For September, host PJ set a theme that follows naturally from those of the past few months: Makes Me Smile (2025-08), Self-Care (2025-07) and Be Present (2025-06). In fact, it seems to me that a meta-theme is developing – maybe something to do with mental well-being?

If my journaling practice included a check box for “life enjoyed,” I would tick it if I felt fulfilled and satisfied by the day’s experiences, had embraced moments as they came and went, put time and energy into cultivating valued relationships and pursued meaningful activities. In my mind, a life enjoyed doesn’t mean every minute is hunky-dory. It’s more about state of mind – navigating challenges constructively and with a growth mindset.

Here are five photographs that represent my life enjoyed in September:

1. Delayed e-cycling

We are traveling more these days. And I know that comes with an increased environmental footprint. So I’m making an effort to lighten up in other areas. Even though it was a somewhat painful process to get everything set up on my computer so that Microsoft finally offered the option to sign up for extended security updates for Windows 10, it’s done! Which means my old computer, that’s nowhere near adequate to run Windows 11, will keep me going for another year!

As an aside, pretty much every Windows user I’ve talked to strongly prefers Windows 10 to Windows 11. Windows 10 has had a life enjoyed by many. Windows 11, not so much. 😉

2. Nature Time

Nature time is essential to my physical and mental wellbeing. We had the privilege of watching a big bull elk trying to herd his harem across the Bow River one morning. He bugled several times. And he went back and forth across the river, accompanying a few of his “ladies” at a time. It was quite amazing to watch.

On a related note, one day later in the month was a bit much, if you know what I mean. A lot of unexpected tasks imposed by outside forces, all with urgent deadlines. So after a quick supper, I headed outside for a walk on a nearby pathway. That was all it took to reset my state of mind. 🙂

3. Out and About with Mr GeoK

Whether walking, cycling, hiking, kayaking or gardening, I always enjoy time spent out and about with Mr GeoK. On the ride pictured, we pedaled along the Bow Valley Parkway from Banff to Johnston Canyon and back. As in May and June, it’s closed to motorized vehicles in September so that cyclists and wildlife can enjoy the fall colors. I think we managed to time it just about perfectly for peak gold, which is as good as fall colors get here in the Canadian Rockies.

Bonus photo: we decided to reward ourselves after this bike ride with a mixed fruit smoothie, blended at home in our Margaritaville frozen drink machine. Transitory enjoyment can come from indulgence.

4. Photography Practice

I get a bit of a rush when I carve out time to practice photography in what I consider more creative ways: abstracts, intentional camera movement and similar. This shot is a vertical pan ICM shot taken during the same bike ride photographed above. I like the way the strong white lines of the aspen trunks are more realistic while the blurring of the underbrush is more painterly. I’m going to make an effort to allocate a little more time to this going forward.

5. Savouring Autumn

Golden leaves and larch needles are just one manifestation of the fall season. Another is the way sunrise comes a little later each morning. I can enjoy it with my morning coffee. Or while driving from Canmore into the city on a Saturday morning, like this one. If you squint hard, you may see the approaching line of on-coming vehicles – Calgarians determined to get out to the mountains to enjoy the golden larch.

Aside from a couple of half days, September = life enjoyed for me. I hope that was the case for all of my friends in the Photo Blogging Challenge community. Join me in hopping over to host PJ’s blog to confirm; the link-up for everyone else will be at the bottom of his post.

And please do consider joining us for October’s theme, which I’ll post here as soon as it’s available. You’ll need five photos and a blogging platform to be welcomed into our small, friendly group.