The narrow path by helenhall

The narrow path

New Year's Day

I like to get out on a long walk on the first day of the year - clear the cobwebs and look forward to the year ahead. It didn't quite happen that way today for two reasons. The first being that our guests were still with us at 3 am, which meant that it was 10 am by the time we crawled out of bed to face the year. The second, was being lured by the prospect of seeing the Otters, me and my other half had decided to head down to the café by the lake where they have been hanging out, for brunch.


No otters today. So we talked about the year ahead and asked ourselves some difficult questions and walked around the riverside and onto the country park whilst contemplating how we intended to stay on track this year.


Which brings me to the narrow path. It is hard to stay on it, stay focussed, keep running, through all the seasons. Hard enough for one, even more complex for two seeking to share lives and goals in a way that delivers the best for and from both of you.

We try.


May yours be a fulfilling year ahead, whatever path you choose to follow.
Very poignant Hazel wishing you all the best
January 1st, 2019  
Staying on track is hard, but almost always worth the effort. Your photo is a great illustration of the concept - it looks cold, but the effort is sure to reap rewards. Happy New Year!
January 1st, 2019  
Matter for thoughts... nice photo, too.
January 1st, 2019  
thought-provoking sentiments as so often, helen, and a lovely image to accompany your meanderings, if i may call them that. good luck to you and him with your shared journey this year :)
January 1st, 2019  
I'm sure you are glad to be able to run! If I had a monster chasing me, I might actually run. Good to have discussions like this!
January 1st, 2019  
@maggiemae I don't run Maggiemae - my ankles/flat feet would not allow it. Just using an innocent passer by to illustrate my point.
January 1st, 2019  
Your photo goes perfectly with your narrative. A time for reflection and planning.
January 1st, 2019  
Good luck Helen Jane!
January 1st, 2019  
Wishing you and yours a year full of wide paths, happiness, and Otter sightings Helen :)
January 1st, 2019  
Plenty of good reasons for not fulfilling your good intentions - sounds like it was worthwhile after all - and a good photo too.
January 1st, 2019  
Wishing you and yours full paths and good health
January 2nd, 2019  
Lovely image and a really interesting narrative. One thing I have learned through our time with the RAF is that you can't stay on track or plan ahead. Our motto has always been 'All planning is flexible' You always have to have a plan B in the background.
Lots of things we have planned in our life, it may be as simple as an evening out together and then David would come home at lunch time and say 'I am off to Germany at 1 o'clock'. The evening out had to be cancelled and I had no idea when he would be home again, it could be two days,two weeks or even two months and I wouldn't find out until he turned up home again. I find the best way in life is to just go with the flow.
January 2nd, 2019  
happy new year, helen. once again, you're able to adapt your thoughts to the photo (or perhaps the other way around); which is something i like about you. your essays are so profound and always hit the proverbial nail on its head. i wish i could write like you do. aces on the photo, great lighting.
January 2nd, 2019  
Super capture, edit...fav
January 2nd, 2019  
Thoughtful sentiments, and a super capture
January 2nd, 2019  
Lovely shot. Sounds like a good way to start the year despite it not being your plan
January 2nd, 2019  
Lovely image and great narrative
January 2nd, 2019  
Lovely shot. It shows your feelings very well.
January 2nd, 2019  
I wish you all the best and many fulfilling moments in the New Year! I appreciate your way of looking at the world. I am always pleased with your beautiful words, your elegant sentences and cultivated thoughts.
January 2nd, 2019  
@jerome thank you for your kind words Jerome. The day I can stop writing and convey what I wish through image, I shall be happy!
January 3rd, 2019  
@onewing oh I agree entirely with your views about planning .. flexibility and ability to adapt is key. We don't always know where the path is taking us, or when it might divert, but we can determine our attitudes and responses and prepare ourselves to journey wisely.
January 3rd, 2019  
@summerfield you are too kind. Just keep writing the way you do. Always highly entertaining. I sometimes need to remind myself that this is a site for photography .. not words! I'm amused at the concept of being profound. If you met me you might conclude otherwise!!
January 3rd, 2019  
@suzanne234 how lovely to hear from you. Will we see you back for 2019? I miss you. Hope all is well.
January 3rd, 2019  
You certainly have a way with words. Happy New Year Helen
January 3rd, 2019  
@helenhall Thank you so much Helen, all is very well with me although I still don't seem to have the time or motivation to pick up my camera. On the upside, my house is now very clean and tidy! I do hope to get back this year, I too miss you all.
January 3rd, 2019  
Such a beautiful and poignant way of heading into 2019. You are definitely a talented writer and your pictures are icing on the cake. Wishing you a path well-trod, inspiration filled and full of photos along the way in 2019.
January 9th, 2019  
Leave a Comment
Sign up for a free account or Sign in to post a comment.