TRACY SEES STUFF 👀

Category: Blog

Sedona, Arizona

Sedona, Arizona was on my bucket list and we finally made it happen!

To say I fell in love is an understatement.

The moment we got home, we booked our return trip. ❤️

We arrived in the evening and we were welcomed by one of the famous Sedona sunsets. We stayed at Alma De Sedona Inn in West Sedona and we were so impressed with their level of service. I tend to shy away from bed & breakfast lodging but this was a wonderful experience. Here are a few highlights…

Mornings at Alma De Sedona Inn start with their famous breakfasts. Again, not being a “bed and breakfast” person and a bit of an introvert, I was skeptical BUT it was amazing! We had our own table and the moment we sat down, they served freshly brewed coffee along with juice and warm homemade muffins and scones. You can smell them baking when you wake up! Next is the main course which is different every day and made from scratch.

If you are seeking spirituality or alone time to connect with yourself and nature, Alma De Sedona Inn offers a Labyrinth and Medicine Wheel. I took full advantage of both…it’s so serene in their gardens and such a nice amenity.

Medicine Wheel Stones

The property is so peaceful and quiet tucked back in a neighborhood but still walking distance to shopping, restaurants, and hiking trails. We loved the convenience of everything!

A lot of people say to stay in Uptown but we really enjoyed West Sedona.

Uptown is much busier and touristy.

Our favorite activity was going for hikes every day. We mostly did easy hikes because we were both fighting awful colds. They say Sedona has healing powers so we tried to get as much fresh air as possible. 😉 Here are a few of our favorite spots…

Cathedral Rock

Our first hike was to the Cathedral Rock Vortex. I could have laid on the red rocks all day. Such an incredible view and when the sun hits the red rocks, it feels like heaven.

Chapel of the Holy Cross

Chapel of the Holy Cross was breathtaking. We were told that it gets very busy so we arrived right when they opened which worked out great. I would definitely recommend getting there early!

Lighting a candle for prayer intentions.

We also really liked the variety and different trails in the Bell Rock area.

Last but not least, the Aiport Loop Trail! The views at sunset are crazy gorgeous, there is a scenic lookout and a fantastic restaurant called Mesa Grill.

Other restaurant recommendations:

Creekside Coffee and Bakery (perfect spot to catch up on work and enjoy a yummy cup of coffee), The Secret Garden and Cafe (best rueben and coleslaw EVER), The Hudson (wonderful views, service, and the pork chop was out of this world – definitely need a reservation).

We also did a day trip to Jerome, Arizona and ate at The Mine for breakfast. Jerome is an artsy, old town with so much character and the drive up is something to see!

We also loved going for a walk by the river at L’Auberge Restaurant. We had an incredible hamburger and bloody mary’s for lunch. It’s a treat to sit outside and enjoy the gorgeous views and comfy couches!

My last recommendation is the Myofascial Release Treatment Center. This therapy was my saving grace after being diagnosed with Dystonia. Whether you are battling health issues or just tired after a hike…this is the perfect place to heal.

I can’t wait to go back and explore because I know we barely scratched the surface!

Please let me know if you have any questions or if you have recommendations.

Happy traveling!

This post was originally created in 2018. We’ve been back to Sedona each year since this original trip. See blog for more posts about Sedona.

Hiking: https://tracyseesstuff.com/2020/07/26/hiking-in-sedona-arizona/

Favorite Restaurants: https://tracyseesstuff.com/2020/08/01/top-restaurants-sedona-arizona/

©What Stirs Your Soul Media

July 21, 2020
What Stirs Your Soul – Growing During Hard Times

When I look back, I realize that it was during the hardest times in my life that I put roots down, grew stronger, and found solid ground (even though I didn’t know it at the time). That probably doesn’t feel possible right now. It is hard to see clear when we are in the middle of a storm.

We grow through every experience. If we pay attention, we can see the beauty in the struggle. That doesn’t mean that we should ignore the pain or be positive all the time. It means learning from the challenges, searching for new ways to survive, and taking the opportunity to reinvent ourselves. We have this one precious life to live.

As humans, we can be stubborn and blind to what is right in front of us. We are all moving too fast. We don’t want to slow down because then we are forced to look inward, to face our problems…insecurities, sadness, anxiety. What we don’t realize is that it is in the slowing down that we can heal. If we don’t “feed and water” ourselves, how can we move forward? How can we truly grow as people…as a community…as a country?

If you’re feeling sad, look around today and find one simple thing that has brought you joy in the last week. That one thing is a start, something to build upon. Look inward and think about what has felt good…what has “stirred your soul”. That is the place to plant your roots and grow. When I’m struggling, I hold onto to what stirs my soul and it brings my life back into focus. Keep searching for that light… ❤️

© Tracy Blowers

May 24, 2020
Birdtown Flats – Robbinsdale, Minnesota

Recent photo shoot at Birdtown Flats in Robbinsdale for social media use.

Birdtown Flats is a new community offering studios, one, and two-bedroom apartments for rent. With its convenient location in downtown and a long list of exclusive amenities, their unique homes strike the perfect balance between active and relaxed. They are also pet-friendly!

© Tracy Blowers

May 23, 2020
Spring Thaw Gala – Boys and Girls Club Twin Cities

I’m honored to be working with the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities as an event photographer. Here are a few photos from their recent Spring Thaw event (March 7th – my last event before the pandemic) at the new beautiful Quincy Hall. The band Consolation Champ was awesome!

The event was catered by CRAVE American Kitchen & Sushi Bar. I loved their creativity with the food and making it easy for people to grab and mingle.

You can see all the photos here: https://soulphotographymedia.smugmug.com/…/Boys-a…/n-S7v8pm/

© Tracy Blowers

May 20, 2020
Best Friends – Giving Tuesday Now

Today is Giving Tuesday Now. The current pandemic is affecting everyone including homeless pets and pet shelters. I’m so thankful for the hard work that Best Friends Animal Society is doing even during this uncertain time to save them all.

Giving Tuesday Now is an opportunity to support the organizations that you love most. If you give to Best Friends Animal Society today – your donation will be triple-matched by an anonymous donor.

Here is a post from the Best Friends Animal Society Facebook page explaining what they are doing:

In times of uncertainty and hardship, our pets are here for us, helping to ease our anxiety and lift our spirits. Their unconditional love provides priceless healing. Indeed, they make our families whole. That’s why during this crisis, Best Friends is:

🐶 Accelerating emergency foster programs, remote adoptions, pet food distribution, virtual vet care and whole family support to save lives and keep pets and people together

🐱 Helping nearly 3,000 shelters and rescue groups with essential resources and innovative lifesaving solutions tailored to meet community needs to save the most lives, even with social distancing in place

🐶 Organizing people in communities across the country to join together, take action and be a beacon of hope for animals at risk and neighbors in need

Our resolve to save lives doesn’t stop even in times of global crisis, and now more than ever, homeless pets need your kindness to continue receiving love, care and lifesaving second chances.

Let’s do what we can to save all these beautiful souls. Click here to give: BEST FRIENDS.

And may peace prevail on earth.

©Tracy Blowers

May 5, 2020
Southwest Utah

Exploring Southwest Utah – Monument Valley

Navajo Nation’s Monument Valley Park is located on the Arizona/Utah border. These grand, mysterious, sandstone monuments formed over millions of years and show us what happens when Mother Nature is left alone to do her thing. It’s always an honor to explore Southwest Utah and Monument Valley.

Our first stop as we headed towards Monument Valley from Durango, Colorado was Goosenecks State Park in Mexican Hat, Utah. It was mesmerizing looking at 300 million years of history in the layers and watching the San Juan River flow through the gooseneck on its way to Lake Powell. We highly recommend stopping here! It’s just as incredible as Horseshoe Bend with WAY fewer people. You can read more about Horseshoe Bend, HERE.

We didn’t stop due to time restrictions but traveling this way, you will pass the Four Corners Monument. Stop in and stand in four states at once…Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Arizona. Plus you can learn more about the Native Americans way of life at the Visitor Center.

Don’t Miss Mexican Hat, Utah

Mexican Hat, Utah is a very small village named after this 60 ft rock that resembles an overturned sombrero. This area is remote so make sure you’re prepared before traveling with water, food, gas, etc.

Explore Southwest Utah and Monument Valley Backcountry

Side note: If you want to hike and explore some of the scenic backcountry without having to get a permit, check out Valley of the Gods in Bluff, Utah right by Mexican Hat before arriving in Monument Valley. This area is on BLM land and the entrance is free. It might not be quite as grand as Monument Valley but it’s still gorgeous and wild. There is a 17-mile unpaved loop that you can drive to enjoy the scenery.

Forrest Gump Point at Monument Valley

As you near Monument Valley, you will pass Forrest Gump Point. (Remember when Forrest stopped running in the movie) Tons of people stop here to take the same photo from the movie. You’ll know when you arrive by all the cars that are pulled over.

The monuments stand 400-1000 feet. Mother Nature’s art.

See rates and hours for Monument Valley here: Navajo Nations Parks & Recreation.

We also found a great beach at Lake Powell while we explored Southwest Utah.

Enjoy the road!

A reminder, some of this information may have changed due to COVID. Make sure you know before you go.

© What Stirs Your Soul Media

March 8, 2020

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