June 15, 2024

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #303 Connections

“The connections we make to people, places, things, and ideas, are what give purpose and meaning to our lives.” – Donna The connections we chose in our lives are very powerful. My connection with family, other people, my community, places I love and ideas I hold dear is the sum total of who I am. And it is my connection and relationship with nature that gives me a sense of calm and inner peacefulness. Whether watching a butterfly dart from flower to flower or listening to the constant rhythm of waves beating on the sand as birds fly about. I am continually reminded of the joy and wonder that can…

December 30, 2023

Lens Artists Photo Challenge – Happy New Year!

Wishing everyone a wonderful year ahead filled with happiness, inner peace and Hope for a better tomorrow!   I feel lucky to have seen this lovely holiday scene at Freshfields, Kiawah Island, SC. “Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” – J.K. Rowling (Albus Bumbledore, from Harry Potter) My Hope for 2024 is for it to be a prosperous year of pleasant surprises, joy and good health for you and your family! In closing, it would not seen right if I did not include my favorite quote which many of you have read before… “Unexpected kindness is the most powerful,…

August 9, 2023

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #261 Work in Progress

“Life is a work in progress” – Jeff Rich Ann-Christine is our host this week and she has selected a topic everyone can relate to, Work in Progress. As she says, everything is a work in progress! A work in process is evident in our household now as my husband and I are training our eight month old American Cocker Spaniel, Tucker, to become a good citizen! The good news is things are going well; he has a wonderful disposition and is a quick learner. The not so good news is our trainer says he is going through a puppy adolescent stage which will probably last several more months, Ugh. (As…

June 8, 2023

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #252 What’s Bugging You?

“Should an insect land on you… Don’t be scared. Appreciate that you were confused for a flower.” – unknown Donna at Wind Kisses is suggesting we explore the world of bugs and share a few favorite pictures. She has many interesting species in her post so be sure to check it out by clicking here. Personally, I am not too fond of some bugs and have an unspoken agreement with them – I will respect their space and they need to respect mine. That being said, there are so many others I enjoy seeing and photographing, such as butterflies, lady bugs and bees. Note, these pictures can be enlarged by…

March 4, 2023

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #238 Alone Time

“Shakespeare, Leonardo da Vinci, Benjamin Franklin and Abraham Lincoln never saw a movie, heard a radio or looked at television. They had ‘Loneliness’ and knew what to do with it. They were not afraid of being lonely because they knew that was when the creative mood in them would work.” – Carl Sandburg Ann-Christine, who leads this week, is encouraging us to think about “Alone Time” spent in a favorite place away from outside distractions. By relaxing, mediating or working on an interesting project it is possible to temporarily clear our minds of daily ‘to do’ thoughts and allow random thoughts to emerge. Each picture shows someone enjoying their time…

September 1, 2022

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #214 Favorite Finds

“When the magic hour arrives, my thoughts center on light rather than on the landscape. I search for perfect light, then hunt for something earthbound to match with it.” – Galen Rowell Our challenge this week is to share a few pictures, randomly taken, which later turned out to be a favorite. Lately, I am trying to be more aware of the impact natural light has on a picture. For example, I was drawn to the scene below after noticing  yellow sunlight reflecting off the bricks and steam from the smoldering fire. To my surprise, when viewing this picture the next day, I noticed the camera had also picked up…

July 23, 2022

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #208 Summer Vibes

“Live in the sunshine. Swim in the sea. Drink in the wild air.” – Ralph Waldo Emeson Summer is a happy time of the year. Warm sunshine and a cool breeze is energizing as well as relaxing. This makes spending time, either alone or with friends, so enjoyable. The guest host this week, Andre, suggests we share a few summer activities which initiate happy summer vibes!  For example, sailing with friends on Casco Bay in Portland, Maine. “Summer means happy times and good sunshine. It means going to the beach and having fun.” – Brian Wilson A day at the beach with family and friends creates memorable summer vibes. “We…

June 18, 2022

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #204 Doors/Doorways

Doors can be seen wherever we turn, they are literally everywhere! And, all doors are surrounded by doorways for us to walk through, some look more attractive than others. With so many different types and designs, it should be fun to pick several doorways that attract your attention. Ask yourself, what caught your eye.  Does this doorway communicate a friendly, inviting atmosphere (perhaps much like its owners)?  Or, is it imposing due to its size and grandeur, or perhaps ominous looking, sending a message to stay away? Here are a few different styles of doorways I have noticed. A few were recently taken and others came from my archives so…

May 26, 2022

Lens Artists Photo Challenge #200 Every Little Thing

“Perfect happiness is a beautiful sunset, the giggle of a grandchild, the first snowfall. It’s the little things that make happy moments, not the grand events. Joy comes in sips, not gulps.” – unknown We are invited to share little things that makes us smile and hopefully  you will also.  The header shot is a white Hydrangea flower.  Interestingly, this large single flower is made up of many clusters of small flowers. These beautiful flowers are quite popular and come in several colors. They have a wonderful way of bringing happiness and warmth in someone home. “Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it.” – Confucius When looking at this…