The good thing about writing a book is that I can hang out in my pajamas all day.
The bad thing about writing a book is that I hang out in my pajamas all day.
Sometimes I miss going out to social events, making friends and having conversations with someone who isn’t my cat.
That’s why I was so excited about the Palm Desert Chamber of Commerce mixer. Not only was this an opportunity to meet new people and hand out my business card as a freelance writer, but at last I had a reason to wash my hair and put on makeup.
Plus, giddy-up, y’all! This wasn’t some boring ol’ networking event. With a super-fun hoedown theme, the dress code was more jeans and boots than suits and heels.
Buses and jeep coaches brought all the guests to Metate Ranch, a little Western town tucked away in the crevices of the San Andreas Fault. There was music, a glowing bonfire, a shooting range, even a stand where visitors could pan for gold.
This sign reminded me of college. And if any of you have been to the Smiling Skull Saloon in Athens, Ohio, you’ll know what I mean.
Food was provided by Jackalope Ranch of Indio. I’m still on a food and drink detox (boo!) so I didn’t get to rustle up any grub, but I did hear plenty of raves about their signature mac and cheese.
Just when I thought the mixer couldn’t get any better, my friends and I took over the costume booth! Here I am indulging my inner cowpoke, while Xochitl plays the role of my squaw. Now this is original gangsta.
Our evening was capped off by a rollicking ride through the fault zone, courtesy of the fine folks at Desert Adventures. Naturalist guide Eric Harmon zoomed through jagged cuts of canyon, showing me a dramatic desert I’ve never seen before.
It was a mini version of their full fault line tour, and it was just enough to whet the appetite. I will definitely be back for more.
