Postcards from Real Life: Edge

Edges are funny things. They signify the end of one thing and the beginning of another. And which is which depends on which direction you’re looking.

Either way they signify a change-a precipice that can be physical or metaphorical. And crossing over that edge may be positive or negative. It just depends. Life is fucking complicated that way.

This week’s image takes us to the edge of the dune field at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. But it’s not the edge most visitors see.

The vast majority of visitors to Great Sand Dunes anchor their adventures from the dunes parking lot a little past the visitor center. From there, they head into the dune field and/or play in Medano Creek ( when it’s running).

The edge of the dunes there is gentle. Subtle.

But I’ve always loved exploring the edge of the dunes further up. In this area, the boundary of the dunes meets the mountains, not the valley. It’s more dramatic and dynamic.

This is where the creek carves the dunes as they reach the point they can go no further. From here, the water shuttles the sand grains back down to the valley. It’s a great place to understand the dunes more intimately.

And that happens at edges-deeper understanding of transitions and interconnectedness. Edges remind us that beginnings and endings are inseparable.

Cheers, friends. Here’s to exploring edges of all kinds.

Bluesky Art Show

This post is inspired by the Bluesky Art Show, a challenge to share artwork surrounding a weekly theme each Saturday.

Originally published at https://valinreallife.com on April 18, 2026.