Bumblebees

Insects are so fascinating and I had so much fun capturing these little bumblebees at work. They are so big and fluffy and lovely. After having a penchant for taking pictures of flowers (let's face it, they always look amazing), I've decided the best colour combination is that sun drenched green with a bit of purple or vibrant pink. Love it.

Down to the river

 Today I went down to the river near our house. Usually we go there in summer to cool off from the heat, and the water is deep enough to sit in. Now, at the beginning of autumn, the water runs shallow and quiet. I could almost cross to the other side. Standing on a sandbar in the middle always gives me a sense of awe. Even though there are bigger rivers in the district, its just such a huge amount of open space. Sometimes I get so wrapped up in life I forget about places like this.

This and that

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1. We made the discovery that with a bit of maintenance, some roses will bloom twice as much throughout the year.
2. I have been playing a lot lately using different settings and light sources to explore different methods of lighting.
3. This cat is always getting into trouble. He has a particular fondness for chasing butterflies and moths.
4. This cat has a nervous personality.
5. Matt has been posing so I can practice portrait shots. This evening lighting is so nice.
6. The most gorgeous tree of all time. I can't wait till this magnolia flowers again.

the backyard

 It's been raining almost literally every day for the past fortnight. If this is summer, then summer is a bit of a disappointment this year. Everything in our garden is growing like crazy. Mostly the lawn - which is too wet to mow - but the plants as well. It makes me wish that I had invested some time and money to do up our little garden last year. We've been in our rental for just over a year, and I've never really wanted to commit to spending any money on this house, seeing as its not ours, and we probably won't be here for more than a year. The back lawn and deck is such a plain, uncomfortable place to be and could do with some flowers and fence screening. Our neighbours take great pride in their garden and it is absolutely immaculate, and so beautiful. I can't imagine wanting to spend so much time grooming, mowing and watering a lawn. Phew!

 Exploring pinterest yesterday I found a recipe for DIY weedkiller which involves mixing vinegar, salt and dishwashing liquid together and spraying it on weeds. Sounds simple! I'm excited to give it a go when the weather starts to improve, especially for the driveway. And I can't wait to get a new washing line threaded up. There are so many things that need to be done.. if only it just stops raining!

The start of a blog

 Originally these were just supposed to be some pleasant pictures to look at, but they really got me thinking about the concept of doors opening and closing in life. Metophorically, I mean. I have been wanting to blog for so long, and open this particular (metaphorical) door. But the thought of putting personal photos out there - on the big wide internet - makes me a little nervous. It's no secret that there are some crazy rude people out there who have no problem typing insults or '"constructive" criticism' into comment boxes.

The thought of having a blog, and the idea you have in your head when developing one is so different to how it really is. Creating a blog is hard work, and it's hard to know exactly how to arrange your content so it draws the eye. I wish I was a photoshop expert! I remember having a blog a few years ago and it was so easy to create content quickly, but SO hard to get the layout and the sidebars and the heading right. It's such an amazing concept that we can basically publish what is like a magazine free of charge for others to read. I'm so excited to take this opportunity. Practice makes perfect, right? It's my goal to keep working at it to create a lifestyle/photography blog worth reading.

 

The lake

 On a brisk winter morning we drove out to a lake only ten minutes from our home, for some fresh air, a walk and some time away from 'life'. It's a man made lake created for water sports, but no one was out there that day. The water was very very still and it was very relaxing. So many ducks have made it their home - as we walked along the shore line they kept popping up and swimming away. Instead of walking around the lake we decided to sit and enjoy the feeling of being there.

Blossoms

 There are two blossom trees at the front of our house which have been cut right back. Their trunks and branches are so old and knotty that they don't look graceful like you'd imagine a blossom tree to be. It suprised us when it started flowering, in the middle of winter no less. It's been such a mild winter even the daffodils seem confused.