Writing

Thursday : Lingering look at windows, week 25

A rainy day on Durham Cathedral roof, looking down on the Castle.

Maybe not quite window in the conventional sense, but I could, and did, look through it. Some of you wandered Durham’s riverbanks with me earlier this week, and I make no apologies for taking you back again today.

It’s quite a special week for Durham because the Lindisfarne Gospels have been returned, for a short while, to their rightful home in the north east. Created 1,300 years ago, in honour of St. Cuthbert, they are on loan from the British Library and will be on display until 30th September. Palace Green, in front of the Cathedral, is a deservedly beautiful location. Ticket sales are booming. The link above will show you why. Meantime, a few more Durham windows.

The University Library is the location for the Lindisfarne Gospels.

While you’re in Durham, book the Castle tour- it really is fabulous!

Looking out into the castle courtyard.

The stained glass window in the castle chapel.

The lovely windows and cloisters of Durham Cathedral

More “windows” on the Cathedral roof.

The Dun Cow. And thereby hangs a tale..

The Masonic Hall windows

With fabulous detail.

The buildings in the city exude character

And finally, (for Lorna at Tearoom Delights) a nice pot of tea.

How lucky are the students at Durham University? They get to use the castle as “digs” and dine in the fabulous Great Hall. Taking photos isn’t allowed but I would suggest you take the tour if you’re in Durham to see the Gospels. It’s bookable in the same building. My post Discovering Durham will give you a lot more information.

Next week I shall be gazing through some real windows in the Algarve, so won’t be taking part in this challenge. But I expect I’ll have a few shots to bring back.

Off now to check out the other entries at Lingering Visions. Have you a few windows you’d like to share? Dawn will be delighted.

Water under the bridge

I seem to have done quite a few posts on bridges. But Jake is back, so how can I say no? Jake’s Sunday Post is always a cause for celebration. I might even have to open another of those bottles of wine!

I love the violet hues of this photo. It was taken in Durham in 2011, during a biennial event called Lumiere. The light installations over and beside the River Wear were like nothing I have seen before. If you’re fortunate enough to be near Durham this November, I can promise you a beautiful evening of colour and sound when Lumiere comes to town.

Water flowing under a bridge will always hold me captive, drifting in the current. Where would it take me, if I let it? A lifetime has slipped past while I wonder. All just water under the bridge.

You probably recognise this bridge, but I can share a view of it you won’t have seen before. It hangs on the wall in my favourite cafe, Anazu, on the riverfront in Tavira. It’s in 3-D, though you really can’t tell from my photo.

Not that I’m often inside the cafe. The pavement outside has the view that I love. I have watched so much water pass under the bridge, but some will have seen very much more. I found this black and white photo in the Galeria Palace museum in the town. Times may have changed but the water flows on.

The evening light fades and the moon rises in the sky on a warm Summer’s night. I stand beside my bridge and look out to sea. I’m filled with hope that I might return. Well, who wouldn’t be?

It only needs me to remind you that Jake’s place is a good place to be, on a Sunday or any other day. Please click on the logo below or any link to pay him a visit.

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.

Thursday : Lingering look at Windows- 23

You'll have to excuse these windows for not being very clean. I'll have a word with the bosun.

Not too clean, these windows? I’ll have a word with the ship’s bosun.

When I was a little girl, our town had docklands. I remember being fascinated by the chain bridges that linked them all together. I would walk with care over the wooden boards, water on either side of me. Then we were no longer competitive at the shipbuilding game, and a wealth of skills were laid to waste. Years passed, with the town in decline. Still, we can be tenacious in this north eastern corner of England.

A happy ending, of sorts, is on display every day at Hartlepool’s Maritime Experience, our recreation of an 18th Century seaport. The website incorporates a brief history of Hartlepool, and details of HMS Trincomalee, restored locally and the only British warship still afloat.

Come and gaze with me into the windows of an 18th Century seaport.

Let's walk round the quay together. I love this reflected windows shot.

Let’s walk round the quay together. I like this reflected windows shot.

The tailors first- you've got HMS Trincomalee too, of course

The tailor’s first- got to be suitably attired. (and HMS Trincomalee, clearly reflected! )

The swordsmith’s- they’re pretty sharp in there!

Wax figures? A little strange, this one.

Shadrach Moggridge- a fine name for a chandler!

The upstairs window looks good too.

So many useful things!

A gunmaker’s, with shot, naturally!

The printer’s- useful again!

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

Turn around. There she is, HMS Trincomalee.

Turn around, and there she is, HMS Trincomalee.

The windows look a little cleaner from the outside. :)

Those windows look a little cleaner from the outside.

Hope you enjoyed my tour. Come up and see us sometime. It really is quite fascinating inside the shops. I think I put my time to good use at Sunday’s visit to the Steampunk event.

Dawn, I hope you approve my choice of windows? Many thanks for hosting Thursday : Lingering look at Windows. I enjoy exploring your world too.

Tea duelling? I thought you’d never ask!

Ready, get set…go!

On Sunday I was finally introduced to the world of tea duelling. My expectations were high, because, as I stepped on board the HMS Trincomalee, one of the first sights to catch my eye was a table full of pistols. I was a little apprehensive as I hadn’t brought a swashbuckling hero to defend me.

The atmosphere below decks was ripe for a little duelling, but first I wanted to meet up with Lynne and Richard Hardy. I knew they were exhibiting and giving lectures in the captains quarters. Normally they like to play their table top game “Cogs, Cakes and Swordsticks” in a tea shop. Well, that’s just the kind of people Steampunks are- never too far from cake, or at the very least a biscuit or three.

The captain was obviously a person of taste

Up on deck, the cannon looked primed for action

The harbour, not surprisingly, was empty of craft

Even the quay seemed bereft of people

Below deck, a curious accumulation of items for the “battle ready”?

Or had I got the wrong idea? Still, that pistol looks tricky.

There seemed to be a little problem of a rifle misfiring, so I was greatly relieved when it was set aside, and tea duelling commenced. The rules were carefully observed. How glad I was to discover that tea duelling was simply a variation on the biscuit dunking that my very own swashbuckling hero was at home, busy practising! In fact, he’s an old hand at it.

All in all, “Tiffin on the Trinc” was another example of the wacky, but harmless, exploits that I’m beginning to associate with Steampunk. I hope nobody minds me poking a little gentle fun. I’m withholding names to protect the innocent.

Lynne wrote a very nice piece on the event in her blog Cogs, Cakes and Swordsticks. The snowy picture alone of the Trincomalee, at home in Hartlepool Maritime Experience, is worth a look. Her explanation is one hundred percent clearer than mine.

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?

Thursday- Lingering look at Windows- week 22

Where might I linger this week? I’ll be getting myself talked about! I believe I promised you some English windows. Now, how to present them?

The glass-panelled arched ceiling of Malt Cross Cafe in Nottingham

You know I spent the weekend in Nottingham? The above was the venue for the book launch of “Steampunk Apothecary”. If you want to see some of the antics, have a look at An extraordinary, but delicious, affair.

The Malt Cross Cafe is an historic grade 2 listed building and we were fortunate to have the use of the upper gallery. Below, there’s a bar which sells delicious savouries.

Nottingham isn’t short on interesting venues, and windows.

Don't you love the light through this window in Nottingham's Newstead Abbey

Don’t you love the light through this window in Nottingham’s exquisite Newstead Abbey?

The previous weekend I was in Newcastle-on-Tyne and found myself very taken with these windows. I think the building is currently being used just for office space, but at least it’s still there in all its glory.

What do you think?

The prettiest windows I’ve seen in a while

You can tell I like them!

England’s towns and cities have some of the loveliest windows you’ll ever see.

Peterborough Cathedral

The Cambridge colleges are the equal of any in the world

The beautiful “Backs” in Cambridge

Reflecting windows in the heart of the shopping centre on Grainger St., Newcastle

English charm and very industrious, too. Whitby, of course.

The atmosphere in Whitby’s St. Mary’s is so serene, despite the Dracula connection

But for Tudor style you can’t beat York

While these filigree beauties at Whitby Abbey are simply timeless

Did you stroll through my galleries? We really must stop meeting like this. It’s getting to be a habit.

So, what do you think? Can England take on Poland and Portugal in the windows challenge? Thanks Dawn for providing me with a little more fun this rain-soaked English day.

Don’t forget to check out the other Lingering Windows entries, and maybe participate?

An extraordinary, but delicious, affair

A figurehead- courtesy of Martin Soulstealer

Some of you may remember my daughter from her vivid and beautiful wedding in February. The photo above shows her in a slightly different light. (I really love the luminous moon effect)

This weekend I was invited to a book launch in Nottingham for “Steampunk Apothecary”, by Jema Hewitt. The above is an illustration from the book.

Jema, allias Emilly Ladybird, is a hugely talented costume and jewellery designer who loves Steampunk. Step by step she guides you through the mechanics of making some of her creations. Delightful little stories are accompanied by jewel-coloured illustrations. You don’t even have to be interested in Steampunk to admire this beautiful book. (though it helps!)

The fairy wing tiara

An enthusiastic role player in the Steampunk world, Jema has used many of her friends to give an authentic feel to the book. I was looking forward to meeting a few of them at the book launch.

Lisa advised me that I should wear clothing appropriate to a Steampunk afternoon tea. (but admitted that a pretty blouse and skirt would be fine) Phew! She added that she would be wearing her blonde wig, as that is how she appears in the book. The result was quite amazing. She was particularly proud of the fascinator. There is actual tea inside the cup, but it won’t spill! Lisa made the entire outfit, of course. I was scarcely off the train and we were in Hopkinson’s Vintage store, purchasing a tiny antique teaspoon to sit on the saucer.

A quick photo in the kitchen- don't you love the outfit?

My domestic goddess in her kitchen- don’t you love the outfit?

She’d spent the previous evening writing cards to accompany the cakes which would be an essential element of the event. Remember the wedding cake? Well, Jema had made five fabulous new cakes. The flavours :- Rose and raspberry Dolly cake; Blood red beetroot and chocolate cake; Vanilla rainbow Fairy cake; The Kraken’s courgette and lime cake, and The Libraries Brandy and Ginger cake (my favourite!)

At this point you’re going to want to see the evidence, aren’t you, but it did start to disappear very rapidly.

Let them eat cake. They demand it! With Lisa’s pretty cards.

They were just as colourful inside, but I was too busy eating

After a while I went off to make friends and take some photos. The official photographer of the book, (and of Lisa’s wedding), Martin Soulstealer, was busy setting up some shots. Rather alarmingly, Lisa was balanced on a chair, poised over the balcony, above Jema’s husband Nick, recreating the scene from the book. I had to try for a quick shot, nowhere near Martin’s level of artistry.

Here are just a few of the “supporting cast”.

Jema eating cake, accompanied by Mr. Woppit

Cake and fascinators were everywhere!

Distinguished gentlemen and pretty ladies abound

Rebecca looked fabulous!

More hats!

Smiling faces!

Even children!

And newlyweds!

There will be more tales to tell. Did you see Mr. Woppit cavorting on the table? He is adorable! Just one more illustration from the book? You could be tempted.

Something for the gents- delicious tiepins!

So, that’s a Steampunk book launch. Do look out for Jema’s extraordinary book. It’s a work of art. In September there’s a new book coming, dedicated to cakes and sweets. I’ve had a sneak preview, but I musn’t give any secrets away! Here is the link if you want to purchase, or just have a look around Jema’s work. http://steampunkjewellery.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/new-books-pre-order-offer.html

See you soon.

Fulfilling a promise

Team Member Award

What can you say about Viveka? The best thing to come out of Sweden since Abba? Well, you wouldn’t be far wrong.

Who else could induce me to pass on an award within days of receiving it? (with a gracious curtsey) The lady is simply irresistible, so if I want to remain a member of her team (and I do!), I simply have to fulfill a promise. Thank you, Viveka, for awarding me the Wonderful Team Member Award. May I present you, in turn, a small bouquet of Spring flowers from my garden.

A bronze leaved rhododendron. The first time it has flowered for me.

This camelia is delicious

The pots and planters are busy

This beauty isn’t quite flowering yet

But this one’s very happy

While this started deep pink, and is slowly tuning paler each day

I hope that you will always be one of my guilty pleasures.

I don’t feel the need to pass this on to individuals. There are a number of people who always comment on my posts, as I delight in reading and commenting on theirs. If you are reading this you are almost certainly one of that much cherished group. Please accept my grateful thanks and feel free to pass this on if you so wish. Viveka has kindly provided the rules and regulations in her post.

I hope that your week has been full of promise too.

Sunday Post : Perspective

Perspective is used by artists to give an illusion of space and distance. I remember struggling mightily with it at school. My brain understood the concept but my fingers didn’t. I don’t know of a better graphic artist than Jakesprinter. He never would have had my problems. This week he’s sent us a message in a bottle, and I’m reminded that I haven’t sang to you for a while. Perhaps you could be distracted that way, or should I just show you a couple of photos that, I think, represent the concept of perspective? If they don’t, hopefully you’ll enjoy them anyway.