Greetings from New Mexico

Ah! Albuquerque. How is it? Well, the Hampton Inn is nice. Actually, I'm impressed. All they had left was smoking rooms so we got a nice discount because we were willing to compromise (at least that's what the guy at the front desk said.)

After sitting for about 12 hours, I am very thankful to be out of the car and watching the Olympics.

I must say that all day today I felt guilty for traveling the Interstate and bypassing Radiator Springs on Route 66.

Somewhere in the middle of Arizona

During this trip, we are keeping track of all the different license plates that we've seen. I left the list in the car but I think we're up to 36 different states now.

I'm also keeping track of the "quote of the day". These are something that I've seen or heard on the road.

Today
we passed over:

The Holy Moses Wash

Yesterday
we passed a semi:

"Where in the Hell is Easy Street?"


I just know that knew it was going to be an interesting trip...

The Power of a Song and the Work of an Artist

Ah! This week have flown by!

Now, I must share with you about the power of a song. Last Sabbath we had a guest pastor from San Francisco who talked about the power that a song has. He said that if you have a song in your heart, by all means sing it! It was placed there by God!

In the conclusion of his sermon, the pastor showed this clip of the history of the song "Amazing Grace" by Wintley Phipps. Phipps shares a little about the history of the song. This is truly amazing and powerful:

God is good!

Alright. Now. On Monday night, I had the opportunity to attend the 75th anniversary of the Festival of the Arts in Laguna Beach. It was amazing! There is a huge art show before the Pageant of the Masters. During this show, I discovered several other amazing photographers. My favorite photographer now is Margo Moritz. You'll find a link to her website under my "Favorite Photographers" section.

Festival of the Arts entrance

Waiting...

All the World's a Stage

Before we realized that cameras were not allowed in at the pageant...

Goodbyes and Farewells

Today there were several goodbyes in my life. Kate left for Florida, Carrie left for Majuro and the McMurry family moved to Boring, OR. Jim and Betty have been here for over 20 years. They've been here the entire time that my family has. Our whole church partied hard (Adventist Style) last night. This morning, a few of us got up and at 7:30 am took the McMurrys breakfast.

Waiting for Jim... And blocking the street in the process.

Finally walking in. About 7:45 am.

"What are you doing here???"

We woke up Elissa and her friends.

Breakfast!

I know that Pastor Jim, Betty, Elissa and Mitch will all be missed from our church family!