Tag Archives: Photos

Word of the Year

I recently read an article by Melinda Gates, where she talked about picking a word of the year, rather than set new year’s resolutions. This isn’t a new idea. In fact, I personally, have picked a word of the year before. But have always also had a list of resolutions or goals. This year, I have decided to just focus on picking a word and infusing that into my everyday life.

So, What word did I pick?

This year, I knew I wanted to be a little bit more adventurous. But did not want to take the leap outside of my comfort zone. A few things in my life have been static lately, and I am looking to change this. Whilst I am ready to make these changes I am not sure what moves to make, and so it involves doing research and examining my options. So taking all of this into account. I choose ‘Explore‘ as my word of the year.

Word of The Year

On the one hand, it is linked to travelling. I would love to travel more in 2019, the dream would be to explore the whole world! However, I am realistic and have to think about whether we can afford a lot of travelling this year. One thing I would like to do is explore London more! Find cool cafes, check out more of the exciting museums in the city and just discover different neighbourhoods. Saying that I would also love to explore some new cities and have a few ideas for some fun city breaks!

For me personally, my work life has been stagnant for some time. Whilst I am not ready to have a complete career overhaul I am looking to make some changes. So I am going to take this year to explore my options. I am planning on doing the 100 days of code challenge. To improve my coding skills and possible look to learn another programming language.

Similarly, I have had some personal issue over the last few years, something I am not ready to talk about on my blog. However, 2019 is the year where I need to move forward. I am emotionally ready to do this, so I have to explore alternatives and take positive steps forward.

Blogging

In relation to my blog. I want to utilize this space more and I am exploring how I can do that. I started this blog to showcase my knitting projects many years ago. It has grown over the years to include all my interests not just knitting. Of course, the blog is the ideal place to document my expeditions. I would like to take blogging to the next level. I am working on writing a few guest posts for fellow bloggers and I would like to explore collaborating with bloggers on a future project.

One of my aims for last year was to take more photos! Whilst I did take a lot more photos. I wasn’t as adventurous as I should have been. I love the idea of exploring areas through my camera lens. In 2018, I created a little photo project in a nieghbourhood park. Where I took the same photos at regular intervals over the course of 12 months. I would love to do a similar project this year in another area. I also want to explore the idea of working with more bloggers or cosplayers to improve my photography skills.

2018 Photo Project
February | May      
September | December

Do you have a ‘Word of the Year’?
What are your goals for 2019
Where would you like to Explore?
Let me know in the comments below.

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Ducks and a Skygarden

Duck
I’d like to say I’m a beginner photographer – but honestly I’m a trainee beginner photographer. I love taking photos, but do nothing with them. A few photos will get printed, some I will share on social media. But most of them just sit on my hard drive, or in the cloud. Since starting my photographer course, I have taken more photos, as the course also included some Photoshop units, I have even been editing the photos. However, they are still sitting on my hard drive taking up gigabytes. It struck me this blog is the ideal platform for me to show case some of the photos.

Duckling

Heron

Last month, I got a telephoto lens. In all the photographer blogs or books, they suggest using a telephoto lens when capturing wildlife or landscapes. Living in London, I knew I wouldn’t see any interesting wildlife. But figured I could head the my duck pond in a nearby park and take some photos on the ducklings. Unfortunately, the ducklings were in hiding, but I did see a heron.

The Skygarden
The Skygarden

As for capturing landscapes, Jason suggested we had another visit to the Skygarden. The Skygarden is a public space with a café and restaurant on the  top of the Walkie Talkie building in the London. Being the heart of the financial district in London, the building offers excellent views of the River Thames, Docklands to the east and Westminster to the west.

HMS Belfast
HMS Belfast

St Paul's
St Paul’s

City Hall
City Hall

Tickets to the Skygarden are complimentary, but you have to book in advance. Being free, the tickets go quickly, especially for the weekend. The trick is to book your tickets three weeks before you want to go on Monday morning. Alternatively, you can have a meal in the restaurant, Darwin’s Brassiere.

View from the Skygarden
The Shard (Focal Point 70mm)

The Shard
The Shard (Focal Point 30mm)

The day we booked coincided with the London Marathon, as a result some of the streets around the Walkie Talkie had been blocked off, so I couldn’t get many photos from street level. There was chance to get some fun photographs of the runners from London Bridge.

The London Marathon
The London Marathon 2017

Tower Bridge & HMS Belfast
Tower Bridge & HMS Belfast

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6 on 6 – Gold

I loved taking part in the 6 on 6 photo challenge last year. Unfortunately, In November I didn’t have time to take any “gold” photos. So in took them in December and did not have get around to post them to the blog. But seeing as I enjoyed the project I figured I would post them now to complete the challenge, even if they do include some Christmas photos!

I couldn’t include a tsum tsum in these photos, I incorporated my C-3PO tsum tsum in the July (he still looks yellow not gold to me). I have included Star Wars iconic golden droid. From the cover of my moleskine journal and Santa version (from 2015 Lego Advent calendar).

I mentioned before, how I love charm bracelets, this is my newest version which only has a few charms. I stopped wearing glasses 10 years ago, but sometimes still miss it. This “glasses” ring is a way for me to show my nerdy side.

6 on 6 - Gold
Charm Bracelet

6 0n 6 - Gold
“Nerdy” ring

6 0n 6 - Gold
Washi Tape

6 0n 6 - Gold
2016 Journal

6 0n 6 - Gold
Santa C-3PO

6 0n 6 - Gold
Baubles

6 on 66 on 6 is a monthly photography challenge started by the Scruffy Little Nerd Herder #6on6

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6 on 6 -Orange

6 on 6 - Orange
Nemo

As with all 6 on 6 challenges I have started with a Tsum Tsum (I love photographing these little toys). This month’s includes one of my favourites a Nemo, complete with damaged fin. The other photos I have taken for this challenge I have devoted to everyone’s favourite little orange and white droid! Another tsum tsum, a funko figure, my amazing lego keyring and my fabulous BB-8 scarf!

6 on 6 - Orange
Tsum Tsum

6 on 6 - Orange
Everyone’s favourite little droid

6 on 6 - Orange
Funko

6 on 6 - Orange
Keyring

6 on 6 - Orange
Scarf

6 on 66 on 6 is a monthly photography challenge started by the Scruffy Little Nerd Herder #6on6

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Our recent trip to Norfolk

As several members of Jason’s extended family have moved to the Norfolk area, we have visited the area a lot. The problem is most of our visits coincide with family events (weddings or birthdays).  So our time in Norfolk involves seeing family and not enjoying the countryside.

On our most recent visit to Norfolk we wanted to this visit to see more of this county. When planning our trip we set aside two days for exploring along with catching up with family. We figured one day we would visit and stately home and the other plan a visit to the beach.

Houghton Hall

I did some research into stately homes in Norfolk, the obvious house to visit would have been the Sandringham Estate, as it is the Queen’s country home. However, after our research we decided we wanted to visit Houghton Hall, because of its collection of  modern art.

NorfolkNorfolkNorfolk

The inside of Houghton Hall has several state rooms for you to visit including Sir Robert Walpole’s library. The grounds contain a deer park and beautiful walled garden. Hidden among the garden where a beautiful rustic temple made of wood, beehives and a mini orchard.

Norfolk

NorfolkNorfolkNorfolk

Our real reason to visit the Hall was the amazing collection of Contemporary Sculptures in the gardens. The artwork includes one of James Turrell’s Skyscape pieces, Waterflame and Scolar Rock.

NorfolkNorfolkNorfolkNorfolkNorfolkNorfolk

Norfolk has some amazing beaches, based on recommendations from our family we decided to visit Wells next to Sea. The beaches are beautiful like a picture postcard, a wide open space with miles sand, views over the bay and multicoloured beach huts.

Wells next the SeaWells next the Sea

The Wells also has a working harbour. You can talk a leisurely walk along the harbour wall or get the mini train to the town. We took a slow walk playing Pokemon Go along the way.  We looked around the town, watched people crabbing and brought some sticks of rock candy. Before treating ourselves by having fish and chips for our dinner, and eating ice cream on the walk back to the car.

Wells next the Sea

Wells next the Sea

Wells next the Sea

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6 on 6 -Blue

6 on 6 Blue
Dory


For this months 6 on 6 as always I had to include a Tsum Tsum. Originally, I only planned to collect the Star Wars or Marvel versions. However when I saw the “Dory” version Disney released to conjunction with the release of Finding Dory, I had to change my mind.

6 on 6 Blue
R2D2

When I posted my 6 on 6 photos for March, I mentioned I acquired a collection of Star Wars tins. This R2D2 version has moved around over the years. First it was in my bedroom for a while, holding odd buttons, then ear-rings and odd ear-ring backs. Now it is on my desk holding paperclips.

6 on 6 Blue
Batgirl Funko Pop! & Dorbz

As you may know Batgirl is my favourite character. So I adore buying anything Batgirl themed (yes I own Batgirl knickers and pyjamas), the very first Pop Vinyl figure I brought was Batgirl. It is also my favourite Pop Vinyl. Shortly, after buying her I also brought the Dorbz and Mopeez versions.

6 on 6 Blue
Pez Dispenser

Another blue cowl. I love Pez dispensers, but don’t really like the sweets. This year, I have found several stores are selling geeky Pez dispensers. So far I have brought a Darth Vader, Minion and several Marvel comic characters including this Captain America one.

6 on 6 Blue
Oyster Card

As I Londoner I always carry around my trusty Oyster Card. (The contact-less payment system used on public transport in London). I know I could use Apple Pay or credit card, but I love my Oyster Card. Maybe one day they will offer Oyster Card Nails.

6 on 6 Blue
Team GB

Finally, my beloved Team GB t-shirt (and scarf), which I had to include as the Rio 2016 Olympics started this weekend. I become obsessed with the Olympics in 2012. We were lucky enough to attend several sporting events and spend a lot of time in our fabulous city enjoying the extra events laid on. (You can read about my adventures during the London 2012 Olympics here.)

6 on 66 on 6 is a monthly photography challenge started by the Scruffy Little Nerd Herder #6on6

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6 on 6 -Yellow

Minion USB
Minion USB

Before taking my photos this month, I was chatting to Jason about the challenge complaining I didn’t have anything yellow to photograph. Immediately, he suggested Minions or The Simpsons. I remembered this Minions USB stick he brought me a few years ago. Which I have never used, it just sits in a mini box with paperclips on my desk.

The Simpsons DVD Box Sets
The Simpsons DVD Box Sets

Both Jason and I used to love The Simpsons, I’m embarrassed to admit I haven’t watch it in years. We used to have a lot of Simpsons merchandise, t-shirts, figures and even Simpsons magnets on the fridge. Now all I could find were the box sets of early seasons on DVD.

C-3PO
C-3PO – Yellow???

I love including tsum tsum in my 6 on 6 photos, when hunting in my collection for a yellow plushie. All I could find was the C-3PO. Yes I know in the movies C-3PO is golden, but this tsum tsum is definitely yellow!

Lego heads
Lego Heads!

Don’t you just love the expression on the little Lego figures? I adore how each little head has its own features, a cheeky smile, eyelashes or stubble.

Post-it Notes
Post-it

As a stationary addict, I love looking for cute sticky notes, however there is something lovely about a classic, yellow post-its. I used them regularly, whether to write a little reminder for myself to stick to my mirror. Or to make longer lists to stick on my laptop.

Yellow Roses
Yellow Roses

I mentioned in a blog post last summer, that at this time of year, I love decorating our house with floral bunting. Or filling each room with fresh flowers. This year I have bought yellow and orange flowers to display in the Orla Kiely coffee jars I collected last year.

6 on 66 on 6 is a monthly photography challenge started by the Scruffy Little Nerd Herder #6on6

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6 on 6 -Brown

Chewie Tsum Tsum
Chewie Tsum Tsum

I planned on taking these photos last month – ready for June’s 6 on 6 challenge, but time got in the way and I didn’t get a chance to take all six photos. However, I figured I would take the extra photos and post them a late. First up I had to include something from my tsum-tsum collection, and chose fluffy Chewbacca.

Captain Jack Sparrow
Captain Jack Sparrow

One of my favourite photography blogs suggests taking photos of Lego mini-figure to improve your photography skills. Mini-figures are great for practising macro-photography, but also portable enough to carry around and add a little dimension to your everyday shots. So I am going to try to include more Lego in my 6 on 6 photos.

Whimzy Yarn
Whimzy Yarn

I have never felt comfortable taking photos of yarn, my photos never seem to show the real colour of the yarn, or the tones and texture. I have experimented this month, using different light sources and backgrounds to get the “correct” colour.

Kit Kat
Kit Kat #mybreak

Originally, I was going to take a photo of a cup of coffee – but I figured there are enough photographs of coffee on my blog, so I included my other guilty pleasure, KitKats! One day I would love to go to Japan and try all the weird and wonderful flavours they have there.

The Reach
The Reach

I planned on going to the park and taking some photos of ducks, however they were all hiding this weekend, so instead I captured this wooden sculpture. “The Reach” was part of a collection of chainsaw sculptures places in London parks before the 2012 Olympics.

Camera Bag
Camera Bag

When I brought my camera I also purchased a black nylon bag to carry my camera. The truth is, it was ugly! When looking for lenses on Amazon, my suggested purchased included this vintage looking bag, which is more my style. It still has the padded pockets, and I actually like carrying this bag around town.

6 on 66 on 6 is a monthly photography challenge started by the Scruffy Little Nerd Herder #6on6

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6 on 6 -Green

After being so organised last month with my 6 on 6 photos this month, I am extremely late! I don’t really have a lot of green stuff, but I think I need to buy more Loki merchandise. Yesterday, I had a quick look around my house and found a few green things. My breakfast smoothie, some colouring pencils and a Boba Fett from my growing collection of Tsum Tsum.

As the weather was so nice this weekend in London, I grabbed my camera and some coffee and headed out to take some photos, I took a walk along the river to the green Hammersmith Bridge (although it doesn’t look very green in my photo) and around a local park.

6 on 6 - Green

6 on 6 - Green

6 on 6 - Green

6 on 6 - Green

6 on 6 - Green

6 on 6 - Green

6 on 66 on 6 is a monthly photography challenge started by the Scruffy Little Nerd Herder #6on6

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6 on 6 -Silver

6 on 6 - Silver
I recently upgraded my camera to a DSLR, the day it arrived I started taking photos of everything around my bed, the first thing I photographed was my Captain Phasma figure – she has since become my model for playing with new techniques or lenses.

6 on 6 - Silver
When I posted my 6 on 6 photos in January (white), I mentioned I could post a photo of Converse shoes every month – these are my newest pair and the first pair that have ever given me a blister!

6 on 6 - Silver
I tend to use this glitter nail polish for a faux accent nail or over the holiday period for some festive sparkle to my nails – but I couldn’t resist doing the “painted nails and nail bottle in hand” shot.

6 on 6 - Silver
One of my non-geeky collections is this accidental collection of State Quarters from America, I have 39 of the 50 collected over several trips to the States. Hawaii is the State I most want to visit, The Connecticut coin is my favourite and New York is the last place I visited across the pond.

6 on 6 - Silver
The obvious thing for me to photo with a silver theme is jewellery.  I fell in love with this necklace when I saw it online as it’s the same as one Black Widow wears in a Winter Solider, unfortunately, it was sold out – but my darling husband phoned around stores in England and managed to track down for as a gift for me.

6 on 6 - Silver
I have several charm bracelets, to me they help express my personality on my wrist, most of these have been gifts. My newest charm is the BB-8 one, the Nemo is to express my infertility (Nemo was the only good egg) and the pumpkin for my birthday at Halloween.

6 on 66 on 6 is a monthly photography challenge started by the Scruffy Little Nerd Herder #6on6

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