My life has taken a dramatic turn in recents months, and I am now a thousand miles from home. I thought I’d be staying in a sprawling city, but it turns out I’m at the very edge of the sprawl, and every walk takes me beyond where the pavement ends. I do not like heat, wind, or glaring sun, but this bleak climate matches my inner climate at the moment and is bringing me a measure of peace.
Remember David Carradine in Kung Fu walking through the desert? That’s how I walk — very carefully. There are rattlesnakes here, and scorpions, but I stay on the paths where I can see any life. Though, to be honest, except for a fly or two, I haven’t come across a single living creature. I pretend that taking photos is helping my writing by making me see things more clearly, but the truth is, taking photos also brings me peace — or at least takes me away from myself.
So, where am I? See for yourself:
This is where the pavement ends
The house where I’m staying is down there somewhere
Another view of where I am staying
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Pat Bertram is the author of More Deaths Than One, A Spark of Heavenly Fire, and Daughter Am I.
The place could use a few trees.
Shade!!! Yes!!
The desert has its own mysterious beauty.
Beautiful pictures, Pat. I love the desert. It’s so quiet you can hear yourself think. It’s also very alive and healing.
You’ve given us a mystery. What brought you to the desert? A brief, poignant post.
Christine, I thought you knew. My life mate died, and I had to leave the house we’ve lived for the past two decades. Since my 93-year-old father shouldn’t live alone any more, here I am.
Yes, Pat, I did know about your loved one, which is why I found your post so poignant–it’s what you don’t say and how you tie it into being in the desert I found so touching. I didn’t realize you had actually moved, that’s what I was trying to figure out. I’m glad your father has your there with him.
Yes. I actually relocated — well, temporarily, anyway. From the mountains to the desert. Yikes. My father and I are muddling along together, we two virtual hermits who have lost our mates.
It seems fitting. People have been going to the dessert to find the cure for years. I hope you find it healing and refreshing.