JoAnn's in the High Desert

In spite of all the stress (or maybe because of it) I'm determined to keep creating a bit each day. I started a pink beaded doll pin on the way home from Apple Valley yesterday. I got to tour the Joann's out there and got some felt and beads, just to comfort myself that when we move I'll still have access to a good craft supply retailer.  Thank you Joann's for being there.

I really wasn't expecting big box stores to be out there in the High Desert but I've already seen 2 Walmarts, a Ross, Home Depot, Lowe's and just about every chain store I'm used to seeing in Anaheim. That has it's pluses and minuses I'm sure, but I'm relieved to know I won't have to drive an hour or two to get supplies. Especially when I don't have a vehicle to call my own right now. I think I will be miserable out there until I can afford a car again though.  It's just too hot to spend hours standing at bus stops.

Joshua Trees are amazing.

It's as if this tree is saying I love you, welcome home.

Apple Valley Road Trip

Yesterday we took a road trip to Apple Valley CA. Now I have all kinds of art inspiration. There is nothing like a day trip to clean the cobwebs out of your brain and help you see the world in a new light. I would have cried if I'd forgotten my camera. Even though I have friends in Apple Valley and my boyfriend has relatives in Hesperia, I'd never been to either spot unless I passed through as a child on the way to somewhere else.  I have no recollection of it anyway. But the dessert always has great photo opportunities.

I grabbed what photos I could. I wasn't the driver, and we already had a day full of stuff scheduled, so it was catch as catch can, often from a moving car.  I did what I could though.

One of the rentals we looked at.

I've always loved joshua trees.  I just never thought I'd have them in my yard.