THE SUNSHINE AWARD

Hi Everyone

I was just handed the SUNSHINE AWARD by the lovely Miss Annie . 

It is given to bloggers who inspire creativity and positivism. 

I have to admit that I am really pleased 

if my work has that effect on people. 

This is exactly what I WANT and HOPE to achieve by my images. 

I  want to share the beauty I see with all of you 

and I wish to make you feel good about the world we live in 

I wish to inspire you to grab a pencil and draw, 

or get the camera and take a photo

JUST CREATE SOMETHING 

IT IS THE BEST FEELING IN THE WORLD!!

The rules are to provide 11 facts about yourself, answer the 11 questions set for you, provide 11 questions yourself and tag 11 lovely bloggers to do it too. 

Copy and past the questions I have provided below and I look forward to reading your responses! 

11 FACTs ABOUT ME

1. I am madly in love with photography and never go anywhere without my camera. This is my RULE NUMBER 1 
2. My second passion is being outdoors, walking, hiking, mountain climbing etc... anything related to all that is my cup of tea. With my camera in hand obviously.
3. I am mad about water too. If I see a puddle, lake, mountain stream, ocean, sea, glacier lake, I am in it. Swimming is the only sport I ever did seriously in my life. 
4. I love to read. I am mad about books and I think that the smell of a brand new book is intoxicating. I am very open minded I read a lot of different genres - Sci-Fi and fantasy among my favourite though. I am a girl with a lot of imagination.  
5. I always listen to music - especially when I am working - I need to have the music going on strong!! The same as with books, I am open to many different styles that can surprise you, some can be a bit incompatible. 
6. I don't drive, I cycle or walk.
7. I don't like hot weather.
8. I love drizzling rain and fog.(!!I know?!)
9. I adore chocolate but I have't had any for ages...:-(
10. I want to go to Alaska and Iceland and take photos there until I drop!! 
11. I love trees, I eat healthy, I exercise every day, I love coffee and I haven't smoked for 12 years but I still enjoy a good glass of wine!!! 

Well, this is me. More or less. 

Here are Annie's questions: 

1. Why did you start blogging? - I thought it would be fun, and it is. I love doing it
2. Where is your happy place? - Walking the ridges of Connemara
3. Facebook or Twitter and why? - Facebook, never really tried twitter seriously
4. If you could go any place in the world, where would you go and why? - Alaska, I am in love with the landscapes and the pine trees
5. What is the best piece of advice you have been given? Use margarine to grease the baking tins not oil
6. Where is the next place you want to visit? Home - I was born in Bulgaria but have lived abroad for the last 20 years
7. Where was your last vacation? I went Home instead, at the time I hadn't been there for 7 years
8. Who would you most like to have dinner with, dead or alive? Terry Pratchett 
9. Cats, dogs or guinea pigs? Boxers, I have 2 and I am totally in love with them 
10. What are you having for dinner tonight? sun-dried tomato pasta with fresh basil and feta cheese 
11. Best beauty or fashion tip?  Colour co-ordinate your clothes 

My questions for the next winners are:

1. What is your favourite thing to do, the one that brings you peace and happiness?
2. What is your preferred form of art?  
3. What was the last great book you read?
4. Do you like to cook and what is your best dish?
5. Are you a water person? Do you like to swim?
6. Are you an early riser or a night awl?
7. What do you prefer coffee or tea?
8. If you had the time would you go hiking and hitch-hiking around the world?
9. Do you like going to the Cinema and which is you favourite movie at the moment
10. Are you on a diet?
11. Would you say you have a healthy life style? 

and now here are the blogs I nominate for THE SUNSHINE AWARD

1. A Patchy Place
2. Oh Joy! Photography
3. Claire Renaud, Artist
4. Saida Cane Photography
5. Claudine de Fay - artist
6. Maya Wandowska Photography
7. Daily Inspiration
8. Rebecca Prough Art
9. Taralezh
10. The Hearabouts
11. Carol in Cairns

Well done guys, you deserve it!!

A BIT OF CHRISTMAS CHEER

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I  needed a bit of cheering up today so I decided to post a few shots I took last Friday in Galway Shopping center. 

I have discovered that at this time of the year looking at Christmas images lifts my spirits up. Well, call me hopelessly romantic or soapy, or old-fashioned or corny ...whatever I don't really mind! I love it and that is that!!


This is the new Christmas decoration of the Gourmet Tart Co. shop window. I think it is really cool and deserves a bit of attention!! Good job and well done guys!! 

The rest of the images are just random captures
 from the Galway Shopping center

thanks for stopping by and I hope you enjoyed a bit of colour !!

LEAVES FOR GOLD

I have to admit that there is no better combination than late autumn, blues skies, golden leaves and bright afternoon sunlight. Use the few days left of bright sunlight and the last of the autumn leaves on the almost naked trees and make the most of it. Take the kids and the dogs and just go. You won't be sorry, believe me!!

I did yesterday. I got leaves for gold or gold for leaves, who knows...The important thing is that it worked just perfectly. you can judge for yourselves: 

I just love autumn colours! Have a look at some of my last years pickings

thank you for stopping by!!

FIRST FROST

November arrived with the first frost. I guess there is nothing to complain about. Basically, it was about time. So far the weather was alright - not too cold, not too rainy and not too windy either compared to the past few years. We actually just started to put the heating on now so I have to say - it has been rather good! 

I am fine with the first frost arriving now. 

It also presents some fabulous photo opportunities for me. 

I have to admit that I LOVE FROST. 

And here is WHY.  

I managed to find a few frosty mini mushrooms as well!

I love going down into the macro world of the grass and moss

I heard that spots are back in fashion  

Thank you for the visit and hope to see you soon!! 

you can always subscribe to my blog by email. 

The option is at the top of the page!!

Here is a bit of FROST form last year