He who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead; his eyes are closed.
– Albert Einstein
Sofia asks us for wonders. In post number 1, I featured the endemic Elliots Storm-Petrel galapagoensis; ”Elliot” after the man who discovered the bird and “Petrel” refers to Saint Peter walking on water. ”Storm” was the part given to it by the sailors, who believed the birds were warning them about a storm coming their way. To get three OK photos I spent hours on deck and clicked hundreds of shots. I still think it is one of the greatest wonders I have witnessed.
The whole world is a wonder, and so is everything in it. It’s wondrous to see the tiniest ant at its daily work, it’s wondrous to see the sun rise and set, it’s wondrous that we are here, on planet Earth. I only wish we took better care of her – the only home we have.
From the greatest mountains…
…to the endless plains,
from the waves of desert …
… to the deepest jungle –
from the oldest creatures…
…to the youngest member of a family.
And from different religions to different peoples.
When we understand that everything is connected, it’s clear we must live in peace and harmony with each other in order to preserve our home and to survive.
Sofia says: ”We’re looking for the moments, places, people that we treasure, the little stories behind a shot that stuff our lives with meaning and joy.” Remember to link back to Sofia’s original post and to tag Lens-Artists so we can easily find you.
Last week we had Patti’s challenge on the importance of how to focus on our subject. A great, technical theme that rendered fantastic photos and differrent approaches. Thank you all for the inspiration.
Next week it’s John’s turn to lead us, Saturday 20th June. Until then, stay well. I will be in Greenland from tomorrow.
If you want to know more about the Lens-Artists Challenge, please click here.
Leya 
What a wonderful presentation, Leya. Well worth the time you took with it. Loved your photos and your commentary.
Thank you so much! It was a joy!
That photo of the storm petrel is certainly more than okay; it is wonderful. It’s not an easy shot at all. And what a lovely gallery, each as interesting as the next.
Thank you, I.J. It was a wonder standing on that boat, looking at them swirling and running on the water!
They are a pleasure to watch for sure
What an amazing response Ann-Christine! I loved every bit of your post.
♥ Thank you, Anne! I am finally back now and can start catching up. Two weeks away is too much, but we had a magical time.
Hi Ann-Christine, What a stunning collection. The desert photo with the shadows and the camels all receding into the background is marvelous. The tortoise. All magnificent.
Thank you, so much, Paul – menas a lot. Sorry being so late answering, but we were stuck in Greenland due to fog.
Ann-Christine, I can’t help but linger over your pictures. They are beautiful and even more amazing is the way your words show how we are all interconnected. What a wonderful thought!
♥ Thank you! Sorry about the delay in answering. We have been stuck in Greenland for a week more than expected, due to fog.
That must have been so memorable. I’m trying to visualise the place with fog but for me Greenland will forever be the one in the movie, The secret life of Walter Mitty with Ben Stiller skateboarding down its winding roads. 🙂✨
Oh, I haven’t seen that movie – maybe I should. We had sunny skies every day, but the planes use early mornings and late evenings – just when the fog rolls in.
The movie was awesome and pretty inspiring for people hit with wanderlust. Definitely recommended.
Beautiful gallery!!
Thank you, Nora!
Truly a wonderful post (no pun intended), Ann-Christine!) Safe travels on your journey.
Thank you, John. Back yesterday night – we got almost an extra week there…
Great post Ann-Christine. You’ve summed up the challenge perfectly. I love that first image btw 🙂
Thank you, Steve! Sorry for the delay in answer – we’ve been stuck in Greenland for two weeks.
The perfect theme for your photography, Ann-Christine. This is an Ode to Life, so thank you for this wonderful feeling.
♥ Thank you ever so much, Sofia! We came home yesterday only – so now I will try to catch up!
beautiful wonders indeed, love the waves of the desert – now that makes me think of Dubai.
Ah, thank you! My husband has been to Dubai – not me!
Just wonderful, all of the photos and the content. I am in awe of all of these wonders.
Thank you so much! Sorry for the late answer, but we got stuck in Greenland for an extra week due to fog not letting the planes lift or land. Arrived home yesterday.
This is a perfect response to the challenge Ann-Christine 🙂 That quote from Einstein is spot on! There are so many excellent photos here but if forced to pick favourites I would choose the Storm Petrel, the desert and the giant tortoise.
♥ Thank you, Sarajh! Sorry for the late answer, but we got stuck in Greenland for an extra week due to fog. Their small planes could neither land nor lift.
Oh dear, that’s a long while to be stuck! I bet Greenland was amazing though?
Amazing! The only worry was for my children having to take care of everything. But it all went well!
Ann-Christine, your amazing images show how much wonder there is in our world. I love them all but the little bird walking on water and the camels in the desert are my favorites.
Thank you, Beth! They are my favourites too. Sorry for the late answer, but we arrivesd home only yesterday after being stuck in Greenland an extra week. Indeed there are worse places to get stuck though…
Beautiful! Really like the bird walking on water!
A true wonder!
….not bay, baby…
What beautifully captured wonders, A C! Loved the petrel, the desert scene and the endless plains, especially…. oh and the image of the bay!
♥ Thank you, Sue – sorry for the late answer, but we got stuck in Greenland due to fog and planes that could neither lift nor land. Came home yesterday – lots to catch up with. Not to mention the garden…
Oh dear..,
Beautiful
♥
Amazing sights and beautifully captured within the frame, Ann-Christine. I especially like your header photo. The camels in the desert also appeals. It’s the sort of subject I would never get to see.
Stay safe on your travels. I hope you take lots of photos in Greenland as it is a sountry I’ve only seen in documentaries.
Vicki, thank you! Well, we got stuck almost an extra week – things that happen there. Small planes that cannot make it through heavy fog. Came back yesterday – indeed there are worse places to get stuck…♥
Methinks this will always be one of my favourite posts received from you . . . shall surely keep ??????! Have a wonderful time away . . . ________________________________
♥♥♥ Thank you, we did, but wasn’t back until yesterday! Due to heavy fog and small planes, we got almost an extra week. You can indeed get stuck in places worse than Greenland!
I so loved your post this week Ann-Christine! The world is full of wonder for sure, but you have managed with every image to make us FEEL rather than just see it. That is a remarkable talent. Thank you for making my day.
Thank you, Tina – I’m not back until now and have lots to catch up with… Indeed you can get stuck in places worse than Greenland. Extremely expensive there and no possibility to keep up blogging. Hope you are all fine and safe – I understand there is/has been weather problems where you are too. ♥
Your wonders are nothing short of miraculous, Ann-Christine xx
♥
A beautiful selection. I’m turning my laptop off now so that your first few images are the last thing in my mind before dozing off for the night. Many thanks.
You show us what a wonderful piece of rock we live on, in this endless space!
♥
Wonderful responses to the prompt. 👏
Thank you, Pepper!
You have covered so many wonderful things, sights and emotions. I always love seeing your photos, beautiful work
Thank you so much Ritva! I came back yesterday and will have a lot to catch up from…I’ll do my very best. The garden is still standing thanks to my children – I don’t know how they managed through this heat. You have had a hot time as well?
not bad here, only few few really warm days. We have been saved from the worst
Fabulous photos and a beautiful quote at the beginning. I thoroughly enjoyed your share.
Thank you, Suzette! Sorry for the late answer, but we were stuck in Greenland an extra week due to fog.
Oh no worries, Leya. I am glad you arrived home safely.
These are gorgeous photos Ann-Christine, filled with beauty and appreciation for life.
Thank you – that was my hope!