Weekly Photo Challenge: Simple


At the end of the day and for 12 years of being a city dweller since the year 2000, the simple life I had lived in the province for 17 years is what I still want amid all the comforts of urban living. A simple life that offers true wonders in many forms like the beautiful views of nature I see around upon opening the windows when I wake up in the beautiful morning and the laid-back way of life. A simple life is what defines real contentment and happiness for me.

The best things in life are nearest:  Breath in your nostrils, light in your eyes, flowers at your feet, duties at your hand, the path of right just before you.  Then do not grasp at the stars, but do life’s plain, common work as it comes, certain that daily duties and daily bread are the sweetest things in life.  ~Robert Louis Stevenson

Mt. Banoi in Lobo, Batangas

38 Comments Add yours

    1. Sony Fugaban says:

      Thanks a lot, sir!

      Like

  1. “The simple life I had lived in the province for 17 years is what I still want amid all the comforts of urban living.” Like you spoke for me down to the last words. Bro, If I have to go back in time, knowing what life is away from home, away from the simple bliss of the “provincial” living, I probably would have stayed. But then I can’t and so I just have to make the most of what’s given to me on a day to day basis. I will be going home this year, to reunite with my family and to all that was once familiar to me. To all that once made me smile and truly happy. My happiest memories were all “simple” , no glitters of materialism, just love and joy shared among families. I know it’s not to late…so may be one day, I will finally go home. Wonderful post that shines from the heart. God bless you and your family.

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    1. Sony Fugaban says:

      I completely understand, bro. After all, the borderless world doesn’t preclude the idea of a home. In a few months or years, I may also be taking advantage of opportunities that come my way. I’d like to share this excerpt — which is beyond question enlightening — from Patricia Evangelista’s improptu speech during the International Public Speaking Competition in 2004:

      “Leaving sometimes isn’t a matter of choice. It’s coming back that is. The Hobbits of the shire traveled all over Middle-Earth, but they chose to come home, richer in every sense of the word. We call people like these balikbayans or the “returnees” — those who followed their dream, yet choose to return and share their mature talents and good fortune.

      In a few years, I may take advantage of whatever opportunities that come my way. But I will come home. A borderless world doesn’t preclude the idea of a home. I’m a Filipino, and I’ll always be one. It isn’t about geography; it isn’t about boundaries. It’s about giving back to the country that shaped me.”

      Like

  2. cocomino says:

    What a beautiful photos and quate. Have a great day. 🙂

    Like

    1. Sony Fugaban says:

      Thank you, my friend. By the way, what’s the meaning of quate? I did consult t some of the online dictionaries I know but I didn’t find, I may say, accurate definition of that word. Please reply asap.

      Like

  3. Arindam says:

    Great post. The first part you wrote was outstanding. WE all left that simple life, which we were leaving to walk towards our dream, to achieve all those things we wanted in life. But after a point of time, we all realize that, no material thing can give that happiness or peace, which we were getting by living a simple life.:)
    Beautiful photos. The quotes, you wrote were wonderful.Thank you for this post.

    Like

    1. Sony Fugaban says:

      I couldn’t agree more with what you said, Arin. Thank you so much for sharing a piece of your beautiful mind! And, you are most welcome.

      Like

  4. jakesprinter says:

    Great idea for this week theme Sony ,nice work 🙂

    Like

    1. Sony Fugaban says:

      As always, thank you Jake! 🙂

      Like

  5. jakesprinter says:

    I forgot to send you this invitation http://wp.me/P1Dwwo-nN 🙂

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    1. Sony Fugaban says:

      No problem, Jake. Anyway, I checked the link out and I was taken aback to see what’s in it. I can’t believe you shared with us those awards. I already picked one and I just added it to my widgets today. Again, thank you very much!

      Like

  6. I feel the simplicity in you through your article, but those pictures are superb!

    Like

    1. Sony Fugaban says:

      Jon, ano na? Post ka naman na. Hehe … Joking! 😉 Salamat parin sa todo mong suporta! Sinisiguro ko sayong tanda ko lahat ng mga ginawa at tinulong sa akin on this endeavor.

      Like

  7. Bonnie says:

    Beautiful photos, Sony, and I love the quotes as well. It really is the simple things that mean the most in life. 🙂

    Like

    1. Sony Fugaban says:

      YES … to simple life then. 🙂 Thank you so much, Bonnie!

      Like

  8. Bama says:

    I like the last photograph. We also have it here in Indonesia. What do people call it in your country?

    Like

    1. Sony Fugaban says:

      Bama, it’s called ALMIRES. What about in your language?

      Like

  9. Madman says:

    Simply perfect! Thanks for the share 🙂

    Like

    1. Sony Fugaban says:

      Simply put, thank you and you’re welcome!

      Like

  10. Joe says:

    Love the photos! Great job!

    http://wp.me/pPyQY-ww

    Like

    1. Sony Fugaban says:

      Nice seeing you here, Joe. Thanks for taking time to comment! I appreciate that.

      PS

      I’m glad you I clicked the link because I wouldn’t have been reminded of my colorful childhood. Thanks for the crayons too! 😉

      Like

  11. thirdhandart says:

    Beautiful photos! I love the third photo. It’s simple, yet very artistic. And, I like the John Burroughs quote. Great entry!

    Like

    1. Sony Fugaban says:

      It’s interesting how you found my least favorite the most attractive among the three. I appreciate that my friend. Thanks a bunch!

      Like

  12. Northern Narratives says:

    Great post.

    Like

  13. nelson RN says:

    Great photos! If I were to choose, I would also choose the “simple” life in the province where I can be with my loved ones and i can live life without hurrying things up. Unfortunately, fate brought me to the city life where everyday is on the fast track. But I make sure that I get 1-2 months vacation yearly to make sure I’m still in touch with my love for simple life.

    Like

    1. Sony Fugaban says:

      Since your comment has the same meat as The Island Traveler’s, I am giving you the same reply:

      I completely understand, bro. After all, the borderless world doesn’t preclude the idea of a home. In a few months or years, I may also be taking advantage of opportunities that come my way. I’d like to share this excerpt — which is beyond question enlightening — from Patricia Evangelista’s improptu speech during the International Public Speaking Competition in 2004:

      “Leaving sometimes isn’t a matter of choice. It’s coming back that is. The Hobbits of the shire traveled all over Middle-Earth, but they chose to come home, richer in every sense of the word. We call people like these balikbayans or the “returnees” — those who followed their dream, yet choose to return and share their mature talents and good fortune.

      In a few years, I may take advantage of whatever opportunities that come my way. But I will come home. A borderless world doesn’t preclude the idea of a home. I’m a Filipino, and I’ll always be one. It isn’t about geography; it isn’t about boundaries. It’s about giving back to the country that shaped me.”

      Like

  14. bluebee says:

    To live a simple life surrounded by nature – perfect

    Like

    1. Sony Fugaban says:

      Certainly, Bluebee. Speaking of bees, that’ll be a wonderful subject. I hope I catch the same bee as what I saw on your Gravatar. 🙂 Thank you!

      Like

  15. Jo Bryant says:

    what a great way to illustrate simple living

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    1. Sony Fugaban says:

      Thanks, Joe! Soon, I will go back to my birthplace and have all of the simple things back into my arms again.

      Like

  16. A more simple life is contentment IMHO Sony! Your pictures are simply wonderful! I enjoyed this post for “simple”.

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    1. Sony Fugaban says:

      Indeed, sweetdayundertheoaks! Thank you for sharing your mind here.

      Like

  17. eof737 says:

    Great and colorful photos! Thanks for the pingback! 😉

    Like

    1. Sony Fugaban says:

      Thank you very much! There’s an extra appeal if someone pro (in photography) appreciates my work of the same.

      Like

Feedback is most welcome!