Weekly Photo Challenge – JOY | Travels and Trifles

Weekly Photo Challenge – JOY

“Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.”

Thich Nhat Hanh

LAID BACK

Joy – such a simple concept and yet so difficult to convey in words. A step beyond happiness that warms the heart and is often contagious, somehow it is seen most often in children, who find it in simple pleasures. I’ve chosen a few examples from the children we saw in Cambodia, where worldly possessions were few but smiles were many.

AT PLAY

“To get the full value of joy you must have someone to divide it with.”

Mark Twain

It seemed to me that life in Cambodia was somehow less complicated – as if time had frozen some 50 years ago. We saw no smartphones, few automobiles, no large shopping centers or grocery stores. People grew their own crops and made daily trips to the market. Children played simple games with one another and seemed carefree and yes, joyful. For me, it was a lesson in appreciating life’s small pleasures.

CATCHING A RIDE

“Joy multiplies when it is shared among friends.”

R.A. Salvatore

2013 has been a terrific year for me, highlighted by a month in China but full of so many happy moments. I am thankful for the love of my wonderful husband and our families, the joys of friendship, the blessings of good health and the beauty that surrounds me here at home. I sincerely appreciate the support and encouragement of those who follow this blog, which has made me think about my photography and even my view of the world in new and different ways.

PLAYING AMONG THE SALT

“The essence of life is not in the great victories but in the simple joy.”

Jonathan L. Huie

My best wishes to all for a New Year filled with love, peace, good health, and perhaps most importantly, joy. To see more joyful moments, click here.

Tags: Photo essay, weekly photo challenge

76 thoughts on “Weekly Photo Challenge – JOY”

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doublewhirler on January 13, 2014 at 7:02 pm said:

Thanks for visiting our blog and I’m so glad to have discovered your blog- especially this post on a day when I needed a little joy. Great photos and post!

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- Tina Schell on January 13, 2014 at 7:08 pm said:
  
  My pleasure 🙂 So happy to have brightened your day!
  
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Diane on January 6, 2014 at 3:13 pm said:

I always find myself smiling as i read & view your blog.
Looking forward to more of the joy you create, capture & share in 2014. Thanks!!

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- Tina Schell on January 6, 2014 at 8:32 pm said:
  
  Thanks Diane! And happy new year to you!
  
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Dina on January 6, 2014 at 3:11 pm said:

Aboslutely adorable – a post transporting happiness and joy to us all.
Happy New Year, Tina!
Love, Dina

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- Tina Schell on January 6, 2014 at 9:28 pm said:
  
  Thanks Dina – so happy you caught the infectious joy!!
  
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Dalo 2013 on January 6, 2014 at 5:21 am said:

These are such wonderful, genuine smiles of children that immediately brings joy. Wonderful post and it seems those you came in touch with during your travels had just as great of time as you. Congratulations.

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- Tina Schell on January 6, 2014 at 9:29 pm said:
  
  What a wonderful thought – I hope you’re right Randall. The young man in the first photo was certainly enjoying his moment of fame!! Appreciate your visit and comment.
  
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Bams Triwoko on January 3, 2014 at 1:22 am said:

Great shot, Tina… 🙂
Wishing you a great year 2014… !!

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- Tina Schell on January 3, 2014 at 11:21 am said:
  
  Many thanks Bams, and all the best in 2014 to you too!
  
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jackiebennett@bellsouth.net on January 2, 2014 at 5:06 pm said:

Tina, I may have said this before, but I love your commentary even more than your photos. It does indeed make me consider the photos in different ways than I would have otherwise.

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- Tina Schell on January 3, 2014 at 11:26 am said:
  
  Thanks Jack, for your support and encouragement. I’ve always loved writing and the blog has been a great creative outlet for me. All the best to you and Steve in 2014!
  
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The Rider on January 2, 2014 at 12:55 pm said:

I love it, great post!

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- Tina Schell on January 3, 2014 at 11:24 am said:
  
  Many thanks Vos, and Happy New YEar to you!
  
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bluebrightly on January 1, 2014 at 2:48 pm said:

Tina, thank you for sharing your world, and your travels this year. May you have many more wonderful experiences in the coming year, and joyful photographic opportunities!!! Why not!

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- Tina Schell on January 1, 2014 at 2:56 pm said:
  
  Thanks so much Lynn, I’ve enjoyed reliving the experiences as I posted about them, and have loved seeing readers’ reactions :-). All the best to you in 2014 as well–here’s to photographic adventures wherever we find them!
  
  Sent from my iPad
  
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Uday Narayanan on January 1, 2014 at 1:33 pm said:

Beautiful post, Tina. There is joy – small, but real – in the simple things of life. Loved the photograph of the two young girls playing.

Wish you a very Happy New Year, Tina. I hope your 2014 will be filled with love, joy and of course beautiful and moving photography moments!

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- Tina Schell on January 1, 2014 at 2:39 pm said:
  
  Thank you Uday, for your support and encouragement throughout the year. Happy New Year to you too. May your 2014 be filled with the same wonderful elements you’ve wished for me!
  
  Sent from my iPad
  
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Preeti on January 1, 2014 at 1:09 pm said:

What a beautifully put together post….the shots and the stories were phenomenal. Here’s to a joyous new year for you! looking fwd to more on your blog..

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- Tina Schell on January 1, 2014 at 2:44 pm said:
  
  Many thanks Preeti! And a joyous New Year to you too!
  
  Sent from my iPad
  
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Rick Diffley on December 31, 2013 at 9:05 pm said:

Happy New Year Tina.

I’m happy that I came across and have enjoyed your blog this year. Truly, one of the top photography website I choose visit. Accolades to you, your images, and your stories behind the photos.

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- Tina Schell on January 1, 2014 at 9:30 am said:
  
  Thanks so much Rick – a wonderful compliment coming from one so accomplished! Looking forward to seeing more of your thoughts and tips in the New Year.
  
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restlessjo on December 31, 2013 at 4:33 pm said:

Few things in life are more joyous than your photos, Tina. I love that shot of the two girls.
I hope that joy continues to follow you in 2014. Thanks for all your thoughtful and lovely shares 🙂

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- Tina Schell on December 31, 2013 at 5:05 pm said:
  
  Thanks so much Jo – and joy to you in the New Year as well!
  
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Dilip on December 31, 2013 at 11:21 am said:

Tina what a wonderful post on New Year eve. You have illustrated meaningfully the Thich Nhat Hanh quote beautifully with pics of joyous children. Thank you and wish you a peaceful and happy New Year. Cheers 🙂

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- Tina Schell on December 31, 2013 at 2:17 pm said:
  
  Thank you Dilip, and all the best to you too!
  
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Sreejith Nair on December 31, 2013 at 7:53 am said:

Beautiful images, Tina.

Perfect for the caption.

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- Tina Schell on December 31, 2013 at 8:40 am said:
  
  Thank you Sreejith! All the best to you in the new year!
  
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sriramjanak on December 31, 2013 at 12:54 am said:

A beautiful post Tina…what we all need for the coming year…:-)
have a great year..
take care
sriram

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- Tina Schell on December 31, 2013 at 8:41 am said:
  
  I agree Sriram, we coul all use a bit more joy in our lives! All the best in the new year.
  
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Alexandria Sage on December 30, 2013 at 11:31 pm said:

Beautiful post, Tina. I especially love the earthy color combinations of the two little girls in the second photo. Also, the orange bicycle. 🙂

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- Tina Schell on December 30, 2013 at 11:38 pm said:
  
  Thanks Alexandria, and the best of everything in 2014 to you!
  
  Sent from my iPad
  
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Mary Lynn on December 30, 2013 at 9:56 pm said:

sometimes joy in our own lives is missing, but we can see and be happy for the joy we see others’ lives (both friends and strangers) Thank you for taking us on this lovely journey – sharing so much.

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- Tina Schell on December 30, 2013 at 10:46 pm said:
  
  And thank you so much for following along Mary Lynn! Hope your 2014 is happy, healthy, and joyful 🙂
  
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larencev on December 30, 2013 at 9:30 pm said:

Smiles are contagious too!! Great captures!

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- Tina Schell on December 30, 2013 at 9:41 pm said:
  
  Thanks Gin!! They are indeed 🙂
  
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Linda Wyatt on December 30, 2013 at 8:56 pm said:

Joy Joy Joy to the World! Love these sweet faces! Linda

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- Tina Schell on December 30, 2013 at 9:42 pm said:
  
  Thanks Miss Linda. The best of happy and HEALTHY New Years to you!!
  
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Jane Lurie on December 30, 2013 at 7:27 pm said:

Very nice. Happy New Year, Tina!

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- Tina Schell on December 30, 2013 at 9:54 pm said:
  
  Thanks Jane – best to you too!
  
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Bailey on December 30, 2013 at 5:27 pm said:

Great journey thru your eyes and mind all year. To be and share with you is my joy.

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- Tina Schell on December 30, 2013 at 5:29 pm said:
  
  🙂 And the vice is versa!
  
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photobyjohnbo on December 30, 2013 at 5:20 pm said:

Great joyful photos. I need to think more about taking photos of people. Always leery of photo rights, and I don’t carry photo releases with me. 🙂

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- Tina Schell on December 30, 2013 at 5:24 pm said:
  
  Thanks John! As long as you’re not using the photos commercially I don’t believe the release is required. Happy New Year to you!
  
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Photography Journal Blog on December 30, 2013 at 3:39 pm said:

I love the way you captured joy 🙂

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- Tina Schell on December 30, 2013 at 5:26 pm said:
  
  Thanks PJB! It was there for the taking 🙂 Appreciate your visit and comment, and Happy New Year to you!
  
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Jane Iwan on December 30, 2013 at 3:12 pm said:

Wonderful post, Tina. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and photos with us throughout the year. Wishing you all good things in the New Year.

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- Tina Schell on December 30, 2013 at 5:26 pm said:
  
  Thanks Jane – appreciate your support. And all the best to you in 2014!
  
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Svetlana Grobman on December 30, 2013 at 3:10 pm said:

What can be more joyful than watching children smile! Happy New Year, Tina!

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- Tina Schell on December 30, 2013 at 9:55 pm said:
  
  I agree – children find joy in so many wonderful ways! Happy New YEar to you Svetlana!
  
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april kanew on December 30, 2013 at 2:41 pm said:

what beautiful words….thank u for the ‘joy’ this past year!! Love ‘playing in the salt’…..wish for all to play in some salt in 2014 spending less time playing with our electronics!! HAPPY HAPPY!!!

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- Tina Schell on December 30, 2013 at 5:41 pm said:
  
  Yes, I agree April! More salt, less electronics 🙂 Happy New Year and thanks for your wonderful support!
  
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northumbrianlight on December 30, 2013 at 2:28 pm said:

Wonderful photos – remarkably open and happy looking children – amazing given their troubled history. All the best for 2014

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- Tina Schell on December 30, 2013 at 5:44 pm said:
  
  Many thanks Robin – yes, I think peace is still the supreme gift for them and thus their easy-going, contented good nature. The best for you in the New Year as well!
  
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poppytump on December 30, 2013 at 1:35 pm said:

Joy ! You describe it so well Tina in words and photographs .
Wishing you another fabulous year of photography and many moments of joy sharing it all with us here on your blog .
Happy New Year for 2014 !

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- Tina Schell on December 30, 2013 at 5:49 pm said:
  
  Many thanks PT! Have enjoyed your blog a great deal this year and look forward to much more in 2014. All the best to you in the New Year!
  
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Ann Spencer on December 30, 2013 at 1:22 pm said:

Tina It has been pure JOY for me to view your photos and travel with you. The photos as well as the thought provoking comments have sent me to another time and space that causes me to reflect and appreciate life more and especially talented and sharing friends like you. Thank you! My best to you in the new year as you continue your exploring through the lens. Ann S

Sent from my iPad

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- Tina Schell on December 30, 2013 at 5:49 pm said:
  
  Thanks so much for your lovely comment and continued support Ann. All the best to you in the New Year!
  
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Pride in Photos Photography on December 30, 2013 at 1:02 pm said:

Oh if we didn’t have JOY in our life…where would we be? happy new years to you.

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- Tina Schell on December 30, 2013 at 5:51 pm said:
  
  And the same to you Laurie – here’s to JOY in 2014!
  
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Beauty Along the Road on December 30, 2013 at 12:04 pm said:

I agree, children are wonderful examples of pure joy. I wished we had a way of taking their uncontaminated joy with us into adulthood more…
I am so glad to “know” you through your blog and am looking forward to you sharing your experiences with us thru the coming year. Happy New Year!

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- Tina Schell on December 30, 2013 at 5:57 pm said:
  
  Thanks Annette. The “friends” we make through blogging are great fun and I think help us all to expand our view of the world. Thanks for your lovely comment and all the best to you in 2014!
  
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Heyjude on December 30, 2013 at 10:51 am said:

Lovely post and joyful photos and quotes. I often think that kids were happier when they had less. Happy New Year Tina. I look forward to 2014 with you 🙂
Jude xx

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- Tina Schell on December 30, 2013 at 5:59 pm said:
  
  Thanks Jude, and all the best to you in 2014 as well!
  
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Bill Barber on December 30, 2013 at 10:50 am said:

Wishing y0ou and your family a joyful New Year!

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- Tina Schell on December 30, 2013 at 6:00 pm said:
  
  Many thanks Bill – and all the best to you and yours!!
  
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fotograffer on December 30, 2013 at 10:43 am said:

Great post Tina. And as you point out, there is joy to be found in simple things – something that seems to escape many of us. Happy New Year.

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- Tina Schell on December 30, 2013 at 6:02 pm said:
  
  Thanks Ron, and a Happy New Year to you too!
  
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spnphoto on December 30, 2013 at 10:41 am said:

Beautiful in every way!

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- Tina Schell on December 30, 2013 at 6:04 pm said:
  
  Many thanks Stefan – and all the best in the New Year!
  
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lensandpensbysally on December 30, 2013 at 10:37 am said:

Images and quotes that exude joy.

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- Tina Schell on December 30, 2013 at 6:08 pm said:
  
  Thanks Sally! A good note on which to end the year 🙂
  
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