Magical – I wonder…what is magical to you? According to Wikipedia, Magical can mean: ”…beautiful or delightful in a way that seems removed from everyday life. ” I think that is the most common use. At least for us grown-ups. But there are of course other meanings too.

First of all, I guess we all need some magic in our lives, don’t we? Especially in difficult times like these. I try to find magical moments every day, and one of them is acorns sprouting new life, new little oak trees – in my kitchen. I enjoy looking at them growing every day.

Being alive and observing the living things on this blue planet gives my life all the magic I need. Nature has it all. I just have to walk out the door and open my senses.

Nature’s seasons are magical to me. This image shows fading Autumn by the river – and Mother Nature spreading her fairy dust in the most extraordinary ways. I cannot imagine living in a world without seasons, but unfortunately climate change is working on reducing our four seasons into two.

Often in fairytales and fantasy literature we find magical things in another sense – like roads, bridges and doors that open up to new landscapes, other worlds. We don’t really know what it will feel like or look like, or what will happen to us when we have passed the entrance. But we love that feeling of uncertainty and excitement.

Even if we know the facts, how ice is built and why – it is still magical every time the ”feathers” appear on my glasshouse or on the car.

And Spanish moss – it is fascinating to hide inside living curtains. And what child does not love to build a simple cabin in the forest? Or under the kitchen table! I still remember that magic – and I am now fully allowed to experience it again with my grandchild… We have great fun together.

Some of us feel that mystical, or maybe supernatural, is what we think of when we hear ”magical”. A dark tree with one natural lantern and one manmade. Magical, mystical, or even a bit scary?

Clearly light and darkness are strongly connected to what we consider ”magical”. But, that doesn’t mean it has to be dark – it can be soft and misty, with dew drops and colours too.

If natural magic is not enough for you, or if you like to play around with your images – Lightroom and Photoshop, Topaz, or other software programs, can turn your photo into a painting, soften it into a dream or use presets for different colour combinations. There are an abundance of possibilities. And it is fun! Magical transformations in one single click – or two. Not many years ago this was only imagination.

My final example is from this festive time of the year – the Holiday Season. Many magical wonders in the world of my little granddaughter. I believe we should try to keep that feeling alive. Let them be fascinated and filled with awe. Let their eyes glow. Let them be children. They will grow up soon enough. And we who have grown up into this tough world, would feel better with something of that magic lingering in our eyes.

Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.

– Albert Einstein

Now, Magical might mean so many different things to us, so – What is Magical to you? Special people, places, things; nature, adventures, childhood memories… – what are the ingredients you want there to make it magical? This week we are looking forward to seeing some of Your magic! Please link to my original post and use the Lens-Artists tag so we can find you in the reader.

A big thank you to Amy for last week’s Unique – an intriguing challenge that brought us fantastic and unique experiences! Much to ponder and much to learn.

Keep well until next Saturday, when Tina will be our host again. Be sure to visit her beautiful site for more inspiration!