Negativity

Looking out at Boscastle

 

 

I’ve been feeling a bit sorry for myself just recently – I don’t often get ill but I’ve been suffering from a chest infection and accompanying cough and general lethargy. ‘Luckily’ it coincided with the Easter break and so my precious few days off work were spent trying hard to feel human and not too grumpy.

 

Anyway, to cheer myself up I sorted out some bits and pieces at home including some of my vast collection of camera equipment. During the tidy I found a couple of unexposed 120 films. How exciting! I still love the thrill of sending off film, not knowing what will come back – and this was even more exciting as I had no idea what was even on the film!

 

DS#1 looking cool at the beach

The negs and CD came back in super quick time and it transpired they were from holidays in 2013 and 2014… The rolls of film had been used in my Diana camera and then stashed safely. The Diana is a fun piece of kit is based on the 1960’s super low quality box camera. The poor plastic construction is part of the appeal as the resulting light leakage and soft focus effects give some interesting results. It uses 120 film which gives large sized square negatives and prints which several firms are now able to develop. It’s not a super cheap hobby but it is fun!

 

Not my most flattering shot but I just love the colours

Textures

Here are some of the better results – some of the shots were so ‘effected’ that you couldn’t really tell what they were of. It has rekindled my desire to get out there and take some more and to make sure I get the films sent straight off this time instead of sitting around for years…..

These two pics were taken at Sidmouth when I did my yoga retreat. Happy memories!

DS#2 being mean and moody (and small)

Pasties and Prisons - Adventures in Cornwall.

Back to reality today - The washing is almost up to date and we are about to eat the first 'proper' meal in a week (not that the kids are happy about that!!)

So - Cornwall. I do love the place. There is some amazing scenery, lots of history and places to see and the seafood is fabulous. BUT it's bloody heaving at this time of year. Now, we did work out that as long as you arrive at a place before lunch time then you were pretty much tourist free. After 1pm then forget it! It made things a little stressful, especially for someone who doesn't really like crowds. But then I guessed that's what we were in for.
The holiday park was just how I expected it to be. They had mascots. I could go with Freddy the Fox but Kenny the Badger???? Really?? Luckily the park was simply a base and so we didn't get too involved with the bingo, quiz nights and rather dubious 'entertainment'! To give credit where credit is due however, 'Stripey Sammy' sang his little heart out and was super enthusiastic in the face of 9 million kids dosed up on sweets and cola.

We had some amazing visits. My personal favourite was Bodmin Jail. I had been here some years before, when it was still Bodmin Gaol. Not sure why it's been rebranded. Maybe Gaol was too difficult to pronounce? They have done some sterling work in doing the place up. They had taxidermy....

Part rabbit, part deer. All friendly!

And some awesome mannikins. Check them out!

Possibly a horse?? Melted?

Face, wig, monkey... you decide what's the strangest aspect of this!

Derek Acorah apparently 'did time' at Bodmin.

I say Abraham Lincoln, my brother says Alan Rickman.

We ate our own body weight in fudge, pasties and chips. I also ate an entire lobster myself (with chips). The lady at Padstow kindly split it for me so I didn't have to raid the car tool box and use a hammer and pliers like last time (it SO doesn't go with the image!).

I am Lompster Bob and I have a splitting headache!

We saw some very photogenic harbours. Inspired by my talented friend Louise Mamet, I did try to take some pictures but sadly I still have lots to learn! I took my Polaroid camera too and got some very '70's looking pictures with that. They will have to wait until I fight my way into the cupboard to access the scanner though!

Boscastle

 

Boscastle again

Port Isaac - the water was so blue!

Back to work tomorrow - starting with a trip to Bury St Edmunds to check out an Anglo-Saxon village. I am very excited about this as it could be the satrt of a new project at work.... watch this space!