Playing in the Grass
We have been enjoying the simple, friend Julie & I. For the past two weekly photo shoots we have decided to wander around the back roads – in farming country. We don’t have a destination and take any road that calls – frequently a dirt road beckons. We don’t worry about getting lost – I have lived my whole life in this area so I know where I will end up if I go north (Big Mac Bridge), south (Ohio or Indiana), east (Lake Huron or Lake Erie) or west (Lake Michigan). In the meantime we don’t need to know where we are. All we want to do is feel life, photograph simple pleasures, and rejoice in the beauty of God’s creation.
Living life simply makes it possible for me to do so much more and makes everything I do more enjoyable. For me, living life simply is a state of mind where I enjoy where I am instead of believing I will be happy when I reach future goals. It is like the two sides of a coin, both are equally important but we focus on one side at a time. Having goals and striving for a better life is important – I always planned for the future and still do. However, if I don’t enjoy what I have today, which was once upon a time my dream for the future, then I will never find joy because it will always be a tomorrow away. I hope I always have dreams for the future while finding simple pleasure in the present.
Thank you, Ailsa, for bringing us simple pleasure in the travel theme of Simplicity. There are lots of interpretations of simplicity that can be found at: http://wheresmybackpack.com/2013/07/12/travel-theme-simplicity/
Julie has some wonderful interpretations of simplicity. You can visit her blog here.
I love the shot of the puppies :-). Great snapping 🙂
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And with puppies it is very quick snapping – no posing for them. 🙂
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You’ve captured the essence of farm country. I can say so definitively; I’m a farmer’s daughter 🙂
Well said about enjoying what we have now (in addition to planning for some tomorrow). I’m not one who never plans, but I agree about living in the present. You don’t want to spend all your todays planning for a tomorrow that may never come.
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Ahhh, thank you, Heather. I love the farm country I live in and observe fields and barns and farm houses and animals daily and think about how to capture the grandeur I see. It isn’t easy, however. I have a lot more photos and am slowly weaning them down to the ones that best tell the story of this part of the country.
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Great perspective. Love those pups!
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Thanks, Nora. 🙂
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The back roads are always a great destination. Lovely captures.
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Thanks, Dan. Enjoyed having you along. 😉
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Where in Michigan do you live? I’m originally from MI. I moved to SC last summer. I really, really miss my state!
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I bet you do miss it. I live in Jackson County – just south of Jackson. Where did you live?
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I grew up in the Detroit area, but I used to own 13 acres in Dansville, MI, just north of Jackson. I loved it!
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The puppies are the best! Happy, free, enjoying the pleasure of running.
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They were so cute. They had just been let out of their pen and were running after mother – who is getting a little weary of nursing the last 5 of her litter of 12. Mama looked a bit worn out. 🙂
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Beautiful country trip, Pat! living life simply is a state of mind — well said.
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Thanks, Amy.
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I love your interpretation of simplicity. I had that in mind too before I posted my entry. Life indeed in the country is simple and peaceful – those are all we long for.
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Thanks for joining me in my simple trip to the country. 🙂 I appreciate your company and your comment.
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