explore...

 … is today's photography theme.

Prickly pear fruits (I believe).

Took these photo whilst exploring the farmer's market in Houston, today.

It's MAJOR.

Had NO idea what many of the items were.

Which makes me very happy. =)

A key to exploring, in my mind, is to:

1st, embrace your ignorance,

2nd, ask someone to teach you.

That way you get to learn,

and they get to be a smarty pants;

a win-win.

=)

There was one item that looked like bags of dried green dodder or Spanish moss*.

A young girl explained to us that it is what you put in the manger for the baby Jesus.

Not for eating--oops.

She was SUPER cute.

I love learning from a 9-year-old.

So, there ya go.

Day 23 of the 30 day photo challenge (by @just_go_do_it): DONE.

xoxobb

*Now that I look at it, I'm wondering if what they were selling IS Spanish moss, which is neither Spanish, nor moss. Apparently, it's an epiphytic flowering plant. And it is native in this region (I'm in Texas)… interesting!

wonky but I-like-'em raptor shots + cactus love

 Some not classic, but interesting, shots, from the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.

Barn owl getting settled. I think this one is my favorite.

 

Grey hawk taking off.

Harris's hawk, looking bad-a$$.

Am at Big Bend NP, right now. Had to do a SUPER quick thing for work,

which is why I'm indoors at 10 a.m. =)

And, since I was already online, thought I'd fling up a few more shots.

Today's parting shot is from Big Bend: a cactus valentine.

I posted a lame-but-it-counts shot of my first Mexican Jay on facebook,

if you want to see it. Beautiful bird!

Now, I'm off to see what my Nikon and I can find.

Cheers! xobb

Silent Sunday: cholla sky