Day Two of Seven [Video]

Day two of my week long series of images in black and white.

This particular image is of a Peruvian Cereus, which only blooms at night. You can see it happen in real time during this 2-min. video. Enjoy!

When we first moved to the “cactus ranch,” I thought this was just another variety of cactus. I had no idea what this plant would do until I saw the pods forming and, wow, do they grow fast! I was up early in the morning to catch images before they closed up.

This particular morning, I got up a little late but managed to capture it before it closed and was gone for good. I have to say that I truly loved the natural wonder of this cactus. It had (I counted) 27 blooms of beauty. I miss it!

Be good to yourself and each other. Namaste’

 

Silhouette

In response to today’s blog post prompt, I chose this silhouette of a saguaro cactus. When these grow in the desert, they are almost always in close proximity to a Palo Verde or Mesquite tree, as in this image.

Everyone needs a buddy, including the might Saguaro. Have a blessed and beautiful weekend!

Be good to yourself and each other. Namaste’

The Only Kind of Drama I Want

Years ago when my son was visiting us in Tucson from Seattle, he named our sunsets “high drama.” I thought that was a perfect description.

(He came in the summer … what was he thinking? LOL)

This particular image was one I took that ranks near the top of my list of high drama sunsets. I probably have at least a hundred sunset images (I’m a bit of a fanatic). Of course you all knew that already, right? 🙂

The summer monsoon season in southern AZ creates dynamic energy and masterpieces in the sky. I feel grateful to have been a witness to so many.

Be good to yourself and each other. Namaste’

 

Someday Sedona

After my first visit to Sedona in 1997, I knew there was something magical about it. I didn’t want to leave, but was able to go back again a couple more times. Remnants of it will always be with me.

Recently, I found the piece I wrote after that first visit ….

SOMEDAY SEDONA

I saw you only once, yet I’ve always known you.

There in my soul you drift, keeping watch, beckoning.

Many have hiked your trails, ascended your bluffs.

Searching the awe of your seduction and finding stillness of self.

My time will come for you to hold me in your embrace.

I hear your whispers, know the breath of your kiss.

Someday, Sedona … I will come to you.

©Regina Arnold

Be good to yourself and each other. Namaste’

TBT

Well, my dear readers, it’s Throwback Thursday again. I hope this finds you all well and thriving.

This image is from my days in Tucson. So hot there now that I won’t be going back until winter. Can you blame me????

It’s hard to get a perspective of how large this stone thunderbird is. It’s on a busy road and I didn’t have a lot of time to get the image without getting run over … ha!

I am inspired by the artist who did this, especially what is inscribed under the wings:

“The eyes of the future are looking back at us. To protect what is wild is to protect what is gentle.” (Truth).

Namaste!

It’s Raining Pine Cones

Having never lived in the Northwest before, I’m not quite used to dodging falling pine cones from our very tall Ponderosa Pines.  This little gem came raining down and nearly whacked me on the head.  So of course I had to photograph it. I wonder if I could sell these to my friends who live in Arizona. Now excuse me while I search for my umbrella. Namaste’

Regina (Reggie) Arnold is a “flunked retirement” entrepreneur, co-author of The Art & Science of Recruiting, an award-winning photographic artist, and photo blogger

 

Get Your Kicks on Route 66

Having not left the house again today, I went on an inside search for something to photograph.  Lo and behold, in the garage was the Arizona Route 66 sign that we purchased on a road trip to Las Vegas a few years ago.  For those of you not familiar with Route 66, it has quite a colorful history.  Rather than me write about it and not do it justice, click HERE for more.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of Arizona joining the union.  Yes, we’re a bunch of rebels … the last state of the lower 48 to join back in 1912.

Thanks so much to all of you who have sent your good wishes for me to feel better.  I think I’ve made the turn today!  Oh, and Daisy finally got a lizard today.  Poor little thing didn’t stand a chance.  She was in the right place at the right time and the lizard wasn’t.  Namaste’