“Balance, that’s the secret. Moderate extremism. The best of both worlds.” – Edward Abby, “Desert Solitaire”
I love the way the yellow tree tops contrast with the mountain off in the distance just a ways. — Photo by Pat Bean
Morning Walk with Pepper
I can’t tell you how many times in my travels, I’ve come back from visiting an awesome landmark, like a waterfall that required an easy half-mile hike to access, and have a local who’s lived within five miles of it all his life tell me he had never seen it.
What a waste, I always thought.
The path behind my apartment’s parking lot. – Photo by Pat Bean
I thought about this facet of life this morning as Pepper and I strolled around the outskirts of our Tucson apartment, which sits in balance between city development and Mother Nature’s desert creation.
I can walk across the street and have a Starbuck’s latte, and then come back and watch a gila woodpecker sit on top of armed saguaro cactus or admire how the season has turned the desert to gold.
I’ve found the balance I wanted in a rooted life. I don’t have to travel – although I still plan to do so – to enjoy the wonders of the world. It’s all around me. I just have to take the time to look.
The Wondering Wanderer’s blog pick of the day.
Bean’s Pat: Boston Rainbow http://tinyurl.com/d72e3v9 Something to remember as we mourn the senseless tragedy that marred the Boston Marathon. May the hearts of all those who lost life and limb find comfort in knowing this. My heart aches for you all.
Pat Bean's blog 
I suppose because everything is new to us gypies, we notice everything. And because everything is familiar to rooted people nothing is new or deserving of notice. I am beginning to realize I would be nervous and upset to have to return to the same address every night
I felt exactly the same way, which is why I spent 9 years living and traveling in an RV. You’ve still got about seven years to go don’t you Al?
I completely agree with allevenson!
Love your photos here Pat.
Thanks Alex. Sometimes I just want to shout at people to look around them. I have truly found beauty everywhere I’ve traveled and lived.
Beautiful photo. There’s just something about mountains that leave me in awe. Guess we’re living in the right part of the country!
I never thought I would enjoy living in the desert — but I really do.
You certainly live in a beautiful place Pat.
Isn’t that a wonderful thing to discover? I learned that lesson here in the Bogs. I love to travel, but I’ve found so many wonders here, too. 🙂
I never tire of seeing your bog, especially the pond. We are among the very fortunate to have discovered so much beauty in our own backyards.
Pat, how do I send you a photo?
send it to me at patbean@msn.com