The August Break - I'm in!

Am very excited to be taking part in Susannah Conway's 'August Break'. Basically there is a different one word prompt for each day in August, you take a photograph inspired by the prompt and post it on your blog. Easy!

The prompts are varied and hopefully they will result in some interesting pictures. I will try my best to post every day... check out Susannah's site www.susannahconway.com for more info and to sign up yourself. See you there!

Dreaming Spires and Steamy Sundays.

I have been making up for not getting out much of late. I actually managed to grab a couple of days holiday from work. I spent one of these being all 'touristy' in Oxford, exploring and photographing whilst avoiding the heaving crowds of real tourists!

I also visited the Oxford Botanic Gardens - somewhere I'm ashamed to say I've never visited before. It was beautiful, gorgeous plants, shady spots and some rather disturbing art. Mabel Odessey, artist, has dotted various black and white photographs around the gardens. They feature antique marionnettes of Alice and other Looking Glass characters in spooky poses - all a bit surreal!

 

 

I also saw the obligatory punts and bikes (took pictures) a dribbling tramp(didn't take pictures) and a very chap inspired shop display (I asked to take pictures which rather surprised the shop assistant!)

This week saw the arrival of my first Birchbox. This is a monthly lucky dip of beauty samples and information. It comes in a lovely box, packaged wonderfully and it feels a bit like getting an unbirthday present. Even better, on reading the enclosed magazine I decided to Google a singer that I had not heard of before. Please check out Alela Diane - simply stunning voice! Try 'White as Diamonds'... awesome! I have ordered some of her back albums and am looking forward to getting the new release 'About Farewell' at the end of the month.

Today DH and I visited a local Steam Fair. I must admit to a secret liking of steam engines. The smell and noise. Weird, I know.... Still, there were also some very special mannikins on display and I do like a badly put together plasticated person. Especially if they are also wearing a bad wig.

 

 

We enjoyed the displays (who knew there was so much you could say about kites) and I enjoyed some ice cream. However, imagine my horror when I spotted that someone else was wearing the same outfit as me!!!! I thought my floaty Next shirt and legging ensemble was fresh, stylish and quirky. Clearly someone else did too... what a faux pas! Still, I was better accessorised than her and my bag matched my shoes. I even wore some Eiffel Tower earrings in recognition of the Tour de France final day. So I think I won that little fashion-off. :-) Next time I shall have to pick my outfit with more thought!!

Just joined Bloglovin..... follow me here!

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Apparently Google Reader will be unavailable from Monday... so I have joined Bloglovin' and tested my technical abilities beyond their limits!
You can follow me here, go on, you know you want to! And tell all your friends! I'll bake you a cake.. and give you a hug! xxx

It's all in the detail.....

It's Saturday. The sun is shining. I have absolutely nothing I have to do. (there's plenty I should be doing, but nothing that can't wait!)

Doing absolutely nothing! Blissful :-)

Last post I wrote about my Gratitude Lists and I have been continuing to list 5 things every day that I am grateful for. Working in such a beautiful place has allowed me to add some amazing nature moments - slo worm watching, newly fledged green woodpeckers, great crested newts (not all at the same time!!). I have also added the obligatory culinary delights (raspberries from my garden) and even the odd social interaction - just proving I am not a total hermit!
Doing this has made me think about all those tiny beautiful things that happen each day that can easily pass by if we don't stop and take note.

I have tried really hard to do more photography this week too. Since Unravelling stopped I have found it difficult to have a subject on what to focus (see what I did there). One of the ladies from our post-unravel group suggested the title "two".... so simple and yet such a huge word!! However, it has got the old brain ticking and has encouraged me to get the camera out!
A few years ago I read an article in a magazine about someone who used photographs of hands in the same way others photograph facial portraits. (I didn't think to note the name of the artist). They had a fantastic selection of hand portraits - each sitter posing with an item which said something about them or their lives/hobbies. The article really struck me and has stayed with me and so - for "two" I thought it time to have a go.

DH and his customary grease and spanner!

 

DS#2 chose his bow as the X-Box lead wasn't long enough to reach outside!

 

Journaling has continued apace. Apart from the 'serious' writing and note taking I have been creative too. I have big plans for the extension and reorganisation of my shed into a 1950's inspired place of beauty. So, the creative journal is now bulging with inspirational pictures and DH is reeling from a mile long detailed to-do list. As I said, it's all in the detail!!

Journaling, reading and drinking tea!