One of the most interesting and extremely subtle things about Santa Fe and northern New Mexico at this time of year, is that there is almost always a day when I say to myself "it feels like autumn is coming."  Usually in late July or early August, there is an odd sense that we are moving into another season.  And it doesn't always have to be the temperatures cooling, because certainly that is not happening now, and the days have been toasty enough to work up a sweat. Nighttime temperatures haven't been cooling either.  But one thing that does happen is that the changing angle of the sun seems to beat down and bake the brain.  I call it Fiesta or State Fair weather.  And what better symbol of this time of year than the sunflower broadcasting gold into your face.  They can be found blooming in gardens now, and later in August well into September along the highways.   No wonder they were one of Vincent van Gogh's favorite subjects.  

Flowers - sunflowers (4 of 7)-2
 

Much has been said in poetry and literature about sunflowers, and viewing the petals on these specialty sunflowers is like looking into a flame and trying to discover all the colors it contains.

Flowers - sunflowers in Santa Fe 1 2025 Flowers - sunflowers in Santa Fe 2 2025 flowers in Santa Fe 3 2025 flowers in Santa Fe 4 2025

My thanks to Minna, Barbara F. R., Victoria, Ann A., Catherine S., TTT, Steve, Marilyn G., Lisa S., Charleen, Connie, Pater, and M. Fred for writing this week.  May a balance of sun and shade be yours when you are out and about, with camera or phone in hand!  

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image©