Tag: #nature

Just Some Outdoorsy Photography

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Disclaimer: All of the photographs present within this blog post were taken by me, Q’Zion, and posted on MY personal blog. Therefore, every photograph within this post is my property. Please do not use, copy, or redistribute these photos in any way. They are for viewing purposes only. Thank you so much and enjoy the post!

Hey, everyone! My name is Q’Zion, and welcome to The Joys and Trials of a Christian Teen. Today, I decided to post some more of my photography that I’ve taken on my frequent trips to the park. Although I’ve already showed a few of these pictures, I’ve managed to capture so many more awesome shots, and I’m so excited to show you all the pics! Without further ado, let’s get into it!

For some reason, these plants remind me of fresh bamboo (even though I don’t know exactly what they look like.)There’s something about that eye-catching medium green that makes the photo look so crisp looking. And I love how the vertical lines look against the horizontals of the brick wall.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again; flowers are truly the gem of nature. At one of the parks that I frequently visit to go on my mile walks, there are so many flower bushes in a variety of colors. And if you know me, you know that means photoshoot galore. Anyways, I’m super satisfied with how this came out.

I don’t know what it is, but there’s just something about this picture that literally DEMANDS to be presented on my blog–which is why I’ve also incorporated it in the sidebar on the homepage, if you haven’t already noticed. I’ve got to admit that Goodmommy did an amazing job on this shot of me. Although I hadn’t been expecting to take any photos as gorgeous as this, I thank God that I was there to get this amazing shot! Thanks again, Goodmommy!

Look who was peaking around the corner! I don’t know about you all . . . but I am OBSESSED with this masterpiece! These ducks are so gorgeous that this has officially become one of my favorite photos of the year.

To be honest, I think the birds were a little annoyed that I was capturing them on camera lol. As you can see, they all decided to go for a swim once they saw me. But it’s all good, because I was able to get this gorgeous shot.

I also found this big guy (or girl) drying his/her wings. Is it just me or are birds so satisfying to capture on camera? From their wings, to their elegant poses–such as this one, to their overall beauty, I find them some of the most fascinating animals to take pictures of. If you also like to take nature photography, do you like to photograph birds, too? Let me know in the comments.

Of course, me and my Goodmommy are both equally obsessed with selfies. Our park dates are some of my favorite times to take pictures together. The background and lighting is always so picture perfect that it’s super hard to go wrong.

OMG, the sky is so pretty in this shot. And do you see the tree on the right turning yellow and orange? I’m definitely getting the fall vibes from this angle. And if you ask me, that’s the perfect way to bring this post to an end.

I hope you all enjoyed viewing some of my nature photography, today! Honestly, seeing it all in one place is so rewarding to see. Please tell me below in the comments, which one of these photographs was your favorite? Also, if you like to take photography, what is your favorite thing in nature to take photos of?

Have a beautiful and blessed day, everyone! God bless each and every one of you, and don’t forget to stay sweet! Peace in!

Beachy vibes at the park | National Beach Day ♡

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Hello, hello, beautiful people! Welcome to my little corner of the Internet, a.k.a. The Joys and Trials of a Christian Teen. I can’t believe that September is almost here. It genuinely feels like August just started! Anyway, today was the fourth time that me and Goodmommy visited the park to start our fitness journey, and it’s already starting to become apart of our weekly routine.

You guys already know that I’m always looking at the National Days as inspiration for new creative content for you all, and I recently discovered that August 30th is National Beach Day. Since I won’t be posting tomorrow, I thought I would tell you all the good news–and show some of the ✨ beachy ✨ pictures that I took at our go-to park to celebrate one of the most iconic staples of summer. Let’s get this party started!

Out of all of the shots that I took today, this one is probably in the top 3–and believe me when I say I took a lot of photos today. I know what you all are probably thinking: what does this have to do with National Beach Day if I didn’t take these pictures at an actual beach? Well, you’re not completely wrong, there. But I think that this shot truly gives those beachy summer vibes that we’re all craving at this time of year.

Let. Me. Tell. You. If you really want to see some cute animals, a park is probably the place to go. Over the course of today’s visit to the park–which was only about one hour–we saw a multitude of birds, butterflies, squirrels, dragonflies, and bees. And although you can’t really see it in the picture, I actually tried to capture some of the insects that were pollinating the white flowers in this photo. Either way, I think the shot is still really cute!

This is just a closer look of the water. All I have to say is it’s ✨absolutely gorgeous ✨!

And last but not least is this shot that I took of this crack in the ground. I think it’s super cool how plants can just sprout right through cracks in concrete, like this. In fact, plants are probably some of my favorite things to capture while practicing my photography. There are so many different kinds of flowers and trees that it’s hard not to take a snapshot every time I see one. What can I say? Plants are some of the jewels of nature.

It was nice to take a break after our usual workout and spend a few minutes by the water. There’s something about being in nature that’s so relaxing and energizing. For me, it’s the perfect way to start a new week after a few busy days. I encourage you all to go outside sometime this week, as well. Because, let’s face it; we all need to breathe some fresh air and feel that refreshing summer breeze, every once and a while.

Have a beautiful and blessed day, y’all! God bless you all, and I will catch you next time! Peace in! ♡

It’s National Photography Day | Here’s what I did to celebrate ♡

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A/N~Every photograph that is present in (and on top of) this blog post, was taken by me, and therefore each of these photos are my property. Please do not redistribute or use any of my photographs for any reason. Thank you, and enjoy the post! ~ Q’Zion ✨

Guess what, y’all: today is Friday. Hallelujah! I hope you all have had an amazing week! You know, there’s something that I realized earlier today: it’s been a while since I’ve practiced my photography. And by that I mean have an entire photoshoot, like I usually do on the rare occasions that I go out of the house. But then I found out that today is both World Photo Day and National Photography Day!

And since most of you know that I have fell in love with photography ever since studying it in my Visual Art class, last year, I decided to take a few photos outside to celebrate. What can I say? It was absolutely gorgeous outside, this afternoon. Anyway, here are a few of my favorite shots that I took today. Enjoy!

What’s funny is that I took a majority of these photos whilst Goodmommy—my grandmother and guardian—was driving. So although the diagonal line in this photo wasn’t intentional, I have to admit that I don’t really mind it.

Landscapes in nature are some of my favorite things to photograph. I think that when it comes to the outdoors, there’s so much variety when it comes to lines, shape, and color. There’s literally an opportunity to take a great photo at every corner. It just takes a little patience and the speed to snap your shot at the perfect moment. I thank God that in half a year, I’m already seeing some improvement.

I’ve got to admit that I’m absolutely in love with this one! The clouds and sky have been so pretty lately. Plus, the color from the flowers are just right to add a little brightness to the photo! God definitely had everything arranged perfectly for me, today! Thank you, Jesus!

Me and Goodmommy like to change the wreath on our front door every season or upcoming holiday. I’ve got to admit that this one is one of my favorites. Although, purple, pink and blue are my favorite colors—especially when they’re all together—so I may be a little biased.

Although the shot of these bushes are probably the most simple out of all of these photos, I really like it for some reason; the way that the leaves are two colors gives a really cool effect! I guess that just goes to show that sometimes, the most simple things in life can be the most beautiful of them all.

Alrighty, so those were some of my favorite photos that I took in celebration of National Photography Day and World Photo Day of 2022, and I have to admit that I’m super happy with the results! Hopefully, you guys liked them, too!

Which one of my photographs in this post did you like the most? What’s your favorite thing to take pictures of? Also, what did you do to celebrate National Photography Day—if you knew about it before now? I would love to read your responses in the comments!

Have an amazing weekend, everyone! God bless you all and I will catch you later! Peace in! ♡

Spring is in Bloom | Flower Photography

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In my Visual Art class for this year, one module was focused on photography, and many of the techniques associated with it. Ever since then, I’ve fell in love with taking photos, especially of nature. As of now, I do my best to take at least one nature photo every week to get some practice in.

Spring is in bloom, so when me and Goodmommy came home today, I noticed these delicate white flowers that were sprouting from a tree just outside. And the first thing I thought was; photo opportunity! So I took a mini photoshoot of the flowers–one of the most beautiful aspects of nature–and I wanted you guys to check them out.

Here are some of my latest nature photographs. All Rights Reserved.

1. I absolutely admire this angle…the flower is tilted so elegantly. Ahh, that feeling when you get a good shot is the chef’s kiss.
2. I think close ups can be super pretty when executed well. I’m definitely seeing improvements!
3. In my art class, we learned that this technique (making small things look bigger) is called macro. The way I remember it is macro = microscope. It’s super cool how zooming in a little can help you see the intricate details that you can’t see unless you take a closer look. That’s one of the most beautiful parts of photographing nature.
4. I just had to show the whole tree in a shot, so I really used the opportunity to do the opposite of macro and make the whole tree the focal point rather than just one flower. The white stands out from the shades of green so vibrantly. Very spring, if you ask me!

Photography makes me feel super happy inside. And my photographs of the great outdoors are always some of my favorites. Thank God for the beautiful scenery of spring!

Learning about different species and organisms that I’ve never heard of or seen before is always a super exciting experience. Every photo that I take is a step of improvement; and I’m enjoying every second of it.

Thanks for reading, y’all! Toodles! 🌻

8 Exciting Ways to Spend Your Spring Break

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For most of us students, spring break is in session! Spring is one of my favorite seasons of the year. Flowers are blooming, birds are chirping, and colors are peeking through every nook and cranny of nature. But, besides the fact that we’re glad that we get a break from school, it can be dawning to figure out some exciting things to do with our family and friends to truly enjoy it.

Hence, here are 8 bloomazing ways to make your spring break one to remember for a lifetime!

Go to a Festival/Amusement Park

Spring offers the perfect weather for walking around, riding on rollercoasters, and eating fried foods. These are only some of the reasons why spring break is the perfect opportunity to give your favorite amusement park, or even a festival (such as the Strawberry Festival) a visit. Theme parks and fairs will bring smiles to your whole family.

Plant a Tree or Start Gardening

One of the best parts about this time of year is the beauty of nature all around us. We shouldn’t take this opportunity lightly; why not start gardening or plant a tree in your backyard? Not only are you giving back to your environment, but gardening can be a great way to maintain mental wellness and bond with those who we love. It’s a win-win!

Read Something New

If you have a reading goal or you just want to read more, this is a perfect opportunity to read a book; whether its one that you have been working on or have been wanting to read for a while. Books are a great way to give yourself some entertainment and learn a positive life lesson in the process.

Take a Hike

One of the best parts of spring is getting in-tune with nature. Hikes allow us to get a breath of fresh air, learn about species of plants and animals, meet new people, get some exercise, and maybe even make a new hobby. Nature walks, camping, and hiking are all amazing for the spring due to the gorgeous scenery and opportunities to learn about nature. And the best part is hiking is an activity that you can do as a family–a great way to spend spring break!

Get Ahead in School

Yes, I know. I might have gotten a couple of eye roles at this one. However, if you are a virtual student like myself, it is likely that you are able to work “ahead of pace,” even during spring and winter break. While I completely understand if you wouldn’t like to do so, you will likely be grateful when you’re taking your summer break early.

Catch Up on Your Favorite Series

With over a week until school resumes, we have plenty of time on our hands. And one of the best ways to spend any long break as such is by catching up on your favorite TV show. We all have those time when we miss a couple of episodes due to our other responsibilities. And while we should still fulfill our duties of our homes even while we’re on break, there’s nothing wrong with a little binging when we get some free time.

Do Some Family Spring Cleaning

Sure, cleaning might not sound like anything “exciting” to do during spring break, but it can be enjoyable if you are creative. For example, you could create your own cleaning playlist, have pillow fights with your siblings, or play The floor is lava while you are dusting. And that’s just a few options. Believe it or not, just about anything that we do can be fun–all we have to do is open our minds to new ways to have a good time while getting the job done.

Drive Around Your Neighborhood

Although we may think that we know everything there is to know about our neighborhoods, why not put that to the test? On those days when you want to get out of the house with family, it can be fun to simply drive around. You may just find a craft store, get a tasty treat at an ice cream shop, or even meet some new people who you’ve never seen before. And you can always sing your favorite tunes or play “I spy” in the car with your fam while you look around. There’s nothing like a mini road-trip.

Hopefully, these tips will definitely be a guide for some fun ways to spend your spring break. I hope that you and your family have a great time together as you embrace the wonderful weather and the overall beauty of the spring season.

Question of the Day: What’s your favorite thing to do during spring break?

Thank you so much for reading! Have a beautiful and blessed day, everyone! ✨

The Benefits of Flowers – Delicate but Powerful

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Flowers may be small and delicate parts of nature, but they also hold a lot of power. I’ve always been a big fan of them; in my house, we have several plants in our living room, flowers included. Since thousands of people are getting a blooming bouquet for their loved ones around this time of year, why don’t we go into depth of the benefits of keeping a few flowers nearby.

And believe me, there’s a lot! So let’s get started! 🌺

1. Flowers increase energy and memory.

Have you ever had one of those those days where you’ve felt a little tired? I know that I’ve been there. Flowers are shown to decrease symptoms of fatigue and improve energy levels. Some plants such as rosemary, lavender, and aloe vera can even improve our memory and stimulate the cognitive part of your brain. This is likely do to their bright variety of hues and decadent scents.

2. Flowers can have a positive effect on your mood and aid relaxation.

Some of the most elegant plants in the world create a calm and serene environment. Along with boosting cognitive skills such as memory, flowers can also help us feel happier and more relaxed. They are natural purifiers of the air that we breathe, and therefore automatically helping us to feel more at peace and tranquil.

3. Flowers are beautiful and sweet-scented.

No science is needed to support that fact that flowers have immaculate beauty and fresh, sweet aromas. They can provide a splash of color in any room or setting and therefore create a much-more-lively atmosphere. Nothing spruces up a space of interior design like a vase of flowers, in the center.

4. Flowers may boost creativity and productivity.

Flowers are elements of nature, natural art that we can admire in our environments. Due to the variety of colors, sizes, petal shapes, and scents, they can also inspire our sense of creativity. On top of this, when we surround ourselves with flowers, they automatically assign us a responsibility: we must make sure that our flowers are watered regularly and get plenty of sunlight. This helps us to be productive by taking care of something other than ourselves.

5. Flowers are an example of God’s creations and growth.

Flowers are beautiful representations of growth and they are creations of God. They show how God does everything purposefully–He created each flower to be unique and beautiful in its own way, much like us people. While flowers are alive, they are beautiful. And when their time has come to an end, each flower still makes a mark by planting more seeds for new flowers to sprout and continue to spread across the Earth. Beautiful, isn’t it?

As you know now, flowers are more than just beautiful to look at. They also can have a positive effect on how we feel (both emotionally and physically), what we do to help the environment, and they add color and beauty to the world. What amazing creations of the Lord, they are.

Some great places to incorporate more flowers into your home are:

  • In an office space.
  • In your bedroom.
  • In a bay window.
  • On the kitchen table.
  • In the living room.

Thank you so much for stopping by! Don’t forget to follow my blog and like this post for more amazing content. Have a beautiful and blessed day, everyone! 🌺

The Story Of My Flying Beta Fish (Reblog)

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Note: This is a sweet story about my flying beta fish, Joyus! I miss him so much, so I decided that I would reblog the post about him, and my other fish, Easter, today!

Hey guys! It’s Princess Q, back with another fun post! So, do any of you have pets? If you do or have had one, I’m sure that you know that pets pretty much become family to their owners. You may have a dog, cat, bird or maybe even a fish! No matter what type of pet you have, they are all just as amazing! ✨

Okay, so a dog would’ve been my first choice, but at this point in my life, I lived in an apartment, so we decided to get a beta fish! However, I don’t regret it, one bit. To be honest, these creatures are literally the mermaids of the sea. …Well, unless there is a such thing as actual mermaids.

So, anyway, me and my Goodmmommy (grandmother), decided to name her Easter, since we got her the day before Easter. She was a beautiful pink color. Although, we were never confirmed her gender, I can tell she was a girl because…well, keep reading to find out.

So, Easter was a great pet. She watched me while I slept next to her on the couch and she was really happy and joyful. Fast forward two years, and, at some point, she stopped eating. Now, being the Christians that we are, we obviously prayed that she would be healed. However, a few weeks later, she passed away.

I admit, I was super sad. Who wouldn’t be if their fish died? However, she died when I was in school (I was at in person school at that time, which was about 2015). Thankfully, my Goodmommy flushed her before I could see her in that state.

R.I.P. Easter! 💖💖

Okay, so shortly after (probably less than a year later), we got another beta fish, and we named him Joyus. This time, we knew that he was a male, since we saw it on the small container that he came in. He was a mix of different blues.

After we took him home, he was a lot like Easter, except more energetic. He watched me when I slept, he was always rambunctious and he almost never stopped moving. Thankfully, he never experienced any health issues, either.

He lived a super happy life…until a Friday that I remember quite vividly. This was in about 2016, and I had just started homeschooling. Therefore, my Goodmommy had to help me with doing my schoolwork until I got used to the system. Anyway, I had a lot to do, and I needed to get it done before 12:00 a.m. Saturday.

So, we were finishing my schoolwork, and on a break, we saw that Joyus’ tank was getting a little dirty. As a result, it was a natural reaction to go ahead and change his tank. Now, to change the tank, we would have another tank ready, right next to the dirty one. Then, we would take a net, and quickly pick up the fish from the dirty tank to the clean one. Now, this had never been a problem with Joyus or Easter until now.

Although we kept putting the net in, Joyus knew exactly what we were about to do. He kept trying to swim away from it. This was a surprise to us since, out of all the times that we’d changed the tank, he had never done this before. After a little bit of struggling, we finally scooped him up, but, to our shock, he flew out of the net!

Okay, so of course me and Goodmommy were in absolute panic! Meanwhile, Joyus was flipping and flopping on the kitchen counter. We tried to scoop him back into the net, but he was wobbling around so much that it was too difficult.

So, at this point, there was some soapy dishwater in the kitchen sink, and Joyus must have smelt it, because before we knew it, he had jumped in! Now, you would think getting in water would be a good thing, however, this was not the case, since;

  1. Beta fish need a special serum in the water to breath.
  2. This dish water was soapy, which is obviously filled with harmful chemicals.

Yep. You guessed it.

R.I.P. Joyus! 💖

Of course, I was devastated, and I still am disappointed to this day. However, when I think about it, I realize that Joyus was a really smart fish! I also know Easter had to be a girl. How do I know? Because, she would never fly out of her tank!

Okay, everyone! I really hope you enjoyed the story about My Flying Beta Fish! If you have any stories about your pets, please comment them down below!

Have a happy, healthy, and positive day, amazing people! ✨