
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.

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.

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.

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



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.

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

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.)

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.

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
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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Thank you so much! This makes me very happy to hear!
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Thank you for sharing your sweet memories and beautiful photos. Your daughter is beautiful.
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Awe, thank you so much Amy. Your kind words means a lot!
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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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Thank you so much ❤
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Ok so now Im crying, that was beautiful. A awesome little mate. A unique little human that is a part of you, she is a beautiful treasure of a testament to you as a parent.
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Awe, thank you! She is my sunshine ❤
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Great great photos. What a photogenic young lady too! I’m jealous of the big, side to side photos. What WordPress theme is this?
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Thank you so much! I have the Redhill theme that I’ve tweaked a little. I appreciate your kind comment.
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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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Thank you so much Tina! I’m trying my best. My mom always made time with us children and making memories a priority over material things, I believe she was on to something there.
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That is just amazing to be going around with your cute little travel buddy! They grow up so quickly so this tribute is lovely.
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So happy you enjoyed the adventure 🙂 Thank you for your kind comment.
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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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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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What an absolutely amazing post! I do not have children, but if I did I’m sure I would be in full agreement with you! Enjoy ever blessed moment. I just love your post! 😊 ..and PS: beautiful pictures, every one!
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Thank you so much Lisa! I am enjoying every moment. Your comment made me very happy. Thank you!
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😊
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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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Thank you! ❤
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Beautiful post, Maria, both in words and pictures! ❤
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Thank you Eliza ❤
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so beautiful photos!
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Thank you so much!
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Great tribute to your daughter, and how wise her words about the animal’s space.
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Thank you so much!
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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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Awe, thank you for your most kind comment!
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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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Thank you so much for your kind comment Marsha, I really appreciate it. My apologies for the late reply, it has been so busy that I’ve barely opened my computer this week. Have a wonderful weekend!
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That’s a good thing, Maria. We shouldn’t be on the computer constantly and we are turning into that kind of a society. You have a wonderful weekend.
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