glorious green

For in the true nature of things, if we rightly consider, every green tree is far more glorious than if it were made of gold and silver.

Martin Luther

How do you feel about 'green'? It's Harry's favourite colour and in places like this, it's easy to see why! I believe there just may be every possible shade of green right here.

Isn't this the most delightful hangout? I'm sure I've told you before (too many times probably), that Hundred Acres is my favourite spot on the island.

The forest is teeming with bird life at the moment, and I was on a mission to capture that perfect 'bird in flight' image while I'm still in possession of the 70-200mm lens. I'm not sure I got the perfect photo...but I did get some great ones. I'll bore you to tears with bird shots soon, that's a promise.

Apologies for the numerous 'photos from behind'. I tend to drag the chain a bit on expeditions like this...being the lady with the lens and all. There were so many photographic opportunities every single step of the way - it made it impossible to keep up with the crowd!!!

PS yes, Harry is carrying Nerf weapons!!!!!!! Sheesh, boys and their toys. 

PPS That same boy, he's refusing to have his hair cut!!!! Grrrrr.

perfection in the golden hour

A Friday afternoon trip to Cemetery Beach. This is how weekend adventures start!

I got to wander with my camera, in search of a new perspective.

Ben, Till and Ma explored the rock pools, stumbling upon cowrie shells, sea slugs and eels!!!

Harry made friends with the model plane enthusiasts. They were happy to oblige, sharing flying tips and experience.

All of us together in this idyllic place; happy and content.

Perfect times in the warm glow of a mild Autumn afternoon on this remarkable island.

This is Norfolk Island in the golden hour. Absolute perfection.

ordinary everyday beauty

There are parts of my home that make me smile, especially our messy fridge door! There's beauty to be found in the ordinary everyday stuff; a tidy bookshelf, rain splashing on the window, washing drying on the line, paper snowflakes blu-tacked to windows! They are the bits I'm happy to photograph, because one day I know I'll be glad I did.  Ben teased me about these photos. Humph. Doesn't he know I read blogs with photos just like these all the time!!!!!! Men. What do they know about blogs or things worthy of a photograph!???

Remember that lens I've been lusting over? As luck would have it, a very VERY VERY lovely person loaned me hers to try *insert squealing with delight*. I was warned it is heavy and awkward, for which I thought phooey. I'm now eating humble pie. Man this thing takes some strength to hold. It's a bit like nursing someones baby when you no longer have one yourself and you haven't built up the muscle strength to do it. My arms just aren't used to holding up a lens this massive. I do love it though and can't wait to spy on the neighbours with it...JUST KIDDING. I'm really planning to take it bird watching!!! 

Oh before I go, that island tour series I mentioned a few days ago...it's coming I promise.

friday favourite

my favourite photo taken this week (taken on Ben's birthday)

flying kites on foundation day

So remember yesterday when I was lamenting how hopeless my middle-of-the-day photography skills are? Maybe if I owned this lens (*drooling on the keyboard*) I would have experienced greater success...well that's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Damn you bright sun. You cause too many nasty face shadows. I think I'll avoid taking photos in the middle of the day from now on - it's not like anything good happens in the middle of the day anyway, right!? 

Maybe I should have read these tips before I headed outdoors with my camera at noon! Next time huh?

foundation day

You may remember me writing about Foundation Day last year. I think my 2013 photos were somewhat better, which is surprising to me as they were captured with my old camera. I haven't really mastered bright-sunny-day photography. Oh well, it's all part of the learning process I guess.

Just to refresh your memory, Foundation Day entails a re-enactment of the first Europeans landing on Norfolk Island on March 6 1788. Harry had a part to play again this year but this time he didn't get to ride in the boat (imagine his disappointment). He was one of six children who spoke "in character" describing the experiences they endured whilst living on Norfolk Island. There was a good sized crowd present, a mix of locals and tourists, some of whom were decedents of those who landed at Emily Bay all those years ago.

Foundation Day celebrations continued throughout the day, culminating with a kite flying competition on the Kingston Oval. Watching the children running about with their hand-decorated kites was a sight to behold. I will share more photos soon.

weekly stills [that span a fortnight]

(i) still little enough for a spin (just)
(ii) the bottom of a majestic Norfolk pine
(iii) a nerf installation...someone used Mum's camera!!!!! Sprung!!!
(iv) Pocahontas?
(v) watermelon sorbet in the ice-cream machine
(vi) his t-shirt....it speaks the truth
(vii) looking up the trunk of a Norfolk pine

joining The Beetle Shack