My wife and I have not been home for a weekend since before Thanksgiving until this weekend. I am not complaining as we have had short weekend get aways to celebrate a first birthday for our granddaughter in Los Angeles, a wedding in San Jose and then our nieces graduation in San Diego for her Doctorate Degree in Physical Therapy (two of her internships over the last year and a half were here in the Phoenix area where we were thrilled to house her both times) and next weekend finds us in Seattle for Christmas with the following one in Los Angeles for New Years. I share all of this (yes I am headed somewhere…) as to why it was that we found ourselves in the ever popular shopping malls and stores this past weekend doing our last minute Christmas shopping. This is not to say that Amazon has not received it’s fair share of our purchases, but there are those items you need to actually pick up or find. Having survived the masses, my mind went to a peaceful quiet place as we wound down Sunday night. The result is the attached photos.
Papago Park in Phoenix is nestled between the Desert Botanical Garden and The Phoenix Zoo. It has ponds and hiking trails and is very “quiet and peaceful”. Key point!! I was looking for a beautiful peaceful snow scene, but since I couldn’t find one (yes I have been living in warm climates for many years now), so I settled on this to represent a reprieve from the last minute hustle and bustle of the season. So back to the ponds. The ponds are home to many birds, but as the fall and winter migration occurs, it has a resident that calls the ponds home year ’round, the Mallard Duck. Both shots are the same duck, who appears not to have a concern in the world. So I give you my visual of a little peace and quiet during this busy season!!
Thoughts?
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The duck obviously has no idea it´s Christmastime and should be running around and being busy. He reminds me of the folks here in Spain who don´t seem to realize it´s supposed to be a busy time. We were at a mall today and there was tons of parking and no lineups at the shops!! On one hand, it seemed odd and on the other it was so nice. I sipped my Starbucks and thought, why rush??
You just discussed my idea of a shopping day….we had the exact opposite….it was crazy busy. I’m with the duck….relax and enjoy the moment!!! Thanks for stopping by Darlene!
Thanks for the peaceful and lovely duck images Kirt. They definitely remind me to slow down and enjoy the moment. I bet you’re grateful for some slowing down after your busy schedule! Congrats on all the family celebrations.
Everything in Writing’s comment and a big thank you. I let out a relaxing sigh to see your beautiful photo! It’s important to be still with nature whilst in the midst of human chaos!
I couldn’t agree more!!! We spend so much energy being busy, we tend to lose sight of relaxing in the moment!! To me nature serves as the best reminder!! Thanks for stopping by!!
Thanks Brad….can’t complain on all of the family activities, but yes a quiet moment allows me to recharge and stay focused on the moment!! Thanks for stopping by!!!
You’re welcome Kirt. I appreciate you, your art, and your calming influence. 🙂
Thank you very much Sir!!!
Beautiful and peaceful place, as you found in the middle of your busy time, Kirt 🙂
Enjoy that you have such a big family.
Thank you very much Irene!! My wife and I are very blessed with three wonderful daughters and son in laws and a beautiful granddaughter!! We are thankful and appreciative!! Enjoy your new role as Grandma!! Thanks for stopping by and thanks for the feedback!!!
Thank you Kirt.
He is beautiful, Kirt. I love how the reflection shows in the water. Glad to hear that you and Mrs. Kirt are enjoying life and family. Hugs.
Thanks a Teagan!!! Hope you have a great week and hope all is well!!
Ahhh. Lovely. I have a special place in my heart for ducks – they’re both comical and graceful; masters of camouflage and works of colourful art; and best of all they’re easy to spot and fun to watch. Thanks for giving me a smile today!
Just returning the favor!!! Thanks for stopping by Diane and thanks for the feedback!!
He does look like he’s found a way to beat the holiday stress. It’s a beautiful photo, Kirt. It does convey a sense of quiet.
Thank you very much Dan…..the entire park is very quiet and peaceful!!
Beautiful photographs!
Thank you very much…it was such a still day….glad to get a pristine reflection on the still water! Have a Marry Christmas and Happy New Year!
You are welcome and I wish the same for you!
What a schedule that is Kirt. All fabulous events and so much to be grateful for in life, espeically that one year old Grandbaby! Sening very best wishes for a joyous hiliday season and thanks for the lovely photos of the ducks. We look forward to seeing them return in the spring. 🙂
We’ll take care of the ducks down here for you until they venture north next spring!! A Joyous Holiday to you and your family Grandma!! 🙂
You captured calm, and peaceful perfectly!
Merry Christmas, Kirt!
Thank you very much and a very Merry Christmas to you and yours!!!! 😊
Love the prints, Kirt! Sounds like you need a few days home 😁
Sending warm wishes for a brilliant 2018!
Thank you very much Lorrie…may you be blessed with Peace and Joy in 2018!!! Thank you for stopping by!!
I like the way the water is almost a perfect mirror image, Kirt. The duck is so beautiful (handsome!) Thank you for this special share of the duck in the rippled water also. Hope you are having a fantastic beginning of 2018. 🌟 🙏
Thanks for the feedback and hope your 2018 is awesome!!
I hope yours is awesome, too! Thanks for your kind wishes, Kirt. 💐
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DRAKE BEEFCAKE: (SORRY!) 😀