My house is full of candles. I love creating a calm mood and my home reflects that. Or at least I think it does. It doesn’t always work but that’s my aim, at least at dinner time.
Call me a bit kooky but even when we’re camping I still love my candles. Granted, they’re usually citronella ones designed to keep the mozzies at bay but they still create a relaxing mood. Like at Yanakie a few weeks ago. The light was soft, the sounds of waves lapping in was soothing and the sea breeze was cool.
The tranquility was almost tangible.
We were blessed with the most amazing fiery skies in which to eat under. That’s the joy of dining outdoors amongst the beauty of mother nature’s natural lighting. The ambience heightened even more by our outdoor candle as the night slowly darkened.
It’s beauty that can be found anywhere, if we stop and look up. Look around. And it’s priceless.
Each and every place we visit has its own vibrations and feel. Like a mood that comes into our heart depending on the intensity of emotion we’re feeling at that moment.
All our senses play a part in determining how a place appeals to us. Or sometimes doesn’t.
On our travels we’ve been occasionally disappointed but mostly captivated by the atmosphere of a place. Sometimes in the most unlikely of places.
I’ll never forget standing on the platform at the railway station in Castlemaine. Two steam trains were about to depart simultaneously.
There was billowing smoke and the whistles were blowing, the air was thick with anticipation and I felt like I was on the set of a Harry Potter movie, about to embark on the Hogwarts Express. It was magical.
Inside it felt just the same. It was like we’d stepped back in time to a bygone era.
Then there’s the ambience of a warm campfire and the feeling of camaraderie it gives.
Mum used to say that nothing beats the company of a fire and she was right. Whether it’s in the hearth of a home or underneath a moonlit sky.
This was in our back paddock last winter. Toasting marshmallows, sharing supper, stories and good company. The sounds of crickets and frogs in the the creek down the back and the crackling of the flames was blissful.
Even though it’s summer now and campfires are still a few months off I have no doubt we’ll be sitting round a warm fire again before too long. Both inside and outside.
Here’s to an uplifting and peaceful atmosphere. We can all find it. Some days it might be damn hard, but I’m convinced each of us has our own special patch that’s worth nurturing.
We just need to be mindful. After all, our moods have the power to alter and affect any atmosphere.
Where ever you are in the world I wish you a peaceful heart and a light mood to walk you through your day. May we all stay positive and tune into all our senses as we continue the journey.
In response to WPC: Ambience
Sharing also for Frank’s Tuesday Challenge: Playing with Fire
I love that saying, nothing beats the company of a fire.
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Yeah, it’s good isn’t it. Thanks Anne.
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Beautiful Miriam! I love your camping sites. You are so blessed to live in such a beautiful place!
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I am indeed, thanks so much Nicole.
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An absolutely wonderful post, Miriam! I love your insights and the photos. The second photo from the top is completely breathtaking. I love candles too btw. Wishing you a wonderful week ahead.😊
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Ha, thanks Brenda. That shot is actually my screen saver now. Hope you’re keeping well. xo
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I can certainly appreciate having such a beautiful photo as screen saver. I’m doing great. Although I’m so sick of winter haha.😊 I hope you’re keeping well too.💜
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Hey Brenda, I’m keeping well thanks, just dealing with some domestic household hassles here today. 🙁 An yeah, I can well imagine you’re sick of winter. Sending you over some warm sunny summer rays. 😎
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I could use all the summer rays you can send.🌞 I hope you end up having a great day despite the hassles.😊
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Thanks Brenda,sending those warm rays over now as I type. 😊😊 And yes, trying to stay positive. Things have a way of working out, eventually!
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Yes they do.😊 I can feel the rays already.😊
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Excellent! 😎
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So cool Miriam. I love the way you camp! The train looks amazing. Awesome post.
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Thanks so much Wendy and yes, that train trip was just awesome.
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Thanks, Miriam. I needed to hear this message right now. Beautiful photos, as usual.
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Thanks Kim, hope you’re going ok. Have a great week ahead. x
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Beautiful is your light that you shine into all of our lives. Thank you!
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Oh Susan, what a beautiful comment. Thank you so much . ❤️
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Great photo’s and narration. Looks like you are having fun…. keep it up.
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Thanks so much. I’ll do my best!
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I love the way the sky is reflected in the wine in the glass, pretty cool. I also love Harry’s vest that he’s wearing and also in those pictures it’s looks like you may have captured Venus next to the Moon, very cool! Yeah always walked towards the light, keep the fire burning inside and be the one who brightens someone’s day, including your own. Hope you have an enlightening day Miri!! Warm Hugs xo
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As usual I love your words Deb. Thank you! Venus next to the moon? I may have to go back and have another look. xo
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There’s something next to the moon and it’s quite bright. Venus has been very bright here for a couple of months so I would imagine it would be there too. ☺🌚🌕
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I went back and looked at the photo after your last comment. I think you’re probably right Deb. 🌗
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You have such a grace, Miri.
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Thank you my lovely friend. You’re so sweet. xo ❤️
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You see the world with such light. Inspiring, sweet girl.
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Love you. ❤️
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Love you, too, sweetheart. I think we’re close to our one year anniversary of being friends. ❤️💜💗
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That’s pretty special. We need to celebrate somehow. ❤️❤️❤️🎈
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I love the warmth of fire especially right now cause it’s really cold here. In fact we had a festival day before yesterday where a big fire is the centre of attraction for all. It’s called Lohri.
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Sounds fantastic Mann. Did you write about it?
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Not…I didn’t click pics. So nothing to share. 😜😜
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That’s ok. So long as you enjoyed it, that’s the main thing. 😊
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Oh yeah…thanks.
Love Mann.
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You’re a very warm person 😊
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Aw, and you’re very nice! 😊
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I love candles too. I just finished burning one that smelled like a vineyard.
Weird side note – I just texted someone the phrase “Harry Potter” with my left hand while scrolling with my right. Right when I press send, Harry Potter appears in your post. Strange huh?
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Ooh, a wine based candle, how divine! 🍷🕯 Sounds like you’ve got a bit of Harry Potter texting magic happening there! 😃
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Just lovely Miriam with great pics to go with it. Your photo of the sunset sky in particular is stunning. You have a great way of uplifting readers with your posts. Have a good week and enjoy those candles.
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No candles tonight Deb, it’s way too hot! Thanks for your lovely words. x
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I believe you can never have too many candles. I have a dozen candle holders for Christmas and this year my husband’s daughter did the decorating. She asked: How many candle holders do you need? and I laughed and said: You can never have too many candles!”. And your mum certainly was right about a fire. That is why I love our new house so much: We have an open fire and use it daily :-). Thanks for stopping by my blog!
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Hey Bee, glad you can relate to the candles, yes I agree, we can never have too many candles. Your new house sounds lovely, I just adore an open fire. Enjoy!
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Lovely photos and great post again, Miriam. I can imagine how cozy and warm your home is. I love fire and candles too. And after discovering your blog, the magic of the outdoors too. 🙂
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Such a lovely comment. Thanks Pooja.
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The beach photo is my favorite- it is just stunning- but I love the ambience in all of them and the stories behind them
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Thanks Lisa, I think that beach photo is my favourite too. It’s set on my home screen on my PC!
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Loved the read and great captures. Hope you had a great time.
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Thanks Sumith. Have a great week.
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Your good wishes reciprocated, Miriam
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Thanks Derrick.
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Since its winter here I enjoy lighting candles. It does enhance a soothing and calming atmosphere. I’m with you there! Great post again.
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Thanks so much Bernice. Stay warm and enjoy those candles.
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What a lovely range of images! The inclusion of the steam train is simply magical, as it’s just one of those wonderful aspects of fire that are too easily forgotten!
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I think so too Frank. Thank you.
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Thank you for taking us on a gorgeously ambient journey, I love the Yanakie moments especially :o)
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Thanks Xenia, it was a special place.
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Great post for ambience. Can totally relate to all your photographs 🙂
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Thank you Alba!
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Thank you for the kind reminder to look for beauty and peaceful light in my day.
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You’re most welcome Ali. Have a lovely week.
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Oh yes. Even the ambience of a warm Melbourne evening with all the doors and windows flung open , a glass of wine and watching the tennis…aah.
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That sounds just about perfect Lindsey! Enjoy.
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Even better if the new crop of young Aussies do well.
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Here’s hoping …
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Yes, I can picture Gate 9 3/4 at the train station. Lovely photos and all are oozing ambiance. My favorite is the clouds peeking through the wine glass in the top photo. Not sure if I want to have a glass or grab my camera….;)
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Haha, thanks Karen. Maybe you could do both! 😏🍷
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Exactly!! 😁
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Wonderful ambience throughout and gorgeous images.
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Thank you my friend.
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There is something about a flame, whether from a candle or a fireplace or a campfire, that just feels right! So cozy and warm. My favorite thing to do on a cold winter night is to light a fire in the fireplace (even if it is just gas) and sit in a comfortable chair next to it, reading a good book. It doesn’t get much better than that!
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Couldn’t agree more Ann. Unless of course you also have a cup of hot chocolate in your hands!!
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True! I forgot about the hot chocolate!
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Or glass of red, depending on the time! 🍷
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Great shots – I especially like the sunset photo!
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Thank you!
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So true, Miriam. Sometimes it’s the simplest of things that can make or break your mood. Being sensitive to the smallest of details I often find it hard to not be affected with imbalance. I love the elements, the earth and the sky. Your post takes me through some of the best moments I’ve had too. And I really like the way you weave it with so much positivity. It’s something I must learn to do. I’m letting my emotions take over my writing. I’m not sure if it’s a good thing. I digress. Just want dot say that you’ve been such an inspiration for me and helped me through so many difficult moments. Thank you..if I haven’t said it before. xo
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Aw Cheryl, we sound so alike in so many ways. I’m also a very sensitive person and easily affected by imbalances too. I’m letting my emotions out more and more in my posts. Your writing is very uniquely you. You always weave your own brand of magic in your words and your travel posts. You don’t need to change. xo
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Just found your blog (I know I know I’m a slow learner). Love the way you weave prose and beautiful photos to create a cohesive tone and lasting impression!
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Hi Gabriel, thanks so much, what a nice comment. Welcome. Great to meet you here.
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I love dining “al fresco” during the late spring, summer, and early fall. But I have never “been camping”.
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It’s fantastic. I hope you get to experience it one day. Thanks for dropping by.
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Wow. Call me up next time!
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Ok. But up where?
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Meant just holler. LOL.
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Yep! Must definitely 😊
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The train photo is my favorite in this post, Miriam. I love candles, too. They’re an essential element, along with wool socks and a comfy couch. And good readling. Must have good reading. Like this.
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Thank you Eli. You’ve painted a very cosy picture.
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Hi Miriam, I love your art of presentation. You always give an excellent narrative with complementary photos. Another great post that I enjoyed. Hugs from cold DK! 🙂
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Brrr, thanks so much Stella. Appreciate your kind words. Stay warm. xo
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Thanks Miriam. I’m doing just that. 🙂 🙂 Xoxo
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I’m only just catching up on my post reading now, Miriam. Your reminder about being mindful and taking charge of my mood is very apt as the working year begins. Happy Thursday to you.
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Thanks Carol. Happy Thursday to you as well. Hope you have a great day.
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This post feels all warm and cosy.
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Aw, I’m glad you think so. Thanks!
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All warm and homey. I love candles too. Has a way of calming me down.
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Me too Jackie.
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Hi Miriam– its’ winter here and I love lighting little candles on our table– since there are not man flowers int he yard this time of year. And love evenings when Larry makes a big fire in the fireplace and I can cozy up right in front of it! Fun post Miriaim! take care friend. xo
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Oh Rhonda, what a lovely cosy picture you’ve painted with your words. Take care, enjoy and have a happy warm weekend. xo
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Beautiful Miriam… I love candles and a real fire too.. a wonderfully calming end to our days!
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Thanks Wendy. It really is calming isn’t it. Big hugs xo
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And thank goodness for those special moments sat round our campfires where we can enjoy the moment and the little things in life… Xxx
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Beautifully said Wendy. I’ll drink to that. xo
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Cheers Miriam!! Xxx
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I thought of Harry Potter the second I saw that shot! 🙂
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Haha, how awesome!
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A woman after my own heart! I love that picture of you walking through the smoke and that sunset by the water. Absolutely gorgeous. I agree with you, I love ambient lighting. I should send you a picture of the wall sconces we have at the spa where I work. I’ve been hunting them down for a while now and to no avail. But they’re beautiful. They look like glass covered votive candles mounted to the wall. It’s two walls full. I love them. It’s probably my favorite feature at the spa. It just makes you feel calm upon entering.
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Sounds absolutely wonderful Monica. Definitely calming. I just gave my sister the gift of a massage voucher today. I honestly think a massage and/Zoe spa is one of the best gifts we can give ourself.
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It absolutely is. I feel like it’s a spiritual gift. One that is truly and exclusively for the recipient. It’s a special gift.
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It absolutely is.
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