Spot The Wildlife

As I enjoyed my morning cuppa whilst gazing out of the window, I became aware of one of our neighbours. Someone else was enjoying the beautiful warm morning sunshine. 

I'm not sure you'll immediately see the subject of My Sunday Photo in this photograph below, as he was quite a distance... even for my zoom lens. 

Right in the centre of the shot is Mr Fox!

His winter coat is quite spectacular and he's a handsome, healthy looking chap. 

He's obviously a very good hunter by the look of his physique... he's certainly not managing on scraps by the look of him.

Now I'm not saying that this particular fox is the one that nearly took our Annie away, as I have seen two foxes playing in the field, but I certainly hope this one keeps his distance... even if it means My Sunday Photo has to suffer.

I'd much rather that than losing one of my chooks! 

My elderly neighbour had mentioned that she'd got some more chickens (about 12 in total) but 'someone' had been taking them? I didn't have the heart to tell her that it probably wasn't a 'someone'... more a 'something'!

I have cropped the photo so that it'll make it easier to see him.

He certainly knew I was taking his picture as he looked directly at me.

The click of the camera travelled right across the field, blowing my cover!

I managed to take a few shots where he had his eyes closed, enjoying the rays.

It was the perfect perch for him... on the raised grassy mound. 

It enabled him to enjoy the sun, but also to see all around.

Well it was perfect until a dog came mooching along...then Mr Fox slunk away into the ferns and that was the last I saw of him for the rest of the day. 

If you'd like to see lots more photos, then click the link here to My Sunday Photo

and Image-in-ing.blogspot.co.uk
Thanks for visiting my place and I hope to see you again soon.

Have a great weekend everyone

My Sunday Photo...Allium

I apologise if you've seen this photo before on my Instagram feed, but I think I may have forgotten to include it into My Sunday Photo posts.

I really like it so I thought I'd share it with you.

I'm linking up with My Sunday Photo over at Photalife.com

Please feel free to pop across to see lots more photographs by clicking here

Have a great weekend and thanks for popping over to my place.

My Sunday Photo... Neesie On Assignment

Today the photographer got shot!
This is me on My Sunday Photo assignment and my daughter took a photo of me, taking a photo!

I was totally focused (sorry for the intentional pun, but I couldn't resist)

I had no idea she was taking my photo.
The weather today was incredibly wet, so we decided to visit the Botanical Winter Gardens for some warmth. 

I will be posting some of the photo's from our visit in the next few days.

Thanks for visiting and I hope you are having a wonderful weekend.

I'm linking up with My Sunday Photo as usual. 

Please feel free to pop across to see lots more photographs by clicking here

Morning has broken....

Did you miss me?

I'm hearing a resounding 'of course' here (hehe)....so thank you for that....I know... just humour me...

Well I've been so quiet (for me anyway) since Wednesday, but as you can imagine we've been making the most of the last few days of my daughters visit...but alas the party's over...

she's about to land in the UK in the next half hour...(sigh)...but we're okay about that because we will see each other again at Christmas...so that's not too far away (so I hear).

 I've spent most of today working my way through the 3,000 photographs that she took whilst she was here...and I've been given exclusive rights to use them...for your delight!

Don't worry I don't intend to post all of them and I certainly wouldn't want to have you squirming in your seat wading through masses of holiday photos...but I think you may be in for a treat.

One thing that will stay with me from this visit is how special the dawn came be...the start of a new day

What better way to start a day full of new possibilities...than to capture that special moment....savour it...

take a deep breath and make your heart smile...

I hope your day starts this well ~ have a great weekend everyone....

 

What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday ~ WOYWW #167

 It's WOYWW time again...

Basically on a Wednesday it's time to open your door and let everyone in to see what you're up to...well on your workdesk that is! Visitors can come from all over the world....so be prepared....get that kettle on!
 There are so many talented artists and crafters out there...there's always something to capture your interest or inspire you so pop over to take a look at Julia's blog at Stamping Ground to check out what everyone's up to...

Now let me show you what's happening on my desk this week....

Once again my poor dining room table is my workdesk, but at least it's getting lots of attention. 

It won't be long now before I can relocate back into the studo...well I'm keeping a positive attitude here. 

The light is brilliant in there but I need it to be a fair few degrees warmer to enable me to sit and work. 

 I've been making my doodles into cards for my Etsy shop. 

They seem to be a grouped together in a theme of Australian icons...which wasn't a preconceived notion...they just arrived! They'll hopefully arrive in the shop in the next day or so...so if you want a closer look just click on the Etsy shop logo in my sidebar. ;D

 I've also got my frog design completed now, but he had to stay overnight at the printers! 

I do hope he's okay and plan to pick him up later today....so I'll pop back later and add him in here for you to see.

As well as visiting the printers I also nipped to my local art suppliers yesterday too and can you see...I'm now the proud owner of four Copic pens! I know only four...but I wanted to see how they work before committing myself to them. Don't forget I've not long purchased the Derwent Intense Pencils...
We do have to eat too you know!

I do love black and white though as you can probably guess by my work, although I did paint with vibrant colours when doing Silk Painting.

Talking of black and white I watched an amazing art programme last night which I'd like to share with you today if you can spare the time. It was about an incredible photographer by the name of Jeff Carter.

Absolutely fantastic photographs highlighting Australian's daily life from as far back as 1940's!

Lastly and I realise that today's post has been a little longer than it should be but I have to apologise if I didn't make it to your desk...I did try and for some I even visited numerous times because I forgot where I was up to...sigh! So I'll try again this week. :D

Have fun and enjoy WOYWW!

Monochromatic Art entry for the Artist's Playroom

In keeping with the water theme that's been happening here over the last few days...namely downpours of torrential rain, I've decided that I'll post a beach photo that I took whilst on a girlie getaway to enter into the the Artist's Playroom hosted by the brilliantly talented Jenn on her blog Just add Water Silly,
The theme this week for the APR challenge is Monochromatic and I'm hoping that a photograph will be okay. I'd love to have drawn or painted something to enter, but it's the same old story...the week just ran away with me trying to hang on!

Just have a peek at some very gifted talented real artists!

Well it's almost the weekend...so make the most of it...have fun and keep smiling everyone ;D

Emotional Trip Down Memory Lane...

I'm having a rather emotional day today and I have had trouble thinking of posting anything else, so if I run through this one quickly, then I may be able to move on....Why you may ask?

Well, for over the last week my brother (bless) has been sending me photos daily from our childhood.

Let me explain...we had lots of Kodak slides stored in a box. I think probably everyone has a similar box somewhere in their family vaults. The box of slides used to be tucked away in a cupboard, but now they have been reborn. They've come alive and into the light again, thanks to technology and my brother. He's converted all the slides into digital photos and they've converted incredibly well.

I'll also have to explain that I lost my Dad when I was 16 years old and although 'they' say time heals, I'm afraid I don't agree...it doesn't heal it just enables you to cope. Sometimes better than others. 

So as you can imagine to suddenly see my Dad again after all this time in photos that I haven't seen or have totally forgotten is like being visited by him...and it’s both joyful but so sad all at the same time....(big breaths....)

I could say so much more but it’s upsetting and I always try to be positive on my blog. If you're lucky to have your Dad still  ~ go give him a hug, kiss, call him, text him, or do anything you want to do, just because you can ~ he's there : D

So, phewph...lets lighten up....here's one of the photos and I trust you will not laugh, well not too loudly. I can hear you....<(. , .)>

Yep that's me in my beautiful bikini. I know...okay...laugh away :oD

If I told you I was a shy timid girl you wouldn't believe me would you? But I was ~ honestly. I think that's why I find this shot so hilarious. My sister used to have the same cossie (as we used to call them) which might have been very annoying for her, having her little sister dressed the same, but I always thought it was so cool. 

I used to love the way the skirt billowed out when you entered into the water. If you were brave enough to venture into the water that is. I think that's my Dad and brother in the background too. 

I have to confess looking at some of these photos I wish they hadn't been converted ~ but we have had a laugh! Some of the hairstyles and fashions have been incredible. And then there's the different moods captured...some priceless sulks too. Not me of course....

If there's one thing I've learnt from all of this, other than to really appreciate your family and loved ones whilst you have them near, it’s also never to refuse having your photo taken. You may not look your best at the time or wearing the right outfit etc but all that doesn't matter. The photos aren't just for us (you'd probably never feel totally comfortable anyway) They are for those that love us, they are priceless treasure. 

So smile....next time you’re on camera: D

Lunar Eclipse

I couldn't believe it this morning, when I woke at 5.18am! Nothing new there really and in fact it was the second time I'd woken, but then I remembered I'd heard that there was to be a lunar eclipse and the best time to view here in Melbourne, would be 5.20am. 

I had seen the huge full moon earlier in the evening and thought it would be a spectacular sight, but didn't for one minute imagine I'd wake at the right time to see it. It just shows how the mind can be programmed even as we sleep.

I nipped into the bathroom to check if it I could see it ...I knew if the moon was visible, I'd see it from that window and sure enough...there it was. I couldn't resist and dashed for my camera. I knew I'd have to be quick to capture anything, and in my haste didn't even wrap up before nipping out onto the decking, to capture the image. Brrrr.......it was very chilly!

Here's the result.....and a few imperative points I must adhere to in future....

1. Purchase new camera 
2. Plus Tripod
3. When shooting night photography ensure wrapped up sufficiently to stop camera shake from shivering!
4. Set camera setting before dashing out the door - that way I'd know what setting I was about to use, instead of just guessing.

Ho hom ...here's the result....and unfortunately it was the best one out of five! Sigh......

Now this is the way to do it....its one I came across online, which I think is cool and really highlights my inadequacies.

http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/western-australia/longest-lunar-eclipse-for-a-decade-for-south-australia-stargazers/story-e6frg13u-1226075970504