Lens-Artists Challenge #115 – Inspiration

Posted bySagittarius VikingPosted inArizona, California, camping, Death Valley National Park, Grand Canyon, Hiking, Las Vegas, Mindful Living, Mojave National Preserve, Nevada, parenting, Photography, Red Rock Canyon, southern California, southern Nevada, Sweden, The Desert Around Las Vegas -, Valley of Fire State ParkTags:, , , , , , , ,

From the day I found out about her existence, she’s been my greatest source of inspiration. I did not have to think at all when I saw the theme for this week’s Lens-Artists Challenge #115 – Inspiration. My daughter’s beautiful mind, her warm heart, resilience, and kindness inspires me every day. It makes me want to be a better person, and give her the right tools to live a full-filled life. A life of her choice.

Kelso Dunes, Mojave National Preserve (CA.)

Going on adventures with her, showing her the wonders of nature is one of the things I enjoy most in life. Sharing experiences that will open her mind and heart.

Oatman, AZ

When we planned our trip to Oatman (AZ,) my daughter was very excited about the chance of seeing burros. When we got there she offered one of the burros to smell her hand. He choose not too, but they stood there looking at each other for what seem to be a long time. The burro was standing still and she could of easily touched him, but (in my daughter’s words) “since he choose not to smell my hand, I need to respect his space.” I could not of been more proud of her. She’s always had a very good hand with horses, but we have not spent a lot of time around burros. Little glimpses from her beautiful mind, hearing her reason like this at a young age makes my heart explode with pride and love for her. That inspires me.

Mesquite (NV,) Golden Butte National Monument.

Experiencing amazing nature, learning about the outdoors, and sleeping under the stars together is something that strengthens our relationship.

Hiking together in rugged terrain, in Death Valley National Park (CA.)
Zabriskie Point, Death Valley National Park (CA.)
Grand Canyon (AZ)

Last year we got absorbed by the beauty of the Grand Canyon together. It was the second time I took her there, but the first time we visited she was less than a year old. I have wonderful memories from that first visit, but her conscious mind will likely remember her second visit more. I don’t know if you’ve been to Grand Canyon? If you have, you know what an emotional experience it is. Experiencing this with my daughter meant a lot to me. Experiencing with all our senses together brings us closer, and open up for heartfelt conversations about life.

Flying a kite in Humboldt Toiyabee National Forest (NV.)

Do you remember the first time you flew a kite? How did it make you feel?

Hiking in Red Rock Canyon (NV.)

When my daughter told me she wanted to spend more time with her father, that lived in southern Nevada at the time, it inspired us to explore southern Nevada, and the majestic Red Rock Canyon. We spent a lot of our free time, in between work and school, here in the Red Rocks. To me it was inspiring to see what captured her imagination, and attention. I was drawn to the majestic vistas, and open spaces, she looked at the details; the formation of small rocks on the ground, caterpillars, and seed pods – very inspirational.

It definitely inspired me to try a little harder being a considerate human being, when I watched her volunteer reading to elderly people, at a picnic near Mt Charleston (NV.)

Valley of Fire (NV)

My daughter is mostly a calm person, that loves to think, and dream. Every once in a while she explodes in a burst of life, and that reminds me to always keep the inner child close at hand.

Mora, Sweden

Last, but not least, her resilience and ability to adapt to new situations, like moving to a new country, is extremely inspiring. My daughter inspire me every day. If you are a parent, I am sure you can relate. Our children inspire us to become better, stronger, and more successful in what we do. ❤

Love,

Maria

Published by Sagittarius Viking

It’s all about experiences, and the healing power of nature. Life is about choosing happiness. I entered the magic world of photography when I was five years old. My gypsy soul have taken me to many different countries, and definitely taught me to be more humble. I believe that you are what you eat, body and soul. I enjoy growing my own food, and spending time outdoors. Above everything else is my daughter. A Sagittarius loves to travel, have an open mind and, and a philosophical view. It motivates them to wander around the world in search of the meaning of life. Sagittarius is extrovert, optimistic and enthusiastic, and likes changes. A lot of that perfectly describes me. The fact that my ancestors, on both parents sides, were vikings, doesn’t exactly lessen my desire to explore. Maybe a slightly more mindful exploring, compared to the average viking. My blog, and my art prints is a results of my (inner and outer) explorations. Love, Maria

33 thoughts on “Lens-Artists Challenge #115 – Inspiration”

  1. This is a wonderful (and beautiful) tribute to your daughter. She is adorable. Her personality comes through in your beautiful images, Maria. This post was really a treat and reminds me of how much I am inspired by our son. Thank you!

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  3. This is such a beautiful post, Maria!! Your little lady is a beautiful person. Your photos are beautiful too! I see some familiar landscapes in the photos. Have a blessed week, both of you. ❤️🙏🏻

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  6. Very beautiful images Maria, and what wonderful moments with your daughter! She will have quite an amazing set of memories as she grows older and looks back. Hopefully she is inheriting your love of the outdoors and nature’s power and wonder.

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  8. This is a beautiful post. Our children are such a source of inspiration. Our son was s little devil and then a pretty reasonable teen ager. Our daughter was a perfect little girl up to the age of about 13 an then….Boom! She was often impossible. But she grew up into a strong woman who has had some knocks in her life but has never let it get her down. She is a warrior woman and a source of inspiration to me . Our son is an extremely intelligent and fearless young man. He is also inspiring as he takes on some amazing work challenges with calmness and ease. So both of our children are inspirational I think. I love the photos of your daughter. And it is wonderful how well she has adjusted to a new country and new language and new schools. Much of this is a testament to your relationship with her. You have given her the security and confidence to accept a new life. 💕

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    1. Thank you Anne, you comment means a lot to me. I imagine that seeing two of your children grow up, being very different, unique personalities is an amazing experience. It sounds like you still are very close to your children, that is inspiring! Thank you!

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  10. What an awesome tribute to your beautiful daughter. These children are truly inspirational aren’t they? To see the world through a child’s eye is the best way ever! ❤️ You have really traveled, and experienced some beautiful places in the U.S. such awesome photos. The Grand Canyon is breathtaking as I’ve been a few times with my children. Such an inspirational post Maria! 💗💕

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  14. Pingback: Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #116: Symmetry – P.A. Moed

  15. What a joy your daughter must be, and how fortunate for her to have a mom who is inspired just because of her being! I love seeing how you take her to new places so she can learn to explore and to be independent and confident. The statement under the picture with the burro is so adorable — giving him space! Thanks for a delightful post this week.

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  16. What a perfect post, Maria. Parents should be this proud of their children. I think the child then grows into that pride rather than being nagged to do so. Your relationship sounds enviable, and your pictures are beyond breathtaking. 🙂

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