Shift to Sedona

In March 2014, I settled into NEW DIGS in Sedona’s TRANQUIL  Village of Oak Creek, referred to by locals as “the Village” or “VOC.” 
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Those who’ve maneuvered the curves and roundabouts of State Route 179 know that Red Rock Scenic Byway is one of the world’s most spectacular scenic routes. When I wasn't cruising those byways in my sunshine yellow VW Beetle — sun roof open, hair flying about my face — I gazed out the windows of my southwestern-style villa, appreciating breathtaking vistas.
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In 10 minutes or less, I could surmount the summit of a splendorous, prehistoric red-rock formation that sloped into my street, about 200 paces from my front door. And my home was less than five minutes from the famed Bell Rock, believed by psychic healers and spiritualists to be a gateway to other dimensions. (There's another backstory there....) 

Surrounded by this energy, it felt as if I'd relocated to a different planet, leaving DC in the concrete dust. I hadn't watched CNN in weeks and I didn't miss anything about my former home on Capitol Hill. Flanked by striking vistas of pinion-covered Coconino National Forest and Arizona desert buttes, I preferred the view and the vibe from this vantage point.  When I wasn't out forging new trails, discovering new interests and making new acquaintances, I rambled around my 1,850 square-foot, three-bedroom abode, which seemed spacious compared with my prior petite city dwelling in D.C.
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From the front door of my Capitol Hill condo, I walked seven paces to reach my tiny bedroom. In this new "villa in the Village," 40 steps marked the passage from the front door to a roomy en suite. Along the way, I admired the open floor plan of the living room, kitchen, dining room and wet bar. A vast cathedral ceiling canopied this space, where sunlight streamed from two large windows, and sliding glass doors led to a secluded sandstone patio. Turning into winged hallways, I passed my office with its whimsical rounded windows framing a splendorous southerly view. Next to that was a spare bedroom for visiting guests, along with the guest bathroom. On the north side of my villa, et voila, my sizable chambre à coucher.

In the evening, with the press of a remote-control button, an artistically arranged assortment of battery-operated candles flickered in my fireplace. At day's end, I strolled outside to watch an awesome show as the sinking sun seemed to set the red rocks afire. And when darkness painted the sky, I gazed up at a brilliant canvas painted with shimmering swirls of the galaxy — listening to the hoots of owls along with the yips and yowls of coyote.

Each morning, Arizona’s glorious sunshine lured me outside. Settling into cushioned outdoor furniture, it was a serene setting to relax and breathe in the scent of roses, irises and lavender blooming in my flower gardens as I practiced my new mantra: "Don't just do something — sit there!"

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Still, I felt a sense of eagerness to move forward, checking all the boxes intrinsic in my cross-country relocation. And as I sat at my desk chronicling experiences for my book, ideas and words flowed like a wash during monsoon season. 

​Simultaneously, I felt compelled to curb the deadline-driven mindset that propelled me during the past decade. So, twice a week, I hiked with friends and attended lectures or events that boggle the mind. I continued to meet interesting and interested people, many of whom I entertained in my home.

​As a new acquaintance observed, "It seems Sedona is welcoming you in and you will be very productive here. With all that being said, I know living in Sedona you receive a lot of invitations, so I honor your focus of keeping your mind set on your book. Let your spirit lead you, and have fun!"

❤ v!ctor!a colette

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COMMENTS

Bill

5/22/2014

Ahhhh! A big loving hug to you, Victoria

Scott

5/22/2014

Hey QV ... YOU are a source of inspiration!

We do choose our perspective, and choices now determine our trajectory. I forget this (a lot) but your emails and blog harken it back.

Glen

5/25/2014

Hi Victoria, I spent some time on your site and it looks fabulous. Sometimes people need a COMPLETE change in life and it looks like you have made a change that is working well for you!