Lens-Artists Challenge #24 – SEASONAL
“December, being the last month of the year, cannot help but make us think of what is to come.”
Fennel Hudson
OK, I’ll admit I used Photoshop to give this beautiful buck a bit of a Rudolph-red nose, but as the song says, “t’is the season” right? Speaking of seasons, for this week’s challenge we’re focused on the seasons and what they mean to you. For me, winter is a time of introspection. I like to snuggle in by a warm fire and listen to soft music while considering the year just finished and the one ahead. On warmer southern days it’s great to get outside and enjoy a bit of our mostly-mild winter. Full disclosure, I captured my image of the buck during our visit to Colorado over Thanksgiving. Here on Kiawah, neither we nor our deer get to see much snow 🙂.
“If winter comes, can spring be far behind?”
Percy Bysshe Shelley
“Can words describe the fragrance of the very breath of spring?”
Neltje Blanchan
One of the beauties of winter is that it is inevitably followed by spring. Emerging from winter’s gloom, Mother Earth seems to celebrate the return of warmth and color. While I am as happy as anyone to see the year’s pristine first snowfall, once the cold has settled in I am more than ready for it to fade away. The spring’s first blooms celebrate nature’s best efforts. The air is filled with the scent of new growth, carried in on the gentle breezes of the new season. For most of us it is a time of renewed energy and an appreciation of the nature’s many wonders. For a photographer there is no better time than the first blush of spring.
“Summertime is always the best of what might be.”
Charles Bowden
“it’s a smile, it’s a kiss, it’s a sip of wine … it’s summertime!”
Kenny Chesney
For me, summer is a time for relaxation and fun. Often, because the temperatures here in South Carolina can be extreme, my husband and I will travel during the summer months. Most years we’ll spend time with our families in the northeast, occasionally we’ll venture out west or even farther afield. Personally I don’t mind Kiawah summers but my Boston-born husband has little tolerance for it. Interestingly, it is by far the most popular season for Kiawah’s many visitors.
“Autumn…the year’s last, loveliest smile.”
John Howard Bryant
“No spring nor summer beauty hath such grace as I have seen in one autumnal face.”
John Donne
Ah fall – a perfect example of good news/bad news. First, it is glorious. Mother Nature dons her most beautiful colors to show us the best of what she has to offer. The air is crisp and clear and the very slight chill in the air is most welcome after the heat of summer. On the other hand, those colorful leaves are falling fast, days are getting shorter, and soon winter’s chill will once again be upon us. Perhaps autumn is teaching us a lesson on enjoying the blessings of each day as we cannot know what tomorrow will bring.
“May the splendor of the holiday season enlighten your life and warm your heart.”
Debasish Mridha
Here’s hoping you are enjoying a beautiful holiday season surrounded by family and friends. Remember to reach out to those who are not so fortunate and for whom this may be a difficult time.
We look forward to seeing your interpretation of our Seasonal challenge. Remember to link your post to this one and to tag it with our Lens-Artists tag. Last but not least, don’t forget to tune in next week for Patti’s challenge at her Pilotfish blog.
HAVE YOU SEEN THESE?
Last week Amy’s Celebrations challenge invited us to share our experiences around the world. Your responses offered some wonderful variety. For example:
John Steiner shared examples of amazing Christmas lights in his post at PhotosbyJohnbo
Sue of Words Visual took us all the way to Maramures Romania in her response here.
Mei-Mei of Jedibyknight shared a religious festival from her studies in Salamanca, Spain
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Your photos are magnificent. I had fun looking at this challenge from an Australian point of view https://beinginnatureblog.wordpress.com/2018/12/17/seasons-in-the-bush/
Thanks Suzanne!
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I love your theme of red and white in most of your images, Tina (Rudolph was a festive touch)! The macro of the red ornament is something I would do! All beautiful!
Thanks Terri! I had fun with this one 😊
I’m not sure what adjectives to use for these beautiful photos. They are all gorgeous. 🙂
Awwww, thanks Judy!
Happy Holidays to you and yours, Tina! https://lagottocattleya.wordpress.com/2018/12/16/lens-artists-challenge-24-seasonal/
Thanks Ann-Christine, and the same to you!
♥
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And… seasonal season’s greetings to you and all your blog buddies!
🎅😁🎄😃🍷🙃
Thanks AJ—and to you too
Wonderful story of how each season can tantalize our senses. Looking back is always an interesting process. Lovely post, Tina. ❤
Many thanks Olga!
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A year of inspiration and beauty. Thanks and warm wishes for a wonderful holiday season.
Many thanks Kathy, and best to you and Steve
Good idea for an end of year challenge and a glimpse into your seasonal SC. I’m with you on winter cold weather Tina…my ideal winter would be two maybe three weeks…lol. Nice touch on Rudolph 🙂
3 weeks Max Andy! Glad Rudolph hit your funny bone.
Forgot to mention beautiful header shot Tina. I’m assuming that’s a Colorado golf course. I’d prefer a green green but on the plus side, probably wouldn’t need a tee time 🙂
LOL, thanks Andy. Not Colorado, Kiawah! Last year’s freak snowstorm (first time in 20 years). We were housebound (and our airport was closed) for a full week as we have no snow removal equipment in this part of the world! Because it is so rare we thoroughly enjoyed it!
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Thanks for joining our challenge!
Well, here’s my offering: https://suejudd.com/2018/12/16/lens-artists-photo-challenge-24-seasonal/
Thanks Sue!
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Lovely way to end the year with your beautiful photos and thoughts.
Thanks so much Laurel. And all the best to you and Hank this beautiful season
Dearest Tina, your work is wonderful, thanks so much for sharing! Blessed holiday days to you and Bailey!
Thanks Karen, and blessings of the season to you too!
Thanks Tina…this challenge invited a reflection of the past year.
https://ameditativejourney.wordpress.com/2018/12/16/lens-artists-challenge-seasonal/
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Oh, and compliments of the season to you and yours!
Backatcha!
Thank you, Tina!
Some wonderful seasonal images, Tina, and I love the cheat with that nose!
😊😊 thanks Sue
😀
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Tina all your photos are wonderful. With each one I thik this is my favourite until I arrive at the next. Thank you for ty the prompt and I hope you have a lovely happy holiday season. Mine: https://irenewaters19.com/2018/12/16/seasonal-around-the-world-lens-artists-challenge-no-24/
You’re very sweet Irene, many thanks!
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Thanks for participating this week
Great challenge theme, hope I’ll have time to participate. Thanks for the shout out, too!
I hope so too Mei-Mei! You’re most welcome
Your Egrets are astounding! Love the Reindeer too 🙂
Thanks DM – they are beautiful especially during mating and nesting season
Lovely rumination on the seasons, Tina. Your reindeer is a riot. Happy holidays to you and Bailey. ❤️❄️🤗
😊😊apparently a fan favorite Jane LOL!
I liked the one of the kayaks. They look so inviting! 🙂
Thanks SB, I thought so too
Very nice challenge subject and pictures – Thanks
Thanks Tatiana
wonderful pics as usual. I really like the bridge shot.
Many thanks Jim – it’s from Magnolia Gardens – one of Charleston’s most beautiful places
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it’s beautiful
wouw… soo beautiful, love it:)
Many thanks Freja
Thoughtful and beautiful as always, Tina! A lovely challenge to look forward to – love your photos, and my favorite is Rudolph.
He seems to be the favorite this week Ann-Christine! Who knew??
;-D
“Seasonal” is poetically expressed via your lens, quote, and words. The Rudolph-red nose is so cute! I may approach this challenge a little bit different and am struggling to put the idea and photos together, may take another day or so. 🙂
All in good time Amy! Looking forward to seeing what you come up with!
Thanks Rusha, been enjoing your FB postings
Such excellent seasonal samplings. I’m in love with the egret picture. But the one with the kayaks reminds me of Pawleys, for sure. Merry Christmas. May the whole season be picture perfect. Rusha Sams
Thanks Rusha! And the same to you
Lovely post, Tina! Will be putting mine together soon.
My pleasure Susan, look forward to your response
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Beautiful seasonal images. That first one would be great Christmas card!
Many thanks MM! Hadn’t thought of that 😊
What beautiful captures of the seasons, Tina. I especially love the fall colors, the nesting egrets and the gardens in bloom. Happy holidays! ~ Cathy
Thanks very much Cathy, glad these struck your fancy!
Great choice!
https://junkboattravels.blogspot.com/2018/12/seasonal.html
Thanks Jackie. Enjoyed your seasonal post!
Beautiful images as always, Tina. Happy holidays to you!
Many thanks Lex, and to you too!
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I love all your shots, but that “Rudolf” image really made me smile! Wonderful post, Tina! Wishing you joyful holidays with family and friends.
Thanks Patti – and all the best to you and yours!
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Somehow I suspect it’s the child in the lead Perpetua! And yes, I do love all of the seasons which is part of why we’re in SC instead of FLA😊
Don’t you just love the four seasons? This makes life a never ending excitement Shar Mother Nature can do. Mind you the perfect photo is the child taking the dad to the beach. Or is it the other way?
Color pops in each of your images, nicely captured. Happy holiday season to you and yours.
Thanks Sally, and all the best to you too
It being the season, I shall have to join you this week, Tina. But not for a day or three 🙂 🙂 Beautiful images! I can only think that Shelley must have had access to thermal undies ahead of his time to be so optimistic. 🙂 Still autumnal here, and even traces of spring, depending where you look. Enjoy being cosied up and all the very best to you in the year ahead.
Many thanks Jo, hope you find a moment to join us! Happy holidays to you!
So, Rudolph’s a buck and not a reindeer. 🙂
Excellent photos.
LOL it’s indeed possible Rabirius 😊. Thanks for stopping by