Ritva wants us to share a quiet moment. ”Where is your serene sanctuary?”, she asks. Is it the warm comfort of sipping your morning coffee or tea – alone in the silence? Or, maybe the peaceful moments engaging in your favourite hobbies? This week’s challenge is encouraging us to connect with our inner emotions and experiences.
You who follow me, or often read my blog, will know how much I need and love those quiet moments. I think we all crave them to have harmony in our lives.
I so envy cats. They seem to effortlessly land in those moments every day. And I, I quietly look at them and would love to know their secret…
Once I had an otherworldly experience, one that I know I might never have again. This is the tiny island of Corvo in the Azores archipelago. We were only allowed to stay for half an hour, and those soundless 30 minutes passed all too fast. We sat looking down in the hydrangea filled volcano crater – that was all the island consisted of – floating in the skies around us. Everything was blue and green – no borders, nothing.
And the white and black dots you see deep down there – are cows.
Summerhouse sunset, and my two children growing… too fast. I remember this moment, maybe 16-17 years ago, standing there looking at them, tears burning, loving them with all my heart.
These last photos are from an early morning, same place, no dog, only my camera. A quiet walk, contemplating the last days of a beautiful summer.
As I reached the path, I stopped breathing when the delicate deer stepped out of the forest and into the light.
At the end of the path, is the sea. In the smooth water sailed silent birds and boats.
This beautiful family was sailing while eating, teaching their young how to dip down and dive for food. In quiet moments, details become more clear to us, we can watch, enjoy and learn.
Thank you Ritva for this wonderful challenge. I warmly recommend a visit to Ritva’s beautiful post and be inspired by her thoughtful photos and words. Remember to link back to her original post and to tag Lens-Artists so we can easily find you.
Last week we had so much fun with Anne’s challenge. I loved to see how differently we can interpret a theme! Next week it is Egídio’s turn to host, Saturday 13th September. Until then, take care and be kind.
If you want to know more about the Lens-Artists Challenge, please click here.
Leya 
Beautiful, especially that landscape at Corvo, A-C!
Thank you for loving it, John!
Beautiful scenes – the swans are gorgeous!
Thank you – I loved watching their tranquil family life.
Great selections. Introspective. Very well done.
Thank you, John!
AC, this was beautiful written with the photos to enhance your words. You are so right about cats. They definitely know how to relax, AND get people to wait on them at the same time. I almost included a cat from the camino. I just loved that they belonged to an entire village, and the villagers took it seriously.
I loved the memories, intertwined with your walk and the way you ended with the swan family, and the tranquility that only the sea can offer.
Thank you so much, Donna! This was a challenge that suited me well, and I loved putting it together.
I have only this to say Ann-Christine, you are the master.
Now that is praise, Tina – I am humbled. Thank you.♥
The perfect challenge for your soul, Ann-Christine. You sold me the Açores, now I really, really have to go… someday. I love your children’s photo and sentiment, yes that is how it feels, everyday.
Every day – true. And it never stops, does it. I am glad I sold you the Açores. There is no way not to love it!
Quiet moments are the best. And you showed it here perfectly. Thanks A-C.
Thank you, teresa – they are!
Ann-Christine, I feel the peace and quiet in all of these images. My favorites are the cat on the stairs and the woman on the rock looking down at the beautiful view below.
Thank you, Beth – the cat is a favourite with me as well – and my daughter (in the photo from Corvo)loves it too.
A beautiful, peaceful, and reflective collection of quiet moments. Thank you for sharing.
Glad you liked them, Joanne – this challenge fitted me well!
Oh yes, you nailed this one A-C. Hard to pick a favourite a they are all so beautiful, but the cat on the steps and the swans are lovely.
Thank you, Jude – That cat is also a favourite of mine!
Such a gorgeous, contemplative gallery Ann-Christine, thank you so much for sharing 🩷 xxx
So happy you enjoyed the post!
💖 xxx
Your photos are all absolutely beautiful, and so peaceful too 💚
Thank you, Sarah – it was a wonderful challenge that suited me well.
Beautiful pictures, dear Ann-Christine. They radiate peace.
The Fab Four of Cley:-) 🙂 🙂 🙂
Thank you – then I am happy.
Lovely post AC – I knew you would do this one well! I particularly like the image ,very magical,, of Corvo in the Azores, and your images of the last days of summer. Beautiful.
Thank you so much Sue! As we are home now – do we speak tomorrow?
Yes please!
These images are familiar in away, so similar to what we have here, I can sense the quiet and the beauty of the surroundings. Your photos all ways impress me as they do now. The island of Corvo, was a wow, the cat was inspired and the grace of the swans. Beautiful post
Thank you, Ritva, you are very kind. Corvo was unforgettable.
Your posts are very often serene, and you must have had a thousand images to choose from. But you did it! Such peace … and memories for you … here.
♥♥♥
Wow, I was a bit blown away by these images, they’re fantastic 🙂
Thank you kindly, Steve!
Beautiful Ann-Christine, so many wonderful places. I can feel the serenity.
Thank you so much, Leanne! Much appreciated.
I love all the photos, specially those with water, but that cat is so relaxed. 😊
Thank you, Nes. it was a tranquil day!
How to say what others will voice so much better? Beautiful from start to finish xx
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These moments were meant to become the fabric of our lives. Well discovered inner emotions and experiences and lent to us for a our pleasure too. Thank you Ann-Christine 😀
♥ How beautifully said, Brian.
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Greetings,
Luke 5 16
But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
regards,yogimk
Such peace and tranquility. The Corvo shot is wonderful. The lone figure with her back to the camera gives such a sense of scale and silence.
Thank you, Marie – my daughter loves that picture of her too.
Ann-Christine, I was so looking forward to your post. I knew the images would simply be gorgeous. The quiet moments you shared are precious indeed. The Azores are like a fairy tale land.
Thank you, Egidio! I enjoyed this challenge immensely. Glad you liked it!
Touching and poignant commentary Ann-Christine. I particularly like the island volcano and geese images.
I am glad you ejoyed them, Brad. Thank you.