It has been a miraculously rainy week in northern New Mexico, which, for the most part, has helped firefighters working on the two biggest wildfires in our state's history.  During the monsoon season, rain can be a mixed blessing as it pertains to forest fires.  There is always the risk of flooding in the burn scar areas, and the soil can become saturated and muddy.  That is not what firefighters need.  But rain is almost always welcome in the American Southwest.  I reveled in it this week, and took the opportunity to photograph hollyhocks wearing raindrops.  Instead of photographing the inside of the flowers, the undersides was where the drops were more prevalent.   

hollyhock raindrops 1 2022  

hollyhock raindrops 2 2022

hollyhock raindrops 3 2022

With every flower, there is an opportunity for an abstract or still life, and the two below fall into that category.

hollyhock raindrops 5 2022

hollyhock raindrops 4 2022

Finally, a hollyhock, as if leaning against the stucco, resting, full of raindrop joy.

hollyhock raindrops 6 2022

Thanks to Christina, Claudia, Jean & Sam, Steve, Catherine, Ingrid, and Wayne for your kind words about last week's blog.  

A quote from photographer Ansel Adams tops off this week's blog.

"Life is your art.  An open, aware heart is your camera.  A oneness with your world is your film."

Thanks for sending the Adams' wisdom, Victoria!

until next Monday, 

DB

a passion for the image©