The last of the contiguous states to be admitted to the Union, achieved statehood on St. Valentine’s Day, 1912. It is part of both the western and the mountain states. It is the 6th largest and 14th most populous of the 50 states in the United States of America. The southern most part of the state is desert, with extreme high temperatures in the summer. The northern part of the state is mountainous and often sees significant snowfall in winter.
Of course I’m talking about the Grand Canyon State or the Copper State, whose motto is “God enriches.” Isn’t that nice? God enriches. What other state can claim that fame? Only Arizona my friends. Only Arizona. God enriches Arizona. If you’ve ever been there, I think you’d agree.
I don’t know if any of you have ever been to Arizona, but I have. Several times. And I LOVE it! I can’t even say why exactly, but every time I go I feel . . . I don’t know . . . at home I guess. Certain parts of Arizona have a mysticism about them that call to me.
I love the arid red rock regions:
I love the deep green forests full of fir, pine and spruce.
The numerous and varied species of cactus and wildflowers are breathtaking in the spring.
The Grand Canyon is mysterious and awe-inspiring with its power and beauty.
I love the cliff dwellings and rock paintings created by the native peoples who lived there before Europeans invaded and gobbled up all their sacred lands.
I love the copper and silver mining history that was so rich in the not so distant past.
Here’s some interesting tidbits from Wikipedia that I did not know until recently:
What is now known as the state of Arizona was initially administered by the United States government as part of the Territory of New Mexico until the southern part of that region seceded from the Union to form the Territory of Arizona.[23] This newly established territory was formally organized by the Confederate States government on Saturday, January 18, 1862, when President Jefferson Davis approved and signed An Act to Organize the Territory of Arizona,[24] marking the first official use of the name “Territory of Arizona”. The Southern territory supplied the Confederate government with men, horses, and equipment. Formed in 1862, Arizona scout companies served with the Confederate States Army during the Civil War. Arizona has the westernmost military engagement on record during the Civil War with the Battle of Picacho Pass.
So, there you go. There’s your history lesson for the week.
What you just saw, played a very important role in creating the worlds I designed in both of my published books to date and which continue in the third installment of the Grounded Series, due out sometime in spring (with any luck). If you’ve read either or both of my books, can you see my made up world from the photos I posted above? (Let your cursor hover over the photo for a visual from the book.)
Tell me readers, have you ever visited Arizona? Do you like it? What especially appeals to you? If you haven’t been there, is it on your bucket list? It’s okay if it’s not. Arizona is not for everyone and I won’t think less of you if you hate it. That’s just more for me to love.
And before I leave you today, please don’t forget to thank a veteran for their sacrifice and service to this great country. We may not always believe in the cause, but we ALWAYS need to support our servicemen and women who are just doing their jobs when they’re called upon to serve.
Word of the Day: Leukodystrophy
Fun fact about me: I hope you never get Leukodystrophy.
Original post by Jansen Schmidt, November 2019. Images by Google Images and Pexels.com.
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I haven’t been to Arizona, but it’s definitely on my bucket list! One of Jack’s best friends recently moved there, so I think that’s a good excuse to visit. I had no idea it had so many different types of areas–I was thinking it was mostly desert. Looks beautiful, and you absolutely capture it in your books!
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Oh I hope you get to visit. It’s an absolutely gorgeous state. I’m not super keen on the very southern part – down by the Mexican border (it’s pretty desolate down there), but the other areas are really cool. In my humble opinion anyway.
I had a lot of inspiration for the setting in all 3 of my books because I’ve spent a lot of time there and every time I’m there, I imagine what it would be like to live there. So, I live there in my books.
Thanks for spending a few minutes of your day here at The Edge of Eternity. I hope you enjoy your day off.
Patricia
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I think I’ve mentioned before I share your love of Arizona, especially Sedona and the GC. If it were up to me I’d live tin Arizona, but the boss says no. Something about not wanting to be too far from family. Go figure.
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I’m with you Al. I’d live there in a heartbeat but my other half says it’s too hot. I don’t know how he can say that since he’s never been there (not to mention the fact that it’s about 200 degrees every summer down here in the deep south), but that’s his argument. However, we would be closer to our family so who knows, maybe some day we will get out there.
Thanks for visiting today Al. I hope you have a relaxing veteran’s day.
Patricia
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Although I love Arizona to visit, I wouldn’t want to live there, because they have a state income tax, which Texas proudly resists. They also can’t decide whether they wnt to be in the Mountain Time Zone or the Pacific Time Zone,joining New Mexico and other mountain states in the winter and California and other Pacific states in the summer. They need to make up their minds.
I do love the scenery, though.There’s a point along US 93 somewhere between Wickenburg and I-40 where you can see a bridge off in the distance surrounded by fantastic scenery. It’s been many years since I’ve been there, so I can’t remember any more details.
The view on SH 89 coming down from Flagstaff to Sedona is fantastic, too, according to a friend of mine. Unfortunately, we went the other direction, and you don’t get the impact northbound that you get southbound.
US 191 heading north out of Morenci has fantastic scenery, too, but don’t try to negotiate this winding road in a motorhome or other large vehicle.
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David I have been on the road between Flagstaff and Sedona in both directions (2 different trips) and it is one of the most beautiful anywhere. I do agree with you though, negotiating a motorhome along that stretch of highway would be challenging.
Thanks for sharing your experiences. I love to know how other people feel about the same places I’ve visited.
Have a great rest of the week.
Patricia
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My only visits to the Grand Canyon state were ‘drive throughs’ three decades ago. The first was when my girlfriend (now my wife) and I drove from Atlanta to the Bay Area when she moved to the west coast to be closer to me. We stopped at the Grand canyon and stayed in in Winslow, Arizona – we didn’t stand on the corner, though. The second trip was when I drove through on my way to re-locate in Dallas – my girlfriend followed a month or so later. I’ve done a couple of fly-overs since, but haven’t stepped foot on the 48th state’s soil. I follow a blogger (LIve, Laugh, RV) who RVs in the region and her photography and adventurous tales make me want to visit the state. There are so many places I have yet to see and I am thankful I=’ve been able to experience what I have. Today is gonna be a great day – hope your’s is, too! Peace.
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Well Clay, Winslow is “such a fine sight to see,” but there are much better areas in the state. There’s really not much to behold in Winslow. I hope you’ll put that state on your bucket list. It truly is a magical, mystical place.
Thanks for visiting today and have a wonderful weekend my friend!
Patricia
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