I believe that positivity–or negativity, for that matter–is a choice. I think. Maybe, who knows. But I like to believe that it’s a choice because it feels positive to think that, so I guess it must be true then, right? It puts me in mind of a quote from Jon Kabat-Zinn, which I heard from a friend a while ago. “You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.”
So, not being able to go outside to take pictures, I took pictures inside. I wasn’t going to post them but after mentioning it to a friend, he asked to see them. He was so positive and supportive and he also said they inspired him to take his camera into his garden and he spent an enjoyable, relaxing hour or so being creative.
It’s nice to think that I inspired him to do that. Except, the friend who took the pictures in his garden is the same friend that passed along that quote. So who inspired who? Not that it matters, of course. It just feels good to remember that positivity can also be contagious.

















Beautiful. Looks like it´s time to surf 🙂
Yeah. Surf is indeed up! One day I’d like to try the real thing. Thanks Denise.
Beautiful! I was just last night thinking about your recording of the Rastro and how rich and transformative it is. This new post inspires me to look for the beauty in my own dwelling in ordinary moments, and maybe even to ask others to share theirs! Thank you!
I believe I heard birds as I looked out your window and saw the beautiful buds. Thanks for Sharing! Keep well!
Thank you Dolores! Yes, in fact there is a blackbird in that tree who has a lovely song.
Hi there…..terrific photos!!!!
Hi there to you too Bev. Thanks and I hope to visit you soon one day. I’ll definitely bring my camera, I’m sure your new digs are going to look gorgeous.
Moriah, I appreciate that, thank you. Maybe my next project should be trying some of your delicious looking recipes. 🙂
There are so many occasions when one says about someone who excelled at what they do, ‘he or she makes it look so easy’! Well, the same applies to your pics, Mike. Very cool, indeed!
Very kind, Kinloch. Thanks!
Thanks for sharing Michael, I’m just home from a long day at work and as often happens when you share your talents I’m taken to a quiet and calm state of mind! Exactly what I needed.
Glad to hear you are both well and staying positive x
What a beautiful post! Why didn’t I know about this blog?!?! I will be checking regularly. Love and miss you guys. FWIW, I found this post inspiring.
Thanks Yolanda and Kelli. So happy you enjoyed it and helped with relax/inspiration! Very, very happy to hear that. Stay safe.
Great pictures and appreciate the inspiration. Keep it up. Look forward to your next post.
Mike, I just discovered your podcast and website this week. I don’t know how I missed out for so long, but I am catching up! Spain is my favorite place. We hope to live there in retirement (which is very near at hand). I’m trying not to binge every podcast — I need to have them to look forward to. Thank you for bringing my favorite country to life for me! I was on a walk in our neighborhood park in New York City when I listened to my first one — your stroll through the market in Malaga. What a gift, to be transported to Spain, to forget this damn pandemic for 20 minutes. These photos are beautiful. If the pandemic is providing us with anything fruitful, you have captured it here — the beauty that surrounds us every day, if we would only take time to find it.
I think that’s right up there with the nicest comments I’ve ever received, thank you Tim. I hope to put up more podcasts soon. In the meantime, just in case you haven’t discovered them yet, check out Ben and Marina’s podcast https://www.notesfromspain.com/podcasts/. They’re good friends of mine and very prolific when it comes to podcasts, so hopefully that should tide you over for a while! Thanks again for taking the time to leave such a nice comment.