Structures of life. Image: Su Leslie, 2017
All life is dependent on a myriad of tiny structures, combining to create forms which interact with others.
From the strong, almost transparent wings of a bee, to the plants they feed on and pollinate, if we destroy just one structure, we put the whole system at risk.
Comfort food for a rainy afternoon; rosemary and feta scone. Image: Su Leslie, 2017
“Yeah we all shine on, like the moon, and the stars, and the sun.” — John Lennon. Twilight, Mahurangi East, New Zealand. Image: Su Leslie, 2017
Sometimes when I look over my month’s photographs for the Cardinal’s Changing Seasons post, I find a theme that somehow makes sense of the 30-ish days that have just passed. Sometimes a single image captures some truth about my life.
Not this time. My August has been all over the place (emotionally, if not geographically).
Magnolia buds. Image: Su Leslie, 2017
In flower. Image: Su Leslie, 2017
The month began in hope, with our magnolia tree finally in full blossom. Today I noticed the last few flowers amongst the fresh green leaves.
Giveaway Smurf toys provided a fun distraction as I tried my hand at miniature photography.
Too many rainy days meant infrequent trips to the beach. But each visit renewed and refreshed me.
A few cold, rain-free days brought foggy mornings and spectacular sunsets.
“Love is the answer, and you know that for sure; Love is a flower, you’ve got to let it grow.” —Â Â Â Â Â John Lennon. Image: Su Leslie, 2017
Not sure why John Lennon is so on my mind at the moment, but going with it, here’s Beautiful Boy from the Double Fantasy album. Because my beautiful boy-child is always on my mind.
“Life is what happens to you when you’re busy making other plans.” — John Lennon
The Changing Seasons is a blogging challenge hosted by Cardinal Guzman with two versions: the original (V1) which is purely photographic and the new version (V2) where you can allow yourself to be more artistic and post a painting, a recipe, a digital manipulation, or simply just one photo that you think represents the month.
These are the rules, but they’re not written in stone – you can always improvise, mix & match to suit your own liking:
The Changing Seasons V1:
Tag your posts with #MonthlyPhotoChallenge and #TheChangingSeasons
Each month, post 5-20 photos in a gallery.
Don’t use photos from your archive. Only new shots.
The Changing Seasons V2:
Tag your posts with #MonthlyPhotoChallenge and #TheChangingSeasons
Each month, post one photo (recipe, painting, drawing, whatever) that represents your interpretation of the month.
Don’t use archive stuff. Only new material!
Image: Su Leslie, 2017
Manuka blossom. Image: Su Leslie, 2017
“The flower is the moment that we live … The most beautiful moment.” Image: Su Leslie, 2017
A plant has a circle. The seed becomes a plant which has a flower … it transforms into a fruit and the fruit drops. There’s another seed and the seed grows again. This is a circle. The flower is the moment that we live. The most beautiful moment of the circle. The most beautiful moment.— Alex Atala, chef.
The road-bumps my family’s been experiencing lately show no signs of disappearing, and it looks as though travelling a new, more difficult road might be the new normal — at least for a while.
If I sound cryptic, then my apologies. Some stories are not really mine to share, even though I’m a character in them.
It is amazing though, how having to raise my head to new horizons also allows me to appreciate much more the simple beauty around me.
I heard the quote above on Chef’s Table last night and was moved almost to tears.
Here it is in context:
Sun setting over the Pukapuka Inlet, seen from Mahurangi East, NZ. Image: Su Leslie, 2017
When I saw Desley’s collection of gorgeous sunset shots (Oooh, Shiiiinyyyy!) I found myself nodding in agreement with her comment about the sky as a source of distraction. I could happily watch the sun rise and set … until the cows come home.
Rocket and walnuts; a yummy combination. Image: Su Leslie, 2017
Feeling abnormally disinclined to cook this past week, meals have been very simple affairs.
Blue cheese, walnuts and rocket is one of my favourite “three good things” combinations. Add fresh bread — instant lunch.
Five Minutes of Random (the #RegularRandom challenge), is hosted by Desley Jane at Musings of a Frequently Flying Scientist.Â
If you’d like to join in:
Hydrangea flowers; one from the archive. image: Su Leslie, 2015
Giveaways at the petrol station. Image: Su Leslie, 2017
I’m in need of distraction at the moment. The last few weeks have left me feeling adrift in a slightly leaky boat, buffeted by the waves of others’ moods and problems. So anything that provokes a smile is very welcome in my life. I just didn’t expect it to come in the form of tiny plastic Smurfs!
One of the petrol chains is obviously doing some Smurf-related promo, and is handing out these little toys at the checkout — one for every forty dollars spent on gas.
I know it looks like I must drive an awful lot, but yesterday my (very) modest Smurf collection got a huge boost when the attendant made a mistake with my transaction and handed over some bonus toys by way of apology. Yes, I had already admitted that I was collecting them!
Smurfs on tour. Image: Su Leslie, 2017
The little people are currently engaged in a road-trip photo shoot round an out-of-date calendar. And not entirely enjoying themselves by the look of it.
Twilight shift with Smurfs. Image: Su Leslie, 2017
Zimmerbitch 