Wednesday, March 05, 2008

ANWA Report -- Friday, February 29th, Evening

After we left the Phoenix Zoo, Kerry took Kathy and me over to the Mesa Temple.

It was right at sunset, and the way the light hit the temple was breathtaking.

I think this type of art is called bas relief -- correct me if I'm wrong on the term -- but Kerry says the pictures represent the Gathering of Israel.

Then, I was treated to one of the greatest moments of my professional career. I got to pose with The Frog -- that's right -- The Frog -- from Six LDS Writers and a Frog. I have loved The Frog for a very long time, and to actually get to pose with him, was just something else. I got to take his picture several times throughout the weekend as well -- I was a Frog Photographer! And no, I'm not about to fall over -- I was standing on a little hill leading up to the tree, so the right side of me appears higher up than the left side. Didn't notice that until I uploaded the picture.
The temple grounds smelled so wonderful. Flowers were everywhere, citrus grew on trees right there on the grounds, and the feeling of peace that pervaded was so refreshing. The highlight of this excursion to the temple was going into the Visitors Center and seeing a photography exhibit called "Reflections of Christ" by Mark Mabry. This incredible collection touched my heart deeply, especially one picture that depicted Christ lying on the ground at the edge of the Garden of Gethsemane. Even now I hesitate to mention it --the feelings I had were so strong, and so sacred, I don't want to spoil it by talking about it.

After we left the temple, we went out to dinner at Serrano's, where I had a nice chicken chimichanga. We sat and talked for a long time and really enjoyed ourselves, then went back to the apartment and got ready for bed. Amazingly enough, we actually did go to bed and I actually did go to sleep. I don't usually sleep so well away from home, but Kerry is a wonderful hostess and she did such a good job of making me feel comfortable and the feeling of the Spirit was strong in her home, so I had no trouble dropping right off.

More later . . .

7 comments:

Dan Olsen said...

I really like the bean dip at Serranos. I'm glad that you got to take in some of the sites of our fair city, especially the temple. Later this month, they will perform the Easter Pageant there. It's fantastic.

I can say enough about how much I enjoyed the conference. The presentations were all top notch. I met several new people, all of whom were very friendly and eager to be there. I can't wait until next year.

Luisa Perkins said...

It sounds lovely. The Mesa Temple is one of my favorites.

Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen said...

Thanks for telling us about your travels. It looks like you had a great time. BTW, I've asked a question about the market on my blog at thewriteblocks.blogspot.com that I'd really like your opinion on, if you have one, and if you can.
Thank you.

Keeley said...

I have just realized that you are very famous. How cool is that? =) That you're famous, I mean, not that I've just realized it.

Furthermore as I'm reading your blog I realize that you've just seen that exhibition my children were waffling to me about after a fireside on Sunday.

There are two sisters in our ward whose parents were just released as the Mesa Temple President and Matron. They gave a fireside to the youth last Sunday about those photographs by Mark Mabry. Ben, especially, was quite overwhelmed by them. His favourite was Jesus walking on water.

It's a small LDS world. =)

Looks like you were having a great time with the frog. =)

Tristi Pinkston said...

Not so famous, Keeley! I would like to reach that lofty pinnacle at some point, but no, not so famous.

Keeley said...

Are too.

(I'm learning communication techniques from my 3-year old. =D)

Mrs Andy said...

Glad you got to eat at Serranos...it's one of the best places in town to eat...I second on the bean dip there.

The bias reliefs on the temple are acually called freizes. A man from Holland did them, I can't remember his name, but they are off the gathering of Isreal and the coming of the saints to Zion. Each corner is different.

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