Yesterday was the Summer Solstice, the longest day and the start of astronomical summer in the northern hemisphere.  It is also the beginning of astronomical winter in the southern hemisphere.  One of the great wonders of the planet on which we live.  Nature doesn't bother with marking these events.  Instead, birds and other animals, and insects and flowers begin their summer processes, like mating and blooming, when conditions are right for them.  A great example of this is the riotous poppy bloom at the little median garden in the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) parking lot across from the State Capitol.  Despite the rather odd location of it, the impeccably designed and cared-for beds have become one of my favorite places to photograph wildflowers in downtown Santa Fe. These photographs were made on 31 May rather than on 19 July of 2025, which was the first time I had photographed the beds.         

Just when I was pondering the fact that flowers and their surroundings are some of my favorite photographic subjects (and perhaps I risked boring all of you wonderful people who read my Monday blog), a friend sent the most recent Five-Bullet Friday by Tim Ferris.  It included a quote from French impressionist painter Claude Monet.  Monet was famous for his water lilies and bridge at his Giverny garden.  "I must have flowers. Always and always."   I agree with him.  

Flowers - poppies at state office garden in Santa Fe 1 2026 Flowers - poppies at state office garden in Santa Fe 2 2026 Flowers - poppies at state office garden in Santa Fe 3 2026 Flowers - poppies at state office garden in Santa Fe 4 2026 Flowers - poppies at state office garden in Santa Fe 9 2026 Flowers - poppies at state office garden in Santa Fe 11 2026

Monet also wrote something that applies to everyone, including artists of every ilk.  

“It's on the strength of observation and reflection that one finds a way. So we must dig and delve unceasingly.”  

Thanks to Jean & Sam, Dianne J., Christina W., Tim, Steve, TTT, Catherine, Marilyn G., and Sandra for writing last week.  

May your observations be many and fruitful as you move through each summer day.  There are a few surprises from nature in the fourth photograph.  If you can enlarge it on your computer or telephone, they are waiting. 

until next Monday

DB

a passion for the image©