Spring flowers at Desert Botanical Garden come in waves. It all starts with the wildflowers and when it gets too hot for them the cactus flowers may have started to bloom. if you are lucky, and we were, the butterfly exhibit is open. You might even spot a cactus wren gathering nesting materials. These flowers are the result of multiple trips, each time bringing some new discoveries. We hope you enjoy them.
Dinosaurs in the Desert
Phyllis sent these wonderful images along with the following note: "We went to the members' preview of the Dinosaurs in the Desert yesterday. It's an interesting exhibit, set in the desert trail on the north side of the zoo. The dinosaur are all different sizes, and some are quite large. They also move, wag their tales, have eyes that seem to search for you and they growl and snarl. It was interesting watching the children respond to them. A few were scared, but most loved them ad it was fun to hear the young 'scientists' explain all about them to their parents.
I wrote back to Phyllis expressing that I hoped they would still be there in December. She responded that the exhibit will be there until next April. Wonderful!!
Lights, Lights, Lights
For me, one of the most enjoyable events of winter is the luminaria display at Desert Botanical Garden. This year, the 8,000 hand lit luminarias are complemented by the art of Bruce Munro, an English artist that shares his interpretation of the Sonoran Desert through light. To add to the beauty and wonderment, there are entertainment spots offering up music by Mariachis, handheld bell ringing, Spanish guitar, jazz, world music and one of my favorite groups, Simply Three. I am missing attending the festivities this year in person. My great friends shared their photos and I feel like I was there in spirit.
So, this light must change colors!
A 15 second exposure to get the sky in.
Just as I imagined!
Tom told me that the light structures are actually made of water bottles! Here is one close up.
So, does this light move or did Jon move? Just a wonderment either way. Interesting that I am probably seeing it differently than the photographer in that I have no other distractions out of the corner of my eye. The isolation adds to the mystery. Or, maybe it is a different light altogether!
I admit to a smile. Remember the Sesame challenge, "One of these things is not like the other. Can you tell which it is?" I am going with the middle one. But, what if it is simply a change in perspective rather than really being different. Would that be enough to make it different. Oh, Jon and Phyllis have set me on a path of inquiry . . .
Oh, very nice!!
The festivities will be held during all of December. Check their website for hours, fees and other details. Go if you can . . . and send me photos!!