Nature Journal Ten: An Arizona Sky (NJ10)


Nature Journal Ten: The Arizona Sky

            It was a late August day in Scottsdale when I was taking my dog for a walk to enjoy the sunsets prior to the curtains closing which usually my indication to bring out the telescope. As we begin to conclude our walk, we perch up on the highest point we can find and watch the sun disappear behind the mountains as the light projects over the desert. The clouds began to separate, forming holes across the sky that the light was able to break free through. The sky was a beautiful symphony of red and orange paint splattered across my view with one powerful slash of the wrist. The colossal mountain in the distance seemed minuscule as the orange sea engulfed the desert. I have always been a fan of sunsets and have seen many in my day, but this sunset was spectacular as if mother nature was seeking credit for her outstanding work. The juxtaposition of the mountains with the desert looming at its mighty feet and with the clouds protecting those without glasses from the beaming rays was breathtaking. It was fully encapsulating, and little did I realize others had stopped their walk to enjoy as well. Everyone has different lenses and while perception is key, all of us were able to stop and recognize magnificent beauty that we so often take for granted.

            As the sky began to change from cotton candy to a black night the stars emerged from the shallow darkness. It was time to go home and conclude my adventure, but it was extremely gorgeous watching the time lapse of the Arizona sky. Often we are inside when the sky is changing and it finally has become a realization that one of the most beautiful moments in nature happens 365 days a year and I need to take advantage more often.





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