It is amazing how we humans adapt.
If someone asked me a year ago if I would mind spending each day three hours in a car in order to get to and from work, I would have laughed in their face and said "no way!".
And yet here I am today, doing exactly that which at one time seemed unthinkable to me.
I have mixed feelings about this crazy commute. When it pours down with strong winds, when it is dark and the traffic is heavy, the drive is a terrible ordeal. I arrive at my destination exhausted, my body tense and my mood somber.
And yet, there are times, when the complete opposite takes place, such as this week.
As the days grow longer, I am currently gifted with absolutely stunning views that pass my car windows almost every day.
Setting out, I can watch breathtaking sunrises, which bathe the low lying landscape in pastel nuances of a winter dawn. With only a touch of frost, nature carries a gentle hue of white and yet the arctic air which has swept over the country holds a promise of heavy snowfall.
Turning into the second half of its reign, the Ice Lady is determined to tighten her grip. Until snowstorms prevent me from driving all together, I enjoy the unblemished beauty of an early morning drive - my daily simple pleasure and a true natural wonder.
(All images taken with my old Nikon Coolpix during a recent drive to work)
37 comments:
It is quite lovely and yes somtimes a good drive is what you need.
I used to take my son to soccer three times a week travelling 150 km each way.
That was crazy too especially when sitting in traffic but it was a good experience for him too to meet different people and be exposed to better soccer than what we have around here.
But if you are going to do this for the rest of your life maybe getting something closer to home would be better and safer or maybe moving closer to work? I guess that's harder to do with kids who are dug in.
That's so lovely. I had a beautiful drive to my last job, although I was lucky enough to make the journey in full daylight.
I enjoyed listening to audio books, which enhanced my pleasure.
It seems such an ordeal, Zuzana, to drive all this way, but then you can turn the stress into a thing of beauty and almost of tranquillity simply through your observations.
Know so well what you mean. The sky is so gorgeous this time of year because of the freezing weather conditions.
What gorgeous blue dawns that raise the spirits!
It looks like a pretty long drive but the view is breathtaking. There is always a blessing behind each hardship and more we open our heart to life, more we are able to witness the gifts.
this has been such a mild year for us...no real inclememnt weather to speak of other than some minor freezing rain...def some beautiful skies though...working out of families homes, i drive often...my drive just changes again and again...
Now that's the way to look at the long commute! You take using the camera while driving 70 down the highway to another level my dear! Margie
Gorgeous,I guess thats a big plus if your going to drive that far and be in the car that long.Seriously I could never do it,lol.Something about driving endlessly to your destination is just not my cup of tea,but then again I may be spoiled LOL.
Blessings for a lovely rest of the week Zuzana.
I love the way you have found beauty along the way on your long journey. You do that so well....
If you didn't have the commute you probably wouldn't have seen these beautiful mornings and couldn't have shared them with us. I remember our long morning and evening commutes when we worked downtown Chicago. Our total commute - when all went well - was a good three hours too. You do adjust. The morning commute was easier than the night. By evening I was exhausted. I didn't mind it if it was light out but I disliked traveling in the dark. That's one reason why I loved working from home when we moved to Philly. You should see if you can work from home even if it's just a few days a week it is worth the effort to ask (or beg!).
Beautiful skies are back again!
When I had long commutes I would focus on the views. I'd also enjoy some quiet time for reflection. But most often, I'd play music really loud and I'd sing. Crazy, huh?
Three hours is a long time, but it looks like you're making the best of it. The pictures are great.
That is a very long cvommute. My longest was 88 miles daily. But knowing you, Zuzana, you have a way of making even a tough commute interesting by finding something of beauty to share with us! lol!
Breathtaking photos! You have a way of looking at the bright side of things. That is a gift : )
gorgeous!
and I love how you are taking a positive spin on that commute. Yes, it is long and can be tense, but the views certainly can make you smile! :)
I can't get over how beautiful your skies are!
I travel 45 miles or so each way to work/school and then back home again. That can be exhausting sometimes. In the winter, the drive time can take even longer. I don't know how you do it!
But the beauty on the way helps, I'm sure!
That is such a long daily commute but I am so glad that you have skies like that to lift your spirits.
Beautiful and amazing photos, Zuzana! I don't think I'd mind the commute if I had those views either!
Hugs,
Donna
Zuzana, your views are absolutely stunning! Wow! And great pictures too.
I agree with you re adapting as humans- my commute used to be an hour and 10 minutes, but, because of the recession, it's shortened to 45 mins. Now I wonder how I ever did the longer one!
Beautiful! Indeed we humans are surprising in so many ways... lol :) Such lovely views! :) We have been lucky so far with a pretty mild winter and I am loving it!
Oh, how I love these pictures! I'm so glad you can enjoy your drive at least some of the time. :)
Brilliant pictures and liked your take about how life makes us adapt to new situations!
Excellent images.
I agree with you as I also drive same hours every day.
Once again I will say that you have the most beautiful colored sky there in Denmark. Having lived in the States, how would you classify the differences?
Your landscape looks much like ours in many ways (except for that big blue body of water) but your sky colour is so vivid by comparison. Lovely shots.. but do keep both hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road, my friend.
Thanks for lettin' me sit in the passenger seat on your beautiful drive to school.
When I was teachin' I found that the drive to school let me gear up for the day and the drive home let me gear down.
God bless you and keep your safe on your long journeys.
Have a great weekend sweetie!!! :o)
Gosh, that is a long commute. Takes me back to when I used to have a long drive each day for work. But like you it was through some of the most glorious countryside. Often there are positves to be found in negatives.
Spectacular shots. You know, when I drive down the mountains to go into the city, I start to feel tense. But then I remind myself to relax and enjoy the fact that I am getting out seeing so much! Just a little 'mind game', but it works! :)
Hope you have a lovely weekend!
~ Zuzu
You are a sturdy woman to make that journey. I had such a commute a very long time ago. Audio books (on tape, then) got me through it. If I was tired, I was also wiser! Be well friend.
Of course, you turn a difficult situation into something positive. That is what you do.
I figure that is what makes you special -- and your camera your special tool.
Oh boy, you are good. I'm afraid that commute would be a deal breaker for me, then again, when I see these beautiful pictures-- maybe not.
Safe travels, xo jj
yes, it is amazing how we adapt. for 11 months I took a train for 2.5 hours each way. I finally quit when I realized those 5 hours dented a major part of my life.
I drive 110 miles total a day. I experience the same. Some days are easy and I think, create, explore. Other days, the rain, snow, sleet, winds, and regular traffic make my commute a nightmare. When I have those beautiful sunrises and I see the sky turn all different colors, believe it or not Zuzana, I think of you and grab my camera. Pray I never it a car while taking a picture
Winter reflections Zuzana and... summer thoughts!!!
Those Clear Blue Skies! You Could earn To Fly To Work!:)
I do not love driving but I do like the alone time. My job requires me to be in my car a lot and I am *so* glad the days are getting longer.
The lengthening light is very beautiful.
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