day -- April 19th, 1942.  <br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n','To Be Continued...','','inherit','open','open','','1137-revision-41','','','2010-10-11 19:06:44','2010-10-12 02:06:44','',1137,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/11/1137-revision-41/',0,'revision','',0),(1207,1,'2010-10-21 19:43:03','2010-10-22 02:43:03','<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>pic of south mountain</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>After a 2 hour drive from Captain Adventure\'s house, we scaled the Red Rocks of Sedona.  </p>\n\n<p>pic of sedona</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>After another 30 minute drive, we hiked a pine forest trail in Flagstaff (trail elevation 9600 ft.)</p>\n\n<p>pic of flagstaff</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>Aspen \"gold rush\" in Flagstaff</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 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>Grease Sing-along</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.  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>Or 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 <strong>Dionne Warwick</strong>. </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>(insert me scaling red rock here)caption: Feel the fear and climb that rock anyway!</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>pics</p>\n\n<p><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>(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 slightly 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><strong>And now the moment you’ve all been waiting for:  The Woo Woo </strong></p>\n\n<p><strong> </strong></p>\n\n<p>When in Rome, eat pasta.  When in France, eat cheese.  When in Sedona, see 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>UFO truck pic</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I talked David into booking an appointment with psychic as well.  We both viewed the opportunity as entertainment.  Our names are not Dionne. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>After dinner, we headed on down to The Crystal Vortex 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 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>DO YOU REMEMBER HOW</p>','Day 25:  Sedona Woo-Woo and Other Adventures','','inherit','open','open','','1108-revision-8','','','2010-10-21 19:43:03','2010-10-22 02:43:03','',1108,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/21/1108-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(1209,1,'2010-10-21 20:41:11','2010-10-22 03:41:11','<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>pic of south mountain</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>After a 2 hour drive from Captain Adventure\'s house, we scaled the Red Rocks of Sedona.  </p>\n\n<p>pic of sedona</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>After another 30 minute drive, we hiked a pine forest trail in Flagstaff (trail elevation 9600 ft.)</p>\n\n<p>pic of flagstaff</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>Aspen \"gold rush\" in Flagstaff</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 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>Grease Sing-along</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.  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>Or 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 <strong>Dionne Warwick</strong>. </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>(insert me scaling red rock here)caption: Feel the fear and climb that rock anyway!</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>pics</p>\n\n<p><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>(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 slightly 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><strong>And now the moment you’ve all been waiting for:  The Woo Woo </strong></p>\n\n<p><strong> </strong></p>\n\n<p>When in Rome, eat pasta.  When in France, eat cheese.  When in Sedona, see 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>UFO truck pic</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I talked David into booking an appointment with psychic as well.  We both viewed the opportunity as entertainment.  Our names are not Dionne. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>After dinner, we headed on down to The Crystal Vortex 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 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 AS PART OF OUR POOLSIDE PALM READING!  </strong></p>\n\n<p><strong> </strong> </p>\n\n<p><strong>!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</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>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 so dreadfully long that I can\'t remember if she\'s right on 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 therepeutic for me and give me hope.  (Oh, I <em>may</em> have touched on this briefly in <strong>365 or Bust</strong>.  !!!!!)</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 dark.  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>My \"Past\" Card:  Ice-olation -- 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>My \"Present\" Card:  The Dream -- The card portrayed Cinderella, but Gita clarified that this card signifies that it is now time to distinguish fairy tale from reality.  It is now time to leave the fairy tale behind, and start living a real life dream that I am implementing in my life.  (Ummm...yeah.  The \"Move Over, Cinderella shirt\" in What Makes Me Tick.  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>My \"Future\" Card:  Creativity -- 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 everything.  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 break and drew one. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>My \"Blog\" Card -- Queen of the Harvest -- Wow. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Gita pointed out the card is self explanatory.  The Queen in the card was holding a cornocopia of fruit, 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>No, 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>3 Royal Cards!  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, she 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>-- She said 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.  And just when I thought all boys are schmucks. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>O.k., Gita.  I\'ll give it a try. </p>','Day 25:  Sedona Woo-Woo and Other Adventures','','inherit','open','open','','1108-revision-10','','','2010-10-21 20:41:11','2010-10-22 03:41:11','',1108,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/21/1108-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),(1208,1,'2010-10-21 20:39:41','2010-10-22 03:39:41','<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>pic of south mountain</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>After a 2 hour drive from Captain Adventure\'s house, we scaled the Red Rocks of Sedona.  </p>\n\n<p>pic of sedona</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>After another 30 minute drive, we hiked a pine forest trail in Flagstaff (trail elevation 9600 ft.)</p>\n\n<p>pic of flagstaff</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>Aspen \"gold rush\" in Flagstaff</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 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>Grease Sing-along</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.  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>Or 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 <strong>Dionne Warwick</strong>. </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>(insert me scaling red rock here)caption: Feel the fear and climb that rock anyway!</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>pics</p>\n\n<p><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>(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 slightly 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><strong>And now the moment you’ve all been waiting for:  The Woo Woo </strong></p>\n\n<p><strong> </strong></p>\n\n<p>When in Rome, eat pasta.  When in France, eat cheese.  When in Sedona, see 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>UFO truck pic</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I talked David into booking an appointment with psychic as well.  We both viewed the opportunity as entertainment.  Our names are not Dionne. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>After dinner, we headed on down to The Crystal Vortex 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 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 AS PART OF OUR POOLSIDE PALM READING!  </strong></p>\n\n<p><strong> </strong> </p>\n\n<p><strong>!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</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>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 so dreadfully long that I can\'t remember if she\'s right on 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 therepeutic for me and give me hope.  (Oh, I <em>may</em> have touched on this briefly in <strong>365 or Bust</strong>.  !!!!!)</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 dark.  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>My \"Past\" Card:  Ice-olation -- 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>My \"Present\" Card:  The Dream -- The card portrayed Cinderella, but Gita clarified that this card signifies that it is now time to distinguish fairy tale from reality.  It is now time to leave the fairy tale behind, and start living a real life dream that I am implementing in my life.  (Ummm...yeah.  The \"Move Over, Cinderella shirt\" in What Makes Me Tick.  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>My \"Future\" Card:  Creativity -- 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 everything.  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 break and drew one. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>My \"Blog\" Card -- Queen of the Harvest -- Wow. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Gita pointed out the card is self explanatory.  The Queen in the card was holding a cornocopia of fruit, 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>No, 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>3 Royal Cards!  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, she 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>-- She said 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?  Did 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.  And just when I thought all boys are schmucks.  O.k., Gita.  I\'ll give</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 25:  Sedona Woo-Woo and Other Adventures','','inherit','open','open','','1108-revision-9','','','2010-10-21 20:39:41','2010-10-22 03:39:41','',1108,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/21/1108-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(1210,1,'2010-10-21 21:00:59','2010-10-22 04:00:59','<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>pic of south mountain</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>pic of sedona</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>After another 30 minute drive the next morning, I hiked a pine forest trail in Flagstaff (trail elevation 9600 ft.)</p>\n\n<p>pic of flagstaff</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 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>Grease Sing-along</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>(insert me scaling red rock here)caption: Feel the fear and climb that rock anyway!</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>pics</p>\n\n<p><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>pics of me on rock</p>\n\n<p><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><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\">And now the moment you’ve all been waiting for:  The Woo Woo </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>UFO truck pic</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>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 so dreadfully long ago that I can\'t remember if she\'s right on 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 therepeutic 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>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><strong><span style=\"color: #993300;\">My \"Past\" Card:</span></strong>  Ice-olation -- 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:</strong></span>  The Dream -- The card portrayed Cinderella, but Gita clarified that this card signifies that it is now time to distinguish fairy tale from reality.  It is now time to leave the fairy tale behind, and start living a real life dream that I am implementing in my life.  (Ummm...yeah.  The \"Move Over, Cinderella shirt\" in What Makes Me Tick.  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: #008000;\"><strong>My \"Future\" Card:</strong></span>  Creativity -- 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</strong></span> -- Queen of the Harvest -- 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 cornocopia of fruit, 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.  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-revision-11','','','2010-10-21 21:00:59','2010-10-22 04:00:59','',1108,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/21/1108-revision-11/',0,'revision','',0),(1211,1,'2010-10-21 21:04:44','2010-10-22 04:04:44','<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>pic of south mountain</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>pic of sedona</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>After another 30 minute drive the next morning, I hiked a pine forest trail in Flagstaff (trail elevation 9600 ft.)</p>\n\n<p>pic of flagstaff</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 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>Grease Sing-along</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>(insert me scaling red rock here)caption: Feel the fear and climb that rock anyway!</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>pics</p>\n\n<p><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>pics of me on rock</p>\n\n<p><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><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\">And now the moment you’ve all been waiting for:  The Woo Woo </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>UFO truck pic</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. </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 so dreadfully long ago that I can\'t remember if she\'s right on 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>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><strong><span style=\"color: #993300;\">My \"Past\" Card:</span></strong>  Ice-olation -- 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:</strong></span>  The Dream -- The card portrayed Cinderella, but Gita clarified that this card signifies that it is now time to distinguish fairy tale from reality.  It is now time to leave the fairy tale behind, and start living a real life dream that I am implementing in my life.  (Ummm...yeah.  The \"Move Over, Cinderella shirt\" in What Makes Me Tick.  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: #008000;\"><strong>My \"Future\" Card:</strong></span>  Creativity -- 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</strong></span> -- Queen of the Harvest -- 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 cornocopia of fruit, 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.  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-revision-12','','','2010-10-21 21:04:44','2010-10-22 04:04:44','',1108,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/21/1108-revision-12/',0,'revision','',0),(1212,1,'2010-10-21 21:08:33','2010-10-22 04:08:33','<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>pic of south mountain</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>pic of sedona</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>After another 30 minute drive the next morning, I hiked a pine forest trail in Flagstaff (trail elevation 9600 ft.)</p>\n\n<p>pic of flagstaff</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 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>Grease Sing-along</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>(insert me scaling red rock here)caption: Feel the fear and climb that rock anyway!</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>pics</p>\n\n<p><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>pics of me on rock</p>\n\n<p><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><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\">And now the moment you’ve all been waiting for:  The Woo Woo </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>UFO truck pic</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 so dreadfully long ago that I can\'t remember if she\'s right on 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>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><strong><span style=\"color: #993300;\">My \"Past\" Card:</span></strong>  Ice-olation -- 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:</strong></span>  The Dream -- The card portrayed Cinderella, but Gita clarified that this card signifies that it is now time to distinguish fairy tale from reality.  It is now time to leave the fairy tale behind, and start living a real life dream that I am implementing in my life.  (Ummm...yeah.  The \"Move Over, Cinderella shirt\" in What Makes Me Tick.  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: #008000;\"><strong>My \"Future\" Card:</strong></span>  Creativity -- 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</strong></span> -- Queen of the Harvest -- 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 cornocopia of fruit, 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.  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-revision-13','','','2010-10-21 21:08:33','2010-10-22 04:08:33','',1108,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/21/1108-revision-13/',0,'revision','',0),(1213,1,'2010-10-21 21:21:32','2010-10-22 04:21:32','','longandwindingroadleadstomydoor','','inherit','open','open','','longandwindingroadleadstomydoor','','','2010-10-21 21:21:32','2010-10-22 04:21:32','',1108,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/longandwindingroadleadstomydoor.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1214,1,'2010-10-21 21:23:20','2010-10-22 04:23:20','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-27','','','2010-10-21 21:23:20','2010-10-22 04:23:20','',1108,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA090180.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1215,1,'2010-10-21 21:32:19','2010-10-22 04:32:19','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-28','','','2010-10-21 21:32:19','2010-10-22 04:32:19','',1108,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901801.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1216,1,'2010-10-21 21:35:52','2010-10-22 04:35:52','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-29','','','2010-10-21 21:35:52','2010-10-22 04:35:52','',1108,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA100200.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1217,1,'2010-10-21 21:38:59','2010-10-22 04:38:59','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-30','','','2010-10-21 21:38:59','2010-10-22 04:38:59','',1108,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA090181.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1218,1,'2010-10-21 21:45:32','2010-10-22 04:45:32','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-31','','','2010-10-21 21:45:32','2010-10-22 04:45:32','',1108,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901811.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1219,1,'2010-10-21 21:47:21','2010-10-22 04:47:21','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-32','','','2010-10-21 21:47:21','2010-10-22 04:47:21','',1108,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA090179.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1220,1,'2010-10-21 21:50:05','2010-10-22 04:50:05','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-33','','','2010-10-21 21:50:05','2010-10-22 04:50:05','',1108,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA090192.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1221,1,'2010-10-21 21:52:00','2010-10-22 04:52:00','<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><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/longandwindingroadleadstomydoor.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone 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></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 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>Grease Sing-along</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><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901811.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone 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></p>\n\n<p>Feel the fear and climb that rock anyway!</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><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\">And now the moment you’ve all been waiting for:  The Woo Woo </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>UFO truck pic</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 so dreadfully long ago that I can\'t remember if she\'s right on 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>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><strong><span style=\"color: #993300;\">My \"Past\" Card:</span></strong>  Ice-olation -- 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:</strong></span>  The Dream -- The card portrayed Cinderella, but Gita clarified that this card signifies that it is now time to distinguish fairy tale from reality.  It is now time to leave the fairy tale behind, and start living a real life dream that I am implementing in my life.  (Ummm...yeah.  The \"Move Over, Cinderella shirt\" in What Makes Me Tick.  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: #008000;\"><strong>My \"Future\" Card:</strong></span>  Creativity -- 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</strong></span> -- Queen of the Harvest -- 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 fruit, 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.  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-revision-14','','','2010-10-21 21:52:00','2010-10-22 04:52:00','',1108,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/21/1108-revision-14/',0,'revision','',0),(1222,1,'2010-10-21 22:01:57','2010-10-22 05:01:57','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-34','','','2010-10-21 22:01:57','2010-10-22 05:01:57','',1108,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA090198.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1223,1,'2010-10-21 22:03:55','2010-10-22 05:03:55','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-35','','','2010-10-21 22:03:55','2010-10-22 05:03:55','',1108,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901981.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1224,1,'2010-10-21 22:04:30','2010-10-22 05:04:30','<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><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/longandwindingroadleadstomydoor.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone 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></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 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>\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><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901811.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone 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></p>\n\n<p>Feel the fear and climb that rock anyway!</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><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\">And now the moment you’ve all been waiting for:  The Woo Woo </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><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901981.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-1223\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901981-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></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 so dreadfully long ago that I can\'t remember if she\'s right on 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>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><strong><span style=\"color: #993300;\">My \"Past\" Card:</span></strong>  Ice-olation -- 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:</strong></span>  The Dream -- The card portrayed Cinderella, but Gita clarified that this card signifies that it is now time to distinguish fairy tale from reality.  It is now time to leave the fairy tale behind, and start living a real life dream that I am implementing in my life.  (Ummm...yeah.  The \"Move Over, Cinderella shirt\" in What Makes Me Tick.  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: #008000;\"><strong>My \"Future\" Card:</strong></span>  Creativity -- 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</strong></span> -- Queen of the Harvest -- 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 fruit, 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.  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-revision-15','','','2010-10-21 22:04:30','2010-10-22 05:04:30','',1108,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/21/1108-revision-15/',0,'revision','',0),(1225,1,'2010-10-21 22:05:31','2010-10-22 05:05:31','<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><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/longandwindingroadleadstomydoor.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone 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></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 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>\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><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901811.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone 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></p>\n\n<p>Feel the fear and climb that rock anyway!</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><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\">And now the moment you’ve all been waiting for:  The Woo Woo </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><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901981.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-1223\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901981-300x225.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>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 so dreadfully long ago that I can\'t remember if she\'s right on 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>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><strong><span style=\"color: #993300;\">My \"Past\" Card:</span></strong>  Ice-olation -- 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:</strong></span>  The Dream -- The card portrayed Cinderella, but Gita clarified that this card signifies that it is now time to distinguish fairy tale from reality.  It is now time to leave the fairy tale behind, and start living a real life dream that I am implementing in my life.  (Ummm...yeah.  The \"Move Over, Cinderella shirt\" in What Makes Me Tick.  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: #008000;\"><strong>My \"Future\" Card:</strong></span>  Creativity -- 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</strong></span> -- Queen of the Harvest -- 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 fruit, 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.  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-revision-16','','','2010-10-21 22:05:31','2010-10-22 05:05:31','',1108,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/21/1108-revision-16/',0,'revision','',0),(1228,1,'2010-10-21 22:11:18','2010-10-22 05:11:18','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901981.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1223\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901981-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>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><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/longandwindingroadleadstomydoor.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone 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></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 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>\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><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901811.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone 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></p>\n\n<p>Feel the fear and climb that rock anyway!</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><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\">And now the moment you’ve all been waiting for:  The Woo Woo </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><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 so dreadfully long ago that I can\'t remember if she\'s right on 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>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><strong><span style=\"color: #993300;\">My \"Past\" Card:</span></strong>  Ice-olation -- 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:</strong></span>  The Dream -- The card portrayed Cinderella, but Gita clarified that this card signifies that it is now time to distinguish fairy tale from reality.  It is now time to leave the fairy tale behind, and start living a real life dream that I am implementing in my life.  (Ummm...yeah.  The \"Move Over, Cinderella shirt\" in What Makes Me Tick.  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: #008000;\"><strong>My \"Future\" Card:</strong></span>  Creativity -- 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</strong></span> -- Queen of the Harvest -- 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 fruit, 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.  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-revision-19','','','2010-10-21 22:11:18','2010-10-22 05:11:18','',1108,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/21/1108-revision-19/',0,'revision','',0),(1226,1,'2010-10-21 22:06:11','2010-10-22 05:06:11','<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><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/longandwindingroadleadstomydoor.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone 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></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><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901811.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone 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></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Feel the fear and climb that rock anyway!</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><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\">And now the moment you’ve all been waiting for:  The Woo Woo </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><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901981.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-1223\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901981-300x225.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>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 so dreadfully long ago that I can\'t remember if she\'s right on 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>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><strong><span style=\"color: #993300;\">My \"Past\" Card:</span></strong>  Ice-olation -- 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:</strong></span>  The Dream -- The card portrayed Cinderella, but Gita clarified that this card signifies that it is now time to distinguish fairy tale from reality.  It is now time to leave the fairy tale behind, and start living a real life dream that I am implementing in my life.  (Ummm...yeah.  The \"Move Over, Cinderella shirt\" in What Makes Me Tick.  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: #008000;\"><strong>My \"Future\" Card:</strong></span>  Creativity -- 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</strong></span> -- Queen of the Harvest -- 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 fruit, 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-17','','','2010-10-21 22:06:11','2010-10-22 05:06:11','',1108,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/21/1108-revision-17/',0,'revision','',0),(1227,1,'2010-10-21 22:07:16','2010-10-22 05:07:16','<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><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/longandwindingroadleadstomydoor.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone 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></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 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>\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><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901811.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone 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></p>\n\n<p>Feel the fear and climb that rock anyway!</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><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\">And now the moment you’ve all been waiting for:  The Woo Woo </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><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901981.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-1223\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901981-300x225.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>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 so dreadfully long ago that I can\'t remember if she\'s right on 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>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><strong><span style=\"color: #993300;\">My \"Past\" Card:</span></strong>  Ice-olation -- 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:</strong></span>  The Dream -- The card portrayed Cinderella, but Gita clarified that this card signifies that it is now time to distinguish fairy tale from reality.  It is now time to leave the fairy tale behind, and start living a real life dream that I am implementing in my life.  (Ummm...yeah.  The \"Move Over, Cinderella shirt\" in What Makes Me Tick.  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: #008000;\"><strong>My \"Future\" Card:</strong></span>  Creativity -- 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</strong></span> -- Queen of the Harvest -- 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 fruit, 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.  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-revision-18','','','2010-10-21 22:07:16','2010-10-22 05:07:16','',1108,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/21/1108-revision-18/',0,'revision','',0),(1231,1,'2010-10-21 22:18:14','2010-10-22 05:18:14','<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><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/longandwindingroadleadstomydoor.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone 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></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 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>\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><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901811.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone 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></p>\n\n<p>Feel the fear and climb that rock anyway!</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><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\">And now the moment you’ve all been waiting for:  The Woo Woo </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> <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></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 so dreadfully long ago that I can\'t remember if she\'s right on 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>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><strong><span style=\"color: #993300;\">My \"Past\" Card:</span></strong>  Ice-olation -- 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:</strong></span>  The Dream -- The card portrayed Cinderella, but Gita clarified that this card signifies that it is now time to distinguish fairy tale from reality.  It is now time to leave the fairy tale behind, and start living a real life dream that I am implementing in my life.  (Ummm...yeah.  The \"Move Over, Cinderella shirt\" in What Makes Me Tick.  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: #008000;\"><strong>My \"Future\" Card:</strong></span>  Creativity -- 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</strong></span> -- Queen of the Harvest -- 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 fruit, 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.  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-revision-22','','','2010-10-21 22:18:14','2010-10-22 05:18:14','',1108,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/21/1108-revision-22/',0,'revision','',0),(1229,1,'2010-10-21 22:11:41','2010-10-22 05:11:41','<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><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/longandwindingroadleadstomydoor.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone 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></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><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901811.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone 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></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Feel the fear and climb that rock anyway!</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><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\">And now the moment you’ve all been waiting for:  The Woo Woo </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> <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></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 so dreadfully long ago that I can\'t remember if she\'s right on 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>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><strong><span style=\"color: #993300;\">My \"Past\" Card:</span></strong>  Ice-olation -- 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:</strong></span>  The Dream -- The card portrayed Cinderella, but Gita clarified that this card signifies that it is now time to distinguish fairy tale from reality.  It is now time to leave the fairy tale behind, and start living a real life dream that I am implementing in my life.  (Ummm...yeah.  The \"Move Over, Cinderella shirt\" in What Makes Me Tick.  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: #008000;\"><strong>My \"Future\" Card:</strong></span>  Creativity -- 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</strong></span> -- Queen of the Harvest -- 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 fruit, 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-20','','','2010-10-21 22:11:41','2010-10-22 05:11:41','',1108,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/21/1108-revision-20/',0,'revision','',0),(1230,1,'2010-10-21 22:11:51','2010-10-22 05:11:51','<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><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/longandwindingroadleadstomydoor.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone 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></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><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901811.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone 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></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Feel the fear and climb that rock anyway!</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><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\">And now the moment you’ve all been waiting for:  The Woo Woo </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> <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></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 so dreadfully long ago that I can\'t remember if she\'s right on 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>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><strong><span style=\"color: #993300;\">My \"Past\" Card:</span></strong>  Ice-olation -- 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:</strong></span>  The Dream -- The card portrayed Cinderella, but Gita clarified that this card signifies that it is now time to distinguish fairy tale from reality.  It is now time to leave the fairy tale behind, and start living a real life dream that I am implementing in my life.  (Ummm...yeah.  The \"Move Over, Cinderella shirt\" in What Makes Me Tick.  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: #008000;\"><strong>My \"Future\" Card:</strong></span>  Creativity -- 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</strong></span> -- Queen of the Harvest -- 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 fruit, 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-21','','','2010-10-21 22:11:51','2010-10-22 05:11:51','',1108,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/21/1108-revision-21/',0,'revision','',0),(1232,1,'2010-10-21 22:19:36','2010-10-22 05:19:36','<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><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/longandwindingroadleadstomydoor.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone 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></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><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901811.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone 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></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Feel the fear and climb that rock anyway!</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><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> </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> <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></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 so dreadfully long ago that I can\'t remember if she\'s right on 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>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><strong><span style=\"color: #993300;\">My \"Past\" Card:</span></strong>  Ice-olation -- 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:</strong></span>  The Dream -- The card portrayed Cinderella, but Gita clarified that this card signifies that it is now time to distinguish fairy tale from reality.  It is now time to leave the fairy tale behind, and start living a real life dream that I am implementing in my life.  (Ummm...yeah.  The \"Move Over, Cinderella shirt\" in What Makes Me Tick.  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: #008000;\"><strong>My \"Future\" Card:</strong></span>  Creativity -- 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</strong></span> -- Queen of the Harvest -- 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 fruit, 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-23','','','2010-10-21 22:19:36','2010-10-22 05:19:36','',1108,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/21/1108-revision-23/',0,'revision','',0),(1235,1,'2010-10-21 22:23:28','2010-10-22 05:23:28','<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><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/longandwindingroadleadstomydoor.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone 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></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 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>\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><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901811.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone 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></p>\n\n<p>Feel the fear and climb that rock anyway!</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> <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></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 so dreadfully long ago that I can\'t remember if she\'s right on 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>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><strong><span style=\"color: #993300;\">My \"Past\" Card:</span></strong>  Ice-olation -- 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:</strong></span>  The Dream -- The card portrayed Cinderella, but Gita clarified that this card signifies that it is now time to distinguish fairy tale from reality.  It is now time to leave the fairy tale behind, and start living a real life dream that I am implementing in my life.  (Ummm...yeah.  The \"Move Over, Cinderella shirt\" in What Makes Me Tick.  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: #008000;\"><strong>My \"Future\" Card:</strong></span>  Creativity -- 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</strong></span> -- Queen of the Harvest -- 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 fruit, 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.  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-revision-26','','','2010-10-21 22:23:28','2010-10-22 05:23:28','',1108,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/21/1108-revision-26/',0,'revision','',0),(1233,1,'2010-10-21 22:20:39','2010-10-22 05:20:39','<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><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/longandwindingroadleadstomydoor.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone 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></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><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901811.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone 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></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Feel the fear and climb that rock anyway!</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> <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></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 so dreadfully long ago that I can\'t remember if she\'s right on 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>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><strong><span style=\"color: #993300;\">My \"Past\" Card:</span></strong>  Ice-olation -- 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:</strong></span>  The Dream -- The card portrayed Cinderella, but Gita clarified that this card signifies that it is now time to distinguish fairy tale from reality.  It is now time to leave the fairy tale behind, and start living a real life dream that I am implementing in my life.  (Ummm...yeah.  The \"Move Over, Cinderella shirt\" in What Makes Me Tick.  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: #008000;\"><strong>My \"Future\" Card:</strong></span>  Creativity -- 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</strong></span> -- Queen of the Harvest -- 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 fruit, 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-24','','','2010-10-21 22:20:39','2010-10-22 05:20:39','',1108,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/21/1108-revision-24/',0,'revision','',0),(1234,1,'2010-10-21 22:21:38','2010-10-22 05:21:38','<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><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/longandwindingroadleadstomydoor.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone 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></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><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901811.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone 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></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Feel the fear and climb that rock anyway!</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: x-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> <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></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 so dreadfully long ago that I can\'t remember if she\'s right on 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>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><strong><span style=\"color: #993300;\">My \"Past\" Card:</span></strong>  Ice-olation -- 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:</strong></span>  The Dream -- The card portrayed Cinderella, but Gita clarified that this card signifies that it is now time to distinguish fairy tale from reality.  It is now time to leave the fairy tale behind, and start living a real life dream that I am implementing in my life.  (Ummm...yeah.  The \"Move Over, Cinderella shirt\" in What Makes Me Tick.  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: #008000;\"><strong>My \"Future\" Card:</strong></span>  Creativity -- 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</strong></span> -- Queen of the Harvest -- 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 fruit, 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-25','','','2010-10-21 22:21:38','2010-10-22 05:21:38','',1108,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/21/1108-revision-25/',0,'revision','',0),(1236,1,'2010-10-21 22:30:23','2010-10-22 05:30:23','<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><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/longandwindingroadleadstomydoor.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone 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></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 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>\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><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901811.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone 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></p>\n\n<p>Feel the fear and climb that rock anyway!</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> <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></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 so dreadfully long ago that I can\'t remember if she\'s right on 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>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><strong><span style=\"color: #993300;\">My \"Past\" Card:</span></strong>  Ice-olation -- 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:</strong></span>  The Dream -- The card portrayed Cinderella, but Gita clarified that this card signifies that it is now time to distinguish fairy tale from reality.  It is now time to leave the fairy tale behind, and start living a real life dream that I am implementing in my life.  (Ummm...yeah.  The \"Move Over, Cinderella shirt\" in What Makes Me Tick.  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: #008000;\"><strong>My \"Future\" Card:</strong></span>  Creativity -- 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</strong></span> -- Queen of the Harvest -- 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 fruit, 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.  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-revision-27','','','2010-10-21 22:30:23','2010-10-22 05:30:23','',1108,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/21/1108-revision-27/',0,'revision','',0),(1237,1,'2010-10-21 22:34:59','2010-10-22 05:34:59','<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><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/longandwindingroadleadstomydoor.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone 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></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 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>\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><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901811.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone 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></p>\n\n<p>Feel the fear and climb that rock anyway!</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> <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></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 so dreadfully long ago that I can\'t remember if she\'s right athat 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>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><strong><span style=\"color: #993300;\">My \"Past\" Card:</span></strong>  Ice-olation -- 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:</strong></span>  The Dream -- The card portrayed Cinderella, but Gita clarified that this card signifies that it is now time to distinguish fairy tale from reality.  It is now time to leave the fairy tale behind, and start living a real life dream that I am implementing in my life.  (Ummm...yeah.  The \"Move Over, Cinderella shirt\" in What Makes Me Tick.  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: #008000;\"><strong>My \"Future\" Card:</strong></span>  Creativity -- 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</strong></span> -- Queen of the Harvest -- 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 fruit, 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.  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-revision-28','','','2010-10-21 22:34:59','2010-10-22 05:34:59','',1108,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/21/1108-revision-28/',0,'revision','',0),(1240,1,'2010-10-21 22:42:10','2010-10-22 05:42:10','<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><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/longandwindingroadleadstomydoor.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone 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></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 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>\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><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901811.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone 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></p>\n\n<p>Feel the fear and climb that rock anyway!</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> <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></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><strong><span style=\"color: #993300;\">My \"Past\" Card:</span></strong>  Ice-olation -- 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:</strong></span>  The Dream -- 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: #008000;\"><strong>My \"Future\" Card:</strong></span>  Creativity -- 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</strong></span> -- Queen of the Harvest -- 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 fruit, 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.  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-revision-31','','','2010-10-21 22:42:10','2010-10-22 05:42:10','',1108,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/21/1108-revision-31/',0,'revision','',0),(1238,1,'2010-10-21 22:35:53','2010-10-22 05:35:53','<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><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/longandwindingroadleadstomydoor.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone 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></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><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901811.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone 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></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Feel the fear and climb that rock anyway!</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> <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></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>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><strong><span style=\"color: #993300;\">My \"Past\" Card:</span></strong>  Ice-olation -- 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:</strong></span>  The Dream -- The card portrayed Cinderella, but Gita clarified that this card signifies that it is now time to distinguish fairy tale from reality.  It is now time to leave the fairy tale behind, and start living a real life dream that I am implementing in my life.  (Ummm...yeah.  The \"Move Over, Cinderella shirt\" in What Makes Me Tick.  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: #008000;\"><strong>My \"Future\" Card:</strong></span>  Creativity -- 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</strong></span> -- Queen of the Harvest -- 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 fruit, 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-29','','','2010-10-21 22:35:53','2010-10-22 05:35:53','',1108,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/21/1108-revision-29/',0,'revision','',0),(1239,1,'2010-10-21 22:36:58','2010-10-22 05:36:58','<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><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/longandwindingroadleadstomydoor.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone 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></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><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901811.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone 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></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Feel the fear and climb that rock anyway!</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> <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></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>  <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><strong><span style=\"color: #993300;\">My \"Past\" Card:</span></strong>  Ice-olation -- 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:</strong></span>  The Dream -- The card portrayed Cinderella, but Gita clarified that this card signifies that it is now time to distinguish fairy tale from reality.  It is now time to leave the fairy tale behind, and start living a real life dream that I am implementing in my life.  (Ummm...yeah.  The \"Move Over, Cinderella shirt\" in What Makes Me Tick.  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: #008000;\"><strong>My \"Future\" Card:</strong></span>  Creativity -- 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</strong></span> -- Queen of the Harvest -- 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 fruit, 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-30','','','2010-10-21 22:36:58','2010-10-22 05:36:58','',1108,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/21/1108-revision-30/',0,'revision','',0),(1243,1,'2010-10-21 22:45:40','2010-10-22 05:45:40','<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><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/longandwindingroadleadstomydoor.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone 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></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 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>\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><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901811.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone 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></p>\n\n<p>Feel the fear and climb that rock anyway!</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> <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></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</strong></span> -- Queen of the Harvest -- 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 fruit, 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.  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-revision-34','','','2010-10-21 22:45:40','2010-10-22 05:45:40','',1108,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/21/1108-revision-34/',0,'revision','',0),(1241,1,'2010-10-21 22:42:28','2010-10-22 05:42:28','<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><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/longandwindingroadleadstomydoor.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone 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></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><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901811.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone 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></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Feel the fear and climb that rock anyway!</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> <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></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><strong><span style=\"color: #993300;\">My \"Past\" Card:</span></strong>  Ice-olation -- 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:</strong></span>  The Dream -- 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: #008000;\"><strong>My \"Future\" Card:</strong></span>  Creativity -- 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</strong></span> -- Queen of the Harvest -- 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 fruit, 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-32','','','2010-10-21 22:42:28','2010-10-22 05:42:28','',1108,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/21/1108-revision-32/',0,'revision','',0),(1242,1,'2010-10-21 22:42:43','2010-10-22 05:42:43','<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><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/longandwindingroadleadstomydoor.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone 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></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><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901811.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone 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></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Feel the fear and climb that rock anyway!</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> <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></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><strong><span style=\"color: #993300;\">My \"Past\" Card:</span></strong>  Ice-olation -- 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:</strong></span>  The Dream -- 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: #008000;\"><strong>My \"Future\" Card:</strong></span>  Creativity -- 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</strong></span> -- Queen of the Harvest -- 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 fruit, 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-33','','','2010-10-21 22:42:43','2010-10-22 05:42:43','',1108,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/21/1108-revision-33/',0,'revision','',0),(1244,1,'2010-10-21 22:46:01','2010-10-22 05:46:01','<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><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/longandwindingroadleadstomydoor.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone 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></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><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901811.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone 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></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Feel the fear and climb that rock anyway!</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> <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></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 fruit, 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-35','','','2010-10-21 22:46:01','2010-10-22 05:46:01','',1108,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/21/1108-revision-35/',0,'revision','',0),(1245,1,'2010-10-21 22:48:43','2010-10-22 05:48:43','<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><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/longandwindingroadleadstomydoor.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone 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></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 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>\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><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901811.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone 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></p>\n\n<p>Feel the fear and climb that rock anyway!</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> <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></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.  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-revision-36','','','2010-10-21 22:48:43','2010-10-22 05:48:43','',1108,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/21/1108-revision-36/',0,'revision','',0),(1247,1,'2010-10-21 22:51:08','2010-10-22 05:51:08','<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><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/longandwindingroadleadstomydoor.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone 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></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 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>\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><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901811.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone 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></p>\n\n<p>Feel the fear and climb that rock anyway!</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> <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></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.  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-revision-38','','','2010-10-21 22:51:08','2010-10-22 05:51:08','',1108,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/21/1108-revision-38/',0,'revision','',0),(1246,1,'2010-10-21 22:49:14','2010-10-22 05:49:14','<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><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/longandwindingroadleadstomydoor.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone 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></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><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA0901811.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone 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></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Feel the fear and climb that rock anyway!</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> <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></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-37','','','2010-10-21 22:49:14','2010-10-22 05:49:14','',1108,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/21/1108-revision-37/',0,'revision','',0),(1248,1,'2010-10-21 23:03:22','2010-10-22 06:03:22','<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[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><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 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>\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[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><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[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><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.  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-revision-39','','','2010-10-21 23:03:22','2010-10-22 06:03:22','',1108,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/21/1108-revision-39/',0,'revision','',0),