The challenge this month for my Contemplative Photography group is Sacred Places.

At first, I thought it would be easy to think of places that are sacred.  Many people think of cathedrals like Notre Dame as sacred and special.  Other think of Canterbury and the famous pilgrims that trekked there in Chaucer's book.

But to me, Sacred Places go beyond churches and pilgrimage sites.  To me, any place that fills me with wonder and awe is a sacred place.  Perhaps you've only had a moment there.  Or perhaps you've had years of experience at this particular place and the memories and the experiences lived there are the sacred moments.

One place that I've gone to many times and photographed every single time that I've gone there are the gardens that are in my town.  I feel a sense of peace when I visit.  Often, the grounds are empty.  And there are all sorts of blooms greeting me or the foliage has unique coloring that catches my eye.

Here, I liked the mix of color.  I walked around and see the yellows and the pinks.....but I walked a few more times around this flower bed in order to take it all in.

On that same day, there was a huge flower, red in color and big on attitude.  I wonder if my camera would capture what a wondrous shade of red!

In Fall, I saw some exquisite foliage.  The colors were explosive and fiery.

So, this is one of my Sacred Places.  I walk there.  I contemplate.  I take photos.  I look at these photos again and again.  I relish each moment.

To me, this place is truly sacred.