To all who love the land, the Nevada desert is a sanctuary with an edge. The rewards for entering are vast–I have not yet grasped their entirety even after many sojourns into that wilderness. But I can tell you that there is a juxtaposition of refined beauty and quiet ruggedness that is soothing. And sunlight as compelling as a house fire. There is cold to be intently fended. And moonlight so lovely that I want to linger in it despite the cold. Those who have chosen the desert embrace the land but tend to hold people at arm’s length unless a common ground is established.
Rural communities cluster on roads. Some residences are separated by mere yards yet their inhabitants remain strangers, observing one another’s comings and goings, until one of them feels inclined to broach the patch of land between them. During the initial encounter few words are exchanged and although the meeting appears casual, it is really a reconnaissance mission. I knew that the first time I met Julia but thought the conversation might bloom due to our shared interest in the arts and the fact that we were both part-timers in Nevada with primary residences in California.
We met one evening when we happened to pull in at our neighboring Nevada trailers within moments of one another. My husband and I emerged from our car and quietly introduced ourselves.
We had heard that Julia had health problems. We inquired about them. She replied that it helped to stay ahead of them.
As she spoke I noted that her light brown hair showed none of the amber tones mine had taken from the sun. I wondered to what extent Julia’s health confined her.
Julia remarked: you both look fit. We acknowledged that we felt fit. Well good-night, she said, pivoting toward her door. Then I asked about her exhibit.
Several months earlier I had observed a banner hanging from an old gas station at the edge of town. The banner advertised classes in writing and painting. The offerings seemed luxurious in a town where the only other enterprise was a store the size of a kiosk.
I learned from a neighbor, John, that Julia owned the gas station and was converting it into an art studio. John intimated by his tone that he thought a studio frivolous. I could understand his perspective in the context of his utilitarian world.
But I pondered my own relationship with the arts, how long and lovingly I had cultivated the practice of infusing my writings with the meditations of my heart, and how rich the unseen world in which I labored.
And in my new pursuit, photography, how blessed I felt each time I captured a moment of beauty on God’s transient canvas.
I sent Julia some photographs I had taken of the gas station when its large windows were alight with pink and gold.
Her thank you note came scrawled on a flier announcing an exhibit of local photographers to be held at the studio: If you send me a few more photos, I’ll frame them and put them in the show.
At my husband’s urging, I included a photograph of a windmill on Antelope Plains. I wondered if Julia knew the windmill, it was not terribly far from the studio. But perhaps her health precluded her from venturing out.
My mention of the exhibit seemed to prompt Julia: “You must come by the studio and pick up your photos.”
My husband and I bid her goodnight and retired to our trailer. Ours was a cozy retreat, small, clean and vintage.
For the next week my husband and I trekked around the desert, some nights returning to the trailer for a warm shower and a bed; other nights, camping under the moonlight.
On the morning that we were to depart for California, I walked to Julia’s studio. I looked forward to the visit with her. I knew that she loved the Nevada desert as much as my husband and I did. Once when I had spoken with her on the phone about some neighborhood business, she fleetingly referenced the feeling she had each time she drove from California to Nevada and passed a certain point in the journey where the desert began to dominate the landscape.
At the studio Julia greeted me and initiated a tour. She showed me what she had accomplished and what remained to be done.
“Next I will install bookshelves on this wall to be filled with art books. The studio will be a free art resource center for the community.”
She indicated with a gesture that we should progress into the open bay which had once been the gas station’s service center. There I saw how generous was the light admitted by those large windows.
Remnants of the exhibit hung on the north wall. I gazed at a silhouette of an owl with a hauntingly wide wingspan. And admired a reticent coyote caught by the same wildlife photographer.
Julia informed me, “He is a Vietnam vet who took up photography as part of his post-war therapy.”
I reflected on what it might mean to that photographer and the others to have their works displayed in a local venue.
Then I spotted my windmill. To my surprise, Julia said she would like to buy it; I insisted that she keep it as a gift.
“Thank you. I will enjoy it. When I was a child and my father worked in the mines, I used to swim in the cattle trough beneath that windmill.”
Her words gently convicted me of an assumption: that Julia had happened upon the Nevada desert as we had–seeking refuge from an overcrowded California. But her dream was as much about her love for the community in which she grew up, as it was her love for the land.
Julia handed me a t-shirt commemorating the exhibit. We hugged and said good-bye.
I returned to my waiting husband who had finished loading the car. As we were pulling out of the driveway, our neighbor, John, hailed us excitedly:
“Julia’s just had that exhibit at the studio. You should see them photos taken by a Vietnam vet. I’m out and about in this desert all the time–maybe I’ll buy a camera and take me some pictures.”
John is also a Vietnam vet. He lives as simply as anyone I have met. I nodded and smiled, not ready to talk about my visit to the studio.
My husband gave the horn a little toot as we rolled across the crunching gravel toward the road.
A month later when we returned, John hailed us again. He told us Julia’s health had taken a turn for the worse. She was in California and didn’t know if she could ever return.
The studio was up for sale.
As he spoke I noted the camera hanging from his neck.
Where God Takes Me 
This is such a touching story. And offers so much for me to learn. Thank you for posting it. The photos are brilliant! 🙂
Thank you so much Donna. I dearly love the fact that, during my time in the desert with my husband, life slows down so that I might observe deeply. As you know, photography helps too:)
A moving story. Such a shame about the studio.
It is sad that this community which has so little has now lost such a promising prospect. But it was heart-warming to discover that Julia’s dream touched John in some way and who knows what will come of that? A kernal of hope is so precious in this world where it can be difficult at times to affect change.
This is a great story and you are a wonderful storyteller. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you! I’m delighted that you enjoyed it.
I love those divine appointments!
Indeed:)
Wonderful 🙂 love to your photography
Thank you very much for your visit and your kind comment:)
Hey Vivian!! Its been a long time!! I would like to nominate you for the Super-Sweet blogging award!!
Here’s the link!! http://hearingwiththeeye.wordpress.com/2012/09/28/another-award/
Hugs,
Sumithra.
Thank you Sumithra, I am delighted to hear from you and very honored by this award.
Despite the sadness at the end, there is the wonderful story of this little studio’s lasting impact on the lives of a few men. I was also thinking about photography as a therapy lately.
Thank you so much for your comment. The impact that this very endearing studio had is what inspired me to write this story. It definitely touched the lives of those men and I’m guessing it had an impact of some degree on everyone who particpated, either by exhibiting or viewing or both. In a community of that size even a small event leaves a lasting impression.
It’s interesting that you say you’ve been thinking about photography as therapy; I’ve been thinking along those same lines. My husband bought me my first camera last December. I wanted it for the purpose of taking photos for my blog but I didn’t anticipate the pleasure and other benefits I would receive from the process along the way.
How did your relationship with photography evolve?
I learned photography and film development in the late 70’s during high school. I wasn’t great at it because my background in drawing and painting made me feel like the technology was getting in the way of the art. Much later, I started blogging and then, a year ago, I started photojournalism with my blog nexusofchange.com, and finally, I felt like using less words and more art to promote strong local communities. For this, I had already started the durhamshootingclub.com photoblog with friends. I don’t live in Durham anymore and I am continuing the tradition alone on streetsofatlanta.com. By the way I just nominated you for the So Sweet Blog award.
Wow, thanks for sharing your background, it’s really inspiring. Drawing and painting, there’s a great jump start in photography. I admire your eye for composition.
Thank you for the nomination. It’s so very kind and I am honored. — Viv
Your blog is so stunning. Simply beautiful.
I want to thank you for following my blog. So nice to meet you!
Peace,
Alexandria
Dear Alexandria,
Thank you for your visit and the lovely comment. I’m delighted that you enjoy my blog and look forward to following yours:)
Blessings,
Vivian
My dear Vivian, I actually saw this post much earlier when it came out but I knew to do it justice, I wanted to make a special time where I can read it undisturbed. And I am glad I came just to read this.
A beautiful capture of lives brushing lightly in meeting yet the ripples of these contacts have a wider impact than anyone could imagine. We each touch each other’s lives in ways we cannot foresee. A photo now hangs in possession of a woman in California, a man now embarks on a journey of photography. And their stories and who they are and what they mean to us are now read by countless others. I am blessed to be in the network of life’s flow and ripple with you. May we all be that channel of answers, light, laughter and love to our neighbours. Love, Sharon
Dearest,
For the same reason, I have not yet commented on your latest post.
Thank you for your pondered response, your reflections always delight my heart immeasurably.
Blessings, and my devoted love,
Vivian
I too am a Viet Nam vet with a camera and want to thank you for the tear and the smile that your story brought me. I am looking forward to getting to know you through your pics and stories. Mud
Mud, Thank you so much for visiting and for leaving me such a lovely note. I could not be more delighted that you read and enjoyed this story. I look forward to getting to know you, too. Vivian
Indeed a beautiful story. It somehow reminded me of the Beatles number, ” I follow the sun.”
Thank you
Shakti
Thank so much for your visit and your poetic comment. I’m delighted that you enjoyed the post and it was very kind of you to leave me such a nice note. It brought a smile. –Vivan
This is quite an inspirational story. Certain things have the power to transform. Certain things have an enduring quality.
Thank you for visiting and leaving me such a lovely note. Yes it is really remarkable how great a power love and hope have to transform, even through something as short-lived as this little studio. Have a blessed day. Vivian
This a wonderful place. Please go to John and tell him that I thank him for his service. And I mean it. Vietnam Veterans are my heroes.
Raven, I certainly will pass on your message to John, thank you. I’m delighted to have come across your blog–such ripe parity and bright whimsy. I look forward. Viv
Thanks Viv, Liz
Wonderful writing and photography! Thank you for your insights.
Thank you very much:) It was a story which touched me deeply.
quite impressed with your writing tactics…. keep going on.
Thank you for visiting and for taking the time to write me. I’ve never applied the term tactics to writing but now I will and when I do I’ll think of you. Warms regards, Viv
Great, I will surely wait for something more interesting and tactful readings. Thanks.