As 2017 comes to a close, it’s a good time for reflection. Here are my Top 10 reasons to love fall in Flagstaff:
- Standing in my backyard every morning, shivering, gazing at Agassiz Peak until the sun’s
first pink ray finds the summit.
- Driving into town and seeing the Peaks wrapped in the yellow/gold ribbon of quaking Aspen,
like a present waiting to be unwrapped.
- Mountain biking with friends anywhere, anytime.
- Helping our girls unpack and try on boots, skis, gloves, poles and helmets for another great season on the slopes of Snowbowl.
- Stacking firewood and thinking of warm nights at home with winter banging at the door outside.
- Looking down at the violet-colored Grand Canyon from above timberline, and gazing out over the amazing landscapes of Northern Arizona.
- Anxiously and almost maniacally checking Weatherbug for any hint of approaching storms.
- Shuffling out to end of our driveway to get the paper early am and realizing that in 25
degrees, barefoot and Bermuda shorts really don’t work.
- Remembering that it’s not okay to go bed after sunset, because it’s only 6:30 p.m.
My No. 1 reason is more anecdotal:
I was sitting in Late for the Train downtown the other day and saw a weathered, older man outside asking people for money and being rejected or ignored at every encounter, until one man in a shirt and tie, just about to enter, stopped and engaged him in conversation. I watched interestedly to see what would happen. The businessman put his arm around him, held open the door and invited the old man inside, ordered and paid for a breakfast burrito and hot coffee. They spoke of friends and family and other simple things. The exchange was brief but it was between equals, both human beings on this planet, both worthy of respect and caring. He held the door open for the old man, wished him well and went about his day.
It occurred to me after witnessing this exchange, that in spite of being bombarded by the world’s bad news, we are indeed blessed to live in a city like Flagstaff, a vibrant, beautiful, safe and compassionate community.
BTW … The man in the tie? A well-known and highly regarded Flagstaff resident who owns a local CPA firm. Initials? BN. FBN
By Todd Gillenwater
Todd Gillenwater is the CEO/owner of Russ Lyon/Sotheby’s International Realty. He and his family are residents of Flagstaff.
