I originally titled this piece "Sabino Canyon", but I didn't want to necessarily limit the image to a specific place. Old-timers call the seasonal spring and fall rains "monsoons" down in the desert portions of southern Arizona. The land blooms overnight into a lush and colorful panorama. It's a delight to see for ranchers who have grown weary of dry weather and hungry stock.

As with most of my work, I don't like to explain my inspirations too much. I used to say to writers, "Do you have to draw a picture for your editor when you finish a book?" But now that I've done a book, I may have to change my approach.

- James Reynolds