Desert Dopamine

If you’ve ever felt stuck in the mud about your life, there’s nothing a good road trip to get you unmired. Or even a bad road trip. In gaining another perspective, you realize what matters most. Even if pressing that reset button only brings up more questions, the road is good mental floss.



The morning call of the cactus wren, the orange sunset over purple mountains, the coyote slinking through the campground, even the mineral taste of hard desert water—all of these sensory experiences make their mark on my watery NW self.


Though visiting my sister in Morro Bay was quite nice for me and Savanna, it’s good to be back in the desert. Family time is important; long talks and even some spats sweetened the long drive down to Tucson but now Savanna has left and my soul is pacing, saying “OK what next?” Revisiting some sites I enjoyed 2 years ago, I’m still wondering if a desert home is in my future. 

What is it about change and novelty that shakes me up and clears my head? A different kind of solitude embraces me now, alone in the chilly night in my trusty van. This week will bring more adventures and visits with friends, the salve for my wanderlust…

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