Almost Wordless Wednesday

My final Almost Wordless Wednesday for Blogapalooza comes from earlier this year and serves as a reminder as to why I love the Southern Home so very much. This shot was taken while we sat on our balcony. This little guy just kept stopping by for regular visits during the latter part of March. He was fun and frisky and we were in awe. The best experiences in life are the ones you simply can't anticipate.

Almost Wordless Wednesday

Today's image comes from our trip this past summer to the Baltics. While in Oslo, we had a chance to visit the Nobel Peace Centre. It is a showcase for the Nobel Peace Prize, the work of Alfred Nobel, and it offers an interactive display of all of the Peace Prize laureates. From their mission statement:

The Centre also acts as an arena for debate about important social issues. Through permanent and temporary exhibitions, guided tours, various events and family activities, we wish to foster reflection and engagement on topics related to war, peace and conflict resolution. 

The Hall of Laureates left me breathless and filled with emotion. While there has been controversy over the years as to some of those honoured, most have been incredibly deserving. In this time of global turmoil, the Centre serves as a living reminder to what can be achieved through communication, understanding, and peaceful coexistence.

Almost Wordless Wednesday

Once again, my Almost Wordless Wednesday posts for NaBloPoMo will be special images from my own experiences during the past year; some exciting and adventurous and some rather mundane. Today's photo comes from our recent weekend jaunt to New York. A beautiful autumn day in Central Park was captured with spectacular colour. There is so much to love about NYC, but a leisurely stroll through this urban oasis is one of my favourites. (I am an average photographer at best. This image was taken with my iPhone 6.)

Almost Wordless Wednesday

Here is the third in this month's series of Almost Wordless Wednesdays whereby I present you with stunning images that I witnessed this year. Today I take you to my happy place. I ascend to a special stratum when I visit Broadway and see a brilliant new musical up close and personal. The emotions send me soaring.

This past spring, The Husband and I sojourned once again to the bright lights and big city. My early purchase of tickets to If/Then was truly inspired. I have had the privilege of seeing Idina Menzel live several times before and was duly influenced by those past experiences. That woman's voice just does something to my insides. The adventure did not disappoint. The play is not for the lazy theatre goer nor the casual musical fan. It requires tremendous thought and attention, but the rewards are magical. Because the show was written specifically for Ms. Menzel by the creative team that brought you Next to Normal, and because she carries every single powerful scene, it is difficult to imagine another actress in the role. If you are in the New York area, catch it while she is still on board.

Almost Wordless Wednesday on Thursday

Thanks for your patience concerning Almost Wordless Wednesday.

My final pictorial reminder of nature's wonders seen this year comes straight from our backyard deck. This summer we were stunned and blessed by the presence of a mama mallard nesting in one of our flower boxes mere inches from the backdoor. The five week odyssey saw the eventual birth of eight ducklings and a webcam setup that was viewed with excitement by hundreds of friends and followers. The Husband was able to capture the actual hatching with grace and beauty. This photo was snapped within an hour of hatching. This particular shot is The Husband's favourite of the hundreds he took that day as he thinks the little guy in front looks like a character right out of Angry Birds. It was a miracle right at our doorstep.

Almost Wordless Wednesday Episode Trois

Today's pictorial of natural beauty comes from New York's Central Park. The Husband and I spent four days there this past June in celebration of his milestone birthday. We decided to pass most of our Shabbat morning wandering through the park and as per our custom every single time we visit this magnificent oasis, we managed to get ourselves horribly lost. It was the kind of lost that we relish. We just took our time taking in the stunning images. I snapped this shot from a small footbridge off the bank of the pond. Enjoy.

Another Almost Wordless Wednesday

Here is another in my monthlong pictorial of natural beauty witnessed this year. Today's photo is from Talon Lake in the Kawarthas. Twin Son and His Better Half have a cottage getaway that is a snapshot in serenity. I am so very appreciative each and every time an invitation is extended. This particular image was snapped at sunset in July.

Almost Wordless Wednesday

Blogging can be an emotional experience as I rediscovered with yesterday's post. Sometimes it just makes sense to stop and admire the wonders and beauty of the world around us. It is one of the reasons that I have decided to include a Mostly Wordless Wednesday into this year's submissions for blogapalooza. (That, and because as I have previously stated I am fundamentally lazy and these visual posts will eat up at least four days.) I thought that I might share some of the most beautiful natural experiences that I have had over this past year.

Today's photo comes from the southern part of the Northern Territory of Australia. We had the privilege of visiting Uluru (also known as Ayers Rock) just as the sun was beginning to set. That said it was still almost 50 degrees celsius. I was moved by the religiosity of the site and the intense manner by which it is fiercely protected by Native Australians. It is so much more than mere sandstone in the Outback.