Scenic Conamara

I've brought you guys and gals peppered around the world's tapestry that is our home photos and stories from my home of Conamara before, but perhaps from a photography perspective this will outshine all that came before. I'll let you be the judge. Before I do though, let me paint the canvas of the minds of those who don't know what or where scenic Conamara is.

Connemara is located in the west of Ireland. For me, it's a place where nature’s splendor is on full display. The rugged landscape is a patchwork of wild, windswept bogs, dramatic mountains, and pristine lakes. Its untamed beauty is a testament to the raw power of nature, where the ever-changing sky reflects in tranquil waters, and the vast stretches of land seem untouched by time.

The quiet solitude of the region invites those who visit to pause, breathe deeply, and take in the serene, natural surroundings. The day I took these photos, I had not planned to be taking any. I was on my way to play golf in Ballyconneely, but while driving on that frosty morning, everything was so quite and still, I realised it would be a perfect morning to photograph Derryclare lake, beautiful on any day, but pristine on a blue sky, wind free morning in particular.

The charm of Connemara is not only in its landscapes but in its rich cultural heritage. Its small, colorful villages dot the land, with traditional stone cottages and Gaelic signs reflecting the area’s deep connection to its past. I worked and lived away from Galway for so long, that coming home with my wife and three sons four years ago allows me to appreciate my homepatch all the more.

More Photos and a reflection

I took plenty of photos that morning and none are altered in any way. I've neither the skill, nor the time to do so. Hopefully you'll enjoy some of these shots and maybe you might take the time to tell me which is your favourite?

We've become increasingly bad at taking the time to do such things, as people allow themselves to get busier and busier and busier... To what end?

Will they write on your epitaph "Busy until the day I died" or will they write "Figured out life. Listened. Appreciated. Loved. Enjoyed. Played."

If you've got kids like me, you'll realise they already have this sossed and they're carefree and easy. Then society, teachers, mentors with good intentions (usually) take hold. This moulds and morphs them into little mini consumers for the ever churning money making materialistic driven world we've become accustomed to. Buy this, then you'll be happy. Do this, then you'll be happy. Always trying to sell you a future version of yourself. Never telling you that just being you is more than enough.

So learn from your kids or kids you know. Play more. Ask questions. Take your time. Jump in a puddle without caring if you get dirty. Guess what will happen? You'll smile and those around you will smile too. Life is as simple or as complicated as we make it.

Of course there are exceptions and not everybody fits in this "box" perfectly, but the essence of what I am saying is don't sweat the small things, enjoy who you are, where you are, what you stand for and try not to take sense of worth from material goods or status or the likes. You are enough. Just be you.

Let the sun shine in.

So there you have it folks, my thoughts for today or reflection if you will and then lots and lots of photos with reflections.

Thanks as always for stopping by everyone

Peace Out