A while ago I recall writing in one of my blogs that one day I wanted to drive up to Sedona alone and spend the weekend there, using the time to reflect, renew and write my feelings and thoughts. It didn't happen quite like that.
I found a note pad in between my seat and my arm rest. I took that as the sign that it needed to happen and it needed to happen today (Sunday). I was kid-free, friend free and just needed to feel-free to do whatever my 41 year soul wanted to do. I didn't have to worry about where I was leaving my kids but I did have to give myself permission to let myself go and be alone for once. It was hard for me not to call a friend or two to go along but I talked myself out of it as I needed to hold myself accountable to my original thought. It was around 12:45 when I hit the road still wondering if I would get to Anthem and drive back. Well I did get to Anthem but instead of heading back I stopped looking for something to eat. By this time, it was 1:30pm. I was craving Jack in the Box but found a Mcdonald's instead. It was exit 223A. A for Angelica needs to exit and get some grub!! I like this idea! I ordered, payed and got my food. I parked near a tree and began to take out my food. I keep digging and I am not feeling those little rectangled pouches filled with delicious goodness. NO KETCHUP!!! Arggg!!!!
Don't panic Kika it's ok, it's ok. Remember! you have a private stash on the driver side specifically for these occasions!! Phew :)

I ate half my food and was pleasantly surprised that I was full. Let's go buddy! Oh wait, I'm alone who the heck am I talking to? When alone, anything goes including self talk.

Soon after I'm on the road, I spot a car with "Just Married" written on the back windshield. Oh! excitement!! I'm gonna pass the happy couple, honk and wave at them as a sign that I am wishing them a happy, life-long marriage filled with many children. As I approach and start to pass them, I noticed that it was two dudes driving. They looked more like college students driving back to school and they really didn't look like a just married couple. Oh, what you gonna do now Kika? Are you still as happy as you were before? I passed them but I didn't "pass" judgement on their choice.

Next phase... Listen to music, sing to the music and eventually lower my windows to let the air flow through. I kept looking for songs I could sing along to but I'm such a bad music listener. I don't know any complete lyrics to any songs but dang! I can belt out a good end of a song like no other! 

1) I sing pretty good

2) My ears were plugged

3) I choose #2

It's 3:00pm- I spot Cliff Castle Casino signs...Hmm...I have $20 bucks on me. I think I will stop by, hit the jackpot, ask for payment in $1 dollar bills, stuff it all in my shirt, walk out and keep going to my destination filthy rich. That's a wonderful plan!

3:05pm- I walk out and keep going to my destination :/

I drive a few miles more and there is my rich-less exit-SEDONA!

10sec self timer-run!!

I start driving into town and see a sign to the Chapel. All the times I have been to Sedona, I have never been to the chapel but today is the day I shall visit. I start to take it all in and realize that God is everywhere and through him, man is able to make some beautiful places of worship.

          

As I make my way to the chapel, I'm overwhelmed by it's beauty and have a sense of renewal by my visit there. Maybe it's the idea that I did something alone or needed to process the new changes in my life. I am letting go of yet some more baggage that had crept into my soul.

I see the entrance and notice that from down below, it looks like it's huge but once you are there, it's very small and intimate. Small, simple and God. You don't need anything else. The air is cool and breezy. I wonder if that's how heaven feels?
I enter and look to my right and see a guest book. I thought of writing in a fake name like Manfreeda Von Richthofen but I thought "who am I fooling?"

I sat in one of the pews and took it all in. It's simple, beautiful and amazing!! I needed to be there right at that moment. I took in the serenity, prayed and left. Outside, I looked down below and see the house I would have bought had my jackpot, ask for payment in $1 dollar bills, stuff it all in my shirt idea would have worked. Instead, I was like everyone else mesmerized by this home and it's luscious gardens.

I continued into the main street of Sedona where you hear languages from around the world and comments on the red rocks. I had some fudge, people watched and window shopped.

On my way back, I was processing my visit and realized how good I felt. I am now hooked and can't wait for my next solo adventure. When will it happen? I don't even know

Love,
Kika