(Not) Fake

With organisms like Ophrys apifera, the bee orchid that mimics the shape and scent of bees, or the technicolored peacock mantis shrimp and its creative violence,

or even the humble cactus, which has developed a way to save water in the desert and sharp spines to defend itself, I shouldn’t be surprised by the wonders that nature produces.

But I constantly am.

Prickly pear cactus? Phoenix, AZ

Super spiny cactus, Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix landscape: Saguaro cactus with mountain and sky

Close up of barrel cactus

Close up of barrel cactus

Saguaro cactus and blue sky

When I played in the garden this weekend, the leftover tulips from the prior owners of our house, the ones that popped up just because it’s spring and that’s what they do when the right seasonal cues come along, enchanted me every time I looked up from my work and saw them.

The not-fake world delights me.

For the month of April, I will publish a 10-minute free write each day. Minimal editing. No story. Just thoughts spilling onto the page. This one is from the Daily Post one-word prompt, Fake. Trying to get back into the writing habit.