“I love to be alone. I never found the companion that was so companionable as solitude.”
~Henry David Thoreau
Morning Frost and Vineyard
Lone Oak
Frost and Leaves
“If you’re lonely when you’re alone, you’re in bad company.”
~ Jean-Paul Sartre
Winter Vineyards
Frosty Buds
Early Mustard Blooms
“I live in that solitude which is painful in youth, but delicious in the years of maturity.”
~Albert Einstein
Wire and Fence
Sunlit
These are all exquisite, Jane! Every one is a stunner. I love how you composed the wire and fence.
Awesome Captures Jane
Thanks very much, Adrian. Much appreciated!
Lone Oak is very special. You are so lucky to have these rolling hills. North Germany is flat. I mean really flat. Isolating a lone tree is next to impossible. Amazing shots, Jane!
Hi Reinhold, That’s very interesting. I will now appreciate our hills even more. I love the intricacy of these trees and how they dot the hills. Thank you so much.
Love all of these images Jane. It’s refreshing to see landscapes from another part of the country, through another’s lens. Having lived and worked in the oak forests of PA, I must admit I’ve never seen an oak I didn’t like…..and your capture is superb!
HI Nick, Thanks so much! Happy we share a love of beautiful oaks. They are so magnificent in all parts of the country. I lived in SC for a long time and the live oaks were special there. I really appreciate your visit here.
By contemplating these photographs I feel I am strolling through a wood, feeling the breeze, the cool shade of the breeze and the quietness of this lonely but cosy place.
I mean: the cool shade of the trees.
I love your comment, Marcelo. Thank you so much and I’m happy that they evoked such nice feelings. Hope all is well with you.
Awesome work! Love the quote and bnw photos! Am a fan of solitude… 🙂
Hi Cindy, Thank you so much. I do feel that sense of peace when behind the camera. Happy you like this series.
WOW! Amazing shots Jane; I am in love with that tree!
Thank you, Cyndie. Me, too! 🙂 I am getting obsessed with finding lone oaks on hills…
truly wonderful photos – each so diverse and great for the prompt – 🙂
Thank you, Yvette. I loved shooting these– it’s a beautiful part of California.
it surely is a photographer’s paradise 🙂
A real visual treat Jane ! Loved looking in for a closer peep 🙂 Can’t possibly choose a favourite lol but lone oak and sunlit with the corduroy field touched a chord with me … Beautiful all of them .
Hi Poppy, Thank you. Glad the images spoke to you and I appreciate your kind comment. Hope you have a great day.
Love your capture of the frosted leaves.
Hi BT- Thank you! I was so surprised by the frost. Wish I had the fortitude to withstand some more shots in the cold! Happy you enjoyed.
Hi Jane, Lone Oak is incredibly dramatic…I just love that one. Love the all but that one in particular.
You are so kind, Mark, thank you. I first posted in monochrome and then realized how much I love it in color. Happy you agree! Hope all is well with you.
I’ve been to Napa in July, when it was bursting with life. These photos are astonishing and beautiful.
I found the winter scenes so surprising, Jay. Happy you like these. Maybe it’s how quiet it is, too. Thanks very much.
Fantastic … you’ve done it again! My favorites are Lone Oak and Wire and Fence.
Two of my faves- thank you, Denise. So nice to hear from you- much appreciated.
Frosty buds – beautiful. As is the texture of the black and white fence with its wire..
Hi Terry, Very glad those images spoke to you. Thank you!
Who would think that vineyards would look so beautiful during winter, but a visionary photographer. Beautiful images, Jane.
Your comment made my day, Otto. Thank you so much.
Your visuals are stunning and take me on a journey to wonderland, Jane. Loved the use of quotes! Great minds do think alike. 🙂 Made me smile too. Have a wonderful week and thanks for sharing these stunning visuals. Your photography never fails to impress!
You are sweet, Cheryl. I’m so glad you enjoyed the images– I know you liked the quotes. 🙂 Thanks very much!
You are making me homesick again with these wonderful photos. Love the wine country and the changes of the seasons there. Thanks for capturing these for us to enjoy!!
Thanks so much, RP. Very happy they brought back good memories. Much appreciated!
Always so incredibly beautiful Jane. I have reflected a lot on this topic as the challenge came at a time when I feel as if I have too much solitude. Everyone is in hibernation now as it is cold out so even though I live in an urban neighborhood it is quite quiet. I feel a bit isolated these days but know that soon enough spring will be here and everyone will be out, the leaves will pop out and it will be amazing. Winter in Minnesota gets way too long! Love your winter in Napa! I could deal with that for sure! 🙂
Hi Nicole,
Having spent many brutal winters in the northeast, I completely understand how you are feeling. We are in a deluge in SF and thankful for the rain and the snow in the north, but at some point, you hope for sunnier days. It’s funny how people come out of the woodwork when the rain stops for a minute looking for connection. So glad to hear from you and I wish you cozy nights and warmer days. Thank you! 😊
Oh thanks Jane! Yes today it is -12 F windchill but tomorrow up to 45F! Isn’t that crazy? I’m relieved though that me and the kids are flying to Tucson next Wednesday to visit my parents and get a break. Oh the sun will feel so incredible!
Wow Jane, you’re spoiling us with these beautiful winter shots and how brilliant is your final Sunlit!
Thanks so much, Patti. Happy I warmed you with these shots. Much appreciated!
I love the frosty buds. And the Einstein quote. It’s very true that we mostly regard solitude differently as we grow older. 🙂
Thank you, Jo. Glad you like the images and I agree, that quote made sense. 🙂
Each one a gem Jane; pure magic. The monochromes are just stunning. Warmest wishes 🙂
Hi Andrew, Thanks so much. Glad you think they worked well- much appreciated. Hope all is well.
All is well thanks. A gorgeous sunny day here in Vancouver today with clear blue skies and fresh snow. Working on a post 🙂
Beautiful as always. I love the sunlit one. We are knee deep in snow here so nice to fast forward a month!
Thank you, Elaine. I’m glad I brought a little warmth to your world! Hope you have a great week.
I love the frosty pictures. So much detail.
Thanks, Lisa. I sure didn’t expect it and was happy to get a some shots before my fingers froze. 🙂
Ha. I hear you.
What a visual treat this morning before I go to work! That last shot will stay with me today as I step outside into the cold winter weather! Thanks for that bit of sunshine, Jane!
Thank you, Patti! Glad I warmed you up for your day. Hope you have a great one!
Thanks, Jane. You too.
These are fantastic Jane.
Thank you, Edith. Fun to go to wine country off-season.
Beautiful photographs! It is just as beautiful in person. Great capture.
Thank you, Colleen. I see we are in the same part of the world. Glad you enjoyed this series.
Yes Jane, this was a great post! Thanks for sharing.
Appreciate your interest and I enjoyed your blog.
Jane beautifully done. As beautiful as the others are the Lone Oak Tree is the stand out for me. By itself the tree is nice but when you combined the gnarly tree with the mixed up clouds it makes a perfect pairing.
Thank you, Tim. I am in love with that Oak and I was happy that there was some interest in the sky. Glad you like these.
I really like the Live Oaks in winter when each of them shows their unique personality. When I show an image of one I get the reaction that the image is unresolved. There is no place for your eye to focus. But that’s point is it not? You’re welcome.
Oh, my, SO gorgeous, Jane. Pure love!
So glad you enjoyed these, Eliza. Thank you very much!
Beautifully photographed, Jane!
I especially love the frost on the leaves.
It looks like they are coated with sugar.
So nice,
Hi Lisa, Thank you! I didn’t expect the frost so it was a pleasant surprise…until my fingers couldn’t push the shutter anymore. 🙂
Beautiful Jane, I especially like the light on the frosty buds.
Thank you, T. I was thrilled (and frozen) to find frost on the ground that morning.
Stunning as always, Jane. 🙂
Hi Amanda, Happy you enjoyed this series- thank you. 🙂
Beautifully done!
Thank you very much, Belinda. 🙂
Beautiful photos. Anytime when there is an off-season, there is a certain solitude. Things are more quiet, less intense.
Have a good week ahead, Jane.
So true, David…a perfect time for locals to relax and enjoy. Thanks so much and I hope you have a great week, too.
Great set of images Jane – but then wine (vineyards) and photography is an irresistible combination…..;0)
Hi Mark, And wine….maybe not a sunrise. 🙂 Happy you enjoyed these- thanks so much.
More really well-seen stuff.
Thanks so much, CP. That’s a great compliment.
Simply fabulous photos Jane!! ❤️
Thanks, John. Much appreciated! 🙂
Napa is such a special place on this earth. You always capture the beauty of it so vividly ..thanks!!
Thank you, Diane. So glad you enjoyed these and I hope you are doing well.
I love these …I find a sort of CALM in each one….really interesting choices of color & black n white😜
Thanks, April. Glad they conveyed how peaceful Napa is – especially off-season.
Hi, Jane. Your photo of the lone oak is stunning. It is the kind of tree that I could look at for hours on end.
Ω
Hi Allan, Thank you so much. Me, too. I am fascinated by their intricate branches. Happy you like it.
Beautiful landscapes! And perfectly cought 🙂 I could really dream away …
Thanks, Awa. It is a great place to relax…and photograph!
You and that camera have been traveling ” alone” for a long time… what a great companion ..
Beautiful shots.
Hi Linda, She’s cooperative and a great conversationalist. 🙂 Thanks so much, friend.
Beautiful photos of the solitude and shadow of winter, yet with glimpses of the newness of spring to come! I thoroughly enjoyed the presentation! Suzie
I’m so glad, Suzie. Thank you!
powerful reflection – black and colorful stunning combination…
Thank you very much, Mihran.
Beautiful landscape, great captured!
Thanks so much, Ms. D. This is a great place to wander.
Where exactly is this place?
This is on Henry Road in the Carneros region near Napa. Not far from Artesa Winery.
Thank you!
I’m drawn to the textures of Wire and Fence.
Thank you, Sharon. I spent a lot of time with that fence! Glad you like it.
Stunning, outstanding photos and yea..I sympathise greatly with the quotes…nothing worse than being with the wrong company.
Haha, Paula. Isn’t that the truth. 🙂 Happy you enjoyed this series…thanks so much.
Great captures… Love the light, the B&W.
Thanks so much, Louise. Napa has lovely light.
Beautiful photo’s as always… and I couldn’t agree more with the first quote 🙂
Hi Noortje, Happy you enjoyed these winter shots (although very different than your winters!) Glad you like the quote although I am not sure my husband agreed..😬
Lovely post. Lone Oak a firm favourite!
Thank you, Rob. Much appreciated!
I love the photos! 🙂
Thank you very much, Lisah. 🙂
I love the quote, Jane. Seems to fit me just fine when I am out and about with my camera 🙂 These pictures are stunning! I love the ‘Lone’Oak’. The light, the blue sky and the movement in the wisps of torn cloud make for a very beautiful and appealing vision. And I would love to walk amidst those mustard blooms 🙂
Hi Pete, That’s what struck me about the quote, that I am lost in the solitude when I am shooting. So glad you enjoyed the images– I am in love with California Oaks. I must get back soon to catch the mustard in full force. Thanks so much for your kind words.
Beautifully done. Vineyards in the cooler months, how about that. They look just as good as vineyards do in warmer weather. Must have been cold when you were out taking these photos 😀 Love the quotes too. I really like the Jean-Paul Sartre one. If we love ourselves and enjoy our own company and are confident, we’ll always be happy no matter where we are and who we’re with 🙂
Thank you, Mabel. It was freezing that morning but I managed to make some shots before my hands stopped working. Happy you enjoyed these along with the quotes. Hope you are having a nice summer! 🙂
Off-season wine country looks great through your lens, Jane!
Thanks so much, Sue!
Yo’re welcome, Jane!
Love the lines, Jane! Great photograph! Marcus
Thank you, Marcus. The vineyard patterns are fascinating. Glad you enjoyed.
Love all the photos and the quotes.
Thanks very much, Sunny. I love off-season in wine country. 🙂
Great and interesting pictures to this weekly challenge theme.
Thank you, Robert. I enjoyed this one…photography is an escape. Happy you liked these images.