Homestead

Misshapen limbs of the Palo Verde trees add an artistic touch to the landscape. While Honeysuckle twine about the old rail fence and the spiny Ocotillo flash scarlet plumes. Mesquite trees, older than the homestead, reach out and cast much appreciated shade. Saguaro's flank the hard packed drive. Desert poppies lead the way to the home. Built of stone. Hand laid by calloused hands. Topped with thick rough hewned timbers and clay tiles. The home welcomes all. Windows sparkle in the late afternoon sun. Reflecting brilliance that hurts the eye. Once inside, a coolness calms and refreshes. The native stone keeping the desert heat at bay. Beams hewn from the Mesquite adorn the ceiling. Stucco interior walls add a softness and Spanish flavor. Arched doorways lead to halls and bedrooms. Each with it's own distinctive fashion. Soft beds with hand woven blankets. Each depicting a different Indian Spirit. Deep set windows to let in the cool breeze of spring and fall. Thick draperies to block out the summer heat and winter cold. The kitchen, sparse and utilitarian. A soap stone sink, slate counters and open faced cabinets. dried herbs, onions and peppers hang from hand forged hooks. As do the pots and pans used to cook simple fare that fills the belly and warms the soul. A blue speckled coffee pot with a chipped spout is always on the newfangled gas stove. The old woodburner sit as before. Used in winter to warm the kitchen and bake the daily bread. A place of gathering, is the plank top table. With it's brightly colored cover and always full cookie jar. back in the main room is a beehive fireplace in the corner. It's bulbous form giving character to the otherwise plain room. More exposed beams extol the strength and longevity of the home. While wood and leather furniture offer comfort and rest. Beautiful hand crafted wood cabinets and shelves hold antiques found on travels. Shadow boxes hold arrowheads found on desert hikes. Pottery from the local tribes finish out the decor. Homes like this are becoming extinct. To find souls who appreciate it's honest design and accept the happiness that simplicity can bring, is becoming rare. I am one of those souls. My search is on going to find my place in The Valley Of The Sun.