Seeing life through rose-coloured glasses

Rain

Sunshine

Grey clouds and blue skies

have brought me colour in this month of July.

Talking about the weather

is rather like talking about life.

There are grey skies and storms and heavy rain

which sometimes seem to go on for ever.

Yet

when the sun comes out again

we can't help but smile

and notice the flowers

taste a strawberry smoothie

linger in the woods in dappled sunlight

and put on a happy dress.

So if seeing life through rose-coloured glasses

helps us see all the beauty which is around us.

Why not?

Sharing a Passion

Photography!

Sharing this passion with my eleven year-old grandson!

He's already into iPod Touch photography

but when he came to stay this summer

he asked if he could try my big camera!

Shutter speed and f/stops are becoming familiar

and I'm so pleased I kept my old Sony SLR

so that we each have a camera when we go out together!

We went down to the park,

into the woods

and much of my apartment has been photographed

in amusing detail!

Our conversations have taken on such subjects

as rule of thirds, filling the frame and depth of field!

I love that he's taken this interest so early on

who knows if it will continue 

or if it will lead to anything.

For the time being, we're both having lots of fun.

Moments to treasure

and sweet souvenirs

from the summer of 2014.

At the end of July, I shall probably come to the end of my mosaic postings.

Time to discover other things

and tread new paths.

Lake Crossing

Living in a country in the middle of Europe

instead of an island

called Great Britain

I had to get used to not seeing the sea!

However,

here in Switzerland there are lakes and mountains

and it was very easy to get used to their beauty!

I am lucky enough to live in the city but near the Lac Léman.

One of my biggest pleasures in the summer months

is to take a steam-boat to cross the lake!

Different cruises can be taken too with a meal included.

See former postings here: A Cruise on the Lake. Part One.

There are three parts if you care to scroll down them.

Just being on one of those elegant boats to cross the lake

feels like being on holiday!

I hardly sit down because I want to see all the lovely views.

Each boat has a name

and the one I travelled on above, on the left of the big picture,

is called "Simplon"

which is the name of  a Swiss mountain pass.

I love to see the young men with their coiled blue ropes

which they throw onto the shore to anchor the boat while 

everyone crosses the 'passerelle' or gangway.

My destination, the town of Evian,

is very clean and well kept to impress the tourists.

The flower beds are just beautiful

and it was here that I first discovered a flower called

Chocolate Cosmos which really does smell of chocolate!

Eating a salad out on a lakeside terrace

and then a refreshing dessert of 

peaches and strawberries.

After our rainy period

it seems we are back in the sun and rising heat again!

I hope that you are enjoying the season

in all the ways you love the most!

Rainy Day Creativity

Rainy days happen!

Could they be opportunities to become creative?

Yes!

There are so many things I actually like to do which keep me inside

and

when the weather is simply gorgeous I don't really want to do them

So...

let's bake some bread

make a vegetable casserole

and get out that crochet hook and colourful cotton!

Who cares if it rains sometimes?

With an umbrella and good shoes

we can even manage a walk or two!

Why am I making photo montages

which is not my usual style?

Well, it feels playful and is fun to do

and most of all, these montages tell a story in pictures.

It's nice to change our style and point of view sometimes

It's refreshing and allows us to see our lives anew.

After all, who wants to fall into a rut?

Come rain or shine,

perhaps you'd like to join me in the summer fun?

Let's play

and enjoy

whatever this day brings!

Crochet pattern link here

The Taste of Summer

Summer!

A season where all our senses become alive.

Close your eyes and feel it on your skin

Listen to the sounds

the birdsong.

I love the peace on my street before the traffic starts up.

Leisurely breakfasts on the balcony

and, when the fridge is empty,

a walk to the shops to enjoy the glorious choice of fruit and vegetables

of the summer season.

Simple meals with a minimum of preparation.

The smell of ripe tomatoes and fresh basil

a trickle of olive oil, a little ricotta and a slice of homemade bread.

Not looking at the time.

Enjoying the moment

as if there were no other.

Simplifying

Noticing each tiny detail of the flowers on my balcony garden

Watching the bees as they collect pollen from my Snapdragons.

Sometimes doing all the things I love

Sometimes just being.

In the joy of life.

Isn't this what summer is all about?