Jakesprinter Sunday Post

Sunday Post : Simplicity

2012-dragon-logo-small1

Jake’s back!  And with beautiful Simplicity this week.  No animated graphics, proving that simple can still be very beautiful.  Simplicity is “easy to explain; not complicated”.  Sounds good to me.

When I think of simplicity, my thoughts turn to the good things in life: crusty bread with cheese and tomatoes, stong coffee and, maybe, a glass of wine; strawberries fresh from the market stall, so nice you have to eat them out of the paper bag before you even get home; the smell of barbecueing fish as you stroll along the beach.

Do you agree with my definition in these photos?  Click on any of them to start the slide show.

Home made goods and pastries at the Arabian market in Cacela Velha
Working the wood lathe
The simplicity of blowing bubbles to amuse Robin
An empty beach with gently lapping tide
The simple beauty of wild cistus on the hillsides of Portugal.
Mingling with the friendly oranges
The hottest of red hibiscus!
The boat pulled up on the shoreline, waiting to put to sea for the next catch
Me beachcombing (courtesy of Michael)
A natural spring- the simplicity of nature
Full mopheads adorn the castle gardens in Tavira
And the simplicity of paper flowers used for celebration
The sun setting on a silent sea

The simplicity of life in the Algarve is what calls me back, again and again.  Thank you Jake for giving me the opportunity to share so much of what is beautiful in my world.

Please do join in Jakesprinter’s challenge by clicking on the flying dragon logo or the links.  Jake has many friends and I know there will be lots of great entries.

Sunday Post : Goals

2012-dragon-logo-small1

Jakesprinter’s subject for this week’s Sunday Post is Goals.  Not my favourite topic, but let’s play with it!

Estadio de Luz, Benfica

Estadio de Luz, Benfica

Estadio do Algarve

Estadio do Algarve

Both my husband and son are huge football fans, and can’t wait to check out the local stadium whenever we travel.  Which leaves me free to look at more interesting things.  And I do!

The former palacio at Estoi, now a hotel

Like the former palacio at Estoi, now a pousada, or hotel

An exotic plant (don't ask me which one)

Or these exotic plants (please don’t ask their name!)

Looking over Lisbon rooftops to the River Tejo

The view of the River Tejo in Lisbon was very pretty

But Tavira's riverbank by night is lovely too

But Tavira’s riverbank by night is lovely too

Admire a restaurant sign

I could admire a restaurant sign or two

Or take a wild ride at the funfair

Or take a wild ride at the funfair

But most likely, I'll linger by that bridge again!

But most likely, I’ll linger by that bridge again!

And next morning wake in my lovely Tavira home

And, next morning, wake in my lovely Tavira home

I don’t really have my goals for 2013 clearly defined yet.  I surely plan to spend more time in Tavira, and to do some travelling around Portugal.  I usually try to tie that in to a festival or event.  Jerez and Cadiz have been beckoning me for a while, and I’m mildly curious about Gibraltar.

I absolutely must do something about my wilting language skills, particularly because I hope to visit Polish family again this Spring.  A new self-hosted website, a photo book?  Those decisions still haven’t been taken.  Live my life as fully as I can, without hurting those around me.  I guess that has to be my main goal.  And if I could do a little good along the way, that would be magnificent.  I’ll let you know how I do.

I’m sure there are some cracking goals on Jake’s page, so let’s hit the flying dragon logo link and go check him out, shall we?  It’s always a pleasure.

Sunday Post- New Year 2013

2012-dragon-logo-small1

It’s been a busy writing week for me (always a good thing!) so I’ve saved Jake’s Sunday Post till today.  After all, it’s New Year’s Day, so it fits the subject.  Apart from a few sore heads, I’m hoping it’s going to be a beautiful new year for you all.

What will the New Year hold for me? I’ve barely started to plan yet, but there are a few certainties. The first will be my daughter’s wedding in early February. Oh, the photos of that are going to be so much fun! Steampunk/historical- can you imagine?  And of course, I’ll be back in my beloved Tavira, and have some Polish family to visit.

In the meantime, let’s welcome the New Year.

Our first snowdrop

Our first snowdrop, sparkling in the sunshine

Yesterday was just the weather for a brisk walk in the lengthening shadows

Yesterday was just the weather for a brisk walk in the lengthening shadows

The houses on Seaton Green are still traditionally decorated

The houses on Seaton Green are still traditionally decorated

With interesting details

With interesting details, like the postbox

It was a little "fresh" on the prom

It was a little “fresh” on the prom

But some families still braved the beach

But some families still braved the beach

It was bright and cheerful yesterday, as it is again today, and the camera’s just itching for some more fresh air.  Me too!

The Museum of Hartlepool was peaceful.

The Museum of Hartlepool was peaceful.

Just made it round the marina as the sun started to set

Just made it round the marina as the sun started to set

Don't you love to look at boats? I can't help myself.

Don’t you love to look at boats? I can’t help myself.

Especially unusual ones!

Especially unusual ones!

This isn’t at all the post I meant to write for Jake, but it’s how I spent the time this New Year when I wasn’t cooking, so I guess it qualifies?  I’d better hurry and post it.  Already in New Zealand it’s another day.

Please come and look at Jakesprinter’s Sunday Post with me.  He puts so much work into them.  Just click on the flying dragon or the link.

Sunday Post : Concept

2012-dragon-logo-small1My weekend was a bit of a wreck, so my Jakesprinter’s Sunday Post simply didn’t happen.  But I had given some thought to the theme, Concept, and am feeling seasonal and a little nostalgic.

“So this is Christmas, and what have you done?”  So tragic, Lennon’s death.  Can you believe that it was 32 years ago?

I wonder what Christmas means to you?  My conception is the traditional one, the important factor, the boy child who was conceived.  “Unto us a boy is born, King of all Creation”.  Every Christmas my little wooden stable comes down from the loft, complete with nativity scene.

IMG_4793

Nativity scenes come in many forms.  The original is credited to St. Francis of Assisi in 1223.  He wanted the emphasis to remain with the religious significance of Christmas rather than materialism and gift giving.  These days, Christmas markets and all, I rather think materialsim has won.

I have heard of, though not yet seen, the szopka nativity scenes traditionally exhibited at Christmas time in Kraków.  They date from the 13th century, and include elements of architecture.  A yearly competition is held in Rynek Główny to determine the best.  That must be exciting!

Image of a szopka from Wikipedia

Image of a szopka from Wikipedia

Religion doesn’t play a huge part in my life, but I do love the carols at Christmas time.  “Peace on earth, goodwill to all men” seems like a good maxim to me.

IMG_1831

The wreath is in it’s traditional place on my fireplace, and the cards beginning to arrive.  My Polish family always send cards which celebrate the birth of our Lord.

IMG_1838

IMG_1841

IMG_1839

Why the Christmas tree?  The evergreen tree, which does not lose its leaves in winter, is regarded as the symbol of eternal life.  I have lots of “old friends” on my tree.

IMG_4781

IMG_4782

IMG_4783

And some beautiful hand made ornaments, proudly given to me by my Polish family on my first visit to Poland, though I’ve never been there at Christmas.

IMG_4787

IMG_4786

And, of course, topped by the angel made for me by my daughter Lisa.

IMG_4795

I wonder if Jake’s going to use Christmas for his theme next week?  If so, I’m ahead of the game, and that’s a first!

Do you have a concept you feel like sharing?  You’ll always be made welcome at Jakesprinters Sunday Post.  Click on the flying dragon logo to be transported there.

Related articles

Sunday Post : Peaceful

2012-dragon-logo-small1

“Peaceful, like heaven on a Sunday…”  Anyone know this Paul MCartney song?  I’ve been singing the opening line all day long, and have only just realised where it comes from.  In the nick of time really, because I need to pull my post together for Jakesprinter’s theme of Peaceful for this week.

Regua in the Douro as the sun sets

Regua in the Douro, in the peace of sunset

Peace and calm at the end of the day, just the tinkle of masts

Peace and calm at the end of the day, on Shell Beach, Tavira

I love a stroll- don't you?

Not a soul to disturb the peace of the Douro

IMG_4058

Out on the water, it’s still, flat calm

The beach at Burgau

The tide gently laps the beach at Burgau

IMG_2141

Nearer home, it’s peaceful on the Yorkshire coast

Algar Seco, near Carvoeira

Serene at Algar Seco

IMG_0566

High tide in Tavira- no space for people

That perfect light off the Turksih coast

Gentle sunset off the Turkish coast

And dusk in Bardolino

And dusk in Bardolino

Sunday was indeed Peaceful this week.  I scrolled back through my media gallery to select my photos for Jake, and this is the result.  Did you notice that they all seem to contain water, and not too many people?  My recipe for peace, I think.

Thanks Jake for supplying my Sunday fun.

Click on the flying dragon logo or the link to visit Jake’s amazing world, and join in.  I always enjoy rounding off Sunday reading the other entries.

Sunday Post : Natural Resources

This Sunday morning, as the rain sloshes down, I’m thinking that many people will be battling nature this weekend, as they watch the rising floodwater.  Jake has chosen Natural Resources as the subject of this week’s Sunday Post.  We are blessed with wonderful nature all around us, but I can’t help reflecting on how resourceful man has had to be in both harnessing and utilising nature.

The reservoir at Stanhope- a beauty spot for walking, guarantees water, should we ever have another drought!

The winter meltwater gushes over the weir at Grassington

The River Wear at Durham gets pretty full at times too

On a gentler day you can stroll over and beneath Durham’s bridges

Our woods and streams provide perfect picnic spots

For centuries we’ve been harvesting the crops and fields

Here come those clouds, but they won’t trouble the modern windmill

Whilst on our coasts, sea defences have become mandatory

And we have tamed the tide to provide a safe harbour

And a lovely marina to linger and admire

I’m sure you can think of many more instances.  The rain is easing and I hope the flood damage isn’t too severe this time.

It was a pleasant way to spend a Sunday morning but now the Sunday lunch beckons.  Well, it will if I cook it first.  I’ll be back later to check out all the entries for Jakesprinter’s Sunday Post.  You too?  Don’t forget to click on the flying dragon or the links.

Sunday Post : Architecture

Architecture : what a huge subject that is!  It’s Jakesprinter’s theme for this weeks Sunday Post, and already I’m struggling!  I mean, how many of you know a song with “architecture” in the title?  The following will be a silent, contemplative post.

What does architecture do for us?  Shelters us, gives us a place to work, to be educated, to worship, to shop.  It enables us to cross from one shore to another.  It expresses both our practicality and our creativity.  Formidable, constantly moving on.  Old and new, both are capable of amazing me.

The battlements and reconstructed “old town” in Warsaw- both old and new

The prettiest of patios in Cordoba

The rooftops of Porto

Thatched housing in the north of Madeira

How about a nice place to work?

Wonderfully elaborate Town Hall in Wroclaw

Or to study?

University buildings- Wroclaw wins again!

Starting out at the “smiley” local school

Where would you prefer to worship?

The tiniest of Greek Island churches?

The cathedral in Porto

Or Wroclaw’s Ostrow Tumski- stunningly ornate!

Shopping- as important to some as religion.  There’s no lack of choice here either.

Lello’s amazing book store in Porto

A simple shop in the Polish suburbs

Or a trendy new shopping centre in Warsaw

I can’t choose between these bridges.  Tradition or modernity.  Can you?

The beautiful approach to Cordoba and the incomparable Mesquita

The Infinity Bridge, Stockton-on-Tees

It seems we are only limited by our imagination.  That doesn’t seem to be a problem for Jake.  I was sold from the very first time I saw the flying dragon logo.  Click on it, or any of the links to see his interpretation this week, and maybe join in yourself?

I’ve been amazed already by some of the entries this week:

http://thirdeyemom.com/2012/11/18/the-sunday-post-architecture-that-melts-my-heart/

http://catbirdinoman.wordpress.com/2012/11/18/sunday-post-architecture/

http://rfljenksy.wordpress.com/2012/11/18/sunday-post-architecture/

http://francineinretirement.wordpress.com/2012/11/18/sunday-post-architecture/

http://50yearproject.wordpress.com/2012/11/18/sunday-post-architecture/

http://adinparadise.wordpress.com/2012/11/18/architecture-hola-spain/

http://the-serenity-space.com/2012/11/18/sunday-post-architecture/

http://traveller2006.wordpress.com/2012/11/18/sunday-post-architecture/

http://ilargia64.wordpress.com/2012/11/18/sunday-post-architecture/

Sunday Post : Surroundings

Jakesprinter’s Surroundings look beautiful this week, as he lounges on the shore and waves to a passing boat.  Often enough I, too, sit with a beautiful vista before me.

Fountains playing in Lagos

Lagos fortress and old harbour

Taking to the sea, beneath Ponte da Piedade

And returning, surrounded by stacks

Boats on Tavira Island

And trees

And the setting sun

But today I’m feeling sad for all those people whose surroundings are miserable. People whose homes have been damaged by flood and fire, from Hurricane Sandy and all of nature’s extremes.  People who live in poverty.  People throughout the world who are confined by harsh leaders, or are victimised for their differences.  People who in this time of financial squeeze are struggling to maintain a grip on their surroundings.

And of course, on this, Remembrance Sunday, I’m feeling sad for those who risk their lives for us daily, often in grim surroundings.  My thoughts are with those whose surroundings are so much less desirable than my own.

Thanks, Jake, for this opportunity to share my good fortune.  Lest we forget.

Sunday Post : Wonderful

Jake’s back, and how wonderful that is!  In case you’re “wonder”-ing, yes, I did go to the fireworks last night.  The tide was coming in as I walked along the promenade, and there was a delicious whoosh as the sea met the shore.  The white caps in the darkness were beautiful- just one of the many wonderful sights that make up this world of ours.

I’ve never witnessed any of the spectacular world-renowned sights that fill our world with wonder- the Grand Canyon, the Great Wall of China, Macchu Pichu…  I’m going to start small, with the things that are wonderful to me.

Lisa, on the beach at Scarborough

My wonderful firstborn child.  I make no apologies for the quality of the photo, which is 38 years old.  What you can’t see from this shot is the absolute fear which gripped me that day, as I thought I’d lost her, there on the beach.  Or the relief when she was returned to me, wailing, as I frantically combed the beach.  Or the wonder that she is now a fullgrown and beautiful woman.

James, by the lakeshore at Fuschl, in Austria

Nineteen years behind his sister, James brought his own wonder.  Here, I think he’s wondering which piece to move next?

When it comes to family, it doesn’t get more wonderful than the reunion that brought my Dad together with his brothers and sisters in Poland, after 64 years of separation.

Together, at last, in Poland

So that’s the sentimental part.  For me, it’s always wonderful to wake to the sun, rising in the sky.  The sky and the cloud formations are endlessly fascinating as the sun climbs up through them. 

An Algarve sky has a different quality.  The view from my Tavira rooftop is wonderful to me.

And the sky so often ends up purest blue, reflected in the sparkling sea.

Just now and then, I can capture some clouds.

Often they build towards the end of the day, then it’s over, as wonderfully as it began.

What do you find wonderful in the world?  There is so much to celebrate, and Jakesprinter works hard every week to share with us his talent.  He would love you to share your world too.  Don’t worry- he’s always kind.  Follow the flying dragon or the links to join us.

No song this week?  My friend Madhu says “What a wonderful World”, but I was singing that old Jimmy Ruffin song.

Sunday Post : City

When I was 18, all I wanted was the city.  And what a city it was!  London- fun, fashion and the centre of my universe.  Jakesprinter has reminded me of that, with his theme for the Sunday Post this week, City.

Covent Garden, where the entertainment’s always good

The Fan Museum in Greenwich, such an unexpected treat

The skyline with it’s newest addition, The Shard, climbing upwards

As I grew older, it didn’t seem the place to raise a family.  I returned to my northern roots.  But the city was never too far away, whether I needed culture, or just a place to crane my neck to look up at the sky.

Note Newcastle’s moody northern sky

Still, you couldn’t want a finer cityscape than Gateshead’s Millenium Bridge

A city with more serenity- Durham, clad in its Autumn colours

But not lacking for a spectacular, and cultural event- Lumiere 2011

Life can be quixotic, and for me this came in the form of my Polish family, rising from the embers of the past.  The cities it brought me to explore were survivors, and especially beautiful for that.

Coach and horses in Krakow’s mighty Rynek

All of Krakow’s history is on display on Wawel Hill

Talking of survivors, where better than Warsaw’s Stare Miasto?

Or the Rynek (market square) in Wroclaw

Wroclaw has cultural humour too, with its army of gnomes

I don’t truly consider myself a city person any more, but just sometimes I lose my heart to a city.  (You knew there was a song in there, bursting to get out, didn’t you?  Yes, I always did want to see San Francisco, but I haven’t made it there yet)

I expect you know the city I’m talking about.  I’ve talked about nothing else since I got home.

It’s a city full of colour

Beauty

History

Life

Trams

Boats

Character

Amazing churches

And azulejos, of course

So yes, I have lost my heart to a city by a bay, but it’s not San Francisco.  It’s Portugal’s fine northern city, Porto.  As usual, I have Jake to thank for allowing me to share these memories, old and new.  What does a city mean to you?  Jakesprinter’s bound to have lots of great examples.  Follow the links or click on the flying dragon logo to share.