Keep it Simple

Loving this video, moving, thoughtful and stunningly shot.
ps. I shot this at a National trust location a few weeks, it is start of a new series for me.

Still Life Thursday

The sun was out today, we have had relentless rain since Sunday, but sadly my camera was not out to take some snaps.  I have been running around picking up paint and taking things to the charity shop as I slowly but surely de-clutter our home.  I shot this still life over the weekend.  Also I'm behind on paperwork and ironing/putting away our washing, anything you behind on?

What's new pussy cat?

Whilst I write this post, I am chuckling at my choice title.  I feel a little out of the loop, living in boxes and slowly wondering if I will ever find the last minute paper stash, which may be hiding my all important receipts and school forms.  Renovations to our lounge/living room has started.  Our lounge is a knock through in a victorian house.  I love the space, but over the last year and half of building work and renovations, it has become a mess.  The space has lacked inspiration as it is a living room, family room, children's play area, study and housing inefficiently random items that cannot be stored elsewhere!  Anyway by the end of October, it may finally function and be a room to relax in once more.  I shot these this afternoon, after the builder left, as I was desparate for something pretty and not covered in dust.  The flowers were a bargain, cheaper than a home magazine and doesn't add to my waistline, like the biggest bar of chocolate.  Tips on de-cluttering would be much appreciated.

Tracey English Giveaway

The lovely Tracey is hosting a giveaway on her blog.  Do pop by and check out her great selection of cards and prints.  Fingers Crossed!

Random Stills

Feeling both exhausted and excited about the pending work on our lounge.  Grateful that we are starting to feel a bit better.  By the way, finding this book 'ONE' incredibly moving and challenging about how we evolve our thinking to being on our own.  Any plans for the weekend?

Framed Images

With C at home and full of cold, wall striping is on hold.  I took the chance to photograph my photographic prints framed.  Added the additional photos to my etsy shop.

An Apple Day - Still Life Part Two

We are dropping like flies.  Both R and myself are feeling exhausted and little run down.  C came home this afternoon full of cold, so only L to go and she is tough as old boots, so hopefully she will ride it out.  Otherwise we are enjoying the change of season, taking about what foods the animals will store for hibernation and collecting leaves this coming weekend!
Ps. Chopping board and linen from a car boot and the jug was a wedding present (we married in 1998). Apples - English Cox from a local supplier.  

Still Life - Figs

Hope that you had a lovely weekend?  We had a chance to catch up on some house errands and still trying to make a decision on our radiators.  The house is slowing descending into chaos, the plastering and decorating the living room, is going to take longer than planned, so pictures, books, some furniture have to be stored in the hallway and kitchen.  At least we will be finished by Christmas!  Shot these figs, distraction is warmly welcomed, in the midst of the mess.

Lemons Still Life

So we have picked the wooden floors for the living room, just need to source new radiators.  Yes, we are still stripping the walls!
After school this morning, I joined a few mums to talk about how are little ones are settling in, it was good to feel that I was not the only one struggling with the transition.  On returning home and avoiding the living room, I rummaged through my car boot/charity finds to put this shot together.  Honestly, I love lemons so once again, they feature in my latest shot for my still life series.

Food Styling - Kiwi Fruit

This morning instead of stripping the wallpaper in our living room, I opted for styling kiwi fruits.  I really needed this distraction, as we are still settling into the school routine.  This term feels harder for some reason,  maybe because C is out every morning, instead of her being at home for two full days?  Next week L starts her after school clubs!  Anyway tomorrow or at least over the weekend, I will get back into my still life series, instead of dreaming of being a food photographer/stylist or worrying about the impact of school life on our family.

A winner

C made the draw from a hat of names, we have a winner - a load of old tat!  If you could drop me an email with your address, I shall pop your chosen print in the post to you.  Thank you joining in, next time I will be giving away some of my postcards, when they finally go to print!

Last Days of the Summer

Even though we are making the most of the sun, we know from the late afternoon chill that the summer is drawing to an end.  Our highlight was cheering team GB on and feeling so very proud of our athletes.  As a family we really did ride the emotions of the Olympics and Paralympics.  Then the rest followed; days out, beach days, long walks, late nights and seeing my girls grow a little more independent of me, as they knew September bought in the new school year, juniors and reception!  Today feels like autumn, embracing all it brings us.

First Giveaway!

To launch my new Etsy shop, I am hosting my first give away.  I am giving away one of my prints, (your choice from the four above).  I am hoping to add some postcards to my shop very soon and in few weeks the latest prints from the still life series.  So please watch this space!
To enter, please state which you print your would like.  Also I am happy for you to mention the giveaway on your own blogs, if you so wish.  Closing date is this coming Wednesday 12th by midday (UK time)!  Thank you and fingers crossed!

Blackberries Still Life

It was the first day of returning to the school run, my eldest L started year 3 and my youngest went to a meet the teacher session, in preparation for her starting part time tomorrow in reception.  My days are returning to half day school runs, which means I only have two hours either end to get things done!  So I am officially behind on printing my most recent still life series.  Also I have a plea for help, if you have any recommendation of a printer that could turn my prints into postcards, as the samples I had back, have not been successful.  Either the colour is all wrong or the quality has been a little weak!
ps. Still hoping to do my give away this week.