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.
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.
Yesterday I decided to try something that I have never tried before; creating abstract images with light, light sabers actually (or light saber key-rings to be precise :)). So after dark I enlisted the help of my two sons and their key-rings (what can I say we're all geeks) and tried to create some interesting patterns.
Given that this was my first attempt I don't think I have done too bad. I have picked out the best shots to share today and tomorrow so if you like these do look out tomorrow for the rest.
There is something about the colours and patterns that make me happy and I am reminded of an old Hancock's Half Hour show that I used to listen to as a kid on my parents old record player. It was called The Publicity Photograph and Tony Hancock in need of sprucing up his image goes to see a portrait photographer played by Kenneth Williams. Tony says that he wants to take a few snaps to which Kenneth Williams indignantly replies "Snaps? Snaps? I don't take snaps, I am an artist, I paint with light!" then Tony Hancock retorts "Oh Strike me I paint with light!" I remember laughing out loud to this and I listened to it over and over again and although I haven't listened to it for at least 40 years that line has stayed with me and came back last night when I was creating these images.
I picked today's images because I think they're good specimens of foxgloves. I really like the rich colours and I like the patterns inside each of the flowers.
When I saw the flower in the third image I thought the head of the plant looked like a mummer's costume. Maybe that is a bit hard to see but have a look at this link and hopefully you will see what I mean.
Today's pictures are three different shots of the same tree. I have posted two in monochrome because I think they show the texture and patterns of the bark to good effect and the third picture I chose to highlight the rich warm colours.
