For the past 15 years I have done a little modeling for Ford/RBA . Sometimes I have worked a lot, other times, not so much. There have been fabulous jobs – ads for major corporations, annual reports, a job that took me to Greece on the Windstar Cruise Line but also some real tedious jobs like sitting in a car dealership and handing out brochures or ultra boring fashion shows with crappy clothes. But a job is a job and you take what is offered to you!
Recently I had the opportunity to do a modeling job for Smith & Nephew, a company who develops advanced medical devices for health care professionals around the world, and specifically their division of Advanced Wound Management. They were participating in an international WOCN conference and trade show in Phoenix, AZ.
I was fortunate to work with some really lovely and savvy people from Smith & Nephew and the company that produced and staged the show I participated in.
My cohort was another model from Ford, the lovely (and fun) Faye Morse from Tucson/LA who modeled with me the three days. We interacted well together – really “clicked” - and most of all, had a great time. Hopefully this is just the beginning of a long lasting friendship and working relationship.
Our job was to display and demonstrate the products Smith & Nephew have developed for the treatment of wounds. Billed as a fashion show of sorts, it was an innovative and experimental way to introduce products to the clinicians and nurses who specialize in wound treatment. Never having any kind of exposure to wounds (and hoping to never have) this was an amazing learning experience for me and one more of those little life adventures I get to add to my mental resume!
Sedona Arizona ranks at the top as one of the most beautiful and spiritual places in our country. Amazing vistas surround you in every direction. According to the official Sedona chamber of commerce web site, “The red-orange color of the rock is one of the most neuro stimulating of colors. It enhances creative thinking and problem solving.” Well I need a little creative thinking and problem solving, so what a perfect place to do a trunk show for Cici Bianca!
The wonderful store, Isadora, located in the Tlaquepaque Village was where I showed my work. Owner Wendy McKeown has filled her gallery with outstanding handwoven items and beautiful jewelry from artists all over the United States. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to stay with artists Deanne and Byron McKeown in Deanne’s inspiring, positive energy filled, studio where she creates her bronze sculptures.
My early mornings were spent out hiking around the rocks (trying to discover my own vortex…). I walked a little trail called Mystic which is near the famous Chapel of the Holy Cross. The scenery could only be described as breathtaking and the nature that surrounded me - awe inspiring.
The wild flowers in the high desert were beautiful so of course I had to snap pics of those I saw along the Mystic Trail to add to my cache of flower photos.
In addition to being one of the most georgeous places on earth, Sedona is a haven for creative people. One of the most creative people I know, actor, designer and artist Lea Gracer had an opening one evening of her current Mosaics at Canyon Moon Theatre. Her work is detailed, sophisticated and sometimes whimsical. But what really draws me to the work is her use of color. Brilliant!
The whole weekend left me on sensory overload on top of an already scattered mind. This condition was remedied with an incredible energy reading by Dr. Lester Adler of Sedona Center for Complementary Medicine. The session with him gave me the clarity, direction and calmness I sorely needed. Time to get back to the world of my own creating!