Six Word Saturday

Six word Saturday

Cheese flavoured icecream with Jamie Oliver!

Jamie looks on as the icecream cone is filled

Jamie looks on as the cone is filled with berries and the cheesy icecream

I was mildly chastised by a dear blogging friend for the verbosity of my Six word Saturdays, so I’m not going to hang about explaining. I’ll simply say that my weekend with my daughter produced a few surprises. Click on any photo for more details.

We started in elegant Thea Caffea (Earl Grey for Lisa)

There’s even a grand piano, darling!

Lisa was quite attached to this boot! It normally lives outside the cafe, but it was closing time.

Jamie’s Italian, next door, had film crew in, recording a new series?

“Are you allergic to animals?” we were asked.

And it isn’t possible to have icecream without my red haired lady!

In sunny Market Square the seaside had come to visit.

With rides and climbing frames.

Then home to put the kettle on (but that’s Lisa’s handbag!)

Can’t help but love her.

I’m practising brevity. (but only for the purposes of this challenge) What do you think? Join Cate at Show My Face if you want to play along. The button below links to my previous Six word Saturdays. Happy weekend!

Six word Saturday

Visiting daughter in Nottingham- back Monday.

Lisa as a ship’s figurehead

Market Square, Nottingham

Lisa in the teacup fascinator she made.

We’ll put the kettle on

And sit on the settee

Or maybe at the table she hand decorated

And I’ll admire the flower arrangements she made for her wedding

And the photos on the sideboard. That’s Mam in the middle.

Visit Cate at Show My Face for more Six word Saturdays.

Six word Saturday

Challenges and Awards- part of blogging?

When you started blogging, did you have any idea what you were getting into? I know I didn’t. I simply wanted a vehicle to communicate my delight in the world, and if I’m honest, an audience. I hadn’t at all realised that there were hoops to jump through, or how addictive these would be.

But it wasn’t too long before I happened upon my first challenge- Six word Saturday. Though I have soundly abused it, I liked the notion, and when I started out, I really intended exactly that- just six words, with a few photographs, so you wouldn’t get bored. Since then we’ve wandered the globe together, and taken a lot of words with us.

Remember the fountains in the Rynek in Wroclaw?

Remember the fountains in Wroclaw’s Rynek? Click on the photo to see the post

Six word Saturday brought me a lot of new friends, and introduced me to a fascinating world beyond that of my travel addiction. Writers, poets, photographers, cooks, craftmakers of kinds I didn’t even know existed- they’re all out there. I discovered any number of A-Z Challenges, and used one of them to pin both my Portuguese and Polish sagas to.

When I found Jakesprinter’s Sunday Post, I was astounded at what he could do with graphics. More than that, Jake gave me a peg to hang my photos and stories on. And my addiction to photography and challenges began.

A Turkish gulet at sunset- again, the photo will take you to the post

I became aware of more and more Challenges out there, many of them photographic, and the quality of some of the photographs is staggering. Off I went in hot pursuit, until my week was overflowing. Here are just a few I’ve taken part in. Click on the photo to see the post.

Porta da Vila, Obidos- from Thursday: Lingering look at windows

The boardwalk in Cabanas- from CBBH Photo Challenge

Flowerhead in the rain- from Sonel’s Black and White photo challenge : Abstract

I've rarely seen a more extravagant door knocker

A door knocker in Silves- from Cee’s Fun Foto challenge

Medieval architecture in Wroclaw- Daily Post Weekly Photo Challenge : Colours

I have loved every second of compiling my posts, but occasionally I tire of being led around by the nose. Rebellion strikes and I think “no, I don’t want to write about ‘rhubarb’ this week”. I want to follow my own muse. (if you can call the unlucky lady that) And so I do.

But I owe a debt of gratitude to the people who launch and host these challenges. They provide huge inspiration as well as introductions to other blogs, and require a major commitment of time and effort. So a big thank you to all those whose challenges I have participated in.

You’re wondering where Awards come into this, aren’t you? Many times I have used Six word Saturday to introduce and appreciate new awards, and this week is no exception. I have an Awards page and kind people out there keep bestowing them, but it just isn’t possible to keep up and still do all the things you want to do. So I’ll simply say many thanks to Opalla for giving me Inner Peace, and to Colline, for a Super Sweet Blogger Award. There’s a link to each of their great blogs in the logos below.

I guess I’ve exhausted my six words for this week, don’t you think? You’d better follow the link to Cate at Show My Face to see exactly how the game should be played. Many thanks for your patience. Feel free to tell me about your favourite challenges and awards.

Six word Saturday

Classic example of getting it wrong!

The river bank at Yarm, North Yorkshire

A sultry Summer’s day seemed like an excellent time for a stroll by the River Tees, in search of a tempering breeze. Yes, this is north east England I’m talking about. Don’t fall out of your seat in surprise! It happens.

We headed for Preston Park, knowing that we had access to the river there, and should be able to walk along the banks as far as the village of Yarm. You’ll note that I said “should”. It being an impromptu little outing, neither of us had consulted a map.

The park itself was heaving with picnics and families having a good time, so it was a relief to drop down onto the riverbank. It felt wonderfully idyllic as we ambled through shoulder-high wild flowers, extravagant in their pink frocks. The sunshine bounced and shimmered on the water. All was right with the Bradley world.

Innocently following signs for The Cleveland Way, suddenly we found ourselves in the midst of a housing development. The river was there somewhere, but we couldn’t find it! Nothing to do but keep following our noses (and the signs) in the direction of Yarm. It was a long walk beside a busy road! I wished I’d had my bus pass with me.

Undeterred, but hot, we reached Yarm, and with relief descended again to the riverbank, alongside of the superbly positioned pub “The Blue Bells”. Why it did not occur to us to seek refreshment at this point, I do not know, but good spirits were restored anyway. Yarm is a pretty place, and peaceful, viewed from the opposite bank of the river. Swans mingled with ducks and the bridge was in harmony too.

Again we were swathed in wild flowers, mainly whites this time, and meadows opened out behind us. I was amazed at the form and variety of some of the plants, which seemed to have grown to a mighty height. The sun beat hotly down as we followed the meandering riverbank. Beautiful though it was, I was starting to wonder how much further, when catastrophe befell.

We had arrived at Eaglescliffe Golf Course, with its privileged riverside location, and there was no access beyond that point. If it hadn’t been for substantial hedges I would have been a willing trespasser. Irritatingly we could hear the golfers calling to each other, yon side of the hedge, but we had to head wearily inland to complete our walk.

We never regained the riverbank, but collapsed into “The Sportsman” for a reviving Guinness, then limped back to the car. Fortunately the rest of the week’s walking was better planned. Another lesson learned (till next time!)

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Hope you enjoyed our very English walk this week. Have a great weekend, and don’t forget to take your map with you! Do make time for Six word Saturday, with Cate at Show My Face.

Six word Saturday

Holiday over and back to “normal”.

"Sunshine on trhe water makes me happy" - John Denver

“Sunshine on the water makes me happy” – John Denver

Except it isn’t really normal at all! I can’t remember the last time we had a whole July’s worth of sunshine. No complaints, then.

I love that little stretch of water from Cabanas to the Ilha.

But I can’t seem to shake the Algarve completely out of my head. Maybe if I post another photo or two?

The good life? I think so.

The Carmo Church was having its yearly celebration

By evening time it was spectacularly lit

And then there was the procession of Nossa Senhora

And a moonlight wander homewards.

That’s me done dreaming for this week. Feet firmly back on the ground tomorrow? Meantime I need to thank Cate at Show My Face for her unending patience in hosting this challenge. The link or the header will take you there.

How was your week? Put it in six words and join in? The button below takes you to all my previous Six word saturdays. (yes, all of them!)

Six word Saturday

Verão em Tavira- Summer in Tavira

In Summer the beach is the only place to be

You’ll meet the donut man- larger than life!

The ferry from Quatro Aguas works hard.

There’s simple Shell Beach

Or beautiful Barril

Even the comboio (train) has its umbrella up for shade.

And the salt marshes are mesmerisingly lovely.

Seen from every angle

They captivate

You can always relax in the shade of the Beach Bar

And enjoy the relaxing view.

But at night the town comes alive

The day’s heat a gentle memory

It’s time to sing

Dance

Smile

Buy cake

And celebrate life

Tavira council organises Verão em Tavira, a running programme of free outdoor events in the evenings over the Summer months. Just as the day starts to cool a little, the whole world takes to the streets. Click on the gallery above for a closer look.

And when your holiday is enlivened by the presence of another blogger- well, more of that to follow, but here’s my favourite photo of Cathy.

We went birdwatching on the Ria Formosa boat tour

Appropriate really for someone who calls herself Catbird. She was great company. She flies back to the States on 25th July so I hope she’s enjoying every last moment of Portugal. Wish I was still there.

Thanks Cate, at Show My Face, for being my kind hostess again on Six word Saturday this week. I’ll be round later to see what you’ve all been up to while I was away. Wonder what next week will bring?

Six word Saturday

From here

Hartlepool, viewed from Christ Church tower, on a sunny day!

to here

Tavira, in the Eastern Algarve- not quite so sunny!

In fact, a little moody.

But with a strong promise of blue.

And back!

As you can see from the centre photos, the weather was quite temperamental when we were last in the Algarve. I suspect that will not be the case this trip, as it’s in the 30’s currently. Oddly enough the Summer has arrived in the UK too (yes, even the north east!) so I won’t have to feel guilty about leaving my English friends shivering. It’s a win! win! situation.

So looking forward to dabbling my toes, and sharing special birthday celebrations with my husband. (his- I’m just a youngster- secret smile ) I also have a treat in store. For a couple of days I’m playing hostess to Cathy or Catbird as some of you will know her. Having left Oman she is now romping her way around Spain, and then Portugal, before returning home to the States. Her exhausting itinerary is here, but won’t it be fun?

Enjoy Six word Saturday, as well as the weather, while I’m gone. Many thanks to Cate at Show My Face. Back soon!

Six word Saturday

A week of scarecrows, and “fun”!

Castle Eden “bottle bank”?

As I was updating my Six word Saturday page yesterday I realised that this is my 70th Six word Saturday post. Amazing! It started out as a bit of fun, and I hope it still is? I posted my round up of the scarecrow festival in the villages on Tuesday, but I think I might just have a few more photos to share.

A “snorting good time” in Elwick

Elwick's a nice looking village with a beautifully well-kept green.

Elwick’s a nice looking village with a well-kept green. (and Bertie Bassett!)

But there were some rough-looking individuals there on Sunday!

But here's a pretty lady! Missummer Madness?

Here’s a pretty lady! Midsummer Madness? That was the theme.

A little nonchalant fishing was going on elsewhere in the village.

But a good time was being had by all.

There was even pizza for the hungry.

And Laurel and Hardy seemed to approve.

But everyone was agreed- they all loved the caterpillar!

To see the full parade of scarecrows, click on It’s Show Time! Wishing you a fun week too!

Meantime I should say thanks to Cate at Show My Face for hosting all my Six word Saturdays. Don’t forget to pay her a visit, and if you’ve any spare time you can look back at my 70 by clicking on the button below.

See you next week for number 71!

Six word Saturday

Time to try a new challenge?

This one’s for Sonel

She tells me that she likes horses.

I love writing my little photo stories and the emphasis is always on the story. Along the way I’ve met some superb photographers, and sometimes been lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the person behind the camera. I’m dedicating this post to Sonel, who this week started the Black and White Photo Challenge. The subject for the first entry is Nature.

So, it’s time for a little gentle experimentation. I am astounded by the facility with which even someone as inept as me can change the appearance of a photograph. Whether that results in a good photo or a bad photo, I’m really not equipped to say. I only know what I like. Mostly that means a world of colour, from palest pastels to vibrant reds. But that doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate black and white and all those interesting sepia shades.

I love the drama of my north eastern coastline

Cliffs like these are common enough in Yorkshire

Cliffs like these are commonplace in Yorkshire

But flowers? To me it seems a little cruel to divest them of their colour.

What about my delicate hellebores? I think they need their jewel colours.

And how can this black and white version be called a sunflower?

I know it’s chiefly my lack of skill, but I think I will be using black and white sparingly. I’m more than happy to leave it to the experts. Sonel’s images are amazing. She’s even designed a wonderfully dramatic rose logo to accompany the post. So, what are you waiting for? Go there right now and admire, and then join in. If I can do it, you surely can.

Oops! Nearly forgot to thank Cate at Show My Face for letting me participate in Six word Saturday.

Six word Saturday

From one Steampunk Event to another!

Isn’t life strange sometimes? Last Sunday I was in Nottingham, in the wonderful company of my daughter, Lisa, and her role-playing friends. I was attending a book launch for “Steampunk Apothecary”, an enchanting collection of jewellery and fantastical tales. Emilly Ladybird (otherwise known as Jema Hewitt, and the chief bridesmaid at my daughter’s wedding, if you remember that far back) describes how to make these beautifully curvy pieces.

You could create blood red ruby earrings

Blood red ruby earrings- Jema demonstrates how to make them

Or how about these curvaceous mermaids?

The beautifully curved balcony in the Malt Cross Cafe

We were upstairs in the uniquely beautiful Malt Cross Cafe, a grade 2 listed building. Emilly Ladybird was our gracious hostess, and naturally, there was cake!

Lisa, Emilly Ladybird, Mr. Woppit and Claire

Mr. Woppit and cake

Lisa was keeping cool most elegantly

And posing, when requested, with her husband, Leo

Imagine my surprise to learn, during the conversation, that this coming Sunday my hometown is to host its first ever Steampunk event! Lynne and Richard Hardy, designers of the game “Cogs, Cakes and Swordsticks” will be appearing on board HMS Trincomalee in Hartlepool marina. “Come and say hello” they said.

Sure enough, on my return home I found “Tiffin on the Trinc- a Steampunk convivial”, advertised locally.

Tiffin on board the Trinc poster

What’s a girl to do? It’s Father’s day so I’ll be cooking lunch first. For more details of Jema’s fabulous work, and last Sunday’s fun, take a look at An extraordinary, but delicious, affair. Tomorrow? It won’t be the same without my gorgeous girl.

Got your six words ready for Saturday? With thanks to Cate at Show My Face. And I really can’t resist a “two for one” approach this week. I’m submitting this to the Daily Post Weekly Photo Challenge : Curves

After all, what’s a corset without curves?

restlessjo

Roaming, at home and abroad

Six Word Saturday

Six word Saturday

Cheese flavoured icecream with Jamie Oliver!

Six word Saturday

Visiting daughter in Nottingham- back Monday.

Six word Saturday

Challenges and Awards- part of blogging?

Six word Saturday

Classic example of getting it wrong!

Six word Saturday

Holiday over and back to “normal”.

Six word Saturday

Verão em Tavira- Summer in Tavira

Six word Saturday

From here

to here

And back!

Six word Saturday

A week of scarecrows, and “fun”!

Six word Saturday

Six word Saturday

From one Steampunk Event to another!

Cheese flavoured icecream with Jamie Oliver!

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Visiting daughter in Nottingham- back Monday.

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Challenges and Awards- part of blogging?

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Classic example of getting it wrong!

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Holiday over and back to “normal”.

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Verão em Tavira- Summer in Tavira

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From here

to here

And back!

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A week of scarecrows, and “fun”!

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From one Steampunk Event to another!

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