Elegant Beauty

"There is nothing that makes it's way more directly

to the soul than beauty."

Joseph Addison

Calla Lily

comes from the Greek word "Kallos" meaning "beauty"
~
I was pleasantly impressed with the spectacular show of
elegant blooms of the Calla Lily growing in a resort garden!
I will grow this beauty as a potted plant
in
my Ontario Canada zone 6 garden. .
and overwinter indoors
I continue to enjoy the abundance of flowers blooming
here in Scottsdale Arizona, my home for another month!

Nature's Tonic

Round-tailed Rock squirrel

When a rock squirrel encounters a snake, it stamps its feet

and waves its tail from side to side while facing the snake.

It also tries to push sand or dirt in the snake’s face

with its front paws

There are three species of desert squirrels.

Since the Sonoran Desert lacks large trees most squirrels

are ground dwellers.

They are well designed for digging in the dirt, have good claws

and smaller ears set lower on their heads,

than those of tree squirrels.
I was most delighted to meet up with this fellow who was

more than willing to pose for me!!

ENLARGE to see the deep set ears

Grackle

a feathered friend poses for me!

"There are many things in life that catch your eye..

but few that catch your heart.

Make sure you cherish those."

I witnessed the spectacle of renewal ..

a 5 Day Old Foal !

She stayed close to her mommy.

you must ENLARGE the photos to see her sweetness!

Her eye lashes and smile in the first photo..

just too CUTE!

I was delighted and most flattered to receive this crown

which represents "you make my day award"

Thank you so much Deena!

~~

One of the simplest rewards for me is

a cheerful spirit and a smile on your face when

you visit Nature-Trail.. my online journal

filled with my personal

Nature's Tonic that are close to my heart.

*I pass this crown on to YOU

everyone who stops by my blog!

~~

Deena is bravely battling Breast Cancer

(a journey I myself experienced 4 yrs. ago)

Please stop by her NATURE blog here
extending to her

a warm HELLO. a cheerful SHOUT and PRAYERS
~~

"There are only as many days in a year as you can make use of.

One man gets only a week's value out of a year..

but another gets a full year's value out of a week."

Charles Richard

Nature's Teddy Bear

Fascinated by the desert we take time to explore.

One plant we have learned to be wary of..

Teddy Bear Cholla..

from a distance it looks soft.. a closer look reveals that

it's NOT so cuddly!

The spines are very sharp and barbed.

*ENLARGE PHOTO for a closer look

also called Jumping Cholla

Because the spines are so well barbed loose segments of the
cactus easily stick to passing animals or humans as we
quickly learned..OUCH!!
Many people swear that the cactus jumped at them
which explains the common name
Jumping Cholla


We discovered a bird nest..
I did get closer very carefully and deep inside were
3 wee ones..
however images were not clear enough to post..
we waited to see what bird built this cuddly home..


Great tailed Grackle

a noisy female with a sound I've not heard before

I am finding it difficult to photograph birds while here in the
desert. I suppose they are up feeding early in the morning
because of the extreme heat during the day. I hear them but
they seem camera shy. Patience and lots of it is necessary to capture
a good shot..the photo above taken late in the day on my patio
Our hikes usually begin about 11 a.m...our days are jam packed
with activities and the temperatures continue to stay in the high 80's
with blue skies!
Today it was 87F..of course I went swimming !
I am still careful not to overdo it with the healing ankle.
Having fun!
~~
"Those who dwell among the beauties and mysteries of

the earth..
are never weary of life"
Rachel Carson

Luna

Luna Moth

"Beauty... is the shadow of God on the universe."

Gabriela Mistral

~~

The Luna Moth is one of the most unusual and beautiful

of the North American moths.

It is light green in color and has long curving tails on its'

hind wings and distinctive eye spots on all four.

The Luna Moth is nocturnal.

The adult does not eat, it only mates and reproduces.

Their night flying habits and short life span as as adult Moth

is only about 1 week... combine to make them a rare find!

~~

I feel privileged in having the opportunity to photograph this

rare beauty after learning of its lifespan and habits.

Please CLICK on this link I've provided and learn more!

*Photo taken at the Phoenix Desert Botanical Gardens 2 weeks ago

~

Today temperature are expected to reach 90F!

Sending sunshine your way

sun kissed in Arizona naturegirl

Happy Easter

Wishing everyone a blessed Easter weekend!

the right note at Easter..
happiness set to joyous music!

naturegirl & Gemma

Two's company
I had the pleasure of spending the day with Gemma
a delightful creative spirit a blogging friend
who lives here in Arizona!
She took us on a tour of a historical site we had lunch
and toured several quaint shops..all the while chatting
with ease as though we have known each other for ever!
This one's for you Glitter Sisters
we're waiting!

*the Glitters sisters are a group of artists that met through blogging

and plan a first time reunion in Apr. at a magical place

called Sedona!

I am over the top with excitement waiting for their arrival!!

Glorious Blooms

Mexican Poppies everywhere!

Glorious colors surround me as I take my morning walk

around the gardens of our condo..

home during our stay here in Scottsdale

Pansies and Poppies adorn the garden beds..

A carpet of Springtime beauty !

Brittle bush blooms
The desert is alive with color!
Today clouds cast shadows on the mountain tops
*ENLARGE photos

A closer look at the yellow blooms of the brittle bush..

there is so much beauty to be found here..

Spring is a glorious time to visit Arizona!

~

We are taking short hikes exploring the desert. My fractured ankle

is healing however too much activity causes swelling. I am taking

many photos, learning that early morning and late afternoon

seem to be the best times to prevent the glare from sun. I will continue

posting those photos for you.

I don't seem to have much time to sit and visit blogs

so do forgive me.. if I have not visited you recently

but I'll get around to you soon.

This week temperatures expected in the 80's!

I truly appreciate you coming by and taking the time to comment!

~~

"The sun streams through the window pane

My heart begins to sing,

A certain stirring in the air and suddenly it's Spring!"

Kathleen Gillum

2nd Blogiversary

Today I have been blogging for 2 years!

Today is my Blogiversary..a new year of blogging begins!

A time of looking forward; a time of reflection.

My blog is so much more to me than just pretty flowers, photos of

Nature and my felines whom I adore. My blog is my place

of respite, my retreat, a place that nourishes my spirit and

fills my creative well.

In looking back at this past year I've encountered disappointments,

worry, illness caused by STRESS, a fractured ankle, and the death

of a beloved family pet Freddi.

At times I truly felt like all my bright lights had gone out

No matter what happens or how bad things seemed, I learned

that life does go on and it is always a better tomorrow!

Many angels have gathered here and opened their hearts

and played a special part in lifting my spirits by

leaving me kind words of encouragement, greetings, and

good wishes. Some of you sent cards, emails, and surprise

packages sharing your love and friendship with me.

I am filled with gratitude still growing in my heart

for every considerate personal connection you

extend to me.

Once complete strangers from one part of the world or another

we tended the seeds of friendships by extending our sunny

greetings and immediately brought forth a harvest of

warm feelings and happiness to one another.. linked by

our computers!

It is with a sense of awe and appreciation that I come away from

visiting your individual blogs.

What happens is like a quiet mentoring... inspiration I receive

from the many caring souls, artists, gardeners, writers,

authors, & Nature photographers..

Thank You!

All of you I now consider my special friends!

~

"Friendship improves happiness and abates misery by the

doubling of our Joy, and the dividing of our grief."

Cicero

I am deeply touched that my blog with its colorful show of

Blossoms and photographs of Nature's tonic, heartfelt words,

and inspiring quotes, gave a sense of peace and calm to

a special lady named "Mary Theresa Blais."

Mary told me that when she visited Nature-Trail, she was

able to leave her gloom behind. She would begin her day by

saying her prayers & then visit my blog.

She would play over & over in her mind the images and words

as she received her cancer treatment.

Sadly Aunt Mary has lost her battle with colon and lung cancer..

Mary passed away on *Monday March 10/08

Grace and Peace be unto *Aunt Mary

~~

"Rejoice in life for it's own sake, for your life is no brief candle.

Rather it is a splendid torch, which you have got a hold

of for the moment.

Make it burn as brightly as possible before you hand it

on to future generations.

George Bernard Shaw

~~

*We are winning the war on cancer..times treatments, and

early diagnosis are all improving.

My dear husband and I are testimony to this.

We are both cancer survivors!

5 yrs. for my dear H. (prostate cancer)

4 yrs. for me (breast cancer)

Butterfly Kisses

Julia dryas julia & purple Anemone

Julia welcomes me..
as I enter the Butterfly pavilion she lands on my notebook
we walk about and I am introduced to her friends..
hiding and playing among the many blossoms..
I once danced with Butterflies .. LOOK HERE

Painted Lady and Margined White Pieris Marginalis
basking in the sunshine

Painted Lady Vanessa cardui
enjoying sweet nectar
Butterflies smell with their antennae and taste with their feet


"All the flowers of all the tomorrows are in
the seeds of today and yesterday"
author unknown
~

Every day is filled with wonderful blessings from
Mother Nature!
I am in awe at the beauty that surrounds me ..
Butterfly kisses and Spring blossoms feed my soul!

Enjoy your weekend friends.. I'm sending you sunshine and
Butterfly kisses ..
sun kissed in Arizona
naturegirl

Purple Passion

Texas Mountain Laurel

I have a passion for purple flowers..

the world here is fresh and new..

it's a magical place; a mecca for photographers!
ENLARGE image and meet *JULIA..on left
more of *JULIA below and in future posts

No other season makes my heart sing
as Spring..
Nature's transformation into beauty and color!
It is Spring in the desert

to be here and witness this colorful display
is invigorating!
ENLARGE to truly appreciate the blossoms!


There is so much to see here in Scottsdale and area..
our home is located in Paradise Valley;
it truly is Paradise.. today temperature of 84 F!

I have much to learn in taking photos
in the bright Arizona sunlight...
I am noticing a glare on many of my photos..
perhaps I will invest in a filter for my new camera ..
*Olympus SP55OUZ

*All photos were taken at the Butterfly Pavillion located within
the Desert Botanical garden Phoenix Arizona
~~
"All change is a miracle to contemplate but it is a miracle
which is taking place every second."
Henry David Thoreau

Sun Kissed

Sun kissed in Phoenix Arizona

oranges grow abundantly ..

it seems that everyone grows orange trees!

African Daisy .. grow wild .. I see them everywhere

lemons..

Lemon tree oh so pretty..

and the lemon flower is sweet!

So many citrus trees.. in picking one I cannot get over
the strong lemon scent.. not at all like the ones I
handle in the supermarkets back home!



We are settled in Phoenix. Arizona's capital city where
the sun shines 300 days a year!
Cotton as well as dates, olives, citrus, and other subtropical
fruits and vegetables are grown in the area..
again the temperature today was 80 F !!

Tomorrow we visit the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix..

containing desert plants, succulents, wildflowers, and more!

I will make notes in identifying

the above blossoms and many more I have seen and plan to see!

~~

I know that many of you are experiencing extreme snow storms in various ..

parts of the country including my home in Ontario Canada..

hoping that this Sun Kissed post lifts your spirits!

Stay warm hugs naturegirl

Happy Trails

We've arrived!

Our Arizona road trip took all of five days.. a few photos to share..

(*above photo taken from inside the moving car)

We are drawn to the southwest motivated by the longing to

get away from the snow and freezing temperatures and

to visit with our son and grandchildren.

I am told that there have been several severe snow storms at

home since we left.

Entering the U.S.A. in Michigan our first stop was
Ft.Wayne Indiana where we stayed overnight in pet friendly
accommodations... and woke up to 2 feet of snow which
fell overnight! We couldn't get out of town fast enough!
Above you can see how comfortable
Paisley travelled in her individual crate..Babie had her own.
*Each had a small litter pan and water bowl.
Both travelled well and seemed quite comfortable.
Our trip through several states mentioned in last post was uneventful..
we drove for 7 hrs. each day stopping only to eat lunch...
(*our own healthy choices packed lunch..we'd stop at a grocery store before hitting the road)
As we passed through the state of Texas we did begin
to see rolling hills which made for a more interesting drive..

the landscape changes before our eyes
as we reach New Mexico!
Rock, sand, sparse vegetation.. the essential elements of
the great Southwest landscape..
mountains dominate the landscape along both
sides of the highway!
We spent the night in Santa Fe and plan to stop again for a longer
stay on our way back home. We wanted to explore but Arizona calls.



*photo taken from inside moving car

"No matter how sophisticated you may be.. a large granite
mountain cannot be denied...
it speaks in silence to the very core of your being."
*Ansel Adams landscape photographer


We stop at Hatch New Mexico to gas up
a small village which is home of the..
"Worlds Best Chile Peppers"
dozens of chili vendors like the one above can be found
along the roads
*ENLARGE photo to see the turquoise painted tires!


I was tempted but I really don't care for spicy foods


we pass by the Rio Grande river which
flows through central New Mexico...
*another photo taken from inside the moving car...
we are on a mission.. no time to stop!


we finally arrive.. 4 p.m.
ARIZONA temperature 80F !
As we drive towards Tuscan everything is quiet and serene
as we look around and see the majestic mountains
that surround us.. we enjoy these moments.
We head for Scottsdale..and the glorious sun begins to set below
the expansive horizon.. I experience a heightened sense of
peace and quiet awe!
I look forward to seeing more of these magnificent sunsets in
the Arizona desert!
We arrive in Scottsdale.. our final destination at 7 p.m. !


I could not resist taking this photo..
the first Arizona blossom that smiled a WELCOME to me!
*perhaps someone can identify it.. grows low to the ground with prickly foliage
*ENLARGE photo
Last year today I recall a similar blossom smiling at me..
go here to see!
~
There is still so much to discover and show you..
so many colorful flowers in bloom.. roses too!!
~
I have been busy getting settled in our own rented condo..
getting acquainted with our surroundings and of course
enjoying having the grandchildren around me!
With much exploring the cats have settled into their new
home away from home and are doing just fine.
~
"There is no remedy for love but to love more"
Henry David Thoreau