A basket of fragments

Each week there is a Sunday. For many people this is still a day of rest though, increasingly over the years, it has become just another day of the week. In many ways this is good but in many ways it was good to have a day of rest. A day when things stopped. The month of August, is basically the year's Sunday. It is the month when most holidays are taken. I guess I'm talking about the Western world here as it is Summer whereas that is not the case in other parts of the world. So let's say I am just talking abut the part of the hemisphere that I inhabit. You will all have your own 'August' wherever you are.
August was the month when things stopped. All the workers had a break, usually at the same time. It was like a scheduled break in the industrial year. I believe New York used to empty as the people went away for their holidays. Because of the school year it is still the case in England that August is the month where things slow down. London is quieter in terms of workers but is busier in terms of tourism. 
Holiday time becomes more important I think as people seem to work harder and longer than before. I'm not going back to the Victorian age here where there were no working conditions and employers could do what they wanted. I'm talking recent history. More is expected from you at work and often for less reward. So holiday time has become very important again. A time to step away and clear your head. Get those batteries re-charged. Everyone should have a time in their year when they can stop from their labour. I am well aware that the amount of holiday time you have from work can vary from country to country and also from your own circumstances. 
"The benefit to be derived from vacation is a mental benefit mainly.....It is well that he (sic) should for a space breathe another mental atmosphere..."  Alexander Smith 1912
New, fresh air to breathe, new sights to stimulate you eyes and mind, new ideas and experiences for your mind and brain. 
I remember from my childhood only a couple of holidays when we went away. Most holidays were spent at home with my brothers and friends playing in the nearby fields on long Summer days that seemed to have no end. This is because I come from a poor family. Poor in financial terms anyway but very wealthy in all other respects. We did go the seaside twice I think. Once we stayed in a caravan at a holiday resort and played on the beach and on the pier in the amusement arcades as the rain lashed against the tin roofs drumming like a steel band. I have seen some old b/w photos which my brother looks after from when we were very small and were at the seaside in Wales I think. I don't remember that holiday at all though. When all is said and done though, the thing that it is the real reward on a holiday is that you can try to have in your head that for a short while......your time is your own. I am self employed and there are many days when I enjoy my work but even on those days...... I am fully aware that my time is not my own and, to me, that is one of the great gifts of holiday time. . As time went on and I went through school and into the world of work holidays became more important. The reason for them became more obvious too. Without them I'm sure I would go mad
I have now found a situation where I have some places I go to because they are familiar (and I love them),  and a desire to explore new places. My need to fill my mind and heart with new experiences never fades and I just wish I had more time available to do both. It is true though that my next trip is always my next target. I do find happiness at home and I do find it in the small things in life as well as the large. The excitement comes from getting in my car or getting on a plane to begin a new adventure. I have some short trips planned for the rest of this year and then I am looking to next year. I am having great fun planning my next trip to Iceland and wondering where else I will venture. 

Now let me share with you some wonderful treasure that I have found in the last few weeks. I thank you all for your creations, you are an inspiration to me in all that you do and in your constant support of my own pictures. For this I can never thank you all enough  
But enough of this rambling. Let's get to the main event. Your pictures.

               

          

                

            

            

             

              

                

            

              

               

             

                

              

             

           

             

          

           

            

          

             

             

                     

         

          

          

         

                 

That's all folks
I hope you enjoyed looking through these pictures. These have all been created by special people. People like me and you. People who love creating their art whether that be pretty and floral or dark and moody. I love all of these pictures and all of these artists Please let them know if you have enjoyed one of their creations. I'm sure they'd be very happy to hear from you
Thank you so much for everything. For reading this and looking through the pictures. 
I wish you all happy travelling or just happy time off from your work. Enjoy all the moments of your life that are yours with all the people who are yours. Your friends, your family your partners. Enjoy it all and enjoy each other. Spread the love and keep creating from your hearts.
Much love to you all