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Welcome to Notes From the Road—an inside look at desert happenings, things we’re currently into, and anything/everything in between brought to you by one of our owners and founders, Janelle. We don’t gatekeep here in the high desert so if we love it, you need to know about it.
If you’ve spent any time with me IRL in the past year, you’ve probably heard me talk about ZingTrain. It’s the business development arm of Zingerman’s Community of Businesses—what started as a deli in Ann Arbor, Michigan, has since grown into a multifaceted restaurant group with its own printing press and business school. They self-publish all their books and host both online and in-person workshops. I first discovered Zingerman’s and co-founder Ari Weinzweig through a Facebook Live event at Heath Ceramics, where Ari explained the Visioning process that ZingTrain teaches. He also writes a thoughtful weekly newsletter and is the author of the Lapsed Anarchist Guides—a must-read if you’re growing a business. If you’re just looking to learn more about visioning, start with this bundle. And if you haven’t set your goals for the year yet, don’t stress—Q1 is still fair game.
Remember, writing down your vision with pen and paper is the best way to make your goals become reality. As someone who has been writing goals since I left my corporate office job, please trust me—it works!! It will feel like magic, but setting clear and precise intentions and sharing that vision with people will make things happen.
I’ve always been obsessed with documenting—through photos, notes, or letters to pen pals. Years ago, I wanted to get better at journaling, but the idea of filling pages every morning felt overwhelming. Instead, I committed to a daily five-year journal. With just enough space for a few lines, I could easily jot down how I spent the day or what the weather was like. Living in the high desert, I love tracking seasonal markers—when we finally turn off the A/C for good or when migrating vultures roost in our neighbor’s trees for the night. It’s fascinating to look back and notice patterns, or see how some years the seasons shift on exactly the same day. Five years flew by, and I just ordered a new journal. For me, looking back is just as important as looking forward—it’s a reminder of how far I’ve come and the goals I’ve already brought to life.
I’ve been deep in a massive weaving commission for the U.S. Embassy in Iraq—one that’s been in the works for over eight years. The conversation with the curator started nearly a decade ago, and now, as the deadline approaches, it’s finally coming to life. Since October, I’ve been working alongside an incredible team of local textile artists to bring this piece to completion. We’re in the final stretch now, and it has been all-consuming. The only thing keeping me going? Dreaming of the celebratory vacation I’ll take once it’s done.
I’d been eyeing these happy face necklaces by my longtime desert friend, Sierra Keylin, for years and finally treated myself for my birthday last year. Late in 2024, Sierra experienced an unimaginable loss, and I wanted to share her work with you. I get so many compliments on this sweet little necklace, and she’s now welcoming jewelry orders on her website.
I feel totally late to the game, but we’re newly obsessed with Flamingo Estate’s brick soaps in our house. I originally bought the peppermint bars as Christmas gifts and have been hooked ever since. These giant bars are packed with plant-based ingredients and way more essential oils than your average natural soap. When I use one in the shower, the whole house fills with its intoxicating scent—it’s like a mini spa moment in the middle of my day. Every scent is incredible, and we’ve got a few available on our site if you want to experience them too.
Janelle
Founder, All Roads
