Sofia gives us a beautiful challenge this week – Water in Motion. Please visit her inspirational site for more information. I will borrow Sofia’s quote to start with… because it went straight to my heart.
There’s something about the water – that solitary kind of peaceful feeling. You’re on Earth but not quite. – John C. Reilly
Water is essential to life on Earth. I wish everybody would understand that, and work together to save it from the ongoing pollution and destruction. A simple thing like never throwing anything into the water that does not belong there, would help.
Water in Motion – yes, in many ways – and most of us find it intriguing to watch it and to listen to it – let’s start slowly the natural way…
The gentle murmuring of the levada water along the paths in Madeira. Natural Mindfulness.
And water invites birds and insects to dance, eat and thrive – which leads us humans to thrive as well. I miss the walks in Madeira, a favourite place for many years when we were younger.
The waves rolling in from the sea – a soothing and mindful sound too, even if I am not a real sea person. I believe you cannot be unless you were born or have spent much time close to the sea.
Water is of course moved by the sea living creatures too. In Alaska the seals and sea lions came up real close, catching their daily meal while stirring up water swirls.
Pattering rain against the window – that is a great sound! I can lie on my back in the glasshouse and listen to the rain while looking up at the sky – without getting wet! A privilege to be grateful for. I love to fall asleep to that sound.
When we were hiking in the Azores, 2007, we found this magical valley of nine streams, hidden in the forests of the island of Flores.
From slow streams and soft waves to explosive Geisers – a massive treat of water. This one was found in Iceland.
Another way of moving water is the warm haze rising from the hot Geiser, or from the ground.
More natural water from a singing stream in a Swedish spring forest. Soon we will be there!
Now we are arriving at the manmade waters in motion – irresistible for the little ones. And, in later years of increasing heat, also for grown-ups.
In Denmark we once visited a spectacular art exhibition in the old water tunnels below Copenhagen.
Finally – fountains spreading their Christmas glory.
This week we’re looking for Water in Motion, gentle or powerful, man-made or natural, the choice is yours. When you join us, please remember to link back to Sofia’s post and to tag Lens-Artists. Looking forward to seeing your finds!
Last week we had a wonderful challenge led by Tina, with fantastic photos of people from around the world. A truly inspiring theme!
Next week it is John’s turn to lead. Make sure you visit his site for another remarkable challenge, Saturday 6th April. Until then, take care and be kind.
Leya 
Fabulous response to the challenge, Ann-Christine! I love the nine streams image, so colorful, but my favorites are those geyser shots!
Thank you, John, would love to revisit!
I could even listen to the sounds in my mind looking at these beautiful scenes! Gorgeous 🙂..
Thank you, PR. Water is indeed engaging!
What a wonderful collection, A-C.
Thank you, Teresa!
WOW! Quality photos, great variety. Excellent.
Thank you, John!
That valley of nine streams truly is magical. Something out of a fairy tale – but real!
I felt like being in a dream! We were all alone there, only the streams and the calm lake, the silent forest. It was hard to leave, I can tell you, Lindy. Also knowing we would maybe never see it again. In fact I had booked a trip back there for my husband’s 70th birthday…but then Covid hit the world.
Lots of wows and ahhs as I went along, the header Swan, that seal and waterfalls 😍
♥
Oh I feel wide-eyed wonderment with your words and photos Ann-Christine. You have visited so many interesting places in your life. We were supposed to visit Maderia on our cruise last winter. It was a place I fell in love with after seeing some of your photos and thoughts. Unfortunately, a storm kept us from there and we waved as we floated (or bounced ) along. Someday, along with the Azores. What a magical place you found on that hike! It would have been hard to leave. I can imagine the trickling sound. And the old water tunnels look interesting. Great collection!
Thank you, Donna – yes a windy island and wild waters. I don’t think we will visit again after our last horrifying landing there.
These are some really cool photos of moving water. :D 😀
Thank you, Cee, glad you liked them!
As always Ann-Christine you’ve captured the essence of the subject perfectly. All of your images are wonderful but I was especially drawn to the magic of nature in your 9 springs image and then to the magic of mankind in your closing image. Then again, the post was magical from start to finish! I can just see you lying in your glass house enjoying the moments as the rain invites you to a peaceful place. A lovely thought.
Thank you, Tina! Hope you are having better weather than we have…water, water everywhere and even snow again…And it is too cold to lie down in the glasshouse and listen to it!
Lovely places and beautiful photos. I can imagine how interesting that art exhibition in the tunnels must have been. Great photos of geysers, lovely valley with streams. I guess I liked everything you served up today.
Thank you for a lovely comment!
A lovely post, and introduced so smoothly by that swan.
Thank you, Margaret. Water, water everywhere…
Beautiful post, Ann-Christine. Your man-made are lovely but, for me, your post is alive with the natural ones. You’ve been to Madeira and Açores, which I’m still to visit, and your photos are stunning. As are the ones in Iceland.
Thank you, Sofia. When we first came to The Azores, I thought it was a Paradise – I hope it still is. But I guess tourism is growing there.
These are beautiful motion shots of something I have not seen, I would love to see the magical valley of nine streams and the Geisers.
Thank you, Ritva. I’d love to return to Flores.
A beautiful collection of water in all its moods. Yes we really need to be aware of preserving it because without it life on earth is over.
We must save it.
Just love the waterfalls in the Azores. A delightful image.
Thank you, Woolly – a place I would love to return to.
Oh my…wonderful selections!
Thank you!
I fell in love with all the natural choices you showed…and then your manmade ones wowed me as much or more. Gorgeous gallery!
Thank you, Janet. Water is engaging!
Your photos are gorgeous Ann-Christine, especially the Azores. I share your concern and hope for how we treat water.
Thank you.
What a beautiful post Ann-Christine. Water in the Azores was exceptionally beautiful. The water art in Copenhagen was spectacular as was the closing Christmas display.
I am happy you liked them, Anne! Thank you! I would love to return to the Azores, and especially Flores. In fact I was on my way – then Covid hit the world…
😊
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You open with natural mindfulness. What a great choice! Then, you share that beauty scene of the calm ocean waves. Yes, they move me. The Azores image is out of this world. You shared a very beautiful gallery, Ann-Christine.
Thank you, Egídio, for a lovely comment! I was on my way back for a nostalgic visit, then Covid hit the world. But hopefully I will, someday. It is a heavenly place.