Sedona

I've wanted to visit Sedona for ages and ages. Especially after the famous line in The Devil Wears Prada when Stanley Tucci talks about Miranda killing the Sedona shoot. A few quick google image searches later, and it was on my list of places to see before I die.

So see it, I did.

And it did not disappoint.

Like so many places {ahem, Grand Canyon}, pictures do not do any sort of justice to the bold colors and depth of the landscape. I was in awe of the bold oranges and reds against the muted greens and browns of the trees. The scenery looked like one of those fake backdrops in old western movies. 

It was too beautiful for words. Perhaps one day I will be able to articulate how much this wonderful world of ours amazes me. Until then, I'll keep stammering along, trying to make sense of the beauty that I've been lucky enough to see for myself.

Oh by the way, if you want your palm read, this may or may not be the psychic capital of the world. No lie, tarot cards and crystal balls on every street corner. Probably because of all those vortexes. Next time, a vortex hunt will be my first priority. 

 

A Grand Adventure

Going to the Grand Canyon has been on my bucket list...forever. Well, at least since I started thinking about bucket lists circa 2004. 

It's something that all of us have seen countless times in pictures and on TV. Most of us can visualize it perfectly. But no picture can ever convey just how majestic and grand it really is. Awe-inspiring. Breathtaking. Truly one of Wonders of the World. 

My mother and I were talking about how truly incredible this great rift in the middle of our country is one afternoon, remarking on how the first explorers must have felt when they came across such a landscape. It is enough to make you feel like you're at the end of the world. How overwhelming it must have been to come across such a sight. Thank goodness that there are those who won't let something like a several mile gorge stop them form seeing the world. I'd like to think that's how I approach both life and travel. There will be big holes in life, and huge canyons to cross, but just imagine what's on the other side.

 

A few recommendations:

Hiking: My group hiked partially down South Kaibab Trail from the top of the rim down a few thousand feet. The hike down actually took much longer- about 2.5 hrs due to excessive picture taking. The trek back up was much faster, as all any of us could think of was making it to the top and having a nice cocktail while watching the fast-approaching sunset.

Sleeping: We stayed at the Kachina Lodge in Canyon Village. It was basic, but clean and had killer views of the Canyon. If you want something with a little more character, try to stay at El Tovar Lodge, which was right next door to Kachina. 

25 Years

Tomorrow I turn twenty-six. 

Sounds so old, mature...closer to thirty than twenty.

Yikes.

{A year ago on my 25th Birthday.}

And I'm kissing goodbye to 25 in my gym clothes, on my couch in my tiny {perfect} little apartment in Newport, drinking a glass {or two} of Two Buck Chuck and watching black and white Christmas movies on the Hallmark Channel. If I'm lucky, I'll stay awake past nine, which has been impossible for me so far this week.

Hell yes. Let's get this party started.

I've been reflecting on the fast approaching age of twenty-six for the last few months. These reflections have brought moments of deep thought, laughter, and also panic that my youth is dwindling away. These thoughts are followed by me sternly reassuring myself that I still have a lot of young life to live.

Exactly.

Twenty five has been one of my favorite years. It was the year I really came into my own and felt like a real adult. This is the year I let go of a lot of the hurt and emotions I carried with me all through year 24. I grew up in a lot of ways, and I enjoyed life - something that can sometimes be a lot harder than it sounds. This year has been utterly wonderful. That's not to say there haven't been days of stress and frustration, but I feel myself growing for uncomfortable circumstances and embracing the bad because I've learned that's where a lot of the good in life begins. Most crappy situations in the last few years have led me to almost miraculous opportunities and blessings.

I also know that twenty-six will bring a new host of opportunities. I know that in July I will be moving somewhere either across the country {or possibly an ocean}. I know that I have unfailing and devoted support from my dearest family and friends. I can always sit down at the end of a crazy day with a smile and thoughts of gratitude for this life I've been given.

What more does a girl need?

Nothing.

So here's to 25. One of the best yet.

26, I have very high hopes for you.

xoxo

Autumn Sendoff

Another handful of pictures with foliage and vines. 

Shocking, I know. 

I couldn't resist. Vineyards absolutely capture me. I think I was meant to live among the vines. Not in a Tarzan way.

Thanks for laughing at my little joke.

These are the last pictures {I think} of the beautiful autumn we had in Rhode Island. In true Michaela fashion, the last few weekends I've been at home in Newport have been spent with friends and family, enjoying some of my favorite spots along the Coastal Wine Trail. I've already written about my love for  Sakonnet Vineyards and Greenvale Vineyards in the past, but I thought the two deserved another shout out. Because they are two of my favorite places to bring out of town visitors when they venture down to my little corner of the state.

Carolyn's Sakonnet Vineyards was purchased last year by Carolyn Rafaelian owner of Alex and Ani. The vineyard has changed a little since my last visit, but not in a bad way. There is a delicious-looking restaurant on weekends {that I will have to try one of these days}, and the same staff is as friendly as ever. This is one of my favorite places to spend a few hours catching up with friends over a bottle of Rhode Island Red {highly recommended}. 

Greenvale Vineyards might be my favorite of all the Rhode Island vineyards. There is something so cozy and personal about the experience there. The farm owners are often the ones pouring your glass during the tastings and telling you about how their family has owned the farm for over a hundred years. One of my favorite things about Greenvale is the fact that they keep the vineyard going only to maintain and preserve the land rather than sell to developers, which I think is brilliant. I've been known to spend hours here with a picnic basket and friends on a Saturday during the warmer months.