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Six word Saturday

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This is my last Awards post.

Why, you might ask?  I may never receive another and then the problem won’t arise.  But the fact is that I write a travel blog, and truly love doing it. When I began my blogging adventure, the concept of Awards was an amazement to me.  Then it did what it was supposed to do and introduced me to some wonderful people.  LOTS of wonderful people.

It is a point of pride with me that I respond to and visit every single person who places a like or a comment on my blog.   I will always do this.  And it will lead me to more wonderful people. Trouble is, it has a kind of snowball effect, though I hate to mention that word after the winter some of us have had! So I will wear my Awards with pride, and I will maintain an Awards page to thank those lovely people who have heaped honours on me.  Thank you all so much.  But I won’t be posting any awards acceptance posts after today.

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Got to end with killer shoes!  This Seven Awards in One was passed on to me by Sherri Matthews. Talk about go out with a bang!  Sherri is a lovely lady who stays positive and full of warmth despite the difficulties presented by her daughter’s Asperger’s Syndrome.  I’ve learned a lot and laughed a lot alongside Sherri.  She is a pleasure to know.

Shelley at Living with Shadows was kind enough to bestow the Dragons Loyalty Award on me too. Nothing like a bit of fire on a winter’s morning, or even a chilly Spring one.  Shelley has her own health issues, but escapes into fantasy when she can.  If you can find the time, and haven’t met them, please go and say hello.

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I couldn’t leave without a few Spring flowers by way of apology.  Enjoy your weekend, and don’t forget to share six words with Cate at Show My Face. My word count says 340.  I must have gone wrong somewhere!

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Six word Saturday

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Time to send a Spring bouquet!

Daphne (or so my husband tells me)

Daphne (or so my husband tells me)

A lilac hebe (I think!)
A pretty-in-pink primula
Early blossom
More of the daphne
And the blossom
The prettiest iris
I just liked these!
Forsythia through the fence
One last spray of daphne
The hydrangea head- a vestige of Winter

And who shall I send it to?  Why, all of you, of course, but with a special thought for friends who are having a hard time right now.  I hope the flowers help to lift your spirits.  I wish you all a joyful weekend.  Keep smiling!

The spirit of Spring looks down?

The spirit of Spring, looking down?

Don’t forget to link to Cate with your six words, if you can.

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Nostalgic reflections

You know what’s coming, don’t you?  Earlier in the week a delicious sunset drew me into Sue’s Word a Week Photo Challenge.  Reflect was the subject, and as Sue seemed to be suggesting, time for a little nostalgia and a few reflections of my own.

It’s been a great year, from Barcelona in November all the way back to my daughter’s wedding in February.  If you click on a photo it will take you back to the original post.

Sagrada Familia, reflected in the lake in Gaudi Square

Sagrada Familia, reflected in the lake in Barcelona’s Gaudi Square

Crossing the pond to the Scottish Parliament building

The tip of Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh, reflected in the pond

Striking, isn't it?

Girona was one of my favourite cities this year

I love a novelty shot! Looking up, reflected down, in the harbour.

I love a novelty shot! Looking up, reflected down, in the harbour at Barcelona.
And the shadows lengthened as I crossed over the bridge.

One of Durham’s lovely bridges reflected in Autumn shadows

See what I mean?

Reflections of Newcastle’s bustling city centre

Whitby harbour, North Yorkshire

I spent some lovely days in Whitby, North Yorkshire, this Summer

The pond at the bottom of the garden

And with Aunt Lusia in Zawady- this is her garden pond.

You can get a better impression of size from here.

It was a little cloudy for reflections- can you see the Transporter Bridge?

Head in hands- he must have got it wrong! (best yet reflection of the Trinc?)

HMS Trincomalee, in the Georgian windows of Hartlepool Maritime Experience

My sea monster

A sparkling, clear day on Hartlepool beach- a “day in my life”

Not possible to leave out that bridge, is it?

Haven’t seen this bridge for a while, have you? I’m returning soon.

I don’t know if you’ve noticed but recently WordPress has started to include links to “related posts” at the bottom of the page?  I presume it encourages people to stay with you and wander through your site in a way that the page layout often doesn’t.  I guess Be With Us found my Weekly Photo Challenge post A Day in my Life in this manner? However it happened, I was delighted to return with them to an April day this year and a stroll on my beach.  It prompted me to write this post.

One of my New Year’s resolutions must be to introduce some changes into this tired old Restlessjo site, or even be bold and start a new blog.  Hope you’ll stay with me for another year, good or bad.  Meanwhile, huge respect to Sue for her challenge, and all the other folks who mount challenges throughout the year. Thanks for reflecting on 2013 with me.

Thursday : Lingering look at Windows- week 49
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Central Arcade in Newcastle-on-Tyne

When it comes to shopping, I’m a bit of an old-fashioned girl.  I like nice surroundings.  I can be totally seduced by a beautiful arcade, especially when it’s prettied up for Christmas.

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Like this!

And this!

And this!

In fact, I might as well admit it, I’m a hopeless shopper!  I much prefer to admire the buildings.  As I put this post together, I’m watching the TV series on Libertys of London.  Many years ago, when I was finding my feet in the city, I did some temp work in the store.  It’s really beautiful and I’ve had a soft spot for it ever since.

These days “the city”, for me, is Newcastle-on-Tyne.  The highlight at Christmas time is Fenwick’s Department Store and its window display.  Click on a photo to see it in more detail.

Fairy Dell
Skating on the pond
And who might this be?
Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your long hair.
Next comes Little Red Riding Hood
Grandma, what big ears you have!
The ice palace
And the Ice Queen, with a foundling?
Ice perfection!
And, of course, the gnomes in Santa’s workshop.

My kind of shopping!  The window kind.  Which ties in very well with Dawn’s Lingering Look at Windows challenge.  I bet there are some more Christmas windows to see this week.  Click on the link to find out.

Oh, Christmas tree!
Oh, Christmas tree, how lovely are your branches!

Oh, Christmas tree, how lovely are your branches!

I tend to be an early riser, even on these dark days before Christmas.  I love to watch the morning sky flush with colour at daybreak.  But sometimes I pull the cover up and think I’ll just snuggle a little while longer.

Until my Christmas tree goes up!  Then it doesn’t matter if I’m still half asleep. The second I plug my tree lights in, the magic of Christmas is there.  The warm scent of pine needles tickles my nose.  I make my morning coffee, and settle down beside the Christmas tree, to start my day.

Like the hearts? My daughter’s crafty contribution.
Twas the night before Christmas…
And everything’s dark!
Small cherubs sit up high
Little Miss Wishful!

Beneath the tree, the Nativity Scene; above, the angel smiles fondly down.

Unto us a child is born, king of all creation.

Unto us a child is born, king of all creation.

More of Lisa's handicrafts.

More of Lisa’s handiwork!

I had no intention to write this post today, but when an old friend comes calling, what can you do but respond?  As if by magic, Jake’s Sunday Post appeared in my Reader, bearing a beautiful Christmas Tree.  I’ll supply the carols.  Coming round for mince pies, anybody?

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Six word Saturday

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Santa Claus is coming to town!

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Are you ready yet?

Ready or not, it’s time for Six word Saturday.  Don’t forget to stop by at Show My Face to say Merry Christmas to Cate.  Have a good week everybody.

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Christmas in “Narnia”
Russet leaves for a russet lady!

Russet leaves for a russet lady!

My first surprise of the day.  Lisa swept towards me- “Mum, I’m here!”  The flowing locks were a dazzling tangerine orange.  “It was just time for a change. I was tired of the red!”  And it suited her.  She looked radiant and happy- a look I love to see.

The venue?  Chatsworth House in the beautiful Peak District.  Every year this glorious home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire is themed for Christmas. This year it’s “Narnia”and totally irresistible.  My daughter has been a lifelong fan of the book by C.S. Lewis and the numerous films, so I planned a Christmas treat, for both of us. It’s quite a distance from home and I’ve never been inside the house before.  For Lisa it was about an hour’s drive from Nottingham.  Me- I hopped on the coach!  After the hugs and kisses it was off to see the spectacular grounds.

There are more statues than you can shake a stick at!
And pieces of modern art too.
Bit big for my garden, Mum? But I love it!
A hot house exotic?

Sumptuous afternoon tea next, then the best bit!  Come with me to “Narnia”.

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There were dressing-up clothes for children in some areas, and of course, Lisa couldn’t resist!  A Christmas Trail, finding cuddly Aslans and clues along the way, was also meant to keep the children happy.  Guess who else enjoyed it?

This cape’s nearly big enough, Mum!
Sherry for you, “dear”?
She looks so like my Mum here!

Are you ready to be scared yet?  It’s time for the witch!

I was joking- she's much too pretty to be scarey!

I was joking- she’s much too pretty to be scarey!

Note the small Aslan, keeping her company.  Another clue for the Christmas Trail.  But now for the really sad part!

He's still breathing! It's going to be ok.

He’s still breathing!  It’s going to be ok.

Time for a feast!

Time for a celebratory feast!

All's well that ends well!

All’s well that ends well!

I hope you enjoyed my little trip to Narnia.  It was the best Christmas present I could ever have asked for.  And now, I really must get on with my Christmas preparations.  I haven’t even bought the tree yet!  But I’ve made a list.

Chatsworth House is the most delightful setting and I will be posting more about the house and gardens.  If you are anywhere in the vicinity, “Narnia” will be available till 23rd December.  The link will give you directions.  I can absolutely recommend it.

Six word Saturday

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Fancy a little Steampunk for Christmas?

Teaparty bookcoverYou may remember, earlier this year, I was privileged to attend a book launch for Steampunk Apothecary?  It was a wonderfully fun occasion for dressing up and eating lots of cake.

The authoress, Jema Hewitt, is a hugely creative and multi-talented lady, who works extremely hard at making a living, and always with a smile.  Today she is at Waterstones in Bradford, signing her books and demonstrating jewellery making.  I wish I could be there, but this post will have to be my contribution.

Maybe you have a daughter or niece who would like something from her Etsy store?  I know there are a few pieces I wouldn’t mind.  And you can buy the book on there too.  The recipes are unique.

Mr. Woppit is adorable! Do you remember him?

Mr. Woppit is adorable! Do you remember him?

Some of the sparkly things Jema collects

Some of the sparkly things Jema collects for her jewellery

The red-haired lady is my daughter!

A page from “Steampunk Teaparty”.  The red-haired lady is my daughter!

Another Jema creation.

Another beautiful Jema creation.

If you ask for the book at your local Waterstones, even if you don’t buy it, the store will register your interest.  Every little helps!  I can claim no credit for the photos. They are all from Jema’s Facebook page.

Hope you’re all having a lovely weekend.  Many thanks to Cate for hosting Six word Saturday.  As usual, click on the links for more details.

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Grand! A Weekly Photo Challenge
Sagrada Familia, reflected in the lake in Gaudi Square

Sagrada Familia, reflected in the lake in Gaudi Square

I just couldn’t help myself this morning!  I’ve already said farewell to Gaudi, and I’ve halfway constructed this week’s Six word Saturday.  But the Weekly Photo Challenge this week is irresistible, isn’t it? (you’re right- I don’t have tremendous willpower!)  Does grand come any grander than this?

And inside the aura deepens!

And inside the aura deepens!

The pathos in this figure

The pathos in this figure

And this

And the self containment of this.

I've never seen anything like it!

I’ve never seen anything like it.

I’ve already posted numerous photos of Sagrada Familia.  Please excuse just a few more.  I’ll be joining many others on the Weekly Photo Challenge. See you there.

Edinburgh- looking up, and looking down!
Numerous cannons look down on Edinburgh city

Numerous cannons look down from Edinburgh Castle on the city

I spent a great deal of my time in Edinburgh last weekend looking up, or looking down.  To begin with the sky was bleak, making the perfect background for my WordPress snow.  I’m really not looking forward to the real thing, but so far we’ve been lucky.

This morning I’d like to share some photos on Debbie’s challenge, at Travel with Intent.  It’s all about looking up, or down.

I looked up hopefully at the sky. Just a hint of brightness?

I looked up hopefully at the sky. Maybe a hint of brightness?

In Princes St. I looked down on the gardens

In Princes St. I looked down on the gardens

And on the Christmas market

And on the Christmas market

And on the ice skaters!

And on the ice skaters!

The children looked up hopefully at the carousel horse.

The children looked up hopefully at the carousel horse.

Over on Calton Hill I looked up at sunkissed tombstones

Over on Calton Hill I looked up at sun brightening the tombstones

And down to Holyrood Palace and the Scottish Parliament

And down to Holyrood Palace and the Scottish Parliament

Then up at the setting sun

The sun was beginning to set

Over the distinctive architecture of the Scottish Parliament

Over the distinctive architecture of the Scottish Parliament

And all the way down the Royal Mile

The rosy hue stretched all the way down the Royal Mile

As I walked back across North Bridge

And draped a scarf over the skyline as I walked back over North Bridge

This time last week I was really excited at the prospect of visiting this lovely city. I’m so glad I did.  Happy weekend everybody!

Don’t forget to join the challenge if you’ve been looking up or down lately.