Tina leads this week, on Gratitude. And I would have loved us here in Scandinavia to also have a Thanksgiving holiday. We all have things to be grateful for, even if we sometimes cannot see them for all the troubles in our world. Thank you, Tina, for reminding us with this theme – we cannot be grateful enough for what we have been given.
Remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.
– Epicurus
Those who follow me know that my gratefulness always include Mother Nature and her wonderful gifts, and the opportunities to travel and learn about the world and our fellow inhabitants. Here are some things that come to mind almost every day – big or small:
My country lives in peace since more than 200 years – and no nuclear war has touched us. May it never happen to anyone, anywhere in the world.
I’m grateful for the trees and forests that grow close to me – the fresh air and the freedom to walk everywhere I want in nature – ”The Right of Public Access” (Allemansrätten) – in Sweden.
I have my wonderful family and a lovely grandchild who is my sunshine.
And, I am grateful there is still snow in the world – and Robins…
Hopefully, our seasons will continue to bring us joy. Another Spring will arrive with fragrant flowers and trees reaching for the sun, making our spirit shine.
Friends – I am grateful for having many good friends – in the blogosphere as well. I also have some old and very longlasting friends. This photo is from Holland in September where I met up with my mathematics professor, Wim, whom I first met on a hike in Lapland more than 35 years ago. To honor Sweden, he wore a Swedish t-shirt with Dala Horses!
In these dark days, I think maybe Light is our greatest gift – let there always be Light.
– Light in all its intrinsic meanings.
Thank you, Patti, for all the Details we could enjoy and be amazed at in last week’s challenge! Now we hope you’ll join us in this week’s Gratitude and please link your post to Tina’s original using the Lens-Artists tag. Next week it is my turn, Ann-Christine/Leya, to host the challenge – until then, keep your light shining!
Leya 
Wonderful post Ann-Christine, I think concur with all the same things. Our winters here in Australia seem to be getting shorter and shorter. The snakes used to hibernate from March to October, now we have to be careful until May and then they are often on the move as early as August, not good. I suppose we still get one so that is good, but I feel as our climate changes it will get shorter and shorter.
Great post.
Beautiful words and so relatable, at this time of the year this line stood out for so many reasons, and not just natural light. Light is our greatest gift – let there always be Light
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Your words and photos are full of beauty and gratitude!!
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Yes, the light. Always. A beautiful post, Ann-Christine. All your photos are full of light, all kinds of it.
Thank you, Sofia, I try.
What a beautiful post in picture and text, Ann-Christine. They are all outstanding, but the shadow of the tree together with the message of light touched my heart in a special way. – And yes, to be able to have free access to nature is truly something to be grateful for. I realized that this is indeed not a given in many countries while traveling.
Thank you, Yanaj – so glad you liked it! The last photo is really one of gratefulness, taken a late evening in my garden.
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wow
lovely post
Thank you
A delightful post, Ann-Christine. I also like your header photo.
Thank you, Pat! Hope all is well with you!
Simply beautiful Ann-Christine!
Thank you!
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A thoughtful post, Ann-Christine. Your last photo is truly a prayer for the future.
Thank you, John – and prayers are needed…
These are such awesome images. I especially like the trees and your grandchild… so precious.
Thank you, Teresa! My precious!
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As always Ann-Christine, you have captured the meaning of the challenge perfectly with your text and images. Your grandchild has grown so much since you first welcomed her into your world! And is absolutely precious ❤️. Snow, birds, seasons and friends – all so very important. And yes, may there always be light.
Thank you, Tina – yes, let it shine! November is our greyest month – no sun at all…Snow tomorrow! Some light in the darkness!
You’re always an inspiration, Ann-Christine. I absolutely love that last photo!
♥♥♥ Now I am smiling, Jo – high praise! Thank you!
Ann-Christine, your posts always lift my spirits. Thanks for this beautiful gallery and words.
Now you lifted my spirits, Egidio – no better praise can I get than that!
What a beautiful post and reflections on gratitude. May light grow to where we don’t have wars. How lucky you are to live in a peaceful country free of war and violence.
Thank you, yes, let’s hope for a more peaceful world.
Lovely post, A C! Lots to be grateful for, and some lovely images you have shown!
Thank you, Sue – and don’t forget to mail me!
These are beautiful images to share, and which encapsulate rhe kinds of thing for which many of us are grateful. Th woodland and the light are my favourites – though if I knew your grandchild, I’m sure that photo would make the cut too!
Thank you, Margaret – and I’m sure you would like her too!
There is a lot to be grateful for and you show it well. I love all your images, but your grandchild is very adorable
Thank you – so grateful for her in my life!
So many lovely images here and yes, many things for which to be grateful, but your last shot sums it all up – let there indeed be light!
♥ Yes, please, where ever it shall come from, let there be light.
Beautiful..
Thank you
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