Camera Settings: f/2.8, 1/60, ISO 400, lens 50mm compact macro

I find autumn such a curious season. There is a small sadness in the way the world around us slowly goes barren while at the same time there is such a warmth of spirit and gratitude. Is it me, or is the duality palpable?

Today, seek something out that tells that kind of story, something that consists of two seemingly opposites or a scene that brings more than one feeling to the shot. Shoot for something that contradicts itself or challenges your beliefs.

Note: I obviously happened on this cactus patch at the perfect time of day. The prickly subject matter and extreme texture is contradicted here by the color and glow of the late afternoon light. I would have never dreamt in a million years that a garden of cactus could feel so warm and inviting.