Six Word Saturday

Six word Saturday

First signs? We dare to hope!

I just looked back at my 6WS for this weekend last year, and sure enough, it was full of crocuses (or even, crocii?). It’s been pretty miserable here the last week or so, but the flowers don’t seem to have noticed. A garden just around the corner produces the most beautiful tiny deep purple iris each Spring, but you have to be quick- they only last a few of days.

Purple iris

I thought we might take a stroll through some Portuguese countryside to get us in the mood? It arrives a little earlier there.

First we’ll cross a shallow ford

A pause to capture these. Sorry, but I don’t know their name.

A mother and her lamb view us with caution

A mother and her lamb view us with some caution

And then tiny Malhada do Peres, enhanced by the almond blossom

And then the hamlet of Malhada do Peres, enhanced by the almond blossom

Beautiful in close-up

The river bed is pretty dry, even this early

Then there’s this little jewel- a wild orchid

Obviously bird lovers live here (or builders!)

I’ve never seen these fruit on a cactus, either

All in all, a treasure trove, I think you’ll agree? What does Spring herald in your part of the world?

As usual, I’m sharing my Six word Saturday, courtesy of our kind hostess Cate, on Show My Face. Click on the header or links to join in or view the other entries. You know you want to!

Six word Saturday

From a wedding to a funeral

Last week I shared with you the joy of my daughter’s Victorian style wedding. On Monday the husband of a lifelong friend died, after she had cared for him at home, very courageously. On Thursday we attended a moving ceremony, and said our goodbyes. So much can change in a week.

All week long I’ve been wondering if I should share these six words, which have played again and again in my head. Yesterday evening I spent some time looking at my daughter’s photos of her Venice honeymoon. When “we girls” were together after the funeral we talked about “old times”, as we always do. And, of course, the subject of Lisa and the wedding was raised. She sometimes lay in her carry-cot at the “Girl’s Nights” we held in each other’s homes back then. We still do, though the children are long grown. I felt that I needed to share these six words this week, and to share with them a couple of her beautiful photographs.

Lisa in Venice

The Palazzo Ducale, covered in snow

Did you ever see more beautiful rooftops?

These masked revellers were beautiful in white too

And wasn’t this lady pretty in pink?

But, of course, it all comes back to Lisa

Life is short. Love while you can.

Join with Cate at Show My Face to share your six words for this week, and to share in the lives of others. Click on the header or the link.

Six word Saturday

I was so proud and happy

I have already completed 2 posts full of wedding photos, but failed to exhibit the Downton Abbey frock, with yours truly inside. So, with humble apologies, here I am. For those of you I meet here on Saturdays, who’ve probably missed all the good photos, here is the link for To the Manor Born. Lisa and Leo will be back from their Venice honeymoon by the time you read this, but I haven’t yet disturbed them. Let their bubble last just a little bit longer.

Proud and happy are also good descriptions for how I felt when I received the above award from Gallivance. THE SHINE ON AWARD highlights bloggers who are shining stars in the vast array of available blogs. Wow! Isn’t that just the best of compliments? And here I am, dressed for the ceremony. If you follow the link you will be introduced to a feast of talent.

In accepting this award, I’m tasked with sharing seven facts about myself :

1. I rate pretty highly on the “World’s clumsiest people” list. I even managed to collide with one of the antique chairs at the wedding reception. (ssh! I didn’t hurt it) A limp and a purple knee are all the damage.

2. I love sunrises and am awake to witness them probably more often than I would like. (a very pretty one is appearing over my shoulder as I type this)

3. I fizz and enthuse absolutely to the point of “no further” on occasion. That warning look appears in my husband’s eye, and I’ve learnt to “put a lid on it”. (well, almost)

4. That sunrise really IS lovely. I had to stop typing and grab the camera.

5. As well as the travel bug, I am becoming increasingly obsessed with photography. I can barely leave the house without a camera, and if I do, am constantly aware of superb photo opportunities everywhere.

6. I’ve stopped again because I’m bathed in a golden glow from this sunrise. Sadly it’s too bright to capture. I’ve got sunspots before my eyes from the attempt. My skill level in no way matches my enthusiasm.

7. I am desperately heavy on shoes, so it’s a good job I like going barefoot.

That’s too much about me, isn’t it? So, I’ve shared a link to Gallivance, listed my 7, and it’s time to pass on the award. I follow so many inspirational bloggers, but I’ve narrowed it down to these 5. I expect you already know some of them, but do spare the time to drop in. You’ll be in for a treat.

A Nomad in the land of Nizwa– I love Cath’s constant exploration of the world around her, and of herself.

Another day in Paradise– You just know you’re going to have a smile on your face when you finish reading one of Sylvia’s posts. And the photography- fabulous!

Jakesprinter– I first got drawn into the photo challenges thanks to the talents of this remarkable guy. I have absolutely no conception of how he achieves his graphics, but I am in awe.

The Urge to Wander– Madhu already has a trophy cabinet full of awards, and deservedly so, but if I’m talking about shining stars in the blogging world, I can’t possibly leave her out.

First and Fabulous– blogs about nothing, if you take Gemma at her word, but it’s often a very thought provoking nothing, and there’s a warm heart to this lady.

As usual, I’ve used and abused Cate’s 6WS, so go and see her to cheer her up at Show My Face. The header or the link will take you there. My previous posts are on my Six word Saturday page or the button below. See you next week?

Six word Saturday

Fluffy clouds

Cats

and boat people

Random moments from my Algarve week. I seldom take photos of animals. They have a habit of moving as soon as I point the camera. The three cats intrigued me, however, as they sat and just stared, and stared. I looked around for the hypnotist but he wasn’t anywhere about. The boat, in “dry dock” in Albufeira, was equally unmoving.

It seems so much more than a week since I was there. I have lots of golden moments to share, but there’s no time. I’m off to Lisa’s wedding. SO excited, I can barely type! You can guess what next week’s 6WS is going to be. Meantime, please visit Cate at Show My Face to share your week in six words. Click on the header or the link for details.

I hope to catch up with some of you tomorrow, but I may be a bit giddy!

Six word Saturday

Flying south, but not for long

Just a week, in Tavira. What will I find this trip?

Maybe, a little local festival?

Certainly a few walks, clifftop or otherwise (can you see the pirate ship?)

Absolutely some apple blossom

Familiar steps, leading up to the castle

Some winter flowers in the castle gardens

The drama of those cliffs

My much loved hibiscus plants

And a sunset or two over the tracks, as we walk down into town

When I return it’s just days to my daughter’s wedding and I can feel the excitement rising now. I hope to find a minute or two to post a few pics, but otherwise you know there’ll be a wedding bonanza coming up.

Many thanks to Cate at Show My Face for being our genial lady hostess. Click on the link or the header to see how you can join in. The button below will take you to my previous Six word Saturdays.

Six word Saturday

I love it, but hate it!

Just a smattering, seen through the conservatory window

It’s coming! It’s coming!

Run upstairs and look out of the window

Let’s check out the park

So pretty and ethereal

Not frozen- yet!

Water glistens on the tree

There I am, but look at that sky!

Droplets were melting and blowing off the trees

Just one romantic couple

Noone sitting on the benches today

A delicate snow bush

Over the hedge, the bowling green

No tea and cake in the pavilion today

The melancholy clock tower

You know what I’m talking about. Magical soft fat flakes that have me rushing out to play. Followed by grumpy Alice a day or two later, when it’s turned to a slippery grey skating rink.

Click on the first photo to see them in gallery form. It’s clever, isn’t it?

Have you got six words to sum up your week? Cate at Show My Face will be delighted for you to join in. Click on the header or the link to find out more.

Six word Saturday

Am I allowed a dark side?

Witches hats

In close up

And with Penshaw Monument in the background

If you look through one of these holes, you get a close up image

If you look through one of these holes, you should see a close up image (Penshaw Monument in this case)

I believe it's a trick of the eye, but I couldn't get a shot through it to show you

I believe it’s a trick of the eye, but I couldn’t get a shot through it to demonstrate- sorry!

So I wandered off to see the swans instead

They weren’t too impressed with me

But the silly bench didn’t seem to mind

I checked out some industrial mining heritage

Until it was time to go

I write travel blogs. It’s my job to entertain, and take you wandering along with me, and I love to do it. Sometimes it’s an escape- a welcome release when things aren’t going well. These photos I took in Herrington Country Park this week seemed to match my mood.

Cate at Show My Face welcomes all such random observations on life. Pop over and see how everyone else’s week has gone, or even play the game. Why not? The header and link will tell you how.

Six word Saturday

Reflection,

a blessing or a curse?

The Museum of Hartlepool, reflected in the Mecca bingo hall

Some of you may remember a photo of the Museum of Hartlepool in my Sunday Post : New Year 2013? After I’d taken that shot and was walking towards the marina, I looked across to the Mecca Bingo hall, and guess what I saw, reflected in the windows, but the Museum?

The PSS Wingfield Castle, and me

My first shot wasn’t quite so successful, because I forgot that I would be reflected in the photo too! But perversely, I quite liked it. Earlier that morning I’d been exchanging New Year greetings online, and reading the latest posts of many of my favourites. It just so happened that the topic for the month on East of Malaga’s CBBH photo challenge was Reflection.

Not just in the photographic sense, but in the sense of looking back at the year that has been. And so you see that my six words this week refer not just to me forgetting that glass reflects whatever you put in front of it. Like every other year, 2012 had its share of good memories, and bad, to reflect upon.

Sunset on my favourite bridge in Tavira, reflecting in the river

I thought it might be fun to bring together these two challenges, and I hope that Cate of Show My Face, and Marianne at East of Malaga will forgive me taking liberties. It is a tradition with Marianne’s to share details of two blogs that you have commented on in the past month. I think this is a lovely idea so I’m delighted to introduce you to Barbara at JustaSmidgen. If you love food and good conversation, you can’t fail to be impressed with Smidge’s blog. And keeping relations truly international, meet Sam at Two Black Dogs. Warm hearted Sam celebrated her 5th wedding anniversary on New Year’s Eve, so pop down to Australia and say “hi”?

Meantime Cate has celebrated her 1000th post! Congratulations, and thanks for letting me share my six words (and photos), Cate. Follow the links for an interesting Saturday, folks? Catch you next week.

Six word Saturday

Enjoying the lull.

Ready for fireworks?

Not a lot going on this week

A Hartlepool sunrise

A little more rain

A walk round Durham, the river brim full

Popped into the new T.I to avoid a shower

Popped into the new T.I., to avoid another shower

It’s dark early

Soon be time to take the tree down

Peaceful, huh? Hope you enjoyed my Six word Saturday, and that your New Year celebrations are as raucous as you want them to be. See you next year.

To join in, or read other 6WS posts, click on the header or the link.

Six word Saturday

Christmas joy to each and All

Reflecting on Christmas!

So many beautiful decorations in the shops

And a few on my tree.

It’s a time for going “large”

And for sparkling for all you’re worth!

Wherever you spend it, and whoever you spend it with, I hope that you have a wonderful and peaceful Christmas. I will be cooking, but only for me, Michael, Dad and James, so nothing too hectic. I’m looking forward to relaxing afterwards.

I’ve been in festive mode lately, with my Ice Sculptures and Christmas Trees. I hope you’ve enjoyed spending the time with me as much as I’ve enjoyed the sharing.

Let the New Year be kind to all of us. God bless!

Merry Christmas to Cate at Show My Face, and humble apologies for my 60+ words. As usual, follow the link or click on the header to join in.

restlessjo

Roaming, at home and abroad

Six Word Saturday

Six word Saturday

First signs? We dare to hope!

Six word Saturday

From a wedding to a funeral

Six word Saturday

I was so proud and happy

Six word Saturday

Fluffy clouds

Cats

and boat people

Six word Saturday

Flying south, but not for long

Six word Saturday

I love it, but hate it!

Six word Saturday

Am I allowed a dark side?

Six word Saturday

Reflection,

a blessing or a curse?

Six word Saturday

Enjoying the lull.

Ready for fireworks?

Six word Saturday

Christmas joy to each and All

First signs? We dare to hope!

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From a wedding to a funeral

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I was so proud and happy

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Fluffy clouds

Cats

and boat people

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Flying south, but not for long

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I love it, but hate it!

Share this:javascript:void(0);return false;

Am I allowed a dark side?

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Reflection,

a blessing or a curse?

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Enjoying the lull.

Ready for fireworks?

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Christmas joy to each and All

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