“For this photo challenge, show us what path means to you. Consider the journey you’ve taken this year (or where you hope to go in 2017) and share a snapshot of this personal path, whether figurative or literal. A path can look like the one in the photo above, but it can also be a glimpse into your interests and passions or personal and professional goals.”  (https://dailypost.wordpress.com/photo-challenges/path-2016/)

A year of paths.

From a January path on a work lunch-hour walk.  Ironic, considering how work ended up going for the majority of 2016.

February, and the path to an annual Hellebore gathering excursion to Salt Spring Island with Sue and Isla.

March, and a path of cherry blossoms.

April, and a path past a field of Camas.

May, and another lunch-time walk, again, heavily ironic.  Which way to go?

June, and one of my favourite paths.

July, and a path up Mt. Tomie through Garry Oak meadow-land.

August, and a path across one of the bridges in the park.

September, on the path beside the fence.

October, and bacon along the path of the half-marathon stroll!

November, and the path into autumn.

December (just this week), and the path to finish Christmas shopping…

What paths will I follow in 2017?  Who knows.  I just need to remember to find joy in the adventure.

“Life can be stressful. Work commitments, family trouble, financial obligations: the list goes on. And sometimes, it can all get a little too overwhelming.  That’s why it’s so important to make time to just relax. Whether through meditation, a quiet walk, a day at the beach, or whatever else, we all need to find a way to unwind, rest, and put ourselves at ease. This week, share a photo that makes you feel as relaxed as a cat taking a peaceful nap on a pillowed bench. ”  (https://dailypost.wordpress.com/photo-challenges/relax/)

Relaxed…

“Children have the ability to believe without bias, to find wonder even in the most mundane of places and objects. As adults, we become dulled to the magic inherent to life, and perhaps we stop seeking it altogether. However, as photographers, we have an opportunity to reclaim it. Magic and beauty can be conjured in the simplest of photographs, which may then inspire wonder in the viewer.  For this week’s challenge, find some magic, and charm us with it. ”  (https://dailypost.wordpress.com/photo-challenges/magic/)

A few magical moments from the beautiful place we live.

“Has the sunshine or any other light source caused you to stop because it’s highlighting something you didn’t notice before? Take a moment to check it out next time it happens and share what you see!”  (https://dailypost.wordpress.com/photo-challenges/shine/)

Shine on!

“For this week’s challenge, share a photo that features H2O; the element of water. Water comes in many different states and guises. From a foggy morning to your favorite watercolor painting, how will you show H2O in a photograph? I look forward to seeing your interpretations.”  (https://dailypost.wordpress.com/photo-challenges/h2o/)

Here is my interpretation of this week’s theme, based on stopping at the car wash on our way to the airport upon learning that the plane our family members were on was delayed.  Well, not so much delayed as broken.  They did get on another working plane and arrived safe and sound!

Anyway, I present:  H2O

“For this challenge, show us what nostalgia means to you — perhaps a moment or scene that makes you feel wistful, happy, sad, or somehow longing for the past. It might be with friends, family, or by yourself — anywhere, anytime of year. We can’t wait to see your interpretations of this theme!”  (https://dailypost.wordpress.com/photo-challenges/nostalgia/)

I am not usually nostalgic, but every so often I miss this little house on the prairies…

“This week, I’d love for you to look at things a bit differently. Whether it’s through an actual picture frame, a few stalks of grass, or even the spokes of a bicycle tire, find an alternative frame to the world around you and share what you see!”  (https://dailypost.wordpress.com/photo-challenges/frame/)

No words needed…

“For this week’s challenge, share a photo of something rare: a family heirloom. A cloudy day in a normally sunny desert. A sad frown on a cheerful kid’s face. Or anything else you think of as scarce and singular. I can’t wait to see what “rare” means to you!”  (https://dailypost.wordpress.com/photo-challenges/rare/)

It is he – Nicholas and a few rare sightings.  Especially rare is the final one:  Nicholas on the “outside”…

“This week’s theme is simple: share a photo of something fun! Let’s all shake our booties, literal or figurative.”  (https://dailypost.wordpress.com/photo-challenges/fun/)

Fun, eh?  I am imagining these guys were having fun – I was having fun puzzling out Cricket yet again…I just don’t get it…

“For this week’s photo challenge, publish a new post with an image that means morning to you. We’re especially interested in creative and unique takes on the theme — bonus points to those who think beyond the usual sunrise photo!”  (https://dailypost.wordpress.com/photo-challenges/morning-2016/)

This morning on my walk: