Lens-Artists Challenge #123 – Found in the Neighborhood

King Tide, Kiawah Island

“You cannot stop the tides from changing.”

Brandon Sanderson

This week Ann-Christine has asked us to share some images of our neighborhoods. As so many of us are confined either by mandate or by choice to our neighborhoods, they have become ever more important to us. The Kiawah image above was taken during our most recent “King Tide”. While it may look like a lovely view of the ocean or marsh, in fact it is a fairway on one of our local golf courses. Needless to say, there was a bit of maintenance required by the course management team before golfers could effectively play the hole.

Oystercatcher At Work

“The first man gets the oyster, the second man gets the shell.”

Andrew Carnegie

Here in our Kiawah “neighborhood” the marsh is an amazing source of life. We are careful to avoid the occasional alligator as dolphins swim leisurely by, sportsmen fish for the plentiful mullet and redfish, and crabbers use traps to capture delicious hardshells. We also have access to a well-known local delicacy, oysters. In the image above an oystercatcher is hard at work harvesting oysters which will later be sold in local markets or served at nearby restaurants. I have never been able to get past their look and feel to try eating one, but most everyone here would tell you they are a wonderful treat.

Springtime on the Marsh

“If you think my winter is too cold, you don’t deserve my spring.”

Erin Hanson

As winter descends upon us, it is important to remember that each season has its purpose. This winter more than ever, it will be incumbent on all of us to be mindful of the lurking virus and its ability to spread during indoor gatherings. It is also critically important to remember that while winter’s chill may not be our favorite time of year, the spring will surely follow as it always does. This year, it will hopefully bring a vaccine as well and perhaps a return to something closer to the old (vs new) normal.

Next Generation

“The present generation is the future generation, beware of what you teach them”

J. Nedumaan

I would be remiss when writing about my neighborhood to neglect the amazing birdlife on Kiawah. Our island is a refuge for so many species it is impossible to list them all. I will simply say there is never a day that goes by without my appreciating the wonders of the winged inhabitants who share our little island.

Kiawah Sunset

“If the ocean can calm itself, so can you.”

Nayyirah Waheed

Of course, as you may have guessed, I’ve chosen to close with an image of our beautiful Kiawah beach. We never forget how fortunate we are to live in a neighborhood so blessed by nature’s glory. Its restorative power even in the worst of times is an amazing gift.

I look forward to visiting your neighborhoods as you respond to Ann-Christine’s challenge. Please remember to link to her original post here and to use the Lens-Artists tag to help us find you. In the meanwhile, as always we thank you for your support and wish you a safe and wonderful week. We hope you’ll join us next week as Amy brings us Challenge #124.

• November 14, 2020
• Kiawah, LENS-ARTISTS, Photography
• 109 Comments