Springtime in Arizona

Springtime in Arizona is (obviously) much different than Springtime in Minnesota. Because the temps have been in the 70's for a few months already and are now creeping up into the mid-80's, I was becoming disappointed that I wouldn't get that springtime feeling that I remember from Minnesota and even California (since Northern California is definitely gray and cloudy much of the winter.)

And yet, as I looked out our balcony window one afternoon, I felt a sense of change. We have this beautiful deciduous tree right outside of our apartment and when I looked out that day I realized that its green leaves had sprung, and suddenly that rush of spring and new beginnings came back to me. Once I noticed this slight change in the Arizona foliage, I began to notice it in other areas too.  

I noticed that in the midst of the rustic dessert colors, there were pops of bold, bright hues like this. 

Then I noticed that if I slowed down and breathed in deeply I could smell the sweet scent of the blossoms of the citrus trees that are abundant in the Phoenix area. And suddenly I realized, I was experiencing Spring in a place where I didn't think it existed. It was around me all along. All I had to do was slow down and notice it. 

Of course, there's still plenty of these guys around too. I am in the southwest after all. :)