Healing and Evolving Together

“They tried to bury us, but we were seeds” poet Dinos Christianopoulos

Desert Rose is a name given to me by a dear friend, when I moved to New Mexico. However, it wasn’t until my world shattered and I had to learn to navigate new terrain on my own, that I connected with the name. The symbolism of a desert rose, a flower having to break through the seed alone, in the darkness, and in harsh elements, became inspiration. As I pushed against the odds and the expectations of my experiences, I connected with a rose in the desert. I was alone, in my darkest moments, and still managed to emerge from the harsh elements. I wanted to share what I had learned and how the way to healing comes in many forms. I wanted to share my story and offer support to others.

My journey took me many places, meeting new people who I helped, but also who helped me. When I set out to the Mojave Desert to work with the United States Marine Corps, it didn’t seem to make sense to those in my life. Why would I choose to go to the desert far from anyone I knew?

Walking through the Las Vegas desert with my mother as a little girl, was my first encounter of the desert’s beauty. I was born in Memphis, Tennessee, but with my parents being hippies, we didn’t stay in one place for long. I was raised in the south, but the desert remained special to me. I moved to New Mexico as an adult and arrived under a blanket of stars. It was love at first sight and I woke the next morning, to the Land of Enchantment.

The Mojave desert in California, seemed perfect to what I needed. I spent my first night at the Pioneer Motel and enjoyed the cold desert night under the stars. My time there was dedicated to supporting the Marines and focusing on my own healing. It was there in the stillness and echoing silence, I began to sleep through the night. The nightmares stopped and for the first time in years, I felt safe. Anna, whom I met in Joshua Tree, was the first person to tell me I was safe. When she spoke those words to me, I not only heard them, I felt them. I cherish that moment, her kindness, and her love.

I met others on my travels who had overcome what seemed to be impossible. They helped me recognize, that I may have been on my own, but I was not alone. I considered using the name Desert Rose for my business and while running errands in Palm Springs, I asked for a sign. I was immediately stopped by a red light and when I looked to my right, I saw a flashing neon light “Open”. It was hanging in the window of the Desert Rose Tattoo Parlor. This was my sign and it could not be anymore clear, but it didn’t feel complete. I wanted a name that represented all desert roses, not just myself.

The Light Workers, Healers, Fighters, Survivors, and People of the World who continue to Evolve in spite the obstacles - A Collective

My gratitude to all who helped me and gave me hope when I needed it most.