Patricia Paul Properties

                              
 
 
     I just got back from seeing the Arizona Opera's Madama Butterfly, and it was a beautiful production!  Just about everything about it was wonderful:  The singing, the minimalist stage sets, the beautiful costumes, and the lighting.  It was truly a treat both visually and musically.  Puccini's music is incredibly romantic and dramatic.  The soprano in the title role in tonight's production was Shu-Ying Li, and she was fabulous.  I have seen several different productions of this opera, and this one was by far my favorite.  The Arizona Opera will be performing this again on Sunday, February 5.  If you have a chance to go, I highly recommend it.
 
     We are lucky to have such a top notch opera organization here in town.  You should get out and see one of their productions.   In March they will be performing Aida and it is sure to be spectacular.
 
 
Patricia Paul, Associate Broker  ***  www.PatriciaPaulProperties.com   ***  (520) 548-2078
 
    

                                       


     There are some things we Tucsonans just count on.  One of them is the annual Tucson Gem & Mineral Show that comes to town each February.  It is the single largest event held in Tucson and generates huge revenues for businesses in town (think of hotels, restaurants, car rentals, etc.).   It attracts people from all over the world.
 
     This is the 58th year of the show, and it seems to be getting larger each year.   It occurs all over town practically simultaneously.  There are approximately 50 different venues.  Some are at exhibit halls in the hotels, some are in huge commercial sized white tents you see around town, and some of the hotels along I-10 even have shows in the vendors' private hotel rooms.  Along the freeway you will also see plenty of smaller artist tents.
 
     Many of the shows are wholesale shows and require a wholesale license.  But many of them will also allow the public to attend.  There's usually something for everyone:  You can, of course, find gemstones, beads, and jewelry, as well as fossils, display materials, and tools. 
 
     The scope and size of this event is mind-boggling.  When you step into one of the major show tents, you will be overwhelmed by the sheer amount of pretty things to look at.  The first year I was blown away by all the pretty cut and polished gemstones.  The vendors are quite blase about it all.  I saw some that had these pretty and valuable stones displayed on open styrofoam plates.  One had diamonds, one had rubies, one had sapphires, etc.  I had never seen so many sparklings things in one place before!
 
     If you get a chance, go out and check out some of these shows.  You can usually find some great prices, and can pick up a treasure for not very much.  There's lots to look at and it's a great way to spend some time.
 
Patricia Paul, Associate Broker  *** www.PatriciaPaulProperties.com  ***  (520) 548-2078
 

               
                                  Photo by J. Wallner, NPS


The National Park Service offers some days with free admission to our National Parks.  This weekend, January 14-16, 2012, are the first free dates for this year.  To see the full schedule of free park days, use the link below to read the article.
 
Tucson has the beautiful Saguaro National Park.  There are two sectors, one in the northwest of Tucson, and one in the southeast.  If you're able, get out there and visit one of them this weekend, for free! 

http://www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm
 

Patricia Paul, Associate Broker  ***  www.PatriciaPaulProperties.com  *** (520)548-2078

      


  Tucson has been experiencing a great monsoon season this year.  In fact, since June Tucson has received 8.6 inches of rain, which makes it #10 on the record of the wettest monsoon season.  
 
     Today alone Tucson received 2.84 inches of rain, which was a record amount for this date.  September of this year is the wettest September on record.  This September we've already received 5.57 inches of rain, which broke the record from 1964 when Tucson received 5.11 inches for the same month.
 
     Though it gets messy around Tucson when we get big quantities of rain because of our poor drainage on some streets, and flash flooding of washes, we still are happy to get it.  Being desert dwellers we appreciate and need all the water we can get.
 
     Two of the added benefits of our monsoon season are the lightning displays and the gorgeous sunsets.  I hope you've enjoyed some of our thunderstorms this summer.  Remember to stay out of flooded streets and washes.  The water can be higher than it appears. 


Patricia Paul, GRI   *** www.PatriciaPaulProperties.com  ***  (520) 548-2078

Free Concert Tonight at Reid Park!

If you're looking for something fun to do tonight why not come over to Reid Park to see the final concert in the Spring Concert Series featuring the Tucson Pops Orchestra under the stars, with Laszlo Veres conducting.  The concert is free, and most people bring a lawn chair and a small cooler (plastic bottles only, please, no glass).  
 
Sure to be the highlight on tonight's program is Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture.  It's a piece everyone recognizes.  If you have never seen it performed live, you have been missing out!  It is a totally moving experience.  The build up to the crescendo at the end is incredible.  It is truly a masterpiece!

Concert starts at 7:00 pm at the DeMeester Outdoor Performance Center at Reid Park.
See you there!


http://www.tucsonpops.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=121&Itemid=91   
 

Patricia Paul, GRI  *** www.PatriciaPaulProperties.com  ***  (520) 548-2078

March Madness has definitely hit Tucson!
 
Yesterday our Arizona Wildcats beat Duke in the NCAA basketball play-offs.  The second half of the game was simply amazing!   Arizona played fabulously! 
 
So now we are in the Elite Eight.   The next game is tomorrow, Saturday, March 26.  I hope the Cats give it all they've got.  We wanna go to the Final Four!

Bear Down, Arizona!
 
Patricia Paul, GRI  ***  www.PatriciaPaulProperties.com  ***  (520) 548-2078

According to Bloomberg Businessweek Vail is the best place to raise kids in Arizona based on low cost of living, good schools, and low crime.  
 
There are some outstanding deals on homes in the area to be had now.  If you'd like to take a look at some, please give me a call!    (520) 548-2078 

http://www.vail.k12.az.us/blog/2010/12/16/vail-az-wins-bloomberg-businessweeks-distinguished-“best-place-to-raise-kids-in-arizona-2011”/?sms_ss=facebook&at_xt=4d5d852b1eaf4fe0,0


Patricia Paul, GRI *** www.PatriciaPaulProperties.com  *** (520) 548-2078

      
 
     It's been a week since our Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and eighteen other victims were shot during a "Congress on Your Corner" event by a lone crazed gunman.   The whole country watched with horror as the news started to come out.  
 
     Last week, President Barack Obama came to Tucson to attend a memorial service for the victims of the terrible tragedy.  His words were healing and hopeful.  In the past few days there have been funeral services for the federal judge, and the 9 year old girl who were also killed, as well as other victims.
 
     Today I made a visit to the shrine that has developed on the corner of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords' office.   The thousands of articles left there are evidence of just how deeply this situation has effected the residents of Tucson, and are the expression of their love and support.  There were flowers, candles, balloons, pictures, posters, teddy bears, and more.   The grief and sadness were extremely evident.  The calls for peace and healing were touching.   The atmosphere was one of reverence and introspection.
 
     There was also more positive news about the Congresswoman's recovery.  Doctors announced that her breathing tube has been removed and Gabrielle is now breathing on her own.  She also continues to respond to commands and is keeping her eyes open for longer periods of time.  Her recovery has been nothing if not remarkable, and a whole community... correction, a whole country... is hoping and praying for her continued improvement, as well as that of all the victims.
 
Patricia Paul, GRI   *** www.PatriciaPaulProperties.com   ***  (520) 548-2078

I just discovered that the city of Tucson spends upwards of $720,000 per year for graffiti abatement.  I find that quite amazing!  And the United States as a whole spends approximately $12 billion a year on removing graffiti!  Just think of what else we could be doing with that kind of money!  An interesting study determined that for the most part it was not gangs tagging as most people believe; instead it's more about vandals and taggers who like to see their names "up in lights", so to speak.  
 
The experts say it's best to cover up graffiti as soon as possible because one tagging then becomes a magnet for more.
 
To report graffiti in Tucson you can either call, send an e-mail or visit the  website:
 
     Phone:   (520) 792-2489
     E-mail:   graffiti@tucsonaz.gov
     Website:    cms3.tucsonaz.gov/graffiti/report
 
The city sends out a team of contractors who actually do the clean up.
 
 
Patricia Paul, GRI *** www.PatriciaPaulProperties.com *** (520) 548-2078

This weekend, November 13 - 14, 2010, the Tucson Pima Arts Council is sponsoring the annual Fall Open Studio Tour all around Tucson.   There are 222 artists participating, and I'm proud to say I am one of them!   All sorts of creative endeavors will be on display, representing numerous mediums.  Tucson has a diverse artist community.  You can visit and talk with them in their own studios.  Some of the artists will be doing demonstrations and describing their creative process.   
  
A great group of artists who call themselves Maiden Arizona Artists will be displaying from the studio of Chris Bishop.  This group consists of 8 women, most of whom displayed in a gallery together.  I was lucky enough to come in contact with them through a friend and one of the 8 artists, and they allowed me to join their group.  I'm thrilled to be affiliated with them.
 
The show hours are this Saturday and Sunday, November 13 - 14, 2010, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
                
  
                                    

Directions: 

From W. Speedway go north on Silverbell, west on Brichta (go past and around the median) , then north on Monroe Crescent    *   Look for the signs and the banner *

1620 N. Monroe Crescent
Tucson, AZ  85745 
(520) 548-2078


Patricia Paul, GRI ** www.PatriciaPaulProperties.com ** (520) 548-2078