When I first started blogging, it’s purpose was to have place to set my thoughts. I enjoyed compiling my photos and adding my impressions.
I still do. Those impressions aren’t always relative to travel, and more often, a walk through my daily life, a passing of time, and the messages I take away from this beautiful place we all call home.

That said, roadtrips are, indeed, of paramount importance in our lives and instrumental in those impressions I speak of. Yes, our trips have changed over the years, and so have we. We went from being uprooted regularly in the military, to finding a permanent home in Arizona. Our in-between time, had us traveling the country for two years , and later living and working in Yellowstone.

A permanent home in Arizona gave us an endless roadtrip list. And while we don’t get much water here, when we do that in itself is a trip to remember. And we go on.

Back to the point. About Challenges.
Honestly, my blogging life comes and goes. It’s fine. For me, it’s not a job or a have to, and our story continues whether I am present…or not.
It’s simply fun and motivating. I have found a thoughtful community I can come back to, check in, and feel like I have never left. I can get brain block, visit favorite blogs, and know I will find a topic to spark my energy. And where else can you find global engagement about just about anything.
RDP: Starburst/ Texture /Birds



So I join in. I hope you will too.
We are currently on our way to Joshua Tree National Park as we speak, and while our trips are for us, I will also keep in mind that Leya of our Lens Artists community says to look for favorite flowers, and Terri of Sunday Stills wants us to search for fleeting moments.
No promises. I will try.
If not, I have still fed my soul, with them on my mind.
See you in a few days…..
Wind Kisses, Donna
All these challenges help give more focus to taking photos when we are out and about, Donna! Gorgeous pics by the way! Thanks for the mention and may your road trip be memorable and anything but fleeting 😉
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Thank you Terri. A bit random for me, but it was on my mind. Have a nice week.
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I agree with you on your thoughts on blogging and challenges Donna. I come and go too but my blog is a hobby I enjoy, so no pressure! Love your photos too!
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Thank you Debbie.
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I too intended my blog to contain thoughts and some photos. The encouragement from a few bloggers to join in challenges has lead to an addiction, a good fun addiction. Then lead to hosting challenges, again good fun.
I may be a lost cause 😂😂
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Hahaha. You were one of my first “friends” in the day of Frank’s challenges. I have loved seeing your progression in this word.
We are all lost causes, just going through it our own way. Lol.
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Have fun in Joshua Tree. NP, Donna. I’ve never been there – close but no cigar. We will enjoy whatever pics you take. 🙂
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Thank you MArsha.
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I hear you Donna. Enjoy life.
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This really resonated with me Donna. When I started blogging I didn’t even know about challenges and I thought I had a clear purpose to my blog, sharing travel experiences mainly through photography. Then I came across a couple of the challenges and realised they would be a way to connect with more other bloggers. I do try to stay true to that original purpose while also exploring the other ideas that the challenges present. In particular they’ve led me to share more of my local area and look for interesting photos day to day as well as while travelling. Or maybe it was Covid did that???
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I think you hit the “nail on the head” when you said you try to stay true to your original purpose. It’s important we do that, and I think the challenges make us better, make us think, and bring it together in a community. Getting new ideas is healthy for all of us, and the feedback is fantastic.
Covid took me a different path. Lol. Lots of pain and brain fog that was horrible. The challenges did indeed make me think harder. Help me fight through it. It was like using muscles I hadn’t used in awhile. Weird. But as a competitor most of my life, I’m not too great at sitting, or the words “you can’t”. Lol.
Thank you again, always enjoy your space.
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Enjoyed your thoughts about blogging and challenges, Donna. I greatly enjoy challenges and the people I’ve met through and keep in touch with through them but I also like to share parts of my life I think/hope others will enjoy like the current trip through Petrified Forest. For seven years or so I blogged every day, feeling like I should. Now at least when I go on vacation I only blog if I feel like it because it’s time to be away and relax, not feel I should be on a schedule. But blogging’s addictive and though I contemplate going to fewer days a week, as Dan at Nofacilities does, I just haven’t made that change.
Have a wonderful time and I look forward to reading all about it.
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Yes… I agree with you. Addicting, and important not to lose sense of self.
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You have taken your challenges great way ! Excellent photos and enjoyable road trip! Beautiful capture। Thanks for sharing 🙂
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Thank you.
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Thanks for these wonderful images! I agree, blogging and taking part in challenges it’s fun and keeps me motivated. Not to mention all of the wonderful bloggers I have met by participating. Enjoy your road trip to Joshua Tree!
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Thank you, Beth. Yes…it’s al Amy’s about people you meet along the way.
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Oh Donna, this is a gorgeous post and your photos are stunning 😀
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Thank you. You’re the best.
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I like your casual attitude toward blogging Donna. Maybe I can relax and be more like you. I’ve been too rigorous about my posting and now find it hard to keep posting.
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I love your blog, Brad. Funny I wish I could be like you. Your words flow with such meaning. 🤗
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Thanks Donna. It seems we’re both eyeing greener pastures. 😊
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Great minds think alike my friend.
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LOL
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Wishing you a safe and amazing trip, Donna 🙂
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Thank you. It was. Got back last night with some beautiful skies to share
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We always enjoy what you share with us… and I bet the challenges challenge your photography and your brain. All a good thing.
Happy Road trip!
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Thank you Nancy, and yes, the challenges are good for me in many ways.
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I’m not sure I could focus on a chess game in such a beautiful setting.
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Hahaha. True. I have been to that location a few times and the pieces are always perfectly placed, like art. Ironically enough, my grandkids found one on our last road-trip to the mountains. They didn’t hesitate.
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I totally agree Donna about blogging or not, wonderful to come back to and engage with blogging friends or have a break when you want. I also love the challenges, I would be stuck without them! I love the chess photo
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Thank you.
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Excellent points about the blogging community and the ability to come and go as we please. We’re always welcomed back with joy and appreciation. Happy trails to you and all the discoveries you make!
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Thanks Shelley. Always fun to return, and see/feel the same smiles I left
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You’re welcome! Yes, it is. 😁😊😉
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