I walk just about every day of the year, and it’s usually a long walk. It’s a great way to exercise, and it gives me the opportunity to “Stop and Smell the Roses” as Mac Davis sang in his 1974 hit song. We don’t have too many native roses in the greater Pinnacle Peak area of Scottsdale, but the desert does come alive every spring with beautiful blossoms that are just as magnificent as any rose.

The following photographs are of blooms and other flora that I found on my morning walks during the last few weeks. Some are native plants, others planted. But, all of them paint the desert landscape with their colorful flowers. Many of us don’t have the time to pause and see these plants close up as we hit the road on our way to work, drop off the kids or do the shopping. Life is hectic and time is precious.

However, I urge everyone to take a walk, and stop along the way to enjoy the beauty of your area. If you can’t do that, I hope these photographs will give you an idea of the natural beauty that would be right before your eyes. And, for those of you who may not be old enough to remember Mac Davis’ lyrics, here’s a little inspiration from the opening verse of his song:

“Hey Mister, where you going in such a hurry

Don’t you think it’s time you realized

There’s a whole lot more to life than work and worry

All the sweetest things in life are free

And they’re right before your eyes.”