Sunday, 27 September 2015

You Can't Beat Experiencing Life At First Hand


Dear Friends
Firstly, thank you to everyone who left comments on my last post - unfortunately I was unable to answer them due to the fact that the Wi-Fi signal was terrible at the place where we were staying.  I have been incommunicado for a whole week - unable to read and comment on your posts.  But I'm back now - normal service will be resumed - and I have to say I have missed you all.

Experiencing real life is a good feeling.  Like being out in the elements - sun, wind, rain on your skin.  Watching a sporting event - the N.Norfolk Triathlon - with all the crowds; excitement; the excellence, energy and stamina of the athletes - how can you get the same atmosphere whilst watching a square box in the corner of your living room - it's just not the same.

Walking through a wood with beams of sunlight dappling the woodland floor; finding all sorts of fungi in unexpected places. Or watching the antics of sea birds, hawks and ducks doing what comes naturally - soaring, swooping, feeding, dabbling, wading.

You can see all the wild life films you want but there is nothing like seeing creatures  in their  natural habitat.  Whilst we were away we visited a Nature Reserve and saw Common and Grey seals basking in the sun with the sea lapping around them.  They were totally at home being photographed and gawped at by boat loads of adoring public.  The landscape was 'not of this world', treeless, barren, beautiful and wild and unspoiled - a revelation.  My fear of deep water had stopped me from experiencing these wonderful moments before.  I am so glad I took the plunge and stepped on to the boat so I could witness it all at first hand. 














Forget the escapism of reading a novel or watching a movie or a tv documentary - it just isn't the same as actually being there and experiencing it for yourself.  Sometimes it is good to get out of your comfort zone - for putting your fears to one side, taking a risk or two - and never have cause to say, when your time is up - I wish I had done more with my life - how sad would that be. Live life to the max.
 'Til next time
Cherish the memories
 


Elaine






 
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46 comments:

  1. Cheryl27 September 2015 at 19:20

    I love seals. Such beauiful soulful eyes. What an amazing experience Elaine. I am so pleased you overcame your fear. Sometimes we just have to be brave :))

    Beautiful images.....and yes you are right, real life experiences are the absolute best. The thrill, the hairs standing up on the back of your neck.......and for me the emotional connection to the outdoors.

    A beautiful post....welcome home....hope all is well xx

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    1. elaine 27 September 2015 at 20:07

      Hi Cheryl
      Lovely to hear from you - I have missed our chats. Yes thanks everything is well if you ignore the chaos that is my home. It will all be back to normal one day I hope.

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  2. Tom Stephenson27 September 2015 at 19:52

    That mushroom is a Russula - some of them are edible, others not...

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    1. elaine 27 September 2015 at 20:05

      Thanks for the info Tom. I had no intention of eating it though however pretty it is.

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  3. Down by the sea27 September 2015 at 20:06

    Your words are so true, those are so wonderful moments to cherish! We saw seals from a boat in Ireland over 15 years ago and it is still one of our highlights. Wonderful images of those beautiful creatures! Sarah x

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    1. elaine 27 September 2015 at 20:09

      They are adorable aren't they - they just look so contented - fat and happy just glad to be a seal! It is a memory that will stay with me.

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  4. Blogoratti27 September 2015 at 21:22

    What wonderful and delightful thoughts. The photos are really nice indeed.

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  5. artistfriend27 September 2015 at 21:43

    You are so right - there is nothing like the real thing! Superb photographs Elaine.

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    1. elaine 28 September 2015 at 07:35

      Thanks Freda - I had some wonderful subjects to inspire me.

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  6. Cro Magnon28 September 2015 at 04:59

    Again, wonderful photos. You should be working for National Geographic.

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  7. alphabet soup28 September 2015 at 07:25

    Seal photos - wonderful, especially the head-shot of the smiling seal....

    Ms Soup

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    1. elaine 28 September 2015 at 07:36

      That was my favourite too - such a blissful look on her face.

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    2. Rambler2 October 2015 at 01:30

      My comment is the same - I love that smiley seal, such contentment and absolute bliss. I wish that seal many happy, healthy years of contentment.

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  8. Rosemary28 September 2015 at 11:11

    What a happy look on the face of the last seal you can't help but feel all's well in the world when confronted with such contentment.
    I do love coming across those pretty red toadstools, but the one you found is perfect so often they have been nibbled.

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    1. elaine 28 September 2015 at 21:54

      I know - they were totally adorable. Most of the ones we found had been nibbled, although we did debate what had done the nibbling. Rabbits, foxes, slugs, who knows.

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  9. love those cupcakes28 September 2015 at 11:50

    Love those pictures. And yes, no-one gets out of this place alive so here's to more dipping of toes in unfamiliar waters.

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    1. elaine 28 September 2015 at 21:56

      Thanks for visiting and leaving a comment. I'll second that motion.

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  10. Flighty28 September 2015 at 15:02

    A most enjoyable post and wonderful pictures, especially the last seal one
    I agree with what you say about getting out to enjoy real life. Flighty xx

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    1. elaine 28 September 2015 at 21:58

      Thanks Flighty. It's a shame that we sometimes let our fears get in the way of new experiences though.

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  11. Barb28 September 2015 at 15:43

    Great advise, Elaine, and fabulous photos when you forced yourself out of the comfort zone!

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    1. elaine 28 September 2015 at 21:58

      Thanks Barb - it is certainly an experience I won't forget.

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  12. Tessa~ Here there be musing28 September 2015 at 16:02

    Delightful post and photos and views!

    Keep experiencing things, for yourself, for as long as possible.

    Gentle hugs,
    Tessa

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    1. elaine 28 September 2015 at 21:59

      Thanks Tessa. It was certainly a thrill for me once I had got over the nerves.

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  13. Janneke 28 September 2015 at 19:15

    Great photos of the seals Elaine, especially the one smiling with closed eyes is adorable. I think it's a good thing to spend some time without access to the internet, otherwise we don't know anymore how to experience the real life which can be so very beautiful if you have an eye for it.
    I enjoyed your words and photos very much again!
    Janneke

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    1. elaine 28 September 2015 at 22:04

      Thanks Janneke. I agree that we need some computer free time occasionally and it often crosses my mind, when I am away from it, if it is really worth all the effort - but most of the time I do enjoy connecting with the blogging world.

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  14. rusty duck28 September 2015 at 21:07

    Sharing your fear of deep water, I can understand your feeling of achievement at what you did. Kudos Elaine, I couldn't have done it, not even to see the seals.
    Glad you had a wonderful break and hope the house is coming on well?

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    1. elaine 28 September 2015 at 22:09

      The worst of it was that I had expected to be issued with a life jacket - you know, health and safety and all that - but no, nothing of the sort. I am not a very strong swimmer! Anyway, no catastrophes happened thankfully the water was like a mill pond.

      Yes the house is slowly getting there - the walls have been plastered and are beautifully silky and smooth - we are just waiting for them to dry out properly before starting the decorating.

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  15. Lucille28 September 2015 at 21:26

    Strange but true, last night I dreamt I swam in a lake with a seal. Your brilliant pictures ( especially the fourth one) brought that dream back!

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    1. elaine 28 September 2015 at 22:11

      Do you get seals in lakes? I bet it was a nice peaceful dream. If there is an afterlife I wouldn't mind coming back as a seal but definitely not as an Emperor penguin.

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  16. Snowbird28 September 2015 at 22:59

    What a marvelous set of pics! I loved them all, especially the smiling seal, that would win prizes!!!
    I agree, it's good to live life and get out and do things, especially those things we're afraid of. I can't swim, but don't mind deep water, it's flying that gives me the heebie jeebies! I have to have several drinks before even getting on a plane and when turbulence kicks in....horrible! So I'm delighted you got on that boat, and hope that getting on the next one is easier! Good to hear your walls are done, the end is in sight. Good to have you back.xxx

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    1. elaine 29 September 2015 at 19:16

      Thanks Dina - there were some great photo opportunities - I enjoyed every. Knute of the seal trip - it was such a thrill. I am ok flying but rarely have the opportunity. It is funny the different things that scare us isn't it. (That should read I enjoyed every minute blooming auto correct).

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  17. Antoinette29 September 2015 at 12:40

    I just can't get over those seals! Love them.

    And good for you for pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone. It takes great courage - you're an inspiration. Lovely, lovely pics as ever : ) xx

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    1. elaine 29 September 2015 at 19:18

      I was thrilled to see them Antionette they were totally unphased by all the attention. Thanks for your kind words.

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  18. Annie Cholewa29 September 2015 at 13:39

    Oh how wonderful that you saw the seals!

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  19. Sue Garrett29 September 2015 at 13:53

    Seals have such beautiful eyes don't they?

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  20. Lowcarb team member30 September 2015 at 00:21

    Oh those seals eyes are just wonderful.
    Some lovely photo's Elaine, thanks for sharing.

    All the best Jan

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  21. Lowcarb team member30 September 2015 at 00:21

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  22. Shosannah30 September 2015 at 14:03

    Looks like a fun event! What gorgeous pictures. They say life only really begins once we step out of our comfort zones.

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    1. elaine 30 September 2015 at 19:03

      Oh it was - so exciting. Thank you. Yes I understand that - but it is still a bit scary.

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  23. Deborah Nolan30 September 2015 at 20:35

    Dear Elaine- just the most gorgeous pictures. I am so glad you put your fears on the back burner and put yourself out there. Sounds like it was a perfect get away. Hugs

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    1. elaine 2 October 2015 at 07:40

      Thank you Debbie. I must admit I am bit of a scaredy cat sometimes, especially when it has to do with deep water it all goes back to a near drowning accident when I was a child. But yes, this time it was worth it.

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