Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Moving at the Speed of Spring

Spring in the desert.

Amazing. Beautiful. Surprising. Rapid.

The cactus is the most surprising.  For 364 days of the year it looks like this:

Hedgehog Cactus


A lovely species, but not particularly colorful or welcoming.  It seems quite self contained, requiring very little from its environment, however, it is carefully awaiting the opportunity to spring to life for just one day......well, more accurately, each flower lasts for the duration of the day.  Within in a day or two the cactus shuts down this beautiful, delicate magenta display for the year.  Often longer than a year if the climactic conditions haven't proved to be ideal.


It really didn't take much for me to figure out what the World wanted me to notice this time: when the conditions are right move fast.  Take advantage of the moment, don't hesitate and give it everything I've got.  Life never seems to offer us just one opportunity, but it may be a while before the next one rolls around.

Linking to:
Rambling Wood's weekly Nature Notes





6 comments:

EG CameraGirl said...

The desert in bloom is beautiful.

Rambling Woods said...

Wow..that is really beautiful..I am amazed at what can survive in such a harsh climate.. Thank you for linking up to Nature Notes...Michelle

jane said...

What a gorgeous colour and out in the wild too I have a zygocactus in my greenhouse that flowers for a short period of time that is magenta too - have a lovely week Jane UK

Anonymous said...

You live in a BEAUTIFUL world. Thank you for sharing what you see and appreciate. You've brightened my day............Chuck

Barb said...

Thanks for swinging by. Yes, the desert is quite lovely.

Ellie said...

That purple cactus is just beautiful - what a wonderful colour. I also really love your 2nd shot - you caught the light just right. Thanks for sharing. And thanks also for your visit and comment on my blog. :))