Lens-Artists Challenge #279 – Magical

/ Leya

Magical – I wonder…what is magical to you? According to Wikipedia, Magical can mean: ”…beautiful or delightful in a way that seems removed from everyday life. ” I think that is the most common use. At least for us grown-ups. But there are of course other meanings too.

First of all, I guess we all need some magic in our lives, don’t we? Especially in difficult times like these. I try to find magical moments every day, and one of them is acorns sprouting new life, new little oak trees – in my kitchen. I enjoy looking at them growing every day.

Being alive and observing the living things on this blue planet gives my life all the magic I need. Nature has it all. I just have to walk out the door and open my senses.

Nature’s seasons are magical to me. This image shows fading Autumn by the river – and Mother Nature spreading her fairy dust in the most extraordinary ways. I cannot imagine living in a world without seasons, but unfortunately climate change is working on reducing our four seasons into two.

Often in fairytales and fantasy literature we find magical things in another sense – like roads, bridges and doors that open up to new landscapes, other worlds. We don’t really know what it will feel like or look like, or what will happen to us when we have passed the entrance. But we love that feeling of uncertainty and excitement.

Even if we know the facts, how ice is built and why – it is still magical every time the ”feathers” appear on my glasshouse or on the car.

And Spanish moss – it is fascinating to hide inside living curtains. And what child does not love to build a simple cabin in the forest? Or under the kitchen table! I still remember that magic – and I am now fully allowed to experience it again with my grandchild… We have great fun together.

Some of us feel that mystical, or maybe supernatural, is what we think of when we hear ”magical”. A dark tree with one natural lantern and one manmade. Magical, mystical, or even a bit scary?

Clearly light and darkness are strongly connected to what we consider ”magical”. But, that doesn’t mean it has to be dark – it can be soft and misty, with dew drops and colours too.

If natural magic is not enough for you, or if you like to play around with your images – Lightroom and Photoshop, Topaz, or other software programs, can turn your photo into a painting, soften it into a dream or use presets for different colour combinations. There are an abundance of possibilities. And it is fun! Magical transformations in one single click – or two. Not many years ago this was only imagination.

My final example is from this festive time of the year – the Holiday Season. Many magical wonders in the world of my little granddaughter. I believe we should try to keep that feeling alive. Let them be fascinated and filled with awe. Let their eyes glow. Let them be children. They will grow up soon enough. And we who have grown up into this tough world, would feel better with something of that magic lingering in our eyes.

Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.

– Albert Einstein

Now, Magical might mean so many different things to us, so – What is Magical to you? Special people, places, things; nature, adventures, childhood memories… – what are the ingredients you want there to make it magical? This week we are looking forward to seeing some of Your magic! Please link to my original post and use the Lens-Artists tag so we can find you in the reader.

A big thank you to Amy for last week’s Unique – an intriguing challenge that brought us fantastic and unique experiences! Much to ponder and much to learn.

Keep well until next Saturday, when Tina will be our host again. Be sure to visit her beautiful site for more inspiration!

206 reaktioner på ”Lens-Artists Challenge #279 – Magical”

  1. Pingback: Lens-Artists Challenge #279 – Magical

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  6. Ann-Christine, every one of your images is magical. It’s great that you show that quality. I sort of missed out on your challenge through a bout of illness but feeling better now, and posted this week. Have a Happy Xmas and best wishes for the new year.

    Svara

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  43. I thought that I had already commented on this post, but maybe not. I love those frost patterns and the Spanish moss, they are beautiful (as are all your photos) and the one with your granddaughter is definitely magical. How time flies! I guess she must be 18 months now?
    Mine is a little different as I have written before about magical places.

    Selling the Wind

    Svara

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  47. I have to start making a list of blogs where WP says I’m not logged in and won’t accept my comments. But in the meantime, let me see if I can remember more or less what I wrote.

    A-C, I loved this challenge and derived much joy from looking for photos that showed things that are magical to me. Your ice photos are stunning!! The night shot with the veiled moon and the light is atmospheric and, of course, the joy of a grandchild combined with the joy of Christmas can never fail to be magical.

    Lens-Artists Challenge #279 – Magical

    janet

    Svara

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  54. First, in these times we do need magic. Secondly, I really like this quote Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world. Thirdly I like how you do not over edit your beautiful photos, of nature and precious moments and details nature creates. Truly inspirational Anne-Christine.

    Svara

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  66. A truly exquisite post this week Ann-Christine. I loved every image and the thoughts that go with them. The last two were my favorites, along with your commentary. I cannot get close to telling you how much I loved this one!

    Svara

    • Thank you ever so much for this lovely comment, Tina – you made my day! And the theme seems to be rather popular so far. I was a bit worried people might think it difficult, so I made Many examples…

      Svara

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  72. Taking my breath away… These images are beautiful and magical. I love the lighting of the first one. The fall colors are incredibly beautiful. The photo of the lantern is superb, say the least. Love all your editing images. The last one is magical and words are moving. Thank you, Ann-Christine!

    Svara

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  82. Of course we need magic in our lives, I totally agree. And your post is wonderful, full of magic in every image and word. I didn’t know which image to choose as my favorite until I got to the last one, it is beautiful and full of magic.

    Svara

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  87. Yes, to children being children for as long as they need to be. We, big kids, should not lose the ability to create magical moments and to keep using our imagination. Thoughtful post and very enjoyable.

    Svara

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  90. Thanks Ann-Christine for reminding us, through your beautiful images, to look for the magic in our lives: current and past. This was an amazing post that will have me looking through my archives for outings that brought magic into my life.

    Svara

  92. We all need magic in our lives and it is there at the most unexpected moments . . . but, for me, it usually comes and goes quietly and leaves me with a smile on my face . . . I don’t think it much cares being put into words . . . ?

    Svara

  94. What a perfect theme for December, Anne-Christine! Magical describes every one of your images. I think I lean toward finding the magic in nature but watching children opening their presents on Christmas is truly filled with magical moments. Beautiful! I will join you with my Sunday Stills red and green color challenge Sunday morning with a few magical images 🙂

    Svara

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  105. Wonderful images, Ann-Christine! I love your Indian-Summer colors, especially in the first image with the reflection in the lake. I also love your ice flowers 👍👍👍
    And of course the last one with the kid with the Santa Clause scene. Only 4 hours ago, I took a very similar image of my grandson. But, instead of the scene, he was warming his hands at an advent candle.

    Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #279 – magical

    Svara

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  109. A theme it had to be you, Ann-Christine, to invite us and inspire us with. I love your words but this week I’m more taken with your photos, they allow me to travel. It’s a wonderful feeling. The ice is so, so beautiful. Your digital art is perfect. But my favourite is the tree with the lamp. The atmospheric lighting, the details… it’s one of your best photos ever for me.
    Here is mine:

    Lens-Artists Challenge – Magical

    Svara

    • Oh, thank you so very much, Sofia! And I love it that you like the tree… that was a lucky one, when I was walking by and the moon came our too. The light was so right.

      Svara

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  114. The pictures, the words, all conjured up magic, Ann-Christine. Your photos have such as an ethereal quality that they make me want to know or even create a story behind each. It definitely makes me appreciate Mother Nature more. Climate change is being felt here as well. In your words, we may end having just two, even in this part of the world.

    Svara

  117. There are so many ways to experience ”magical” in our daily lives, AC. This certainly brought a sense of calm to me, reminding me to look close at what brings me awe. Love all your images and your words to nudge us in the right direction. Your sweet granddaughter will certainly be the magical light and love for all of you this year. I especially love your icy photos they are like fairytale images. Beautiful, beautiful post in images and words.

    Svara

  118. Top to bottom, magical, Ann-Christine! There isn’t a thought or an image that I don’t love. The magic in a child’s eyes does it for me. During the week I was at a giant Nativity scene here. It was all I could do not to direct my camera at a little girl who was mesmerised by the scene before her. Big sister was a chatterbox, describing everything and asking questions. Between them, they were the magic of Christmas.

    Svara

  119. Ann-Christine, this is beautiful from beginning to end. Your magical photos transported me to different worlds. This theme is inspirational and hopeful. Wonderful!

    Svara

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