Sitting in a turquoise pot at the bottom of a mountain, with a view of beautiful sunsets, rests the cactus formed by one magic paddle. Now the cactus has a new home just outside the city limits. The hustle and bustle of cars and the sound of daily sirens are no longer heard as much. New life has been brought out and bright yellow flowers have bloomed. The blossoming of new beginnings for the cactus are on the horizon. New pollinators have been welcomed and new fruit has been created. The magic paddle now has grown into a mighty cactus. The sprinklers have given the plant a new life and new hope for the future. Dew drops glisten in the morning light and bugs make their way around the spines to see what they can find to eat. This cactus is pure magic. A life all of its own. One plant thriving in the desert. Creating an abundance of life and opportunity for others.
The yellow flowers attract many insects and birds. It is amazing to watch. They open with the rising sun and close with each sunset. The moonlight shines gloriously on the spines and the cactus is illuminated at night. This truly is a mystical plant. A cactus can hold so much uncertainty and pain all the while having hope then resilience. This plant is persistent and shows perseverance daily. Tortoises don’t mind the pain and eat the paddles for hydration even though the plant struggles to protect itself from these very moments. Insects and birds create homes in the paddles and find shelter from the storms. Cactus plants are like little hotels for creatures who need a home. It amazes me how I can sit and watch a cactus for long periods of time. I grew up along the ocean of California and now the Nevada desert has a huge piece of my heart. What is a place you love? Thank you for reading and have a marvelous Monday!!
-Karen Hilliard
Also, if you would like another way to show support, I have a few options. “Buy me a coffee” which is a way for anyone to contribute to the creative process behind the paintings. Fuel the artist so to speak. Here is the link if you are interested. The funds go to supplies and gas to get out to the trails. I truly appreciate the support and the fact that you are liking these blogs, as well as my art posts. I am working hard to bring you all fresh content! Here is the link to my Instagram where I try to post daily. You can also find me on Facebook at my art page Karen Hilliard Art.
If you would like to, please leave your Social Media handle on the “Buy me a Coffee” page so I can thank you in my Instagram/Facebook Stories! 🙂
Thank you again for all of your support!
