During a 2015 visit to Goldfield Ghost Town in Apache Junction, I photographed The Church on the Mount, a small desert chapel perched against the backdrop of the Superstition Mountains. It’s one of those places where the Old West feels close enough to touch—sun‑bleached wood, quiet air, and a sense of history that settles in around you.
Goldfield built this church with authentic period details, giving it the charm of a true 1800s frontier chapel. It’s a simple structure, but that simplicity is exactly what makes it so striking in the Arizona light. The moment I captured it, the whole scene felt timeless.
The church features:
An organ from the 1880s
A pulpit repurposed from a Hammond Theatre pipe organ
1931 pews built in late‑1800s style
Wagon‑wheel chandeliers
A rough‑hewn wooden cross
Goldfield jokingly calls it a great place to “get hitched or ditched”
You can find this image in my Picfair Store — The Church on the Mount. It’s a little slice of Arizona history framed in warm desert tones.
Why I Thoroughly Enjoy Arrowhead Coffee Pods by Native Ground Coffee
Every now and then, you come across a coffee that doesn’t just wake you up—it centers you. For me, that coffee is Arrowhead, the medium roast coffee pod from Native Ground Coffee. I’ve tried plenty of blends over the years, but Arrowhead has earned a permanent spot in my morning routine for one simple reason: it delivers exactly what I want from a cup of coffee without ever trying too hard.
Arrowhead is described as a tribute to precision and balance, inspired by the timeless strength of the arrowhead itself. And honestly, that’s exactly how it feels in the cup. It’s smooth, steady, and reliable—never bitter, never overpowering, never fussy. Just a clean, balanced flavor that helps me start my day with clarity.
A Flavor Profile That Just Works
What first hooked me was the medium body and medium acidity. I love a coffee that has presence without punching me in the face at 5 a.m., and Arrowhead hits that sweet spot beautifully. The flavor is rounded and approachable, the kind of cup you can sip slowly during a quiet morning or enjoy on autopilot when you’re rushing out the door.
But the real star here is the sweet, smooth chocolate note that runs through every sip. It’s subtle—not sugary, not artificial—just a natural richness that makes the coffee feel comforting and indulgent without being heavy. It’s the kind of flavor that makes you pause for a moment and appreciate it.
Crafted for Simplicity and Strength
Native Ground Coffee describes Arrowhead as sharp, purposeful, and reliable, and I couldn’t agree more. There’s something refreshing about a coffee that doesn’t try to overwhelm you with exotic tasting notes or complicated roast profiles. Arrowhead is crafted for people who appreciate simplicity done well.
It’s the kind of roast that feels right for:
Early mornings when you need a steady start
Quiet moments of reflection
A mid-day reset when you want something smooth and grounding
Guests who appreciate a universally enjoyable cup
Because it’s a medium roast from Central America, it brings out the natural complexity of the beans without overshadowing their delicate flavors. Every cup feels intentional—balanced, smooth, and consistent.
Why It Stands Out for Me
I enjoy Arrowhead because it fits seamlessly into my day. It doesn’t demand attention, but it rewards it. It’s dependable, flavorful, and incredibly easy to enjoy. Whether I’m gearing up for a busy morning or taking a moment to breathe, Arrowhead gives me exactly what I need: a clean, balanced cup that keeps me steady.
In a world full of overcomplicated coffee trends, Arrowhead feels like a return to what matters—good beans, thoughtful roasting, and a flavor profile that always finds its mark.
If you’re looking for a medium roast that’s smooth, grounded, and quietly exceptional, Arrowhead by Native Ground Coffee is absolutely worth trying. It’s become a staple in my kitchen, and I have a feeling it’ll become one in yours too.
Be sure to visit Native Ground Coffee and pick up a box of Arrowhead Coffee Pods for yourself.
Golden Light and Blue Skies: Arizona’s Winter Magic
Late December in the Sonoran Desert… where the sun still blazes, the skies stay impossibly blue, and the mighty saguaro stands tall like a sentinel of the Southwest. There’s something timeless and majestic about this landscape — rugged mountains, golden light, and cacti that seem to reach for the heavens. Arizona knows how to do winter with style.
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These photos are from Christmas each year in both Gilbert, Arizona in 2020 and San Tan Valley, Arizona in 2021, capturing the essence of our holiday spirit and traditions. From ornamental outdoor decorations to an array of our favorite Santas and cherished ornaments that bring nostalgia, each image tells a story of joy and warmth.
We surely do miss the delightful weather of Arizona during this magical season, filled with sunshine and vibrant colors, but we also feel incredibly blessed to be making new memories and friends here in the Heart of Texas. As we embrace the charm of our new surroundings, we find joy in blending the old with the new, creating a tapestry of experiences that enrich our lives and fill our hearts with gratitude.
Native Ground’s Morning Warrior is a medium-light roast made for early risers, deep thinkers, and anyone chasing clarity before the day begins.
Origin: Huatusco, Mexico
Process: Honey
Roast: Medium-Light
Notes: Caramelized sugar, dark cherry, sweet chocolate
Single origin. No blends. Just clean, focused flavor in every pod. Compatible with most single-serve brewers, Morning Warrior coffee pods come in a convenient box containing 24 pods. Each pod is designed for a perfect brew, ensuring you experience the rich aroma and robust flavor that awakens your senses.
No fuss, no filler—just pure, high-quality fuel to kick-start your day. Start each morning by enjoying a cup of Morning Warrior, savoring the bold taste that empowers you to tackle whatever lies ahead. Embrace strength and tradition to fuel your daily journey, as every sip not only invigorates your body but also connects you to the timeless ritual of coffee appreciation. Indulge in the unadulterated essence of coffee, crafted to inspire and energize your spirit.
Having lived in Arizona for many years I found the landscapes to be immensely beautiful. This photo from 2018 was captured in one of our excursions to the Lost Dutchman State Park. While Arizona offers a vast array of different types of terrain, I believe this photo really captures the essence of what most non-residents believe the entire State looks like.
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