Chapter 2- A stroll down memory lane

 

In the late 1960s, my parents packed up their covered wagon and headed west- to the college town in the desert- Tucson.   It would be here at the University of AZ that my dad would attend grad school- and my sister and I would start to collect a host of memories related to our time in the desert.

I’ve been to Arizona countless times as an adult- but for whatever reason- a visit to Tucson hadn’t happened.  Until now!

There are two Tucson places that hold special places in my bank of memories- and I am grateful we were able to visit them both this past week.  

First would be the “mission”.  Officially named San Xavier del Bac mission- it’s located on the southern end of town.   Founded in 1700 by Father Kino- the building itself was completed in the late 1880s.  What makes this mission unique compared to others located throughout the southwest- is that this mission has a distinctive European appearance to the structure.  I found that to be such a stark contrast to the area surrounding the mission- a reservation for the Tohono O’odham People (what I grew up calling the Papago nation).

As a kid- we would come here often.  Not that we were catholic- but I think my parents appreciated the mission for its historical value, and there were always vendors selling Native American crafts that my parents both enjoyed.   My memory- was that of buying Indian fry bread!   They still sell fry bread- just not on the day we were visiting (Sheesh- first no Hatch burgers in Hatch, NM and now no fry bread at the mission).  But alas- the journey must go on-

The next stop on this memory lane adventure- would be at this little gallery. 

 De Grazia Gallery in the sun-located in the Catalina foothills

I remember coming to this place as a kid- I even have a slight recollection of actually seeing the artist at his studio.   Yet more than the studio visits- the lingering memory is how my parents, particularly my mom, became collectors of his art.   Through the years- my childhood home would feature DeGrazia magnets, ceramic bells, decorative plates, stitchery patterns and of course prints.   I’m guessing that these were all reproductions of his work- I highly doubt my parents could afford the real deal even at 1970s prices.     Or at least that’s the hope- can you imagine if we put the real deal out on the Estate sale?  YIKES!

Through my adult lens- I appreciate how this artist paid tribute the the people of Arizona

With whimsy 

And nature tossed in for inspiration

Forever in my bank of memories- the sweetness of these children..

It is often said- that we travel down memory lane in hopes of seeing those we love.   Without a doubt- during these two excursions- I felt the presence of my parents- I recalled that while life was not always easy for my folks, they showed my sister and I the joy that comes with seeking new adventures!

speaking of new adventures- our time here in Tucson would not just be me tripping down memory lane-

We would also discover new things…

From the deliciousness that is “tableside” guacamole..

To the tart delight of a Prickly Pear Margarita..

To a side car ride thru the forest of saguaro cacti

To the joy of naming cacti..

We decided this was the Squabbling couple

And finally- no trip to the land of the senior citizens is complete without a little side stop at the thrift shop..

Where yes- I scored a sweet deal on a new-to-me pair of jeans

(Because clearly- I didn’t pack enough long pants-)

Until next time…