although usually a moisture-loving plant, i found this one in Arizona. i think its roots must have tapped a nice hidden water supply.

In front of the local Post Office someone took the time to prepare a rather large display of summer flowers and foliage. It is well cared for and quite impressive to the many passersby picking up their mail. Although a rather common flower, this gladiolus had exceptional form and I couldn't resist capturing on film. The bright pink row of buds in varying degrees of development against the surrounding dark green plant life created a very nice balance.

along coast of Lake Michigan

Mount Rainier in Washington

giant variegated Agave plant in Arizona desert

Ka'anapali Beach is famous for it's gentle shallow waters and beautiful ocean sunsets like this one.

two female bears resting on a sandbar in the middle of a lake (Aleutian Islands).

yes, this is real. i was hiking through a desert (with a load of camera gear of course) and saw this little cactus growing on top of a rock. it was too unique and charming to pass by without taking this photo opportunity.