Wounds have a negative connotation and imperfection is underrated. But the fact is, if you can endure hardships, something beautiful can result.

In the desert, a fun thing to watch for are abnormalities in opuntia pads that form heart shapes. If the prickly pear is a spined variety, and the light is low, the heart shape can be undeniable.

I have snapped photos of these beautiful heart discoveries over the years, but never have I seen one blooming quite like this.

Today is Valentine’s Day and also Arizona’s birthday, celebrating 113 years of statehood. We were the 48th state to join the United States.

These blooms were spotted last spring in the Superstition wilderness, just as the sun was setting. What can I say? I love cactus, and I love Arizona.