Anne is our host this week, and my choices for shorelines will all be the ones I have close to me, where I walk every year – or even every day.
Prize the natural spaces and shorelines most of all, because once they’re gone, with rare exceptions they’re gone forever.
– Richard Louv
Let’s start at our summerhouse – early mornings and evenings are always the most attractive times to go to the shore. For the light, for being alone, for…
My first choice is from an early morning paddle on the narrow canal up to the lake. Silent waters and the soft sound of munching horses. Peaceful and relaxing – I wish every morning could start like this.
By the sea, the light has many dimensions, so, only some minutes later…this view will not be the same. That, I find is the most fascinating thing with living by the sea.
The view from my window shows the little fishing harbour on the other side of the water. I never tire of looking at it – there is always a new colour, a new mood, a new feeling.
Standing at the very edge of the water, this is my view to the left: the Baltic Sea – Östersjön. Far over there, on the other side, lies Finland.
For many years, this little red boat was the sign that we had reached our part of the shore. I don’t know how many photos I have of this view, but they are many – I loved it. My children loved it too. But, as with everything in life, it must wither and die, and the red boat has been gone now for some years. But I have the photos – and our memories.
Now we will go closer to my home, and the shorelines here are no longer the sea, but small lakes, creeks, or ponds. The following two are in the same area – where I often walk. All seasons are beautiful here, but the golden autumnal scenery you see above, will soon no longer be there. Within a few months these waters will be drained – never to come back. A decision made by the authorities. We fought long and hard to keep it, but, unfortunately, in the end we lost.
Winter in the same area, but this little pond will still be there in years to come.
Swedish people, and I guess Nordic people in general, have a special love for early Spring with its light blue sky and clear air. The little yellow dots you see between the trees are the first daffodils of the year.
Here we are even closer to my home – this is a walk I often do with Milo. Along these marshland shores grows many orchids and other rare plants.
I will end with ”my” forest where I walk every day – and this was an autumn walk with the last leaves still on the trees. Strangely enough some where bright green, as if Spring had sent a soothing whisper of brighter times to come: ”Don’t worry, I’ll be back”.
Please go to Anne for more inspiration, and when you post for this challenge, please link to her original post and use the Lens-Artists tag.
I greatly enjoyed seeing everyone’s cool colors last week. Thank you, John, for a splendid challenge! Next week Ritva will be our host. Please look for her post next Saturday. Until then, enjoy your week, take lots of pictures and be kind to yourself and others.
Sofia gives us a beautiful challenge this week – Water in Motion. Please visit her inspirational site for more information. I will borrow Sofia’s quote to start with… because it went straight to my heart.
There’s something about the water – that solitary kind of peaceful feeling. You’re on Earth but not quite. – John C. Reilly
Water is essential to life on Earth. I wish everybody would understand that, and work together to save it from the ongoing pollution and destruction. A simple thing like never throwing anything into the water that does not belong there, would help.
Water in Motion – yes, in many ways – and most of us find it intriguing to watch it and to listen to it – let’s start slowly the natural way…
The gentle murmuring of the levada water along the paths in Madeira. Natural Mindfulness.
And water invites birds and insects to dance, eat and thrive – which leads us humans to thrive as well. I miss the walks in Madeira, a favourite place for many years when we were younger.
The waves rolling in from the sea – a soothing and mindful sound too, even if I am not a real sea person. I believe you cannot be unless you were born or have spent much time close to the sea.
Water is of course moved by the sea living creatures too. In Alaska the seals and sea lions came up real close, catching their daily meal while stirring up water swirls.
Pattering rain against the window – that is a great sound! I can lie on my back in the glasshouse and listen to the rain while looking up at the sky – without getting wet! A privilege to be grateful for. I love to fall asleep to that sound.
When we were hiking in the Azores, 2007, we found this magical valley of nine streams, hidden in the forests of the island of Flores.
From slow streams and soft waves to explosive Geisers – a massive treat of water. This one was found in Iceland.
Another way of moving water is the warm haze rising from the hot Geiser, or from the ground.
More natural water from a singing stream in a Swedish spring forest. Soon we will be there!
Now we are arriving at the manmade waters in motion – irresistible for the little ones. And, in later years of increasing heat, also for grown-ups.
In Denmark we once visited a spectacular art exhibition in the old water tunnels below Copenhagen.
Finally – fountains spreading their Christmas glory.
This week we’re looking for Water in Motion, gentle or powerful, man-made or natural, the choice is yours. When you join us, please remember to link back to Sofia’s post and to tag Lens-Artists. Looking forward to seeing your finds!
Last week we had a wonderful challenge led by Tina, with fantastic photos of people from around the world. A truly inspiring theme!
Next week it is John’s turn to lead. Make sure you visit his site for another remarkable challenge, Saturday 6th April. Until then, take care and be kind.
I am back, happy, terribly jetlagged and tired, but sending views from Alaskan waters, the Inner Passage.
We had very varied skies and waters, and beautiful views whenever and wherever we went. Much rain, but with the right gear – no problem. And as we come from Sweden, we were prepared.
Silent and deep blue early mornings – clouds hovering over the white mountain tops. I cannot say how much I loved those mornings.
I had expected more birds, but my last sail was in warmer waters in the Galapagos Islands. Here the colours shifted several times a day – every shade of blue and green.
Seals and sealions were frequent, sometimes waving at us, making me smile every time.
Snowcapped mountains are always favourites, even in rain.
We decided not to take any whale tour, much because we have seen them several times in Iceland, so close and even touching the boats. In the Alaskan seas we saw these impressive creatures every day anyway – orcas and humpbacks. Not that close to the ship though, but they were two or three together every time.
Sunsets and sunrises – we were lucky enough to get one of each – that we could see.
It was an adventure with new sights every day and then some great land excursions too. I brought my father’s jacket and left it there with a note inside. He always wanted to go to Alaska and Canada – his best friend from his youth emigrated to Canada, and they kept calling each other till the end. But my father never got to Canada – or Alaska – though. So, I left a piece of ”him”, together with his story. It felt good. I hope he knew.
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