Natural Magic

Went for a walk down the local footpath the other day. It was a beautiful, grey skies and sunshine kind of day. I was heading for.

Squirrels Rest is a little spot along the path where some kind souls have set a lovely bench and lots of bird feeders. There are a couple of really fat squirrels who hang out there snaffling all the peanuts and seeds so my aim was to take the new camera and get a few shots.

Is there anything better than blue skies and trees. I love trees.

Isn't it amazing what a difference perspective the weather casts over even the most familiar landscapes. Takes these trees from one of my snowy walks posts.

Don't they look different enclosed by green and blue instead of blanketed in white.

Well I got to squirrels rest, the birds were restless and there wasn't a squirrel in sight. I hung around for a bit in the cold but just couldn't get anything photo wise so decided to head back home. On the way back down the path some reflections caught my eye and on a whim I decided to stop for a photo or two. That's when Sol decided to reveal her magic to me.

This beautiful ray of perfect sunlight appeared. My picture is a poor imitation. It was beautiful to see this natural spotlight warming up the earth, making her ready for spring. With this kind of magic in the air I decided to try my luck again at Squirrels Rest so rather than return home back I went.

Low and behold Mr Squirrel was sitting there waiting for me. This guy isn't the fattest of the bunch but he was the only one who deigned to show his face.

The birds were also in friendlier mood, maybethey could tell I had been touched by magic.The long tailed tit is a favourite of mine. I was treated to not just one but a whole flock.Beautiful. I didn't want to out stay my welcome and determined to head home before the magic wore off I trode the path back.

The footpath is an old canal path, parts of the canal are currently being restored by volunteers. On the way home I came across a bag of rusty treasures that had escaped my notice on the way out. I had to stick my head in and take a quick shot. Love all the yummy textures and colours.

I also loved the way that the sunlight was hitting the remains of the lightening tree - one of my favourite sights on this particular walk.

For an instant I thought 'wouldn't it be great if all the sky behind this was all blue' but it's really only on the grey sunshiny days that you get this wonderful light that I love so much.I also loved how the outside of the tree was lit with the warming sunlight yet the hollowed out insides were still shrouded in darkness. This tree may not be whole anymore but the bark is still throwing its protective arms around the secrets this tree holds inside.
Did I tell you how I love the magic of these grey, blue and sunshine days? I did? Well I guess there is nothing more for me to say....

Playing with a Canon

I went to a concert at the end of last week which gave me some opportunity to play with the new camera. I have to admit that I'm not one for trying to get the perfect picture in this kind of setting, I'm at a gig to enjoy the music and have a good time. I get the camera out for a couple of snaps then I'm done.

The new camera has a couple of different settings for use at night time or for taking pictures in dark settings. So I had a quick play with them all. My pictures weren't brilliant but certainly a lot better than I would have gotten with my previous compact. A little more practise and I'm sure I'd be able to get some pretty good concert snaps.

Of my efforts last week, this one was my favourite. I had others that were more in focus, but there is just something about this one that speaks to me. For me it just captures something of the experience of going to a gig, I just have to take a look at this and I'm right back in there getting squashed in the crowd :)

Hugo

I've been messing around at home with my new camera, trying to get to grips with all of the different settings and functions. Some of them are still a mystery, I must have a look at the manual sometime, I'm sure that will help :)

Today my (willing?!?) model was Hugo. He's the shyest of my four kitties, very nervous and doesn't like any kind of attention unless it's on his terms. I managed to catch him in a sleepy moment today and got some shots before he could realise what was happening and disappear in to the cupboard!

This close in shot isn't as sharp as I would have liked but before I got another chance at it he'd run away...

New Toy

A week or so ago I was really naughty and decided to treat myself to a new toy. I haven't really had much time to get to grips with it yet, there are so many modes and functions to try out, definitely more complicated than my old camera.

My old camera did me proud though, its been with me for several years and has captured some of the best times of my life but it was time for a change.

This is one of the first pictures I took with it. I used the 'Aquarium setting which is meant to help you shoot aquatic life with natural tones.I just loved the silly reflection in this one. I'm looking forward to getting out and about and putting my new toy through its paces. The thing I most love about it so far is that it lets you choose where in the frame you want to focus which is a definite plus point for a compact. I think I'm going to have lots of fun playing!

White World

We've been snow free for a few days now but before the memories of world covered in white fade away there is just time to share a couple more snaps from another wonderful winter walk I took last week.

Cotswold Countryside

As promised in my Hailes Abbey post it's time to share some pictures from a 6 mile walk that I took through the countryside around the Abbey. I was blessed with a beautiful day and the walk took me through beautiful fields and charming Cotswold villages.

The starting point for my walk was this lovely little Church at Hailes, from this point I struck out along some quiet country lanes where this ivy covered letter box caught my eye.

The notice says that there are regular collections from this box, but the ivy seems to indicate otherwise, lol.

It wasn't long before I left the lanes and was striding through the beautiful cotswold countryside, where I met a wonderful local man out walking his dog. He asked me all about where my walk was taking me and told me about his recent walking holiday with his daughter, its nice that you can still find places where people will stop and share the time of day with you.

Leaving the fields I walked through the lovely little village of Didbrook, I just loved this gate which formed the entrance to St George's church.

And this wonderful door within a door with it's beautiful faded patina and metal lock.

Through the village it was back to the fields to join part of the Cotswold way footpath, climbing up the hill was hard work but worth it for the views over the countryside.

Look at this wonderful scene is there anything which says English countryside more?

Walking in the countryside can be pretty hazardous though, I had to battle my way past this beast, the guardian of the gate, in order to finish my journey. :)

And of course I can't tell you about a walk without sharing a now obligatory picture of my feet. :)

Snowy Days

I just want to say thank you to everyone who posted such lovely comments of support on my last entry. My life is still Topsy-Turvy but things are getting better. Basically after 14 years together Mark and I are going our separate ways and I'm struggling to deal with it but will get there I'm sure.

Anyhow I just wanted to check in and let you know I'm ok. While I'm here I thought I'd share a few pics I took while out walking in the snow yesterday.

Some more holiday snaps

I don't have anything stitchwise to share today so thought I'd just put up a few more pictures from my recent trip.

This last one is Mark checking out some angles for his shots, as most of you already know he is the real photographer in the family, you can check out his pictures here. Boats at Windermere
Birmingham's iconic bullring building
Sunset
Sunrise

Mountain Autumn and a Giveaway

I was quite surprised by the fact that I actually did find a little time for stitching while away. I managed to finish 6 of the 12 postcard tops that I took with me and got stitching done on all of the others but not to finishing point. I don't have any pictures to share yet though.

However while on my travels last week I did manage to pick up another project to add to the To Do List. While in Penrith we came across this adorable little shop and of course I had to go in for a browse.

They had quite a good little range of cross stitch and embroidery kits and a few threads and accessories. I decided to treat myself to a little something which would serve as a reminder of our week in the Lakes so picked this little long stitch kit. I'm not sure yet when it will get started but I'm determined not to leave it in the packet for too long. Of course for the rest of the week while we were out and about I tried to look out for similar scenes which I thought could have inspired this design. There were plenty of stone bridges scattered in the landscape to choose from but this little footbridge was my favourite. On an entirely different subject I have ended up with two copies of the latest Stitch magazine so thought it would be fun to have an impromptu giveaway. Leave a comment on this post by the end of the week if you are interested in going into the draw for a chance to win this magazine.