Growing up in LA's San Gabriel Valley I felt just this way about the gap between the snowbelt-centric media images and what I saw. But then there was the year my mother decided against a store-bought Christmas tree and literally turned a tumbleweed into our tree by spray-painting it silver and decorating it. And for both native Angelenos and native Tucsonans, Christmas means the hope for rain in Christmas Eve followed by clear sky in the morning and the glorious sight of snow covering the mountains to the north.
Amen, David, for yet another epic presentation ... Merry Christmas! I was born and raised 'back East,' but was introduced to the mystique of our high desert in 1969. I met 'pen pal' and friend, Sophie Burden, then 'Grande Dame' of Wickenburg, AZ, who welcomed me for an impromptu visit. In boots and jeans, we stared at majestic open lands before us while curious ranch horses investigated our presence. When it was time for me to move on, she advised me ... and the sage words of that older woman still live in my heart: "You have trail dust on your boots, you'll be back." --- In 1971, I moved to Tucson and never looked back ... for all of the reasons Dave wrote today. Cheers and tears ... and Happy Holidays to all.
Thank you for a beautiful reminder of our shared humanity represented by a story of a poor immigrant family and a boy who grew up to sacrifice himself for others. Your writing inspires.
What a beautiful tribute to the season and the desert. You have helped me start my day in a thoughtful way. May the blessings of the season follow us all year long
Thanks Fitz! As a “relative newcomer” this is my 10th Christmas in the desert and I prefer this to any clouded sky spitting down cold snow that we have to shovel! 🥹. Beautifully written!
Thank you! I sent this to my sons who were raised in Tucson but now live elsewhere but carry this place with them for the reasons you express in this wonderful piece.
INDEED! This native Oregonian loves living in the Sonoran desert, has stayed for 35 years and enjoys the winter skies more and more each year. Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Feliz Navidad my friend. Beautifully expressed and comforting to read. Years ago, when I thought like a child, I would blame God for the many disappointments in my life, but I could never shake the one word that haunted me each day - infinity. Today when I experience the desert landscape, its life and sky you so masterfully painted with your words, I once again embrace infinity and Gods beautiful mansion of a home. Be blessed.
Growing up in LA's San Gabriel Valley I felt just this way about the gap between the snowbelt-centric media images and what I saw. But then there was the year my mother decided against a store-bought Christmas tree and literally turned a tumbleweed into our tree by spray-painting it silver and decorating it. And for both native Angelenos and native Tucsonans, Christmas means the hope for rain in Christmas Eve followed by clear sky in the morning and the glorious sight of snow covering the mountains to the north.
Amen, David, for yet another epic presentation ... Merry Christmas! I was born and raised 'back East,' but was introduced to the mystique of our high desert in 1969. I met 'pen pal' and friend, Sophie Burden, then 'Grande Dame' of Wickenburg, AZ, who welcomed me for an impromptu visit. In boots and jeans, we stared at majestic open lands before us while curious ranch horses investigated our presence. When it was time for me to move on, she advised me ... and the sage words of that older woman still live in my heart: "You have trail dust on your boots, you'll be back." --- In 1971, I moved to Tucson and never looked back ... for all of the reasons Dave wrote today. Cheers and tears ... and Happy Holidays to all.
You Sir, represent the best of us… I wish you and yours a wonderful-filled Christmas, and a happy HEALTHY New Year.
Thank you for a beautiful reminder of our shared humanity represented by a story of a poor immigrant family and a boy who grew up to sacrifice himself for others. Your writing inspires.
Merry Christmas
What a beautiful tribute to the season and the desert. You have helped me start my day in a thoughtful way. May the blessings of the season follow us all year long
Thanks Fitz! As a “relative newcomer” this is my 10th Christmas in the desert and I prefer this to any clouded sky spitting down cold snow that we have to shovel! 🥹. Beautifully written!
Thank you! I sent this to my sons who were raised in Tucson but now live elsewhere but carry this place with them for the reasons you express in this wonderful piece.
My heart is full of sentiment. Your words were perfectly scripted.
Gracias Amigo! Juanita y Royce
A very Merry Christmas, Fitz, to you & yours... you give me hope for this old world.
"Let there be peace on Earth and let it begin with me"... 🕊
Thank you! Beautiful to read first thing this Christmas Eve morning!
Thank you, David, for all the joy and laughter you give us. Wishing you health and joy in the New Year!
INDEED! This native Oregonian loves living in the Sonoran desert, has stayed for 35 years and enjoys the winter skies more and more each year. Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Feliz Navidad my friend. Beautifully expressed and comforting to read. Years ago, when I thought like a child, I would blame God for the many disappointments in my life, but I could never shake the one word that haunted me each day - infinity. Today when I experience the desert landscape, its life and sky you so masterfully painted with your words, I once again embrace infinity and Gods beautiful mansion of a home. Be blessed.
Beautiful. Thank you
Hey, Linus!
It is evident from your most eloquent and heartfelt essay that you truly DO know the meaning of Christmas!
Mele Kalikimaka to you and your Ellen, my friend!
This is beautiful, Fitz! It is wonderful to see the soft and loving side of you for a change. You touched my heart with this Christmas message.