~ DESERT HIGH~
One unique plant that we have in Arizona, of course, is the saguaro cactus. More than one cactus is called cacti, although so many people still say “cactuses”. Having lived here most of my life, I feel that it is my duty to correct that. I’m not sure why, maybe because these things were pounded into my head at a young age. The saguaro cactus is protected by state laws, so you cannot just go into the desert and dig one up and take it home and plant it. You must purchase them through a reputable grower. I am certainly not a cactus expert, by any means, but you don’t have to know anything about them to enjoy them. I love to see them in the front yards of homes, as well as in the undeveloped desert areas. That gives us the opportunity to observe them a little closer. Birds nest inside of the saguaro, like owls, woodpeckers and hawks. Eventually, as the saguaro dies, like every other living thing, the flesh of the cactus gets eaten by animals and decays leaving the skeletal remains. I was able to get some close up shots of a cactus with holes large enough to see the skeleton inside. Close up shots with the textures and various shades of grays and greens and browns only inspire me to want to paint these beautiful designs. I am always in awe of these clever, desert giants.
Even my tallest shadow is dwarfed by the magnificent height of these prickly neighbors. North Scottsdale is full of pristine, desert landscaped yards. It is good to see the natural beauty of xeriscaped residential landscaping. It makes complete sense to use drought resistant plants that are indigenous to the region. Conserving water means more water to make things like…….
TEQUILA!!! Which is made from the blue agave plant, of course 
Okay, class….. that is our lesson for the day! I just had to share a little bit about the glorious state that I live in and love so very much. I don’t get out very often anymore, but this is one visual pleasure that I don’t have to go far to see. With my eyes and arms and heart wide open, I await every breath that this desert city exhales onto me. If I close my eyes and be real still I swear that I can feel the heartbeat of this great land that is alive and beating under my moccasins, just below the surface of the desert floor. The same life force that sustains me and all of the life around me ~ lives that are stationary and lives that are flowing ~
