We suspect our other far flung LBRs are totally unaware (and probably uninterested) in the events leading up to Valentine's Day. You see, Arizona was declared a state on Valentine's day in 1912.
Celebrating our centennial has been an interesting process and as the days tick down the V-Day, the brouhaha is building to a fever pitch. All kinds of stories are flooding forth, practically anyone who was ever anything has something to say to someone regarding a range of topics that could fill the Grand Canyon brim full with bull you-know-what. It's very enjoyable and very much fun to be here during this historical moment. There's going to be so much going on Tuesday it's hard to pick a spot from which to enjoy it all. Our Ace Reporter Steve Ayers is going to be doing a presentation at Montezuma Castle so that's probably where we will go. Susun, Sarah, Gage and Van will be arriving here that day, too, so it will be even more special.
The Arizona Republic newspaper today devoted almost all of its entire front page to the equivalent of a sea of mini-Tweets and they are treats indeed. The paper asked its readers to say in six words or less their hopes and dreams for the state's next 100 years. We're certain you will find some of those one-liners to be real zingers and a hoot to read.
Meanwhile, deep in the bowels of this morning's newspaper are printed a bunch of comments from Arizona icons--people such as Bruce Babbitt or Sandra Day O'Conner. We think that Lisa Schnebly Heidinger's speaks best to our own heart and the Spirit we love about this state. She said:
As a descendent of pioneers T.C. and Sedona Schnebly, I maintain that Arizona has a long legacy of being settled by people who perhaps did not play well with others or fit in back East.
We are an iconoclastic bunch. We defy a stereotype, as some might see existing in Maine, Texas or California. We do not march in lockstep; rather, we are like a loose gathering of varied animals.
For every three people who move here, two move on. Wherever you go, there you are ... some don't find what they want in Arizona.
But those who do are true Arizonans. It's not about where you are born; Sedona and T.C. came from Missouri.
Being an Arizonan is feeling the sense of space, of option, a bone-deep resonance to the landscape and the spirit that recognizes home.
Lisa Schnebly Heidinger is the author of six books on Arizona, including "Arizona: 100 Years Grand," the official centennial book.
All-in-all, it's a great time to be back in Ol' Airy Zonie. In spite of this state's often petty politics, we feel a special sense of unity during these days. People seems to be putting aside their normal bickering to take a moment to affirm that, yes, we are all very proud to be Arizonans and that no matter where we came from, we can proudly call this state home.
Have a great day & Many Cheers, jp
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