Spaghetti with a side of Lightning
© 2019 RGallucci Photography

Spaghetti with a side of lightning - WHAT?! Let me explain.

We studied the charts, spoke with the experts, and drove 40 miles to chase today's tepid storms to find beautiful clouds with hidden lightning. Undeterred, when we saw that there was an active cell firing near home, we loaded up the gear and bolted in that direction. Unfortunately, but expected, by the time we arrived, the lightning was done.

Our only solace was that I had made fresh meatballs and sauce earlier—comfort food to soothe or disappointed souls. Back at the house, I began to heat the sauce and fill a pot with water to cook the pasta. The pot was half full when my friend, who, unbeknownst to me, was peering out the window, shouted, "HUGE BOLT!" Like dormant animals jolted awake, we ran out of the house to witness one of the most spectacular cloud formations the southern Arizona high desert has unveiled since we moved here. Before us, the setting sun had cast desert hues of pink, purple, and gold on the side of a radiant cumulus cloud. We set up our cameras and were rewarded shortly after with a stunning flash on monsoon wonder. There were a few other bolts, but this was the only one that came out.

Perhaps our maker decided to reward our intrepid spirit with a foreshadowing of the season to come. At least that is what I choose to believe.

Retiring inside, we sat down to a delicious Sunday dinner of Spaghetti and meatballs - with a side of lightning.

I remain his scribe


Shoot Date: June 14, 2020
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
⅕ sec at f/11 Bias:0 EV
ISO: ISO 100
Lens:EF24-70mm f/2.8L II USM @ 47 mm