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Showing posts from January, 2012

Day 31

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Today, we took learning outside of the classroom. My students, along with our entire grade level, headed off our quiet high desert hilltop to the low desert valley floor to be immersed in culture. Ballet Folklorico De Antioquia, an international company from Colombia. lo pasamos maravillosamente! The costumes were rich and the beat was fast and perky....tough to keep little tushies in their seats. Fortunately, the dancers encouraged participation - within reason. The theatre was full of festive energy.... On the way home was yet another learning experience for me. You see, we pass through a massive valley practically filled with turbine wind generators. Over the years I've lived up here, more and more spring up. You get used to it after a while. It's a signal you are almost home when you are coming in from the freeway, heading east or west. (Copyright 2012 Diana Shay Diehl. Shot with an iPhone.) It's supposed to be a good thing, right? Harnessing the power of wind, whi

Day 30

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Water? In the desert? Of course!  We desert dwellers get totally psyched whenever clouds form. And, when it finally rains - in torrents, drizzles, or softly falling for a few minutes or hours at a time - we are out in it. Many of us, exploring for waterfalls, unexpected pools that may give birth to desert pupfish, rocks that weep, and creeks that may run for days - sometimes weeks if the rains are long and hard enough.  I love hiking in the washes after it settles down to see what changes have taken place. New boulder barricades. Cultural relics unearthed. Mysteries under the sand are revealed. The next cool thing that happens is how things spring to life - immediately.  In fact, when the air is heavy with moisture, threatening to open the heavens and flood the washes with a deluge, you can almost see the cacti and succulents stand a bit taller - swelling upwards in anticipation of a much needed drink. It could have been months and months and months since their last sip. Within hours

Day 29

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Today was about friendship - old and new - shared along a spectacular 8ish mile loop trail. These are just some snapshots of my day, nothing fancy. Perfect January weather. Wonderful people. Breath-taking views from fire charred landscape to 'lush' canyons full of Parry Nolinas. We were also treated to some remnants of the mining culture that flourished here in the late 1800's/early 1900's.  Nothing beats a Sunday afternoon, trekking along a dusty trail with kindred spirits.... This is kind of like "Where's Waldo?" but with hikers. Can you see them? The trail continues to the far right. Gives perspective to the grandness of scale, no?  (Copyright 2012 Diana Shay Diehl) Lost Horse Mine Loop - the fire charred portion is rather moonscape-like, even after over 10 years since the fires. (Copyright 2012 Diana Shay Diehl) (Copyright 2012 Diana Shay Diehl)

Day 28

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Today's post is a fond memory. During the summer of 2006, I accompanied my daughter and a handful of her high school compadres along with a few adults to the other side of our world. Many great memories of our weeks down under but my favorite were of our trip to Fraser Island, near the Barrier Reef in the northeastern part of Australia. They bost it being the world's largest sand island. The place we stayed, an eco resort - Kingfisher Bay Resort, was to die for. The shower was 3 sides glass looking out into the rain forest with a wood floor. The rooms were Zen spacious with strategically placed windows to draw in all the rich green from outside. However, the property was fenced in as to keep the dingos out. We were warned not to wander around at night and definitely not alone. Some of us did anyway. I think we made too much of a racket heading home from the one and only pub on that side of the island, anything wild would stay out of our way. What impressed me the most was how p

Day 27

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A simple photograph today.....my kitchen island counter, mug of hot green tea, and my favorite local hiking guide book backed up with a little online research. Now that I'm on the better side of this icky cold, time to make plans to get out on the trails. I haven't really kept count of how many miles or trails I've covered in my 28 years of living out here. If I were a numbers person, that might be an interesting undertaking this chilly January evening. But, I'm not. Instead, I'll pick a few must do's for the remainder of this winter/spring season before the heat sets in and desert hiking is no longer enjoyable (or safe).  I'll let you know what I come up with. Until then, enjoy your Friday evening. It's been 'a week'. This chica's over and out - for now... (Copyright Diana Shay Diehl. "On Foot in Joshua Tree National Park" by Patty A. Furbush can be purchased from any visitor center of JTNP.)

Day 26

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Every once in awhile, it pays to look up. Today, while pushing the grocery cart across the darkening parking lot with my head deep into what I needed to still get done today, I just happened to look up and to the west. What drew my attention that way, I'm not quite sure but what I saw made me stop dead in my tracks. This picture does the scene no justice as the cloud formation was HUGE and....even odder (is that a word?), it was the only cloud in the entire sky that I could see. There was barely a breeze on the ground yet the cloud's shape gave away the powerful swirling winds in the atmosphere. Glowing deep orange from the fading sunset, flanked by a sliver of the moon and the evening's first 'star', it was a mesmerizing presence. I heard a little boy ask his dad "What's that?" pointing upwards. The dad just answered, "A cloud." as he hurried his son into the store. Missed opportunity for an inspiring discussion, I am thinking...and then won

Day 25

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My favorite place to breakfast while I'm in Cambria, California is at Lily's ...a sweet little cafe in the heart of town. Every Saturday morning, during the summer, Virginia's granddaughter makes crepes for us. A cappucino, made from scratch crepe - that day, I chose mine to be drizzled with fine dark chocolate - and summer scents wafting in from the Garden Shed next door make for a morning worth lingering over.  This is usually where I go after a long walk along the coastal bluffs - watching for sea otters snoozing in the kelp beds or sea lions warming their bodies on the rocks. If it's foggy and cool, even better knowing the desert heat that awaits me when I get back home... I'll occupy my mind with memories like these as I continue to get over this bloody cold....... (Copyright Diana Shay Diehl. Lily's Coffee in Cambria, CA)

Day 24

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Today's post shows where I am headed after I click "send".....layers of bedclothes and a warm cup of Theraflu with hopes I won't wake until the time I need to be up the next morning. My head is foggy. My chest hurts. My body is achy with shivers running up my spine....and it ain't love.... First upper respiratory thing I've had in many, many years.... A sure sign I need to rest.  Good night Moon....

Day 23

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Today was a dreary winter's day....clouds, lots of wind, spatters of rain... I actually love these kinds of days. The stormy skies give a different kind of life to the mountainous terrain as the light tries to filter through. However, I decided to not post a stormy sky picture. Instead, I just felt like I needed some rich winter color - jewel tones from the handmade papers an artist friend of mine makes - Bonnie Brady. In this batch, I can't remember if she made these, some of these, or the papers are collected from other sources. But, I'm inclined to say she made these as that is her signature brand of art....handmade papers and altered art books, among other things....  In another post, I'll share a bit more about Bonnie and her beautiful, organic works of art. They don't just sit pretty on a table. They are meant to inspire and be used - like these rich, jewel colored papers. This kind of stuff is more of a mood elevator for me than chocolate or a glass of wine

Day 22

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Not much to say today as my brain is tired from 2 full days of participating in a strategic planning workshop with key JTNP staff and our Association board. Very inspiring and productive weekend albeit a long one when one works Monday through Friday as well. Once we finalize our product and are ready to share with the public, you bet you'll be included.... Why? Because YOU are an integral part of the big picture <insert smiley face>... Here is a tidbit from an afternoon of shooting at Key's Ranch, aka 'Desert Queen Ranch'.  If you ever get a chance, book a tour there. Totally worth it....   (Copyright Diana Shay Diehl. JTNP / Desert Queen Ranch)

Day 21

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The winds have been howling here for nearly 24 hours. I'm not talking just windy. I'm talking the kind of wind that knocks down wood fences (that was last month's howling winds....). The kind that flings yard furniture to one end of the yard then changes directions and flings it back to the other side. The kind that can move a propane bbq grill down a brick walk then flip it over on its side. I was praying none of those items would be flung through my picture glass window. Not a lot of rest to be had when the winds batter us around like it has since very early this morning. Today's post is one of my favorite desert flowers - desert bluebells or  Phacelia campanularia .  A reminder that spring isn't too far away... (Copyright Diana Shay Diehl. JTNP / Lost Palms Oasis trail)

Day 20

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Around this time of year, I long for the open road..... A simply packed car: hiking gear, assorted lenses for the camera body, a map, snacks, a few items of clothing to handle whatever weather may crop up (here, out west, it changes its mind often...), a fair amount of unencumbered time, a travel buddy - or not, with no particular place to head to. My favorite kind of trip is pointed in some direction with a vague idea of what I'd like to do, but ending up discovering something altogether different. I have many friends whose entire vacations are "ruined" with bad moods for weeks on end if their well laid out itinerary has a hiccup. Me. I love the surprises along the way (well, maybe not the flat tire-no-cell-service-fender-bender-wait-for-hours-for-AAA-way-too-long kind of surprises.....) From late August to mid June, my days are planned to the minute, complete with a bell to tell me what to do next. So, the less planned the trip, the better. While the road winds this way

Day 19

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Just a photo today - another one (red spined barrel - again....) that demonstrates the power of living things to find sustainable circumstances for thriving.... I love these red spined barrel cactus....especially in contrast with growing out of such a massive boulder, don't you? They are such a bright surprise among the typical muted colors of the desert. (Copyright Diana Shay Diehl)

Day 18

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You are probably wondering what this post has to do with living in the desert or why it isn't some pretty sweet scene of this foreign-to-you country called the Mojave Desert.....  Today's post is about kindred spirits. It is in honor of my best friend and fellow Capricorn's birthday. Life is one grand adventure and when you have people who come through to share a bit of the path with you, it's all the more sweeter. This photo reminds me of friendship and laughter and people who 'get you'. (No, it's not 2 scoops of guacamole with chocolate syrup and a cherry....silly people.......) What a better way to celebrate the fact someone was granted another year of life than to spend time with the people who care about you - and you return the sentiment. It's really not about the "stuff" we accumulate. It's about time well spent which is more precious than diamonds and gold...  Thank you to all those who have graced my life and offered a bit of your

Day 17

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Sometimes, after a 3 day weekend,  it is difficult to get back into the work groove. Today was like that for me. My head was still in this place, one of my favorite hikes in Joshua Tree National Park - the North View / Maze Loop trail - which I did with fellow wanderers like myself yesterday. These panoramic shots certainly don't do the area justice. Hopefully, they give you a feel for the expansiveness of the area.... Talk about space to clear your head and breathe a little deeper and slower. It can be quite humbling.  Everyone needs a breathing space. This is one of mine. Where are yours? Enjoy the view. This chica's tired. Over and out.......for now.   (Copyright Diana Shay Diehl. Joshua Tree National Park) (Copyright Diana Shay Diehl. Joshua Tree National Park)

Day 16

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Today's post is simple photo from today's 9+ mile hike through the boulders and canyon washes of Joshua Tree National Park.  There were tons of these red barrel cacti scattered about the granite and quartz faces of the rocks. Not in sand. Not in rich soil. Growing out of a rock. Solid rock. Is that survival or thriving.....? Such intricate beauty rises out of what our human eye sees as nothing. This little one could fit in the palm of my hand with room to spare. My walks in the wilder lands of this desert I call home show me many examples of living things inching out an existence among seemingly lifeless terrain. Oh, not so.... This hardy landscape is teeming with thriving flora and fauna, skilled at adapting to our ever changing drought conditions. You can learn a lot about the health of our environment and how the natural world cooperates so that 'everyone' gets what 'they' need. All you need to do is get down on your hands and knees, quiet your busy mind, and

Day 15

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Today's post is about friendship and joy - from a dog's point of view... (iPhone image. Copyright Diana Shay Diehl. Mission Creek Preserve Trail) My favorite hiking pals and I decided to take our dogs for a romp along a creek in the Mission Creek Preserve today. It was a bit blustery but overall perfect for a winter's afternoon hike to the mouth of the lower desert canyon. This preserve allows dogs on leashes until you get past a certain point and then they are allowed off leash. The off leash part, of course to the dogs, was what they couldn't wait for. I tried my best to capture the pure, unadulterated joy on their faces (all I got were blurs...) - especially my Toby as this was his first creek run with new doggie pals. These dogs had never met before yet quickly figured out no one was a threat and that a quick snarl or yip would make clear the boundaries so everyone could get on with the business of investigating and splashing through the creek. There was no such

Day 14

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Today's post is simple and more playful. I'm not feeling the need for my usual pontificating on matters too deep for now. Sometimes floating on the surface is a good thing before holding one's nose and diving deep within again..... For those of you who participated in the mystery photo from Day 12, here is the image before I cropped it. Gives you a better perspective... (Copyright Diana Shay Diehl) New one for the day:   (Copyright Diana Shay Diehl) What details will your eyes tell you on this one? What story does it tell? Incidently, for those who have inquired, yes, many of my photos are for sale. Not all though. If anything peeks your interest, you can contact me through this site and let me know.

Day 13

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Copyright Diana Shay Diehl.  One of many gifts today from my children. My son made gourmet, homemade pizza for dinner. My other son and I will do a hike with friends and dogs this weekend. My daughter lives across the country so a phone call and/or Skyping will have to suffice. Funny how we need such clamoring and noise to celebrate when we are younger. Now, quiet appreciation in familiar surroundings make for a fine celebration of another year for living... You see, today is my birthday. My 53rd birthday to be exact. That is a lot of time to accumulate experiences and memories. 53 years - sounds like such a long time. I've lived better than 1/2 of my life. What a sobering consideration........ What could I possibly highlight about my life? I've rewritten this post 4 times already. TMI? Too shallow? Too sentimental? Really - who would it matter to except me..... Copyright Diana Shay Diehl On my 50th birthday, I stepped out of the shower very early that morning to find thi

Day 12

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(Copyright by Diana Shay Diehl) Today's post is a mystery.  Finding the extraordinary in the seemingly ordinary... What is this? Any takers......?

Day 11

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Today's post contains several images...I couldn't pick just one. I had the privilege of being invited to spend time with a remarkable group of women artists who had spent a year working on 'altered art books'. This session was their last formal gathering before all their works went to an exhibition at the Palm Springs Art Museum last winter. These particular photos don't do justice the kind of energy that was present in the home of one of the artists for their last meeting.  The project involved 12 women altogether who created 12 distinct books from handmade papers and original art. They gathered roughly once a month for a year. Each woman made a book with her individual theme. Then, each book was rotated among the 12 women who then added a page or so of her own unique expression. One 'book' used old slim cigar cases that were glue together. Each tin was a 'page'. Another was made completely from handmade papers, all from scratch. Others were outda

Day 10

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(Copyright by Diana Shay Diehl. Taken with a Canon 30d; 24-70Lmm/f.2.8. 29 Palms, California) The desert scape can make one feel mighty small. Especially when the skies put on their show. This same scene, with clear blue skies, would not be as dimensional - kind of "desert drab" as those with unskilled eyes would say. A slight shift in light, a dramatic sky ready to unload it's heavy burden, changes everything. It is not at all flat and 'boring' out here. I'd honestly have to say, that my 25+ years living out west has taught me to see and hear things I have only rushed past before.   Sssssh. Be still for a moment. What can you see now?

Day 9

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(Copyright Diana Shay Diehl. Wonder Valley, California) Abandoned places. We have a love affair with them out here in this desert with imagining the lives lived in the empty shells that remain. The quiet so deep your ears hurt.....where the expanse of sky dwarfs everything....and the solitude and stillness begin to heal...

Day 8

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  (Image Copyright Diana Shay Diehl. Food creations by Chef Rosa Ficara.) (Image copyright Diana Shay Diehl. 'Ant Farm Gang' coloring book copyright Kim Mayhew of Ant Farm Studio.  Food and libations courtesy of Chef Rosa Ficara.)   This is what Sundays are for....time for reflection and prayer;  scrumptious food prepared not only with skill but great love - you could taste it in every bite;  and kindred spirits to share it with. Conversations were lively and thought-provoking. Laughter was punctuated by a few tears that still needed shedding followed by more laughter and a hug.  New ideas hatched. Old ones revised. Heart-felt sharing. Acceptance. Food for the soul....

Day 7

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(Canon 30d. Copyright Diana Shay Diehl. Product by the Ford Corporation.) I call this blog 'ordinary days' of an 'ordinary' woman. Today wasn't quite so ordinary but this shot pretty much explains what I wanted to do. Some days, no matter what you set out to do, nothing comes out right and the day is filled with one disappointment or heartache after another - even when you are simply trying to go with the flow.  Today was like that for me.  I am not always the rock for everyone to stand on. Sometimes, I crumble. Who will be there when I fall? I wonder when will it be my turn to be able to lean instead of being leaned on? To simply rest? Maybe tomorrow....

Day 6

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(Shot with an iPhone; processed using Instagram. Copyright Diana Shay Diehl) Today's photo is one of my absolute favorite plants on Earth - the Joshua tree, aka Yucca brevifolia. A Joshua tree can live for hundreds of years - some species even thousands. It's not really a tree per se. It is "tree-like" in habit. In order to bloom, they must have a winter freeze. That puzzles me because I can remember many very cold winters (I live at about 3800-3900 ft. above sea level with a huge forest of Joshua trees I pass on the way home....) with freezing temps but will yield no blooms the following spring. Apparently that coincides with adequate rainfall as well - and, even then, they won't bloom every year. When they do, those of us who call this desert home can get pretty darned excited.  Joshua trees are also home to the yucca moth - a rather small, day-flying moth with tiny spines covering its wings. In real life, this particular Joshua tree is HUGE. Have any of you pa

Day 5

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(Coyote pup shot in the JT Highlands summer of 2009. Copyright Diana Shay Diehl) Okay, so this is not a freshly taken-just-today shot. Today was one of those days where the camera and I just couldn't cross paths. Hence, another 'oldie but goodie'.... There's a great story attached to this image few of you know of even if you are familiar with this photograph. This coyote pup photo earned 3rd place in the Southland Art Show in 29 Palms. It graces the walls of the Mojave Desert Land Trust and is used in their campaign to secure funding towards the preservation of wildlands in our high desert region.  It is also in a multitude of private collections all over the US and even in Canada. I like to print him in a  5 x 5 inch format or in 12 x 12/10 x 10/ or 8 x 8 formats which are framed in 16 x 20 or 11 x 14 museum grade frames. All sell out.  Every photographer likes to have that signature piece that helps pay off our habits of new gear purchases. But that isn't the be

Day 4

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  (Shot with a Canon 30d. Copyright Diana Shay Diehl) Today's photo came from my quick morning walk with Toby before making my way to work.....even within the charred remains of wild fires, one can find beauty. This remnant came from a most beautiful and thick stand of joshua trees within a 5-10 minute walk from my house. Broke my heart when the 2006 Acoma Hills fire ripped through and devoured all that pristine acreage along the hillside. Considering how close my friends and neighbors, who lived just over the ridge, came to losing everything - all that burned flora was a minor issue. Lives and homes were spared - thank God and a multitude of quickly working firefighters......

Day 3

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(Shot with a Sony point and shoot. Copyright Diana Shay Diehl) I just realized how difficult this project is going to be. One photo a day....what was I thinking? At least there will be LOTS of room for improvement.... Today's photo:  Comfort food - for me anyway. Classic grilled cheese with a handful of  fresh blackberries for dessert. 

Day 2

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(Shot with a Sony point and shoot.....don't care much for lugging the big toy out on a wildlands gander..Copyright Diana Shay Diehl.) Natural inspiration... Anyone want to guess what this might be?  Today's image, compliments of Mother Nature...from exactly one year ago today.

Day 1

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(Taken with a Canon 30d at Cayucos Beach, California. Copyright Diana Shay Diehl) Happy New Year! What does that mean exactly? In many respects, it is simply putting up a new calendar; changing the last digit of the year and beginning the months and dates all over again. Is the first day of a new calendar year all that different from the day before? To me, it symbolizes an opportunity to celebrate, heal, forgive, start over, review, revise, refresh, continue with an adjusted mindset....   Here's to a new calendar year full of hope and possibilities that are lived through the heart...