The Colors of Spring

In the last few days it seems that the whole area has burst into color.  A couple of weeks ago, we had rain and we are not reaping the rewards of that moisture.

These splashes of color were all spotted on Apache Lake yesterday.  I think the red is Indian Paint Brush.

 

 

 

My camera found a bit of pink in many places around the lake but we just couldn't get close enough to really see what it was.

 

 

 

Today, on a drive not far from our home, I found the illusive culprit.  With such delicate wisps for petals, it is no wonder I had a tough time photographing it from a distance.  I have no idea what it is, but I like it.

The blue desert lupine are everywhere along the roadways.

In the little cove where Mike took me for lunch yesterday, we found this beauty

growing out of a rock.

Other sightings in the cove...

LOOK CAREFULLY - this is a bass swimming right next to our boat in very shallow

and clear water.

 

Of course, Mike went for the rod,

 

 

and yes, he did catch (and release) him.

Later, we fished where the orange flowers were prevalent,

and today I saw them close up.

Oh, and I caught a fish in that area.

This is perhaps my favorite picture of the whole day - growing right out of the rock on the side of a steep embankment.  Of course, the fact it is my favorite color helps.

 

Today's drive netted these specimens.

 

 And in this Holy Week, I was reminded of the Cross when I spotted this saguaro skeleton.  The sea of minuscule yellow flowers at its feet just looked like Easter morning. 

 

 

 

 

Have a Blessed Easter!

Honor The Elders and Teach The Young

After church this past Sunday, we went to an Inter-Tribal PowWow held at the Apache Gold Casino on the San Carlos Reservation just east of Globe. 

This was a first Pow-Wow for Mike, but I attended one a few years back in Casa Grande.  I came away hoping that all cultures find ways in which to honor the elders and teach the young.  The Pow Wow certainly does that for the Native American Tribes.

There were old hands holding fans and gourds while dancing,

and others grasping the wheels of her chair.

 

War weary hands of the Apache Veteran's group presented the colors.

Mom's hands put the finishing touches on her son's costume.

 Hands of the older dancers rested on their hips.

 

Dad's hands carried the youngest

and another dad held tightly to his daughter's hand.

The hands of one of the young male dancers was engaged in texting.

Grandma held the hand of a little one.

 

Some of the younger warrior dancers put their whole heart, soul, and hands and feet into the dance.

 

Ladies of all ages and in all types of clothing paraded in with fellow tribe members.

This was the Head Male Dancer (a truly coveted position) from the Tucson area.

This looked like three generations of proud women with the adults caught in an emotional moment.

 

Adorable costumes on Natives of all ages.

And they all watched respectfully as The Colors were brought to the stage.

As the festivities continued, some of the colors were a blur but the image of the day remains clear in my mind - it was a true celebration of heritage, a time to honor the elders and teach the young.