So much is upsetting at WordPress…the change in the Reader and the format of the write/edit/publish page–whoever thought one could HATE to see “beepbeepboop” as much as I do — so in order to recapture my ZEN, here’s one of my favorite pictures of nasturtiums from the garden.
Because ORANGE.
It looks like a painting.
Enjoy this mostly #wordlesswednesday
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Pretty clouds but no rain.
I’ve looked at clouds from both sides now
From up and down and still somehow
It’s cloud illusions I recall
I really don’t know clouds at all
Rows and flows of angel hair
And ice cream castles in the air
And feather canyons everywhere,
I’ve looked at clouds that way.
Subtropical moisture in the air.
Maybe…
It’s life’s illusions I recall
I really don’t know life
I really don’t know life at all
Just an illusion…
Thanks to Joni Mitchell, lyrics from Both Sides, Now
There are plenty of loquats to share and a comfortable seat to soak up the sun’s rays.
House finches love fruit.
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Such a bountiful harvest; where do I begin?
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This one looks good and ripe.
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How about a profile pic?
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The Laguna Mountains are only about an hour away east from the ocean in San Diego.
Most people go there when we have snow — at 6000 feet, it’s the highest point in the county.
It’s possible to surf in the morning, cross-country ski (or hike) in the afternoon, and drop down into the shimmering desert to experience the best of everything SoCal has to offer.
Late May to mid-June is the time of year when color explodes in the mountains and it’s not too hot to enjoy a strenuous hike while the air cools down comfortably at night.
It’s easy to get here: east on Highway 8 to Sunrise Highway.
We went mid-week before schools were out for summer vacation and we had the mountain pretty much entirely to ourselves.
Fragrant pines, Engelmenn oaks, wildflowers; deep blue sky with a few white puffy clouds.
Amazing…gorgeous…magnificent…breathtaking…
There aren’t enough adjectives to describe the spectacular views.
We hiked Desert View Trail and Big Laguna Trail, about ten miles or so.
It was truly heaven on earth, one of those experiences where whispering was the only way to communicate-we didn’t want to mar the ultimate reverence for nature.
These are only a sampling of the hundred-plus pics I snapped and none of them do justice to this paradise.
…floating effortlessly on the soft breezes, possibly to lift our spirits lowered by the demise of the baby hummingbirds, is a butterfly sprite of cerulean polka dots and bands of gold called Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa).
With a nod to Lizzi @ Considerings who asked the question on her Facebook page and got me thinking about one of my favorite books, Betty Smith’s 1943 novel, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn; here in my garden, although water use is now restricted because of the drought and we can no longer grow brightly colored but thirsty blossoms, there’s still beauty if you look for it.
Mother Nature is amazing.
Catching some rays on the rock garden.
So pretty…
Can I come a little closer?
What grows in YOUR garden?
Our very own full nest.
Property of enchantedseashells.com
#hummingbird #nature #nestingbirds #birds #MotherNature #love #motherslove
Many years later, still puzzling things out.
Still the paramount focal point of any photo.
Still fabulously attired with beautifully coiffed and beribboned hair.
Still unable to fit round pieces into square shapes.
And yet, still, the world revolves around me.
And most importantly, still adorable.
P.S. I sent this post to hub and he emailed back that this has always been his favorite pic of me and it’s because I look so determined.
Just a picture of one of our pretty backyard doves, that’s all.
I’m back from Wolf Mountain Sanctuary in the Mojave Desert.
I’ll post about our experience at the sanctuary, but it was mostly sad. Sad that these magnificent creatures NEED to be rescued. Sad that they can’t roam free, sad they’re hunted, tortured, hated. They are among the most intelligent and evolved species. How dare we destroy them. Sad. Very sad.
Check out this amazing outcropping of rocks.
The Mojave Desert is also known as the High Desert because of its elevation, between 2,000 and 4,000 feet above sea level. 
Blue sky and rocks.
Ick.
LOVE this pic.
Rock climber Not me.
#highdesert #mojave #desert #wolves #hiking
Late afternoon sun
Perfuming a slight warm breeze
Lavender grows here
Photo credit: Enchanted Seashells
Haiku by Princess Rosebud
Enchanted Seashells | Princess Rosebud 