From the Prologue:
A few years ago, while going through some files in my studio, I came across detailed notes and the journal I had kept during a desert trek I made in 1979 with nine other people. The adventure was called Desert Dance. I set about transcribing them into the story that follows. They told of a 29-day journey that tested me in unimaginable ways. It is a tale of internal and interpersonal struggles and alliances, severed relationships and conquering fears. The account is of the month I spent in a harshly beautiful place discovering my confidence, courage and strength.
I was 33 years old at the time and now, at 74, I can look back with a mature perspective and clarity at how the experience changed me in very profound ways. Writing this account brought that month in the desert alive for me once again. From my vantage point I appreciate and respect the woman I was and became as a result of the Desert Dance.
This is the story of that journey.
Anne Cooper is a transplanted Texan, having lived in the Albuquerque area for 38 years. She is a visual artist who sometimes writes stories. To the Edge: Desert Notes is an account of an experience she had at the age of thirty-three in Big Bend National Park.
To order her book, contact her at annecooper@annecooperstudio.com.