I was talking on the phone with a friend, and the sky was quickly changing. I put her on speaker, and while we continued the conversation, I tried to catch a shot of the lightning. It was striking just to the right of Mingus.
Surprise! What a treat! I had a visitor come right up to the window. And she hung right in front of me for a second or two, as if to say, “Hello”. The photos are blurry. Maybe that is what makes them so magical. Like little fairies.
I turned back to the sky, and there was a wall of rain. Then the light show started. I took too many photos to count. And I didn’t think I had caught the lightning. Woo Whoo! Look closely at slide four, there is lightning behind the tree on the right.
The following day, we had a bit more rain. And more glorious skies. First a double rainbow.
I captured a lightning bolt in video, and was so excited to share it with you. I’ve been trying for two days to get the video to play. I wanted to edit it, the window frame was visible, and the end was choppy as I lowered the phone. But I couldn’t get it saved right. And I have done this before? 🤣 Ugghh! Well, learn something new everyday. I edited it my phone. DUH. I didn’t know you could do that. 🤣🤣🤣
I had already saved these frames to share so here they are. The strike takes 12 frames. But here are just a few.
Spoonflower hosts weekly design challenges. They are themed, and there are prizes for the top 10 designers. A fun way to build your portfolio and shop offerings. It’s been much too long since I have taken part, but I am jumping back in.
As always, I learned a lot in the process. I designed this specifically for a decorative pillow.
In addition to the cash prizes for the top ten designs, the top 50 have their proof swatch printed for free. A proof is required before the print is available for sale. Winners are decided through public voting.
I’d love your vote! Scroll through to select, and then click the submit button. Thanks so much!
The luminous light that burns on the Arizona desert, out of long miles of untouched sage and sand. . . Yes, that’s where I want to be, on an observation car traveling swiftly into the Southwest. Losing myself in a shimmer of fine dust. Elizabeth Shepley Sergeant
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The monsoon is still serving up wonderful cloudy vistas.
Lights and Darks over Mingus. SMD
The photo below was taken yesterday in Prescott. Lots of green in them there hills.
Partly Cloudy. SMD
Late last night we had rain and thunder for about an hour. The photos below are from a lightning show on Friday. I watched for over an hour, taking photos and videos. It looked like a strobe light was on, there were so many bright bursts. I only saw three lightning bolts. Most of them were hidden by layers of cloud cover.
Lightning Flash. SMD
Distant Light. SMD
That same day, I saw two Mourning Doves fly under my window. The were very busy eating. As they started to leave, I noticed one had a broken foot. He was walking on his knuckles. You can see it, the dove in front. There were raindrops on the window
Broken. SMDDove #2. SMD
Yesterday we went out for dinner. I almost didn’t go. We have chicken tortilla soup in the fridge. Yum. All was well, until I tried getting out of the car. I had noticed a while before, that my foot felt weird. Figured it was asleep, but it was not tingling. I moved it to get the blood flowing. We pulled in the garage about 15 minutes later. I was in the front passenger seat. As I stepped out, I screamed in pain. I wasn’t looking at my feet. And I guess I landed on my ankle. I just continued to place all my weight on it, and I collapsed. My hands were full, but I managed to keep from falling on my face.
I started to hyperventilate. I did not have my O2 on. It was a short trip, and we ate in the car. The doctor recommends I take short breaks when I am inactive. To keep the lungs from getting lazy. Good thing too. That 9 pound pack would have landed on my back.
I sat and worked to calm my breathing. I was sweating and nauseous. It took me a few minutes to feel better. Pete tried to pull me to my feet, but I did not have the strength. So Mom found an old pillow, and I used it to get on my knees. I slowly turned and used the car and the seat to climb to my feet.
I stood for a moment, and when I put my weight on that foot, it hurt, but I could tell it was not broken. They slowly helped my to my bed. Whew!
Ouch!
I had to change out of my dirty garage floor clothes. EWW! LOL. Now it is two more days of RICE. Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. I found some strengthening & stretching exercises I can start after the swelling has gone down. Today the bruise has grown over the top of my foot.
Day 2
Today my thighs are sore, and I have a pain on my right side. When I cough or move, breath, LOL. It hurts. I think I was in a twisted position as I went down. There is no bruise. I am taking that as a good sign. Haha.
Fortunately, I do not have any appointments for the next couple of weeks. Not sure how I managed that. God cleared my calendar for me. ;o)
So here I am, sat in bed. I have all of my accoutrement. (Said with a french accent. LOL.) I have a project, watercolors, my water brushes, a small paper cutter. The computer, a small sketchbook. Books to read. Haha. My meds, my glasses, and my water bottle. Good to go. I mean stay. Be careful friends!
Chaos is roving through the system and able to undo, at any point, the best laid plans. Terence McKenna
The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry. Robert Burns
