“Connections we make to people, places, things, and ideas, are what give purpose and meaning to our lives.” – Emily Esfahani Smith
One of my favorite places to be is at home on Kiawah Island, outside walking in the neighborhood or on the beach. This is something I enjoy doing several times a week. (Years ago I loved jogging on a regular basis with our dogs but after having to replace two worn-out knees, my doctor advised me to take up another gentler sport, like walking.) I love going on long walks, especially with Tucker, our two year old Cocker Spaniel. These walks are important to me and he enjoys them as much as I do. It’s wonderful to be surrounded by the sounds and sights of nature, have time to reflect, make plans and feel energized again. Our time walking never fails to put me in a happy, relaxed frame of mind.
Last week Tucker and I went to the western part of the Island for a 2½ – 3 mile walk on the beach. Not many people walk in this area because one needs to pay attention of the tide chart and go out at low tide. Over the years in this area our beach sand has been naturally replenished with by ocean currents and also necessary beach renourishment projects after destructive storms. All of this has created a large sandy area between the Ocean Golf Course on Kiawah and the Atlantic Ocean. Timing is everything if you want to enjoy this beautiful area and also stay dry because during each high time the ocean comes way up on the beach. This was taken as we were approaching the end of the Island.
This was taken as Tucker and I were approaching the front nine holes of the Ocean Golf Course (which is visible in the background right before the tree line). It also shows the path the ocean takes during high tides. In another couple of hours this area will be flooded.
Boston is another favorite go-to-place I love seeing with my husband. A beautiful, walking City full of life and history! This picture shows a few of the many apartment complexes along Mercantile Wharf in Boston’s North End. It was taken from our room at the Marriott Long Wharf Hotel.
Part of the beautiful Boston shoreline taken during a Duck Boat tour of the harbor.
A small area in part of the city where one can stop and relax or meet up with friends.
Much research has been written about the importance of creating a balance between our everyday activities and time spend visiting our go-to-places. People who have a good balance in their life tend to be happier, mentally stronger and experience lower levels or stress. Thanks goes to John for suggesting this important topic for our challenge this week. Please sure to check out his post by click here.
I will close by sharing another one of my favorite quotes.
“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
I liked the closing Sandburg quote – and reminded me there is such a difference between solitude and loneliness.
And your photo of your go to places showed the absolute beauty of Kiawah Island – lucky duck to live on such a special east coast spot.
also enjoyed the buildings and different angles – and the note about finding balance – to fuel wellness – lahhhh
Well said, Yvette. Thank you for your kind words and for sharing your thoughts!! 😊
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Great quote to finish an amazing post, Sylvia. I love the Boston image, it looks like my kind of place.
Sofia, I agree that you would probably enjoy being there. And I’m guessing you would see many interesting things to photograph. Hope you can go one day.
Nicely captured Sylvia
Milena, so glad you enjoyed seeing these pictures and thank you for visiting my post!
Sylvia, these are all beautiful go-to places. I’ve never been to Boston and your images make me want to plan a trip there.
Thank you, Beth, Boston is such an interesting and diverse City. I think you would really enjoy being there!
Such a beautiful journey shared! 🌟 Walks with Tucker 🐾, the peaceful Kiawah beaches 🌊, and the lively charm of Boston 🏙️ — soul food. Nature, reflection, and history woven together perfectly. 🌿 Every moment is a real celebration of life!
Philo
Philo, I enjoyed seeing your interpretation of these photos, thank you for sharing!! And yes, every moment is a real celebration of life!
You are welcome, SB
Sylvia, I am partial to beaches (grew up on the coast in Brazil), but in this case, I’ll favor the Boston image. What a beautiful shot!
Boston is a beautiful city with so much to see and learn. We never get tired of going there. I’m glad you liked seeing these few of the pictures!
Wonderful post and photos. I especially love your closing quote….a great reminder to disconnect and let the creative juices flow.
Thank you Donna, I’m glad you enjoyed seeing these photos! Carl Sandburg’s quote is also one of my favorites; it’s so important to sometimes step back and listen to your inner thoughts.
I’ve only been to Boston once, but in that short visit, we learned much on our walking tour. I’d love to take that duck boat tour, Sylvia!
John, I agree you should go on the duck boat tour when you return. The tour covers a lot of popular places, on land and water, and talk about history and related stories. A great opportunity to relax and learn a lot!