The other day, someone asked me how long we had lived here.
My friends, we are coming up on five years in June.
I am stunned that it has gone so quickly.
I am pleased that it has brought photography and songs and piano and violin and new opportunities!
I am thankful that it has been a home of healing and growth.
When I stand on the other side of job loss and miscarriage and I am able to smile – I know that there is a great and lovely God.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. ~ James 1:2-3
Scottsdale reminds me of Texas – there are horses down the street, there are neighbors that get your mail for you when you are out of town and there are kids riding bicycles in the street.
What does not remind me of Texas is that many people are “alone” here. Their families are far away in another state.
This creates a beautiful extended family that we celebrate birthdays and holidays with – what a blessing!
Oh yes, and there are cacti. Many, many types of cacti. And there are blue skies and sunny days (and terribly hot days).
But it is beautiful here. I do hope you get out to visit one day!
Many hugs,
Kate
I miss you and Scottsdale!
I first thought that we and you would never adjust, but you embraced the desert wholeheartedly and it showered you with fiends and new opportunities. It is a beautiful place.
So thankful the Lord answered those prayers for you to find grace in the desert!
I stumbled on your blog from Blogher. Had to click when I saw “Scottsdale” in the post title.
I’m an AZ native. I’ve lived in Scottsdale for 14 years now and the valley for 22. Before then the mnts of AZ. I must say that my view of this city differs. Don’t get me wrong, I am happy you are happy here and never want to sway you from your joy. We live in north-ish Scottsdale. Maybe that’s the difference. And many folks are very nice. Beyond nice. But I must say that I find more than the normal fair share of double-parked chrome-laden SUVs. Folks that won’t stop for a mom and child in a crosswalk. Prejudice for a mixed ethnicity family. And those are just some the things I ran into last week. I love AZ. I love the desert. I love most of the folks I encounter. But disproportionately I find many here who live in a bubble, and I don’t find it represents my state well.
Maybe I need to move next to you!
I’m glad you’re here and that you found your peace and your home.
Nancy
And now that I’ve had a chance to peruse your blog a bit more, I think I’ve seen you out and about when shooting… DC Ranch possibly? If not, there’s someone out there that looks like you shooting at DC Ranch!
nancy
Mindy, I miss you, too! I hope Texas is being wonderful to you and your family!
Dear Nancy, I am so sorry that you have had a different experience – you are so right – neighbors can make all the difference in the world and we are certainly blessed in that area. We have a few families with children the same age – so that makes things so much easier.
And yes! It is possible you have seen me shoot at DC Ranch. A few years ago, I loved to go there – it was so empty – now, it has been getting a little more crowded – so I may have to find a new favorite spot!