Sunday Stills: The Power of #Flight

Welcome back to the Sunday Stills photo challenge this week. We are still in Arizona, handling the details of my dad’s services. Thank you to all who have left kind condolences. The service is on May 24, then the following Tuesday, we begin our travel back to Northeastern Washington. Needless to say, this will be a short post until my next Sunday Stills post on June 1st. (Thank you to Diana for the added inspiration of this quote.):

“The soul takes flight to the world that is invisible but there arriving she is sure of bliss and forever dwells in paradise.” ― Plato

Flights of Fancy

These images were edited with various filters to capture fanciful flight.

“You haven’t seen a tree until you’ve seen its shadow from the sky.” – Amelia Earhart.

Jet Shadow
flight

Is That a Bird…?

“May you soar on eagles’ wings, high above the madness of the world.” – Jonathan Lockwood Huie

eagle
American Bald Eagle
Pelicans follow the leader
Pelicans
looking up at snow geese
Snow Geese
Feeding Hummingbird
Anna’s Hummingbird
Hawk flies over Valley of Fire state park
Red-Tailed Hawk
blue heron
Blue Heron Away!

Legacies of Flight

“Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.” ― Leonardo da Vinci

Blue Angels Air Show Sacramento
Blue Angels in Sacramento
Blue Angels beween the lines
Blue Angels

This army helicopter is on display at Rio Vista Community Park in Peoria, Arizona, honoring Peoria’s military veterans.

helicopter Peoria AZ

Sunday Stills Photo Challenge Reminders

The Sunday Stills weekly-themed photo challenge is easy to join. You have all week to share and link your post. Please use your own original images, whether new or from your archives.

I can’t wait to see how you interpret this week’s theme! Creativity is encouraged, so please share your own photographs (old or new), poems, original short stories, and music inspired by the theme.

Join me on June 1 as we kick off “June is National Great Outdoors Month,” subtheme PARKS. The themes for June are ready to view on my Sunday Stills Photo Challenge Page, which is updated monthly.

Recognizing and honoring all veterans worldwide who served in the military and made the ultimate sacrifice. Thank you for your service. ❤️

graphic

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89 responses to “Sunday Stills: The Power of #Flight”

  1. Thank you for the photographs, Terri. Sending you love and light.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Robbie. We’re on the last full day of our trip. I can feel the love!

      Like

  2. Hi Terri, I am still catching up on blog reading and came across this post today. I am so sorry about your father’s passing. That was unexpected news. I’m sure it has been difficult for you, and I wish your heart healing.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi Suzanne, thank you for stopping by and I appreciate your condolences. ❤️ Yes, we laid dad to rest last weekend in Arizona. We’re driving home this week. I know you just finished your cruise.

      Like

      1. Be safe driving home. My thoughts are with you.

        Liked by 1 person

    1. Great shots of the Blue Angels! That first one is amazing!

      Like

  3. Great pictures. I am late in commenting. I am still running around in circles here at our summer home.
    Happy Wednesday!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. No worries, Nancy! I’m sure you are a busy bee but happy to be “home”!

      Like

  4. https://dailymusing57.com/2025/05/21/sunday-stills-in-flight-flying-high/

    Terri I was saddened to read about the loss of your father. I hope your memories will bring continued solace.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi Lisa, thank you. It gets better every day. I’m pleased to see your link!

      Like

  5. […] Posted for Sunday Stills: Flight. […]

    Liked by 1 person

  6. Thank you for continuing to post and to lead this challenge with everything else you have going on Terri 🤗 I hope the service goes well on Saturday – I’m sure it will, with all your planning, and you’ll be able to celebrate your father’s life with family and friends.

    I’m double-dipping with Monochrome Madness for this week’s theme: https://www.toonsarah-travels.blog/gallery-flying-high-in-black-and-white/

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Sarah! Most of the details are done and family begins to arrive tomorrow. I’m grateful I have the time to take care of it all.

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Hi Terri, I hope all is going well, under the circumstances. Your photos show a lot of creativity. You have the Blue Angels, while in the UK, we have the Red Arrows. The Swansea annual airshow is the first weekend every July, and the Red Arrows always make an appearance. They are a big highlight. I can’t imagine all the training those pilots have to do. I sometimes have to close my eyes when they fly over so close to each other.

    Take care.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Hugh! We finalized the service yesterday and my stress levels are much better. I told someone that planning a celebration of life is like planning a wedding. Lots of details.
      It’s a thrill to see the airshows. You’ll be able to see your show soon. I don’t think I’ve heard of any in our area. But we have rodeos, and we’ve seen the cowboys fly through the air after being bucked off a horse 😁 Have a great week!

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Terri — so sorry to hear about your dad. Thanks for still taking the time to do a photo challenge right now. I hope it brings you some peace and joy.

    Here is mine for this week: https://peacefulatdawn.com/2025/05/19/flights-in-nature/

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi Dawn, thank you! Glad to hear from you. I reduced my posting this month due to travel and the services. I’ll check yours out shortly!

      Liked by 1 person

  9. […] love Terri’s Sunday Stills challenge that asks us to share photos capturing flights. Since I primarily take nature photos, I am sharing […]

    Liked by 1 person

  10. Gorgeous Terri…love the heron. I always love when you have fun editing your pics.

    https://troyerslovinglife.blogspot.com/2025/05/taking-in-life-around-mesunday-stills.html

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Kirstin! The Painnt app filters are a lot of fun to use.

      Like

  11. I’ve seen the Blue Angels several times. Amazing doesn’t begin to describe the experience. Your pictures are perfect.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Jacqui, they really are a sight to see.

      Liked by 1 person

  12. Breathtaking, Terri!

    Liked by 1 person

  13. I didn’t realize your dad had passed, I am so sorry.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Dawn. Yes, he had a good life. But it was time, almost 89 yrs old.

      Like

  14. Great inspirational photos Terri.
    A theme made for me. Quite hard to stop finding photos.
    Here’s my contribution

    Into the sky (the highs and lows)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Oh that’s cool, Brian, thank you!

      Liked by 1 person

  15. […] Terri’s Sunday Stills: The Power of #Flight […]

    Liked by 1 person

  16. Terri, what a great group of varied images to describe your challenge word “flight” and I never thought about flight as to airplanes and told Debbie that in her post about flying and the images looking out the plane’s window. I am afraid to say I just went with plain, ol’ birds for my “flight” pics. You captured a nice eagle image and such large wingspans on those birds in flight. I’ve never seen a Blue Angels air show in person, but I am always wowed when I see photos or videos of their flight maneuvers. My post will be at 11:00 tonight, in accordance with my new posting time. (I am not going to stay in Diamond League this week – we had severe weather twice this week and I was out of commission with my computer due to a Microsoft update that was buggy and art class assignments. So, I’ll recoup next week hopefully.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Linda! I’d written a previous post about flight and used a number of play on words for the theme. Birds are great and that is part of your expertise! If you can believe, I captured the Blue Angels pics from my backyard in Sacramento in 2019. The air field was fairly close by and they would also practice their runs. We never needed to go to a show. For Duo, I’m plugging away. Everyone has to do their own pace but I think this is the 4th week in a row I’ve won the diamond league. Competitive much? Kinda…😂 Hope things and your weather settle down!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Birds are fun to interact with and I hope you get a final peek at your baby Phoebes before they fledge. Lucky you seeing the Blue Angels practice from your backyard – very exciting. I have been plugging away at Duo, but late afternoon Sunday, I knew that 500-point gap between Diamond and Obsidian was just too large to overcome and I’ve only done 20 this week, early this morning to not interrupt my streak. We have a rainy week ahead (again) so I had to make the most of today. So far, so good with the new week so I’ll keep my fingers crossed it remains that way.

        Liked by 1 person

  17. Terri, thank you for another wonderful post. and for sharing your beautiful images. I hope all is going well with you and your family during this time of sorrow. May you all find peace during the celebration of your father’s life. Here’s my offering for the week: Synchronized Flying on the Cedar River Trail – Cats and Trails and Garden Tales

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Susanne! Each day gets better and we know he’s resting in peace.

      Liked by 1 person

  18. Nice theme and gallery!

    Liked by 1 person

  19. Wonderful pictures, Terri. I especially like the Blue Heron.

    I know it’s hard for you right now but isn’t it good to truly celebrate a life well lived. We all want that for ourselves, I think.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Janis. We just created a Spotify Playlist of some his fave songs. Lots of tears, but healing is beginning and I feel joy for the flight of his soul into eternity.

      Like

  20. Thinking of you, Terri. Sending much love your way.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Aww, thank you, Donna. ❤️

      Liked by 1 person

  21. I saw a bald eagle in the pasture next to us but with a cell phone only, and he didn’t like the look of the dogs (who never even noticed him), so he took off. My shots of him are nothing like your amazing ones.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi Bernie, those darn eagles fly so high, its a miracle to capture them. I caught most of mine at Lake Couer d’Alene, Idaho during their fishing season. And with a zoom lens on a camera. Thank you 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  22. Wow Terri, your collection is fabulous, especially the birds. Also love all your quotes.

    I feel for you with all the organising to be done for your father’s celebration of life. Take care x

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’m glad you liked the images, Debbie, always fun to capture the birds in flight. Thank you for your condolences. I am literally just finished with the program for the service!

      Liked by 1 person

  23. […] Terri, from Second Wind Leisure, hosts Sunday Stills photo challenge, with the prompt this week being Flight. You can read Terri’s post here: The Power of Flight […]

    Liked by 1 person

  24. https://lightwords.blog/2025/05/18/flight-2/

    he’s mine it includes a video. Did it work

    Love your flights of fancy ! And variety from Eagles to blue Angels happy weekend

    Liked by 1 person

  25. […] Stills The Power of Flight it takes me many […]

    Like

  26. Lovely flight images, Terri. Once again we’re on the same page 😁 Brilliant images of birds in flight.

    I’ll be thinking of you on the 24th. It’s a traumatic time, I know. I’ve been through it quite recently too.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Cathy! I never realized how quickly a moment of grief takes hold and shakes me. I am sorry for your loss, too. We expect this with aging parents but when it happens, its mind-boggling. Take care, my friend!

      Like

      1. Thanks, Terri. You take care too.

        Liked by 1 person

  27. Fabulous ‘flight’ photographs, Terri.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you very much, Robbie!

      Like

  28. Love the eagle photo. It’s a great contrast to the tiny hummingbird, but they both get the job done. Love the Blue Arrows photos too. I was going to go with a mix of flights, but ended up sticking with the birds, https://grahamsisland.com/2025/05/18/no-fear-of-flying/. I hope the rest of your time in Arizona goes well.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Many thanks, Graham! Such a contrast in hummers and eagles for sure! Both require patience to capture in flight! Another 8 days before we travel back. We have a nice front-row seat to bird from the downstairs “apartment” here at my brothers’ home.

      Like

      1. A well-placed window is great for watching birds.

        Liked by 1 person

  29. […] week’s Sunday Stills challenge theme is ‘Flight.’ See more responses here. I finally winnowed a raft of options down to just the birds. Captions on the photos as […]

    Like

  30. Beautiful images as always, Terri! 😍 I especially enjoyed the birds in full flight. Losing a parent is such a tragic milestone in life. My sincere condolences to you and your family. 🌹

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Debbie! It can be a dizzying experience to capture a bird in flight with a zoom lens. A little like grief!

      Liked by 1 person

  31. Sorry to hear about your dad, may he rest in peace.

    Here is my contribution: https://geriatrixfotogallerie.wordpress.com/2025/05/18/flight-over-the-delta/

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, T! Great to see your link and I appreciate your condolences.

      Like

  32. A beautiful post, my friend, and fitting for your time in Arizona as your father takes flight. My condolences and I hope your sadness is tempered by lovely memories. Hugs.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Uh oh, this made me tear up, Diana! I didn’t make the connection of my dad’s soul taking flight. Thank you my friend!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. ❤ ❤ ❤ I made that connection immediately, Terri, and I was touched by it. I think your spirit and heart knew all along.

        Liked by 1 person

    2. I added an apropos quote due to your inspiration, Diana! Hope you are having a good day!

      Liked by 1 person

  33. I understand. In the Jewish tradition, we bury withing three days, get together after the funeral and then the family accepts visitors for a week after. The visitors bring something sweet into the home. This is called sitting Shiva. After my mom passed, we only sat for three days. This was because my home was in Sacramento and she was buried in L.A. I stayed at my brother’s house.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Our traditions are not entirely different from each others.

      Liked by 1 person

  34. Terri, these are all great images of flight. You captured the hummingbirds and all of the birds beautifully. I also love the Blue Angels. Thinking of you as you prepare for your Dad’s services and wishing you safe travels home.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you, Beth! It occured to me my father’s soul took flight. And congrats on becoming a Lens-Artists blogger!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Terri, you are welcome. Thank you for your kind words about joining the Lens-Artists team. It will be fun.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. You are going to be BUSY! I look forward to your theme!

        Liked by 1 person

      3. Terri, I’m looking forward to hosting. Can’t wait to see your response!

        Liked by 1 person

  35. Great in-flight images Terri! It’s hard to lose a parent, and in case I haven’t done so, please accept my condolences.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you, Anne. Some of these are recycled, but the helicopter is a new addition. And I thank you for your condolences. Planning a celebration of life is like planning a wedding…so many details but so much sadder.

      Liked by 1 person

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About Me

I’m a former university adjunct Professor and retired recreation & parks practitioner living in North-Eastern Washington State near the Idaho border. Second Wind Leisure Perspectives is my blog about living a leisure lifestyle, including photography, friends, fitness, and fun.

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