November 21, 2021 • 65

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #175: Follow Your Bliss

Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors where there were only walls.

—Joseph Campbell

Many years ago, I was given the advice of reading Joseph Campbell’s books on mythology so I could become a better writer. Reading the classic myths has definitely enriched my understanding of literature. Campbell’s thoughts on living a life of meaning and purpose have also been guiding principles throughout my adulthood.

I’ve been very, very fortunate to have the love and support of family and friends over many years. We have encouraged each other to explore our passions and give each other honest feedback so we can grow and learn. Some of my passions have changed over time; others have remained constant. Here are some of the enduring ones:

Exploring the world and nature. Collecting memories of people, places, and stunning natural wonders, like Jordon Pond in Acadia National Park, Maine.

Food…eating it, enjoying it with friends and family, and writing about it. Some people remember the names of actors and movies. I remember the meals I’ve eaten and restaurants, which have left gustatory impressions–good, bad, and sublime. To illustrate this passion, I am reposting this photo of our favorite pizza place in Florence. I’ve been dreaming about going back there and eating their delicious pizza for almost two years!

Reading great books, diving headfirst into imaginary worlds, creating stories about issues that matter to all of us as human beings on this earth, as we struggle to make sense of life’s mysteries, injustices, and joys.

Learning more about art, history, and languages…life-long passions. Here you can see several passions–visiting the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, seeing the wonderful Chihuly sculpture Lime Green Icicle Tower and having lunch at the cafe in the Shapiro Family Courtyard.

Last but certainly not least is my passion for photography, which has opened my eyes to the beauty in the world. It has given me unending joy to capture images to record memories of people and places and share them with you. Here’s a shot taken in English Bay this morning. Winter is definitely coming.

We hope you join us this week for Lindy Low LeCoq’s “Follow Your Bliss” challenge. Her wonderful post highlight her passion for birds and nature conservancy.

Your photos for last week’s Shapes and Patterns challenge were marvelous and so much fun! You all have highlighted that fact that our world is filled with myriad shapes and designs if we stop and look for them. What a treat for all of us!

Next week, our wonderful Ann-Christine will lead the challenge, so be sure to visit her site next Saturday at noon. Until then, have a safe and inspiring week.

Categories: LENS-ARTISTS, Lens-Artists Photo Challenge, Photography

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65 replies »

  1. A wonderful post Patti, I know I could have guessed several of your choices but must admit the pizza caught me by surprise!!! I do remember you posting that image in the past and then as now I thought I’d love to have it right here right now! Hopefully you’ll be tasting it again soon. Loved the Chihuly tree – hadn’t seen that one before although I’ve seen many of his beautiful pieces. Wishing a wonderful Thanksgiving for you and yours. We have much to be thankful for this year.

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    • Hi, Tina. It’s very true. We have a lot to be thankful for. Wishing you all a wonderful holiday back in your home. And thanks for your thoughts on the post. Yes, pizza is a perennial favorite. We’re always on the hunt for the best one no matter where we are! And the Chihuly is magnificent. We have tickets to an exhibit at the MFA in December and I can see that wonderful sculpture again. 😀. Have a great week.

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    • Hi, Jude. So we share some of the same ways to find bliss. 😀 Yes, English Bay is in Vancouver. A beautiful spot. I hope you can join us. I’d love to see your photos on this theme.

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    • Hi, Anne. What place do you go to in NYC? Did you used to live there? We did. We’re always on the hunt for great pizza…no matter where we are! I’m happy to hear your thoughts on this post. Have a great week, too. Happy Thanksgiving.😁

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      • We eventually found delicious pizza on Long Island. I used to live in the Bronx. Not the best area, but safe. Also lived in Florida. Moved out to California in 1959 at age 15. California is the best! We also found a great pizza place in Roseville called N.Y. Pizza, and it is. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family too!

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      • I grew up on Long Island. 😀 As long as you have good pizza nearby, I could live in California, too! Glad you found a great place. NY Pizza…of course! Happy Thanksgiving to you, too.

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  7. That’s a good list of what can bliss you out. The pizza looks like it could be from one of my favourite places in Firenze, but I think you can find many pizzerias in Firenze which are quite as good. I like your corner spot: very nice table and chair indeed.

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  12. Pingback: Lens-ArtistPC-175-Bliss-For-Me-Is… – WoollyMuses

    • Oh, it is fantastic, Sarah. It truly is. I can’t wait until we can go back. It’s a ritual/game for us…to find the best pizza wherever we are….We found 2 good places in Vancouver, so it feels more like home now! I’m sure you know exactly what I mean! Enjoy the week and I hope you have some new food memories and photo opportunities!

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  18. Beautifully expressed your passions, Patti! And, you find tie to write. Incredible! I love the first image especially.
    I can relate to a few of your interests here. I agree part of the joy of travel is enjoying good food. 🙂

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  21. Pingback: Epic Great Blue Heron Rescue Redux | Babsje Heron

  22. Hi Patti

    I like the way you focus on the notion of ‘enduring passions.’ Throughout our lives, there are touchstones for each of us. I think we all have an individual North Star. Yours resonate: family, food, books, art…

    I did a double-take upon seeing your photo of Chihuly sculpture Lime Green Icicle Tower from Boston’s MFA and I LOVE your pizza photo. Have you considered arranging that the proprietors in Florence ship a pizza to you? Seriously. Long-distance food delivery is a thing. Dry ice, packaging and a flight for the pizza to Boston are certainly less expensive than you and your husband traveling back to Italy.

    Here’s my offering for Follow Your Bliss:

    Epic Great Blue Heron Rescue Redux

    Best, Babsje

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  23. What a lovely post of your favorite things, Patti! The photo of Jordon pond and the Chihuly sculpture Lime Green Icicle Tower, both caught my eye. Must admit I wasn’t sure if it was a pizza or a thanksgiving pie with melted marshmallows on top when I first saw the pizza – looks divine.

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  24. An absolutely lovely post, Patti, where I can totally agree with most of your blissful things! Vancouver must be a beautiful place too, you have really promoted a visit there in many posts! And thank you for showing us a Chihuly again – gorgeous piece. I have yet to see his work live! Happy Thanksgiving!

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