Looking back is one of my favorite things to do. It reminds me of where I’ve been with my photographic journey and where I intend to go. For Sophia’s challenge, I chose the year 2019 to review. It was the year before Covid and a happy year. So let’s dive in!

Each year the wonderful volunteers at Ananda Village plant tulips for their April festival. This terraced field is lined with colorful and varied varieties of tulips. I haven’t gone for a couple of years. Maybe April 2025 will see me return.

Next, I’m looking back at one of the last outings with my dear friend who passed away from a brain tumor. We went to Calaveras Big Trees State Park. That’s Jean standing next to a giant sequoia. The other photo shows a young girl running along one of the paths.

Daffodil Hill closed down the day after these images were taken. The family who planted and cared for these flowers said the hill had become too popular and was being damaged by the large crowds.

I have another wonderful memory of a time with Jean. We went on a road trip into Amador County’s wine country. How beautiful.

Another memory I don’t want to visit again is Folsom Prison. You know the place made famous by Johnny Cash! We weren’t able to go inside for obvious reasons, but the gift shop was great. Here are some pictures of the outside as close as we were allowed to go. Thank heavens for zoom lenses!

Christmas will be here soon enough and so will the Victorian Christmas celebration in Nevada City. I’m not that anxious to face the brutal cold again, but it was fun.

Another private residence, that has since closed to the public, hosted weddings and other celebrations. The owners live on the property. We were lucky to visit on one of the public visit days.

Finally, I’m showing you the Sacramento River Walk in West Sacramento. It’s a walk I’ve taken many times and will continue doing so.

Thank you Sofia for encouraging us to visit our memories. It was a delight to bring the past back to life. When you reply to this challenge, please link to Sofia’s challenge and use the Lens-Artists tag.

Next week, as Sofia announced, we will be having fun with Intentional Camera Movement. I’m new at this and went out today for fun and learning. One hint–find shade or bring along a neutral density filter! I’m looking forward to seeing your abstract images. Until then, take care and be safe.

37 thoughts on “Lens Artists Challenge #320: Looking Back”

  1. What a wonderful look back in time Anne! The images are marvelous and I loved your reminiscences about your lost friend. How fortunate you are to have your fond memories captured by your lens. The river walk looks great but it’s a no thank you for me on the prison visit!!!

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  9. What a beautiful trip down memory lane! So many places are being damaged by huge crowds. It’s all a result of social media. Your River Walk reminds me a bit of Austin’s Lady Bird Lake. Beautiful post and photos!

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  15. I’d forgotten Folsom prison’s interesting architecture, Anne. Love the river walk pics and seeing the I street bridge. Looking back to 2019 brought back some great memories for you. Sad to read about the closure of daffodil hill. And I love how you remembered your friend. Thank goodness for memories seen again through our lenses.

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    1. Thanks Terri! It’s too bad people didn’t respect the work put into Daffodil Hill. We were one of the first to get there that day, and when we left, there was a huge line of cars waiting to get in. We had a hard time getting out.

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  16. Beautiful photographs and memories Anne, especially those you created with your dear friend. Thank you so much for sharing ❤ xxx

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