The blues

On the way to my mother's house I was compelled to pull over the car to get a better look at this huge stand of gorgeous bluebonnets in an abandoned lot right near the highway.

Driving around these parts does not generally inspire spontaneous photo shoots. In fact, many times the prevailing urban landscape has the opposite effect - you want to turn away.

My mother has always made a point to acknowledge every sunset, tree and flower and I try to do the same.

More beautiful blues awaited me when I arrived at her house. My sister gave mom these Siberian Iris years ago in a forced bulb arrangement and they have slowly multiplied.

Her Ajuga was also in full bloom and absolutely teeming with sphinx moths, just barely visible in this blurry photo.
These small wonders provided a tiny lift in a difficult season.