Barbara Quayle

Meet Barbara Quayle.

Barbara is a unique and amazing ‘Face’ of our community…. she is so very inspirational and makes a unique difference to all of the organizations that she is part of and contributes to.  As a burn survivor her positive approach to life is dynamic and motivational to all of us who know her.

Can you tell us why February 20 is a special day?
A: Well, it is my 43rd burn anniversary. It was February 20, 1977, when I was in a car crash and had the burn injury.

Tell us about your talk about burn survivors?
A: After my burn injury, I returned to teaching at a Junior High School. During that time, in 1977, many people who had that type of injury, and worked in the public eye, were fired because employers were afraid of upsetting the customers. I was so fortunate that my school district never had that kind of attitude. I always assumed that I would go back to the classroom. A year and a half later, I went back to teaching. I went through several reconstructive surgeries and wore a pressure garment from head to toe. No one at school or the medical world could advise me on discussing my situation with the students. First, I told them about the car crash, and then I addressed the burn center. I showed them a film about why wearing a pressure garment was important. I allowed them to ask me anything that they wanted to know. I feared that the kids would transfer out of my class, or perhaps their parents wouldn’t want me to be their teacher. I didn’t know anybody who had experienced anything like this before, so I asked the kids to be my spokesperson around the campus, explaining why I wore pressure garments. None of the things I was afraid would happen, did. I learned three months later is that the power of self-disclosure and the truth would set you free.

Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Sedona?
A: My favorite restaurant for an exceptional and enjoyable night out is  Che Ah Chi at Enchantment. In town, it is Mariposa.  There’s nothing like the Patio at Mariposa in the summer. In summer you will find me lunching at L’Auberge on the Creek.

Q:  How long have you lived or worked in Sedona?
A: My husband and I have had a house here since 1996. I’ve lived here full time since 2007.

Q: Who is the most interesting person you met here in Sedona?
A: One of the most interesting people I know and admire so much is Judith Patton. She’s a colonel in the military service, has excellent leadership skills and common sense. I find her to be smart, funny, and a great woman.

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be? And why?
A: In the 80’s I went to Kenya and would like to go there again. There was nothing like it. It’s more dangerous now, but just seeing the elephants and giraffes – it’s like something out of a movie.

Q: What is one of your favorite movies?
A: I always liked the movie Life is Beautiful. I think that was a fabulous film.

Q: What advice would you give to people?
A: Do the right thing.

Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A: I want to go to the Calgary Stampede because I’ve never been to a real rodeo, and I like cowboys.

Q: What is your favorite music or band?
A: I like Country, Jazz, and Zydeco music. The first time I went to The Jazz Fest in New Orleans, it was such a fantastic experience.

Q: What is something nostalgic about Sedona?
A: At St. John Vianney Catholic Church, there’s a rock formation in the church, and it looks like a throne. So, I call it God’s throne. It’s stunning, and one can say that God is watching over Sedona, Arizona.

Q:  If you could choose anyone alive today with whom would you have lunch with and why?
A: I’d pick Condoleezza Rice.

Q:  What is something unique or exciting about Sedona?
A: It’s so beautiful! When I’m coming home from a trip, traveling on 260-89A North, and I see the Red Rock formations. Those formations make my heart sing. I also love the fact that everything is five minutes away from the market, five minutes to the gym, and seven minutes to church.

Q: Where do you see yourself in five or ten years?
A: Maybe I’ll be retired. But I still see myself involved in the community and my church and five pounds thinner!

Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
A: Some people know this, but I grew up on a farm in Iowa, and I am a farmer’s daughter.

Q: What three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
A: Love, Ken, and Warmth.

Q: If you were cast into a major motion picture and had your choice of anyone to be your co-star, whom would you choose?
A: If I am going to be in a movie, I will choose Daniel Craig.

Q: If you had a full-time staff member, who would you choose?  Chef, Housekeeper, Driver, Coach, Physical Fitness Trainer, or Nanny?
A: I’m going to pick a Chef.

Q: Do you belong to any organizations here in Sedona?
A: I am part of a group that starting a new organization called 100 Women Who Care Sedona.

From the interview with Jonelle Klein

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