Favorites of 2023, Challenge #281

/ January 15, 2024

I’m late, but here is my entry for the Lens-Artist Challenge #281.

Anne-Christine asked us to share our favorite images from 2023. They can be picked for beauty, memories, art, or any reason. Mine are mostly from my apartment grounds or nearby parks since I’ve traveled so little in the last few years. Thankfully, I’ve learned to find beauty where I am which is one of my ordinary joys. I take photos to share the beauty and joy of finding such delights in my daily life.

This was a magical morning with dew-covered spider webs all over the property.
I was delighted that my cellphone could capture the moment.

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A beautiful December sunset reflecting over the pond in our apartment community.

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Amazingly, this dragonfly landed on my car and stayed there while I fumbled to get my phone
and take a photo. This is the first one I’ve seen with golden colors that look almost artificial.

~

I love this macro of the forest floor that seems to be a world within a world or
a fairy landscape filled with hidden treasures.

~

This cute salamander was playing hide and seek with me. The photo was taken at
Great Falls National Park on one of my few breaks while taking care of mom this spring.

~

This is a lovely spring image from my mother’s yard. It will be my last spring for her beautiful yard and gardens. We sold the property to a builder who intends to tear the house down to build an oversized home that buyers seem to want these days, especially in the DC area.

~

May you find much beauty and joy in the new year.

#Lens-Artists Challenge #281

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91 thoughts on “Favorites of 2023, Challenge #281”

  4. These are all absolutely stunning captures Brad! I love every single one of them. Beautiful choices, but most importantly, beautiful eye to see the beauty around you and recognize how much richness there is surrounding the every day experience. These images reflect to me how you are held in love and that magick surrounds your sweet heart. Thank you for sharing these kindred nature lover friend. 💚🌿

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  6. These are all gems. And you have found them in your vicinity too? I am sorry to hear about your mother’s house and yard – but these beautiful images will make them remembered, always. I am afraid it is the same reasoning among people here. Tear down the old and build new – not so beautiful houses…

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  12. I am sure it was hard to choose, but you’ve chosen some beautiful photos, Brad. Amazing dragonfly photo – I know the feeling of fumbling for my phone, trying to capture a special moment. Must have been hard to say goodbye to your mom’s property. 🌼

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  14. Well Brad, you may not have travelled far my friend, but your chosen images are wonderful examples of Beauty to be found closer to home… 🙂 We can find it right outside our door, if we really look… Thank you for sharing Brad xx ❤

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  15. Brad, not only beautiful photos but a perfect time to bring us your mom’s yard. I loved your “world within a world” of the forest floor that could have also been the ocean floor. The colors textures and detail are just meant to be together The dragonfly is certainly unique. And wow the spider web looks like it has tiny pearls hanging from it. You have a careful observant eye.

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  19. Brad, I’m just surfacing after losing myself in that amazing sunset – incredible. How sweet of the dragon fly to be so cooperative and patient and you’re rewarded with this astonishing image – almost too striking to seem real. Oh, your mother’s yard looked like a peaceful haven, how sad it is being torn down but yes, it does seem to be the way of the world.

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  22. These are all exquisite Brad and how nice of the dragon fly to be so patient. I do love your mom’s house with the sun setting majestically over head. I took a picture recently and the sky was gorgeous like that and in seconds it was gone❣️ Wild❣️

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  24. Hi Brad!
    Amazing gallery! 🤩 If you don’t mind me asking, what kind of phone did you use to capture the dragonfly? It’s so detailed, I’m amazed. I have yet to be able to capture such clear macro with my supposedly flagship mobile phone 😅

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  25. Beautiful photos, Brad. The spider’s web is utterly magical, and I do love that image of the forest floor. The last photo and note about your mom’s home made me a little sad. It reminded me of how hard it is to let go of things we associate with lost loved ones. They’re so imbued with memories. Here’s to a 2024 full of beauty and new memories in the making. ❤

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  29. Brad, you are so talented. I love these photos. I have to say, I don’t think I have ever seen a golden dragonfly. I’m so glad he let you capture his uniqueness. The photo of your mom’s house/yard touched me. Nothing ever stays the same, but it’s still so weird when an era ends, and you have to let go of what once was. You have a gift for finding beauty in the most random and unexpected places. Thank you for sharing it with us. Have a wonderful weekend. Huge HNS ❤️

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