My mornings here in the Sonoran desert have started early…a few minutes after the start of civil twilight when there’s just enough light to ensure I don’t step on a rattlesnake while traipsing through the desert…ahhh…that magic time for photographing… just when the sage brush appears on fire and the tree bark turns golden as the sun begins to rise…
Ever since I was a little girl, certain trees have always fascinated me. It started with the weeping willow. We had several on the farm and I can remember playing under them and trying to swing from the branches like something out of Tarzan. There was a beauty when they’d sway in the breeze, with almost a gothic look about them… Then on family vacations to Florida, we visited Cypress Gardens and the ominous banyan tree mesmerized me, as well as the Spanish moss cascading from the tree tops. Now fast forward and the desert ironwood has since cast its spell…
I don’t know what it is…but it’s the dead ones that touch my heart…that butterfly in the stomach feeling when I see the perfect one during twilight, morning or evening. I’m clueless as to what all of this means, but I’m sure my mom is thinking about now….well you did love Dark Shadows and your bedroom was painted black. Hmm…what does all of this say about me?
(Cross-posted over at Vision and Verb where a collaborative group of like-minded women
from all over the world share their passion for photography and the written word.)
Wow…breathtaking!
Today, I feel your sadden. Everything will be okay. I learned that when you follow the right path everything will fall into place. Keep following your dreams.
Very interesting to learn your bedroom was painted black as a child. I love learning new things! Awesome picture!
This is a truly beautiful picture. It seems like there is just layer after layer of nature to look at and enjoy.
Lovely lighting and shapes in this shot. That dead tree is certainly very graceful and elegant. You’ve captured a lovely atmosphere!
What a stunning tree & you’ve captured it so beautifully. I liked hearing about your fascination with trees as you were growing up- there is something quite compelling about tangled branches.
Hello!
Your image reminds me of trees I saw while visiting Death Valley, California. The light is warm and beautiful as it falls on the tree and sand…and I’m taken back to Death Valley. The desert is my favorite landscape and I lived in Utah most of my life until moving to Texas just a few months ago! I’m on the hunt for red sand!
Your work is stunning!
Trees seem to draw my attention, too, in mysterious ways. Love this image and your story.
There is something about trees… I agree with you. I love the title of this post, “Tears of the desert” because the tree does look a bit like it’s wept it’s last tear. Thank you for this wonderful celebration of light and trees and your love for them in words and image. A beautiful Photo-Heart Connection!
The light in this is awesome. It sounds like we are drawn to the same type of light.
I too love weeping willows and spanish moss. will have to think about those dead ones, but I imagine in lovely light, they are stunning. Beautiful image. Watch out for the rattlers.
Beautiful! I so love the Sonoran Desert especially in ealry morning and late evening — the colors golden and the land seems to reflect its heat in a certain glow.
Thanks for this posting — it reminds me why I go back to Arizona each winter — so I can spend a few months just standing in the desert, absorbing its unusual beauty!
Lovely post! I’ve also been drawn to trees. There is a beautiful weeping willow at our library that I’ve stopped and taken several photos of! I love the branches as they twine and flow to the ground on you image!
Gorgeous image. The light is absolutely stunning and there is something very moving about the tree.
I wanted to paint my room black too (though my mum wouldn’t let me!).
Its an awesome photo, great work and lovely words.
Such a warm and wonderful image, love how you shared such an intimate piece of yourself!