Settling into the Desert
It’s been about a week since Nicky and I rolled into Arizona, and the last stretch of this journey has been… well, a lot. After four days of driving roughly 1,000 miles a day, hopping through three different time zones, we finally landed in Mountain Time. Between the long drive, the climate shift, and the sheer size of everything out here, my brain is still catching up.
The heat? Honestly, I love it. The dry air has been a blessing for my sinuses and inflammation, and I’m hoping it will give me a better baseline once the stress settles down. The brutal part is the light — the Arizona sun is huge and bright, and it sets off my migraines and kaleidoscope vision, making driving more stressful than I’d like. (On the plus side, they have AI-powered self-driving cars here, and I’m definitely curious to try one.)
We haven’t had much time for adventure yet. The first hotel I booked online promised a kitchenette and a Jacuzzi tub… what it actually had was no smoke detectors, questionable sheets (complete with a mystery ChapStick), and a general vibe of “you should leave.” I moved to another hotel the next day and stayed there until I could transition into the sober house. I just moved in yesterday — still surrounded by half-unpacked bags — but my desk, art supplies, and clothes should arrive in a couple of weeks.
Nicky’s adjustment has been my biggest focus. The poor girl came here with a full winter coat and is now learning that the sidewalk can be 20° hotter than the air. I bought her fancy little shoes (like mommy!) to protect her paws. She’s not thrilled, but she’s managing. I just wish I could explain to her why we can’t “go home” and that everything really will be okay.
Arizona feels like a whole new world. The highways are massive, the cars move fast, and the sky… it’s surreal. You can see forever, especially at night. During the day, the desert light paints everything in warm pinks and sandy golds. Even the highways are decorated with Native American designs, a reminder of the deep history here. The culture feels more transient — people from everywhere — and that openness makes me feel like I can really start fresh.
I came here for freedom: freedom from abuse, suppression, and walking on eggshells. The freedom to speak without being shut down, to make mistakes without fear, and to finally live life on my terms. I don’t have a safety net — I spent what I had to make this move, my car lease is ending soon, and I’m still learning about desert life (including snakes, scorpions, and teaching Nicky not to chase the army of stray cats). But I’m okay with that.
There’s a lot ahead — exploring, meeting new people, maybe even visiting the famous Sedona vortexes — but for now, I’m taking baby steps. Today’s mission? Replace some lightbulbs, get a P.O. box, and maybe take a deep breath. This is the first time in my life I’ve truly been free to choose my own direction.
And I can’t wait to see where it takes us.
With Love,
Elfy & Nicky
