Is there a human alive who does not have any habits? And if there was, what would their life look like? No habitual times for meals, for waking and sleeping, for working, for relaxing, for socializing with family and friends….I imagine a totally unpredictable person walking on the wild side of things (I am sure there are a few out there). Habits can help us structure our lives resulting in comforting and efficient routines. Tell me your habits and I can take a good guess at where you live, what kind of work you do, what kind of values you have.
Sometimes, our habits become stale or constraining and we need to shake things up a bit. One of the habits I am trying to establish right now is to work out several times a week (winter is on its way and I am no longer as physically active outside) – running on the treadmill, trampoline jumping, yoga stretches, and a bit of qi-gong. Well, throw in a walk to the mailbox every once in a while (that would be a 10 or 15 minute walk with a steep uphill).
Another habit I am making progress with is daily writing sessions accompanied by the essential cup(s) of coffee, sugar and fresh cream.
Then there are the bad habits and our attempts to break them, manipulate them, or slyly guide them in a more positive direction. You know what they are for you, right? As far as I am concerned, let’s just say that I am learning to be less judgmental and more grateful….
The best habit that I have acquired this year is to take my camera along, every time (and I mean EVERY TIME) I leave the house to drive somewhere. The poor thing has gotten a bit banged up and lost its lens cover in the process. And sometimes things get a bit dicey when I need to pull off the road in a place where there really isn’t any space to do so. But some scenes just require a bit of sacrifice, if you know what I mean. I have also made a promise to myself to go on a drive once a week just for the sake of exploring new territory and taking photos.
Here are a few pictures from a recent drive through the beautiful Blue Grass Valley, doused in golden light as the sun was preparing to visit the other side of this amazing world of ours. I was very grateful that I had my camera along, very thankful to be living in a beautiful county like ours, and appreciative of being alive and noticing so much beauty:
The Beauty Along the Road 
Beautiful pictures of your neck of the woods! Habits can be good or bad, and we’re all creatures of habit for sure. It’s always good to pick a new, positive habit though, to keep us learning and on our toes. I wish I had the habit of grabbing my camera every time I leave the house. I miss a lot of great shots almost every day by not doing so.
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So true….
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These are truly beautiful shots of warm golden autumn light. Taking your camera out is a wonderful habit, which also has its benefits for the rest of us 🙂
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How’s that for a New Year’s Resolution that won’t be dropped by mid-February 🙂
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Great write-up as well as great pics!!
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Thanks for visiting and commenting.
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What gorgeous textures and rolling hills, Annette. The image of the barn beside the winding road is especially inviting.
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Thank you, Tricia. And I almost left out the barn picture because of the weird orange color caused by the setting sun! But maybe that’s what gives it its unique charm?
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Yes, I thought this pic was especially striking, although they are all wonderful shots. ‘Keep taking the camera’ – that’s something we could all try to remember.
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Love the photos, so full of late fall sunshine. And I love your idea of going for a drive just to see some new things. I usually look for new things while I’m already out driving. Thanks for inspiring me.
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thank you, Randee. glad you are feeling inspired to try something new. Julia Cameron in her book, The Artist’s Way, suggested a weekly artist’s date with yourself – going to art exhibits, museums, etc, anything that will inspire one’s own creative juices. So I came up with the idea of a weekly “photo drive.”
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Gorgeous photography and nicely used to respond to the challenge. Well done!
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Thank you, Tina, always nice to hear from you.
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gorgeous photos! I go through periods of taking the camera, then I need to leave it and walk unencumbered … and always that is the time I see the most brilliant bird or something … a dilemma!!!
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Sometimes, I like to go for a walk and NOT bring the camera buddy along, just to feel totally free. It is a very different experience and I almost feel like a different person when I am not looking for photos but only opening myself up to just being, just seeing, with no other agenda. There’s a time for everything.
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Absolutely stunning pictures Annette. My camera also travels with me too!
Thank you for the information about the Maple Festival. Are you in Highland country?
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Michael -yes, I live in Highland County. Thank you for visiting….
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Amazing colours! Well done! Really enjoyed your post.
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Thank you for visiting and following, Kha.
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