totally blocking the epic view.
It’s been awhile since the idea of hitting the town on New Years Eve sounded appealing to me. It really never ends well- too much pressure! I much prefer quiet dinners and champagne at home with friends. So when Brian’s parents invited us to tag along with them and a friend of theirs to ring in the New Year at their house in Sedona, I jumped at the invitation. I have a big crush on Sedona (as well as his parents and their friend Lynn).
Sedona is an incredibly magical place. Maybe it’s the majestic red rock canyons as far as the eye can see but the energy there can be felt. Considering the last year has been a rather difficult one, I couldn’t think of a better place to say goodbye to 2014….and hello to 2015!
I have been to Sedona many times before but as many times as I have been, I’ve never been there during the winter months. Usually when I go I can be found lounging by the pool in a bathing suit. So when we booked the trip I excitedly asked Brian if there would be snow (us California girls don’t get to see snow that often, you know)! Brian informed me that it was possible but not likely. Snow in Sedona isn’t a normal occurrence. He said he had been there once before when it snowed and it was only a measly foot or so and burned off quickly the next day.
So it’s possible, I thought!
With this news I spent the next two months praying that it would snow during our three night stay there. If I were a mathematician I would have known that the odds were not stacked in my favor. Luckily, I am not. So I kept envisioning myself cuddled up on the couch, with the fireplace crackling, sipping a glass of wine while planning out my 2015 goals…with snow on the ground.
I had a vision people.
Well, somebody heard my prayers (clearly, I have decided this is a good omen for 2015) because it snowed. And I’m not talking a light dusting of snow…I’m talking over a foot of thick powdery snow that did not burn off the next day. It snowed all day on the 31st, from the moment we woke to the moment we went to bed. It snowed so much in fact, that the 5 mile road from the house down to the town was closed, making our fancy dinner plans out a thing of the past.
The next two days were spent playing in the snow, sleeping, eating, reading, drinking, playing cards/dominos, watching TV and dancing (sadly, the dancing was me and me alone…even sadder that it was to Taylor Swifts “shake it off”…I blame cabin fever…ok and maybe the wine.)
It was kinda the best New Years ever.
thanks Brian
what Sedona looked like when we first arrived
don’t mind if I do
there’s really nothing like a husband in the kitchen
we woke up on the 31st to snow!
love
happy boy
happy girl
don’t mind if I do
engrossed in his book
seriously?
serious game of dominos
YUM
peaceful
just had to do it
always shooting pictures
winter wonderland
totally worth the hike
totally blocking the epic view.
blue skies again
*
To see some beyond gorgeous photos (as well as an amazing time lapse) that Brian took during our stay…visit his new photography journal!
365til30.com 
Ok so beautiful. We were supposed to get snow here in Tehachapi too but it never happened. We are at 4000 ft and occasionally get a winter-wonderland too. I love the house and if that was bagel and lox in that picture I want it. Yum for real. Looks like such a fun place. I have never been there believe it or not. I will check out the other pics too. 🙂
I’m surprised you guys didn’t get snow! I would have thought you would have. Hope you had a beautiful NYE no matter what. xoxo
ps…yes, that is a bagel with lox and it was delectable:)
We were supposed to. Got rain instead. Jack and I went up North to visit friends and had a fun time. And, yes, yummy, jealous.
Superlatives abound up there. Cali had its share of snow, which it was nice enough to share with us Zonies. I love visiting Sedona (an hour away, by car) any time of year!
I agree with you…Sedona is gorgeous no matter the season. It’s simply breathtaking!
Looks like you guys had a fantastic time!!!! Beautiful !!!
Happy Mew Year to you. What a great way to spend the holiday. I miss seeing snow an being all bundled up. Holidays feel different without all of that.
I’ve been recovering from back surgery since December 29th so I spent New Year’s Eve in bed but New Year’s Day some of my favorite cousins were in from another part of Florida and we spent the afternoon together and had a lovely dinner. I don’t miss acting crazy and waking up with a hangover, at all!
Happy 2015 for all of us! I decided to forgo traditional resolutions and instead all I want for this year is for both my daughters to continue to do well in school and in life. My little one in 3rd grade and my big one in college, are both having amazing school years and I just want that to continue and to see them both happy.
As far as me, I just want to let it all go and enjoy life. Which sounds extremely hard but I’m willing to try something different. 🙂
Maria, I had no idea you had back surgery on the 29th! You poor thing. How long will you be out for? Sending you healing thoughts.
I love your thoughts about your daughters. Such a sweet sentiment and desire for 2015. You’re a good mama.
You know I totally feel you about letting it all go:)
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Yes, I scheduled back surgery at such a weird time because it was right before my mom and daughter were due to fly back to Philly and right before the New Year when the insurance would change. My mom got to see I was able to walk which was important to her. Now I am recuperating but I see this as a perfect way to start the new year because I’ve been in pain for years. This is the first step to being pain free for the first time since 2002. Since I work for a chiropractor I was able to work on my pain in a healthy way, without drugs, but chiro and acupuncture can only go so far. So, that’s the story there.
As for my girls, all I want is for them to be happy and self sufficient women. I would much rather put my intentions into that then waste it on me and how much weight I might lose this year. You know?!?
I just read your last blog about a vision board and I am not sure how I would make one based on what I want for this year.
Here’s to a happy new year for us both.
The power of manifestation is strong with you! That shot of the plant through the snow is so gorgeous. What a great way to close out the year. xo
You have Brian to thank for that shot! I totally agree with you…it’s gorgeous. Happy New Year sweets!! I hope to see you all very soon. xoxo
OK – this is interesting. I will be in Sedona in few days and I am praying the snow melts as soon as it came.. 🙂 I am leaving tons of snow behind in my Canadian home and all I dream about are the hot sun rays on my skin… I am glad we did not plan Sedona visit at the same time as one of us would have to forfeit her wish 🙂
Happy New Year to you Kate!
May all our dreams come true!
PS
Gorgeous pictures – I have to say that snow makes Sedona even more beautiful!
HA!! That’s hysterical!!! Thank GOD we weren’t there at the same time:)
I feel very confident you will feel the sun rays on your skin! Have you been to Sedona before? If not you’re going to love it. Can’t wait to hear about your trip.
Happy New Year to you too!! May all your dreams come true:)
This will be my first time in Sedona! Leaving just in few hours with a first stop in Phoenix for couple days…
I am very excited! I’ll write a post or two about my visit – and I will have a special message just for you!:)
Looks amazing. The food especially. Maybe I should have breakfast…. 😉
Sedona is one of our family’s favorite places to travel! We’ve only been there in the summer, but now I totally want to go in the winter and just pray for snow like you had. That’s my idea of a NYE too. Perfection!