This week, Ann-Christine provides the topic for the challenge, and she titled it Spots and Dots. She writes, “My intention with this challenge, Spots and Dots, is … that you should have fun with it! But, also recognize and enjoy the different interpretations, meanings and importance of these two little words. Spots and Dots. Because even if they are small…they can make a big difference…”

For my opening image, I feature a photo from the Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, New Mexico. When it’s time for the fiesta, hundreds of hot air balloons arrive to enjoy this unique variety of aviation. Of course, these balloons are very large and stand 60-80 feet (200-250 m) tall typically. Large balloons can handle a dozen passengers and a pilot. No matter how big they are on the ground, once they are airborne, they first become spots, then as they move away from the fiesta grounds, they become tiny dots in the sky.

Orange and other citrus trees are common in Arizona. this image features small green and yellow dots, each one could become a fully grown orange, but a high percentage of them fall off ensuring that the tree will only support the number of oranges that it can handle.

Butterflies are interesting in the many different colors they come in. This one, however, survives in black with a row of white dots on the tail.

While walking in the Hassayampa River Preserve one day, I discovered an unusual pattern on the leaves of one of the plants. I have no clue what this plant is called, but the combination of yellow spots on a green background drew my attention.

I conclude this week’s challenge post with one of my favorite night images. In Whites City, New Mexico, an abandoned motel sits on a site near U.S. Route 66. of course, in a clear night sky, there are stars without number. This photo was taken several years ago, so I don’t know the current status of the motel, but an Internet search came up with a Pueblo Motel that is described on their site as Whites City’s newest motel.

In any case, the focus for this challenge is on the many dots in the sky. To get a closer look at the stars in this image, and more details in the rest of the images, if you select the image, it will enlarge for a better view.

Thanks to Ann-Christine for another interesting challenge topic.

John Steiner