Rufio happily garaged for the weekend, we hop into the car. Prepare to zip over to the desert for a work assignment weekend.
Abandoned desert giving way to modern day civilization, we cruise into the town of Joshua Tree. Paint is faded, buildings show a facade of wear, yet it emanates an upbeat vibe. It’s not rundown out of poorness or disrespect, instead the weathered patina is a sign of priorities. Of caring more about getting out to enjoy the outdoors, of spending time creating and living, of keeping things functional, but not wasting time on unnecessary fanciness.
Opening the cafe door, I weave through packed tables, take a spot in the growing line. Watch as people enter and exit steadily, in various stages of unkept form nights camping, days climbing emanating a contented happiness. Or perhaps that’s just how I’m feeling. Either way I smile, tuck the wrap in my bag and give a little thanks for the opportunity to explore new places.
Baylor leaps out of the backseat, sprints to the door. For a camping, traveling dog there’s really nothing he loves more than the opportunity to go in a house. Trotting from room to room, he takes it all in. Circles back as I unpack the bags. Stares impatiently. Reminds me it’s now officially past his preferred dinner time.
Kibble dispersed, I check the time. Loading up, we head for the top of the hill. Hope for a vibrant sunset and a worthy viewpoint.
Cresting the top, I gasp, Oh it’s just beautiful. Car parked, we dart about taking it all in. Jog down this path, then to that one. Up and over. In constant wonder and excitement. Enjoying each moment. Fully aware of how fleeting and ever-changing this sunset is.
Light faded, we fast walk to the car before being fully enveloped in utter desert darkness.
Settled at the Casita, I throw another log on the fire. Stare into the flames and wonder about the magic of temporarily lovely things. If the sky was alive with riotous colors all day everyday, we’d surely adapt, take it for granted, forget to care. Heck, the fact that it happens twice a day everyday is enough to almost make us forget to care. And so it is with life.
We bemoan the fleetingness of our existence and then forget to live completely. Worry about it ending and forget to ever really start. Stew in the past, fret about the future. Miss the passing of the present.
I don’t know the answer. Often let the sun rise and set with nary a glance, but I aim to do better. For I’ve seen that the greatest happiness comes with awareness. That seeing and appreciating magnifies the good in life. That thanking and sharing builds community strong and true.
And when I forget all that, I try to remember these words from Alan Watts,
I have realized that the past and future are real illusions, that they exist in the present, which is what there is and all there is.
266 days down. Many to come.
*****
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