Reservations made and we'll be on our way, my good bud and me, to Sedona. We're going to fly into Phx and then head straight to Chinle. I'm obsessed with seeing Canyon de Chelly for reasons, I'm sure I'll figure out when I get there. Then, we'll be stopping on the way back down to Sedona at Second Mesa and/or Walpi. I wanted to be in the footsteps of not only the ancients, but of painter Maynard Dixon and author Tony Hillerman who are two of my favorites. They nourish me in between visits.

We'll spend at least three full days in Sedona. I'll be meeting up with someone who owned the bed and breakfast I stayed at in 2001. We've kept in touch, so she can fill me in on points of interest outside the travel books. Montezuma's Castle is one other place I want to see. This will be my second visit to Sedona. I can't wait to recharge my inspirational batteries for more painting. I'm so drawn to this place. But then you all know about that DONTCHA?