Lens-Artists Challenge #127 – Precious Moments
“Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you; spend a lot of time with them, and it will change your life.”
Amy Poehler
I couldn’t resist opening this week’s response with an image from an annual event my friend and I have hosted for years. It’s a golf outing where prizes are included for creative costumes. That’s me in front on the far right – yes, in reindeer glasses. It’s been a favorite event for many of us but of course we didn’t run it this year. We have so many precious moments with our friends here on Kiawah I couldn’t begin to cover them all. But what is missing from the image, and in fact, from Kiawah as a whole? Children! We rarely see children other than our visiting families or vacationers.
“Children are the hands by which we take hold of heaven.”
Henry Ward Beecher
I’ve made images of children all over the world – I suppose as we travel my eyes and heart are drawn to them. For me, they represent the most precious of moments. The adorable little lasses above were demonstrating their prowess with the Highland Jig.
“When I approach a child, he inspires in me two sentiments – tenderness for what he is and respect for what he may become.”
Louis Pasteur
In Vietnam my husband and I sailed overnight into HaLong Bay, a gloriously beautiful area of which I have many images. There is a community there that lives entirely on the water, visiting land only to trade goods. The little one above was happily entertaining herself on the edge of her floating home and seemed perfectly attuned to her small, wet world.
“While we try to teach our children all about life, Our children teach us what life is all about.”
Angela Schwindt
I was instantly drawn to the little guy in the image above. Deep in a remote area of China, he was happily sitting in his basket playing with the sunflower seeds. He couldn’t have been better posed if I’d put him there myself!
“If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. Want them to be more intelligent – read them more fairy tales.”
Albert Einstein
Beyond capturing children while traveling, I also enjoy creating images of my own family. The image above is our precious granddaughter who is much more grown up now. She’s always loved dodos – aka dogs – and her precious cat Mitzy.
“Children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see.”
John F. Kennedy
I come from a large family (4 brothers, all married with children and grandchildren). The images above and below are from our reunion two summers ago. Our annual summer reunion and our family holiday gatherings have both been COVID-cancelled this year.
“Children see magic because they look for it.”
Christopher Moore
Kiawah is a small community where many people know my photography, so I’m often asked to photograph visiting families. The images that follow are two favorites from 2020. Like us, many have not seen their families since COVID disrupted travel. These two families were among the fortunate exceptions.
“History will judge us by the difference we make in the everyday lives of children. “
Nelson Mandela
“If there must be trouble let it be in my day, that my children may have peace.”
Thomas Paine
In my opinion, EVERY moment, with every child, is a precious moment. We’re looking forward to seeing the moments you’ve chosen, and extend our thanks to Amy for causing us to focus on some of the many positives in our lives. Be sure to link your responses to her original challenge here. Thanks also for your responses to last week’s Alphabet Letter A challenge. We so appreciate your creativity and commitment to our challenge, and hope you’ll join us next week when Ann-Christine is our host.
Wishing everyone a safe and healthy week ahead, along with special good wishes to those of the Jewish faith for a lovely Chanukah.
Travels and Trifles 
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Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful ~ the smiles children bring to the world is what makes life so special. Great photos to show such precious moments, and such a nice diversity of shots – each one would bring out the kid in anyone (starting with your first photo 🙂 ). My two favorite shots, “Studying Seeds” is one I think should be published, a different culture but with a feeling we all can relate to. My second favorite is the last shot ~ the simple pure smile of love and happiness 🙂 Wishing you and your family well ~
Thanks so much Randall – I enjoyed putting this one together. It doesn’t matter where we travel or in which direction we point our lens, it’s the purity and innocence of the children that most moves us. Appreciate your visits this week and wish you all the best heading into the New Year. Hopefully you’ve had some quality time with your own family this holiday.
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What a gorgeous tribute to children. They are the “heart” of the holidays, aren’t they? I love your shots from your travels, but your granddaughter’s smile is precious! I am hoping we all reunite in 2021 and have a wonderful post-Covid celebration!
Your lips to God’s ears as they say Patti! Thanks and Happy Holidays to you and Rich.
The same to you, Bailey and the rest of the family! Here’s to a happy and healthy 2021.
cute innocent adorable tender moments of love-classicism in revelation – Tina ji –
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Love your fun friends!!! I think we all miss these moments.
The children images are really wonderful, you captured them very well.
Many thanks Ana, it was a fun challenge and we got to know our participants a little bit better with the week’s responses.
TRUTH., period.
Thanks Perpetua
Joyful images, making me smile !!
beautiful moment
Thanks very much for your visit and comment
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I liked the photo of the boy in the basket of seeds. Looks like something my kids would have done when they were little. Your granddaughter looks like she is deep in thought in your picture. So cute!
Many thanks Siobhan – kids are the same the world over don’t you think? that’s one of the things I enjoy about traveling.
Wonderful photos. ‘He does not like children does not like life.’ -Anon. Like the Highland lassies and the colorful elven ladies. (I’d never have recognized you.) 🙂
LOL well that image is a few years old John, you’re forgiven for not recognizing me in my reindeer glasses!
Horrors, I see my quote was missing a clarifying word! “He WHO does not like children does not like life.” Almost EVERYONE loves children!
😱
These are indeed precious!
Thanks very much Nora
Very precious post, SFAM! Speaking of reunions, look for a small holiday gift from Missouri — probably next week:). Happy Holidays!
😀👍 thanks SFAM!
You are an amazing photographer Tina, soothing and beautiful photos.
Thanks so much for the lovely compliment.
Oh, my. I hope you never stop taking photos of children. These are adorable, and they capture life as you see it. We’re in the same boat as you — not able to see children often, especially babies. So, we treasure moments at church and on the road when people allow us to smile back at little ones.
We, too, spent two days on HaLong Bay, relaxing, reveling in the scenery, and noting the lifestyle of the people who live on the water all the time. Fascinating. So, my favorite photo this week is that little boy sitting beside the sunflowers. Thanks for sharing these precious memories.
Thanks so much Rusha – we SO enjoyed the HaLong bay cruise, and the visit to the floating villages. A very fond memory indeed.
Getting together with family and friends are always precious. Laughter, big smiles on kids faces are unforgettable also. What fun and precious memories you have, Tina!
Thanks Miriam – it is indeed fun looking back, especially during difficult times.
You’re welcome, Tina!
Each image evokes a tender moment to signify the theme.
Thanks Sally, I enjoyed the theme this week.
Perfect photos for this theme! I especially like the ones from China and Vietnam as I’m drawn to similar shots myself while travelling. I sometimes wonder if it’s appropriate to photograph and share images of children like this but usually their parents are around and seem happy to let me go ahead 🙂
Thanks Sarah – yes I agree and I sometimes wonder the same thing but honestly so long as we are respectful and the subject is anonymous I think it’s a plus rather than a negative to share those kinds of images.
Yes, I agree 🙂
Wonderful moments all of them. You are so lucky to get the boy in the basket.
Thanks I.J., that was indeed a special moment for me.
Lovely costumes on the first two…love them! And those cute babies and kids unaware that somebody’s taking a photo of them.
Both were very fun moments Teresa, smile-worthy in these COVID days for sure.
Oh, children always bring out the best memories. The baby sitting with the toy eggs could be my own granddaughter : the two children look similar, and share the same toy, so that one’s my favourite from a great gallery.
Thanks Margaret – he’s a beautiful child with a wonderful personality. As is his mom, my niece who grew into a lovely woman without my permission. How does time fly by so quickly?!
I know. My children, who were in nappies so recently, unaccountably have children of their own.
The nerve!!!
Sent from my iPhone
>
Precious photos Tina!
Thanks Aletta, glad you enjoyed
Fun memory flashback. Love all the girls and their costumes and of course the children photos are so dear.
Tina – you are priceless.
LOL, thanks GF – although priceless may be going a bit too far!!!
Tina, these are remarkable captures, my favorite is ” Studying Seeds”, it is so story telling.
Many thanks Cornelia – one of those precious moments we come across that years later we’d otherwise have forgotten. I love photography for that reason if no other!
Same here Tina.
I guess right now in our weird world that every moment is precious, but I get what you are saying about children. They represent hope. And hope is what we all need.
weird world indeed Jo – but it seems there is a light, albeit faint, at the end of the tunnel.
My mom came from a large family, 8 kids in all. How many times they made them grandparents and great-grandparents, the count I would say is high. How high? After you venturing a guess, I’ll go with your number. My dad is an only child, with his mom passing when he was around two. The extended family, however is rather large. Again, after venturing a guess, I’ll go with your number. My dad wanted to have 4 or 5 kids, but they didn’t have any more after I was born.
Our daughters have told us it may be a long while before they make us grandparents, which is pretty much true. First, they would need to find the one … which luckily for me, I’m still their one. And, who they choose as the one, they would have pass muster, especially with the moms. 🙂
As for precious moments, it is the here and now. Hopefully, we won’t pass this way again. But, just in case we do, it’s making sure we haven’t missed out on the little things.
Q. Is the little one with a DODO your Elisabeth?
🙂 🙂 🙂
Oh dear, I’m not much of a guesser but I’m going to say 11 times for your mom’s family and 7 for your dad’s. Dodo is indeed my Elisabeth, who is now 14 and perfect (in my studied opinion!). As for your daughters, enjoy being the apple of their eyes! They may fall in love but will always be your little girls.
Those are fairly good guesses, and I would say are probably close to accurate. Your Elisabeth is perfect because she’s your first grandchild, granddaughter, am I right? My niece, M, Ginny’s daughter, was perfection for my mom, the first. My Deborah was that for Andrea’s mom, being the first grand-daughter. Madolyn, Andrea’s older sis had two boys.
First and only David – but in my humble she’d be perfection no matter which order she came in !
Great kiddo shots Tina…can’t help but smile when you see them 🙂 Also looks like a fun golf group you have there. Here’s hoping the event is a go for you guys next year at this time. BTW, I was able to sneak in a bonus round this week, temp got up to 48 👍
Thanks Andy, I agree” kiddos” can be a real joy (most of the time LOL!). As for the golfers – it became a highly anticipated event. Hoping to do it again in ’21. I fear 48 degrees may be a bit to low for my southern blood! We had the 2nd mildest November since they started keeping records – which makes me worry what July will feel like!
The JFK quote is one that resonates with me. The children are our message to the future. I loved all of your photos. Every single one!
Me too Anne. Glad you enjoyed these. I enjoyed putting it together.
A wonderful post, Tina – and the children are our future and greatest joy! A happy post, and an altogether lovely one! Your glasses are really…spectacular ;-D too. Lovely images of children near and far – but I must say those little scots stole my heart!
LOL, you can borrow the glasses any time you need a pick-me-up Ann-Christine! As for the lassies, I so remember them. They were just so cute and SO focused on their moment of fame!
I’ll send you a formal request…;-D for the glasses…
What a treat! So many lovely children, just being themselves. My family too loves to gather and have decided to stay in our little pods until next year. Sending holiday cheer!
Holiday cheer to you too Lindy! Children being themselves is as good as it gets, isn’t it? The term “pod” may never been seen the same again!
*Children*
cathynative77@gmail.com
On Sun, Dec 13, 2020, 8:06 AM Travels and Trifles wrote:
> Tina Schell posted: ” FUN FRIENDS “Find a group of people who challenge > and inspire you; spend a lot of time with them, and it will change your > life.” Amy Poehler I couldn’t resist opening this week’s response with an > image from an annual event my friend and I have” >
Wonderful post! I might have to steal that golf idea . . . In the future I need to figure out a way for you to have a photo session with my daughter and her family. Your photos capture such joy!
LOL, have at it Karen! It was a much-anticipated event. After the first few years the costumes got REALLY over-the-top and the girls really competed for the best costume award. It was great fun and we hope to do it again post-Covid. As for the kids, so far I’ve been very lucky with the terrific subjects!
It does look super fun. I do miss all those great social events. That photo reminded me of some great past golf events (even though my golf game is not great).
Mine either Karen LOL. But it’s such a wonderful social game, who cares!
Kids are so fun in front of the camera. Great captures, Tina–all of them!
Thanks Lois, glad you enjoyed these.
So many precious moments and beautiful photographs Tina, the little girl in Vietnam capture is especially beautiful 💛
Thanks so much Xenia, she was a little doll. So happy in her own little world.
What a happy post, Tina. Such original and colorful costumes for the golf outing, what fun! And, your reindeer glasses are very attractive, LOL. Enjoyed seeing beautiful pictures of your family, I know that you miss seeing everyone this year.
I do indeed Sylvia, thanks. But unlike many others I am fortunate that they will all be with us next year. I especially miss seeing the little ones who grow up so fast. As for the reindeer glasses, you have NO idea how over the top the outfits became as the years went on!
What an endearing post…. so happy our children have been the subjects of your sensitive “ lens “. … ❤️‼️
Thanks GF, both for the comment and for the privilege of helping to capture family memories. Nothing is more important, especially as time goes by.
Of course these are all wonderful, Tina, and made me smile from ear to ear, but that shot of the little boy in the basket is a heart-squeezing one…in all the best ways. 🙂 Have a blessed Sunday.
janet
Thanks so much Janet – it was one of those moments that will bring me a smile for a very long time.
How beautiful is our future, looking at these kids, Tiina! Love the serious faces in kilts and the focus of the next two. Your reindeer specs made me smile and reminded me that I need a silly hat for an event next weekend, to commemorate the life of a much loved member of our community. 🙂 🙂
Thanks so much Jo – I love your comment about our future. I hadn’t thought about that. As for the silly hat – what a wonderful idea for a memorial. I hope it brings smiles to go with the sadness.
Hey Tina –
This post was “pure joy” and I leave smiling – love the costumes you and your friends wear for that event and
The testing the waters has such brilliant color and a precious moment indeed
Many thanks Yvette, I enjoyed putting this one together. Some very fond memories.
Such a good idea (guess I had to say it again – lol) and my post will be out tomorrow – I was going through old holiday ornaments (tossing 80% – or sending them to be recycled) and this theme came to mind – so I will link it tomorrow – ttys
They are the future of our world. Children give us so many precious moments in our lives that as we grow older become the basis for our fondest memories. What an uplifting post!
Thanks John – I love your thought that they become our fondest memories. Absolutely true.
Beautiful images and sentiment Tina. Children are our precious moments and our legacy.
Thanks Anne, whole-heartedly agree.
Honored to be a member of the group in the first photo! Loved all the photos of the children…especially the smiles and laughter!
Honored to have had you Laurel! Maybe 2021 is the year of the Return to the Muni?!
Would love that!
Beautiful!
Thanks Tase – must admit I do rather miss the laughter of children down here. But not for long LOL
That first one brought back happy memories!
Ah yes Sharon, always a fun-filled day. Glad to have brought you a reminder. Sadly the last two years have resulted in rainouts 😢 but hoping next year is the year!
The photo of your annual golf outing with friends is joyful and precious! I agree, every moment, with every child, is a precious moment, and your beautiful captures tell wonderful stories of these precious moments. Thank you for sharing with us. 🙂
My pleasure Amy, loved the challenge. As for the event, the costumes are much more over-the-top than the image shows, and each year they got a bit more outrageous LOL. It’s been a really fun, highly-anticipated event that I hope we can do again next year.
Such a fun group and their costumes! I love your smile, Tina. A great photo. 🙂
Love those costumes!!
I agree, when picking for this challenge, I couldn’t think of anything more precious than the time spent with my kids.
Thanks Mei-Mei, and as one of our other respondents mentioned, the only thing that may compete with your own kids is your grandkids 😀
Tina, this post makes me happy! I love your images of these precious children. I agree, every moment with every child is a precious moment.Your group photo of your golf outing reminds me of the Christmas Caroling tradition in our neighborhood. A group of us decorate our golf carts, dress up in our tackiest Christmas outfits – the more lights the better – and have a parade through the neighborhood after dark. A few are doing it this year but we have opted to stay home and wave at them.
Oh my goodness Beth, that sounds so fun! Sadly we aren’t allowed to own carts here but there must be some other way to steal your idea!!! Happy to have brought you a smile today, you surely did the same for me!
Truly precious!
Thanks V.J., glad you enjoyed
Children always bring such joy.