3.30.2010

it's almost ridiculous...

Andrew Henry snapped this photo with his phone (so please excuse the quality) while taking Jake out for a run.  Is this flowering cactus not just ridiculously gorgeous?  If you've never visited the southwest, I bet you had no idea right?  I have lived here my entire life and it still takes my breath away.  The contrast is what gets me. 

The rigid cactus petals are such a pale green, they almost seem colorless.  Full of sharp needles, they warn you to keep away.  THEN suddenly, and almost without warning, you walk by one day and BAM!  They have exploded with color.  Flowers so delicate and vibrant they beg you to get closer, but you can't.  These are not fragrant flowers to be cut and displayed.  No, these belong only to the desert.



Did you notice how many are about to bloom?  I'll be going out for my walks to check on this one daily.  I do wonder if the homeowners can see me out there taking photos of their front yard........

13 comments:

Maria said...

Just gorgeous! Quite the forbidden fruit, aren't they! Thanks AH - for stopping long enough to "smell" the flowers!

Anonymous said...

Stunning!

henley said...

You're right. I would have never guessed a cactus could show this much color or have flowers this delicate. I guess I never even thought about them having flowers. Very pretty.

KR said...

The desert is beautiful! The color of those flowers is gorgeous! I am looking forward to the Saghauro blooming with that one majestic, white bloom on top. My phone doesn't take such good pics.

Anonymous said...

I can't believe someone took those pictures with a phone! I need a new phone!!! wow

Andrew H. said...

Taking the photos was a bit comical because Jake is a hunting dog (albeit an old one) and was very interested in what might be living IN those cacti. I was straddling a bike and holding the leash with one hand while using the other to take photos with the phone. Not smooth...

MaiPie said...

So beautiful! I love that the green and pink are complimentary colors (ish). It just makes the flowers more amazing and bright. Thanks to all the rain this year we are getting some nice desert flowers everywhere! If only they lasted longer...

jeanette from everton terrace said...

I know Maia, but that's what makes them so special and why we have to take note and appreciate them now.

Full House said...

Oh my goodness... I am a sucker for these images. I love then.

Beatnheart said...

Hi Jeanette, Beautiful photos even though they are via phone... I didn't notice before but when did you get the three columns on your blog...sweet! I'd like to do that...My blog is starting to look like my house, stuff whereever you look..thanks for your visit..I know my posts are getting a little"heavy" but I think the time has come for me to "come out" and even though it is painful(in a way) it is also feeling pretty darn good.. so thanks for sticking with me...

jeanette from everton terrace said...

Thanks Cynthia - I moved things around this weekend. Felt I needed more organization. We won't discuss my office!

sunshine said...

This must certainly be the perfect time of year for the desert! Those flowers don't look real, how beautiful!

MJM said...

I CAN'T WAIT TO COME HOME. HOME HOME HOME HOME. That's all I have to say about that.