Now where do I even begin? I think I forgot how to talk to you, my dear friends. It’s been a minute hasn’t it? I feel like a thousand years have gone by since we last spoke, and simultaneously like we’ve barely moved an inch. But alas, here we are again. How are you, Sweet HaHts? Me? Oh, I’m doing just fine. Getting along very well without you in my life… Made some new acquaintances. Had some new adventures. And we’ve barely gotten started so I know there will be more to come. Much more!

Today was a long day, but I’m grateful to be tired over things I once prayed for. Once upon a time, I asked God for deliverance, and here I am living in it. It’s peaceful here. Tranquil and serene. There’s always something new to see. And even the things you’ve already seen feel new depending on how the light catches it. The grandeur of the mountains and the vastness of the open sky make you feel so small and yet, happy to be alive. Which of the favors of your Lord will you deny? I’m enjoying the stillness. Just over here taking it all in one day at a time.

We are due to have a Super Bloom this spring! Lots of rainfall this winter provided the key ingredient for it to blossom. Desert gold abounds. And these really pretty violet flowers are beginning to pop up everywhere. And of course, we can’t forget about these cute little white ones that provide the perfect contrast. There’s a ton of green still on the mountain sides and the desert floor, so that’s a perfect indication that a super bloom is indeed in store!

We’re one week down into Ramadan. This year feels different for a number of reasons, but even with that, the biggest thing I’ve noticed is honestly how easy it’s been. Obviously “easy” is relative when compared to someone new to fasting or who has never fasted at all, but wallah, it’s been so smooth. Of course getting up at 4am to eat is always gonna be a struggle I have to push myself to do, and it’s not even so much the getting up part—although I do have to set two alarms to do it!—it’s moreso the eating part, but I think I hacked it: multivitamin water, broth, protein shake, dates, an apple (if the spirit compels me), and then some high quality h2o, and I am carried through til iftar.

Of course I have to empty my bladder more than a few times over the course of the next couple hours after that, but then I’m gucci! There has been only one day out of the 7 where I was like, “Ahhhhh! Need food now!” (internally, obviously, and that day was today. And even with that it was like the last hour of fasting so it was fine. It always amazes me how quick the body adjusts to the new schedule and then even starts to like it! It’s getting me back in the groove of being an early riser and get-stuff-done-r. I miss that girl. She was about her biznassss.

I always find it funny how people meet you and then automatically assume that your life just began in that moment. Like you had no history prior to meeting them. They place their assumptions, their limitations, their preconceived notions and ways of being onto you and then get mad at you for not being who they made you up to be in their minds. This has happened time and time again. And it’s not even just with strangers. Family too. Like, we may have grown up together but we also went off and lived totally different lives so why would you ever think that I’m like you when the choices I made with my life and the choices you made with yours stand in stark contrast to one another? But some people only see through their own limited frame of reference and legitimately cannot fathom that you can or would grow beyond their level of growth, and that is why these people stay stuck in their same habits, same routines, same psychodrama, because they are constantly comparing themselves to others & competing with those whom they are inspired by but don’t deem are worthy of holding that rank for whatever reason they made up in their head, instead of self-reflecting and holding themselves to a level of personal accountability and responsibility to grow into the person they claim they are and/or want to be.

It’s a conscious, deliberate, process of relinquishing the shit that doesn’t belong to you. The shit that other people try to thrust upon on you to fit their narrative of who they want you to be. But when you know yourself, when you love yourself, when you hold yourself in high esteem, that stuff doesn’t even touch you because your character will always outweigh any and every lie told about you. And the thing is, when you get right down to it, some people are mad at the fact that you do have a history, that you do have a story, that you have lived a rich, fulfilling life, whereas they have to conjure up characters and make believe storylines in order to have a modicum of interesting things to say about themselves. The truth of the matter is that some of your favorite “influencers” are incredibly basic and they hate that you aren’t.

I’ve had a myriad of adventures these first couple months of the year. I’m enjoying the great outdoors, the wide open spaces, the quiet moments, and the new places. The desert is such a stunning place. This place is such a stunning place. Everyday I’m reminded of the wonder & the glory of the God that created it, and I give great thanks. Perhaps, I even have YOU to thank.

First adventure time recap was a jeep tour with Farabee’s Jeep Tours & Rentals. They took us on an incredible 3 hour tour through and around Echo Canyon and the surrounding areas. OMGGGG. Simply lovely, darling!

Literally so many pictures it will never fit into this one or 10 posts, and to be honest, the pics don’t even do the landscape any justice. It is truly otherworldly. You gotta see it for yourself. So, book your tour today and if you do a guided tour, be sure you ask for Larry! And tell ‘em I sent ya!

Adventure #2 was actually my second time partaking in this quest. Horseback riding with Furnace Creek Stables. They offer one hour, two hour, sunrise and sunset tours, and during full moons, they’ll even take you out for a moonlight in the valley ride. That’s not what they call it, but that’s what I do :) If you haven’t been on a horse in a while, I would *high key* recommend the one hour ride first, although both will leave you with a little soreness, but that two hour ride was a doozy. And be warned, once you are on the horse and out in the wild, you cannot get off your horse for obvious safety reasons, so do plan accordingly.

Caleigh and Addison are their two guides. They’re both amazing so whoever you get, you’re in good saddles!

The one hour & two hour take you in different directions. Both views are stunning, but literally every view here is stunning.

Me & the horsies have a special connection. Definitely one of my (many) spirit animals. I cannot recommend this experience enough. Get back in the saddle, baby, and ride! Perhaps you & me can ride off into the sunset together…

The final adventure time that I’ll share with you today is this photo of Lake Manly, a pluvial lake—one that forms after heavy precipitation—in Death Valley. Typically it’s a dried out salt bed, which is still really cool to see, but with the right amount of precipitation, a body of water forms again, and the reflection from the mountains are magnificent. Situated 282 feet below sea level, this place is definitely a site to see!

*People out here walkin’ on water. A modern day miracle!*

And with that, I must bid you adieu mon amies. I’m happy to have you here again with me. As ever and as always, you could be anywhere in the world, but here you are with lil’ old Aali. And I love that for you and I love that for me. Until next week, stay blessed, EveryBuddy, and God speed.

Love Always (& besitos!),

Your Favorite Desert Diva

i have you to thank

the last five years