Deserts Hate Me: A Tale Of Un-Tough Skin

Seattle’s winter taught me something new: deserts hate me. In the deepest cold of February, as the upper left coast shivered in a frigid, deeply embrace, my skin burned. Cracking, peeling, bleeding, the lack of moisture in the air brutalized me. Far more painful that I remember.

Over the years I dreamt of journeys through the Southwest. Wandering the desert canyons, a soundtrack featuring R. Carlos Nakai, perhaps tied to a writer’s retreat, I explore the zen within the arid land. Tranquility filling my soul.

Now I fear my skin crumbling off my bones. Needing to bathe in moisturizer. Not the most pleasant imagery.

Perhaps my mind exaggerates. It often plays such tricks on me. The dream still lingers. No harm, I guess, in holding that. Maybe the tranquility compensates for the damaged skin.

Such randomness within in my mind.

Unfamiliar with R. Carlos Nakai’s music? His native flute music carries me deep within, speaking to my depths.

 

My Pre-Dawn Mind: A Morning Haiku

Sitting here, pre-dawn 

My mind frantic with work stuff

The night is quiet

I’m awake, my mind reeling with ideas. Sadly, but restful, peaceful ones. Rather, things I need to change, ideas i need to incorporate. In the morning calm, my brain is editing my work. But they most desirable thing, I guess. It doesn’t facilitate and being of being well rested. The

My response? Open up my tablet and capture these notions, then set an Afghan to remind me to look at them once in at work. It calms my mind.