my shepherd's journal

my first journal entry, on my first afternoon:

"I spend most of my thought-time identifying geological questions I can't answer. And basking in the inner-stillness, the sense of foundation that comes to me in the desert. I take in the color palette as always. Other than that, I'm testing the metaphor sheep of my upbringing against real sheep. I do, in fact, climb like a goat. Herding sheep is very different from herding preschoolers. Sheep seem to be somewhat self-herding. I try to be mindful of the difference between my backcountry and their living space; I watch for differences. I want to walk and nap. In the desert, those complete me. The comfort here is almost palpable. Maybe it was absent."