With all that’s been happening in the world this past 1 1/2 years, it’s important to live in continuous gratitude and remember that there is still a lot of beauty in the world, mostly provided by nature. In her challenge, Amy reminds us that there is a lot around us locally to be grateful for. Photography brings me into that world. At least once a week I go out with friends to capture people, places, animals and things that bring joy into my life.
I’m happy to share some of them with you from this year alone. Please read the captions for information.
Donner Lake in the winter delivers an awesome relaxing snow scene. 
A shadowed path always relaxes me as I walk. 
Oh, do I love tree canopies! 
White lilies growing near the ocean. Unbelievable! 
Unusual trees grab my attention. Different can be beautiful! 
Even when disaster happens, nature provides. This bridge is only seen during a drought season. 
Love in a dog’s eyes!
A working farm gets us out of suburbia into a quiet natural setting. 
A little lady bug going about her business on a small poppy helps us understand that we all have a mission. 
Only once a year do we get to see the beauty of the lotus flowers. This teaches us to savor the moment. 
The Great Egret in flight is graceful and beautiful.
Thank you Amy for helping us to remember that there is a wonderful world out there, and I’m especially thankful for my photo buddies who see it with me.
Slow Shutter Speed 
You photo selections remind us what a beautiful world out there, Anne. Beautiful tree canopies and bridge. The capture of the dog eyes reminds me my little Mackenzie. The last two made me smile.
If you use this link https://shareandconnect.wordpress.com/2021/06/19/wonderful/, your pingback will appear on my post. š
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Thanks Amy! I’m a little confused about pingbacks. I understand what it is, but do I put in my post address here?
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It is very confusing the way WP sets it up, say the least.
If we use the orignial link on your post (for this one: https://shareandconnect.wordpress.com/2021/06/19/wonderful/, it will enable your link (pingback) shows on my post her, otherwise it won’t show on my post. I wish I could explain a little better. But, I’m glad I found you through my WP subscription. š
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wonderful post on the beautiful world and the reminder for gratitude is always a plus. Also, Anne – reading the way you wrote last 1 1/2 years reminded me that yes, we really are moving away from the pandemic – in some ways it seems surreal still
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Thanks Prior (By the way, what is your name?). Now, we’re starting to wear makeup again. I’m putting gas in my car again. It’s been crazy.
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hahahah – it is crazy and my name is Yvette – but I used to prefer going by Prior – or “P” – but you know how these blog handles go – it can change – and sometimes I think of Adam Sandler when I se your name – any relation to the movie star?
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So many photos that are wonderful reminders of the beauty of life and nature and how much we have to be grateful for.
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Thank you Anne!
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What a wonderful selection of photos Anne! I especially love your lotus flowers (what a wonderful gift it seems to be when we see a flower that blooms so briefly!) and your egret in flight is a great capture!
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Thank you Sarah! The lotus is so beautiful and fun to photograph.
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Truly it is a wonderful world, and your selection of photos puts an exclamation point on that thought! You have a beautiful capture of that lotus flower but the opening photo with the mysterious bridge is probably my favorite!
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Thanks John! It’s sad that we can only visit that bridge during a drought. There are also some remnants of the village that was once there.
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It is a beautiful world through your lens!
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Thank you Alessandra!
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Prior
No, no relation to Adam. Darn it!
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Lovely post and a wonderful message Anne – agree wholeheartedly! Loved your images, especially the tree canopy and the lotus.
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Thanks Tina! We must remain thankful and live in gratitude.
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Beautiful images for the challenge, Anne! Every one is magical but I particularly like the dog portrait. Nice work!
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Thank you Sue!
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You make a believer of me with those beautiful photos, Anne.
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Thank you so much Tracey!
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Welcome, Anne.
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