A journey it has been, to the release of this website. A work of love, it began quite a while ago. Life has taken many unexpected turns over recent years. This is the nature of life, however. Priorities had to shift, as they often do for us all. I am glad to have reached the place and time to let it out in the world and move forward with life’s beautiful flow.
I began searching for the right location to create a warm welcome page for visitors of the website. A remote spot in Wonder Valley, CA had a particular pull and nudged the senses. A Hipcamp reservation was made, and I was soon off on a road trip with my son Ethan.
One can see for miles along this stretch of California State Route 62. We pulled over for the immense silence and a photograph. I was filled with a growing sense that we were heading out to a uniquely beautiful place, way out west.
We arranged to meet the host, Joe, outside a small bar. The only watering hole around for miles. The plan was to tail Joe’s truck a few miles, as he showed the way to the Edge Of The Wilderness. He explained the “house” rules upon arrival. In addition to following Leave No Trace Principles while camping, he encouraged guests to go a step further — to Leave Everything Better. I loved this. Before heading out, Joe mentioned that the area is known to have heightened UFO activity. I could feel the area charged with energy.
We’d felt Edge Of The Wilderness would lend itself to the artistic process and building this website. Being there in person, we understood that intuition was spot on. Aptly named, Edge Of The Wilderness bordered the vastness of an untouched desert wilderness area. We were enveloped in a deep solitude.
Wandering out, I was swept by the beauty of sloping land forms and striking desert peaks, rising in the distance. My spirit expanded with a sense of space, time, and wonder. I found myself open to wide ranging thoughts.
Found treasures left behind spoke to the clouds.
Wonder Valley is a short drive from Joshua Tree National Park. Between rollicking Joshua trees and glacier-sized boulders, one can’t help but feel as though they’ve entered the imagination of Dr.Seuss.
I returned from roaming with the camera to find Ethan immersed amidst nature’s rhythms, inspired to write.
We enjoyed a fire at night, contemplating life under a grand expanse of shining stars.
In the early days of spring, desert nights were still quite cold. We bundled up and slept inside the roofless structure on the Edge Of The Wilderness.
We opted for the ease of instant coffee. It’s warmth was welcomed on these brisk mornings.
Joshua Tree is full of striking rock. I found myself slowing the pace, framing segments of an immense whole. I passed a painter with his easel, also enrapt. I wanted to approach to see his impressions, but gave space to his creative flow.
The presence of ravens is felt throughout the park.
Rock faces are everywhere in Joshua Tree. Their lines make for a rock climber’s paradise. The sense of discipline, skill, and reach in this moment spoke to me.
This first journal post would not be complete without words of gratitude and love for Ethan. A source of inspiration in my life, I often imagine Ethan as a star lighter. He senses within others a latent spark and helps it ignite. I marvel at his ability to kindle inner gifts and help people flourish.
Ethan’s perceptions run deep. I have known this since his early childhood. At sixteen, a tragic illness left our family unsure he would remain among us. Brushing with death further deepened his awareness and perceptions of life. He understood that time is not a guarantee for any of us, and has lived knowing there may not be tomorrow. He continues to thrive and live creatively, eager to experience the wonder of this world. Oddly, we share life changing, near death experiences at roughly the same point in our lives. In both of our experiences, hidden gifts were discovered with passage of time.
Ethan quietly recognized the camera’s calling in my life after years set aside. Other paths and priorities took precedent, as I poured myself into family. A fine new camera found it’s way into my hands offering a new lens on life. Ethan had arranged for a most generous gift with loved ones. A gift of such magnitude in my life and complete surprise. Beyond moved, tears flowed freely as I realized the beauty and impact of it all. It felt as though I’d been gifted spiritual wings to rediscover the magic that photography brings to my life. The doors of my heart opened wide to life and it’s treasures. A deep magic reignited within and around me.
This website has been crafted with Ethan’s effort and expertise. I feel deep gratitude for his belief in my vision and well of support along the way. He is an inspiration to many in this world and deeply inspires me every day of life. I’m including a link to his website and recommend his writing, particularly his Late Night Letters. They will stoke your inner flame.
We went to Wonder Valley with the intention of photographing Rain Barrel, the above aluminum print. However, like magic, we discovered we were not just photographing a print, but residing in the physical framework of the entire website. The website would not just include this roofless desert homestead, but be made from it. From the welcome page, to its very first journal entry, to the gallery of its prints, we owe a debt of gratitude to the Edge of the Wilderness.
With a full heart,
Erika