As the Verde Canyon Train snaked its way north through the valley from Clarkdale, hugging the canyon wall, I was definitely not in my seat! The vistas from the comfortable passenger cars are spectacular, but you can't look up.
Between the enclosed passenger cars on the Verde Canyon Railroad are open flat cars where amateur photographers such as I could look up to the canyon's rim to capture views unseen by the less adventurous.
It was cold the day after Christmas in the canyon! Inside the heated passenger cars, armchair travelers lounged in comfortable seats, looking out the windows, but enjoying only a small part of what the ride has to offer.
Not one of them looked up; from where they sat, there was no view in that direction--nothing to see.
Some took photos through the glass, and were satisfied. Others fell asleep, lulled by the click of the rails, the comfort of the car, and a glass of wine.
Not me!
2010 is here, my friends. The real estate market has limitless opportunity if we'll just get ourselves out of our comfort zone. Look up and around!
Make some new friends and cultivate new business relationships on Active Rain. We're closing in on 170,000 members! Are you spending most of your time with the same 15 - 20 Rainers? Look up!
Look for perspectives in your business that are available to all, but captured only by the relative few who make the effort.
___________________
I'm Mike in Tucson, your preferred Tucson, AZ Mortgage lender.
NMLS #223495
SUNSTREET MORTGAGE llc
Call me if I can help you or someone you know with a purchase or refi mortgage in Tucson, or anywhere else in the great state of Arizona.
(520) 349-9090
photos copyright Mike in Tucson
Hi Mike, any snow on Mt. Lemmon? Happy New Year.
Frank,
They're still skiing up there! Happy New Year, and thanks for being the first to comment.
Mike in Tucson
Mike,
What a wonderful way to say stand-up and look around!
Remove our self-imposed blinders!
There are alternatives, if we expose ourselves!
There's life, beauty, and opportunity out side our securty box, living life to the max' not just ridding through it!
That by not looking up, like cows waiting for milking all your going to see is the moon and the ... dumping on you!
That experience life through the glass is not the same as swimming with the sharks!
Or are you simply saying look at the rock snake head about to strike.
I think I know the answer. I pick my friends well and try to find more.
There's no ambiguity in you conclusion; "Look for perspectives in your business that are available to all, but captured only by the relative few who make the effort."
Happy New Year!
Bill
Mike, I am like you. I can't sit still when there are places to go and things to see. You wouldn't believe how many times I have hiked so far I didn't know if I could hike back -just because I needed to see around the next corner.
Here's to looking up in 2010 and taking advantage of all the opportunities we are given.
Mike this is a great message to all of us....Happy New Year!
Rebecca,
Happy New Year to you and yours!
Deanne,
Amen to that! I see that you actually do find your way back, though, and that's good.
Bill,
Thanks for commenting; you're an Active Rain treasure! Happy New Year to you & Brenda!
Mike in Tucson
Mike,
Thanks for the post. A little adventure is good for the soul. Look what you would have missed if you didn't venture out. Have a healthy and prosperous New Year!
"Not one of them looked up; from where they sat"
While we move dilgently forward into the new year...this is a good reminder that focusing "dead ahead" can keep us from seeing the opportunities that surround us! Great photo Mike.
Kent,
Thanks for commenting; I appreciate knowing you!
Dorie,
Same to you! Thanks for stopping by.
Mike in Tucson
Great shot, Mike, wishing you a happy and prosperous New Year!
Glad you had a good time. Next time.... Meanwhile,
Mike - The glass is half full here. Each day is an opportunity to put on a new shirt. Your post is a solid message to open perspectives around us. Thanks and Happy New Year
wishing you and your entire family all the best for 2010!
I'm thinking that that rail trip may have to become a part of our Arizona trip! That looks like fun! Happy New Year, my friend!
Mike,
Nice anology of what it will take to be a success in 2010 when using the picture of Rattlesnake Rock.
Wishing you and yours a very Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year.
Happy New Year Mike - Keep posting those great pictures. It's always one of my first reads of the day.
Hi Mike! I can SO see everyone taking it easy and you running from end to end to get to the best window to snap a fabulous shot! I would be doing the same thing. If I ever leave without my camera, I feel LOST--and that is exactly the time that I think I've missed the best photo that I could have ever taken too!
Hope you have a wonderful New Year!
Debe,
That's why I subscribe to your blog. Happy New Year to you and yours!
Larry,
Will do! Happy New Year!
Don,
Same to you, my friend!
Carol,
It certainly was, and you'll love it!
BarbaraJo,
Thanks, and the same to you in this New Year!
Claude,
Happy New Year. Things are looking up in North Carolina, I'm hearing!
Ann,
Love your snowman! We had a great time up in your area, and we can see why you love it so much!
Teral,
I hope your Christmas was fantastic, and wish you a Happy New Year!
Mike in Tucson
And I, yours!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I can't believe you didn't invite me to go on your rail journey with you. Well! I know where I stand with you! LOL
Wow, I did not know about Rattle Snake Rock! That is very cool looking. Maybe the Dbacks should use it.
Do you know if there is another way to get to Rattle Snake Rock, besides being on the train? (I typed rattle snack, it's ok, tastes just like chicken)