December 15, 2018 • 55

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge: #24 Seasons

If you stay stuck in the past season or fixated on the future season, you will miss the one you’re in. — Maree Dee

The seasons follow their own rhythm.  They are proof that change is a natural part of life. But we humans often resist and complain of the rain, the snow, the heat, and the cold.  We have the audacity to think we can alter the forces of nature.  But Mother Nature laughs at our attempts to control her.  She has her own wisdom and her own rules.

What is she telling us?  For this week’s Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #24 Seasons, I’m posting some wonderful quotes from people who have listened to nature and learned from her.  I’ve paired the quotes with some recent photos from our travels during different seasons, as well as some older shots of New Hampshire, when we lived on the shores of Lake Winnepesaukee.  The “ice village” in the last shot sprang up every December when the lake froze over and disappeared in April when the ice melted.

You didn’t come into this world.  You came out of it, like a wave from the ocean.  You are not a stranger here. ~Alan Watts

Shoreline, Vancouver, B.C.. Shot with a Fuji X-T 2

In the woods, we return to reason and faith. There I feel that nothing can befall me in life, – no disgrace, no calamity (leaving me my eyes), which nature cannot repair.  Standing on the bare ground, — my head bathed by the blithe air and uplifted into infinite space, — all mean egotism vanishes.~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Walk through the Woods, Grand Rapids, Michigan. Shot with a Fuji X-T2

Spring has returned. The Earth is like a child that knows poems.~Rainer Maria Rilke

Wisteria Vines, Firenze. Shot with a Fuji X-T2.

One touch of nature makes the whole world kin. ~William Shakespeare 

Summer Beauty in Firenze.  Shot with a Fuji X-T2

All the trees are losing their leaves, and not one of them is worried. — Donald Miller

Two Trees, Lake Winnepesaukee, NH. Shot with a Canon 40D

We cannot stop the winter or the summer from coming. We cannot stop the spring or the fall or make them other than they are. They are gifts from the universe that we cannot refuse. But we can choose what we will contribute to life when each arrives.~Gary Zukav

Village on the Ice. Lake Winnepesaukee, NH.

Sometimes I am preoccupied, restless, and worried, immersed in my own thoughts.  But Mother Nature draws me out of my little isolated bubble and reminds me that I’m part of the wider world.  In every season she helps me find tranquility when I’m restless;  she comforts me when I am in pain.  I learn so much from her and I’m grateful.

A special thanks to Tina, who is the creative inspiration behind this week’s theme–Lens-Artists Photo Challenge:  #24 Seasons.  Next week, it will be my turn to post theme #25.  I hope you’ll join all of us!

Categories: Lens-Artists Photo Challenge, Photography

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55 replies »

    • Thanks, Tina! The winters were so cold there! Sometimes they were -20 or -30 degrees F for a week or so at a time. Even the dog didn’t want to go outside!! I’ll take a look at your site next. 🙂

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  2. Pingback: Seasons – Timeless Wisdoms

  6. Beautiful shots and wonderful quotes, Patti – I cannot pick a favorite…but maybe, the shoreline Vancouver speaks to me the most. And I love living with seasons, it would be impossible not to have them.

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    • Hi, Jo. I love that quote too. It made me smile. It’s very wise too. Thanks for the holiday wishes. We’re spending the holidays with dear friends in Australia, so we’re delighted. I’m hoping you have a great celebration too in your new permanent home.

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      • Hi Patti, Thank you for finding time to visit us and comment. I know it’s fabulous in Sydney during this time of the year. Enjoy! We’ll visit our daughter in the Dallas area later this week.

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  21. This quote really resonated with me, Patti! “You didn’t come into this world. You came out of it, like a wave from the ocean. You are not a stranger here.” ~Alan Watts
    If we could all remember that we are part of nature, not apart from it, I think we’d all leave a lighter footprint on the earth.

    Happy holidays to you and your family!

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    • Thank you, Jackie. It moved me too. I think you’re right about recognizing that we’re a part of the “fabric” of nature. In so many ways, native cultures got it right. We are all part of the grand circle of life on earth. All the best to you in the new year! I hope you enjoy the holidays too–either in NYC or back home with your family.

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  31. Lovely pictures, and great quote!

    You didn’t come into this world. You came out of it, like a wave from the ocean. You are not a stranger here. ~Alan Watts

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