Hugh’s Weekly Photo Challenge: Week 20 – Solitude

I haven’t taken part inΒ Hugh’s photo challenge for a while, but I felt compelled to this week. Perhaps it’s because my week has been consumed with photography – my eldest daughter has three projects to complete for her photography class and she likes to involve the whole family!

The theme also spoke to me. I’m a solitary person, I think writers are in general; we’re never really alone – what with the characters in our head! I’m at ease in solitude, it soothes me, and allows me to recharge my batteries. It’s not that I don’t like being with people, it’s that I like my own company, too. I can write anywhere and at any time. It’s easy for me to switch off, even in a crowded cafΓ©, but there’s something to be said for the quiet peace of nature.

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When I’m on holiday, I tend to be on the go; exploring a new place so I can soak it in. I usually find a quiet spot to reflect. The first photo, a place named Durdle Door in Dorset, gave the perfect backdrop and I almost got lost in my moment of solitude!

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I lived in Dorset for a while, and loved the area. When I got time off, I went exploring with my family. Bournemouth beach is wonderful, especially at six in the morning when there are few people around and the beauty of it settles like a calming breath. The second photo was taken on one of my early morning outings. I took a notebook and a cup of coffee, and let the inspiration flow.

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The last two photographs are here because the garden used to be one of my favourite places to relax and find time for myself. The garden was built below the house, and though you can’t see it in the photograph, a decking area provided the perfect viewpoint. I would sit out in the evening or in the morning, and enjoy the scenery.

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Thanks to Hugh for providing the inspiration and, as always, thanksΒ for stopping by.

Mel

30 responses to “Hugh’s Weekly Photo Challenge: Week 20 – Solitude”

  1. Judy Martin Avatar

    What stunning photos Mel. I love the beauty of Dorset, the sweeping bay at Weymouth and the crashing waves over the rocks at Portland. The little country villages are so picturesque too.

    1. mbarkersimpson Avatar

      Thanks, Judy πŸ™‚ I completely agree with you. There are some magical places to enjoy…I feel a visit coming on!

      1. Judy Martin Avatar

        HA! Don’t blame you! πŸ™‚

  2. suzie81speaks Avatar

    Oh I love these pics Mel!

    1. mbarkersimpson Avatar

      Thanks, Suzie. When I was sifting through them it made me want to go back. That and the reminder I haven’t take enough photos recently! πŸ™‚

      1. suzie81speaks Avatar

        You can never take enough photographs in my opinion haha!

      2. mbarkersimpson Avatar

        I’m of the same mind set…better dust off my camera! πŸ˜‰

  3. Marje @ Kyrosmagica Avatar

    Lovely photos Mel, nothing like a sea view, and a garden to say beautiful solitude.

    1. mbarkersimpson Avatar

      Thanks, Marje. I agree with you…there is such beauty around us if we stop to enjoy it πŸ™‚

      1. Marje @ Kyrosmagica Avatar

        Definitely, those little snatched moments are so wonderful. πŸ™‚

  4. Hugh's Views and News Avatar

    I’ve visited Dorset and it’s wonderful coastline and little thatched cottage villages. It’s a wonderful part of the UK, Mel. These photographs certainly pick up on this week’s theme and so do your words in the post. That’s a beautiful garden, but I would not like to have to be the one to keep it looking that way. I love sitting in the garden, but’s that’s about all I do once there. Oh! Maybe have a glass of wine and let my imagination run wild. πŸ˜€

    1. mbarkersimpson Avatar

      I’m totally with you on that, Hugh – I’m not a gardener! Luckily my mum is, so I got to appreciate it…I’ll stick with you on the deck with a glass of wine πŸ˜‰

      1. Hugh's Views and News Avatar

        Sounds great, Mel. Now, all I need to know is White or Red? πŸ˜€

      2. mbarkersimpson Avatar

        Definitely red! πŸ˜€

      3. Hugh's Views and News Avatar

        Congratulations Mel, I have featured your entry to my recent photo challenge on my blog.

        https://hughsviewsandnews.com/2016/04/12/hughs-weekly-photo-challenge-week-21-fresh/

        Thank you so much for participating.
        Best wishes,
        Hugh

      4. mbarkersimpson Avatar

        Thanks so much, Hugh. I’m honoured πŸ™‚

  5. Callum McLaughlin Avatar

    Gorgeous pictures, Mel πŸ™‚

    1. mbarkersimpson Avatar

      Thanks, Callum πŸ˜€

  6. Jacqui Murray Avatar

    Beautiful, peaceful photos, Mel. I always loved getting involved in my children’s projects. Luckily, they didn’t mind–as I think your daughter doesn’t either. Some of my very fond memories are of what I learned helping them.

    1. mbarkersimpson Avatar

      I can totally relate to that. We’ve had great fun. Thanks, Jacqui πŸ™‚

  7. Helen Jones Avatar

    Gorgeous photos, Mel – you captured the theme beautifully πŸ™‚
    I enjoy solitude as well. Crowds tend to stress me out, and I much prefer streets uncrowded and beaches empty.

    1. mbarkersimpson Avatar

      Thank you, Helen πŸ™‚ I love quiet beaches. I generally find a secluded spot and certainly avoid peak times!

      1. Helen Jones Avatar
  8. […] Mel, at Melissa Barker Simpson, showed us some beautiful photos of both the beach and her garden. She gets some great solitude moments at both and even invited me around for a glass of wine to take in the solitude of the garden. I’m saving that for when the weather improves. […]

  9. Vashti Quiroz-Vega Avatar

    Gorgeous pictures, Mel! The first and second are my favorites the water looks amazing. πŸ™‚

    1. mbarkersimpson Avatar

      Thanks, Vashti πŸ™‚ It’s a beautiful part of the country, and the scenery is just spectacular. Sometimes, I really miss it. I know I’ll definitely be organising a trip back to Dorset soon!

  10. samba2017 Avatar

    What a lovely, tranquil blog post. I also love solitude and my own company but am not an introvert perhaps an ‘ambivert’. Like sharing feelings and experiences with people but need to recharge in nature on my own, running or walking. I have just started a poetry blog on WordPress in case you have time to have a look? Sam πŸ™‚

    1. mbarkersimpson Avatar

      Thanks πŸ™‚ Being an ambivert sounds like the perfect balance. I’ll check out your poetry blog. Thanks for stopping by.

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