The Phoenix summer refused to end. From May through September, temperatures soared above 100°F daily. I chose to escape the unbearable heat by fleeing to the little town of Walker, just outside of Prescott, Arizona. Surrounded by tall pines and intoxicated by the mountain air, I divided my time between reading in the rocking chair in my room, painting on the porch, and hiking at Lynx Lake.

After enjoying a relaxing weekend in the mountains, I dreaded returning to the overcrowded city. A friend, however, welcomed my return by sending me a gorgeous bouquet of flowers. Beauty may reside in the mountains, but friends inhabit the city!

© 2002