Hello from New Mexico. The phrase “around the block” evokes more than just a simple jaunt; it symbolizes the day-long road trips we often embark upon, journeys that weave through the tapestry of landscapes and experiences, ultimately guiding us back to our point of origin. These excursions, though they may seem circular in nature, are rich with discovery and reflection. As we traverse winding roads and pass through quaint towns and sprawling vistas, we gather fragments of the world that resonate within us. Each sight and sound becomes a thread in the intricate fabric of our memories, reminding us of the home that resides within our hearts. No matter how far we wander, these journeys reaffirm the notion that home is not merely a destination, but a feeling we carry with us, a constant companion on the road of life.
There has been a lot of lightning this year. This morning we had sheet lightning, thunder, and hail. A lot of it.
Lightning, Arroyo Hondo, NM.
In the heart of mid-October 2007, we were graced with a scene that looked to have been painted by the hand of a local artist (photographer), capturing the essence of autumn in all its glory. The trees were ablaze with hues of crimson and gold, their leaves dancing in the crisp breeze like nature’s confetti. The mountains and town looked splendid, dressed in the first snowfall that year. In stark contrast, this year has offered us nothing of the sort… nada! I’m looking forward to any snow we get, we need the moisture.
Hello from New Mexico! This week, we’re experiencing some beautiful autumn colors. There’s plenty to enjoy, but I wanted to share a little gem I found this week in Valle Escondido, NM. The scenery out there is stunning, and I hope it’s just as beautiful where you are. I must admit, though, the season seems to be moving along quickly.
In the morning mists of Autumn.
Aspen trunks in the Valle Vidal, NM.
No photo tour to the San Luis Valley is complete without a stop at the old homestead, you know the one! With storm clouds building, but no precipitation yet, my client, Susan, and I stopped in here on a photo workshop to see what was brewing visually.
Homestead, San Luis Valley, Colorado.
A wide view of our valley and mountains.
San Cristobal Valley aspens and cottonwoods.
This week’s “Print of the Week”. taken the same week at the location above.
Fall in the San Cristobal Valley.
As always, thank you for looking. I hope you’re enjoying Autumn where you are. G
Greetings from New Mexico! This week, I’m focusing on the Milkweed plant. The images below were taken as part of an exhibit on various seeds. I photographed the plant across three seasons: spring, summer, and fall. This year, the plant is prolific in the neighborhood.
Milkweed Umbels.
The plant belongs to the genus Asclepias, a group of plants known for their unique properties and ecological importance, particularly for monarch butterflies.
Butterfly.
Plants are primarily perennial herbs, characterized by their milky latex-containing sap. They typically have complex flowers that are uniquely structured to facilitate pollination primarily by insects. The flowers are often clustered in umbels and can vary in color from pink and orange to green and white, depending on the species.
Monarch Butterfly.
Milkweed is famously known for its crucial role in the lifecycle of the monarch butterfly. Monarch caterpillars feed exclusively on milkweed leaves, which contain toxic cardenolides. These compounds are sequestered by the caterpillars, providing them with a defense mechanism against predators even in their adult butterfly stage.
Seed pod opens.
Seed pod.
This particular pod birthed the whole seed group at once. I picked up the pod and it rolled out into my hand. I took it home. It stayed intact for me to photograph.
Seeds.
The silky floss of the milkweed seeds is buoyant and has been used historically for filling life jackets, as well as in insulation and textile manufacturing.
Seed pod opening.
Seed pod and floss.
Seeds in the breeze.
Seed.
Given its importance to the monarch butterfly, many conservation efforts focus on preserving and expanding milkweed habitats. Gardeners and conservationists often encourage planting native species of milkweed to aid in these efforts.
This one resembles my hair first thing in the morning.
Greetings from New Mexico! This week, I’m revisiting the topic of llama trekking in New Mexico. Approximately twelve years ago, and again five years ago, I was assigned by AAA to cover stories on llama trekking adventures in the state. The first assignment led me, along with a guide and clients, up the Columbine Trail. This trail winds through the mountains, surrounded by wildflowers and lush meadows of tall grass. The second story took us on a different journey down a steep canyon trail into the Rio Grande Gorge. There, we enjoyed a leisurely day that included a long lunch, lounging and relaxing in chairs, with time spent exploring the local flora, fauna, and ancient petroglyphs.
Some of the petroglyphs seen on the Rio Grande trip, mule deer and bighorn sheep.
Petroglyphs, Rio Grande Gorge.
Stay tuned for more on upcoming llama adventures.
A few nights ago, the moon was bright and, in some parts of the world, it occulted, passed in front of Antares, the brightest star in the constellation Scorpius.
In my region, what I observed was still fascinating, although I needed to take two separate photographs: one of the moon and another of the star Antares, which is named because it rivals the color of the planet Mars. However, Mars is no match for Antares in size; Antares is significantly larger.
Moon and Antares, from the deck, San Cristobal, NM.
Greetings from San Cristobal, NM! This week, the neighborhood is bursting with wildflowers. I took an early morning hike with the dogs today. It was still quite cool, and the signs of incoming weather prompted us to keep it short, a 4.5-mile round trip on the Columbine Canyon Trail. The wildflowers are in full bloom and looking beautiful, although the dogs seemed a bit impatient, frequently giving me looks that seemed to ask, “Are we stopping again?” We turned around and started heading back down the trail, chatting and interacting with other hikers along the way. Although it’s mostly uphill and the climb is moderate, the descent is much quicker. I need to train the dogs to slow me down on the way down; their pulling was very helpful on the way up!
Columbine along the creek.
Columbine, Fireweed and other plants.
Mexican Hat flowers everywhere, especially along highways and meadows at 10,000 ft.
Indian Paintbrush in the Valle Vidal, Valley of Life.
I think this hummingbird is in amongst Rocky Mountain Penstemon growing wild in the Moreno Valley, NM.
Hummingbird in the Moreno Valley, NM
My friend David Marks on the trail a few years ago in Taos Ski Valley. Check out his website for some superb wildlife and his journey in phoytography.
Photographing wildflowers in the creek at Taos Ski Valley.
Next month the sunflowers wildflowers of the valley will be showing up along the roadsides. I hope I get to see them this year before the road crews mow them down.
Here’s the print of the week, I call it Sunflower Shower.
Sunflower Shower.
As always, thanks for looking. I think my comments section is working again. So if you’re inclined to comment, I look forward to hearing from you. Have a great week. G
Greetings from San Cristobal, NM! This week, I’m excited to showcase landscapes and more in current and upcoming publications. Don’t miss my print of the week feature, highlighting a captivating image for your collection. I also had the honor of participating in a podcast Q&A on Landscape Photography with esteemed experts Bill Shapiro and Dr. Grant Scott, offering valuable insights and inspiration.
This week, my work appears in the current edition of Enchanted Outpost magazine. You may remember when I was the featured artist in their premier edition.
Thanks to all at Enchanted Outpost.
Blanca Peak, a favorite of Colorado Landscapes.
Ghost Ranch, NM.
The Taos News, our esteemed and multi-award-winning small-town newspaper, has featured the following three images in its summer guide.
Road to Ute Mountain.
Shooting stars, wildflowers in Taos Ski Valley.
A ladder at the Picuris Pueblo Church restoration.
And in the upcoming New Mexico Treasures 2026 desktop calendar, the following four images are featured. The calendar is due out in July and sells out quickly.
Rainbow, Columbine Hondo Wilderness from San Cristobal, NM.
Crescent Moon and Venus over the San Cristobal Chapel.
Lastly, the print of the week, El Prado Cottonwood Light, is one of my favorite landscapes.
El Prado Cottonwoods.
As always, thank you for looking. I’m honored and grateful for every opportunity to share my work that shines a light on this place I call home. Have a great week. G
Greetings from San Cristobal, NM This week, saying less is more, more or less.
The old saying “less is more” came to mind when I spotted this van at the trailhead covered in stickers. It was so overwhelming, I certainly didn’t take the time to read more than a few of them. To each their own.
And below, a magpie nest that had fallen from a juniper tree on our property. Its exposed structure reveals the intricate work and craftsmanship involved in building a home for a young magpie family—a perfect example, I think, of using only what’s essential.
Magpie nest, inside out, with the roof blown off.
As a side note, I left the nest untouched for a year, in case the magpies wanted to reuse the twigs for their next brood. They did return, but built a new nest from scratch, so I repurposed the old twigs to create the Dancing Magpie Ladder series in this featured post.
As always, Thanks for looking. Have a great week. G
Less Is More
“Less is more” is more than just a design principle—it’s a philosophy, a mindset, and often, a path to clarity. Coined by architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, the phrase suggests that simplicity and restraint can lead to greater impact, beauty, and meaning.
In a world saturated with noise, distractions, and excess, the idea of less invites us to strip away what is unnecessary. Whether in art, architecture, writing, photography, or everyday life, reducing clutter, both physical and mental, can reveal the essence of what truly matters.
Minimalism doesn’t mean emptiness; it shows intentionality. It’s the white space in a painting that gives form to the figure, the pause in a piece of music that deepens emotion, or the lone word on a page that hits harder than a paragraph. In photography, for example, a single subject placed in a wide, empty frame can tell a more powerful story than a busy scene ever could.
“Less is more” is a reminder to trust simplicity: to allow space for interpretation, for breath, for depth; to do less, but do it better; to own less, but feel more; to speak less, but say what truly counts.
In the end, less is not a loss. It’s a refinement, a distillation of what’s essential. And often, it’s where we find the most beauty.
