Butterfli Kisses RGV- Ariel King

I’m loving the cactus flowers of spring. It’s very unusual to have such a dense area of this type of small cactus in Hidalgo Co. They thrive here because it’s caliche & an old gravel pit. Now that’s low maintenance! 🌵 🌵🌸

This time of year the nighthawks are jumping around on the ground at night. They try to distract me away from their nests and make a unique call to others letting them know their position. It’s a noise I love dearly. Growing up in South Texas you’d spot them on dirt roads to to their red eye glowing in the dark. They’re not spooky, just really magical. They’ve mainly disappeared in urban settings but I have them all over our garden oasis. 🌙

Oh look what else I found in my garden! This beautiful silk moth was the cherry on top! Wow what a beautie! I’ll have to paint him/her! I’m wondering if this is the kind that comes out of the silk cocoons on my peach trees! Anyone know?

Well hello Beautiful! A pair of Hooded Orioles have been gorging themselves (as has the whole neighborhood of animals) on my mulberries. I think they may weave one of their basket weave nests nearby. Yes that means purple p**p everywhere but I can share! It’s only for a little bit & I too reap the rewards! Green jays, painted buntings, cardinals, kiskadees, woodpeckers, warblers, thrush, thrashers, kingbirds, waxwings….oh my!

So last night was a bonanza of bloom with the Queen of the Night Cactus. They always bloom when the sense moisture coming our way. They not only smell heavenly, but also create a surreal environment of beauty. Hundreds of these were blooming all over the property. The pale pink outer petals really make them fun. If anyone wants cuttings please let me know. I’m a strong believer in planting native in your garden because it creates a fun environment. If you want to see birds and butterflies, you have to give them food and habitat. That little bit of rain we had a week ago really made things come to life. In these photos, I show the flowers early this morning, last night on my walk walk with a dog and before when the cactus still just had their buds growing. I read online there are people in Asia that eat these blossoms tempura style or grilled like asparagus. Sounds interesting. I’ll let you know if I give that a try!

Working on these cuties! I’m not used to working on small spaces but all the same, I’m having fun. It forces me to focus/perfect the only subject matter vs in a large landscape. Not quite finished with these, but making good headway. God bless the little helpless creatures! We may not know their purpose but all animals big & small are connected. I hope by painting them people will appreciate their place in the world! I know I do!

Many thanks to for the beautiful mural on our construction project in Puerto Escondido. Not only do we love his work but also the level of professionalism. We gave a concept, some things to include & he ran with it. Love, love, LOVE his work! Muchisimo gracias!!

Every winter to spring humpback whales can be see close to shore. Moms give birth in the south and head back to north to Alaska when their young have learned life’s lessons essential to travel. Safe travels momma/baby whales!

While in between enjoying the sunset & playing a game of rummy with friends, an entire nest of baby green turtles, came out from underneath me. We didn’t know until a dog started barking, and then all of a sudden there was a mad rush to save the babies and get them to the water as soon as possible. Luckily everybody was ready to help. 🐢☀️

Lots of fun birthday celebration. Family & friends, great sunsets & surrounded by beautiful weather & nature. What more could a girl want. My heart is full.

Pretty incredible time of year. The full moon brings out all the baby turtles. While some turtles are still coming in to create new nests, others are rising to the surface. I found this funny crab doing circles with one eye up and a group turtle release while on a walk with my son. The Colotepec River opens up in this area on the La Barra Beach beach.