I was always sort of attracted to you. My husband and I camped our way through you right after we got married, and it was interesting, but I didn’t commit myself because I didn’t think I’d be back. I thought the two of us were going to move to Indonesia. And indeed we did, and we learned its languages (a few of them) and explored its tropical, Southeast Asian landscapes and cultures, a world away from your deserts. But we didn’t, as I had expected, end up raising our kids there. Ultimately we ended up coming back to North America. American Southwest, I was getting pulled into your orbit.
Things only got worse when I discovered Thunderhead by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child, and then the Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee novels of Tony Hillerman. (The first Hillerman novel I read was so sad, I swore I’d never read him again. But eventually, inevitably, I picked up another one, and then it was all over for me.)
Yes, I know there is plenty of terrific nonfiction about you. But I always tend to reach for fiction.
And then, the final blow: We moved to the Intermountain West. Within driving distance of … you. And this last week, I got the opportunity to explore you with my children by my side. I got to drive through Navajo country, Dinetah, the land of my book friends Chee and Leaphorn, seeing the places and hearing the language that I had read about in their adventures. I can’t describe how this felt. It was like getting to visit Middle Earth or something.
So, after this trip, you win, American Southwest. You have conquered me. I am hooked. It is not possible to learn everything about you … not even in one lifetime, and I am getting started late. But whenever possible, I will be back. I promise you that.
I know I’m not the first outsider to fall for you. In fact, that’s another thing that I sort of like about the tourist and transplant culture surrounding you: you seem to attract people who are into art. I look forward to doing some paintings of you that are exactly like the bajillions of other paintings done by your other adoring fans.
And I promise, I won’t steal or “acquire” any priceless artifacts. I don’t want your relics or your pots, American Southwest. They wouldn’t look good in my house. They look best exactly where they belong: right in the middle of you.
Out of Babel 
That’s a sweet post.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Have you read Death Comes for the Archbishop by Willa Cather? I read it in high school for AcaDeca and it similarly stirred my affections for the harsh beauty of the southwest.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nope. I’ll have to add it to the TBR list. The only thing I’ve read by Willa Cather was My Antonia and it. was. amazing. And I read it during an Idaho winter, which only added to the effect.
LikeLike
We got My Antonia at the Library book sale a year or two ago but I haven’t read it yet.
LikeLike
Don’t read it to your kids.
LikeLike
Incredible post! It looks beautiful and you’ve really sold it with your writing- I’d love to visit one day 🙂 And also, that’s really incredible you lived in Indonesia for a bit!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah, I hope you do get a chance to visit some day! Goes without saying, but it looks even better in person … pictures don’t do it justice. And if you ever get a chance and have an extra 6 days on hand for driving (3 out and 3 back), swing North and visit me! (The American West is biiiiig.)
Yes, we enjoyed Indonesia and even met some real-life orangutans.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh wow! That’d be cool 🙂 Likewise if you’re ever in the UK, hit me up! 😀
Ahhh AMAZING!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hubby and I are spending half the year in Northern Arizona now, and we’re soaking in the beauty and history of the southwest. Petroglyph National Park just outside Albuquerque is amazing, as is Antelope Canyon in Northern AZ. And of course Arches, Bryce, and all the parks. This could take a while.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh wow, I do hope you enjoy it! And yes, there is so much there. I had to drive past many, many beautiful and interesting sites because I just didn’t have the time.
LikeLike
Very eloquent, moving. Well done!
>
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh my! It looks gorgeous! 😀 I’ve never had the chance to visit that part of the States … but I’m sorely tempted now …
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope you get a chance!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: Bookish Heavenly Virtues Tag! – the orang-utan librarian
Pingback: Incense of the West – Out of Babel