Beginning Guerilla Labyrinth Adventure

Friday 3 10 17

Today I started the labyrinth on a vacant property near Michaels & Target. I suppose a little history as to why I’m creating a labyrinth on some random property would be helpful. You see, since I moved to El Paso in November of 2015 I have not been able to find 1 labyrinth in El Paso. Las Cruces, which is about 35-40 minutes north in New Mexico, has several. I was talking to my dear friend Mary Jo one day and she came up with the thought that until I create one here I’ll have to stay here. Maybe part of the reason for being here, somewhere I don’t want to be, is to bring light to the area. I’m not crazy about the idea of approaching the city etc. to put one in somewhere so I’ve decided that maybe instead I will be the local guerilla labyrinth maker. So now the adventure begins, at least until it gets too hot.

I found an area that was back from the road so I didn’t feel exposed. I was able to really get into the feel of it. I spoke to the desert plants – with very large spikes to give up the trash that I was cleaning up around and under them. I felt like there was some resistance at first but then it was easier. Especially if I spoke to them and told them it was ok. Very interesting.

There was a white butterfly that seemed like it was showing me where to go and sort of supporting me. I loved it! The area that I thought I could have as the center turned out to be an ant hill/home. I moved the center of the labyrinth away from there a little but I may still have to walk through a portion of it.

At first I thought I would clear the whole area of the rocks etc. but as I started I decided to use the rocks as some of the points used to draw the labyrinth. I will then use the other rocks along the pathway. I’m not thinking I will add lots of rocks etc., even though there is enough random stuff on the property to use, but I will rely on the chalk paint I’ll be making to define the design. My intention is for it to be more visible and when it gets windy maybe it will stay and not get blown away.

I got about half way done today but had to stop, as I got so hot and tired. Really, it’s already 80 here at 11am? It’s not even the middle of March yet. Oh well on Sunday when I plan to finish it I will go out early in the morning to avoid some of the heat. I had a vision of walking it with a parasol or umbrella to shield against the sun. I don’t think I would feel all that comfortable being in that area at dusk. Possibly creatures or people may be around that I would rather not be with.

Tomorrow I will be heading up to Cruces to visit the Wild Bird store and may walk one of the labyrinths while I’m there. Maybe a little bit like a fact-finding walk even though I’ve walked a few of them many times since I got here. Ok, so any excuse will do to have a nice peaceful walk.