Across the World

 This is just a selection of shots from around Liverpool's Albert Docks and Chavasse Park on the last bank holiday. The city is gearing up for Eurovision 2023 and it is bringing people together from around the world in a celebration of music (not that I am in any way a fan of Eurovision) at a time when there is so much conflict and division around the globe.

It is 33 years since I first came to Liverpool and I have seen a lot of changes in that time, I like what has happened to the city and although as I say I am no fan of Eurovision I am pleased that Liverpool was chosen to host it this time round and I am encouraged when I see the way the city has embraced it (despite the disruption and inconvenience) just as it did as City of Culture in 2008.

It Won't be Long

 I have spent most of this morning looking through old folders for pictures to edit and I have generated a lot of work for myself so there is no chance i will be getting bored while the weather is rubbish and I don't have chance to get out with my camera. It is nice looking back at the older pictures as they bring back lots of memories, and after all that is why we take a lot of the pictures we do, to capture a moment and aid memory after time has passed.

I have shared a few brightly coloured floral pictures for today, these were taken in May at Erddig in North Wales and I thought that now the excitement of Christmas is passed and while it is cold and grey outside a little colour with the promise of things to come might be a lift that some people need. It won't be long until our gardens, parks and woodlands start to bring forth colour; snowdrops, crocus, cyclamen, daffodils and tulips. I look forward to getting outdoors much more to enjoy everything nature has to offer and the benefits that will bring.

Waterfall

These abstract images are of a waterfall in the Dell at Bodnant gardens in north Wales.

I love to watch water falls and fountains, looking for patterns in the movement of water and in these shots I love the different colour as the light catches the falling stream.

I have rotated the first image through approximately 45 degrees which i think creates an interesting effect however I prefer the second image for the colours and the pattern of the falling water which makes me think of twisted strands of coloured glass.

Beneath our feet

Along the route around Ladybower reservoir there were several frozen puddles. The ice wasn't particularly thick but it made a really satisfying crunch and crackle as I stood on it and a bit like jumping in puddles breaking the ice was irresistible.

Before breaking this ice however I too  a few moments to get a photo. I love the different colours, the leaves held captive and the stripy patterns of the ice crystals across the surface. 

Colours of Kakabeka

When you look at a waterfall it is easy to be absorbed by the overall spectacle and majesty of the thundering water as it pours over the rocky ledge down to the river and valley below. But do you ever look into the waterfall itself and see the patterns and colours? I always do, I like to see the water frozen in time and as you can see from this picture of Kakabeka Falls in Ontario when you do that you can see so much beauty. 

Stuck on you!

I like so much about these pictures, I like the colours, I like the different textures and I like the way the limpets cling to the rocks for protection and they are almost as strong as the rocks themselves.

All About Curves

Today's pictures are connected by the theme "curves" but they are also connected because they were taken in 2010 at the Palace of Versailles, more specifically in the Domaine de Marie Antoinette a less formal private parkland with small palace, a grotto, a temple of love, a theatre, a farm and a small village.

The first of these pictures shows the interior of the theatre, it was difficult to get this picture because of the lighting and the fact that I wasn't supposed to take pictures inside. Apparently Marie Antoinette performed on this stage. 

The second shot is of the interior of the summer house, a place where she entertained her many visitors.  The beautiful tiled floor, the highly decorated walls and columns and the beautiful domed ceiling are reminders of the extravagant lifestyle of this most famous royal family.

The final two images are taken at the Queens House which is a rustic house set far into the park away from the Petit Trianon which is the formal residence.  I love the curving staircase on the exterior and the wooden bench which matches the curves in other parts of the building.