The Desert Blooms

The image associated with desert is most often one of sand dunes, vast areas of lifeless nothing or the surface of the moon.  Until I moved to New Mexico that is what I pictured this barren state to be like. So I was overwhelmed when the Chihuahua Desert exploded with beautiful flowers after the winter monsoon.  The dusty days of fall gave way to a blanket of peddles and the air acquiesced to the sweet perfume that ascended from the desert floor.  The celebration of life brought with it a flurry of insect activity as well as a wide variety of birds and small prehistoric creeping animals.  What stayed dormant and quiet for several months suddenly revealed its secret passion and delight.  Witnessing this display of nature's beauty was not enough for this budding picture taker so I spent hours walking in the midst of this Eden capturing as much of it as I could.  My camera could never gather all that the scene provided but perhaps enough was exposed to my photo censers to help me remember the totality of moment.  The sight was so emotional that at times I would stop and weep overwhelmed by the privilege I was granted.  This is what moves poets to write.  This is what inspires praise songs.  This is what humbles the strong and proud.  Now I share it with you...

December provides great sunsets

Located on the Chihuahua Desert of New Mexico, the Florida Mountain rises from the desert floor to provide some of the most majestic scenes of the southwest.  Known primarily for its wealth in geodes, few pictures are made available of the flowers (for which the mountain is named) and natural wildlife.  I have been captivated by this mountain ever since moving to the area in 2006 and only now have the experience (and enough pictures) to display its awe inspiring beauty.
For some unknown reason the sunsets during this December are more colorful than most other years and I propose to capture as many as I possibly can on a digital card.  With camera batteries charged and tripod readily accessible I'm programing my DVR to record the evening news while I head out at dusk.  It is the West and us westerners take pride in readiness.  Here are a few recent examples: