"To my
mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience
everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost
nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted." - Bill
Bryson
"One's
destination is never a place but a new way of seeing things." -
Henry Miller
When I travel I seem to be hyperaware of my surroundings. I take
in all the sights, smells and sounds with a childlike wonder, everything being new, or different. It wakes up my
senses.
At home I when I am in my same old routine, I don't always
pay attention to the sights and sounds of my life. I have heard and seen them all a million times
before and forget that seeing it all
before doesn't mean it isn't wonderful or beautiful. Instead of moving my body to a new location
to invigorate my senses, I need to move my mind to a new perspective and
appreciate what is right in front of me.
I take so much for granted.
In this new year I want to travel into my life with the same
amazement I have when I journey to another state or city. I want to be amazed with the sights, smells
and sounds of my life. I want to
photograph it like I will never see it again. I don't want to miss a single
detail.
And I want to be grateful for it all...
I hope you and your family had a wonderful holiday
season. My family and I traveled to
California for a visit. We spent some
time in San Francisco and then went north to wine country. It was a little chilly but we thoroughly
enjoyed it.
The top photograph is of Point Bonita Lighthouse. I didn't see a picture of the lighthouse
before we went (we were not sure it would even be open) I was so surprised when
I saw it. It is beautiful! The second and third photographs are somewhere
on the Pacific Coast Highway, for this landlocked Midwest girl the whole drive
was gorgeous!
Thank you so much for stopping by!
Have a great day!
Michelle
That picture of the lighthouse is gorgeous and I'm sure you were delighted when you saw it. I suffer with seeing the same old things day after day. And when you live in a very small town surrounded by hills there isn't a lot of variety to shoot. But I shouldn't let that stop me. I need to seek out my shots. Or I need to leave this location and venture out a time or two. It's easy to get stale...and lazy. I find your blog so refreshing and love your photos.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful images, Michelle! I am the same when I travel - hyperaware of everything! It's such a wonderful feeling to soak up new sights, new people, new places and gather ideas, appreciation and love along the way! Cheers to a new year full of possibilities, travel and focus! :)
ReplyDeleteWarmly,
Barb
That first shot is amazing and I totally agree with you. Don't miss a thing. We had a great holiday! Thanks for stopping by!
ReplyDeleteThat lighthouse looks gorgeous, Michelle, what a place to behold. :)
ReplyDeleteYou're right, it's good to try and look at all those known places and sights in a different way, one quickly finds out that there is still so much to discover. Enjoy it all!
So nice you had a great trip, Michelle, your images are gorgeous !
ReplyDeleteLove your new way on seeing things ... wishing you a most wonderful new year !
Sylvia
I could have written this blog post...the part how we take in the surroundings when we go away but take for granted whats in front of us. I try to always stay aware...but somedays there's just too much to do to appreciate it. sad fact. I live here in CA and I ALWAYS love the coastal drive up the 101. It's magnificent. These photos are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteTruer words of wisdom have never been spoken...You have hit on my heart for this new year as I want to live in the moment and appreciate what's in front of me. Your photos are gorgeous and so glad you had a good trip....We'll have to check in once in a while to see how we're doing with our new goal for the year....
ReplyDeleteIsn't it so true how we become accustomed to our surroundings and often miss the beauty right there. I love your new awareness approach to 2017, and I look forward to seeing what you see. These photos are all stunning, and breathtaking. Wishing you a really special 2017!
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful Michelle! Can't wait to see more of your travels!!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you got to see the Pacific Coast, as I'm not too far from it, being a California girl. This is such a pretty picture of the giant rocks and ocean...and Yes, lots of sea gulls around. You have a very good outlook on the new year by seeing things in a different way, and wanting to appreciate the sights, smells, and sounds, even in your own neck of the woods. What a lovely post, Michelle. I hope the new year is being kind to you.
ReplyDelete~Sheri