When I saw the title of this week’s WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge I knew exactly what I would say if asked what is my ‘Happy Place’ and where I would go to find my ‘groove’ and inspiration .
For almost 14 years now we have lived on a hillside in south western France. The roofs still leak and parts of the boundary walls need rebuilding, the garden still lacks borders and plants, the house would be so much nicer with a decent bathroom and a heating system that worked, the kitchen is woeful, we never have enough buckets when it rains, the water pump is constantly blocked with snails and most recently a small frog, our chic is decidedly shabby and with winter just around the corner we will be putting on layers and layers of woolly sweaters and socks to keep warm. But for all that, the place has an atmosphere, a setting and a view which are beautiful beyond riches and I wouldn’t change it for the world……
Here are a few images of the view from a French Hillside in the morning sun and the evening sun in Autumn.
ALL PHOTOS © JANE MORLEY
If you enjoy the photos on my blog please do visit my brand new website http://www.janemorley.photography where you will find many more photos and also http://www.theartcardpress.com for latest news, a host of greeting cards and photographic prints!
View from a French Hillside 
What a beautiful spot you are able to enjoy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is indeed thank you elifamily2!
LikeLike
Beautiful. There is nothing to compare with Shabby Chic! What avview.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Sarah, I hope we’re still slightly more chic than shabby but it’s a close run thing! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jane, that’s a home with a (fabulous) view, that’s for sure. What a joy, even when the shabby overwhelms the chic.
janet
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re quite right Janet! There’ is always something beautiful to look at whatever the season or the weather 🙂
LikeLike
Delightful, especially the final one.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Alex!
LikeLike
After my latest blog post I like to think I’m officially an expert sunshine appreciator 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’d better go and check that one out Alex – definitely missed it 😦
LikeLike
As someone with such talent, I’d be curious which one stands out most to you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aha beat you to it – I just cast my vote on your blog! And thanks for the very kind compliment Alex! 🙂
LikeLike
All true 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
😀
LikeLike
These are sumptuous Jane, what a beautiful place you must live in…I wouldn’t swap it for the world 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you James! It doesn’t have the rugged majesty of the moors but it has it’s own special beauty – and lots of sunshine! 🙂
LikeLike
These are absolutely glorious!! They make me happy and it isn’t even my “place”.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much Janet! It is hard to be miserable when you have a view like this to cheer you up even in winter it’s beautiful!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can see that! 🙂 Thanks to you and your camera.
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love that sunset view of the farmlands Jane – just lovely. A happy place indeed!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Tina! The colours may look a little over orange but the hills really were coloured like this by the sun!
LikeLike
Even you have struggles with some issues of your house, but absolutely looks like a very Happy Place. It’s you and your presence which makes it a happy place. The first images what kind of trees are growing in the back ground, just being curious?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Cornelia! There are lots of poplars on the left and a mixture of all sorts on the hills, horse chestnut, French oaks etc.
LikeLike
funny how things that you wouldn’t put up with normally become quaint idiosyncrasies when you are in your happy place and yes I would put up with all of that and more just to have your wonderful view and be in France. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re right Kaz! I suppose there are certain surroundings that allow you to appreciate the little things in life and suddenly material things take on less importance! (Luckily!!) 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
oh my that is so lovely…the view and atmosphere outweigh the rest. Sweaters are cosy. 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
They certainly are frenchapple – I even make my own now 😀 !!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely! Is that the Provence?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Herbert – no actually we’re in south Charente, about an hour east of Bordeaux, cognac country!
LikeLike
These are some of the best scenic photos I have seen for awhile! Keep clicking!”
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much marlandphotos – I really appreciate your kind comments!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great Photography, needs to be complimented!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks again!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very beautiful shots of countryside and a delightful sunset
LikeLiked by 1 person
Many thanks indeed Pat, so pleased you like them!
LikeLike
So lovely, Jane! You’re right, the views make everything else worthwhile! xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Grace! 😉
LikeLike
What a magnificent place and your images celebrate the home you love, Jane. The crispness and colors of the farm with the setting sun (or maybe it’s rising?) is so beautiful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Jane! They go from early(ish!) morning views to orange reflections from a stormy evening around sunset! Not always like this and some parts have changed a little but these are some of my favourite views of my ‘Happy place’. Don’t really consider myself much of a landscape photographer but this spot is the source of so much inspiration!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your landscapes are stunning although I know your heart lies with still life.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Cheers Jane! 🙂
LikeLike
Beautiful set!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Many thanks Nathalie!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I could be happy there. My wife might complain at first hint of winter but she has an adventurous spirit! Thanks, Jane, for giving me wanderlust!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Cheers Emilio! Glad you like it, it’s certainly not as warm as your part of the world, although the sun does shine a lot, but the countryside is beautiful and the wine is good!
LikeLike
All I need is the wine!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Has a way of compensating doesn’t it 😀
LikeLike
Taking in the views from hillsides are definitely happy places – I can feel the joy from here! Beautiful, Jane.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Many thanks indeed Ian! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Always had a penchant for hillsides and dislike for urban polluted centers. Your article reignited that wish and now wondering how to put it out.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello AZAD, thanks for your visit – I’m sure we all need to take a break from urban hustle and bustle now and then just to get back in touch with nature in however small a way. I’m sure most townies would find our life here way too quiet! Finding the right balance is different for everyone I suppose!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Right. I believe happiness lies in quiet life. In that sense, you have found the perfect place for you. Well wishing you all the best for your adventures.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thankyou AZAD and you too!
LikeLiked by 1 person