Sherry

I'm a writer and an artist. I quit teaching English two years ago because I wanted to write more than I wanted to teach writing. If I ever have kids, I would want them to have a teacher who loves teaching. I wasn't going to let myself become one of those teachers--we've all had them--who just goes through the motions of teaching in order to collect a paycheck. My first book, a story that deals with themes of image, chasing dreams, letting go, forgiveness, taking risks and not worrying, using adversity for growth, and being happy, is in progress (albeit slowly) right now. With help from my close friend and editor, Jan, I hope to be finished with draft one by December of 2007. Until I get published (and then get a movie deal...), I support myself by working my ass off for a really good employer. I worked in bicycle shops for two years, but I recently left the industry and am happy that I have more time to just ride now. During the week I am a brown-wearing UPS driver. I try to write a little each day, and whenever I can, I love to paint abstract expressionist art in my studio apartment. Prints of my artwork are available for sale through my website, www.sherrygels.com During weekends, well, after a long hiatus from the bar/club scene, I am back into it...because it was fun before and I missed it, and now that I'm back into it I'm finding that it is still fun. I love adventures--used to snowboard when I lived in Michigan; was the adventure director (ran a high ropes course, climbing wall, drove a pontoon boat, etc.) at a summer camp in Michigan; worked in Jackson Hole, Wyoming for three summers (camped, hiked, biked, and partied with people from all over the planet); and run marathons and half marathons with my friend, Jan.Get Your Own! | View Slideshow ------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------A number of people have sent messages asking me for suggestions/recommendations on what to do in Phoenix. While I am no expert, here are some of the things that I think are cool:HIKES 1. Squaw Peak (aka Piestawa Peak) 2. Camelback (but go EARLY to beat traffic) 3. South Mountain 4. Papago Park--it's over by the Phoenix Zoo---OTHER COOL THINGS 1. The Desert Botanical Gardens (over by the Phoenix Zoo and Papago Park) 2. First Friday Art Walk (If you happen to be in Phoenix on the first Friday of the month, go downtown--3rd Street and Roosevelt--for Art Walk--it's a cool scene) 3. Canyon Lake - it's about a 45 minute drive from Phoenix, but it is AWESOME. (towering rock walls sort of encapsulate the lake--its beautiful) 4. Phoenix Art Museum - they just finished a big addition, and I haven't seen it yet, but I'm thinking it's probably pretty cool 5. Rent a road bike from Bike Barn and ride around Mummy Mountain in Paradise Valley 6. Rent a mountain bike from Bike Barn and ride Papago Park (beginner/intermediate); or Trail 100 (intermediate/advanced) at the Dreamy Draw recreation area adjacent to Squaw Peak; or South Mountain (advanced)---RESTAURANTS ($=$6-$12, $$=$12-$30, $$$=$30) 1. Richardson's (16th St. and Bethany Home Rd.--New Mexican cuisine--fish specials are usually kickass) $$ 2. Los Dos Molinos (Central Ave. and Baseline--Mexican food--you gotta go here) $ 3. Barrio Cafe (16th St. just south of Camelback) $$ 4. Pizzaria Bianco (downtown--3rd St. and Washington I think) $ 5. FEZ (Central Ave. and Indianola--kind of artsy/whatever--really good) $-$$ 6. La Grande Orange (40th St. and Campbell--very cool place) $ 7. Fate (4th Street just south of Roosevelt--great Asian food in a cool atmosphere) $ 8. Durant's (Central Ave. and Virginia--legendary steakhouse w/previous ties to the mafia) $$-$$$ 9. And, I know this probably doesn't belong on a list of Phoenix's finest, but I have to say that hanging out on the patio at Salty Senorita's (in North Scottsdale) drinking Coronas and margaritas is very relaxing. $---BARS/CLUBS 1. The Rogue (East) The coolest, most fun. I LOVE the Rogue. 2. Amsterdam (Central Ave. and Roosevelt-cool gay club) 3. Seamus McCaffrey's (2nd Ave and Monroe--Irish Pub) 4. The Newsroom (3rd St. and Fillmore--kind of an eclectic mix of people there--and CHEAP drinks) 5. The Bikini Lounge (Roosevelt and Grand)--very eclectic mix 6. Misty's and E-Lounge (both are on 7th Ave between Indian School Rd. and Campbell--both lesbian bars) 7. Rosie McCaffrey's (9th St. and Camelback-Irish pub)
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