Expanding walks to Thursdays starting this week
Click the video above for 2 minutes of background waves while reading.
I like walking on the beach. It is good for the mind, body, and soul – and refreshing on my feet.
I stand looking at the water. As I turn my head 180 degrees from east to west, the distant horizon appears both as a straight line and as an arc where outbound ships disappear. No wonder there was a time many years ago when civilizations thought our world as flat – but that is a story in itself.
Horizon is that line serving as a baseline for determining the angle of something in the sky – the sun, the moon, a sparking celestial object of the night that is so far away – the azimuth – a measure.
Some see the horizon over the sea as the place where the sun signals the day’s brightness to come with a warm glow transforming the dark clouds of night into blues and grays accented with yellows and orange streaks. The signal preceding a glowing disc rising over the horizon.
Others see the horizon as the place where the sun dips to kiss the sea before heading out of sight – a signal of the night that is to come.
Perhaps the horizon is where the known and unknown meet. Each of us know different amounts of different things. Nobody knows all – so for each of us, the unknown lies beyond the horizon.
Perhaps the horizon is like learning – the more one knows, the more they realize how much they don’t know – therefore, how much there is to know – yet to be learned.
Perhaps the horizon is a different edge – an edge separating graspable concepts that we can comprehend with the ungraspable. Beyond the horizon lie concepts one fails to approach – failing to comprehend. The bigger question lies in the same one-word question for all – why?
Perhaps the horizon separates our life known up to the moment to the unknown of tomorrow. The horizon separates our yesterday from our tomorrow. Looking across the water to the horizon that separates our past from our future.
Perhaps the horizon is a metaphor beyond the waters that refresh my feet. After all, the hills of home have a horizon. What lies in the uncertainty over the next hill? Yes, looking up the hill is the same as viewing across the water. Thinking about what lies over the next hill is the same as thinking beyond the horizon that I see at the moment.
Perhaps the horizon is about the dreams of today and the unknown of tomorrow for all of humanity. The dreams of curing cancer, reducing poverty, traveling to the great unknowns of the universe, and more. People see the same horizon, yet everyone has different hopes and dreams – possibly vastly different. Therefore, the journey to the land of hopes and dreams of a vision on the land sought is a journey only for the patient.
Perhaps the horizon is like science because science is on a never-ending quest to answer questions that do not stop. After all, answers lead to new questions.
Perhaps beyond the horizon lies solutions, diversions, and solace – but all with very much uncertainty, a fear of change, the mourning of a loss, and an unfolding of tomorrow.
Perhaps the horizon is something one desires but will never have – or only have in thoughts and dreams. Maybe trying to reach the horizon is futile or elusive – perhaps it is endless.
A ship moving toward the horizon that never gets closer to the horizon. Perhaps the horizon is the fantasy with a lover a person will never have for it is unattainable – although seemingly closer. As the ship keeps moving, the lover keeps reaching – but both the horizon and the lover remain out of reach.
Perhaps the horizon as a stranger – a person unknown for now – possibly one who will connect to your soul – one becoming a truly trusted friend on multiple levels.
Perhaps the horizon is the blur between here and there, now and then, yesterday and tomorrow.
Perhaps the horizon is the window in the past where we see a loved one waving and smiling.
Perhaps thinking beyond the horizon is wondering about the unknown of the next frontier – whatever it may be.
Perhaps the horizon is where geniuses reside – those few who can think beyond the border – beyond the horizon – think in an inspired, creative way with an uncontrollable curiosity that is different from the norm – to see more and more deeply than others – thinking beyond the horizon.
Meanwhile, I ponder the horizon that I see – a straight line in one direction – an arc in another. The horizon – a reminder that I enjoy walking on the beach and that it is good for the mind, body, and soul – and refreshing on my feet.
What others have written about horizons
- Beyond the horizon: words and images
- Horizon street art
- Distant horizons watercolors
- Towards the horizon – a poem
- Horizons – a poetic prompt
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Next Walk: Water – Thursday 12 November @ 1 AM (Eastern US)
Very philosophical post!! Beyond the horizon is where we walk with the faith it took to get somewhere nearer to it. Oh, dear, my thoughts are addled…sorry. I did enjoy reading this post, though.
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Meezer,
🙂 Ha ha … hey … I want your thoughts. 🙂 I hadn’t thought of it that way, but I agree that thoughts about the horizon are philosophical. I don’t consider myself to be philosophical, but I like the thought!
FYI: I’ve tried visiting your blog several times, but my security system keeps blocking noting viruses attached to your site. Just wanted you to know.
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I get it too, but I just go there anyways. Lately I have had that trouble with a few blogger sites. I do have a Word Press Blog, you could try that one. I will give you the link:
http://mrjackfreckles.wordpress.com
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Meezer … thanks … and will visit. 🙂
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PS: Link says no longer available. 😦
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Sheesh…my addled brains.
Sorry, I was at the ER for hours today with hubby….he is fine, well as fine as can be after spine fusion surgery a week ago…he had to have stitches for an unrelated event.
I think this is the current WP URL…lets hope it works for you.
mrjackfrecklespipominko.wordpress.com
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Success … thanks. More importantly, all the best to hubby.
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A positive and thoughtful take on horizons, at a time when it’s fairly hard to stay optimistic about what’s on all our horizons this winter.
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Margaret,
Oh yes – the drums of winter are in the distance. We are currently having an unseasonable warm wave, but I’m sure winter on the near horizon has a just-wait smirk.
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Perhaps the horizon is where the known and unknown meet
Perhaps the horizon is a metaphor beyond the waters that refresh my feet
I began collecting the lines that jumped at me, and then quit after the above 2 (just noticed they rhyme 🙂 ) as I chose to enjoy the trance of the beautiful experience your descriptions of the horizon created. What a rich, pleasant, peaceful post!
I sometimes practice with a yoga teacher who gives a simple reminder “Eyes at the horizon” I find my gaze instantly soften as it simultaneously drops inward and out there far away, as if bringing the dimensions together for me and my spine aligns in length quietly. Just thought of sharing that.
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PD,
I always enjoy it when readers share their favorite lines with me. Of course, I love the rhyme. 🙂 Thanks for sharing. And your yoga teacher is wise with the metaphor, which works! Thanks for your kind words, plus I always enjoy reading your insightful comments.
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What a theme, Frank and how beautifully you covered it. I suppose it’s needless to mention how elemental a horizon is to me …after so many paintings and I’m still exploring it! Wonderful through and through (videos included… esp. ocean sounds! 😉)
Yamas!
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Marina,
Just as I started reading your comment I wondered about horizons from an artist’s perspective, and then you mentioned it! 😀 The serendipitous thought made me jump for joy. Yamas!
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Smiles… lots of them!
Yamas, my friend!
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Love the subject of horizons…..the end of something and beginning of another. Hope and possibilities. Endings and beginnings. You covered it all. Beautifully.
Hugs, Pam
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Pam,
Glad you enjoyed this, and I like your idea of hope and possibilities. Thoughts about horizons seem endless. Thanks for walking along this morning.
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An interesting and thoughtful exploration of the real and metaphorical meanings of horizon. I imagine we all have our own personal horizons, as well.
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Merril,
Thanks for the kind words. I knew we would connect on this one – well – knowingly we have before. I recall my sparking a poem, and I’ve incorporated one of your thoughts into this walk. Thank you! 🙂
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You’re welcome and thank you!
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Such an interesting exploration of horizons, Frank. I was recently reading about our two visuals systems (the near and the far, basically, although I’m sure there are scientific names for them), and how looking out at the horizon activates our mystical/creative/meditative side. That appears to be true in your post about horizons. 🙂
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Robin,
Thanks … and now I’m in mystical, creative, and meditative modes? That’s quite the praise … so thank you! Love that thought, which must be included in volume 2!
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Quite a post! Especially for someone like me, a fantasy writer. 😉 I especially liked “Perhaps the horizon is where the known and unknown meet.”
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Laurie,
For me, praise from a fantasy writer makes my day. Thank you!
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I think of the horizon as beckoning me, enticing me . . . come little one, come and see . . . Loved this post.
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Pam,
Come little one .. come and see … Brilliant … and very fitting with Debbie mentioning it as a temptation. Oh boy … thoughts about horizons seem endless! 🙂
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Horizons are like those carrots held temptingly just beyond our reach. We know we want them, but actually acquiring them is another matter. Love what you said about horizons being like learning, and the meeting of the known and unknown. Lovely thoughts, Frank!
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Debbie,
Thanks for the kind words, but I love your analogy as temptations. Brilliant. As I’ve told others, readers have provided so many great thoughts, I may have to take notes that will lead to horizons part 2! THANK YOU for your contribution.
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I was doing fine until the sleep music put me to sleep. 🙂 Just kidding. Interesting thoughts about what “horizon” might stand for. For me, it might mean places still to go and an endless possibilities. As a Christian, the horizon could easily represent the next step of going to heaven and that there are many more things out there that we don’t even comprehend.
janet
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Janet,
One of the things I like about posting these walks is the additional perspective that readers provide – and your comments delivers another one. Thank you for adding an aspect from the Christian perspective.
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Thanks for making me think today, Frank. Some days, it takes a nudge.
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Dan,
Glad to know I was able to nudge a few thoughts in this walk. 🙂 After all, nudge is better than nothing.
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Maybe the horizon is the evidence needed for the flat Earther’s belief since they never get there.
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John,
Oh my … priceless … as I’m laughing!
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😁
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Welcome back, Frank!
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Wendy,
Thank you for visiting and for following. Feel free to do some back reading because there are that many. Especially the first one because it tells how these came to be.
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I certainly will.
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So much pondering about the horizon–so many possibilities. I too once wrote an entire blog called “Horizon Envy”. Here in the woods we can’t see the horizon except when the leaves fall off the trees. It can even feel claustrophobic for those who love the long view. Enjoying pondering the depth and length of your beautiful beach horizon.
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Kathy,
Excellent perspective. I recall meeting a person from Seattle who loves to run outdoors. Because she used to live in eastern Washington state where it is more wide-open, she described running in the winter in Seattle was claustrophobic. Thanks for sharing.
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The horizon as metaphor has so many possibilities, doesn’t it? We can use it at will and it will be understood for whatever we do use it for. That said, there is something special about being on a ship’s balcony and looking towards the horizon which seems to go on for infinity. Leaves us with lots of room to dream.
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Dale,
There is so much to be said about horizons, I could probably write volume 2 based on the wonderful perspectives shared by readers in the comments. As a person who enjoys cruising, oh yes to your perspective from the ship! …. and free to dream – a perfect ending. 🙂
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I thought that one would get your attention 😉
And so glad you thought so!
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😊
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🙂
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I like your horizon reflections, Frank.
Yes, I agree with everything you’ve mused upon.
Yet, may I add, the horizon is where it’s at. It’s a cut off point. It’s an exact moment. The moment of a friend’s disappearance, of my vanishing.
It’s the moment we cease to exist, nothing else. Still I wonder …. did anyone see anything beyond.
“Can you tell me where” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5qLuLC2vTwx Well, whatever you think of my odd comment here, I adore you!
A wonderful evening’s morning beach walk, thank you!
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Resa,
The amount that can be said about horizons seems endless – and you just added another layer. Love it – especially because I didn’t think of this. Thanks for sharing …. clink!
As I have told others, so many great additions in the comments, that my inspire me to write another one about horizons. 🙂
Thanks for the video – but will match later. (Can’t now)
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😀 😀
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Our walk on the beach reminded my of Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s poem, Ulysses, when he looks into the horizon.
“Yet all experience is an arch wherethro’
Gleams that untravell’d world whose margin fades
For ever and forever when I move.
How dull it is to pause, to make an end,
To rust unburnish’d, not to shine in use!
As tho’ to breathe were life!
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Rebecca,
Hmmmm … more to ponder … which is a good thing! 🙂 Now I wonder, how many iconic movie scenes involve someone starring at the horizon and providing poignant thoughts. Thanks for Ulysses – which is something I didn’t consider!
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Frank, your horizons take me places I’ve never been. A mystical journey 🙂 🙂 And I love that little oval ‘lookout’.
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Jo,
Your description of this walk as a “mystical journey” made me smile. Thank you!!! … and if it stimulated thinking, even better. I must admit that this one is one of my favorite walks.
I like the oval looks, too. When the pics are medium size and justified, they are either mine or from a free-use site. However, as you will see on the next post, I will have some large centered pics by a collaborator. Look over the “Topics List” because you may think of pics you have so we could collaborate. 🙂
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I like the video ( the first ) as I feel like the ocean was singing with the deep musical background
Yes, Frank, the horizon is inspiring . We can admire it but we never can hold it , it goes away when we hope seize it.
In frriendship
Michel
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Michel,
This is one of my favorite beach walks, so I hope you found something in it that might ignite your writing thoughts.
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Thanks Frank, for the suggestion and indeed the walks are a unexhaustible source for the meditations.
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Sometimes all it takes is a phrase from another source
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It’s hard to keep a good blogger down, Glad you’re back.
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Hansi,
Thank you … And it’s good to be back. Trying to figure 2 or 3 times per week.
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Hi Frank, Thanks for sharing my post and I enjoyed your thoughts on the meaning of horizon very much. Something I ponder often when I am out photographing. 🙂 Good like with your newest blog!
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Jane,
Welcome first-time walker. Including posts by other bloggers about the topic was a recent idea – so, I’m happy we connected. Horizon is a powerful concept, and I’m sure it’s something you consider with each image. Well, that’s coming from a nonphotographer.
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But a good writer! 🙂
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Your reflections have me pondering, though in truth I was pondering before. I’m out for a walk tomorrow. Two choices. Along the beach, northward 10 miles and get the bus home. Or to Breydon Water, walk 5 miles to Burgh Castle (Roman ruins) and walk back. Same distance walk on both and I can’t decide which to do. One has a slight rise of land on the distant horizon. The other has nothing but sea.
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Crispina,
Stimulating thought is one of my goals, so thanks for letting me know. Both choices for tomorrow’s walk seem wonderful. Could wind be the deciding factor?
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Wind is always a deciding factor. And as happens, the wind won. I stayed home. But I couldn’t remain there. Took a short hike across to Breydon Water (estuary though at the back of the town) and took 200 shots of the sun going down.
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I imagine this is not the first time the wind won.
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The east coast can be a bit blustery with nothing to stop it. Worst are the east winds, straight in from Siberia. Cold.
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Brrrrr ….
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A beach horizon always makes my mind wander and wonder. Another sea-worthy walk, Frank!
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Monika,
A wandering and wondering mind is on the way to expansion. 🙂
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Which makes walks with you on the beach that much better.
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🙂
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Horizons as the never ending journey of our lives, I like it. While reading this, I thought about the relationships that I’ve walked away from this year (some being Trump Effect) and about the changing dynamic of others. And yet again when pondering those who have re-entered my horizon.
Once again, you supply us with so much food for thought.
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Marc,
Thanks for the kind words. Supplying food for thought is one of my targets in these walks. Truth be known, this is one of my most favorite topics. You mentioning relationships that you walked away from and the changing dynamic of other relationships makes me think about the relationship between the sun and horizons. Yes – it sets to go away – yet it rises later to bring about a new day – a rebirth.
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One sunset is another sunrise, yes it is, isn’t it? And to each of these things, we should appreciate both sides equally- the former for having gifted us a beautiful experience and the latter for the hope it fills us with.
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This brought to mind a Ralph Waldo Emerson quote, “The health of the eye seems to demand a horizon. We are never tired, so long as we can see far enough.” I like your idea of the horizon being where the known and unknown meet. Enjoyed your thoughts very much today.
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Barbara,
Not only am I happy that you enjoyed this walk, thanks for adding a touch of Emerson. So much can be said about the horizon. With all the great comments, that may spark volume 2.
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Frank, this may be my favourite walk on the beach with you so far. Every “perhaps” led to a thought in itself, then another, then another … so many thoughts to ponder!
I especially liked your description of the horizon as being “where the known and unknown meet”. Yes, everything beyond the horizon is unknown to us, like a miarge of the road, the patch of water we drive towards in the heat of the day, yet never reach.
Your thoughts never fail to extend my thought process towards the unknown. 🙂
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Joanne,
Good to know this may be your favorite. Truth be known, this is one of my favorites out of over 100! Horizon is such a powerful metaphor and for so much. As I mentioned to others, there are so many other thoughts that readers (including you) have added, volume 2 is a possibility! …. and thanks for the kind words.
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Volume 2 sounds like a great plan! 🙂
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🙂
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We have a family tradition of spending sunset at the water’s edge (when we can) watching the sun disappear at the horizon. We live in an area where the trees are so dense that I can’t see the sunset directly, but when we go to the beach, that’s my favorite time of the day. It’s absolutely hallowed time for me. I can quiet a lot of interior noise with that particular sunset view. 🙂
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Debra,
Sunsets on the west coast are as unique as sunrises on the east coast. Well, at least Florida’s west coast can be similar to yours. I’ve had the chance to observe sunset on your coast several times … yes – special.
When we are on the Alabama coast, we face south, so we get a chance to see both sunrise and sunset over the water. … and we also notice the sun’s arc change.
Cheers to the spiritual nature you find in sunsets. Mine are probably similar, but at sunrise. Thanks for sharing!!!!
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Hues of the horizon paint a picture so diverse, they are a treat to the eyes and delight to the soul.
Beautiful post Frank. The mind just wanders across the horizon, admiring in awe it’s beautiful artistry.
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