Friday, October 24, 2014

Periphery, Portals, and Pathways (a.k.a. Three Ps in a Picture)

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I have had the luxury of walking down many a pathway this month
to soak in all of the glory that has been autumn.

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Photo 52, Week 40:  Periphery

When October was about to roll around, I asked the participants in Photo 52 to recommend themes.
Among them were "periphery", and "portals and pathways".
I thought they were perfect for October. 

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It's been a great month for periphery because, if you give your neck a little exercise,
there has been something more to see in every direction you look.

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Up above, 

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down below,

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just everywhere.
Something I thought was interesting, 
you have to intentionally take your focus off what's right in front of you
to appreciate the periphery. 
Some would think that unwise,
to choose distraction, if you will.
It's a fine balance we walk, isn't it?

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I had a chance to go looking for autumn treasures 
with these lovelies from Photo 52.
They have excellent eyes for composition!
I loved seeing how different our perspectives were
when the pictures were posted.

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My walking friend and I have explored some fun paths this month.  

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We kept thinking each adventure was our last good chance
to enjoy the beautiful weather,

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but it seemed that every day the forecast called for more.

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Photo 52, Week 42:  Portals and Pathways

This walking spot, Lake Harriet,
 was chosen intentionally so we could capture this tiny, quaint portal.
During the milder months it is home to an elf,
who has now gone south for the winter.  You see his door is sealed.
He did leave a forwarding address, and he answers letters,
whether left here for him or mailed in the winter.
Oh my goodness, people leave a lot of stuff for him besides just letters.

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We couldn't help slowing our walking pace on this day 
to take a closer look at the portals around the lake.

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Some were more inviting than others,
many with gates that loomed large like this one,

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while this one stood wide open.
I couldn't help thinking that this is what God's door looks like.
He loves to welcome us into his presence,
whether we are presentable or not.
He never thinks of us as an interruption or a nuisance.
He loves us.

Show me your ways

5 comments:

Gláucia Mir said...

Your pictures are so so so beautiful!! I'm glad they left the computer and we get to see them. I love your change of focus and composition.

StitchinByTheLake said...

An interesting look into portals and gateways and paths....and a timely reminder that God's gate is always open. :) Thank goodness! blessings, marlene

Tracy P. said...

Thank you friends! :-)

Kristin said...

Really nice colors in your photos, thanks for sharing a walk around Lake Harriet with us, I remember these paths, portals and gateways, nice to see them again.

Unknown said...

Your state really does Fall right, doesn't it? Absolutely beautiful colors and patterns. I love that you have a team of people to be creative with. Fun!