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Sunday Stills Photo Challenge

August 30, 2020 By nextphaseinfitness 24 Comments

I have decided to participate in a photo challenge  called Sunday Stills, which I first saw on Deb’s World. I drool over Deb’s photo’s, so look forward to seeing her Sunday Stills post each week. I have no photo skills at all. For me, taking a photo is just a matter of pointing the iphone at a subject, clicking and hoping for the best. About a 18 months ago, I bought myself a new camera, with the intention of teaching myself to understand it, and to improve my photography skills. Unfortunately, the camera has sat on the shelf and hasn’t been used. I told myself it was because I was too busy at the time, but I think I was a bit scared of it. As I’m now in isolation due to Covid-19, and can’t go to work for the time being, I’ve decided that now is the perfect time to get the camera out and have a go. I’m hoping that participating in a weekly photo challenge could be the impetus I need to keep at it, and hopefully, improve my photography skills. Until then my photos will be those taken by an ordinary person with no skills at all.

Each week there will be a prompt and I will post my interpretation. The theme for this week  Sunday Stills Photo Challenge is Winter. The host for this week is Cathy from Picture This

 Winter

Don’t get me started on the subject of winter. It feels like I moan, groan and whinge during the entire winter. I dislike it with a passion. The only time I enjoy winter is for the first couple of weeks, when the cooler nights come in and we light the fire. Those first couple of fires of the season are lovely. I also enjoy the first wet day when we stay indoors and I can curl up with a blanket and a book. That is bliss! But it’s downhill all the way after that. Very quickly the novelty wears off. I tend to spend most of my days outside, either exercising or gardening, so winter is a challenge. Every winter, I vow that I am moving to sunny Queensland before the following winter, but that never happens. I now have a son and three grandchildren living in Queensland so relocation is starting to sound extra tempting.

Following are seven reasons that I dislike winter.

  •  Garden looks very boring
  •  Weeds grow too quickly
  •  Chicken coop gets muddy and messy
  •  Getting out of bed early to exercise
  •  Cycling on frosty mornings
  •  Wet, muddy and slippery bush walking trails
  •  I really don’t like feeling cold

Walking over the last few weeks of winter has been challenging. There were three days that I was soaked when there were heavy downpours. Most days I’ve been wearing three layers and still feeling cold, with the wind seeming to blow right through me. Following are a few photos I’ve taken when walking in the area where we live.

 

 

 

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Filed Under: Challenge Tagged With: Photo Challenge, Sunday Stills

Comments

  1. Cathy says

    August 30, 2020 at 3:34 pm

    So glad you decided to join in, Jennifer. Your photos are lovely, I especially like the reflections in the last one. Hope you’re getting to grips with the camera!

    Reply
    • nextphaseinfitness says

      August 30, 2020 at 10:21 pm

      Thanks for dropping in Cathy and for your lovely comments about my photos. Very much a beginner here.

      Reply
  2. Sue from Women Living Well After 50 says

    August 31, 2020 at 5:49 am

    Hi Jennifer we are on the same wavelength both taking up the photography challenge. I’m not very good at photography though. I’m very lucky to have mild Winters here in Queensland and wouldn’t it be great if you moved up here! Have a great week and I enjoyed your winter photos. I love the cold weather but perhaps only for short spurts. x

    Reply
    • nextphaseinfitness says

      August 31, 2020 at 9:01 pm

      Most definitely short spurts Sue. I’m driving of being up in Queensland. I need to see my grandchildren and my son. Looks like it will be a while though.

      Reply
  3. Debbie Harris says

    August 31, 2020 at 6:51 am

    These are great shots Jennifer and I’m so pleased to hear I have inspired you to join in. The clouds look quite menacing and I’m also wearing plenty of layers when out walking and riding! I hope you keep going, it’s fun to challenge yourself each week with the various prompts. And it’s coming into Springtime so we are on the home run of winter!!

    Reply
    • nextphaseinfitness says

      August 31, 2020 at 9:00 pm

      One more sleep Deb, and spring will be here. There’s been a touch of it in the air over the past couple of days.

      Reply
  4. Leanne | www.crestingthehill.com.au says

    August 31, 2020 at 11:49 am

    Hi Jennifer – good on you for getting out and about in miserable weather. I don’t mind wind, and I don’t mind rain – but add them together and it makes me miserable being out in it. Things here are warming up slightly and I’m so happy when the sun is shining and I can feel a bit of warmth on my back as I walk – your turn will come soon xx

    Reply
    • nextphaseinfitness says

      August 31, 2020 at 8:59 pm

      One more sleep and spring is here Leanne. I will be doing a happy dance!

      Reply
  5. Sanch @ Sanch Writes says

    August 31, 2020 at 12:44 pm

    I’m with you in disliking winter but I also feel bad about complaining because NSW is not that bad. Love your photos especially the last one!

    Reply
    • nextphaseinfitness says

      August 31, 2020 at 8:58 pm

      It’s all a matter of what we’re used to Sanch. Pleased you like the photo.

      Reply
  6. Vanessa says

    August 31, 2020 at 1:53 pm

    I love that first photo – I adore the contrast of grass/trees and a dark sky.

    Reply
    • nextphaseinfitness says

      August 31, 2020 at 8:57 pm

      Thanks Vanessa. I’m pleased you like it.

      Reply
  7. Joanne Tracey says

    September 1, 2020 at 7:56 am

    I really do need to join in on this… I love the textures and light you get in winter – the colours seem more saturated. My fave is the 2nd image with the road and the gumtrees.

    Reply
    • nextphaseinfitness says

      September 1, 2020 at 9:10 am

      I love this road too Jo. This challenge would be perfect for you with your photography skills

      Reply
  8. Natalie says

    September 1, 2020 at 8:31 am

    Good for you to try something new. Spring is arriving in your area and there will be more opportunities to take photos of new beginnings. #lifethisweek

    Reply
    • nextphaseinfitness says

      September 1, 2020 at 9:09 am

      First day of spring today Natalie. Very happy about that

      Reply
  9. Cheryl says

    September 1, 2020 at 7:47 pm

    Hi Jennifer, I agree that Australian winters can be a bit wet and boring. It’s one reason why I loved living in Russia – white winters are the best! I hope you’ll get the opportunity to experience one – if you haven’t already! Lovely photos, thanks for sharing. I also need to get more ‘acquainted’ with my camera, there’s so much to learn (and remember!).

    Reply
    • nextphaseinfitness says

      September 3, 2020 at 8:50 am

      I agree with you Cher that white winters are best. I’ve experienced three while on holidays. I found we didn’t feel the cold as much as we dressed in ski gear.

      Reply
  10. Denyse Whelan says

    September 2, 2020 at 9:35 pm

    So glad you have given this a go. I think I need to find out more.

    For years when my parents were retired, they took themselves from Sydney to the Gold Coast for around 6-8 weeks of Winter. Mum especially hated the cold and Dad was happy to oblige. They had loads of friends who either did the same or had retired up there so it was quite a social time too. Alas, the last time it happened Mum was not well – 2005 and they did not go again. I have fond memories of visiting once for a bit too. Hating the cold and loving the sun, sounds like you might re-settle too one day!

    Thank you for linking up this week for #lifethisweek. Next week’s optional prompt is 36/51 Taking Stock #4 7.9.2020 and I hope to see you there too. Take care, stay safe and well. Denyse.

    Reply
    • nextphaseinfitness says

      September 3, 2020 at 8:23 am

      I’m dreaming of a life in Qld Denyse. Just dreams at the moment

      Reply
  11. Veronica @ The Burgeoning Bookshelf says

    September 2, 2020 at 10:06 pm

    Your photos really do reflect a winter’s day. I am not a lover of winter. I can never seem to get warm and my husband doesn’t feel the cold so doesn’t want the heater on. I’m so glad it’s over for another year. I’m looking forward to the sunny days of spring.

    Reply
    • nextphaseinfitness says

      September 3, 2020 at 8:22 am

      Happy to have spring here Veronica. It’s been a bleak winter

      Reply
  12. Michele Somerville says

    September 7, 2020 at 9:44 am

    Hi Jen, good for you for taking up the photography challenge and dreaming of life closer to your family. I can feel the cold air just looking at those pictures, we are in the tail end of summer in Pennsylvania, just 16 days to fall.

    Reply
    • nextphaseinfitness says

      September 7, 2020 at 8:49 pm

      I hope you’re enjoying slightly cooler weather now, Michelle.

      Reply

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