Thanks for all the good wishes for my trip. When Cee said, “Just have fun and relax. Don’t make it complicated”, I didn’t quite get it. But when Lignum said, “Just relax, and have fun. Otherwise, it is not worth it” I felt like someone had hit my head with a 2 by 4. He was right (Cee, too). I read Lignum’s message when I was in Minneapolis airport, and almost wished that I didn’t bring my camera along. But by then, I had taken several photos already and here I will share one of them with you.
Waiting game
We got back on Nov. 11, after spending 26 hours flying and waiting at airports. When I was in Taiwan, other than the friends I always visit when I go back, I met 9 people whom I haven’t seen or talked to for 40 years. Arriving home, I was physically and emotionally exhausted.
It turned out bringing a camera was a good thing. I found out that hiding behind the viewfinder provided me a little time to rest (mentally). The day before I came back, I purposely went to the market doing some street photographing, hoping it would help me to readjust my life back home.
woman selling beanspouts
The day after I came home, Nov. 12, is my daughter’s birthday. It is also the day my sister Karin passed away (a year ago). I relived the moment welcoming my daughter to the world. I still remember the joy of hearing her first cry. I also spent time thinking of my sister, how much I’ve missed her. The happiness and sadness came from two different channels. They didn’t seem interfere each other, but again, I was exhausted. Now I wasn’t even sure it was exhaustion or depression. They seemed carrying similar attributes. (Thanks Lois for welcoming me back. I wanted to post something, but I was mentally busy 😉
I am leaving again tomorrow to visit my nephew, who has a new baby in Oct. My grandnephew, that is! I am sure I will bring my camera this time 😉
I want to end this post with 3 photos. I am not a landscape photographer. Someone once said, “There are many great landscape photographers around. They took better landscape photos than I do, so I don’t have to become one.” I am totally with her. So, I am not sharing these photos with you because they are great photos. What I want to share is my experience: When I stood in front of those mountains, when I walked in the woods, I became a part of this universe and was no longer Helen Chen. I was trouble free and content. I am sure many of you would understand what I mean when I say: I was bigger than me in those moments and felt great.
Ali Mountain
Ali Mountain2
The last photo comes with a question: would you get rid of those light circles (reflection from the lens, right?) or leave them there?
Ali Mountain3
Thank you all!
HHC Blog 
I can not imagine NOT taking my camera.
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Hello, Dawn, I agree. But I’ve learned that living at the moment is more important than catching the moment with photos. Hmm… Helen
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Welcome back, Helen! I noticed you was away. Great landscape photos, you have seen wonderful places!
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Thanks, Pike. Ali Mountain is beautiful. Anyone can take those photos 😉 In a way, I am glad to be back. I am not used to be pampered day in and day out… But I did enjoy it 😉 Helen
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“I was bigger than me in those moments…” That gave me goose bumps, Helen. Such strong words that say so much. Personally, I like the circles of light and include them in some of my photos..I don’t know why, but they add something to the photo, to me. Welcome back. Good-bye again. Hurry back. XO
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Oh, Lois, I’m so glad you understood what I meant. I took a risk, knowing some people wouldn’t understand… I’m terribly missing Taiwan and my friends there. You made me feel much better 😉 Helen
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Leave the light circles. They add a sense of distance to the photo. Beautiful just the way it is.
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Thanks, Marie. I kept staring at it and began to like those circles 😉 Helen
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Welcome back! It was nice seeing your Gravatar, that you had visited my blog and liked an entry. 🙂 These are fantastic images you are sharing with us today and I really like the Ali Mountain capture – very dreamy and magnificent, all at the same time!
I hope you have an enjoyable visit with your new grandnephew. 🙂
Lindy
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Thanks, Lindy. I enjoy reading your blog. When I am not traveling, I try to read every single one 😉 Can’t wait to see my grandnephew! Helen
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A camera to me is relaxing. I totally understand hiding behind the lens. You have had a hard week. My heart goes out to you. Stay happy my friend. 🙂 Your photos are absolutely gorgeous, even your landscapes. 🙂 I would leave the circles to me adds to the photo.
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Welcome back from your long trip, Helen. These are great photos and wonderful experiences. Thank you so much for sharing with us! 🙂
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Ali2, LOVE IT.
Ali3, I’d leave them, but that’s me. Some people add those things in. (Me 😁)
Your daughter’s birthday, is my son’s. Coincidence. 😄
I’m giving advice I need to follow myself: Don’t take anything too seriously. Enjoy every moment. If it stinks, it will pass. (Such a sage, aren’t I? 😁) Always bring your camera!
Good to see you. xxx in case you need any.
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Welcome back and you got some great shots.
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Beautiful shots, especially like the one of the sun rays 🙂
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