Our first fall break… we don’t have these in Texas ~ but I am now convinced that we should. This week, as crazy as it was, has been completely refreshing as a family. I thought I’d be brilliant and work from home with the kids here at the house. The kids were amazing ~ work was insane! But we did it, and I am so glad we did.

As soon as the computer was put away, we raced off to our next adventure.

Wednesday we went back to Cosanti here in Scottsdale. http://www.cosanti.com/  They make the most incredible bells every day. The kids and I watched a pour on Friday. They heat the copper to 2,200 degrees.

Friday night we packed up and drove to Cottonwood, AZ. It is about 15-20 minutes from Sedona. I completely recommend it (especially at 1/3 the price of Sedona hotels)! We have been wanting to show Brian the beautiful town and today we finally were able to!

We left Cottonwood around 6:30am. We made it to the Chapel of the Holy Cross before 8am ~ but they were kind enough to go ahead and open the Chapel. http://www.chapeloftheholycross.com/store/

The Chapel is the most amazing place. You can tell a lot of prayers have been said in that place. The wind was incredibly strong ~ and it was surreal to look out of the mountains, with the clouds racing over your heads and the wind so strong it was almost unnerving ~ but being at peace at the same time. A rare treat for the pace we’ve been trying to keep up.

In town, we were treated to a performance by Tony Duncan ~ the very talented founder of Estun-Bah.

Estun-Bah is a group founded by San Carlos Apache/Arikara, Tony Duncan. Estun-Bah has traveled throughout the world blending the traditional Apache cane flutes and northern plains wooden flutes with the soft fingerpicking of the acoustic guitar. ‘Sounds of Beauty’ is the latest of Estun-bah albums which includes the tranquil violin on the album.

The word “Estun-Bah” is an Apache word meaning “For the Woman.” The Native American flute was traditionally used as a courting instrument. A man would play the most beautiful song on his flute before approching a woman to show honor and respect for the woman.

Estun-bah has gained quick national recognition as a leading musical ensemble. Along with performing at various schools, festivals, art markets and corporate events; Estun-bah has accomplish the following: Performed for United States First Lady Laura Bush, Kennedy Center For The Performing Arts- Washington DC. Performed at the National Museum Of The American Indian – Washington DC, Indian Market – Santa Fe, NM., Heard Museum Fair and Gathering of Nations Pow-Wow – Albuquerque, NM.

“We stood before an audience of stars. You spoke with your smile. I listened with my heart. There was poetry in your glance, and you smiled with your eyes. As we walked to the Sounds of Beauty.”

Tony Duncan (flute player, producer of Estun-Bah)

The performance was moving and lovely. Nate and Julia sat enthtralled watching every movement with huge learning eyes and soaking in every sound with  a gentle respect.

Days like today are blessed ~ blessed with a reminder of why God gives us rest.