I’ve not done weekly challenges for awhile, but in light of recent events and activities, the current topic seems more than fitting. I have been so inspired this past week that I began writing multiple posts although, they’ve become rather intertwined by now. I’m going to keep putting them up anyways, because you don’t seem to mind just so long as I’m writing again :)
Happy, Happy Places!
So, my first and foremost happy place is being with those whom I love and care about the most.
My other happiest place or sanctuary if you will, is anywhere in the great outdoors with beautiful scenery where I’m surrounded by mother nature.
Most recently, my happiest place included a beach front condo for the week that we were extremely blessed to share with someone else.
The condo itself was beautiful, fully equipped and stocked, everything was remote-controlled or motion censored (even the toilets from Japan) and it had a disappearing glass wall right smack on the ocean front! You talk about feeling spoiled!! The real beauty was our view though and what lay right outside the front door.
It was such a beautiful thing… To rise and rest each day with the sound of the waves, sharing one amazing sunset after another, being able to play hard after working hard, having an opportunity to just hang out, being able to relax and get to know one another…
Ahh… Yes…!
For a few splendid days I finally relaxed. I forgot about the bills, let my guard down, wrote a few chapters of my book, started a couple of poems, spent quality time with those I’m closest to, and prayed… I slept feeling safe and content, was free to be myself, didn’t feel stressed, and even ate us out of house and home which, is something I never do, lol!
I wandered around freely… Aimlessly even, laid in the sand, played in the ocean, I got to clear my head and focus, reflect, and take time out. I never take time out.
All day long, I got to come and go from the beach…
I’m so grateful and feel so blessed! God knew I needed this… More time with friends, more play time with my girl, and more time to reconnect personally. It began to stir passions and reignited lost dreams. It is good everyone… Very, very good!
So, where is my happy place? It’s next to the ones I love and anywhere outdoors that has warm weather and beautiful surroundings.
Hope you enjoy the quick pics! Most are off my phone and unedited.
Where is your happiest place?
All photographs are property of:
Life Inspired Photography & Photo Blog by Jessie Jeanine
Jessie Jeanine 
November 9, 2015 at 1:16 pm
What lovely photos you have taken of your happy places!
October 25, 2015 at 4:07 am
Absolutely beautiful thoughts and pictures.
October 25, 2015 at 4:23 am
Thank you!
October 21, 2015 at 7:35 am
Simply awesome. pictures. I too love nature and walks along the river or sea. Never without my trusty digital camera.
October 21, 2015 at 11:26 pm
Thank you and yes, it’s the best place to be! :)
October 16, 2015 at 10:19 pm
My first time to your blog and all I can say is to these pics is Wow! Light and Love, Shona
October 16, 2015 at 10:28 pm
Thanks so much Shona and a warm welcome to you!
October 16, 2015 at 11:05 am
God’s creation is awesome Jessie and you captured it beautifully in your photos, Thank you for sharing them and also your Holiday with us.
Christian Love – Anne.
October 16, 2015 at 10:01 pm
Thank you Anne and many blessings to you :)
October 15, 2015 at 8:07 pm
Hi I just came across your beautiful Blog I love your Photos as I am an amateur too! I am an Artist Designer and I express my creativity in many ways I would love for you to visit my Blog too :-) <3 I am going to Follow you and if you like stay connected…
October 15, 2015 at 11:30 pm
Hi there and thanks so much! I always love hearing from new visitors and it will be a pleasure to check out your blog as well. See you soon!
October 16, 2015 at 12:36 am
Thank you! I hope that you enjoy the visit I follow you now! :-)
October 15, 2015 at 6:20 pm
Beautiful pictures. Natures magic :)
October 15, 2015 at 11:00 pm
Yes it is Anna, thank you :)
October 15, 2015 at 11:25 am
Too many scenes here to pick out a favorite, but some really good ones. To your question, I don’t think I’ve been to my happiest place, yet. Though, I imagine it’s near the mountains with a valley full of water.
October 16, 2015 at 1:17 am
Thanks so much Eric. On a deeper note, perhaps it’s more of a state of mind than anything else ;-)
October 14, 2015 at 11:21 pm
Hi Jessie, Good to visit you and your site. It’s been too long! I’m glad you had a relaxing beach break at a wonderful place from the looks of your photos. to happy places and photos! :)
October 14, 2015 at 11:38 pm
A long time indeed Brad! So good to see you again too :) CHEERS!
October 15, 2015 at 12:28 am
Thanks Jessie! Cheers!
October 14, 2015 at 8:35 pm
So glad to see you are writing and visiting and relaxing Jessie. You really needed that! Love your photos and I am so jealous of you! Stay in that place where you are now…..Beautiful
October 14, 2015 at 9:06 pm
Thanks so much Tony and yes, I have needed that more than people can even know! I’ll keep my home base here, but won’t ever stop traveling… What can I say, but I have a travelers soul :) Hopefully, I’ll get to focus on being behind the camera a lot more moving forward though. This IS going to become a travel blog one way or another, lol!
October 14, 2015 at 8:01 pm
I like your idea of a happy place :) I’ve been reading a lot about happy places recently — I’m far from my family (though I’ll be seeing them this weekend!), so I’m thinking I need to form a little happy place in my bedroom, maybe around my desk. I like the idea of some non-froofroo candles, as mentioned by Anthony in the comments!
October 14, 2015 at 9:31 pm
You know, when my girl was growing up, it’s the one constant I could always give her ~ home was, and always be, a safe haven. That also means a place of relaxation and happiness too. It should be a place where you can go to wind down and become centered again. Our home was always one filled with joy… The kind of place you really wanted to retreat to (just ask all her friends and half the neighborhood, lol!) If we can’t make our entire environment where we live like that, then I think carving out a special place somewhere is even more vital! And I still say some mild froofroo can be good, but even I don’t like too much. Honestly, I prefer something like the WoodWick type candles with wide long wicks that crackle like a campfire (that’s more manly, right) but have a mild scent like vanilla and just look cool when they’re burning. I also used to have small clear lights hidden throughout the entire house and bedroom (some on remotes even) to help create a warm, cozy ambiance. Heck, I’d wind those things through my tall trees and greenery even ~ it was beautiful :) But I hear you… easy on the froofroo guys!
November 1, 2015 at 9:10 pm
Thanks for this comment — I liked reading it. I would love to have a big old house some day where everyone always drops by!
October 14, 2015 at 7:32 pm
So great to see you again Anthony! I must say, my library and desk setup was a happy place as well, especially when we lived here before because it over looked the canyon and is where I was able to bury myself in the same way. Btw, nothing wrong with a little froofroo from time to time either, lol ;-)
October 14, 2015 at 3:05 pm
Remember, that it doesn’t matter where you are so long as you can find your peace. The beautiful places just make it easier to find. 😊 I’m glad you got a chance to recenter and breathe.
October 14, 2015 at 3:53 pm
And remember, I know this better than many… Like Paul, whether abased or abound, may we learn to be content. Nothing about my life has ever come easy, but that’s what makes me that much more grateful for it or any blessings that come our way :)
October 14, 2015 at 10:13 am
These are beautiful. I am glad you got to rest relax and be recreated. It is always good when prayer is part of the process.
October 14, 2015 at 3:56 pm
So it is Joseph… For me, it’s a necessary part. I appreciate the compliment and be well :)