For today's challenge I had to to take a selection of photographs through a 'see-through' material! This could be a blue plastic bag, a window or coloured cellophane. It was up to the participant to find creative ways to do this. First of all, I should point out that photography is not my forte! I am the typical photographer who cuts off heads and feet in pictures much to the despair of my family. Also, according to my expert husband, I don't frame my photographs well! You see, I'm a kind of point the camera and click kind of girl! I often move the camera just as I am about to click which means that the result is often blurred. As for the steadiness of my hands whilst holding the camera, that is often shaky so you can imagine the number of times that I have to delete the finished photograph. However today, I did try to correct these faults. I spent an enjoyable hour searching my house for suitable' see-through' materials and I think that some of my photos aren't too shabby. What do you think?
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The challenge for Monday 4th January, was set by a young lady from Germany. Using the style of a weather forecast, write a report on your emotions for the day. I had some input for this from my lovely husband and dear daughter mine. I hope that you realise that it is written ‘tongue- in- cheek!’ Good morning everyone, today you will need to prepare yourselves for a doom and gloom sort of day. Early on there will be an iron frost as coldness seeps through any barriers left overnight. Temperatures are considerably lower than the average for the start of a New Year. A sniping, griping kind of day for everyone in the surrounding area with ominous grey clouds hovering overhead. Take care as there might be an outpouring of rain, and sodden cheeks of steely dampness might sweep across the neighbourhood. Flooding of torrential proportions could be found in the afternoon as the grey depression moves slowly away leaving a misty haze in its wake. Be aware of localised clogging up of channels, with sporadic spouts of turbulent wind and possible volcanic eruptions. Expect traffic disruption and delays. As the evening draws in there could be some respite as a warm front might develop when the anger of the weather front dissipates, and a slight mellowing of conditions might occur if the right barometric pressure has run its course! Hope you had a better day! Sue Westcott (C.) 2021 I was really challenged today! My little brain cells were taxed and I’m not too sure of their final choice. I do not aim to be controversial or to offend anyone, but I struggled to find something that I found beautiful but was ugly and then try to convince others that this ugly item was in fact beautiful. A tall order!
I was amazed by these photographs when they were first printed in magazines. The colourful beauty of the abstract forms. The shapes, the textures, and the fact that they were infinitesimal in size, and invisible to the naked eye reinforces the wonder, the beauty of them. Were they some artists’ pieces of work? No, they were not! These are the magnified illustrations of the corona virus which is, we can all agree, is a very ugly disease. Why is it that the structure of this terrible virus is so pleasing to my eye? It shouldn’t be I know. I should hate it with every fibre of my being but when I look at it in its base form I see a loveliness of symmetry that appeals to my senses. I know that some of you will view this blog with horror, and let me make myself clear, it isn’t the nature of the cells that are beautiful, oh no they are terrible in the extreme. The deadly intent of this virus is horrendous and has devastated lives throughout the world, and that is ugly but for me, when I saw these images it surprised me that something so vile could come from something so attractive. Today’s challenge was about the word LOVE. I had to think of different ways that I could write this word and whilst doing so, think about what it meant to me.
As I was cooking my evening meal, I messed around in the kitchen and wrote the word using items from my kitchen cupboards. I spent about 10 minutes completing this activity and gave the process as much love and creativity, as I could muster!! LOL Well, hello to 2021 and good riddance to the horrible year that was 2020. To help cope with the restrictions of Tier 4 that have been placed upon us, I joined up to do the January Challenges set by Lemm Sissay. I have completed days 1, 2 and 3 and I thought that I might share them on my website blog. I won’t include them all but just to give you a flavour of the types of things you too could be doing to help relieve the tedium or boredom that can come with being cooped up inside. The first challenge was to write down the words, I remember… and then to write down anything that came into your mind. When you became stuck, you had to repeat the phrase and start again. So, accepting the challenge I began to write… I remember… The joy of anticipation that came from planning our holidays. The discussions, the places, the points of interest that we could visit. I remember… The online searches, YouTube videos, downloading information and itineraries, from the cornucopia of data that is out there. Combing through brochures, travel books, and articles to check out the delicious activities, tours and trips that were on offer. I remember… The joy when the decision was made, and the booking placed and the anxious wait for the holiday time to approach. The shopping for clothes and accessories for two, three weeks away from home. (and even sometimes longer!) I remember… The panic, the worry the logistics of packing all our holiday paraphernalia into two suitcases. The nervous waiting for the taxi to arrive and the anxiety of the dreaded weigh-in at the check in desk! Then the relief that we had passed inspection and we were ready to set off on our adventure! I remember… The number of visits my husband made to the ‘men’s room’ with his words. “I’m not nervous about flying!” The incredulity of the discount prices on duty free goods. I mean honestly! Coupled with this were the food and beverage prices within the airport and the disbelief that even on an early flight time of 5am, there were people buying alcohol and drinking it! I remember… The settling into the tiny cockpit of seats on the plane and the adrenalin rush when I found the number of films which were on offer during the long- haul flight! The awareness of the leg room I had, yet the width amount was negligible! The wonder that so many passengers not only book in suitcases into the hold but also wheel on suitcases as well which fill up the overhead compartments. “What do they carry in them?” I remember… The disappointment when I can’t eat the plastic trayed food. Way too spicey or covered in cheese. The puzzlement of the stewards when asked if they have anything different. “Why didn’t you order a special category meal?” they wonder. “Mainly because they too have spice added or cheese!” I reply. I remember… The pulsating dry heat which greets me as I step off the plane. The easing of wrapped up tensions as the radiating sunbeams, filter through my body, followed by the exquisite pleasure of lifting my face to embrace its welcoming warmth. I remember… The delays through customs control, passports areas and baggage claim which leave you frustrated, and irritable. Also add on the latecomers to the waiting coaches and the relaxation that had threatened to engulf you retreats leaving your emotions spent! I remember… The burgeoning hope, as the coach travels to the hotel of your choice, that you have chosen a good one and that the brochure hype lives up to expectations. The disappointment or relief are palpable within the coach, as holiday makers are gradually dropped off at their home form home for the next two weeks. Then befuddled with tiredness you must navigate through brain fog the filling in of registration forms, rules, and information until you finally stagger to your hotel room pulling your overladen cases behind you. I remember… The relief of pure delight when you open the balcony doors and step out to be greeted by paradise! The brightness of the luscious blue sky, the glimmer of gold on the iridescent sea, the blinding light of the sun, the vast stretch of white sand dotted with elegant palm trees. All of this and more, lifts any jaded spirit! I remember… The sudden rush of giggles, as the realisation that I have arrived, sets in and everything is now just perfect- so let the festivities begin! I remember all of this as I sit, restricted by COVID, from doing any of these things and am thankful for my memories which allow me to relive this tiny bit of happiness on such a grey day. I hope it helps you to remember too! Sue Westcott (C.) 2021. I wrote this after watching the 2 minutes silence, where Prince Charles laid a wreath and they showed some black and white photographs to compliment the ceremony. 2020 VE DAY FRIDAY MAY 8TH Stark black and white photographs of: Ballistic bomb raids Homes obliterated Lives shattered In this time of terrible war. Stark black and white photographs of: Resolved people, resigned yet resolute As they once more pick themselves up To repair and restore the damage. To try and salvage what they could Of their wrecked lives. Stark black and white photographs of: Those left behind. Those brave women who took up the reins Who worked to keep the home front alive, In factories and on the land. Of the home guard, fire wardens Patrolling dark streets Responding to the clarion call of the klaxon which signalled danger! Stark black and white photographs of: Overcrowding; an overnight stay In an air raid shelter in the tunnels of the London underground. A calm and peaceful response When panic could have been deadly Stark black and white photographs of: Youthful soldiers Boarding ships to take them across the sea. Wearing insufficient PPE With camouflaged leaves tied to their tin can helmets. Stark black and white photographs of: World weary soldiers Trudging along foreign roads. Unknown yet joined In camaraderie and teamworking. Unbreakable bonds To get the job done. Stark black and white photographs of: Grainy grey battleships pounding the waves, Releasing their crew to fight. To face uncertainty and death As they hurry and scurry across landing beaches. Stark black and white photographs of: Wounded soldiers, carried tenderly, Shell shocked from the horrors Which they have suffered. Disabled casualties, lost limbs With dark hollowed eyes ad faces Filled with hurt and longing. Stark black and white photographs Of majestic airplanes The last bastion of our defence Soaring high in the cloudless sky. Predators seeking their prey Some sadly never to return. Stark black and white photographs of: Rejoicing, and sheer happiness As the cold ugly war had ceased. Huge, delighted crowds assemble Relief and celebration, Singing, dancing, and laughing Once more united In joy and salutation From a nation wracked by loss, pain, and sacrifice! These images will stay with me for a long time. Sue Westcott (C.) 2020 . A Plea To Boris! Lockdown Lockdown
Turn around Turn around Please stay at home Let's protect the frontline Lockdown Lockdown Turn around Turn around Please don’t roam. In this unprecedented time. Lockdown Lockdown Turn around Turn around Let’s join a queue We hope it ends soon. Lockdown Lockdown Turn around Turn around That’s what you do. Otherwise its back to using zoom! Lockdown Lockdown Turn around Turn around. Walk the empty street. Missing family and friends. Lockdown Lockdown Turn around Turn around Nod to everyone you meet. Let's wish for it to end. Lockdown Lockdown Turn around Turn around Let’s support the NHS. Hey, Boris send me a text. Lockdown Lockdown Turn around Turn around They’re working under duress And tell me, "What the hell comes next! " Sue Westcott (C.) 2020 Dear daughter mine, lives in another town and I haven't seen her for six weeks! I've house-partied and zoomed her but it is not the same. I want to hug her and comfort her and to check that she is okay in these trying times. However, dear daughter mine does keep in touch regularly sending me heartfelt messages on WhatsApp. Here are a few of them: 1. I know that you are getting older but don't despair you are now in the age range where you can complain about anything and everything -and get away with it. 2. You can remember and reminisce about the good old days! 3. You get senior citizens discounts! 4. And don't forget the free bus pass! 5. At you age you shouldn't stay in the bath or shower too long as your wrinkles might stay! 6. You shouldn't worry about whether people like you or not, at least mosquitoes find you attractive! 7. You have a great talent; not sleeping at night. 8. Your motto when you were a teacher should have been; " I love all mythical creatures, vampires, werewolves, unicorns and kids who listen!" Ha! Ha! 9. I know that this will eventually come to pass - when you came, you saw, you forgot what you were doing, you retraced your steps and got lost on the way back and now you have no idea what's going on! Don't worry too much about this as you will forget it all anyway! LOL 10. Oh and by the way, "Looking forward to the day when this lockdown ends so that I can give you a hug!" Daughters! Bless 'em! Sue Westcott (C.) 2020 George and the Dragon. The dragon began its journey as a silent deadly whisper. It travelled across countries indiscriminately and invaded every border it traversed. It crept insidiously through weak defences and began slowly, execrably to destroy everyone in its path. The invisibility of its deathly touch rocked the world. A hidden foe is more problematic to its defenders, yet the shining, golden glory of the knights began to glow iridescent blue. Gradually, these champions began to make headway against this unseen enemy. Together, their might tended the sick and dying, fighting, and holding out along an increasingly desperate frontline. Their armour, at times, flimsy yet their resolve was enduring and strong. But that was not enough to expel the rampant battering from the dragon who spewed forth its evil toxin over the beleaguered citizens. Leaders were questioned and held accountable. What were they going to do to help and support these knights so bold? They responded and slight progress was made but only in tiny doses. So, the leaders called in reinforcements to help the pioneering frontline and the citizens shone bright as they answered this clarion call. They stepped up in huge numbers and a million smiles greeted them for their service. Every citizen was asked to make sacrifices, to join these band of brothers and sisters in solidarity of purpose; to hold at bay the dragon. They followed strict guidelines which helped, and slowly, steadily it turned the dragon’s breath. Salutations and heroic deeds abounded as the land pulled together to fight this unwelcome newcomer. Academic brains pondered solutions and set to work with a will. The territorial defenders were enlisted to help, and the citizens rejoiced at how everyone donned the knight’s creed. Valiant citizens pulled together to join the ever -increasing battlefield. They believed that becoming a round table, a circle of defiance then eventually the dragon would be slayed and once more health, wealth and prosperity would return to the land. It just needs a little more time. Do you ever get fed up of telephone cold callers? How do you deal with them? I asked around a few friends and was surprised by their answering techniques. 1.Down -right rude and direct answer- simply two words and nothing else F--- O--! 2. Denial- no that person doesn’t live here! 3. Lies- you have the wrong number! 4 Put the phone down straight away without giving caller time to speak. 5.Do not communicate in any way until the caller hangs up. 6. Send me information through the post. 7. Questions- how did you get my name/telephone number? I think that you’ve got the message. People don’t seem happy with these type of calls. So, I thought what do I do? Well, I did try number 6 but my bluff was called a few times and I did receive information through the post so now I just say, “I’m not interested over the phone but thanks for calling.” I know it is a little too polite, but the cold callers are trying to earn a wage by doing this job and it is a thankless job after all, so I just feel a little bit of kindness in their dreary days might be welcome. Do you recognise your technique, or do you have one of your own? |
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