The Travel Issue 2014
When Historic Roads Beckon

Like water to the desert, so is the imagination to the mind. When dry, a single thought, vision or dream can flood our thoughts and awaken the genius within. Children know this space well. Without effort they can transport themselves anywhere, be anyone and accomplish anything. Children believe anything is possible.

I was nine years old when I held a fossil in my hand for the first time during a field trip with my 4th grade class. The archeologist tried to explain how many millions of years old the leaf on the rock was. I couldn’t wrap my brain around the time element but I could imagine being in a world that had no people, no buildings and vast open spaces. “Exactly,” the archeologist said to me, pleased that I could visualize what he was trying to explain. 

Growing up in the desert provided ample opportunity for exploration. A Saturday would be spent with the family in the dune buggy traversing countless dirt roads. I would ride along imagining what would lie ahead...a ghost town, an old mine, a single grave in a remote area...each outing leading to a place and a story which, if unknown, I would create. And, on many occasions, my make believe scenario reflected some element of the historical truth. 

“i am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination. imagination is more important than knowledge. knowledge is limited. imagination encircles the world.”  

- albert einstein

Perhaps this explains my fascination with old roads. It is not unusual for me to head out for a day or two and explore a new route. I travel slow enough to take in the scenery, buildings, signs, sidewalks and architecture along the way. 

I use to love sitting in my college dorm listening to my roommate, Geri-Lynn, share the research she was doing for her classes. As a History major, Lynn had me on the edge of my seat with the passion she possessed in each delivery she conveyed. Thirty years later, we still share a zealous lust for history. Her last visit to the southwest led us down countless highways and through the steps of abandoned structures.

The Travel Issue of Élan is filled with articles by people like myself who prefer to ‘take the long way home.’ Each article takes you down a journey to places where those who forged the southwest left their mark along the way. From Historic Route 66 to the old Arrowhead Trail, you won’t have to go beyond our pages to experience them yourself. Even my old ‘roomie,’ Lynn, gives you a taste of one of our great adventures we continue to research, the Olive Oatman story.

When historical roads beckon, take them. Experience the excitement of visiting the past. The road less traveled is a gateway to engage your imagination. Don’t hesitate. Go! The highway is calling you to places longing to share their story.

Darci 
Founder, Editor in Chief

The year was 1844. The Romantic Movement originating in Europe had reached America. The country was discovering it’s independent voice, surging idealism and a passion for Romanticism. In his essay, “The Poet,” Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, “For all men live by truth, and stand in need of expression. In love, in art, in avarice, in politics, in labor, in games, we study to utter our painful secret. The man is only half himself, the other half is his expression.” In 1985, Madonna summed it up for me when she sang the words,  

“Only when I’m dancing can I feel this free.” 

From cave paintings and petroglyphs to ancient body piercing and Henna tattoos, the quest to express one’s individuality has been noted in time. Self-expression is an internal impulse or a personal vision put into external form. Over the centuries humans have utilized an array of art forms for the purpose of communication.  Etching, drawing, painting, dancing, singing, sculpting, sewing, photography and film-making are not only artistic but expressive means of communicating a message. 

Self-expression and creativity are universal functions of the human experience. Our willingness to express our thoughts from a place of personal truth is scary - it can leave you vulnerable to opposition, ridicule and this ugly thing called “bullying”. However, I cannot imagine a life without the full experience and the freedom to convey my truth as I see it - as well as the ability to see the world through the eyes of others.

Every issue of Élan, regardless of it’s theme, is driven by a purpose to liberate understanding and inspire experience. Our Arts Issue is no different, exposing you to a vast variety of creative forms that all stem from a burning passion for self-expression. From discovering a fire for Flamenco dancing, in-studio audio book recording, and the portray of American history, to the extraordinary view through a camera’s lens, there is diversity in every page. And, in celebration of our 8th Anniversary we asked our readers to participate. In a very personal eight page spread, we share with you some of their images, thoughts and vulnerabilities. What they delivered was beautiful ... just as they are!

“Self-expression must pass into communication for its fulfillment,” said the Nobel Prize-winning author, Pearl S. Buck. Sharing of one’s “self” fully is the ultimate in generosity. On a deeper level, it is vital for peace, happiness and fulfillment. Create the space to experience it. You may just find yourself dancing more often. 

Darci Hansen

Founder, Editor in Chief

“Peculiar.” Awesome word. It’s all about being unusual; different; distinct from others; and even at times, a little ‘odd.’ Since its inception, Élan Woman magazine has consciously worked to deliver to our readers what you’d least expect in our pages – something unusual. Our glossy cover, fresh content and expressive images combine to provide for a powerful narrative. Our team thrives on the challenge to continually evolve.
 
It has been seven years since the first issue of Élan Woman came off the press ... yes, seven years. I like the number “7.” It has its own peculiarity. Throughout the ages “7” has defied the law of averages. It has been the charm of luck and good fortune. The number seven also symbolizes ‘togetherness’ and kismet relationships. So it is with Élan Woman, the team of support she has on her 7th Anniversary is serendipity.
 
As the Founder, I look back when Élan Woman magazine was simply an idea burning inside of my head. I am thankful that I didn’t fully conceive what it would take to sustain her ... but it was destiny. I have unconsciously prepared my entire life for this moment. Growing up on the C.R.I.T. reservation I learned the words ‘diversity’ and ‘minority’ at an early age. I have been ‘low income’ and know its challenges. I have worked physical jobs such as janitor, waitress, fitness instructor and landscaper. I have been a director of development in the health care industry and for higher education athletics. With over twenty years of charitable work, I have advocated for women, children, the arts, the environment, the disabled, animal rights and those in recovery. I am a wife, a mother, a friend, and at the service of my fellow human beings. Élan Woman has been rushing through my veins long before she appeared in my conscious.
 
What you see in Élan Woman’s pages is the collaboration of brilliantly creative people who have been compelled to be a part of her. It is because of these talented individuals - writers, photographers, designers, and our supporters - that Élan Woman magazine has grown amidst an unstable economy and the rise of technology. It is her destiny...
 
“Luck is what you have left over after you give 100 percent.” - Langston Coleman
 
So on this, our 7th Anniversary and our Arts Issue, we at Élan Woman magazine celebrate our ‘peculiarity’ with the passion that ignites our souls. Hard work, enduring commitment and unbridled dedication is what truly defines her ... and the reason why she’s called, “Élan.”

Darci Hansen, Founder
Editor in Chief