Local Mountain Man Immortalized at Sedona Foundry

When Bill Pettit, artist and historical reenactment expert told Lee Henson, "I want to make a bust of you," Henson's answer was a flat out "No." But Henson's wife Ella Mae was there, and she gave the go ahead.

The three had gathered for the Williams Rendezvous Days which celebrates the rich history and lifestyle of 1800s fur trappers and Mountain Men. They were dressed in buckskins and authentic reproductions of the clothing of early frontiers folk.

Pettit desired to create a detailed bronze of a historically-accurate fur trader in trapper's regalia, and Henson had 'the look.' "In a week, he [Pettit] brought back a wax bust and set it on the kitchen table. He asked Ella Mae if there was anything that needed to be changed," Henson related. Soon the sculpture was on its way to the foundry. That was almost twenty years ago.

Last month Henson and his wife toured Artscape Bronze Casting in Sedona with Pettit's widow, Laurha Beveridge. The trio met with owner Rob Myers for consultation on reproducing the bust, entitled "Rendezvous." They were given a tour of the facility by Jeremy Ivy, an expert in bronze patinas, who explained the multi-step casting process.

"If I could, I'd still kill him," quipped Henson of the artist. He believes Pettit never did enough to promote his own art. "I appreciate his art a lot," added the living model. Pettit died of complications from Addison's disease in 2006. Pettit's last ante-mortem piece was cast at Artscape Bronze Casting.

Although the living model's face has lost some of its fleshy substance, the strength and confidence that Pettit captured of Henson's middle age will stand the test of time. Just as the Mountain Men of yesteryear.

Mountain Men were trappers, explorers and scouts who roamed the west from around 1810 to the 1840s. Most were involved with the beaver fur trade -- a demand that came from the popularity of the stove-pipe hat made of beaver felt. Many moderns celebrate the time period with historical reenactment of the dress and lifestyle of Mountain Men. Well-known Mountain Men include Bill Williams, Kit Carson and Jeremiah Johnson.

Photo: Youthful Jeremy Ivy describes casting process to Lee Henson, living model of historical bronze bust.
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Stacey Wittig of Wittigwriter Marketing and Sales is a marketing consultant who works with museums and artists. This article appeared in a 2009 issue Sedona Red Rock News. Wittig is based in Flagstaff, AZ and helps small businesses with internet marketing, social media and good ol' stories and news releases.

Using Less Toilet Paper During the Economy Downturn?

Are you using less toilet paper during the economic downturn? Have you noticed the empty roll at your hometown restaurant? Are you squirreling away toilet paper from home to use during banquets at local hotels or, gasp, the gas station advertising "Clean Restrooms"?

Maybe its time to complain, as this could be affecting your local economy. Today SCA Tissue North America announced that the shrinking demand for toilet paper and other paper products is causing lay-offs.

The Flagstaff plant supplies toilet paper to hotels and restaurants in Arizona, California and parts of Colorado.

A press release blamed the lay-offs on a “softening in customer orders due to the weakened economy.”

I suggest that hotel management starts buying local, not just for their gourmet chef, but also for their hosekeeping departments. SCA Tissue uses recycled paper to produce their sustainable products. By Local - Buy Recycled Toilet Paper?
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Stacey Wittig of Wittigwriter is a sales and marketing strategist based in Flagstaff, Arizona. She also enjoys writing about sustainable travel as a Flagstaff travel writer. Communicating from Flagstaff, AZ today.

Wittig Honored as 1000th Member of Climbing for Christ

Stacey Wittig was recognized as the thousandth new member of Climbing for Christ this week. She was awarded special prizes and gifts. The NY-based organization announced, "We praise God for the growing membership and pray that those who join Climbing For Christ will seek to serve the Lord through prayer, giving, and/or going."

The Christian organization of climbers and mountaineers announced the folowing list of new members in their monthly newsletter:

* Stacey Desrosiers of San Jose, Calif.
* Janine Diekmeijer of Groningen, Netherlands
* Brandy Everts of Pincher Creek, Alberta, Canada
* Daniel Manahera of Jakarta, Indonesia
* Stacey Wittig of Munds Park, Ariz.

"We rejoice and offer thanks that all of these climbers have been moved by the Spirit to join us on this great adventure as we climb in His direction," added Gary Fallesen, President and founder of Climbing for Christ.

Wittig was thrilled to be recognized as the 1,000th member of the organization. "It was exciting to see my name listed with other new members from places like Groningen (Netherlands), Alberta and Jakarta," she said. Learn more at www.ClimbingForChrist.org
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Stacey Wittig of Wittigwriter is a freelance writer and internet marketing strategist based in Flagstaff, Arizona. She enjoys sharing FREE travel tips and zany travel deals with her readers and friends. Subscribe to this blog for fun travel stories and more FREE travelers advice.

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Presidential Suite up for Grabs?

Well, Barack may not be able to get one of those presidential suites at The InterContinental Montelucia Resort and Spa in Phoenix tonight. (See yesterday's blog.)

Although there is "room at the inn," it seems that Obama-rival Senator John McCain has reserved space for a fund-raising event to kick off his campaign for a fifth senate term. It is not known whether the long-planned McCain fundraiser is being held in either of the presidential suites at The InterContinental Montelucia Resort and Spa.

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Stacey Wittig of Wittigwriter is a Flagstaff travel writer and marketing strategist.

Obama Slept Here: The InterContinental Montelucia Resort and Spa

That Judy Hedding at Phoenix.about.com! She is a true insider... How the heck did she learn that President Obama is going to stay at the InterContinental Montelucia Resort and Spa in Phoenix tomorrow night?

I wonder if they'll put him in the 3,000 sq ft Camelback 2-bedroom presidential suite with the private event lawn? Or the 3,000 sq ft Andalusian 2-bedroom presidential suite with private pool and spa?

I'm sure he'll love it. I was in heaven with my 465 sq ft guest room --#528. After sleeping on the InterContinental Montelucia's custom-made mattresses, Obama will probably order a "Divine Bed" for the White House.

Learn more at http://phoenix.about.com/b/2009/02/16/barack-and-i-have-the-same-taste-in-resorts.htm
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Stacey Wittig of Wittigwriter is a marketing strategist and Flagstaff travel writer.

Myths, Legends and Southwest Stories

The Greater Phoenix Convention and Visitors Bureau has put together a whirlwind tour of some of Phoenix-area visitors' favorite sites. Last night our opening dinner was hosted by the Talavera Restaurant at the Four Seasons Resort - Scottsdale at North Troon.

Featuring contemporary American cuisine, Talavera offers tequila tasting in their wine cellar. Our dinner started with a salad of seasonal greens mixed with fresh pear, candied onions and pecans. I chose the 14 oz. Bone-In Short Rib first rubbed in a spicy chipotle and then plated in a pool of creamy polenta. "Who needs a knife?" asked Troy Petenbrink, a writer from Washington, DC. The tender meat, garnished with healthful honeycomb from local hives, just fell on my fork and melted in my mouth. "The honeycomb cuts the spiciness of the dish," explained Chef Mendez table-side.


Although the property is only nine years old, a recent face lift saw the addition of a dramatic fire element framed by glass and positioned for both indoor and outdoor diners to enjoy. The restaurant is appropriately decorated in the palate of the blooming desert. The breathtaking night-time views of the city and Pinnacle Peak make for a romantic -- and dramatic -- dining experience.

That's me with Kim Cole, Director of Public Relations for the Four Seasons Resort. Thanks, Kim!
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Stacey Wittig of Wittigwriter is a marketing strategist and Flagstaff travel writer.