I was reading an article on how to stress-proof your life in the May 2012 issue of Health Magazine. One of the suggestions was to take a photo walk. It said to head outside and photograph the things you find interesting, fun or beautiful. It says that it helps us to look for positive images. I thought that was worth a try so yesterday I went on a photo walk.
It wasn’t easy at first because I was busy looking for the perfect picture instead of things that were interesting. And what did I find interesting anyway? I decided to walk to a part of our community that I hadn’t been to before. When I go for a run I am focused o the run itself and not really my surroundings but I pretty much take the same route. This time I went into the side streets and tried to pay attention to the individuality of the homes.
I wished that my niece Monique was with me. She is a photographer and her eye for the unique is amazing. I thought if we lived closer she could teach me a thing about taking pictures; right back to looking for that perfect picture. Sigh.
But then I started to let go. I ran across this driveway.
It is a bit hard to see but there are small cans filled with dirt and an American Flag. I don’t know if they are there to block the driveway from being used or if this is a patriotic statement or both. It was interesting and hopefully accomplished what the owner intended.
We live in a golf course community and it was Saturday morning; where were all the golfers? I find golf interesting because I have not become a golfer yet. I have taken lessons but have not done anything with them. I’m not sure we can afford for John and I to both love golf yet. It is fascinating that people can hit that silly ball so far and I can only make it move 10 feet.
Good things do come to those who wait. I finally came across a foursome on the 18th green. I hid behind a large tree so I could take pictures without disturbing them. While I am taking pictures I wonder if this is legal?! 
My picture-taking skills are not good enough to worry about that! I’m lucky I got all four people in the shot.
As I walked on, I started paying attention to the silence. That is one of the greatest benefits of living in a 55+ community. It is so quiet. I focused in on the sounds I was hearing. The wind was whistling and there were several birds chirping away. I’m not good at identifying what songs belong to which bird but there were several different ones. Then I heard laughter and that made me smile.
Every so often there would be the hum of a golf cart buzzing past. Many people have their own golf carts and that is the standard mode of transportation within the community.
Since we moved here in February we have been under drought conditions and as I walked along I noticed this area that shows how bad the drought is.
I am not sure if this area ever was full of water but it looks as though it should be. I took pictures from several angles and found it sad that we need water so bad. Please God send us rain. We really do need it.
(another angle of the same area).
Even with the drought the area is very pretty. There is a bench too for sitting to enjoy the view. I wonder how many people actually use it?
Those of us with dogs walk here and I notice that people really do follow the guidelines and clean up after their animals. The area is free of litter too. I love living in this community. It is everything we wanted and more.
I am back to my street. I talk about the hill going up to our home and people laugh at me because Florida really doesn’t have hills but it is true, we do. You feel it right in your calf muscles when you are walking! This is the view I see from my patio, isn’t it beautiful?
By the way, my neighbor’s house is for sale if anyone is interested!
I like this little duck! It always makes me smile. They took something simple and kicked it up a notch. I wonder if she changes the flowers seasonally? I would until I became bored with it or just too lazy to bother.
I have not met this lady yet but when I do I will have to mention to her how much I enjoy her duck.
Isn’t this a great picture of the flag? There are American Flags all over the community. I shouldn’t be surprised really since there are many military retired.
We have a smaller flag on a pole that mounts to the side of the house. I put it out shortly after we moved in but John won’t let me keep it out. He says that I have to take it down at sunset each night or I cannot fly it. I personally think that is silly but I will honor his wishes. Needless to say, it doesn’t fly much. It is more important to honor John that fly the flag. If I manage to hit the Patriotic holidays I will be ok.
These next two pictures I had to take later in the day because of what they are.
Every evening down by the gazebo golf carts gather to watch the sunset. It is a pretty area with a small lake, probably smaller due to the drought.
You never know how many carts are going to be there, sometimes one and sometimes a dozen. If we ever get our golf cart operational (we need 6 batteries at $100 each so it may be awhile) I am going to go watch the sunset with them. Somehow driving a car just ruins the moment for me. John is not exactly thrilled with the notion of watching the sunset but I am sure if he goes once he will enjoy it. And, I am not above going by myself.
I have to admit taking my photo walk turned into a really nice peaceful morning. I probably was out for less than an hour but it was an hour full of relaxation. I was lost in time and free from phones and televisions. Thank you Health Magazine for the suggestion! It set a nice tone for the rest of the day.
So now it is up to you. Go take your own photo walk and tell me how you enjoyed it. I would really love to hear!
marilyn's mind 