Episode Details

In this episode of The Art Box, Steve sits down with hiker, reader, poet, and lifelong lover of language Dawn Amundson for a conversation that celebrates the simple and powerful beauty of words.

Dawn shares how her connection to reading began almost from the moment she entered the world—a lifelong relationship with books that carried her through careers as a school teacher and librarian, and continues to shape her days today. Whether she’s turning pages, writing poetry, or walking the trails of the Mojave Desert, Dawn brings a deep sense of curiosity and appreciation to everything she does.

A devoted hiker and a thoughtful observer of the world around her, Dawn talks about how nature and language intertwine, how a quiet trail or a desert sunrise can feel like poetry long before it’s ever written down.

When she’s not exploring the desert or immersed in a book, you’ll often find her giving back to the community at the Mesquite Rotary Club Bookstore, helping others discover the joy of reading one $1 book at a time.

This is a warm and reflective conversation about a life shaped by words, the magic of storytelling, and how reading can open doors not just to knowledge, but to connection, imagination, and meaning.