Earlier this month I had the opportunity to attend the Society of Surgical Oncology annual meeting. It has been many years since I was at a meeting conference and this seemed the perfect one to attend - I know the President of SSO and the President-elect, it is warm and not snowing, and I have a dear friend that lives there.
One of my interests is that of the Native America cultures. So I was not going to miss the opportunity to visit the Heard Museum, which has an incredible collection of art, artifacts, pottery, blankets and a wonderful display of the schooling of the Indians and the difficulties associated with separation of children form family - no matter how well intentioned.
This was my favorite painting. It is named Day of the Council. I love the simplicity and the story it depicts. The artist is Joan Hill (Muscogee Creek/Cherokee, 1930-2020). The story of this painting is that it depicts Native women as decision makers and carriers of communal responsibility. The figures include several generations who gather to deliberate matters of consequence including war and peace.
It was a relative short walk from the convention center and I am happy I ventured out there. The hotel staff said it was just around the corner - about 1.2 miles around the corner!
On my return I stopped at a Teahouse that served tea, coffee and pastries (Songbird Coffee and Teahouse). Since I had not eaten all day, I stopped at this establishment for an afternoon tea and a scone. The place reminded me of my old days in Vermont.
I also visited the St. Mary's Basilica, the oldest Catholic parish in Phoenix - built in 1880 as an adobe Church. It is sizeable now and beautiful and was only 2 blocks from the convention center.
All in all in was a good meeting. I reconnect with colleagues from City of Hope and SSO. I learned new things at the meeting and I enjoyed visiting with a good friend and the warmth of the Arizona sunshine. I do enjoy the desert scenery and cultures of the southwest.
And when I came home Gunanrr and Shorty were very happy to see me!
Until next time.................................
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