Thursday, March 10, 2011

Theme Thursday: African Spaces

This week, Theme Thursday invites us to explore the concept of 'space'.
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Nowhere on earth does the world seem wider than on the African savannah. Golden grasslands stretch as far as the eye can see, flowing seamlessly into big and brilliant skies. 
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At home on these open spaces, animals roam freely…hampered only by the measured interruptions of those of us who ache to catch just a glimpse of the singular beauty to be found in that wildness.
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On safari in East Africa, I've sat mute with awe as lions prowled steathily in the grass nearby,

and watched giraffes lope nervously away if we lingered too long to stare.
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I've laughed aloud as zebras pranced cheerfully ahead of us on the rutted trails, stopping  as if to to wait when we paused to let them get ahead.
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 And I've simply marvelled at the glorious cheetahs who watched us curiously as we pointed our cameras their way.
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This is a place like no other, where space and time converge in nature's ageless harmony.
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 It is my fervent hope that the animals of the world will always have their wild places...that mankind's often greedy and thoughtless pursuits do not irrevocably encroach on their worlds, for surely, to destroy these precious habitats would mean the ruin of our humanity...
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For more about the spaces of our universe, check out the great link below...
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17 comments:

Anonymous said...

It's so hard to imagine being in the environment. It is awe inspiring!

Debra She Who Seeks said...

How lucky you are to have gone on safari!

Kay L. Davies said...

Gorgeous, Lynette. What a wonderful, wonderful place to have been. What an impact it must have on all who see it. Thank you for sharing it with us.
-- K
Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel

MERYL JAFFE, PhD - parent, psychologist, teacher, author... said...

How wonderful. These hunters look so sweet, peaceful, languid!

Thanks for sharing!

Meryl
http://departingthetext.blogspot.com

adrielleroyale said...

This must have been so amazing - this is definitely one of those things on my bucket list! How incredible! :))

Anonymous said...

Marvellous journey you had. I love the pictures. I've had to make do with the internet for my inspirations but one day I shall go there for real.
If you get the chance please visit my blog and read the two posts called 'The Banquet' and 'Dented Pride' - nothing to do with this weeks prompt but they do go hand in hand with your post :)
Thanks!

Penelope Notes said...

The sense of space is evidenced in your lovely photos, Lynette. The large sky where clouds linger, the tall grasses where animals freely wander show a precarious wilderness that mankind hopefully is learning to treasure. Thanks for sharing your unique journey into a land where lions and zebras exist in their natural environments outside the caged spaces we are more familiar with in local zoos.

Sherry Blue Sky said...

This is so wonderful, loved every word and the glorious vistas and creatures you captured so wonderfully with your camera! Sigh. I'll bet you had to pinch yourself constantly to remind yourself you werent dreaming! So glad you made it there, my friend.

Lisa Ricard Claro said...

How envious I am that you traveled to Africa. Even better, you obviously do not take your good fortune for granted. Lovely photos, and your sentiments are echoed.

signed...bkm said...

these are just beautiful, and you also live in a beautiful part of the world...have been up there and to the island many times...my husband is a Canadian and I love your country...thank you for sharing your wonderful pictures...bkm

Madeleine Begun Kane said...

These photos are just astonishing! Wow!
Mad Kane

Cynthia M said...

Amazing! I love the first image of the Savannah :)

Steve Isaak said...

Just wrote a story this week about zebras/Africa on my site, so it was great to see someone else on that (slightly differentiated) wavelength.

Superb stuff!

Rogue said...

Quite stunning Lynette! You are so lucky! Can we trade lives? Hehehehe

Jinksy said...

Wide open spaces there, and no mistake. Great photos...

Linda Bob Grifins Korbetis Hall said...

love the shots,

a unique take on apace, thought provoking piece.

jimi said...

I LOVE your place. I so agree that daydreaming is a legitimate leisure-time activity! I like your writing on simplicity, and looking forward to visiting your peaceful place more...I'm glad I found you.