Sedona-History

WITH A SONG IN HER HEART: Remembering Sedona Schnebly

By Sylvia Somerville

“From the mind of a single, long vine, one hundred opening lives.” --Chiyo-ni, Women in Praise of the Sacred

Sedona, the city of the red rocks, with its strong feminine energy was named after one of its pioneering female settlers—Sedona Miller Schnebly, the wife of the town’s first postmaster. The christening over 100 years ago on June 26, 1902, is said to have been a historical accident, attributed to the need for a name that was shorter than the other suggestions—Schnebly Station, Red Rock Crossing and Oak Creek Station. But can something so significant truly be an accident?

Most people know very little about Sedona Arabella Miller Schnebly, the namesake of one of the most beautiful cities in the world and a must-see stop in Arizona. If they have any image at all of this remarkable woman, it comes from the monumental bronze created by Susan Kliewer, which stands outside the Sedona Public Library. Passersby look up at a reserved, turn-of-the century woman who has a basket of apples under her arm and one in an outstretched hand. That gesture of hospitality and the inscription, which applauds her industriousness and love of education, do pay tribute to qualities that permeated Sedona’s life, but the image is not a realistic likeness nor does it hint at the spirit that has since inspired four generations of progeny and continues to resonate in the city’s history.

A symbol for the community

When her brother-in-law Ellsworth suggested that Sedona’s name be given to the growing community, historic records indicate that he commented how well her character would stand as a symbol for the town. One wonders what he meant.

What kind of woman was Sedona?

Even across time, one can feel the spirit of Sedona. She is remembered as a vibrant, likeable woman who approached life with a song in her heart, no matter what she faced. She was a person of principle and integrity, who was fun to be around and in touch with the sacred in her daily life. Sedona was connected to herself, to her family, to her community and to God. A sense of grace and graciousness infused her life.

A prosperous beginning

Sedona Arabella Miller was born into a large, upper middle class family of Pennsylvania Dutch ancestry on February 24, 1877. She was one of 12 children, a petite, dark-haired woman with haunting eyes that evoked mystery, magic and tragedy—even before her life had its share of suffering. Until her death in 1950, Sedona’s hazel eyes defined her face like deep ancient pools, and to look at them in photographs hints at the depth that she brought to life.

Her mother Amanda favored melodic names for her daughters. Sedona took her place beside Azzallea, Lily, Pearl and Goldie. The unusual name with its mysterious derivation suited Sedona right from the start. Although in her demeanor, interests and style, Sedona was a woman of her class and era, in her independence, adventurous spirit and commitment to education, she was ahead of her time.

As a child and adolescent Sedona lived a life of privilege, the daughter of a large landowner in Gorin, Missouri. Sedona attended a private finishing school. She learned German, elocution and how to play the piano and organ. But she was also expected to work hard and carry her weight both in the fields and in the house. This ability to stand on her own two feet continued throughout her life. In her marriage she was always a partner, naturally carrying half the workload, and making do when the Schneblys were down on their luck. Even well into her sixties she insisted on doing odd jobs to help make ends meet and on helping Carl make repairs around the house. “She enjoyed work too much,” recalled her son Ellsworth.

But Sedona was by no means submissive. Indeed, she dared to make decisions early on to live her life according to an inner light, not social dictates. When she was 20 years old, Sedona defied her father, a prominent Methodist, by marrying Carl Schnebly, a Presbyterian. Four years later when Sedona agreed to move west with her husband, her father tried to stop her by threatening her with disinheritance. She went anyway, and her father cut her out of his will. That strength of character that allowed Sedona to strike out on her own served her well throughout her life, helping her to adjust to changing circumstances.

A new life

Like many Sedonians after her, Sedona Schnebly left the life she knew behind when she and her husband came with their first two (of six) children to Northern Arizona in search of a better life. Sedona went from a lively adolescence, which included several proposals before her marriage at age 20, to a life of near isolation. She was flexible and adapted to her new life that included farming and looking after the frequent visitors who came with Carl to enjoy the beauty of the red rocks and Oak Creek Canyon. When she moved away, she created beauty even where there was none, and her piano was always close by.

Letters were Sedona’s primary connection with the outside world, and she wrote every day sharing news of her life in a neat, small, legible script. For many years there was a mandatory afternoon siesta at the Schnebly household to give Sedona the space she needed to keep up with her correspondence. Even after World War II she would read the letters she got out loud to everyone who was in the house. In her later years, the radio was another link to the world. In the evenings the Schneblys sat under a juniper tree and listened to comedy shows and the news.

This awareness of her needs, of who she was, gave Sedona a center and strength. She was comfortable with herself and not afraid to express her distinctive style. She loved oversized, flower-studded hats, lace collars and the color blue, and she could sew, embroider, crotchet and quilt. She created sunbonnets to safeguard her fair complexion. She made all her family’s clothes, including flowing nightgowns for herself with French seams, and in her golden years she made clothes for her granddaughters. Her rose quilt at the Sedona Historical Society remains vibrant even after many years.

Connection to family

For Sedona, her family was her heart, and she always looked after their needs. When a tragic accident took the life of her daughter Pearl, it nearly broke her spirit, and it turned her life upside down. But she pulled through without bitterness and was grateful for the blessings that life did bring.

“No mother in spite of hardships, handicaps and adversities could have sacrificed more or done more for her children than our mother did for the six of us,” her son Ellsworth recalled in his memoir. Her daughter Clara gave a similar report to Kate Rutland-Thorne: “Mother and dad were very caring parents and did all they could to make us happy.”

Sedona cared not only for her family, but also for the larger family of humanity. Her doors were always open to welcome strangers, and her table was always big enough for one more place. Sedona cared for the sick, often nursing them to health, and she always had a kind word to say. Her son Ellsworth spoke extensively about her tolerance and refusal to judge others. “When she disagreed with what other people said or did, she would often excuse them by saying that none of us can understand why we or others may make mistakes or say the wrong things,” he said.

Connection to community

With such a generous and loving attitude, it is no surprise that Sedona was generally liked. From her childhood people called her “Dona,” and in her adult years she became “Aunt Dona.” “Aunt Dona was particularly popular with the children. As the woman who played the church piano, gave out the mail and passed along extra favors of all sorts, Sedona was a village symbol of song and glad-tidings,” wrote Elizabeth Rigby of Sedona’s early years.

She never lost that playful spirit. “Under the day bed in her living room was a wooden box about 12 x 20 inches filled with toys or some makeshift things for children to play with when they visited. And much use they did get,” recalls her granddaughter Paula Schnebly Hokanson. The toys were simple but left plenty of room for the imagination, a quality that Sedona had plenty of. Children could make towns with wooden blocks and spools, go on adventures in a Tootsie Toy delivery truck or amuse themselves with a wooden paddle and ball. Her cookie jar was always full for the many children who came to visit.

Throughout her life, Sedona enjoyed the company of women. She maintained a warm relationship with her sisters who kept her abreast of news and fashion trends. In Missouri, she belonged to the Women’s Christian Temperance Union and traveled to their conventions. In Arizona, Sedona organized a quilting bee, which was always buzzing with friendly voices and camaraderie and she enjoyed outings with her girl friends to Flagstaff. These women knew Sedona’s hopes and dreams, sorrows and disappointments. In a poignant portrait, her friend Helen Jordan captured Sedona’s vulnerability and gentleness. That painting still hangs in the Sedona Schnebly room of the Sedona Historical Society.

The creative side of Sedona

Sedona appreciated the arts and how they enhanced life. She had a quick wit, and spontaneously created mind teasers and limericks for the enjoyment of her family and friends. She had a passion for music and literature and frequently sang and played the piano. She loved singing alto, recalls Paula, when she wasn’t needed to lead the melody. She favored sacred music and her favorite pieces were “Abide with Me,” “Whispering Hope” and “In the Garden.” Still, she enjoyed the music of her day and subscribed to Etude, a musical magazine, from which she played duets with her granddaughters.

In the kitchen and garden her creativity flourished. Sedona took great pride in her cooking, which was extolled far and wide. She roasted meats, stuffed vegetables, canned hundreds of jars of fruits and vegetables and made biscuits, that although small, were 3 inches high and so light that there was never a biscuit left—no matter how many she made, recalls granddaughter Pat Schnebly Ceballos.

The Schnebly garden was a mass of Victorian color, and it changed from season to season. “Every Sunday my grandmother carried whatever was blooming to church to be shared with friends there after use on the altar,” recalls granddaughter Paula. In late summer and early autumn her dahlias were in full bloom in deep colors and as big as plates. Her roses were showpieces, her sweet peas came in pastel shades, her asparagus fern overflowed and her gladiolas edged the garden and added color in and outside the house. On the windowsills in her living room there was nearly always a geranium in bloom; and irises—from white to lavender—skirted the property.

The spiritual life of Sedona

It’s not surprising that the matriarch of one of the Southwest’s holy spots was a woman with a deep faith and conviction, and that her religion provided her with not only a footing but also a way to structure and live her life. Sedona was a devout Christian with a deep respect for others. That faith stood by her in times of happiness and tragedy. It gave the song in her heart expression and enveloped her marriage and family. It also grounded her through the death of two of her children, economic reversals and the sorrows that come into everyone’s life.

Sedona read the bible cover to cover many times and practiced what she preached in her Sunday School classes, which she taught for three decades. She was one of the founders of the Wayside Chapel in Sedona.

Sedona wasn’t just a churchgoer, however. A sense of spirituality permeated her life. She often thought of others, never wanting to intrude, always looking for a way to help. She had a deep sense of gratitude and appreciation. As her life was coming to a close, Sedona took a drive past the houses of friends—the Yorks, the Harts, the Jordans, the Brewers, the Willards, the Roberts and others, commenting what the people had done for her and how much she had enjoyed being with them on various occasions.

Despite her firm ideas about values and decorum, she accepted changing times and was surprisingly flexible and open-minded, recalls her granddaughter Pat. She also wasn’t afraid to admit when she was wrong. In one revealing incident Sedona visited Oma Bird, owner of the Oak Creek Tavern. She broke with a lifetime of campaigning against alcohol to extend a hand in friendship to Oma because she admired her generosity towards those in need.

Sedona’s legacy

Like most lives, Sedona’s was made up of such moments that, when strung together, created a pattern, flavor and meaning. Sedona Schnebly’s legacy was not any extraordinary feat that she accomplished but her courage to flow with the currents of life. She dared to love. She dared to risk. She dared to make new beginnings over and over. Sedona was a warrior of the spirit, a pioneer in that uncharted territory. In short, Sedona was a woman who gave life everything she had—even her name. As her son Ellsworth once said, “I feel that those of you who never knew my mother would have loved her.

***********

Sedona writer Sylvia Somerville is grateful to the Schnebly family for the memories they shared. Sylvia can be reached at somervillesylvia@hotmail.com.

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What's up with all this talk about UFOs in Sedona, Arizona?

More people per square mile in Sedona than your typical cosmic town say they

4/10/2000

AlienZoo resident ufologist Jim Dilettoso's article Mission Control explores UFO research, ET technologies, and moments in ufology's past.

So what's up with all this talk about UFOs in Sedona, Arizona? More people per square mile in Sedona say they.ve seen UFOs than your typical cosmic town. Sedona is famous for its stately red rock spires, spiritual phenomena, and celestial displays. It's also famous for secret black helicopters, as well as a very high per capita income. I have been there enough to know that it is a very different place. It feels different. You can feel it in your bones. Why is this?

Being a scientist, a skeptic, and an optimist in one package -- you can call me a skoptimist -- I always look for a practical explanation for any phenomena, above all else. I.ve been hearing Sedona UFO stories since I first started in this field in 1977. I.ve examined at least 100 photos of strange lights in Sedona. Author and resident Tom Dongo has a great collection of pictures and an excellent portfolio of case investigations. Richard Dannelly has written two very good books on the subject of Sedona.s vortex energy. Dennis Numkena has related to me many of the Hopi legends that surround the area. The Phoenix Lights of 1997 actually flew over Sedona a full half hour before reaching Phoenix. When all is considered, you get an interesting tapestry of points of entry into the mystery of Sedona.

If UFOs do appear often in Sedona, we'd like to know where and why. The physical properties of the so-called "vortex" centers are unique. Magnetic vortexes occur where iron-bearing basalt -- lava deposits -- run through sandstone. The red rock spires of the area were formed naturally in exactly this way. In fact, they could actually function as induction coils or electrical cathodes, without much deliberation. What does that mean? The combination of iron, water, silicon (granite), and traces of gold, silver, and copper could make a natural device that attracts and amplifies this electrical energy, and discharges it to create a physical or metaphysical occurrence.

There is a common link between the human body and the materials in the red rocks. Oxygen, iron, and silicon reside in our bodies -- in blood, cell salts, and the glands that rest in the chakra positions. Harmonic resonance is a well known aspect of atomic structure, physics, and even music. Could the red rock vortex centers of Sedona create a resonance or amplify certain human psychic centers, therefore forming a connection between the world of spirit and the physical plane? If this were the case, it would be possible for existence to migrate between two places in different dimensions.

The major vortices in Sedona are Bell Rock, Boynton Canyon, Cathedral Rock, and Secret Canyon. Bell Rock is cone-shaped, and the base is said to have an energy circulating around it where both Indians and adepts can conduct "medicine wheel" ceremonies. According to Richard Dannelly, the top of Bell Rock is a great spot to engage in Universal prayer, and he adds that it's a contact point within our space-time reality for connecting with extraterrestrials. I know Richard. He is a sensible, honest person -- not prone to fantasy and idyllic lifestyles. He says that these things are true, that he has experienced these things himself. Because of my trust in him, I believe that there is something to what he says.

I just have to investigate a little more and decide what could help create such a contact experience for myself and others. Although I never joined the Guru of the Month club, I have experienced quite a few things that go bump in the night; consequently, I feel very prepared to access the Red Rock Raga. I have talked to many people who live in Sedona and feel that Richard Dannelly is a very reliable source for co-conjuring the big vibration.

Richard reports that he has talked to many people who have experienced "déjà vu" in Boynton Canyon. This beautiful canyon is home to the resort known as Enchantment. Visitors to the area have reported a "twilight zone" type of experience, where they have literally lost track of time and have felt transported to another time and place. Enjoying lunch at Enchantment one afternoon, the resort's food and beverage manager approached me (having recognized me from TV) to tell me stories of strange sightings he and others have seen in that canyon. He even invited me to come back and talk to the head of security who would witness to the "unbelievable" displays of flying blue balls of light.

Human beings may have the ability to command the forces of nature through mental concentration and altered states of consciousness, merging the mind (and sometimes body, too) with the Earth.s vibrations. Native Americans, Rosicrucians, and Aboriginal shamen all conduct these nature ceremonies. Proper preparation allows one to listen to the inner voice and feelings that direct the flow of energy. According to Richard Dannelly.s Sedona Power Spot Vortex, chanting "OM," and projecting a resonant sound in harmony with the Earth, is probably the most popular method for opening and balancing energy.

Electromagnetic waves of earth energy occur at frequencies just below the range of human hearing. These waves are called the Shuman resonance factor. They occur between 3 and 6 hertz, which happens to be in the range of the "delta" waves of the human brain. Biofeedback instruments and medical EEG tests demonstrate this frequency. Skeptics point out that Dr. Michael Persinger, of Canada, has demonstrated that artificial stimulation of the brain at these frequencies can cause hallucinations. Advocates believe that Sedona.s red rocks amplify this Earth energy along "Ley lines," stimulating modifications of consciousness, enabling perception of realms usually invisible to humans, but altogether real.

Many people go to Sedona's vortex areas hoping that the energy will trigger a paranormal experience. These experiences include interdimensional communication with spirits, and contact with beings from outer space. The vortex experience itself is a learning process, from which we can learn new ways of perceiving reality. According to the Teachings of Don Juan by Carlos Castenada, Don Juan believed the world to be an illusion that forms itself to fit the belief and expectations of the observer. Master ufologist Jacques Vallee, in Messengers of Deception posits similar belief, that ETs come to our reality through portals and assume the shape that best suits the beliefs of the observer.

Alfred Watkins coined the term Ley lines, in an attempt to define a complex network of straight lines connecting ancient sacred sites and mountains. The Neolithic long barrows are mounds of earth that mark these lines. Bruce Cathie has even measured the strength of these coincidental lines, and created a world chart of them. Sites such as Stonehenge, Easter Island, and the Eqyptian pyramids are all linked in a master convergence of a grand coincidence. Sedona is placed on such a Ley lines. Is Sedona a Ley line amplifier that collects and emits some energy that can be used as an interdimensional portal by beings from either side -- as a kind of common meeting area, where pure consciousness is king?

Dowsers claim to be able to find these lines, making themselves a conductor of this Earth force, interpreting the polarity that defines the existence of the Ley line. This is perhaps small proof of the link between the corporal and the mystical. Although dowsers are considered charlatans to some, it is obvious to me that many of them, such as Dave Peck of Phoenix, can indeed find water and even buried metal and old pipes. Peck reports that even the most novice dowser can locate energy pockets in Sedona.

The photographs of aerial phenomena over Sedona that I have seen are not like the usual blips of light in the sky that I receive every day, from around the world, to analyze. These images are not airplane lights hovering. Most of the lights are extremely bright balls or orbs that are obviously 3-D objects. Frequently, they are rapidly moving lights that leave contrails in a single frame, like a cigarette waved around in a dark room. These could be electrical discharges from the rocks acting as cathode rods releasing electricity from Ley line towers like St. Elmo's Fire or ball lightning. After all, the Pizeo electric effect is still alive and well; the effect demonstrates that quartz under pressure releases electricity, like the battery-free flash cube in a camera flash-cube. But these are not photographs of natural electricity. I have analyzed a few of them and they are not the right color or shape of the mysterious ball lightning anyway. These appear to move in some intelligent fashion.

But by whose intelligence? The curiosity for me is whether human consciousness is affected by Sedona's naturally occurring Earth energy. By going there, are we duped into believing a trick on the unconscious mind? Or is there a true portal into another vibration of existence, where all things interdimensional are seen? Do ET beings use the vortex portal to enter into our reality, where they can been seen and photographed? Can we properly prepare or place ourselves there, and through sheer will have a true mystical experience?

We at AlienZoo are very interested in this. We have decided to "do Sedona." Wiggz and the rest of the Zoo posse will be making their own trips there over the next six weeks, reporting on all the tips and pleasures available if you want to make your own expedition. At the very least we will have some great sightseeing and talk to some great people. We.ll post the pictures, maps, lore, and more. We could even have exclusive pictures of a UFO!

Just you wait and see.

Bell Rock in the Village of Oak Creek near Sedona, Arizona

THE SEDONA EXPERIENCE

Ashtar and Sananda have both referred to the Ashtar's Trinity office in Sedona as the 'Headquarters' for the Earth-based Command. That is not, however, what makes Sedona so special. This is a land of magic, mystery, lots of UFO activity, vortices and portals. Anyone who has ever visited this beautiful location can definitely testify to the energies they feel here. Some call them 'alien' energies, some just call them 'higher-dimensional' energies. No matter the name given to them, you'll either love them… or won't be able to tolerate them at all. Sedona, herself, is an energetic Being… and she either loves you or sends you on your way. It has been said that, if you can live in the Sedona energies for six years, then she welcomes you to stay.

So what is it that makes Sedona the New Age Mecca that it is? For one, it is the only location on the planet where you'll find the energies of ALL chakras. It is, therefore, like a train 'switching yard'… all energies, either coming in or leaving Earth, first go through Sedona before being dispersed to the rest of the planet. It is these 'points of entry or exit' that create the famous Sedona vortices. One can find a vortex at most any point on Earth, especially places like mountain tops, and 'feel' the energy within it. There are, however, so many vortices in Sedona that it's sometimes difficult to feel the 'pure' energy of any one of them because their energetic fields overlap one another. What, you might ask, exactly IS a vortex? In a nutshell, it's a magnetic energy field. The positively charged vortices are feminine, containing nurturing, or yin, qualities. The negatively charged vortices are masculine, active, energizing or yang. This can make the energies in Sedona somewhat confusing at times, as you are literally moving in and out of positive and negative magnetic energy fields as you move from place to place. As you can see from the photo at the left, we DO take our vortices seriously.

Needless to say, there are a number of businesses offering scenic tours by both air and hiking. If you're planning a trip to Sedona and would like to treat yourself to a hike or visit to the sacred sites and vortices, email Janisel at janisel@sanandaseagles.com. She can arrange for you a 'private' tour conducted by two of Sedona's best guides… both of which are members of Ashtar's Trinity and Sananda's Eagles… at a much less expensive rate than the local tour companies.

A second big attraction to Sedona is the sky. The UFO activity in both the night sky and also during daylight hours makes Sedona a haven for Ufologist and astronomers alike. There is not only an abundance of the so-called 'lenticular cloud-ships' which are visible during the day, but also a bevy of craft activity at night, often giving rise to a game of 'cat and mouse' between the ships and the military fighter jets. This is one of the most entertaining games in town! We have been fortunate enough to have been 'tipped-off' by Ashtar as to when some of these games will occur and, settling in under a jet-black night sky in the Coconino National Forest, have been thrilled to witness the F-16's scramble above us in pursuit of one of the craft. Needless to say they never 'catch' them, as the ships suddenly disappear, only to reappear again directly behind the jet that was chasing them. And the point to all this? Well, as Ashtar put it (tongue-in-cheek), "We understand your military does like to engage in their exercises… and we help them out in that regard." Below are example photos of lenticular clouds which are produced when the ships 'dip down' into our dimensional reality, as well as a photo Janisel took one morning of a shuttle craft cruising along at about 20,000 feet above the Village of Oak Creek, just outside of Sedona.

Examples of 'lenticular' clouds which 'hide' the Ships of Light

Lenticular cloud over Sedona.

Photo by PeaceWalker

This is a photo of a shuttle craft taken by Janisel. At right is an enlargement.

Of course, Sedona is only one of many places with an abundance of UFO sightings… but we DO get a lot of press. At the left is an interesting newspaper article about the UFO activity in Sedona, which quotes one of our own Eagles, Steve Counihan.

The Rainbow Ship, maybe?

What else is it about Sedona that pulls people here besides the energies, the UFO activity and other metaphysical draws? The beauty. This is a town full of writers and artists, each depicting the majesty and beauty of the area in their own way. Undoubtedly, some of the most frequently seen businesses here are art, photo and sculpture galleries. These are interspersed, of course, with the ever-present New Age stores featuring crystals of every size, shape and description, as well as the 'essentials' such as incense, sage, aromatherapy kits and someone who can give you the psychic Reading of your choice. Doing all this shopping and sightseeing can, of course, one can really work up an appetite. Therefore, probably the next largest category of businesses in Sedona is restaurants. We DO love to eat! Here you can find food from around the world as well as the vegetarian cuisine which might be expected in a New Age community. What might NOT be expected here, however, are the number of championship golf courses, both private and public, owing to our mild year-round climate.

If you plan on visiting our magical community anytime soon, be sure and check out www.sedona.net to see what will be happening during your stay, as well as other pertinent information such as weather, hotels, B&B's, workshops/seminars, entertainment and night life. You're sure to be taking a lot of pictures of our beautiful Red Rocks during your stay, but keep your eyes and camera on the skies… you never know what you might see.

Finding Truth in Sedona - Where Have All the Celebrities Gone

By:Marv Lincoln

Located somewhere between Shangri-La and La-La-Land, Sedona, Arizona is a truly beautiful place. It is surrounded by stunning red rock formations and miles of malarkey. This year, as in years past, about four million tourists are expected to visit the area. Many of them will be on the lookout not only for gorgeous scenery but for beautiful people as well.

These days Sedona is more famous than ever, its natural beauty and quirkiness the subject of endless articles and TV features. One would think that a place as beautiful and famous as Sedona would be teeming with celebrities, right? That visitors can expect to rub shoulders with the rich, famous and infamous at local coffee shops and bistros? Wrong. Very wrong.

Because of the presumed gullibility of the typical tourist, and some local tour guides' quest for quick and easy sound bites (and bigger tips), a kind of local mythology has been created around a fantasy Sedona inhabited by A-list movie and TV stars, athletes and politicians. "That's Madonna's house over there," says a lady Jeep tour driver with a straight face. "Sharon Stone lives on the next block. Al Pacino's mansion is just down this street and to the left."

The truth: A lady named Sharon Stone sells real estate in Sedona. So does a gentleman named Randy Moss (who never played tight end for the Raiders). At the moment, there are no celebrities living in Sedona. Actress Diane Lane keeps a second home in the city, population about 8,000. A certain Republican senator named John McCain sometimes stays at his ranch in Page Springs, about 10 miles from Sedona's western outskirts.

And that's it. Only a couple of celebrities lived here full-time in recent years -- the beloved actor and song-and-dance man Donald O'Connor and actress Sean Young. O'Connor died in 2003 at the age of 78, and is buried in Forest Lawn Cemetery in Hollywood. Ms. Young, who has appeared in many films including "Blade Runner" and "No Way Out," her two most famous roles, moved back to Los Angeles a few years ago.

Ann Miller, the raven-haired, leggy dancer whose tap-dancing skills won her stardom during the golden age of movie musicals, kept a second home in Sedona. She was often seen at local restaurants, although her main residence was in Beverly Hills. She died there in 2004.

Actor Nicolas Cage loves Sedona and often came here with his (now) ex-wife, Lisa Marie Presley, a few years ago. He wanted to have a home here and was even in escrow for a place in an exclusive subdivision near the town's tiny airport. He dropped out of escrow, so the story goes, because he wanted to own the airspace above his home and it wasn't for sale.

But because there is usually a high BSQ (B.S. Quotient) in tourist towns, not only to lure the tourists but to make them think they might bump into somebody famous while sipping a $5 cup of coffee at Starbucks, the nonsense continues unabated. It's true that many famous folks pass through Sedona because they, like us ordinary humans, love looking at jaw-dropping scenery.

At the beautiful Enchantment Resort, employees must sign an agreement that they will never reveal the names of famous people who stay at this posh retreat (its Mii Amo Spa costs around $1,000 a day). So…don't ask, and I won't tell!

Actress Jane Russell used to live in Sedona and ran a nightclub called Dude's. Orson Welles rented a house here for his wife and daughter and often visited, once had to be rescued during a major flood in the Seventies. Lucille Ball never lived in Sedona, nor did Walt Disney despite persistent rumors. Bob Dylan has passed through, and Johnny Depp, and Mike Tyson, and Muhammad Ali, and Regis Philbin, and Martha Stewart, and…and…

And, yes, Oprah! In the summer of '06 she visited our local health food store during one of her cross-country tours, told a friend of mine, "There's nowhere to eat in this town!" and bought a bunch of fresh organic vegetables.

And that's the truth. If you really want to find truth in Sedona, take a hike. It has some of the best hiking trails on the planet. You might even meet me on a trail someday. I'll be happy to give you an autograph.

Marv Lincoln

www.sedonapr.com

Sedona update

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posted by CII | 10:07 AM | 0 Comments

Population of Sedona

The town's population is 17,700. The town sits at an elevation of 4,400 feet. The climate is ideal. There are four delightfully mild seasons. The winter low temperature is 30 degrees and the summer high is 95 degrees. There are so many beautiful areas to see in and around Sedona. The town has a saying that goes like this, "God created the Grand Canyon but he lives in Sedona".

There are a few attractions that you should see when you are in Sedona. The Chapel of the Holy Cross is an amazing structure, embedding in the red rock formations on either side of it. The chapel is a popular place to stop in and relax, and at the same time enjoy the beauty of the chapel. Tlaquepaque is a replica of an 18th century Mexican village. This village is filled with high-end specialty shops, galleries and restaurants. Sedona is full of great outdoor activities.

You will enjoy a trip to Red Rock State Park. This park is

located along Oak Creek and hosts a variety of nature paths. Slide Rock State Park is a lot of fun, especially if you like to get wet. This park has a nature-made water slide. It is very refreshing during the summer months. One of the most scenic drives in Arizona is the stretch of road between Sedona and Flagstaff, along State Highway 89. It is called the Oak Creek Canyon Drive. This drive is absolutely gorgeous during the fall season. The plant life and flowing creek make you want to roll down the windows.

However, the winding road and dramatic drop from Flagstaff or the steep ascend up to Flagstaff will cause the driver to pay attention to the drive. It is a marvelous drive.

posted by CII | 10:03 AM | 0 Comments

Sedona

Sedona is in Northern Arizona . It is in both Coconino and Yavapai County. The Coconino National Forest surrounds the town. The town is located at the intersection of State Highway 89 and State Highway 179. Sedona's location is at the mouth of the renowned Oak Creek Canyon and at the center of the state's legendary Red Rock Country. Sedona is in the center of Arizona . You can get to Sedona from Phoenix or Tucson by taking Interstate 10 north out of town past the towns of Black Canyon City, Cordes Junction and Camp Verde.

When you get to the exit for State Highway 179, take it and continue heading north up to Sedona. It is approximately 100 miles north of Phoenix. If you are coming from Flagstaff, take State Highway 89 south out of town. You will go through Oak Creek Canyon and into Sedona. It is approximately 28 miles south of Flagstaff.

Sedona is a wonderful town to view spectacular red rock formations and to take in nature's beauty. The term "Red Rock Country" was given to the town because of the colorful rock formations bordering Sedona. It began as a small agricultural town. Today Sedona is a popular spot for tourists, artists and nature lovers.

Labels: Sedona

posted by CII | 9:53 AM | 0 Comments

SUNDAY, MARCH 11, 2007

Sedona Arizona Visitors Guide

The town's population is 7,700. The town sits at an elevation of 4,400 feet. The climate is ideal. There are four delightfully mild seasons. The winter low temperature is 30 degrees and the summer high is 95 degrees. There are so many beautiful areas to see in and around Sedona. The town has a saying that goes like this, "God created the Grand Canyon but he lives in Sedona".

You will enjoy a trip to Red Rock State Park. This park is

However, the winding road and dramatic drop from Flagstaff or the steep ascend up to Flagstaff will cause the driver to pay attention to the drive. It is a marvelous drive.

Annual Sedona International Film Festival January

928-282-0747

Annual Hopi Show May

928-282-7722

Annual Western Americana Festival

928-282-9441

Fireworks July

928-282-4126

South of the Border Days September

928-634-4705

Annual Sedona Jazz on the Rocks

928-282-1985

Annual Sculpture Walk October

928-282-3809

Annual Miniature Show and Silent Auction November

928-282-3809

Annual Chamber Tree Lighting and Santa December

928-282-7722

Annual Festival of Lights at Tlaquepaque

928-282-4838

Labels: Sedona Vacation Guide

posted by CII | 1:47 PM | 0 Comments

THE ARCTURIANS

Sedona

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