“If only we lost our minds and arrived at our hearts.” ~ Robert James Waller.
My interest in photography is opening up a whole new world to me. There is such great enjoyment in losing my mind and following my heart, during the pursuit of capturing another image with my camera.
“One day I will go there, when I have the time” has been replaced by “I’ll go there right now!”. And so much for my old way of thinking, when I had imagined that stopping off somewhere, just for a few minutes, would throw my schedule out for the day. Since forgetting about my schedule, real or imaginary, I am finding that the days are not only becoming more enjoyable after my “photo-fix”, I’m actually achieving more overall, throughout each day!
This gorgeous footbridge, part of a parkland area in Tweed Heads alongside the Tweed River, is a perfect example of ‘doing things, one day’. For so many years I have admired the bridge, as I have whizzed past in my car, never stopping, but intending to stop ‘one day’.
On a fine sunny day, just as we have enjoyed during these last couple of weeks, the river to the right of the bridge is simply beautiful….
….and to left, the river continues on into the man-made canals, which back on to an exclusive residential area.
Heading over to the other side of the river, the first thing you see is the children’s playground. I’m sure that the only time I have ever seen this play area empty is at night, and during a storm!
Beside the park is a boat ramp, which can always be seen being used, either by private or day-tripper boats. The bridge in the distance is the main traffic bridge over the Tweed River, which leads into Tweed Heads.
The park is full of huge old trees, providing an endless amount of shade. Just across the road from the park is a fabulous fish and chip shop, which I must admit we don’t go to often, as the wait is so long! But they have previously been voted the best fish and chip shop in the Tweed area.
It’s also a popular fishing spot, where my son and his mates have often spent hours fishing, during their school holidays. (Well, most of the time trying to catch fish, but they don’t mind if they go home empty-handed, which they often do!)
When you go under the bridge, there’s even more to be seen, especially if you know what you’re looking for, which I don’t! Luckily for me, my husband does….
….in among the mangroves, where fresh oysters grow. My husband tells me that mangroves such as these are crucial to the ecology of the Tweed River.
As we head back over the bridge and back to the car, we look down again towards the water. My husband is enthralled by the oysters….
….I see our shadows, and another moment to freeze for all time with my camera. 🙂
In My World 
Joanne, thankyou for taking the trouble to photograph these most memorable places, and especially to my husband John. He had a wonderful childhood and often tells me of all the places of freedom he visited on his bike, such adventures for a child of the 40’s, 50’s and later into the teenage years.
You sound like I am – I can see pictures to capture, and as I’ve always told my children – well, that’s all that’s left, isn’t it when we float on from this life.
Just look at the pictures in old Lisnagar, and other beautiful old dwellings – that is all that is left, besides memories for those who can think back. And so, it is important I think to keep the memories alive with photography, we are so fortunate these days to have equipment to be able to do so, and just a little forethought on our behalf. Thankyou once again for your wonderful presentation.
LikeLike
Estelle, you are very welcome. It is my pleasure to visit places of interest around the local area and take the photos to share. Isn’t it a shame that cameras were not as readily available when your husband was riding around on his bike as a teenager? What wonderful photos he could have taken back then. 🙂
We do need the photos to remind us of the history of people and places, because eveything changes so quickly, and especially so in our area. I also enjoy recording my memories, and research, along with the photos, so that the stories will live on throughout the years as well.
Thank you for stopping by here. It is wonderful to meet you. 🙂
LikeLike
Oft times crossing an unfamiliar bridge leads to treasures like you’ve shown us. They are there to be found, as you’ve shown, if only we take the time. Thank you for sharing.
LikeLike
Thank you for you very wise words, Carol. 🙂
LikeLike
Joanne, these are great pictures! The first two of the bridge are amazing and so inviting – glad you took us over the bridge. Isn’t photography fun? One must be careful when exploring under a bridge, though – you wouldn’t want to disturb a troll… I can feel your creative energy increasing when you say “I’ll go there right now!” Bravo!
LikeLike
Barbara, I’ve become so involved with photography lately that my blog has been neglected, so in answer to your question, photography is the best fun!! Luckily, all we found under the bridge was oysters and marshes. Perhaps the trolls were visiting the park that day. 🙂
LikeLike
Wonderful pictures! You have a real knack for taking great photos. I especially like the one showing the shadows of the people and the bridge.
LikeLike
Thank you so much for saying that Sheryl. The shadows are of me and my husband. I really enjoy finding shadows and reflections when I’m taking photos. They make the photo so much more interesting. 🙂
LikeLike
I am smiling from ear to ear about your love affair with your camera. 🙂 I have been in that place, too, especially about 3-4 years ago when I fell in love with learning photography. And it really teaches us how to see better! It is a wonderful instrument to help ground us in Presence. Hope you’re having a wonderful weekend, Joanne.
LikeLike
Kathy, I’ve been so involved with my camera, that I’ve barely found time for anything else! I’m so sorry it has taken me forever to reply to you, and I’m lagging behind dreadfully in reading everyone’s blogs. I’m becoming totally out of touch, so need to become less obsessed with my camera. Talk about having a new toy!
You are so right though in saying that photography makes us open up our eyes to the present moment. It has certainly been doing that for me, and how wonderful it has been. 🙂
LikeLike
Beautiful! Thank you for sharing…..
LikeLike
Thank you Shana, I’m pleased you enjoyed my walk. 🙂
LikeLike