We all mellow out in different ways. Many of you have posted music lyrics. Music also relaxes me. One song does come to mind–“Here Comes the Sun” by George Harrison of the Beatles. However my favorite rendition is by Richie Havens. Google it. You’ll soon be dancing around, forgetting your cares and mellowing out.
But this is a photo blog, and this week Sofia asks us to mellow out. Here are just a few places I take my camera to relax.
A High Sierra Lake. The still water is calming and I do love the forest.

Trees with their graceful branches are beautiful and welcoming. They are also beautiful when snuggled in fog and looking mysterious.


Driving on a mountain road is relaxing for me. Since I live in a valley, driving these roads, away from suburban traffic, mellows me out. The car was off the road when I took this photo!

And, how about the gracefulness of birds in flight. I sit and wonder what it must be like to soar in the air like that on your own power.

You know how much I love to photograph flowers. Just being able to capture their beauty mellows me out.

And finally, we can’t forget the relaxation brought by an amazing sunset. We have to watch carefully so we don’t miss its natural beauty because the moment is fleeting.

Thanks Sofia, you reminded us of the need to just get away and mellow out however we do. It’s a great practice for our physical and spiritual beings. When you post your response, please remember to link to Sofia’s post and use the Lens-Artists tag. Last week Ritva opened the wonder of books–another way to relax. Next week Beth is leading her first challenge, so be sure to look for her post.
In the meantime stay safe and live in gratitude!
Beautiful photographs and thoughts dear Anne, the sunset with those gorgeous reflections in the water is especially soothing 🧡 xxx
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Thank you Karina! 😍
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You’re very welcome Anne and my name is Xenia 😊❤️ xxx
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Sorry Xenia! I do know your name!! Just getting older!!!
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❤️❤️❤️ xxx
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Love this!
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Thanks Dawn! So glad you liked it.
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Anne, I feel mellow after seeing your beautiful images. The landscapes all look like great places to sit and chill while enjoying the view. I love the bird in flight and your flower. And the sunset photo is gorgeous.
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Thanks Beth!
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These are wonderful images Anne. The tree silhouettes and sunset really convey mellow for me.
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Thank you Brad! I’m glad they may have helped mellow you out.
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😊
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Just what I needed after a busy day, Anne. Thanks for the beautiful images.
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Thanks Egidio! Your post was right on!!
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Thank you, thank you!
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Beautiful post Anne (and I do love the Havens version also). Especially captivated by your sunset closing. Magnificent!
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Thanks Tina! I’m so glad you also like Richie Havens’ version too. We need that song more than ever now.
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I don’t think I would find driving mountains roads relaxing, but the rest I can relate too. Very mellow post Anne.
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Thanks Leanne! I guess I’m used to those roads. I’m glad you found the rest of the post mellow!
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Love the Egret with the nesting sticks
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Thanks Brian! He’s heading to the nesting tree. Each April egrets and herons nest in that tree. It’s amazing to watch.
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It’s great to have them in the same tree and you know where they are nesting to watch
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I’d love to have a lake surrounded by trees and open countryside as in your first photo. (but I have a lake surrounded by suburbia, although that’s all changing).
Photographing flowers is another mellow activity we share. Your examples are lovely.
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Thank you Vicki! I’m glad we share the love of photographing flowers.
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From the first to the last photo – these are all beautiful!
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Thanks Nora! Your response to this challenge was great also.
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Lovely gallery and the mountain road shot is majestic.
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Thank you Rupali! Sometimes you just have to stop and get out of the car.
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So relaxing, Anne. I always love your bird shots and I think this one is my favourite of all time. Beautiful photos, all.
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Thanks Sofia!
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Dear Anne
Beautiful pictures and a special interpretation of mellow.
Thanks
The Fab Four of Cley
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
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Thanks Fab Four!
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Beautiful section, Anne!
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Thanks Donna!
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Beautiful mellow moments Anne 🙂 I love a mountain road like that but I’m much happier if someone else does the driving!
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Thanks Sarah! We just came home from visiting our kids in Reno. Husband was sleepy so I drove over I-80 through the beautiful Sierras. I agree, it’s better to be the passenger and enjoy the scenery to the fullest.
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Yep, mellowing out is an art form in and of itself. Lovely series for something we all need.
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Thanks N! Right now we do need to practice that special art form!
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Beautiful set of photos for the week.
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Thanks I. J.!
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Love that mountain road, Anne xx
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Thanks Jo!
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Beautiful photos, Anne! The first and last ones are my favorites especially.
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Thanks Amy!
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Great photos all, Anne. Love the open road. Heard that Havens version just the other day. It’s a fave. Where do we find Beth next week?
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Thanks John! So glad you like the Havens version. Beth is Wandering Dogs. I couldn’t find her WordPress url. Just look for her post. If you don’t see it, email me at anne.g.sandler@gmail.com.
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Lovely gallery, Anne – mellow captured in every picture! The last one is so glorious that I had to go back to it several times. Have you framed it?
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Thanks Ann-Christine! No, I haven’t framed it. I have a small house and I’m out of wall space!
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