A Literary Legacy on Bark

Illiterate Basque sheepherders told of their lonely, dangerous work with carvings on Inner Basin aspens.

1470191_10152041717170169_939949830_nSpecial to the Daily Sun
Monday, August 25, 2008

When Santiago Parra carved his name and the date, 1970, into an aspen tree on the Inner Basin Trail, he marked the end of an era. Parra made his lines thin and neat. As the tree grew and stretched, his marker would remain attractive, legible and a witness to his having herded sheep near Lockett Meadow. Continue reading “A Literary Legacy on Bark”

4,000-Strong Walk for a Cancer Cure

Ann Eagan is an inspirational co-chair for Saturday’s Climb to Conquer Cancer, but she didn’t do it alone.

1470191_10152041717170169_939949830_nSpecial to the Daily Sun
Sunday, August 17, 2008

The American Cancer Society reminds us in its ads that cancer touches everyone.

Even me. We all saw the commercial. A woman trudges uphill to the narration, “I can do this, I can do this …”

I’d seen the ad 50 times and wondered — something was familiar about her.

The woman is Ann Eagan. She was also co-chair for Saturday’s 20th anniversary Climb to Conquer Cancer, a cancer survivor and — come to find out — an old college friend.

“Until 2007, I climbed simply for friends, family and co-workers,” Eagan said. “Then, I was diagnosed with intravascular lymphoma.” Continue reading “4,000-Strong Walk for a Cancer Cure”

Working wonders: Senior citizens contribute to workforce

Seniors provide an experienced, flexible labor source

1470191_10152041717170169_939949830_nSpecial to the Sun
Monday, August 11, 2008

Sandy Abbajay, at 70 years young, helped set up and establish Linens ‘n Things at the Flagstaff Mall Marketplace last October. It took 10 days and untold truckloads of goods, but fortunately, she had the dedicated assistance of another senior, Verna Johnson.

“I just can’t sit,” said Abbajay. “And besides, you can never retire from life,” she added, laughing. A few years ago, Abbajay made the decision to move across the country. The fact that her children objected to her driving off to explore future options just steeled her resolve. She put her life in storage and her retirement from 20 years as a manager on hold. Continue reading “Working wonders: Senior citizens contribute to workforce”

Revival of a Miracle

The Gravitation Back to Natural Childbirth

Mtn Living Mag August 2008

Revival-of-a-Miracle-8.08The couples talked intimately, tenderly. They touched one another in the same way as they moved around the room’s mock labor stations. Backs were kneaded and acupressure applied, utilizing tennis balls in tube socks and paint roller covers. The group progressed from wariness to confidence in the third session of the class “Preparing for Baby.” A Registered Nurse at Flagstaff Medical Center rocked and swiveled atop a birth ball–a rubbery ball about 30 inches in diameter–reassuring the parents-to-be with her friendly voice. It’s about information allaying fear. Continue reading “Revival of a Miracle”

Pick a Card, any Card

At training camp in Flagstaff, the players compare jerseys with the fans, who show solidarity by booing the refs

1470191_10152041717170169_939949830_n
Sunday, August 03, 2008

Special Reporter to the Daily Sun

A man in wrap-around sunglasses and a Cardinals’ jersey stood on the sidelines of the practice field. He was close enough to hear the pro players pant as they executed a drill.

Brett Anderson collected 15 autographs from the Arizona Cardinals players during a signing event before Saturday's practice. Hoping to get a total of 30, Anderson said he fell short of his goal because he arrived late after a three-hour drive. (Dana Felthauser/Arizona Daily Sun)
Brett Anderson collected 15 autographs from the Arizona Cardinals players during a signing event before Saturday’s practice. Hoping to get a total of 30, Anderson said he fell short of his goal because he arrived late after a three-hour drive. (Dana Felthauser/Arizona Daily Sun)

Suddenly, a kicker walked up and asked, “Hey, where’d you get that jersey, man? T.J. Maxx?” Caught off guard, the fan said, “No, I got it for Christmas.”

Both men wore No. 1 and grinned at each other.
Continue reading “Pick a Card, any Card”