When the dog bites, when the bee stings, when I’m feeling sad, I simply remember my favorite things and then I don’t feel so bad.~Oscar Hammerstein II
I’ve followed this little ritual for years. I like to start the day with a cup of tea–the stronger the better. It’s my favorite way to edge into the morning. I even pack a favorite teacup, so I can continue this tradition on the road. These favorite things give my days some consistency and structure, and give me a feeling of harmony.
We don’t need to have just one favorite. We keep adding favorites. Our favorite book is always the book that speaks most directly to us at a particular stage in our lives. And our lives change. We have other favorites that give us what we most need at that particular time. But we never lose the old favorites. They’re always with us. We just sort of accumulate them.” ―
We all have our favorite things. Some of them last for a long time. Others are new. This week, you have the chance to showcase your favorites–people, places, activities, animals, food, hobbies–just about anything that brings you happiness. It’s entirely up to you.
To get your creative wheels spinning, I’ll continue my list of favorites:
Exploring New Places
My favorite thing is to go where I’ve never been.~Diane Arbus
I love the element of surprise when we explore new places–like Sintra, Portugal. The beauty of this Moorish-style mansion absolutely astounded me.
Spending Time with My Animal Friends
Animals are born who they are, accept it, and that is that. They live with greater peace than people do.” ― Gregory Maguire
When we finally settle down in one place, I’d love to have a pet again. Right now, I content myself with taking photographs of animals–like this cat in a store window in Florence.
Spending Time in My Favorite Cities
The Palazzo Vecchio rises before me, oppressive in its abrupt compact bulk, and I can feel upon me its heavy grey shadow. From the building’s crenellated shoulders soars the bell tower; stretching out its muscular neck into the nightfall. It is so high that I am seized by dizziness as I lift my eyes towards its helmeted head.~ Rainer Maria Rilke, Florentine Diary 1898
Many of you know that I’m in love with cities. Nothing gives me greater pleasure than spending time in the ones I love–like Florence and Rome.
But a city is more than a place in space, it is a drama in time.~Patrick Geddes
Eating Wonderful Food with Friends and Family
Pull up a chair. Take a taste. Come join us. Life is so endlessly delicious.―
It can’t get much better than this–sipping a glass of wine and sharing dinner with friends and family. Here we are contemplating the magnificent pizza at Pizzauolo–one of our favorite restaurants.
A special thanks to Tina who led our photographic exploration of what “Wild” means to us. As always, there was a wonderful variety of responses.
HAVE YOU SEEN THESE?
- SoyBend highlights some “wildly” gorgeous places in Oregon in her blog Bend Branches.
- John in his blog Journeys with JohnBo captures some wonderful wildlife in Costa Rica.
- Sandy of Out of My Write Mind posts a photo and a poem about a coyote in the wild.
- Visit John’s Space to see a variety of wild and wonderful images for this theme.
We look forward to seeing your unique and varied responses to this week’s Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #49: Favorite Things.
If you’re new to the challenges, click here to learn how to join us. Remember to link your post here and tag it Lens-Artists to help us find your post in the WP Reader.
Next week, it’s Ann Christine’s turn to lead the challenge, so be sure to visit her blog. As always, Amy, Tina, Ann-Christine, and I are delighted that you’re joining our challenges!
Categories: Photography
Just brightens my first read of the day, Patti. My favourite thing to do on Saturday reading what the challenge of the week. Love that cup.
Thank you, Perpetua!! Glad it brightened your day. The cup is great, isn’t it?? I hope you join us this week.
Your pictures beautiful but I live the anecdote about the tea cup. Even though I don’t drink tea it still feel so relatable.
Have a great week!
Thank you, Dawn. 🙂 🙂 So you’re a coffee drinker, then?
Nope, no coffee either. I like iced tea.
That pizza looks absolutely scrumptious! Your topic lined up nicely with my post – or maybe it was the other way round 🙂 https://thesandychronicles.com/2019/06/08/back-to-the-beach/
Believe me, Sandy. We’ve been going to that pizzeria every Friday night for our entire visit!! I can’t think of a better way to start the weekend…except maybe some gelato. I’ll look at your post next. Great timing!
Oooh, great topic, I’ll have some fun
Looking forward to seeing your favorites, Sue. 🙂
I hope you’re not disappointed, Patti!
Impossible! Your posts never disappoint me, Sue.
Oh, fantastic, glad to hear it, Patti! I might say the same of yours!
Awww…..thanks. 🙂 🙂
Nice selection! I will start digging into the memory and photo banks forthwith. A good introspective exercise. What ARE my favorite things? (When I first saw your title, what came to mind was your first line following. “…these are a few of my favorite things…” or however it goes.)
Thank you! Looking forward to your post, John. Now you have me guessing what your favorite things are. 🙂
Ha!
Wonderful post, Priscilla! Beautiful in images and words!
A good variety of favorites, Patti! A great topic – and I do believe we have some things in common…Even favorite cities! But I would change the tea for coffee – though the feeling I guess, is about the same. Love the Vatican shot, but Sintra is a colourful gem!
So you’re a coffee drinker?! I don’t know why I thought you were a tea drinker!! So we share some of the same favorites. Sintra is beautiful, isn’t it? Looking forward to seeing your favorites.
Yes, Sintra is beautiful!
Loved this one Patti – if you watch MasterChef you’ll know what I mean by “It’s you on a plate!” Speaking of which that pizza looks amazingly good! And of course your city views are perfection. Excellent challenge
Thank you, Tina! Oh, that pizza is amazing. We’ve had it at least once a week during our stay. Now, what are your favorites going to be?? Ummmm….
Guessing you didn’t guess where I’d go with this one LOL
I wasn’t sure, but I knew you’d include shots of Kiawah!
Two marvelous cities! I also love Siena and Orvieto. The fist photo is beautiful!
Thank you, Patti for sharing your favorite things. 💗
Thank you, Amy. 🙂 🙂 I’m glad you mentioned that first shot. I wasn’t sure if the “still life” idea worked. I love Siena too, but haven’t been to Orvieto yet. I’ll add it to my never-ending list!!
When we visited Orvieto, it was a quiet small town. It’s different now, I heard.
My favorite choices are these…https://lagottocattleya.wordpress.com/2019/06/08/lens-artists-photo-challenge-49-favorite-things/
Wonderful post, Ann-Christine. 🙂 Your shots are fabulous.
Now you made my evening, Patti ♥♥♥ Wishing you a lovely Sunday!
A great list of favourite things:)
Thank you, MM! Now I’ll look at yours!
Lovely choices, Patti. I love the teacup, notebook, and pen. The pizza looks rather good as well. I had my first pizza made in a wood-fired oven while in Firenza many years ago.
janet
Hi, Janet. Thank you! I’m sure you enjoyed your pizza as much as I’ve enjoyed mine! Wood fired is the best. I appreciate your thoughts on the shots too.
Love your selection of favourite things Patti 🙂
Hi BB. I’m so glad you do! I’ll look at your post next. 🙂
🙂
Your nature shots are great, BB. Your macro shots in particular are stunners.
Thank you very much for such a lovely comment Patti <3
I agree
Great post, Ken. 🙂
Your quotes and your photos are intriguing. I can see why you’ve chosen them as favorites. That last one made me hungry too! Here’s my take on the prompt, https://www.quaintrevival.com/this-empty-nest-moms-solo-adventure/
Hi, Shelley. Wonderful to hear from you! I’m always hungry for pizza, to be honest! I guess we feel the same way! Thank you for your kind words too. I’ll take a look at your post next. 🙂
Wonderful photos for this week. 😀 😀
Here is my entry. I hope you enjoy them.
https://ceenphotography.com/2019/06/09/lens-artists-photo-challenge-49-favorite-things/
I enjoyed your post, Cee! Glad you joined us.
Exploring new places wins it for me, Patti, but Florence will always be a favourite. I’ve added the Azores as my new favourite. Home tomorrow 😚💕
Hi, Jo. Great to hear from you! It sounds like you’ve had a fabulous time. As for exploring…we’re two “birds” of a feather.
Cheep Cheep! 🐦💕
I like the picture of the colorful building in Sintra. I wish more buildings were that colorful! Thanks for the link to my blog. 🙂
Hi, SB. We’re glad to link to your post. It was beautiful! And I’m glad you mentioned the “palace” in Sintra. I was astounded by its beauty and colors. I hope you join us this week. I think I can guess what some of your favorites are. Um…nature? Oregon?
Yes, you we’re right!
Well, here’s mine then, Patti- just a few of my favourite things: https://suejudd.com/2019/06/09/lens-artists-photo-challenge-49-favourite-things/
Loved your collection, Sue–especially your breakfast shot!
Pleased you like these., Patti!
I love your favorites, Patti! Should be a fun topic for all.
Hi, Sandy. Thanks! It looks like people are enjoying it, which makes me happy! I hope you join us. 🙂 🙂
I will!
Excellent theme! Here’s one of my favourite things: https://aliveandtrekking.com/2019/06/09/mt-aspiring-n-p/
Hi, San. Glad to see you here! Welcome. Where’s your next trek? NZ looks amazing.
Thank you! My next trek is going to be in Sweden. Looking forward to that heaps!
Here’s my hodgepodge of favourite things:
https://davidmsphotoblog.com/2019/06/09/lens-artists-photo-challenge-favourite-things/
Since rediscovering the word “hodgepodge” a few months ago I keep using it when I can.
Hodgepodge is a great word! I may start using it too. 🙂 A beautiful collection, David. Your images have brightened my day. Glad you joined us.
Ahhh / I need to have a travel tea cup- I still have one cup of
coffee in morning but my tea is close behind it – I might even say if I had to choose one I’d choose – well I don’t know which one right now –
And enjoyed your post and theme for the LAPC this week
Hi, Prior! Your comment made me smile. Decisions, decisions. Let me reassure you that your travel mug won’t take up that much space–especially if you stuff some socks into it as you pack your bag! I’m delighted you enjoyed the post and theme. 🙂
☕️💛☀️
Sintra, Florence, Rome, pizza, tea.. I like all of them, and the photos too. Hard job. You kept me thinking and I realized that it is the deadly heat of summer in India that is a favourite.
https://blackbodyblog.wordpress.com/2019/06/10/les-fleurs-du-prairial/
Hi, I.J. I can’t imagine that kind of heat, but you pictured it beautifully!
Thanks
Lovely, clear shots.
The subjects are fairly obvious and everything’s nicely balanced.
The cat is especially wonderful.
Here’s mine:
https://stupidityhole.wordpress.com/2019/06/10/dulwich-hill-station-mid-morning/
Hi, SH. Glad you joined us! I’m happy that you enjoyed the shots–especially the cat. He/She looked so adorable in the store window. I’ll check out your shots next. 🙂 🙂
This list I will put my signature under. *smile Stunning photo gallery. Love the angle you used for the beautiful buildings.
Thank you so much, Viveka! I took a cue from my son on the Vatican shot. The lower angle works there, I think. Glad you agree!
Both images of the beautiful buildings are great. I have try it. *smile
It’s great on wide angle shots.
Okay, I don’t have wide angle mood on my fancy partner. I have but it’s far too complicated for my simple mind. *laughing
Um….But your mind isn’t simple!!
Oops.. I went a bit wild. Too many favorite things…I’ve enjoyed viewing other’s favorites!!
Hi, Judy. Glad you joined us this week! I don’t think you can ever have too many favorite things. 🙂 🙂 I enjoyed your gallery of delights.
Thank you for hosting this weeks challenge, Patti.
It wound up being a lot more difficult then I thought.
I have so many favorite things I enjoy. There would have been pages of photos
had I not stopped. FUN … to see what puts a smile on our faces.
I love all of your photos but the pizza made my mouth water. YUMMY !!!!
Isadora 😎
Hi, Isadora. It is hard to narrow down the favorites. I have so many too.. But the favorites you selected are great. We share some of the same ones–great husbands, a love of animals, the beach…And yes, you’re right about the pizza. It’s incredible! Glad you joined the fun this week.
I haven’t had pizza in about 6 years. Once I became gluten intolerant I had to give it up. It was a favorite on-the-run food. Gluten-free pizza is NOT pizza despite what they say. Some things, you just miss. If I was given a last meal before I pass, it would have to be pizza. OK … I can say no more or I will dream about pizza tonight. LOLOL
Oh, I’m sorry you’re off gluten. I’ve had gluten free pizza and I agree–it’s not the same. It’s so sad what the GMOs are doing to our health.
My cardiologist just said the same thing. The things they’re putting in our foods is causing us a great deal of damage to our health. Even on a fresh food diet the sprays and chemicals to grow bigger veggies is destroying our systems. SAD … !!!
So many favourite things, but one of mine is very near to me and a special favourite at this time of year.
https://cornwallincolours.wordpress.com/2019/06/10/alice-in-june/
Hi, Jude. This is a gorgeous shot! No wonder why this part of the world is one of your favorite things. Glad you joined us!
Thanks Patti – another favourite thing tomorrow!
Good!
Great post, Nurul.
Lovely images, Patti. Thanks for the idea of the challenge..
I’m so glad you like it, Nutrul! I hope you join us. 🙂
A fine set of favourites, Patti. Here’s mine: https://tishfarrell.com/2019/06/11/rain-between-showers-and-sweet-wild-roses/
Hi, Tish. Glad you’re joining the fun! Thank you for your kind words. I’ll look at your post next…
A lovely prompt Patti and a fine selection of favorites! One of our favorite things is to return to the ocean whenever we can: https://whippetwisdom.com/2019/06/11/haiku-blue-ocean/
Glad to see you this week! Thanks too for you kind words. I’ll take a look at your post next. 🙂
So many possible directions for this great topic (that pizza for one!!). It was an interesting thought process to choose.
http://oneletterup.com/2019/06/11/favorite-things
Hi, Oneletterup! I’m glad you joined us. I enjoyed your perspective on your favorites. You have the most beautifully organized memorabilia that I’ve ever seen!
Thank you 🙂
Beautiful, VJ!
Hello again Patti, here are two more favourite things: https://tranature.com/2019/06/12/haibun-fragrant-breeze/
Beautiful favorites, Xenia!
Thank you Patti! 🙂💜
Lovely theme with beautiful photos. I love all kinds of people’s favourites: films, books, songs, images… Here is a random but carefully selected bunch of my own:
https://manjameximoving.wordpress.com/2019/06/12/lens-artists-pc-playing-favourites/
Here is mine: https://chava61.wordpress.com/2019/06/12/lens-artist-photo-challenge-49-favorite-things/
Hi, Chava. I’m glad you joined us. I’ll check your post next.
A great gallery of favorites, Aletta!
Terrific favorites. I enjoyed taking part in your challenge this week. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to join in.
You’re very welcome, Timeless! I’m enjoying seeing everyone’s favorites too. Glad you joined us. 🙂
Thanks!
I too, love, love, love “My Favorite Things”. My mom sang it to us, and now my grandchildren sing it. This was a great idea for a photo challenge.
Hi, Wind Kisses! Nice to meet you here. I’m so glad you love the theme. I hope you join us this week! I used to sing this song too when I was a kid. 🙂
So many things to choose from, Patti. What a great selection you put together. I’ve finally sent my link. It has been a cold day so I’ve finally had time to get organised. Kind Regards. Tracy.
Hi, Tracy. We’re glad you joined us! Your collection of birds is lovely. I admire your patience because it takes time to get great shots of these “flighty” creatures!
Thanks Patti. And a ladder in the case of the black cockatoo, lol.
Beautiful images Patti… I too am a pizza lover. xx
Hi, Bren. I’m pining over those adorable puppies of yours! How old are they now?
They are 7 years old now.. we call them the terrible twins… 😀 😀 😀 They are typical brother and sister, argue, bicker but can’t live without each other 😀 😀 😀
I love that cat photo 🙂
For my response, I went with some of my favorite editing techniques:https://wp.me/p2owKx-1bE
Cheers! Amy
Oh, I’m glad you joined us, Amy! I’ll take a look at your post next. (I’m glad you like that cat. So precious on the polka dot pillow!)
Yes, that really worked out perfectly for you.
Hi there, I am herewith sharing a blog post about my favourite bird being also quite extraordinary
https://urbansimulator.wordpress.com/2019/06/14/a-bird-and-the-mead-of-poetry/
Nice weekend
Ulli
Hi, Ulli. I’m glad you joined us. This bird IS extraordinary!
I’m so glad you joined us this week, Donna. A beautiful post!
Great topic Patti and so beautiful pictures. This is my entry:”https://balance440.wordpress.com/2019/06/14/lens-artists-photo-challenge-49-favorite-things/”.
Hi, Paulo. What a gorgeous sunset! A perfect entry for this week’s theme. 🙂
Thanks Patti!!!
I know this is awfully late, but could you resist? (and I only got back Monday evening 🙂 ) Fabulous entries for this, Patti!
https://restlessjo.me/2019/06/15/six-word-saturday-312/
Hi, Jo. I’m so glad you joined us! The shots of the Azores are fabulous. I’m so glad you had a great time. And thanks too for the kind words about the challenge. 🙂 Welcome back home!
Thanks darlin! Hard to think that this time last week I was there 😍. Now I’m swinging in my Algarve hammock seat, trying to catch up on here 😥🍒 and eating cherries xx
Your post is so lovely, and includes some of my favorite things too! Mine is simple and influenced by two weeks being there!
https://lindylecoq.com/2019/06/15/lens-artist-photo-challenge-49-favorites-things/
Hi, Lindy. Thank you so much!
Patti, such an interesting topic, so many choices to think about! Love your picture of the cat and hope it won’t be too long before you’ll be able to have a pet again. I apologize for such a late entry, here is my post: https://mycolorfulexpressions.com/lens-artists-photo-challenge-49-favorite-things/
Glad you joined us, Cee! 🙂
Such a great post and beautiful photos!
Thank you so much, Antonia! I appreciate your kind words.