A Bench challenge and an orchid
A gentle day, on the north east coast of England. My friends and I amble along, in search of a bench where we can sit for a while, admiring the view.
A good-looking bench, but facing the wrong way
Ah, here it is! Spotlit so we can’t miss it
It’s not a perfect day, but pleasant, in a very English way. The kind of day when it’s good to be on a cliff top bench, gazing out to sea. After a while we ease ourselves up and carry on.
These posts frame the bay beautifully
At this time of year small orchids radiate out from the grass. Careful not to tread on them, I kneel down for a closer look. Pretty, aren’t they?
I’m astonished at the colour!
When our walk is done I carry on down to the small marina at Seaham, looking for a sheltered spot where I can read. There must be a bench or two?
This one might do- no back rest, though
This one’s much more fun, but maybe not very comfortable!
Careful not to upset Judge Jude by breaking any rules, I’ve been quite subtle with my post processing of Benches. But I just had to give Lunapic one more whirl. What do you think? All of the images except for the last one were done in Ulead Photo Express, in quite an old version.
It’s Saturday again so it must be time to find your six words. Pop along and share them with Cate at Show My Face. Have a great weekend and I’ll see you on Monday for a walk.
Whoa, Jo, funky edits!
Are those really orchids?
Funny, Karen! I’d just this second gone to remind myself of yours 🙂 Yes, wild orchids in profusion around here at this time of year.
Very pretty. 🙂
🙂
You know, Jo, I have started writing my July post. It is in my drafts. The monthly flowers are larkspur, delphinium and water lilies. I loved the orchids in the grass, Jo. After looking at their “trumpet like” shape, I wondered if they were possibly from the family of larkspur?
Your benches are quite interesting and varied. You go beyond the assignment and make your posts like “treats,” Jo.
Quite possibly larkspur family… Jude would know. She’s my plantswoman par excellence.
They seem to like a seaside location. I was crawling around in the grass yesterday, looking at more. 🙂 Many thanks for your company, Robin. Have a great weekend!
This is a really special entry for Jude’s challenge. Love the orchid and buttercups, but I think that last bench would make me a bit dizzy. :”
It’s ok. I didn’t actually sit on it Ad! Happy you like it. Have you arrived yet? X
Got here yesterday. Thanks for ordering brilliant weather for us. 😘
I should have ordered it for me too. It’s not great here x
🙂 This spot (post) looks wonderful even without your Lunapic escapade. I like when you are playful 😀 Bless
It’s a good bit of coast! It’s not been great weather this week but I’m determined to get out and about tomorrow. How are you? Is the infection better? 🙂
I am doing better 🙂 working, working out – all functions back to normal 😀
Working out? Oh my! A new trimmer you? Maybe better for health… but you were never overweight! 🙂
No, it is not about weight. I have been doing it since April, and did not want to miss out more than 5 days cause of my infection 😉 (I do it three times a week)
Is this the ‘new interest’ you referred to a while ago? I’ve been speculating but would never have picked this.
That and studying Greek 😀 (by myself :D)
Greek I might have guessed 🙂 🙂 A Greek holiday in July?
Do you go to a gym or just at home?
No, no, no, no plans for Greece in foreseeable future 😀 Just my craziness for languages. I have a Pilates and Yoga studio 300 meters away from home.
Too hot in July anyway 🙂 I learnt a smidgeon ‘back in the day’ when we did Greek holidays. Hugs, Paula! Take care.
You too, Jo. 🙂
Have you heard of Pilates Reformer machine workout? That’s what I am doing. It has so many benefits.
Nope! I’ll Google it. I’ve done a bit of Pilates and quite like it. Don’t have a regular class though (only in the Algarve 🙂 )
About holidays – we are going to Dugi Otok. I don’t know if you remember the site I once showed you with a lighthouse and pebble and sandy beaches in Croatia.
Yes, I do remember! It looked beautiful. I still have Croatia on my list. Oh that darn list! 🙂 🙂
Enjoyed the leisurely stroll with you Jo, always good to have plenty of benches to sit and look at that glorious view. Enjoyed the way you have “played” with the images. Wow that last one had me going round in circles, felt I was on a merry go round…
Lunapic does most things quite well but you can have the crazies too, Pauline. Must be why I like it 🙂
What a beautiful place! Great pix!
Thank you! Yes, with a little bit of sunshine it can be a very nice coastline. 🙂
The orchids look beautiful. I’m glad they are protected. It always makes me giggle when benches are placed facing the wrong way. In our neighbourhood we have a brand new bench placed opposite a T junction! Happy Summer Solstice. I’m glad the sun shone on the bench with the best view.
They do put them in some funny places, don’t they? (benches) Once I spotted the orchids I lost interest in the benches. 🙂 Thank you- and to you!
Perfectly smoothed by being softly stroked – how lovely!
There were some lovely (and clever) verses, Tanya. I really think it’s a great idea. 🙂
You sure have fun with your special effects, Jo. I especially love the first one that looks like it’s either on nice stationary or linen! 🙂
Yes, that’s my favourite too, Cathy. It takes me way too long when I start to mess about with processing so I’m glad I don’t do it often 🙂
I know how time consuming that post-processing can be, especially when you have thousands of pictures (as I do) to cull through! 🙂
Actually the technique on your first photo is really nice. 🙂 Another nice day out.
Thank you very much 🙂 I’m glowing at the praise 🙂
Even when one doesn’t sit on a bench, it adds something to the landscape. It’s evocative of a relaxing moment of contemplation. I like what you did to the first photo.
Thanks, Nicki 🙂 I’m not wild about processing but that’s one of the effects I really like.
I do love your orchids. For some reason they are special in the wild. I’m not so keen on garden or airport ones. It’s the stumbling across I love. Your post processing is all totally apt: the effects look great, especially the canvas one.
The processing takes up too much time for my liking, Meg but, as we’ve seen on Jude’s gardens, it can be totally effective used sparingly. I’m glad that my orchids brought you out of comment hibernation. 🙂 🙂 Hope the journey’s going well.
I love the post processing, Jo, especially the first shot. It looks as though it should be framed and hung on the wall. Lovely walk by the sea, too!
Thanks, Elisa 🙂 The light on the water on that stretch of coast always makes me want to linger. The others got out the flasks of coffee and off I went with my camera.
Great captured jo
Thanks, Jake 🙂 Happy weekend to you!
They orchids are a lovely spot of color in the grey.
They do brighten the day, don’t they? 🙂
Thanks for taking us along!
Six Words and Solstice Songs
Glad you could come 🙂
Beautiful bench capture! I love these wildflowers 🙂
Thanks, Amy 🙂 There are lots of them this year but I’ve never seen that deep pink one before.
You take great photos, Jo! 🙂
Hugs! 🙂
Hugs 🙂
Hum…I guess that first bench is for people who are afraid of the water. Great shots, Jo! I love your trips to the ocean.
It’s quite a steep drop, Jill. Definitely not for vertigo sufferers 🙂 Thanks, hon. Happy weekend!
Lots of lovely images. You combine the benches and orchids so elegantly!
Our walk took us around the top of the quarry and I was going to keep it for a Monday walk, but those benches were just right for Jude’s challenge. And she asked to see the orchids when I mentioned them to her in a comment last week. It all just came together 🙂 Thank you!
The best posts do, don’t they!
🙂