Finding beauty in small discoveries. — Utah is known for its vast deserts, awe-inspiring arches, and sculpted canyons. The basins stretch on for miles, and majestic cliffs call to adventure-seekers from around the globe. But, for me, sometimes it’s better to get look down, get closer and think smaller. To explore the spectacular world of tiny…

Unseen Connections Beneath the Surface — We had a dry winter, followed by a drier spring. By summer, it was hot, the ground was baking and the lakes were lower than ever. Then, by the grace of Freyr, it rained. All through the mountains, mushrooms of red, purple, green, and beige unearthed themselves in quiet celebration…

October Six Word Photo Story Challenge: “Site or Sight” — Do the guards still keep watch? Alcatraz’s last line of defense against escapees was the guard tower. The men on duty kept their eyes peeled for unusual sights, ready to sound the alarm. I’m not a superstitious person, but my sister is. And as the younger child, her influence on me is palpable. So, when we…

A Splash of Color on a White Landscape — It's the first snow of the season — the mountains are still. But not quiet. My footsteps splash against wet earth. They crunch on snow drifts. Drying leaves. Layers of white highlight a carved amphitheater. A frozen knife ready to cut into the sandstone cliffs when the Spring sun rises…

Six Word Photo Story: Freestyle — The water seems full of blood. The Great Salt Lake is divided— half green, half red. Split by a railroad causeway. The lake's unique pink coloring is due to halophiles — extreme salt-loving microorganisms — and pink-orange algae that live on the northern side of the lake. Green and blue-green algae paint the southern side. Fish…

September Six Word Photo Story Challenge: “Shadows” — Light, shadow dance in colorful darkness. The sheep tunnels are cool — a relief from the desert sun. My footsteps and voice echo along the shadowed corridor. Rays peek through openings in the ceiling, dancing on the colored walls in this otherwise dark place. Plants grow in isolated sunshine, leaves poking through the grates. Litter clutters…

March Six Word Photo Story Challenge: “Movement” — Snowfall dances against the darkness — illuminated I lost my keys. It’s a cold night. I move back and forth along the sidewalk. Minutes pass before I find them — gray metal dusted in powdered snow. In my car, I’m wracked with shivers. Melted snowflakes cling to my eyelashes. I peer outside. In my search, I hadn’t…

A Grateful Goodbye to Snowfall — In the Southwest’s arid landscapes, moisture is scarce. Treasured. Hoped and prayed for.

Six Word Photo Story: Freestyle — Smile — it’s a beautiful winter day. It’s been cold. Miserable. But I’m desperate to feel the sun, the breeze, on my face. God, do I need fresh air! I drive the four minutes to the town trail. Easy. Paved. Quiet, except for the song of happy birds. …