Six word Saturday

Taking my foot off the pedal

Having motored a bit to reach my 100th post earlier this week, I’ve taken my foot off the pedal, just a little.

The chief reason for this is that I needed some time to plan my upcoming visit to Porto and the Douro valley. I sometimes wish I was one of those “jump in and experience it as it comes” travellers, but I’m not. I’ve looked forward to this trip to the north of Portugal for so long, and I’m desperate to get it right.

Apart from that, I’ve been enjoying everything the English weather can throw at me. And it packs quite a punch.

Across a cornfield

Do you like the “colour pencil” effect?

I love the poppies in with the corn

And the reflections in the mossy pond in Whitburn village.

A little rain?

Marsden Rock

Marsden with a swirl? Well, it was windy!

Tile effect, I rather like, too.

Or a pretty version?

Now I’m exaggerating! It didn’t snow at Souter Lighthouse. Not quite.

But it does look rather nice spotlit?

It was blustery as only an English Bank Holiday can be, but I did enjoy our walk. And another opportunity to play, of course.

Back to my maps and guide books. Hope you’ll be joining me next week on Six word Saturday? Many thanks to Cate, our kind hostess, on Show My Face, where you’ll find all the details of how to play, and this week’s other entries. Click on the button below for more fun.

Sunday Post : From a Distance

How did Jakesprinter know that this was to be my 100th post, and that I hoped it would be a bit special? I’m not at all sure, but he’s right on target with this week’s Sunday Post theme, From a Distance.

I’m starting with the words of Bette Midler :

From a distance
There is harmony
And it echoes through the land
Its the voice of hope
Its the voice of peace
Its the voice of every man.

The Ria Formosa from Cacela Velha

This photo speaks to me of harmony and peace.

In writing this, I’m far distant from the Eastern Algarve shoreline that I love so much. Of course, Jake is talking about distance as in perspective and long range photography, and I will try to select my photos accordingly. Still I can’t help but yearn for faraway things. It’s part of my “restlessjo” nature. I sometimes wonder if the Algarve would be so dearly loved if it were everyday and familiar. Someday I hope to retire there, and then I’ll find out.

One of those irresistible Algarve beaches, wandering off into the distance

Looking out from the town walls of Elvas on the endless plains of the Alentejo

The far distant Silver Coast, seen from Sintra’s Pena Palace

Nearer to home, but still a view from afar, I spent a great few days in the company of my lady friends, in riot torn London in August 2011. Looking at this peaceful shot, who’d have thought it?

The Royal Naval College at Greenwich with Canary Wharf on the horizon

The peace and serenity that accompanies me when I’m out walking is precious. My restlessness is soothed in wide open spaces.

Ambling downhill towards Robin Hood’s Bay

Distinctive landscape and a far off lake in Upper Teesdale

The pier at Whitby and a group of walkers, from a distance

I’ll finish with Bette :

From a distance
You look like my friend
Even though we are at war
From a distance
I just cannot comprehend
What all this fightings for
From a distance
There is harmony
And it echoes through the land
And its the hope of hopes
Its the love of loves
Its the heart of every man

It’s one of those songs that leaves a lump in my throat, so I hope that Jake doesn’t mind me sharing it in this post today. Jake and Sundays. They’re a winning combination.

To join in with Jake’s challenge and see what everybody else has made of it, click on the flying dragon logo or any of the links. I’ve enjoyed post 100, and all of those that went before. I’m hoping that you have too. Thank you for reading.

Enjoying all the other posts reminded me that distance always seems to play a part in my relationship with my daughter, Lisa. I love her dearly. Many thanks to Gemma at First and Fabulous for this.

Six word Saturday

This week I learned to play

You might have seen my entry for Jakesprinter’s Sunday Post this week. Now I love Jake’s challenges, but the subject was Black & White and I had no idea what I was going to post if it wasn’t old wedding photos.

The current tendency to edit photos has completely passed me by, aside from a little judicial cropping. I usually like my photos to look the way I see them through the camera. So I had little idea what could be achieved, until I opened up Photo Express. “Tint” provided the perfect solution for Jake’s challenge, but there was a whole box of tricks that I’d never even noticed before.

Exit boring old stick-in-the-mud Jo, enter Jo at the cutting edge (I always did like to exaggerate). And I learned to play.

became

Then I got a bit more adventurous.

became

and

became

Fabric effect, you see? I quite liked that.

So I tried another

became

So then I went a little wild, and

became

Bubbles chasing along the beach. Kind of cute?

Now don’t laugh at me. I know I’m not very accomplished. But I AM learning, be it ever so slowly. There were lots of effects I didn’t really like, and others I didn’t quite know how to use. I doubt my little bit of learning is going to radically change the look of my posts, but you never know.

By the way, does anybody know if you can turn black and white photos into coloured?

So that’s my 6WS for this week and I have Cate at Show My Face to thank for being so tolerant. If you’d like to join in, the link or the banner will take you to Cate’s page for more details. Or you can have a look back at my efforts to entertain.

The gnomes have it!

Professor, Pl. Uniwersytecki

Cute little guy, isn’t he? He’s a “krasnal”- one of a series of about 150 gnomes, some of whom I photographed on my recent trip to Wrocław. He was appropriately situated outside the University Buildings- a work of art if ever I saw one. Now there’s a place to study!

Entrance Hall at the University

The Oratorium

OTT? Yes, but stunning!

I had read about the gnomes somewhere, and was half determined to ignore them, but I failed miserably. Before I knew it I’d purchased the 6 złoty guide (just over £1) and was off in hot pursuit.

Ball-pushing and ball-lifting Sisyphus

These two got the ball rolling (sorry!), on ul. Świdnicka. This rather bad-tempered looking walker was there too. But then, you’d be grumpy if someone splashed your beard with red paint!

Walking enthusiast/ health lover!

Still on ul. Świdnicka, any guesses what this handsome fellow is doing?

Florian- he’s a chimney sweep!

By now I’ve drifted into the Rynek, where I get a warm welcome from this little chap.

Friendly, or Well-wisher

Refusing to be distracted by the fountains, I move on to Plac Solny. I was tempted by the deck chairs, but there were more pressing matters.

A wall of water in the Rynek

Plac Solny, decked out for Summer

No luck in Solny- I’ll have to backtrack later, but ul. sw. Elzbiety yielded this little guy, fast asleep, and the firemen with hoses, trying to wake him up?

Sleepy

Firefighters

Found the butcher next, and his little chopper, on ul. Jatki. No worries for the pigs and goat. They were bigger than him.

Butcher

Ulica Jatki

And now we’re back at the University, where the Swordsman tries to protect himself with an umbrella! Very foolish! He’s been stolen twice.

The Swordsman

Taking time off from gnomes, I head for the Botanic Gardens, but I have to shelter in the greenhouses when it rains.

Don’t know which cactus, but it’s very pretty

Wouldn’t you know it? I escape the rain and am accosted by gardener gnomes.

Gardeners in the Botanic Garden

Wrocław is a city with lots of water. The River Odra flows though it and there’s also a system of canals. Walking along Podwale is a peaceful option, and there’s a delightful park bordering it. Of course, there are gnomes too.

Water gnomes, by the Theatre

Odd Guy, representing the Odd Fellows and a “helping hand”

Checking out the shops, I find a burglar gnome! Turns out he’s an art lover.

Antiquarian, Plac Kosciuski

And there are useful gnomes too.

Recycler

Dispensers- “old style” cash dispensing

Economist, checking the flow of money

But one little chap pulled at my heart strings. He couldn’t even pop in for a cup of coffee.

The prisoner, in his pretty jail

These fellows have their own website www.krasnale.pl and of course, a Facebook page so you can follow their exploits. Their origins are explained on the site, but basically they are beloved of the Polish people for their association with anti-communism. The first of the gnomes in bronze statuette form was Papa Krasnal, sculpted in 2001. Today he’s happy to pose with my Dad, and niece Kasia, who lives in Wrocław.

Papa Krasnal- the first of the gnomes

I only managed to see about 30 gnomes, so it’s obvious I’ll have to go back. Can you blame me?

Sunday Post : Black & White

The best thing about challenges is when you think to yourself, “I can’t do that”. And then you discover that you can! I owe big thanks to Jake of Jakesprinter’s Sunday Post this week for his theme of Black & White.

Now you know I like to hum along, and black and white to me immediately conjurs up those lovely old Fred and Ging movies. In the wink of an eye I was singing “Heaven, I’m in heaven”…. Even worse, I was twirling around the kitchen!

Yes, I know- but what about the challenge? I was thinking that I might share some “cheek to cheek” wedding photos, as they’re the only thing I have in black and white. But I’ve already written that post and wanted to be more original. Nothing else for it but to “gingerly” embrace technology. And I was amazed!

Looking down on Funchal from the castle

Porto Moniz

Punta de Sao Lourenco

Monte Palace gardens

The photos are of Madeira because I felt they had that slightly decadent, “of another era” air to them. I could just picture Fred and Ginger tapping their way through those gardens. Couldn’t you?

These are the product of an afternoon’s playing with Photo Express and I love it! I had no idea this was possible, but Jake motivated me to try. So thanks Jake, for your time and your patience, and all the encouragement. Click on the dragon logo, or the links, to fly away with Jake, and all will be explained.

Six word Saturday

A walk on the lilac side

Last Sunday, our anniversary, was a day of “have to do” things, but I had a little indulgence planned for Monday. One of my favourite places locally, I eagerly await the blooming of the heather on the North York Moors. It’s late this year, and what can become rampant, rolling plum is still a gentle lilac, but no less lovely for that.

A sea of lilac

Climbing back into Castleton village

If I lived in the village I’d have to take the whole of August off, just to sit and gaze, and meander through the heather.

Back to reality and our stomaches were calling, so we wandered into Castleton and I had a glorious chicken and leek pie at the Downe Arms. The service was wonderfully friendly and the range of food impressive in this old stone village pub.

It’s quite a haul back up the hill to the parking, but you can take it slow.

Join me next week on Six Word Saturday? Grateful thanks to Cath of Show My Face, my hostess. The header and the links take you to her page to join in, and read the other entries. It’s kind of my Saturday gossip!

Capture the Colour

Colour is so much a part of our world. The challenge to capture it in a memorable way has been set by Travelsupermarket.com, and a formidable array of talented bloggers have already joined in. Amongst them, Kathryn, of Travel with Kat, who has very kindly nominated me. Many thanks, Kat. I’ll do my best.

The challenge requires that you submit a blog post with an image for each of 5 colours- red, white, blue, green and yellow. Full details are to be found on the Travelsupermarket website. The top prize, £2000 to spend on travel, is definitely worth a little effort.

Blue

The Marquess of Londonderry, encapsulated in a snowdome- Durham “Lumiere” 2011

I’m starting near to home with a photo that cost me a black eye. So captivated was I by the light installations at Durham City’s “Lumiere 2011” that I forgot to look where I was going and went head over heels over a concrete block- ouch! I shall exercise more caution when I return to Durham for “Lumiere” 2013, but return I most certainly will. The illumination of Durham’s historic buildings was simply spectacular. I loved the blue of the Snowdome, but equally beautiful were “The Waterfall”, and the Lindisfarne Gospels projected onto Durham Cathedral.

White

A sparkling white carriage makes its stately way around Rynek Glowny in Krakow

My first sight of Rynek Główny in Kraków was charged with emotion. I had the arm of my Aunt Anna tucked into mine. We had met, for the first time, just days before. She and Dad were separated when he was only 15, and reunited 64 years later, with grateful thanks to the internet. The Market Square with its medieval Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) will always be special to me. The horse and carriages are a little cliched, but perfect for my white photo, from my K is for Krakow post.

Red

One of 400 breadbaskets carried aloft at the Festa dos Tabuleiros, Tomar

My red photo transports me immediately to July 2011. The Festa dos Tabuleiros takes place just once every 4 years in Tomar, Central Portugal. The streets dazzle in swathes of multi-hued paper flowers and the 4 feet high breadbaskets are paraded on the heads of 400 or more dainty ladies. Crisply dressed young escorts slip an arm around each of the waists and help to balance the weight. It’s a sight I will never forget.

Yellow

Such a mix of ancient and modern, the architecture of Wroclaw

I loved the subtlety of the old gold of this building in Wrocław’s colourful Rynek. Polish architecture is an intriguing mix, much of it reconstructed following the wholescale devastation of World War 2. It’s my offering for yellow.

Green

The Queen of Hearts on the village green in Elwick

I’m coming home again for my green choice. National pride was strong in my local village, Elwick, when they gave their annual Scarecrow Festival a Jubilee theme. It was so much fun and the sight of the characters from Alice in Wonderland playing croquet on a traditional village green brought many a smile.

Travelsupermarket request that we pass this challenge on to 5 more bloggers, so I’m very happy to nominate:

Marcia of La Chica Writes

Andrew of Have Bag, Will Travel

Richard of A Bit of Culture

Robin of Bringing Europe Home

Zoe of Zoetic Epics

Good luck everybody!

Sunday Post : Close – up

Are you impressed? It’s only Sunday morning and here I am doing Jakesprinter’s Sunday Post challenge already! Don’t you love his logo? Every time I include it in a post I have to stop and admire. It’s amazing!

This week’s subject is Close – up and I know you’re all agog to hear what I’m singing this week. Ready? It’s the Carpenters, “Close to You”. I am SO corny sometimes, but today actually is the wedding anniversary, and a beautiful bouquet of flowers arrived for me yesterday. (I was out zumba-ing but the elderly lady next door was thrilled to look after them for me till I got home)

So unusual, the green carnations.

Zinging orange gerbera! Beautiful!

I’ve always loved the flamboyance of lilies.

The sunflower ruled the display!

Even the orange gerbera was subdued, but only just!

And lastly, that most delicate of blooms, the orchid.

Hope you enjoyed the “close-up” of my bouquet. I know I don’t do close up well, but they’re still beautiful aren’t they? I didn’t have time to “fiddle” with them. He’s waking up so I’m off to share the rest of our day with him.

Thanks Jake for your superb Sunday Posts. As usual, the links and the dragon will give you the guided tour if you want to join in.

Six word Saturday

Zumba fit, or fit to drop?

No photos this week! Well, you try taking part in a 3 hour Zumbathon and taking photos at the same time. It was in aid of our hospice so I’m sure the local rag will have it adequately covered.

Seriously, I thoroughly enjoyed taking part. On a warm summer’s evening, we gathered on the rugby pitch. It was a real “sisterhood” moment. As the sun set, however, we were joined in our final moves by the lads from the rugby club, “fresh” from their practise session. Now that would’ve made a fine photo!

And there’s more to come. My zumba teacher, Jaki, has secured a float for the Headland carnival this year. So guess what I’ll be doing this afternoon? Well, I haven’t taken part in a Carnival since February. I’m long overdue!

Thanks for reading, folks, and don’t forget to visit Cath’s Show My Face to see what everyone’s been up to this week. Submit your own and I’ll come visit you!

Sunday Post : Splendid

Would you believe it, he’s got me singing again! Jakesprinter that is. His theme for this week’s Sunday Post is Splendid. So what was I singing? “Love is a many splendoured thing”, of course. Quite appropriate as it’s my wedding anniversary this week.

Splendour is a wonderfully old fashioned word. It suggests to me churches and ornate beauty. Splendid is maybe a little more casual?

Durham Cathedral and Cloisters

Wawel Cathedral in Krakow

St. Elizabeth’s Chapel, Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, Wroclaw

Oratorium in Wroclaw University

Ruined Whitby Abbey

Silk panelled walls in Newstead Abbey

The Moors understood the concept of splendid extremely well.

The Lion Courtyard, Alhambra Palace, Granada

A room with a view (Sacromonte, from the Alhambra)

Gardens of the Real Alcazar, Seville

As usual, I had great fun with this. What will Jake come up with for me to sing along to next week? You’ll have to come back to find out. Better still, why not join in the challenge yourself? Follow the links or click on the flying dragon logo for details.

Don’t forget to check out some of the other great and varied entries:

http://cyclingrandma.wordpress.com/2012/06/05/monet-at-the-ny-botanical-garden/

http://cuoreq.wordpress.com/2012/08/05/sunday-post-splendid/

http://imagesoftheheart.wordpress.com/2012/08/05/sunday-post-splendid/

http://bopaula.wordpress.com/2012/08/05/sunday-post-splendid/

http://drieskewrites.wordpress.com/2012/08/05/sunday-post-splendid/

http://canoecommunications.wordpress.com/2012/08/05/splendid-lines-of-waterfalls/

http://36beauty5.wordpress.com/2012/08/05/sunday-post-splendid/

http://nprimopiano.wordpress.com/2010/01/10/white-stars/

http://africatoalgarve.blogspot.pt/2012/08/splendid.html

http://jobryantnz.wordpress.com/2012/08/06/sunday-post-splendid/

http://shareandconnect.wordpress.com/2012/08/06/weekly-photo-challenge-splendid/#comment-1017