Argentine Cactus

Argentine Cactus

I think this is the most beautiful and exotic cactus bloom I have photographed to date.  You probably wouldn't be surprised if I said I discovered this rare beauty on one of our long treks in the isolated deserts near our southern Utah home.  And that I had to hike for several miles in the sweltering desert sun, before I discovered this beauty tucked away on the side of a cliff.  And to top it off I had to suffer multiple punctures of sharp brambles and cacti spines as I leaned over the edge to get this shot.  Gosh, that would make a great story!    

Well, I'm just so darn honest that I have to tell you I actually found this beautiful cactus in the parking strip, alongside a busy city street about a mile from where I live.  It was early morning and I was on my way to a zumba class when I spied these blooms and pulled over.  Luckily I had my camera with me.  But it was so windy and chilly outside that I literally rolled down my car window and snapped a few shots from inside my cozy warm car.  I did have my camera set on shutter priority with a high shutter speed to freeze the movement from the wind, but still, these are not great conditions for flower photography.  I was pleasantly surprised that this turned out as well as it did! 

Glistening Petals

Glistening Petals

I love the way the light makes these petals sparkle.  This is another beautiful cactus bloom found in southern Utah.

More Desert Springtime

Desert Paintbrush or Indian Paintbrush

A Ladybug's World

Cactus Beauty

Cactus Beauty

This was taken about a mile or so away for our home.

Salt Lake Temple - Spring

Temple Square - Spring 2015 

(taken with a 15mm fisheye lens)

Spring 2015

Spring Has Come to Northern Utah!

 

Although snow still covers the mountain peaks, and the weather is often chilly, spring has definitely come to northern Utah.  Temple Square is a riot of spring color, and the tulip festival at Thanksgiving Point begins tomorrow.  

For a nature photographer, I don't think there is anything more glorious, peaceful, or uplifting, than to be outside after a long winter, with the sunshine warming my back, hearing the birds chirping in the trees, and getting up close and personal with the colors and fragrance of springtime blooms.  Feels like experiencing a piece of heaven here on earth!

He Is Risen!

He is Risen!

For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, (Mormons), Easter is a sacred day.  It is a day to renew our faith; it is a day to remember with deep gratitude and humility, the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer;  and, it is a day to rejoice in our belief of a glorious resurrection where we will not only have the opportunity to live in the presence of Jesus Christ, but to be reunited with our loved ones who have passed on before us.  It is also a day to attend church, and then gather together with our families to eat, socialize, have fun and enjoy being together.  Yes, the Easter Bunny usually makes an appearance, but we try to put greater emphasis on the sacred events that are the reasons we celebrate Easter.

Isn't it wonderful that Easter comes in the spring.  I can't think of anything more symbolic of the death and resurrection of our Savior, than observing all the beauties of nature created by our Father in Heaven, and knowing that when the vibrant colors of spring, summer and fall slowly fade and life withers away as to appear dead, it is not really the end.  Sleep comes for awhile, but soon God's creations will burst forth again, fresh and beautiful with renewed life, in the spring. 
Likewise, so will we!  

I wish you peace, joy, and renewed faith and hope for the future on this Easter Sunday.

Desert Gold

 Fields of Desert Poppies

Desert Marigold with Friend