Time for a glimpse in my windows again – one of my greatest joys is the dayly watering and checking in and through my windows.
The first thing I do in the morning, I go out and feed the birds. Then I watch them arriving – my favourite is of course the Robin. I have got two Robins, but I have to feed one of them on the other side of the house…. They are very territorial.
Most of my Phalaenopsis orchids are flowering now in January, February – and some other plants as well.
Then I have some very special cases… The Amazon lily is resting in my bathroom because it got little creatures this winter…but I have successfully got rid of them now, and new, fresh leaves are coming up. I have also bought something called a Nut tree – a chestnut. Lastly, my window lamps are like flowers themselves, aren’t they?
In my glass house, the Acacia is coming along nicely – sending a lovely scent as I open the doors and enter. It would have been nice sending a soft puff from her to you – but I am afraid you have to imagine! Spring and summer dreams…
Thank you for coming along to my morning chores – much appreciated company!
Amy says: This week we hope you’ll share some of your travel experiences through our theme “Travel has taught me”. And her opening quote says it so well:
Travel changes you. As you move through this life and this world you change things slightly, you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life — and travel — leaves marks on you.
~Anthony Bourdain
What is hiding out there, beyond the mountains…?
I have been traveling since I was 16, so, I guess that question wanted some answers… Some of the answers, and something of what travel taught me, I have tried to show in this gallery from our antipodes in New Zealand. Swedish people cannot travel more far away.
Travel taught me that, despite the many differences, there are more likenesses between living beings and cultures, all over the world. We look much the same, we love doing the same things…sunbathing, playing, swimming…and the animals are just like us! Our traditions and religions vary, but at the core, many of them show great likenesses and some have much the same origin. And Love. We love art in all its shapes and form – our species crave it – and fun art too…a good laugh now and then is essential for our wellbeing. Through traveling, we also celebrate our differences – the spice that fuels our sometimes dreary lives!
And small children still like to wave at the train passing, as well as they like to dress up for a masquerade or a Medieval feast.
Above all, travel taught me tolerance and an open mind. That things can be done differently… and still be good. Even if we are good at many things in my own country, there are countries that are much better in several respects and areas – for example New Zealand, with its long standing environmental priorities. A role model for us all.
We must not forget the food – essential to all living beings. Despite all differencies in ingredients, spices and ways of cooking, we love the variety of it. Steam cooking like this I have met in many countries. New Zealand, Iceland, the Azores, the Canary Islands…across the planet we find Mother Earth willing to give us natural ovens and heat to help us making food ready to eat. Be it buried in the ground or in water, volcanic areas usually have both methods. Our Mother is loving and giving…I wish we humans were more loving and giving too – not only taking. Let us leave our marks in good footprints, and learn from life and travel how we can help instead of use, misuse or abuse.
Many thanks to all of you who joined in and shared your beautiful Memorable Events! This way, we were all connected and could feel the magic of everyone’s events. To me, this meant a great deal – there really haven’t been many fun events during the last two years.
This week we are looking forward to seeing your travel experiences, whether to a faraway place or on a local day trip. We also hope you’ll share what you’ve learned along the way. Please link to Amy’s blogpost here and use the Lens-Artists tag to help us find you.
Next week, John (photobyjohnbo) will lead LAPC #185. The theme is Change – ‘Given that change is inevitable, for this week’s challenge consider change as it applies to you. Maybe it’s the changes in your family over the years, the change of seasons in your favorite park, or even the change in the technology of your camera equipment. In short, what does “change” mean to you? ‘ Be sure to visit John’s site for more.
Frosty mornings are a joy. I walk in the garden, taking in the soft light…
…then I feed the birds, who are patiently waiting for me. If I am late, the little blue tit is the first one to sit on my window sill, pecking on the window and reminding me he is hungry.
Our national bird is the Blackbird, and I have several of them living in my garden. Favourite food? Apples. They get some every day.
Then it’s time for a walk with Milo. We walk just around the corner, crossing a couple of streets to find the path into the forest.
An ordinary day being extraordinary because of the frosty light. Both Milo and I hope we will get some more of this before winter is over.
This week you will have an opportunity to show us some memorable events – new ones or delightful memories! I had to reflect upon it for some days before I knew what to choose…because life gives us quite some of these very special events, doesn’t it? Happy Birthdays, surprising hikes, meetings with faraway friends, interesting exhibitions, travels to special places…
Finally, I chose our two days in the Sahara desert in Morocko, an event that is often on my mind, and will stay with me forever. The silence, the beauty of the dunes, and the many surprises along the way….I am sure you too will find a favourite or two to post, and hopefully also enjoy this challenge.
I have always loved the desert. One sits down on a desert sand dune, sees nothing, hears nothing. Yet through the silence something throbs, and gleams… ― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, from one of my favourite stories: The Little Prince
After some jeep driving, we reached our dinner camp – and I was happy to find rag carpets on the sand – they made me feel very much at home in a place so far from home!
Our tour guides and transportation – camels – were patiently waiting for us. No stress in sight. We were only about ten people, nobody said anything, and the silence was tangible.
The glorious day promised we would have an unforgettable desert sunset. And yes, we had. But, even more beautiful was the blue hour light, slowly filling the endless desert sky.
That night we slept incredibly well in the camp bed, under thick layers to protect against the cold.
In the early morning I went out walking on the dunes again, hoping to see some interesting animals. The day before, a fox had been following us, and I saw quite some scarabs (the first picture below) and their significant paths in the sand. But now something else caught my attention – a hole in the ground… and someone digging and sending up splashes of sand. I kept still and quiet, and was rewarded with a glimpse of this little creature – a Tarabul’s gerbil! Length about 10cm and tail about 15cm. He really kept an eye on me..
I greatly enjoyed both the evening light and the morning light – and the atmosphere of stillness and lack of sounds.
Late evening dunes in warm chocolate waves, and morning dunes almost serenely cold.
I hope the camel – the “ship of the desert,” will continue to cruise the sand sea of the Sahara – and I am very grateful to once have been aboard. It is good to know, that there is still something of Arabian Nights in the world…and shimmering tales from olden days.
Have fun finding Memorable Events – or making new ones! Please include a link to my original post and use the Lens-Artists tag.
Last week, we enjoyed learning about and exploring Interesting Objects. Thank you Patti for hosting this interesting challenge! Next week, it’s Amy’s turn to lead the challenge, so be sure to stop by her beautiful site and join in the fun! Until then, stay healthy and have an inspiring week!
Patti says: ”This week, we’re exploring Interesting Objects on LAPC. I’m sure you’ve had the experience of walking through a city, the country, a museum, or a beach, for example, and something catches your eye…”
In the opener you will find a somewhat strange photo of my favourite Swedish composer – when visiting his birthplace, I found this quote – ”To fight for the Light, yes, that is the highest” – His music shines of a very special light, creating a soft nest inside you.
Here are some of my eyecatchers…
I don’t think a dog is an ”object” – but still, here is one of the most striking dog meetings I have had… I met him, when I was crossing a square in Lodz, Poland. I admired his beautiful coat, and then, suddenly, he looked straight at me – with those unforgettable eyes. Icy blue, so blue. And he was Not a Siberian Husky. Maybe a mix with one.Ireland – an incredible coincidence that I had just read a biography about these young women and the grim fate of their children. This plate sat on a bench in a beautiful park.A sailing lamp…found in 15th century castle Bunratty in Ireland. This must be one of the strangest lamps I have ever seen. Bunratty is the most complete and authentic castle in Ireland, and in fact there were several chandeliers with these mermaids. Kyrkö Mosse – a ”must visit” when you come to my part of Sweden. Some hundred old cars, once collected by a dedicated man. Standing in a bog, they are all slowly sinking, and will within not too many years totally disappear. In Tbilisi, Georgia, I found this metal oak tree with a height of 9 meters. It is located at the European square, near the entrance to Rike park. The tree is richly decorated with fairy tale houses, birds, insects, leaves and acorns. Made by sculptor David Monavarlisashvili, and said to personify the history of Tbilisi and the whole of Georgia.
Patti says, this week we are invited to share images that feature Interesting Objects.
Have fun searching for them on the street, in your home, in your travels, or from your archives. Please include a link to her original post and use the Lens-Artists tag.
Last week, we enjoyed learning about and exploring your favorite photo challenges. Thank you Tina for hosting the Double Dipping Challenge – an eye opener to many new possibilities! Next week, it’s my turn to lead the challenge, so be sure to stop by and join in the fun! Until then, stay healthy and have an inspiring week!
Leya 
Du måste vara inloggad för att kunna skicka en kommentar.