At Home in Joshua Tree

Synopsis

Reset, reflect, create. That's the motto at the Joshua Tree House -- an irresistibly bohemian bed-and-breakfast in the storied hi-desert of southern California. Guided by nature and the cycles of the sun, the Joshua Tree House offers an intentional, mindful way of living that combines the very best of the wellness movement and modern design to celebrate the singular beauty of the desert.

At Home in Joshua Tree offers a peak inside this world, with Joshua Tree House founders Sara and Rich Combs bringing readers into their warm, inviting world through mindful practices that enhance the everyday. They begin by introducing life in the hi-desert, as well as their design principles, before moving through a day in the desert (sunrise, morning, mid-day, dusk, nightfall, etc.), with each chapter highlighting designs, recipes, wellness practices, and entertaining rituals that elevate and honor the ordinary moments associated with that time. Interviews with other designers, artists, and makers who are inspired by the desert, including those whose designs are featured throughout the Joshua Tree House, are featured throughout, alongside gorgeous full-bleed photographs and a complete sourcing guide.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Draw

* Introduces the author, Kim Stringfellow, and her fascination with the desert surrounding Joshua Tree National Park.
* Describes the landscape's magnetic qualities, its open skies, and the sense of peace it offers.
* Example: "The desert had its grip on me. I had no choice but to do its bidding, to walk through its transformations like a character in a dream."

Chapter 2: Desert Transitions

* Details the author's first experiences living in Joshua Tree.
* Explores the transition from city life to the solitude of the desert, the challenges of adjusting to a different rhythm, and the rewards of embracing nature's cycles.
* Example: "I was like a shedding snake, leaving behind the layers of my old identity and discovering a new, more grounded version of myself."

Chapter 3: Outlaws and Renegades

* Chronicles the bohemian and countercultural history of Joshua Tree.
* Features stories of the artists, musicians, and free spirits who have flocked to the area.
* Example: "Joshua Tree had always been a refuge for outsiders, dreamers, and rebels, a place where they could forge their own paths free from societal norms."

Chapter 4: Living with Secrets

* Explores the hidden aspects of Joshua Tree, from its underground caves to its ancient rock art.
* Delves into the mysteries surrounding the area's Native American history and unexplained phenomena.
* Example: "I stumbled upon a collection of petroglyphs etched into a boulder. They whispered tales of ancient lives, of journeys and rituals lost to time."

Chapter 5: Surprises in Nature

* Highlights the unexpected beauty and diversity of the desert ecosystem.
* Describes the author's encounters with wildlife, from owls to rattlesnakes.
* Example: "A golden eagle soared effortlessly overhead, its piercing gaze scanning the landscape below. I felt a surge of wildness that reverberated through my being."

Chapter 6: Arid Adaptations

* Explores the unique adaptations of desert plants and animals.
* Discusses the importance of water conservation, seed dispersal, and the symbiotic relationships between different species.
* Example: "The Joshua tree itself is a testament to the desert's resilience. Its long, spiny leaves efficiently collect moisture, and its shallow roots spread far and wide in search of precious water."

Chapter 7: The Edge of the World

* Describes the author's explorations beyond Joshua Tree, into the vast Mojave Desert.
* Contemplates the fragility of the ecosystem and the threats it faces from climate change and human activity.
* Example: "As I gazed across the seemingly endless expanse, I realized that even in the most remote of places, the consequences of our actions reverberated."

Chapter 8: The Place That Holds Me

* Reflects on the author's journey in Joshua Tree and the profound impact it has had on her life.
* Explores themes of belonging, connection, and the transformative power of the desert experience.
* Example: "Joshua Tree had become my refuge, my teacher, my home. It had taught me the value of solitude, the interconnectedness of all things, and the beauty that can be found in the most unexpected of places."