Chapter Five

Cadillac Ranch

Without much expectation of that depth and wonder I had experienced at Bottle Tree, I did hold onto excited anticipation of what was in store here. Not one moment has been wasted on this healing journey so I knew there would be something. After all, Bottle Tree taught me to listen in.

Cadillac Ranch is very simple. It’s an open field located right off of Rt 66. It displays several Chevy cars facing up in the dirt. Its claim to fame is that it’s a popular spot for people to spray paint their own message on the cars.

After last night’s storm, muddy puddles surrounded the tail-in-the-air cars. People were getting dirty while making their art. Some purposefully fell in the mud. Others avoided it and painted the dry dirt surrounding the cars. Even the leaves and bushes were spray painted. Everyone found a way to leave their mark on this part of the world. At least momentarily.

Because I didn’t come prepared with spray paint, my art tool was my camera. Behind my lens, I noticed the details in the messages painted onto the canvases of these cars. One particular statement stood out to me, it was painted with bright yellows and greens with peace signs and the word “NEW”. 

As I turned I saw the word “REJUVENATE” painted in blue.

Wanting to leave my own little legacy, I grabbed a discarded can of red paint and left my mark.

Belle is rejuvenated <3

Writing the words in the dirt was my way of proclaiming what I need, a rejuvenation. I declare it even while parts of me feel face down in the mud!