Business Women

I am still finding my way in Arizona, leaving behind my 30 plus years of relationships has been hard and at times, like last night, I am reminded of what I left behind.
Not remorseful of my decision but a bit melancholy, perhaps.

Last night was a social hour of professional commercial female brokers, a still a predominantly male world. Although a relaxed atmosphere and light conversations I was able to speak to 2 very powerful women.

One still very young in her career but has achieved so much in such a short time, a decree in law, head of a commercial firm and raising children…most recently securing a 20 million dollar land acquisition for her client of State Land… amazing young woman. Now the difference here is that she offered an almost stranger her knowledge and assistance in a land acquisition of the same type and difficulty, not what I typically see in this world….off to the corner table they went and mapped out the plan!

Next is a woman who started her career in Banking in the late 70’s, yes a complete mans world. She at 22 became a branch manager one of three women to achieve this status at her bank, the other 2 women were in their late 60’s! Powerful. She climbed the corporate ladder and yes accused of sleeping her way there, it really did happen back then. Now a leader in her industry with a firm of predominantly men. Our conversation casual, light and sharing of our past, so much fun.

These women in this room have very powerful jobs and huge careers and yet most of them said their goodbyes early to go home and cook dinner for their families, with a smile on their faces and no sense of drudgery… the stamina of our sex, incredible.

As the evening ended I was reminded of how I miss my relationships of past, but so embracing the new ones to come.

Smith and Western Online.com

The Trailer

The Trailer


I found this adorable clothing vendor while visiting West World this weekend. Now my intention was not to shop but to photograph West World prior to the big event there next month… it seems once again I was sidetracked. The trailer of course is adorable, retro teardrop style refurbished to display their oh so fashionable clothing. I found brands I had not known of prior, that fit my style…. Double D. Fun styles with a relaxed style.
I did manage to get at least some shots.

I did manage to get at least some shots.


So there was a Quarter Horse show happening at what I thought would be an empty venue for my photo shoot. So me without my horses here in AZ got quite distracted between the incredible smell of horse in the air and the excitement of all things equine. So in the vendor barn there were many things to see, but after meeting Dolores at the Smith and Western Online booth all I could think about was sharing their wonderful site and store.
The Logo

The Logo


This is Bucking Betty, the mascot for Smith and Western Online, I think her and Women Wine and Whinnies Cowgirl could be great friends. What do you think? You know we need to give our Cowgirl a name!
Smith and Western Online has a store front in Wickenburg AZ which I plan on visiting soon, Dolores tells me they are only open on the weekends so remember that… but you can visit them 24/7 online and shop till your hearts content.
Just to melt your heart

Just to melt your heart


Well we have to end this post with the cutest little Corgie, besides Miss Gracie, she was hanging out at the event. Just couldn’t resist posting her cute self.

Cave Creek Balloon Fest

Our second stop through the gates to the festival yesterday, was a food truck. The first you ask, of course the wine booth. After investigating several food trucks, Grilled Cheese, Bar-B-Que, Chinese, we decided on the J-Licious Tasty Teazy Tacos.... sooooo happy we did.

Our second stop through the gates to the festival yesterday, was a food truck. The first you ask, of course the wine booth.
After investigating several food trucks, Grilled Cheese, Bar-B-Que, Chinese, we decided on the J-Licious Tasty Teazy Tacos…. sooooo happy we did.

The Chef has studied French cooking and has such a unique approach to her food. I enjoyed Duck Tacos. According to her Mom, who was out helping her, the Duck is prepared 14 hours ahead of time. I love Duck but it must be prepared correctly or it is dry and gamey... Not this Duck! It was moist and flavorful, served with a bit of chipotle sauce on street sized corn taco shells, incredible.

The Chef has studied French cooking and has such a unique approach to her food. I enjoyed Duck Tacos. According to her Mom, who was out helping her, the Duck is prepared 14 hours ahead of time. I love Duck but it must be prepared correctly or it is dry and gamey… Not this Duck! It was moist and flavorful, served with a bit of chipotle sauce on street sized corn taco shells, incredible.

Jordan, the chef/owner, was just as refreshing as her food. She proudly informed us that she will be opening her restaurant in about 30 days in the Art District of Phoenix... You can bet I will be there...

Jordan, the chef/owner, was just as refreshing as her food. She proudly informed us that she will be opening her restaurant in about 30 days in the Art District of Phoenix… You can bet I will be there…

The sun soon sets and the balloons are starting to be set up, the crowds are growing and we are ready for Glow!

The sun soon sets and the balloons are starting to be set up, the crowds are growing and we are ready for Glow!

The balloons are being filled and getting ready to be raised.

The balloons are being filled and getting ready to be raised.

Hot air rises, so in the middle of the balloons are the "torch blowers", the flames are released and the balloons fill up and rise. The light from the flames  light up in the balloon and the glow is on!

Hot air rises, so in the middle of the balloons are the “torch blowers”, the flames are released and the balloons fill up and rise. The light from the flames light up in the balloon and the glow is on!

This happy face belongs to a dentist...

This happy face belongs to a dentist…

This guy, a bit hard to see, is a giant bubble bee, you can see how tall he is by the people below!  The evening was so fun and the town so entertaining.

This guy, a bit hard to see, is a giant bubble bee, you can see how tall he is by the people below!
The evening was so fun and the town so entertaining.

Cave Creek, AZ

We start our journey at a saloon in Cave Creek where "bikers" love to frequent. It is packed, I think it is due to the beautiful weather and the Balloon Festival, but it seems it might be for the charity fund raiser, an arms auction. Wow, where else but AZ could you attend an auction for weapons of largeness, in a bar no less.... I was amazed.

We start our journey at a saloon in Cave Creek where “bikers” love to frequent. It is packed, I think it is due to the beautiful weather and the Balloon Festival, but it seems it might be for the charity fund raiser, an arms auction. Wow, where else but AZ could you attend an auction for weapons of largeness, in a bar no less…. I was amazed.

Just across the street is an other saloon, Buffalo Chip, or was it Harold's... not sure but there behind the saloon is an arena and in it a man riding a buffalo. Here is the Buffalo on his break. I love this town... back where I come from the only bar entertainment is live music or things we wont post here.

Just across the street is an other saloon, Buffalo Chip, or was it Harold’s… not sure but there behind the saloon is an arena and in it a man riding a buffalo. Here is the Buffalo on his break. I love this town… back where I come from the only bar entertainment is live music or things we wont post here.

A Mothers Worry

I awoke Friday morning in my little home without heat, note to self call the heater guy, with the dreaded apprehension of my daughters surgery.

So thankful to be here for her, but so nervous. It is hard to be Mom and without the ability to make it better. Do we ever loose that need? Is it not our job to make things right? I know she is an adult with children of her own, a grown woman who has made her way in life, but inside she is still my little girl, last born, my baby.

We walk the long walk to the door and kiss goodbye, hide your tears mom dont let her see you fall apart. Pray. We sit in the lobby helplessly waiting for the time to pass until we can see her. I wonder how it is going, and think would it not be great to get a blow by blow as it happens! Maybe earphones that are hooked to a system in the operating room and the surgical team could give us updates…. Well maybe that might not be so great, I would settle for just updates, like “doing good” “all is well” “she is a rock star”……

Do our children ever become a point of no worry? I don’t find this moment any different from my worries of her younger years. At least it wasn’t my decision to make this time as to have or have not the surgery.

It has been an hour and one half, for a one hour surgery….more worry and no news. The Doctor looked so young, how many of these could he have possibly done? I have no idea about this Hospital, why did I not research all this?

Her husband is told by the staff that the doctor wants him on the phone, my heart is in my stomach I feel sick. Is all okay, are they wanting permission to do something horrible, WHAT????? Here is where my control issues are running amuck, I am the Mom, give me the phone, you wont know what to say, please Lord make him listen and be serious, I say nothing and wait to hear the news. Which is good, all went well they are finishing up. I knew it. Control issues are not easy to live with.

The Doctor comes out, all went well, lots of news about how the surgery went and we find out it was good she did this, and did not wait… she will have a longer than expected recovery but all in all she is good and my baby will be fine.

We wait for our visit while things run through my head, knowing that all my worrying made it go well. See worrying does do good. You can never change my mind on that. My Grandmother, the worlds best worrier, told me that she and her sister would share their worries and give each other days off, I always thought that so wise.

I am Mom, I worry and fret. I will never master cooking, you will never wish to have my fashion abilities, you wont find my name in lights, or find me jetting around the world. But you can always count on me being by your side in times of need and being the best worrier ever.

Thanksgiving Weekend, AZ Style

This is the creek in which we are trying to find our forever home on.

This is the creek in which we are trying to find our forever home on.

This is the view from the opposite site... one day.

This is the view from the opposite site… one day.

We visited Scottsdale on Sunday and this bronze statue was outside on the Main Street corner.

We visited Scottsdale on Sunday and this bronze statue was outside on the Main Street corner.

He moves, we sat and watched the reactions of the unsuspecting visitors.

He moves, we sat and watched the reactions of the unsuspecting visitors.

So I have found a great local market that has a pizza oven in the market! You can shop for your groceries, wine, peanut butter and yes get a fire oven roasted Pizza!

So I have found a great local market that has a pizza oven in the market! You can shop for your groceries, wine, peanut butter and yes get a fire oven roasted Pizza!

Today we took the drive through Apache Trail. The views through out the drive are incredible.

Today we took the drive through Apache Trail. The views through out the drive are incredible.

Yet another stunning view.

Yet another stunning view.

There is a steamboat on the lake, it will take you about to see the stunning sites. This is on Canyon Lake

There is a steamboat on the lake, it will take you about to see the stunning sites. This is on Canyon Lake

Tortilla Flats is along the trail, great stop for a bite to eat... I can recommend the chili dawg.

Tortilla Flats is along the trail, great stop for a bite to eat… I can recommend the chili dawg.

Little Creek at Tortilla FlatsRocks at the little water fallMore beautyYet More
The original dam took 8 years to build!

The original dam took 8 years to build!

What would a trip be without checking out spots for horse camping. This is at Cottonwood Coves.. just behind the dam. Nice... I am sure you will be seeing more of this area, via my horse's back.

What would a trip be without checking out spots for horse camping. This is at Cottonwood Coves.. just behind the dam. Nice… I am sure you will be seeing more of this area, via my horse’s back.

Silly Mountian AZ

Cactus Bones

Cactus Bones

Today is the 24th day of my move to AZ! Between work and traveling to CA to see husband and family I have not had much time to spend enjoying the State! Today I was able to get out and hike Silly Mountain

Today is the 24th day of my move to AZ! Between work and traveling to CA to see husband and family I have not had much time to spend enjoying the State! Today I was able to get out and hike Silly Mountain

This is the chain of mountains next on my list of hikes...

This is the chain of mountains next on my list of hikes…

This is the only pool of water we found on our hike today, after 3 full days of mostly non-stop rain, this is the only moisture I found on the trail...

This is the only pool of water we found on our hike today, after 3 full days of mostly non-stop rain, this is the only moisture I found on the trail…

Shopping 101

This weekend I attended a shopping event in Scottsdale AZ, Junk in the Trunk, Vintage Shopping, it was an incredible production with some very talented artists, a collection of vintage items from newly created vintage look to vintage industrial items.

But as all venues that are worth attending, crowds are large and spaces are small, thus creating my personal nightmare, the shopping frenzy. I took a break to get away from the crowds and pushing, just feeling frustrated, got a hotdog and sat down.

This is when I thought we need a Shopping Etiquette handout, outlining the proper way to shop when spaces are tight and crowds are large… Maybe it should start as follows,

A) Women with small children, please keep your strollers to the center isle and don’t leave your children in the entryway to booths unattended while you shop, thus blocking the way in and out for others. I will move your child out of my way.

B)If you need to send a text message while standing in the only way around the booth in front of the item we all want to see, don’t.

C) Travel up and down the isle in the same direction as traffic flows, keeping things rolling smoothly.

D) If you need to suddenly stop and take the phone call( assuming it is a life threating call) leave the booth, move towards the middle of the isle allowing others to keep shopping.

E) Don’t stand at the entry to the booth and look at an item for 20 minutes not allowing anyone in or out, and when I ask you nicely to move please don’t give me that rude look.

F) Don’t share your life story with the only attendant in the booth, we all would like to pay and move along.

G) Don’t stop walking in the traffic flow to have a conversation with your shopping buddy.. it is much like stopping on the freeway, you will get run over.

I am sure you all have several other etiquette items that need to be on this list, feel free to add them, it is for the greater good of all.

A New Life Chapter

If someone would have told me that I would be starting a new company, in a new State, living alone in a 40′ Fifth Wheel, in a community with retired traveling seniors, did I say alone, at this point in my life I would have wrinkled my forehead and looked upon them as if they were crazy! But I am and excited about it! I do believe I might be somewhat crazy!

Two days ago Cooled hooked my new home to his truck and towed it out here to AZ! I hugged my dear friend goodbye in the driveway promising to come home often and ride, I love her like my sister and it was painful to leave her. Inset here thoughts of doubt and fear. As I drove off I thought it will be okay I will be home often, I am leaving my dogs, horses, daughter, mom and husband….

It is my first night now alone here in Trailer Paradise, and here is my first dinner.mesa 008
Wine, cheese and meat on a mini-bagel with humus spread!
mesa 011
My new desk… love it, such a perfect little space for my blog.

My lucky turtle!

My lucky turtle!

So I think I need a bit of practice shopping for uno! Interesting food selection.

So I think I need a bit of practice shopping for uno! Interesting food selection.

Looking forward to this new adventure in a new State, let the crazy begin!

I Think There Must Be A Mistake

Do you ever have those moments when everything just makes sense? Well I did, just the other day. So I call Cooled as we are purchasing a new car and I need information from him that's at home and I am in AZ. He answers the phone, sounding a bit down, so unlike him. I inquire as to what might be wrong, and it seems he has tummy trouble, and unable to locate the paperwork I need, based on his not feeling well.  As much as I can appreciate not feeling well I start thinking when was the last time I felt so bad that I was unable to function? It was with my migraine that put me in the hospital, it was a bad one, 911 was called by Cooled and I was put in the ambulance and hauled off. Other than that I think having surgery was the last time I was a bit unable to function, tummy trouble never keeps a gal down. So here comes my thought, if God created man in his image then does it make sense that God is male? I think not, I think God is female. Are we not the stronger of the gender? Do we not bare the children? Do we not clean up the dirty diapers and vomit without as much as a twinge of a gag? Are we not the ones who work 2 jobs and raise kids without missing a day? Does a head cold or tummy trouble make us dysfunctional? Nope, we carry on. So again if God created Man in his image I say he created Woman in her image and Man to do the heavy lifting.  It makes sense, right? Like the Garden of Eden, so when does a woman not resist food? We all do all the time, but when can you recall your man saying no to that slice of pie? Heck man cant resist much, not food and sometimes other women.  So take a moment and think about this, a man got hold of the Bible changed all he's to she's and she's to he's.  It just makes the world right again.

Do you ever have those moments when everything just makes sense? Well I did, just the other day.
So I call Cooled as we are purchasing a new car and I need information from him that’s at home and I am in AZ. He answers the phone, sounding a bit down, so unlike him. I inquire as to what might be wrong, and it seems he has tummy trouble, and unable to locate the paperwork I need, based on his not feeling well.
As much as I can appreciate not feeling well I start thinking when was the last time I felt so bad that I was unable to function? It was with my migraine that put me in the hospital, it was a bad one, 911 was called by Cooled and I was put in the ambulance and hauled off. Other than that I think having surgery was the last time I was a bit unable to function, tummy trouble never keeps a gal down.
So here comes my thought, if God created man in his image then does it make sense that God is male? I think not, I think God is female. Are we not the stronger of the gender? Do we not bare the children? Do we not clean up the dirty diapers and vomit without as much as a twinge of a gag? Are we not the ones who work 2 jobs and raise kids without missing a day? Does a head cold or tummy trouble make us dysfunctional? Nope, we carry on. So again if God created Man in his image I say he created Woman in her image and Man to do the heavy lifting.
It makes sense, right? Like the Garden of Eden, so when does a woman not resist food? We all do all the time, but when can you recall your man saying no to that slice of pie? Heck man cant resist much, not food and sometimes other women.
So take a moment and think about this, a man got hold of the Bible changed all he’s to she’s and she’s to he’s.
It just makes the world right again.


Horses eye