CFFC: Winter – Water

Cee’s challenge this week brings winter back…and lovely memories of a visit to my blogging friend Maria and the frozen waterfall, Tännforsen. For more winter, click here.

WPC: Surprise

 

Surprise – well, some surprises over the years are not easily forgotten. First out in the header – when our neighbours had not picked their red apples before the snow got them…and the second one – the first time I saw a swimming bus… in The Danube!

Thursday Thoughts – Today I Finally Met Arthur!

Maybe you  have heard of him…Arthur, the dog who crossed the jungle to find a home.

I have followed his adventures ever since I first heard of him a couple of years ago. The Swedish multi sport team in Ecuador, trying to win the world championships. Instead the team leader, Mikael Lindnord, found that in the middle of the jungle, his team of four had got a fifth member…Arthur. Mikael had never had a dog of his own and never thought of getting one – he was a tough athlete and a determined leader for his team.

But this street dog caught his heart…and from one meat ball, given to a starving dog – they became friends forever. Finally, after many hardships and paperwork and stubborn authorities…Arthur arrived in Sweden and was taken care of by Mikael and his family.

P1060786_copyTonight I met him. And I totally understand why he is King Arthur. He owned the place from the first second he entered through the door. I do not have one single, proper picture…but I loved every minute of being close to him and listening to their story. Seeing the very special bond between Mikael and Arthur.

Mikael himself says that Arthur stands for Hope.  The Lindnord family have also started a fund for homeless dogs in Ecuador – there are many ill treated and abused dogs in the world… Maybe there is hope for them with people like Mikael, who was prepared to even let go of his team’s victory to save this dog’s life. Mikael says he recognized himself in Arthur that very first day…they both stand tall, and never give up. So, how could he let Arthur down, when the dog put all his trust in him ?

P1060832_copyIf you love animals, and dogs in particular, and believe there is still love and compassion on Earth – Read the book!

More about Arthur? Read  this blogpost at barefootandrunningblind.wordpress.com. Impressive photogallery and more about their life and adventures!

WPC: Security

Security is essential for humans to live a good life – and for our pets, it is their right to feel secure in our homes. Go here to find more interpretations!

On the Galápagos islands, the animals feel completely secure…and the sealions here represent this feeling very clearly to me. Whether humans are walking two inches from you, or you are sleeping together with friends on the warm sand, or having a delicious meal, or just being curious – or even being all alone without your mum! You feel secure!

Thursday Thoughts – Feeling Blue

Mmm…tonight I’m feeling blue. So…I will return to one of the velvet blue mornings in the Galápagos archipelago. Blue, oh, so blue…this last morning of our great adventure.

Early morning, Galápagos, Santa Cruz, leaving our ship in the pangas. heading for the mangroves, the birds and the turtles.

Blue- footed Boobies, shining – waiting for the sunrise. Frigate birds high up in the sky.

And the admirers arrive in their tiny boats…but we do not care…

…just keep following our morning routines…and chores…

…on the lookout for food. Here I am – Mr. Lava Heron, grey and blue.

And the admirers return to their ship, a bit more light blue…but still. Knowing these are the last glimpses of Paradise.

Travel theme: Over

Travel theme: Over

Over my head in the header and in the skate park. Over the water in Tibet.

As a teenager, my son´s happiest moments were in the big bowls of Malmoe skate park. I have been there too, just to see him enjoy, jumping Over me!

Travel theme: Four

Ailsa’s theme, shows four beautiful dresses made by designer Camilla Thulin, and four lovely spoonbills, designed by the Creator. Click the link for more of four!

Travel theme: Four

 

Thursday Thoughts

In less than 8 weeks from now…the wonder will happen again…

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Pictures from last year and Spring unfolding…

P1030963_copyHow much do I long for this? I cannot tell you. But, the blackbird sings in the evening now, the cranes, the lark and the lapwings have arrived. We are ready.