12-JAN-2012
Gateway to a secret garden
Secret gardens have given writers lots of imaginative scope.
They are also very beguiling for those of us with cameras.
We long to know what’s on the other side of the gate.
We take pictures of their entrances,
and ponder why the possible delights behind the gate are denied us.
We do the best we can with what we can see, but still we wonder…
12-JAN-2012
In hiding while waiting to heal…
It is natural to crawl into a corner when you are hurt and you give your wounds time to heal.
This lovely old stone sculpture lies damaged, forgotten and neglected in a low-key public garden in the city centre. Given the current state of our economy, healing his wounds will probably not be on top of the priority public spending list.
So I think our wounded hero will have to wait somewhat longer for his healing to happen.
12-JAN-2012
A little woodnymph pipes her lonely tune
Sometimes little woodnymphs need space and solitude
To pipe the tunes that carry their secrets away on the soft breeze
12-JAN-2012
Taking a sideways tilt at life
Sometimes life can take a sideways tilt.
It may alter the appearance of something,
but it doesn’t change its essence.
When people stop for a rest under the tilted roof
of this pretty blue bower in a garden corner
they pay no attention to the tilting overhead.
and its irregularity amuses those who pass by.
09-JAN-2012
Sunshine on a winter's day
Sunshine on a winter’s day can enhance a dramatic sky,
Bring the glimmer and glisten of precious jewels to pebbles on the beach,
Make the sea appear like molten silver.
An image dedicated to one who loves the sea.
09-JAN-2012
A blue sky, the sea, some sunshine, an empty railroad, and me….
All my life I wanted to stand in the middle of a train track. Too dangerous to do when you live in the city. But this single track railroad does not carry too many trains, and on a recent walk there a friend and I discovered a crossing point where there was visibility for about 5km in either direction.
So I got my wish, didn’t put anyone in danger, and got my photo taken as well!
09-JAN-2012
Reflections behind the reeds
A quick trip down a country laneway today showed these lovely reeds swaying in the wind.
But on the way back a glint of light revealed a pond with reflections hidden behind the reeds.
Sometimes it is worth looking behind and beyond the surface appearances, for more beauty than we expect can be revealed in a way that surprises and delights.
06-JAN-2012
Clinging to a slippery surface
Many cling to slippery surfaces in life.
Some surfaces are more challenging than others.
The training and concentration of these window cleaners
is enough to cause one to pause in the middle of heavy city traffic
and admire their skill, their concentration, their agility, and their
attention to detail while they ensure they also have their safety harnesses in place.
They bring a shine to the surface of this modern building
and they also elevate our eyes and our thoughts above and beyond the regular daily treadmill.
07-JAN-2012
Cradled and cosseted
There are times in a lifetime when there is a need to be cradled;
when the protection of another stronger element can give space for renewal, for better growth.
It is not a need that endures, but it is good to know that such cradling can be offered when required.
05-JAN-2012
Waiting
Large foyers are places where you see people waiting.
Some wait for friends to appear.
Some wait for a taxi.
Some wait for an appointment.
Some look impatient.
Some need to move around and inspect their environment.
Some content themselves with reading a newspaper or a book.
Some need to drink coffee.
But for all those waiting it is a transitional phase between the immediate past and the immediate future. The period of waiting forms a bridge between two phases of time where life circumstances can change.
04-JAN-2012
The pleasures of a post-Christmas gift
So much fuss is made about Christmas presents that sometimes we heave a sigh of relief when the pressure of making or buying and giving is all over. So it is a real pleasure to meet an old friend after Christmas, someone who knows of my weakness for scarves, and get this fine merino and cashmere scarf: a luxury I would probably not have got for myself.
The wool is finely woven, the fabric colouring is delicately achieved, and I can’t wait for an occasion where I will wear it pride.
03-JAN-2012
Cross stitching or crosswords?
In our house we have one who is addicted to crosswords and another who uses the same kind of down time doing cross stitching. The cross stitching one usually comes up with lovely samplers or bookmarks, or in this case a lavender sachet, now filled with lavender dried flower heads. And she gives the camera addict another subject to photograph.
And the crossword addict? Well, the results of her ruminations give her equal satisfaction, help her deal with insomniac bouts, and then end up in the recycle bin.