Below you will see what are probably my favorite pictures that I have ever taken. For complete disclosure, you will want to know the subjects of the picture are my eldest daughter, Teneca, and her eldest daughter, Mary Jane, so I am admittedly and undeniably influenced. These pictures were taken a few years ago in a local wooded area that leads to a small and well-hidden city park. During our walk, they stopped to look at the amazing beauty of nature. Teaching, sharing, and appreciating the fall paradise. These wonderful times are available for those willing to look and listening to sounds of creatures all but hidden in plain site.
Seeing the smile, the simple fascination and pleasure of life all around, mixed with love and the comfort of family makes me feel young; glad to be a part of a continuing story. To have played my part earlier and to watch it played out again. Nothing but awesome. I believe we can influence the future of our children’s lives in positive ways when we take the time at an early age. You just can’t accomplish this in schools or on-line.
MidiMike 
Awesome pictures.
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It is always a bit of luck isn’t it? I was lucky to be there. Lucky to have my camera to take pictures of Fall and ‘critters. Lucky to see these moments unfolding! Lucky to be able to share them years later. Thank you for the comment.
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Brought a tear to my eye. These are priceless. Nothing can equal this, ever. Thank you for sharing.
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Awwww. Thanks. I admit to the same reaction when writing the post.
You are right: nothing has equaled this. I am glad I was able to capture this moment in time. You are always welcome and I am glad to see you liked them.
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Beautiful pictures.
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How cool! Thank you. I still smile looking at them year after year.
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That’s lovely. Happiness and blessings. 🙂
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Much appreciated and the same to you, my friend!
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agree! Beautiful all around ! Thank you for sharing the joy!
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You are more than welcome. I don’t often share family photos, but I could not resist posting these. I am glad you liked them!
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Really terrific pictures, beautiful family! Yes, you have captured one of the simple moments in life for sure.
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Thank you! I think so too, but I am a bit biased LOL! Simple moments, simple pictures, simply amazing and so rewarding for me. I appreciate your comments. Thank you so much.
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You’re quite welcome!
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I cried too… so beautiful dear Mike, photographs are great, but with your explanations, how impressed me. You are such a nice one, I am so glad to know you, at least in this invisible world. Thank you, you can’t know how made me happy… Blessing and Happiness to you all dear Mike, Love, nia
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As happy as I am to see these pictures and relive precious memories, I am not beyond tears myself. The invisible world we have created here allows me to share feelings the ‘visible’ world might take as jest. It is your openness and caring that makes posting this a positive experience. I am honored to know you and if I can make your day a bit happier or brighter I am truly grateful. My best to you.
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You are SO right! What an amazing experience, what a gift, to be able to see our children grow to have their own children. It is SUCH an utter delight!
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Gift is the perfect word. To see our children have learned the lessons we tried to teach and to see those same lessons passed on is precious. Thank you!
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What a great post Mike! I so agree about nature, and learning more than what schools can teach us.
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Thank you so much! Even the most dedicated teachers only have so much time and resources, but I also feel if parents spend more time early in life it helps the child’s perspective dramatically.
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It does for sure! Peace.
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They are lovely pictures, and a great lesson about some of the gifts of getting older.
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Thank you! I appreciate the gifts of getting older especially when watching the younger ones learn. Truly fascinating to me.
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Your words are right on the mark, Mike. My parents did this with me, too, and I’ve tried to do it with my own kids. Schools really only can go so far. Love and love for the world around you starts a lot earlier, and starts a lot closer to home.
Your own personal biases aside, those really are strikingly good photographs. I mostly do landscapes, but I’m learning portraiture. You couldn’t ask for a better setting or better light. You’ve got quite the eye. Maybe luck was involved, or maybe you make your own luck by carrying your camera, keeping your eyes open, and appreciating what you see as it unfolds.
Don’t stop doing what you’re doing.
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Cheers to your parents and to mine! Another round of cheers to us as we continue with these important lessons. I believe they can’t be taught but shared by those that understand their impact first-hand. Our children will also know this to be true. The universe we live in is vast, but understanding starts very early and very close to home as you said.
I do not take this world for granted. Almost everything has a beauty of its own and the world continues to amaze me. Thank you for the observations and for the generous comments.
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Beautiful!
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Thanks! I am glad you liked them as well.
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Oh Mike, the photos are truly wonderful–but it’s your tender heart expressed in words that gets me every time 🙂
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Wow. Thank you. I consider myself just a guy, but maybe a pretty unusual one at times. I am glad you don’t let that get in your way!
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Most welcome.
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Beautiful pictures and a beautiful family of course.
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Well thank you for that. I won’t argue with you there LOL!
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Hi! I’ve nominated you for the Blogger Recognition Award. You can check the rules in my post. ^_^
http://wp.me/p5Zqvw-7i
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Howdy! Thank you so much. I will check out the rules (I try to play by the rules whenever possible LOL) and get to work! Much appreciated!
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Same here.. I have problems with playing by the rules… ^_^ Take care!
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That is what makes life grand!
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^_^
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That looks like so much fun … I lave the whole sensory extravaganza that is autumn leaves. 😀
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It really was, and I am glad I had my camera with me! I know what you mean. Set me in an autumn field and I am a happy camper! Thank you for the comment!
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What beautiful pictures and a description of a lovely day and your family.
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Thank you. I could not help but share these pictures. Even years later when I look at them I get the same feelings as I described in the article. It is the little things in life that can make the largest impact and to see this come ‘full circle’ is hard to put in words. Thanks for the thoughts!
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Yes the little things are so valuable. Give me a book and a blanket on the sand and I’m in heaven on earth! And I don’t care how much money I have in that moment.
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Beautiful!
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Much appreciated! I never get tired of seeing those pictures or talking about them. So many good things all rolled into one!
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