Faces In The Desert
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There were some new faces I encountered this weekend. Some I met at a place called Living Waters...others, though not human, they did play a part in my weekend. 
So, new faces...new travel destinations...exploring First Experiences with someone you Trust...I have to say I did not expect new faces to be found in the rocks--
This particular rock formation (see photo at left) is known as GRUMPY, can you see the face in the rock? Rock Name Credited To : The Big Quiche Naming Association For Desert Rocks, i.e. Tom Kiesche (because Tom doesn't have enough to do), as stolen From Disney. The rock formation at right is known commonly as Skull Rock. 
Later that night...
I was sitting outside in the cold mountain air, close to midnight watching the just-past-full moon, completely quiet, listening to the night desert noises...when SUDDENLY...a coyote...with a thick auburn-gray coat and bushy tail casually jogged past me...about 4-5 feet away. I don't think he even saw me. But I saw him. He was BIG for a coyote. As big as a medium-sized dog and he knew exactly where he was going. Thank God it wasn't any closer...it surprised the hell out of me.
Normally, I'm not frightened of wildlife, but to see a fox-like-but-larger creature, lightly trot past me at that time of night was a bit on the creepy side. He made no sound; had I not been looking in his direction I never would have known he was there. I heard some howling after that and felt the most practical place for me was back in the tent under the mound of blankets that was still barely enough to keep the chill at bay. Not that coyotes are dangerous to humans, but, he was good-sized and I was in his territory. It was hard to pull away from that moon though. And the sight of it is forever burned into my retinas. I lay in the tent for awhile, wide awake after that--but gradually drifted off--and woke myself later... with laughter!
I have heard my own daughter laugh in her sleep--delighted, yet slightly hysterical giggles--and my camping companion was as surprised as I was to hear it come out of me...let alone in a tent in the middle of nowhere in the middle of the night. I think it was a first for him. There were many firsts for him on that trip. Travel with me--it's bound to happen. I think my nocturnal mirth startled him as much as that coyote did ME!
I still remember the dream. I don't have them often but it was an ACTING DREAM. And I could never explain how it was so funny--believe me I tried--but you just had to be there. What I love about the dream was that--it wasn't a voice from beyond--but it was a reminder that you have to have FUN doing what you love. Even if you don't get to do it often. Do it. Laugh. Escape. Dream about doing it, laugh some more...wake yourself with laughter... Surprise, get surprised, be open, take risks, and whether or not you think you're getting what you WANT...have the consciousness that believes it's THERE, waiting for YOU, not the other way around.
Bottom Line: You know life is good when you're laughing in your sleep!
is that Joshua Tree? it's transcending. difficult to put into words.
Posted by: terry | April 02, 2008 at 04:11 AM