Moonflowers & Nightbirds
Night-Blooming Cactus
I just love walking the dog at night. Mostly because it brings me joy to watch my happy dog. But also because if all else fails, and I didn’t take breaks during the day, or I spent too much time in front of the computer, walking the dog at night is my time to really soak in the beauty of nature that’s all around.
Every time it’s different. And now it’s spring in the urban desert, which means that every few weeks there is a new fragrance lingering in the air. At first it was the tiny sweet-smelling flowers of the African Sumac tree. Then it was the heady waves of Orange Blossoms. And Lemon and Lime blossoms.
Right now there’s nothing remarkable, just cool fresh air and the nightbirds singing beautifully. Growing up as a child in the midwest, birds only sang during the day. Here in the desert, birds sing at night too. And loudly. And proudly. The mockingbird runs through its many calls, imitations of all the other birds it has heard in its lifetime. Even though the sun has gone to sleep, these nightbirds joyously sing their heart’s song in the trees. I could listen to them for hours … spring serenade that spills over into summer nights too. When you emerge at night, safe from the the desert’s fierce summer sunbeams, sacred moments of silence are accompanied by the nightbirds’ calls.
Tonight I saw three night-blooming cactus plants called into action by the waning full moon–on gorgeous display for only tonight, dying by the morning-sun. There are many kinds of night-blooming cacti, some more rare than others, but every one is stunning and miraculous. What’s most rare is the ability to stumble upon them at the right time and place, awake and aware, realizing their precious magic. These flowers have a special quality that always seem to push you to the next level. I’m so grateful for my dog, helping me be at the right time and place to see them. What have you seen this week that inspires you?
Reaching out for the Moon
