Running into the Refreshing Lake

Summary

Anne Bonfert shares her enthusiasm for water and the joy of plunging into a lake on her father's birthday, despite the weather's unpredictability, as part of a summer photo story challenge themed "Shine!"

Abstract

In a personal essay titled "Running into the Refreshing Lake," Anne Bonfert expresses her love for water in various forms and her preference for temperature depending on the weather. She recounts a memorable experience on her father's birthday, where she, her husband, and her father enjoyed a kayak and paddleboard outing on the canal. Despite ominous weather, they persevered, and after a brief downpour, they were rewarded with sunshine and a refreshing swim in the lake. Bonfert's story is a response to the "summer six-word photo story challenge: 'Shine!'" She acknowledges the inspiration drawn from Mary Chang and invites readers to explore more of her six-word photo stories, as well as to join her email list or become a Medium member for unlimited access to her work.

Opinions

Bonfert has a deep affection for water, enjoying it in different temperatures and forms.
She embraces life with enthusiasm, as evidenced by her willingness to dive into the lake despite the cold and the initial bad weather.
The author values family time and shared experiences, as demonstrated by the birthday outing with her father and husband.
Bonfert appreciates the beauty of nature and the joy it brings, which is a central theme in her photo essays.
She is grateful for the inspiration provided by Mary Chang and is keen on engaging with her audience by inviting them to read more of her work and subscribe to her content.

Shining full of enthusiasm and excitement.

I love water in all kinds of forms. I prefer it warmer on colder days and cooler or hotter days but all in all, I always dive in head first. Shining with a smile from one ear to another — that’s me, surrounded by water.

This picture was taken on my dad’s birthday. Together with my husband, the three of us went out on the canal with a kayak and a paddleboard. We paddled out despite the dark clouds building up behind us.

On our return, all hell broke loose after we got to the car. We decided to sit out the rain and only half an hour later we were sitting again in shining sunshine.

Perfect for us to take a dip in the lake. It was cold, so I knew I had to run in or I wouldn’t make it. I’m sure I was screaming but smiling while making my way into the deeper water.

Thank you Mary Chang for the inspiration.

WRITING PROMPT RESPONSE

Running into the Refreshing Lake

Summer Six Word Photo Story Challenge: “Shine!”

Shining full of enthusiasm and excitement.

More of my six-word photo stories:

Who am I and What do I Do?

A collection of six-word photo stories presenting myself

It’s About Seeing Beauty and Joy in Nature

Photo essay: “Freestyle”