At first glance, the desert presents itself as a broad expanse of sandy nothingness, pockmarked by a few tenacious plants. You might see a predatory bird overhead; you might see a lizard or snake, scuttling over sun-baked rocks in search of shade. But otherwise, the place seems desolate and uninviting.
Dangerous, even.
But when you look closer, a doorway reveals itself…
And a host of life forms, once invisible, come gradually into view.
And if you listen carefully, you’ll hear the pulsing sounds of water, coursing through the seeming stillness.
Taken on its own terms, the desert is a beautiful place–its oases, especially. They’re the stuff of legends and life metaphors, history books and sacred texts. Here, mirage and reality morph into one, and nothing never happens.
Ahhh thank you for the trip away from all the whiteness!!!
Thanks for joining me! I love playing in the sunshine with my friends. 🙂
Wow! Thank you so much for these pics!
Thank you for coming along on my adventure! Would you like to ride the Endangered Animals merry-go-round with me? I mentioned it yesterday, but here’s another picture:
Why thank you! I’d love to! 🙂
I have only been in the desert once and I was astonished at how much was really going on among the cacti and sandy ground. Beautiful photos–I’m so jealous of your pictures.
It’s amazing, isn’t it? I favor the ocean and cottage gardens, but I’ve learned to appreciate the desert’s muted glory.
Beautiful! What a lovely, peaceful way to start the day. Thanks. 🙂
I’m glad the oasis provided sanctuary for you this morning. I love it for that reason.
Of course, I also enjoy my playtime. Would that we could all take a spin on the endangered animals merry-go-round today!
Oh, the light quality! Those photos are lovely, even if I am not a desert person.
On the whole, I’d much rather be near the mountains or at the beach. But I’ve learned to love the desert for its unique qualities, an oasis especially. 🙂
Thank you for sharing this oasis, and taking me out of the frigid cold.
Aaahh…..
I’m so glad you’ve joined me! Shall we sit on a rock in dappled sunshine, and dangle our feet in the cool, clear water? Seems to me an ideal spot in which to catch up with one another, and to share our latest adventures.
Count me in. Although right now the thought of putting my feet in water gives me a chill, even in the desert.
I get that warmth is a top priority–it is for me, as well. So how ’bout we climb atop these boulders to sun ourselves? If we get too warm, we can always splash in the pool of water below us…
The perfect solution. I’m on my way…
What a magical place. I especially love the doorway. It just begs to be explored. Love the flowers too. And the duck. Actually I love all of the pics. Thanks for sharing.
I love that doorway, too! It’s a lot like stepping through the wardrobe and into Narnia. Minus the frigid temperatures, of course. 🙂
I love the photos and how the doorway leads you to a beautiful and peaceful place! thak you!
Thank *you* for stepping through that doorway with me. 🙂
I love that beauty found even in so-called desolation — very lovely and poignant!
It’s a metaphor for life itself–in the wilderness, there is refuge. 🙂
This is really gorgeous. I love seeing your photos from here.
It’s fun to share them with you! Have you visited the oasis yet? If no, it really should be on your bucket list. You live so close…
I am so going to have to make it out there. I really am.
I want to go to there.
Do you have a guest room?? 😉
Sure do! And you’re always welcome. I’d love to hang out with you, at the oasis and some of my other favorite SoCal spots!
Absolutely beautiful! Words and pictures.
Thanks for sharing that with me!
Hey, it’s Catinthesun! Yay, I’m so glad you stopped by! How’ve you been? Long time, no see…
These are wonderful as they warm me from the chill Mother Nature has dealt us these past few days. So many place to sit and take in the beauty of the world around us. All it takes is time to open our eyes and listen with them. I do enjoy they beauty of your photos and words.
Glad you stopped by to warm those chilled bones of yours. It’s really frigid in your corner of the world, isn’t it? Brrr, I’m headed to CT next week, and weather wimp that I am, I’m shivering at the thought.
Warming up to the 40’s today but more snow tomorrow then in the 60’s Monday and back cold and snow on Tuesday. That’s West Texas for you. Now you wrap up real good cause it can get cold up in CT. Don’t forget that camera cause you will be my eyes up there. Have a good trip and my thoughts are with you.
GORGEOUS!
Every neighborhood has its own peculiar beauty. Most have their own brand of magic, too. It’s fun to share “my” stomping grounds with you…and to visit yours, as well.
Such beauty. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for joining me! “My” desert oasis feels even more magical when I discover ways to share it.
Gorgeous!!
I wish you could see it (with me!) firsthand. 🙂
It is, isn’t it? Worlds away from Ohio…or even my backyard.
Reaching for the golden ring | A Joyful Noise
[…] though it might seem, this blog entry was  inspired by a visit to “my” desert oasis this past weekend, where I reflected on next-steps for my memoir  and pondered Alan […]