I’m working on a chapter in which we traveled through the Mojave desert. In the blazing heat of summer. Seven of us–with all our earthly possessions–crammed ourselves into a family-sized sedan and headed out to God Knows Where.
Funny, how our mind cordons off certain experiences, while granting us full access to others. Why, for instance, did I not realize at the time (but remembered later) that one of my brothers stayed behind with Nana?
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Here, some random pictures from last weekend’s hike in the desert. Freak show or beauty pageant? You decide.
My mind cordons off so many things, too. It’s bizarre and yet somehow kind of fascinating.
I love this picture, love love LOVE it.
xo
The mind is a wondrous thing, isn’t it? I think suppressed memories are the brain’s way of helping us heal–maybe in the same way that a poultice seals a painful wound.
To me, it’s all beauty, even if seems austere and kind of forbiddig. I think it would take a real mental adjustment to live there, but maybe it’s all about the learning to look a little closer.
I think it’s beautiful, too. To the untrained eye, the desert floor looks barren–hostile, even. But if you look closely, you’ll see that it’s teeming with flora and fauna of all kinds, each organism suited for the ecology in which they live.
Beauty pageant, definitely.
I’m having those little memory chunks come floating back lately, too. I’d bet because of your project those chunks come at you fast and furious.
It’s part of the healing process, I think, these gradual revelations. They have something to teach us, if we’re willing to listen. But yes, those recollections blow in with a fierce intensity sometimes. Like the Santa Ana winds…
sounds very Grapes of Wrath-y ;o)
Hee! There were definitely some similarities.
Hee! There were definitely some similarities.
sounds very Grapes of Wrath-y ;o)
I LOVE the desert in the Spring. Beautiful pics! It’s funny what we remember, maybe it has to do with POV? Nice that you have family to fill-in-the-blanks!
The desert is gorgeous this time of year. Love the wildflowers, and the skies are impossibly blue…
The desert is gorgeous this time of year. Love the wildflowers, and the skies are impossibly blue…
I LOVE the desert in the Spring. Beautiful pics! It’s funny what we remember, maybe it has to do with POV? Nice that you have family to fill-in-the-blanks!
As I am discovering with my own current project, what I remember may not be what someone else remembers but the emotions are mine, all mine.
Yes, exactly!
Most often, my memories are very similar to those of my siblings; but about some things, our individual recollections vary wildly from one another’s. In those instances, I go with my gut because, as you said, emotions point us toward the underlying truth of the story.
Yes, exactly!
Most often, my memories are very similar to those of my siblings; but about some things, our individual recollections vary wildly from one another’s. In those instances, I go with my gut because, as you said, emotions point us toward the underlying truth of the story.
As I am discovering with my own current project, what I remember may not be what someone else remembers but the emotions are mine, all mine.
The desert really is like a-whole-nother world, isn’t it?
Yep, it sure is. I felt like an alien, visiting another planet.
The desert really is like a-whole-nother world, isn’t it?
Beauty pageant. ALL THE WAY. 🙂
I think so, too.
Except, can I tell you a secret? I loathe snakes. I’m glad we didn’t see any sunbathing rattlers while we were there!
Beauty pageant. ALL THE WAY. 🙂
I would love to take a hike in the desert with you! It’s gorgeous.
I hope your desert chapter is blossoming. 🙂
Turns out, a different chapter called to me today. It’s all good though, as it’s yet another step forward in the revision progress.
I’d so love to hike with you in the desert, to walk with you along a sandy beach, or stroll beside a mountain stream… Someday, someday for sure!
I would love to take a hike in the desert with you! It’s gorgeous.
I hope your desert chapter is blossoming. 🙂
Definitely a beauty pageant
Seems like everyone agrees with you–looks like we have a winner! 🙂
Definitely a beauty pageant
Lucky you! Definitely a beauty pageant! I lived in the high desert for a while as a child and loved the wildflowers.
Do you know why your brother stayed? Would you have wanted to stay too?
You’re close enough to take a day trip, aren’t you? It’s a long drive, but do-able.
I know now the reason he stayed, but I didn’t understand at the time. (when I realized his absence, that is). I wish to this day that I could have stayed with Nana. It about broke my heart when we left.
My grandparents on both sides still live there, so we visit regularly. The drive is only a couple of hours for us.
Ah, then it’s time for a road trip!!!
Ah, then it’s time for a road trip!!!
Lucky you! Definitely a beauty pageant! I lived in the high desert for a while as a child and loved the wildflowers.
Do you know why your brother stayed? Would you have wanted to stay too?
Funny, how our mind cordons off certain experiences, while granting us full access to others.
I’ve often wondered this…
I think it’s a common phenomenon–one that I’ll speak to in my memoir. Not with authority, mind you, but with the voice of my own experiences.
Sigh. I have no memory of second grade other than be forced to stand in the corner with my nose against the wall. 🙂
I think it’s a common phenomenon–one that I’ll speak to in my memoir. Not with authority, mind you, but with the voice of my own experiences.
Great pictures! I used to think the desert was so boring and then I lived in the Roosevelt/Vernal area of Utah for about a year when I was in middle school which is pretty deserty and I loved it. My current wip is actually set there so I’m finding your desert picture particularly inspiring.
Oh, cool! I love the surprising and delightful ways we connect with one another. 🙂
Great pictures! I used to think the desert was so boring and then I lived in the Roosevelt/Vernal area of Utah for about a year when I was in middle school which is pretty deserty and I loved it. My current wip is actually set there so I’m finding your desert picture particularly inspiring.