Reframing and Window Frames

There were rumors of a religious enclave in the high desert–a “city of refuge” built to protect its residents from the invading “army from the North.” Goliath with an A-bomb. It would also serve as a spiritual sanctuary for Gospel-abiding followers of Christ. Or so their preacher said.

I knew nothing of this place until about three weeks ago. Suddenly a relative (and a former resident of this religious enclave) spoke openly of it. He was willing to share pictures and personal anecdotes, but at the last minute, that opportunity was snatched away by someone who wanted control over the story–my story.

Undeterred, I climbed into my Nancy Drew roadster and headed to the hinterlands, with a trusted friend riding shotgun. A week later, I’m still trying to absorb the full significance of my/our discoveries.

If you twist the lens just right– and tune your ears just so–you might be made to believe you’re entering the Garden of Eden.

But on the other side of the stucco archway, beyond the stone fences…truth becomes evident. The hardscrabble earth is almost barren, pockmarked by chapparal and the occasional cactus. And along a thin stream of water, sparse outcroppings of sycamore and cottonwood trees. (By adjusting the lens again, I still managed to find beauty.)

The remains of a one-time “bomb shelter” is tucked into a distant hillside. There’s room inside for people, plus food, water, and other supplies.

This next photograph speaks to the residents’ Grapes of Wrath-like existence. My mother is clinging to the rusted farm truck, and the petite woman in the dark-colored dress? That’s my beloved Nana, tending a field of corn. Corn!! Smack-dab in the middle of the hard-packed, sun-baked desert! Miracle or hard labor? You decide.

Through a glass darkly…So many questions came to mind as we passed through the hollowed-out remains of my relatives’ hopes and dreams.

Strewn across the desert floor, we saw the bleached architectural bones of a livestock pen. The current owner of the property, so generous with his time, offered me the window frame in the center of this photograph.

Someone else might have passed it by without so much as a sidelong glance. Justifiably so. It’s rough-hewn and unremarkable–about 2 feet by 3 feet of paint-chipped lumber, held together with rusted nails. But it’s borne witness to my family’s secrets, so I think it’s beautiful.

So…How can I repurpose this window frame for my own home, in a way that enhances its beauty and honors its significance? I’d love to hear your creative ideas!

P.S. You know that saying, “You can’t push the river”? It applies so much to this situation. At times, I’ve fretted about being a turtle-slow writer. But in truth, my memoir wouldn’t have been complete without this fresh discovery.

36 Comments

    • It’s not a physical oasis, but perhaps one could find spiritual refuge there, given a certain frame of mind…

      For sure, it’s an adventure! I’ve encountered so, so many surprises.

      Wishing you a wonderful holiday weekend. xo

  3. Wow. Powerful, moving and poignant. When you re-visit places like this, it’s almost like a part of them is whispering to you.

    How about a picture frame, perhaps for one of your vision boards?

    • You’re so right…they do whisper their secrets, but the real trick lies in knowing how to listen.

      A picture frame is a beautiful idea. It’s one of my top two choices, in fact.

      Happy weekend, my friend! xo

  4. Frame a mirror, Melodye. This is a part of what made you who you are and who you are striving to be. Looking through a window to the past, in the case, is looking into the future, too.

    Emjae

  5. This is such an unbelievable journey you’re on. No wonder your body called for a time-out via its cold. Take it easy while you process all this, Melodye. Here’s a hug…

    • Thanks so much for the hugs, and for your compassionate understanding most of all.

      I’ve had no choice but to go inward this week (see today’s post). But that’s all for the good. In the silence, I’ve processed a great deal about my story, and I feel I’ve grown a lot as a writer. When the student is ready…

  6. Wow! Look at all these amazing stories that you’re uncovering. I can’t wait to read all about your discoveries. Hugs and love to you on your inner and outer journey.

    • Hugs from you? Such a treasure! I’m savoring each and every one. Oh Lorraine, I so wish we talk about this over tea and scones. Someday, someday, someday… In the meantime, I’m trying to learn how to “talk” about it through the written word.

    • First of all, I adore your icon. I wish so much I had a similar picture of myself. Reading was my favorite pastime as a child…

      And to your comment, I have no words, only gratitude. xo

      • ((hugs)) Equal gratitude on this end!

        This isn’t me, by the way. This lovely child is Lorraine Miles, photographed sometime in the 1930s or 1940s, and she graces the cover of the double album Awake My Soul and Help Me to Sing, which was created to accompany the documentary Help Me to Sing, about Sacred Harp. You can see a more complete photo here.

        I loved her serious face–so intense–and I love the Sacred Harp hymns, so I took her image for an icon.

        I did have that haircut as a very young girl though!

  11. It would make a fabulous frame for a shadow box or pictures or a mirror…
    Can you say where in the desert it’s located?
    I had family out in the Mojave/Tehachapi area. It is harsh, but beautiful out there.

    • It’s bordered by Angeles Forest. Does that give you a better idea? And yes, you can find beauty there, but you have to train your eyes to see it.

  12. I like the idea of a mirror. Mirror, mirror, on the wall, Where do I come from, Tell me all…
    I can hardly wait to read your memoir and this new stuff is very exciting.

    • I like the mirror idea, too. I’m wondering if/how the glass could be attached to a narrow, rough-hewn window frame.

      And thanks for your words of encouragement. They mean a great deal to me… xo

      • On the back of the window frame you could attach three strips of the kind of frame stock that has a groove for the glass. Have the groove to the inside, towards the picture frame. Use three pieces, one for each side and one for the bottom (i.e. a slot on the back of the frame) and slide the mirror in from the top. I think one of those framing places could do it for you or tell you how to do it yourself. You can get mirror cut to size at a glass place or maybe a frame shop.

  13. Thank you Melodye for sharing your journey with us. I am glad you let your writing process take the time it needs, but know that there are people out here who cannot wait to read your finished story!

    I love the idea of framing a mirror. But a collage of the photos you have gathered while on this journey would also look beautiful inside that window frame.

    • I’m so grateful that you’ve been willing to accompany me on this journey. I don’t honestly know how I’d manage it alone. xo

      A mirror or a framed collage of photos…those are the two options that appeal to me most. Still mulling… 🙂

  14. Wow! You’re on such an incredible journey of discovery, Melodye! I’m glad that you are going with the flow and thank you for allowing us a little peak. I love the arch way!

    I love the idea of a mirror! A shadow box would be wonderful but the mirror would help to reflrct the amazing journey you’ve been on.

    Hope you have a wonderful weekend! ((Hugs))

    • I so wish I could take you with me on some of these adventures, Sharon. I imagine you’d see things with the same wide-eyed sense of wonder.

      I’m posting a picture of the mirrored frame in just a few minutes. I took everyone’s suggestion, and I’m so glad that I did! xo

  15. Wow. Incredible photos and story.
    Thanks for sharing. I’m sure you’ll figure everything out to tell your story–doors are opening for you.
    xo
    ~s

    • Thanks so much for your kind words of encouragement, Sarah. The doors are opening slowly, but I’m learning to be patient, to tell the story true…in its own time.

      I’m going to post a picture of the window frame today…at the advice of several who’ve commented here, I’ve inserted a mirror, and I love it! 🙂

  17. All I can say is WOW! On our travels we see so many run down farms, etc. Now you have the story behind one such place. Thanks for sharing and yes–it must go in your memoir!

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