Tina has chosen a lovely challenge this week – with children around the world. The very thought of it makes me smile, as I will focus on the happy children and youngsters I have met during my travels – and of course my little grandchild, Myra.
The soul is healed by being with children.
― Fyodor Dostoevsky
From start to finish these images were caught in Nice, Bhutan, Prague, Japan, Iceland and Sweden. The last image too is from Japan and the Golden Week Wisteria festival.
To be young again…to feel the warmth of a mother’s or father’s care – or from a teddy bear – to test your strength in games and play, to dress up and feel beautiful, to sing and dance and get applause, to be carefree, enjoy endless freedom, joy and love.
I also strongly believe that children and animals, if possible, should grow up together. Multiple scientific studies show that pets can have a positive impact on a child’s overall development and well-being.
Pets help teaching responsibility, enhance social skills and verbal skills. They build empathy and offer emotional support, and last but not least – they promote physical health.
I look forward to seeing your creative responses! Please remember to link them to Tina’s original post and to use the Lens-Artists Tag to help us find you. Thanks also to those who responded to Egidio’s “Music to my Ears” challenge. I have still got to visit more of your answers – but I only came home yesterday from our trip to Japan, and feel a bit jet-lagged… I really enjoyed what I have seen so far, and many songs I knew nothing about, so I learned new things again. (Blogging is learning!)
I hope you’ll join us next week too, when Patti leads us once again on her wonderful Pilotfish blog. Until then please stay safe, be kind and enjoy the journey.
Leya 
Wonderful Ann-Christine! I loved your pictures and the words that went with them.
Beautiful post. The children are lovely and the baby calves are sweet
What a trip around the world in your gallery, Ann-Christine! I love the joy in the face of the boy with the teddy bear.
Absolutely gorgeous post, AC! Your images are stunning. I am so happy you enjoyed Japan. The children with the wisteria, your granddaughter, the children with animals…they’re all wonderful. And your thoughts about childhood are heartwarming. Really an exceptional post.
Fun photos!
All your photos are great and perfect for the theme, but that last one is totally adorable!
Thank you, Sarah – her mother was photographing them, so I just stole one with her permission.
Guaranteed to raise smiles- you’re not wrong, Ann-Christine! Just fabulous 🤗🩷
Thanks, Jo!
The expressions on their faces, the lighting, clothing, and the screen of wisteria makes that photo the BEST!
Thank you, Lindy – I jumped at the opportunity when her mother photographed them. And there were more than me!
As always Ann-Christine, I loved your post. Along the way the children in the red drapes, the little Japanese girl with an iPad? and of course you beautiful granddaughter. To be perfectly honest though, I nearly forgot the rest of the post when that incredible image of those 2 little girls with their Easter baskets complete with stuffed animals under the wisteria appeared. That one just made me melt.
Thank you, Tina – they made me melt too. Their mother was photographing them, and several others jumped in with their lenses. Including me.
if these photos don’t make you smile, nothing will! My favorite,though, is that last one. How did you like Japan? I can’t wait to hear and see more about it.
Thank you, Janet – I Loved Japan! So many photos, so much to take care of…
Ann-Christine, your young children and young animals made me smile! I love the last one of the two children in the purple flowers. Beautiful!
Thank you – and yes, those two were a lucky capture!
Children and animals — you pair them and it’s extraordinary. Your photos proved that. What a joy to see all these photos! The parting shot with the wisteria and children is amazing!
Thank you, Egidio, those two were a lucky shot!
Great great photos. LOVE that last one! 👏
Me too! Thank you!
Awwww….some great captures!
♥
A charming post, from beginning to end.
Thank you, Margaret – glad I went to Japan to get the last ones!
So many to love, AC. I agree, children can benefit from growing up with animals, for many reasons. And the photos are always adorable, aren’t they? I love seeing children in traditional clothing from their homeland. Very nice, and sweet Myra is growing up. Hugs to her. To pick a favorite is hard, but who cannot love the girls sprinkled with wisteria. What a wonderful festival that must have been!
Thank you, Donna – it was a fantastic festival, and one of my friends said she finally understood the Swedish name for Wisteria: Blåregn (bluerain)
And that is exactly what it looks like. I love the Swedish version.
You shared beautiful pictures of children, the girl and teddy won my heart, but all of them expressed joy.
Thank you, Ritva. It was an interesting challenge.
Love the two girls beneath the blossoms.
♥ Sweet, aren’t they?
💕
Lovely shots Ann-Christine!
Thank you, PR.
What a variety!
Beautiful examples!
Love the Bhutanese gal and the boy with the teddy bear!
The kid is giving a lovely pose with his dog.
Thank you, AC.
So glad you enjoyed them, Philo! Thank you!
You are welcome, AC.
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