February is a month of celebration. Groundhog Day on February 2, is a celebration centered on the somewhat mythical groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil. According to the Pennsylvania Dutch superstition, if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow he will burrow down in his den for six more weeks due to lingering Old Man Winter. However, if he does not see his shadow the anticipation of spring weather begins. The celebration of impending spring flowers, butterflies, and warm, sunny days commence. Because Arizona is noted specifically for warm, sunny days and arid climate, Groundhog Day is not as important as Valentine’s Day.

Ahhhh….But Valentine’s Day, February 14^th, is the day of love and romance! The recognition of Cupid’s shooting arrows of love is an anticipated event celebrated with the gifts of flowers, candy, and cards of red hearts declaring endearing messages. This day is a day I cherish and embrace.

But I also cherish and embrace February 14^th because this is the day Arizona was acknowledged as the 48 state of the Union in the year of 1912. Arizona was included as part of the Gadsden Purchase in 1853 and declared its own territory on February 24, 1863. In 1848 Arizona was declared part of the Territory of New Mexico under the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. At this point, some did not think this vast desert land merited adoption into the United States. The process of Arizona being declared into statehood became an arduous and lengthy endeavor due to the massive and expansive primitive land, the sometimes-unbearable heat indexes, and her remoteness. Thus, many feared developing Arizona due to the remote and inaccessible challenges.

Thankfully, there were some persistent politicians and initiators who envisioned Arizona’s assets as treasurable, seeing the glass half full instead of half empty. Perhaps the realization of Arizona possessing one of the seven wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon, prompted these forebearers to act and claim her into statehood. The majesty of the Grand Canyon is perhaps unsurpassed in exquisiteness.  

And what of the rarity of Meteor Crater, located approximately twenty miles west of Winslow? This landmark depicts an epic event of an iron meteor crashing to earth perhaps 50,000 years ago! 

How many other states can boast of a petrified forest? For example, if you visit the Petrified Forest, east of Holbrook, your vivid imagination may convince you these preserved pieces of crystalized trees look as if a magical wizard visited Arizona and turned trees to stone. These preserved fossils reveal remnants of ancient inhabitants: dinosaurs and humans. 

 I love the splendor of the Mogollon Rim because of the primitive trails to explore, and how Arizonians have not lost the eagerness to witness history. Historically current (January 6, 2022) was the movement of a B-52H 61-009 bomber plane that was constructed in 1961. The bomber plane was dismantled and loaded on a semi for transport from Pima Air and Space Museum in Tucson, Arizona to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, by the United States Air Force and would be traveling north on State Highway 87. Don and I were so excited the remnant of the heroic aircraft would pass near our house. We hiked up the hill to a remote location in Tonto National Forest for a spectacular view of the anticipated historic trek.

Thinking we were all by ourselves, we hear a side-by-side. Yep, it’s one of our neighbors. Excitedly, they jump out of the vehicle to examine the large rocks to see if they could obtain a better view. They stood phone ready to get photos of the momentous occasion. As we visit with them, we hear yet another all-terrain vehicle. Another set of neighbors were exclaiming how this remote site was perfect for witnessing the view of the B-52. 

As this entourage peaked over the mountain (the caution vehicles, law enforcement, and the semi) carrying the precious cargo, one of the most striking moments was this patriotic observation from our neighbor, “Did you see Ole Glory waving right behind the cab of the semi? It was the flag in front of the plane.”

To pause and reflect on this patriotic exchange gave me pride in our neighbors, in our community, in Arizonians, and the great Southwest. Ole Glory may you forever wave free! I am so proud to be living in Arizona. We are a state that fought hard to be included as the forty-eighth star on the American flag, securing the honor on February 14, 1912. Arizona, you are my forever love and a precious Valentine.

Arizona is a state of versatility and magnificent beauty. Sometimes, traveling to see spectacular gorgeousness is not necessary. The sunsets in Arizona are free, amazing to observe, and a treasure for the soul. I feel blessed to photograph colorful sunsets, painting the southwest sky with unsurpassable artistic glory.



May your Valentine's Day be filled with happiness and love. May you experience the glamour of numerous Arizona sunsets in 2022. From our house to yours, blessings, and safe travels. Just a note, remember no matter how remote you think you are located in Arizona; your neighbors will find you.