Meet Sunday Larson.

Q: Please give us a little brief background on what you do.

A: I study, experiment, and produce perfume here in Sedona. I am also currently writing my fourth book, managing a non-profit, and operating a family business. I’ve always been involved in creative things, and I keep busy with a variety of outlets. My first and only real job was as a designer for custom designs at Tiffany & Co. After moving to Sedona, I began studying and experimenting with the art of perfume. Producing perfume is very time-consuming and involves a lot of thinking and math. The entire process challenges the senses, which I love.

Q: What brought you to Sedona?

A: I’ve been visiting Sedona for most of my life. Growing up, my family had relatives all over Arizona and New Mexico. We stopped here often on trips, and I remember the town as it grew. I never wanted to live in the desert initially; I always joked that if I were to run away, you could find me in the alpine. Then one day, during a visit here to see my parents, I had the Sedona moment and thought, “what a great place this is” to live. So, I convinced Rick, who didn’t need much convincing but I was surprised anyhow, and we relocated within six months. That was in 1997.

Q: What are your favorite things to do in Sedona?

A: Most people might say hiking, but I just like the ease and stillness of living here. It’s an area to live that is small enough to be a few minutes away from virtually everything, and not too many people. The red rocks are beautiful of course; but I wouldn’t say I go around gazing at them. I just like the quietness of it, compared to other places.

Q: What motivates you? What is your motivation like to write your new book?

A: This book has been particularly interesting to write because I invested a lot of emotions into it, specifically grief, for two men in my life. Rather than just experience the emotion, I was able to channel it into my writing. People who have read it have found it very helpful. Being creative in any way is a good way to resolve a lot of the issues we face.

Q: When friends come to visit you in Sedona, what do you do with them? Where do you take them?

A: We always hike. We enjoy visiting the Stupa, Cathedral Rock, and crossing into Jerome to visit the Clinkscale building. We like to hang around the little town of Cottonwood too; there are so many nice restaurants there.

Q: Who is one of the most interesting people that you’ve met since you’ve lived here?

A: Adele Seronde, who passed away five years ago. Adele had been here for a long time, she was a painter who started Gardens for Humanity, and she continued to paint up until just a few days before her passing. She never stopped doing what she loved, and that was an inspiration to me.

Q: What’s your favorite music?

A: Country and Western. My father listened to Opera, so of course I am the opposite. I don’t listen to it all the time, but I enjoy the storytelling of the songs. They are very emotional, and I’m an emotional person, so I love music that makes me cry a little. That’s my confession. I turn the radio off when people get in my car.

Q: What person, dead or alive, would you like to have lunch or dinner with and why?

A: Sam Shepard, the actor and playwright. He was just so talented and so handsome. He could write, he could act, and he was the epitome of a person – not necessarily a man. Plus he loved Jessica Lange. How can you not? I think he’s just great.

Q: What three words come to mind when you think of the word ‘home’?

A: A place to stay that you don’t want to leave.

Q: Do you have cats in your house?

A: No personal cats, but caring for a friend’s. Mine passed six months ago.

Q: Anything that I have not asked you that you would like someone to know about you?

A: You’ve seen my Facebook, there’s very little. What do I want someone to know about me? I am socially adept, but naturally an introvert.