In a life that is constantly changing and continuously moving, I flit and flutter. Stillness and quiet alludes me, my mind refusing to go to the restful place just beyond reach.
But in the desert, I am still.
I breathe in the beauty and let the quiet settle my mind. I slow my racing thoughts and take pause to look, really look, at what’s around me. For the first time, I’ve found interest in the mundane. The trails in the dirt and the sand leading to places unknown. The elusive wildlife, resilient in a place so drastic in terms of climate and habitability. I find wonder in the hidden oasis, providing and sustaining life for strange species. And I pay attention for the first time to the landscape and the gifts and treasures offered to those who take the time to pay attention and look.
What I've found is that the desert landscape offers us a multitude of treasures. Some that reveal themselves quickly and obviously– white quartz that sparkles in the sun near the base of a mountain, a jagged piece of obsidian shimmering like the night sky, or a mountainside blanketed in selenite, its surfaces so clear you wonder if it’s actually broken glass.
Then there are hidden treasures. The elusive piece of smoky quartz you’ve sought to find for years or the alluring search for amethyst that you know resides just beneath the surface–if only you could unearth it.
While I’ve spent the past few years finding treasures in the desert, I’ve spent decades unearthing the treasures that exist around me professionally. And most of them exist in the San Diego Area Writing Project. Educators with varied lived experiences who shimmer with passion and possibility.
My newest treasures--the ones I will hold in my heart-- are the SDAWP Summer Institute Fellows of 2024. Each one reflects the unique qualities of the treasures unearthed in my travels.
Every geode is stunning and unique. Geodes are thought to promote harmony, balance, and positive energy flow. Unopened geode rocks don't have any sharp, angular, or blunt edges. But the beauty inside of a geode unmatched.
You have a calming and tranquil presence and you exude light and positivity. Your inner beauty is unmatched and every time I talk to you, I'm inspired.
Captivating and diverse, agate has held significant meaning across many cultures and civilizations, often associated with balance, protection, and healing. Agate is a physical representation of growth and stability.
Your unwavering passion for social justice and your passion for learning and growing as a professional on behalf of students is admirable. You are steadfast and strong.
Amethyst holds profound spiritual meaning across various cultures and belief systems. And, it's beautiful. It is regarded as a stone of spirituality, intuition, and divine connection. It also promotes self-awareness and self-acceptance.
Your presence is strong and powerful and your passion and intensity are appreciated by those who are fortunate enough to know you. You continually transform and refine yourself. And you shimmer with beauty and potential.
Obsidian. With its deep black color and alluring properties, obsidian holds a special place in the world of crystals. Black Obsidian is the enigmatic gemstone born from volcanic forces. It encourages introspection and promotes emotional healing and growth.
I respect and admire your intellect and the depth of your knowledge. Like the obsidian I've come across, you are willing to evolve and change in reflective and purposeful ways. You are stabilizing and grounding to those around you. Your energy is warm and grounding.
Selenite is associated with simplicity, innocence, and beauty. It is a gentle but mighty stone. Selenite also affects other people's feelings. It has a relaxing aura that gets transmitted to its surroundings.
Your gentle ways and calming presence is like the Selenite I've found and collected. Though Selenite is a softer crystal, it is also powerful. I appreciate your kind and gentle spirit and thoughtful contributions to conversations.
Jade is prized for its strength, durability, and beauty. Associated with wisdom and tranquility, it's beautiful in both it's raw and polished states. Jade attracts good luck and friendship. It is valued and revered by many cultures.
You, like Jade, are valued and revered. As an educator you are both fierce and polished. You are also such a loving and caring colleague and friend. I always feel lucky when I get to spend time with you.
Clear quartz are known for their clarity and ability to amplify energy. This stunning crystal has captivated the hearts of many throughout history. There are many types of quartz, but clear quartz is the most versatile and powerful. Due to its ability to balance, quartz is excellent for harmonizing and stabilizing one's environment and is helpful in relationships.
Like clear quartz, you amaze and captivate those around you. You have the unique ability to navigate a multitude of different energies and facilitate relationships and create harmonious and strong environments.
Petrified wood is a transformative stone that promotes strength, resilience, and a deep sense of rootedness. It brings clarity and inner peace, helping you to stay focused on your goals. Petrified wood is also a grounding stone that helps calm scattered energies. It is also one of the coolest things I've ever found in nature.
Like petrified wood, you are a strong and resilient force that transforms over time into an even more magnificent version than the last. Your commitment to being polished in your craft is admirable. Those around you benefit from the beauty you exude while you change and grow as a teacher, writer, photographer, and director.
The first I ever hunted for gems, I found a smoky quartz. I had no idea at the time how rare this crystal is to find and I haven't found one since. Until you.
The smoky quartz crystal is valued in various cultures for its strength, endurance, and ability to connect with the higher self. The most common symbolism attributed to this striking crystal is that of strength and endurance. It is a grounding stone.
When those around you are facing difficult times or dealing with challenging issues, you remain steadfast, supportive, and grounded. You exude beauty, love, and charisma. And you are a strong motherfucker.