Our host this week is Egidio from Through Brazilian Eyes and he is asking us to look at SERENITY. Is it just me, but when I think of serenity, the first thing that comes to mind is the movie Serenity. You should go and see what he wants you to do for this challenge, or just go and see his post.
To me serenity is all about finding that place that makes you calm, that helps you recentre yourself. So I thought about where those places might be and I came up with three. Two are places that are naturally serene, while the third you wouldn’t think of being that way, but through my processing I’ve made it how I want it to be.
My Garden
Without a doubt the place I find with the most serenity is my home and more importantly my garden. I am at peace here and find it is a place that I love being more than anywhere else. I can be me here and there is no one to judge or abuse me.
The Ocean
Being by the sea and watching the water and waves is something I could spend a lot of time doing. The power of the ocean is magic. I can remember times when I have gone to somewhere like the 12 Apostles and just stayed there and watched as the waves crashed around those rock stacks. The ocean makes me feel very small in a large world.
The City
This is one of the places that I know is not serene, but I try to make it look that way with my images. I tried to get rid of all the people from there and just have the buildings. I saw that Egidio described places like the city as chaotic and I have to agree, so I have always tried to remove that chaos.
I suppose finding serenity probably means different things to different people. I do hope that we all find that serenity this week as we look at everyone else’s post for this.
Finally, I want to thank Egidio for being our host this week and ask everyone to check out his post. The link is at the top of this post.
If you would like to participate in this great challenge, then go to the following link to find out how to join the Lens-Artists Challenge. click here for more info. Don’t forget to put a link in your post back to the host.
The flowers are just gorgeous. You cannot beat the ocean and you have captured it so well, the coast is so beautiful there.
Thank you Ritva, we are very lucky with our coastline.
I like all the variety – and maybe prefer the beach photos- but all beautiful for serenity
Thank you so much Yvette, I understand the beach photos.
Three good choices, but I admit I did not expect cities! Love your garden and home, and the ocean pictures are stunning. I seldom get to the ocean, but love it when I do. If anyone can make a city serene – it’s you!
Thank you Ann-Christine, yeah, I am always trying to calm the city, part of my process really. I love the ocean, can’t wait to get back to it.
Wonderful post, Leanne and your picks for serene places are also mine: home, sea and city. But the city has to be like the one I see on Sunday mornings before I go to work. There’s hardly any noise, no people and the streets are mine.
Thank you Sofia. Great minds hey. The city of Melbourne used to be like that, but now so many people live in the city it always seems busy.
I really enjoyed reading and looking through your post Leanne. I thought this challenge would be suited to your imagery and I was looking forward to seeing your post 🙂
Thank you so much Steve, it is a good challenge and it has been great seeing what everyone has been posting.
Ahhh. No one does it quite like Leanne Cole. I love the Apostles, et al, et al. Outstanding as usual. 👏
That’s very kind of you to say John, thank you so much.
One of the most amazing things here is that you took a restless subject like the sea and made it into calming and serene photos.
Thank you IJ, I like what you have said.
Your empty city images always intrigue me, and your garden flowers are beautiful, but it’s your ocean photos that speak to me most 🙂 It’s noticeable that all the responses I’ve seen to Egidio’s challenge include water in some form.
Thank you Sarah.I think there is something about the ocean that speaks to all of us really. I wouldn’t be at all surprised, maybe it has something to do with the water that is inside of us. Who knows.
Your pictures are, as usual, beautiful, Leanne. I loved your ocean photos. And I thought your ‘take’ on the serenity theme was very good. I have so fee city pictures as you do, but I agree that the city, free of the chaos, can be quite serene.
Thank you Joanne. I think the ocean shots are winner in this post. I love calming the city down.
Being a proper Country Mouse, I don’t find the city serene. But peaceful in these shots? Certainly!
I don’t find it serene either Margaret, which is probably why I do what I do to the photos, lol. Thank you.
What wonderful views of serenity Leanne. I love your florals, buildings and beaches. I know what you mean when you say your home is where you find serenity. Me too.
Thank you Anne, glad you like them. Home is the best.
Mine serenity use to be out on the boat after a day of sun and fun, then it quieted down and the sun was setting. Such a feeling of peace and a mix of emotions at times. I think you did great with the city. I could see sitting on that empty street, and just enjoying sitting. lol As always great photography and love the flowers.
That boat sounds fantastic Peabea, I think being on water is very relaxing, but I don’t like being in it, if that makes sense. Thank you so much.
Serenity in a city is early morning before the city wakes to its hustle and bustle of people and traffic
I wish Brian, Melbourne is busy all the time now, sadly.
Fabulous images Leanne, I especially love the way you captured the flowers 💖 xxx
Thank you so much.
Leeanne, I felt the serenity in all of your photos. The ocean one are my favorites.
That’s great Beth, I think the ocean ones are firm favourites. Thank you.
I admit surprise at the inclusion of a bustling city, but having grown up in the crowds of Southern California, I found that life in the big city can be as calming as anyplace else because of its familiarity.
Beautiful ocean images, as well. I love the sounds of the waves on the rocks and the shore.
Glad you liked my city inclusion. I love those sounds too, thank you John.
Leanne, what a terrific response to the theme! Your focus on those three places is perfect. Whether in our garden, the city, or the ocean, your words resonate with me. Your words and photos go right into the essence of serenity.
Thank you Egidio. Glad you liked it, it was a great challenge.
Leanne, you are so right in saying serenity probably means different things to different people. But it seems that a lot of people, including myself, find being beside the sea very calming
Yeah I’m sure it does mean different things. I think the same most of us like the ocean, I wonder why? Thank you Sue.
Your ocean images are stunning. The sea and crashing waves make me feel calm and serene even in storms and relentless rain. Nothing beats the waves crashing on the rocks and sand.
Thank you Vicki. I totally agree Vicki, the stormier the better if you ask me.