A Personal Experience: My first encounter with a Joshua tree left me captivated. The uniqueness of each individual tree decorating the south end of the Mojave Desert expressed a creative and regal shape, drawing me quickly in to their majestic splendor. The branches, some twisting and turning with a common goal to reach for the sky, showed their strength, beauty, and determination to shine, exhibiting an eagerness to debut their early spring-time blossoms. The trees, blooming only during years when there has been good precipitation, showed off the bell-shaped creamy yellowish-white blooms, making me feel as though I was witness to a special moment in their lives. The parks magnificent boulders changing colors as the sun changed positions in the sky; it was like watching a concert of colors performed just for me. There is a very tranquil, peaceful and serene feel in the Joshua Tree National Park; one that truly makes you mindful, taking notice of life, self-awareness and reflection. Diana Raquel Sainz www.dianasainz.com La Costa, California September 2011