April's Link up Party

Welcome to  April's link up party!

Just add your name to the list if you have taken part :)

Don't forget to visit everyone else's page - thank you!

When you tap on someone's link - it takes a second or two before transferring you

please don't think it is not working :)

***

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

April's words and photos

Welcome to April's words and photos - enjoy

Edge

A lonely little hawthorn has a staggeringly beautiful view.

Bridge

An almost perfect reflection in the canal late one evening.

Mine

Watching the sun setting after an evening's bumble up to the Dales

Black

Recently there has been a spate of abandoned gloves, I have taken photos of about six or seven.

My own Choice

The last thing you see when you are a dog biscuit .....

what's your super-power?

Himself has an amazing ability to wake up - on time - with out the need of an alarm clock. Which was a much needed gift last Tuesday. He bounded out of bed and muttered darkly something fairly Anglo-Saxon in origin and although I did not hear the actual wordage - I immediately understood the implications and the necessary action required. I did not even bother getting dressed, shrugging on a dressing gown and stumbling downstairs on still asleep feet.

In an uncoordinated move the radio and kettle were switched on and the fridge opened so I could make Youngest's packed lunch - he has a temporary summer (ish) job until he goes to uni and he has had to endure (as do we) some unsavory early mornings.

It took some time (a tea and then swiftly followed by a coffee) to surface from the stupor but we managed, Youngest got to work on time (just), all thanks to Himself and his super-power.


I am different. I taste the air, I dream of the sea, I speak to trees, I become the hill, I hug the sky - I am a shape shifter - that is my super power.

As for my getting up ability? Himself wakes up on time, I wake up when I am ready!


What is your super power?

Conversations

I was in that slightly unreal state of nearly drifting asleep, warm and comfy.

When I became aware of a conversation rumbling on in the background. I surfaced from my dozy state, my eyes still closed but my ears awake and listening..... nothing. Seemed all quiet. I managed to squint at the clock and saw it was 11.30pm (early night for me but I was tired so *yay for me getting to bed before midnight*)

There it was again - that conversation - still with my eyes closed, by ears on high alert I listened......
Then I realised where the sound was coming from.... my .... wide awake.... chatty ..... chatty.... brain.

Brain:  Alex and Darron and Shameema, who were the others? (1)
Me:  What???

Brain: If I walk over to Youngest this afternoon, which route shall I take ?  Hmmm (2)
Me:  Pardon???

Brain: I need to start at 9am tomorrow, Alex and Darron and Shameema, forgotten the others' names.
Me:  what is going on?

Brain: can you remember their names?
Brain: what is the weather tomorrow, do you think I can get a good walk? Alex, Darron, Shameema and and and???
Brain: I could look it up tomorrow - or you could get up and look it up now!
Me:  shhhhhhhh

I turn over, to get into a super comfy position to see if this soothes my busy brain..... nope.

Brain: I will have to look up their names, if I walk over to the sheep field and down the long gravel track, I could cross over to the rec.... wonder how long that would take?
Me:  G.o...t.o...s.l.e.e.p.....

Brain: What if I extend the walk along the route down to the river....?
Me:  SSSSSHHHHHHHHHH

Brain: HAHAHAHAH! look at the clock - I dare yah!
Me:  (fighting temptation to sneak a peak) Nope.

Brain: tra la la la, Alex, Darron and Shameema, walking, sheep, river, tra la lalalala

Me:  Right! That's It! I can't SLEEP!
I get up with a very gentle flourish (so not to wake Himself) and flounce (quietly) out of the bedroom and storm (on tip toes) down stairs in a dramatic (not) way to put the kettle on and shut.my.chatty.chatty.brain UP!

The cats look at me as I enter the kitchen - one with a squished up sleepy kitten face (jealous - much) and the other through the catflap - both seem bemused at my state.

Curled up on the settee with a book and a blanket, I see the time - 12.45 - hmmm, not too late, I can drink this tea, gently calm my happy chatty brain to a sleepy state. I wondered why it was so full of joy de vivre and bordering on garrulous but the lure of a warm brew and a snuggly cat soon made me forget and quietly read my book for a little while. (3)

All seemed quiet, so I shut off the lights, left the cat sleeping in my temporary settee-nest and tiptoed back to a cold bed - how long had I been gone? No - shshshshs don't think, just sleep.

Head on pillow, eyes sandpaper dry I felt relaxed and could feel the bed warming up - when....

Brain: Natalie!
Me: Yeah gods - are you still trying to remember all the names?
Brain: Yup - can you remember any?
Me: Nah.
Brain: hmmm. Ok, will look them up tomorrow.
Me: g'night
Brain: Did we agree on our walk tomorrow?
Me: shhh
Brain: How about if we go up the cobbles, down Claire's field, through the chicken farm, up the track to the lamb field....
Me:shhhhhh
Brain: then up to Germany farm to the track, down the track to mucky farm, through the next two fields then....
Me: will you shut the **** up

Brain: naughty
Me: shhhh

Silence. I lay quietly, feeling soothed, relieved that finally my brain had run out of steam and ....

Brain: .....down the track, to mucky farm, next two fields then depending on time, either through the village down to the nature reserve or along the farm to the river to the nature reserve....

Me: Purleeeese will you shut up

Brain: look at the time
Me: no
Brain: I dare you
Me: (whimpering) nooooooooooooooooooo
Brain: look.at.the.clock

Me - weakened by lack of sleep .... oh no - 3am
Brain: MUHAHAHAHAHAH!!

Me: sigh.



This morning I have come to the conclusion that my brain behaved like a persistent toddler last night, I am now presently tip toeing around coz it is still sleepy while I am up and having to be adult - I don't want to adult today. Humpfff.



1. Alex, Darron and Natalie, Elaine, Tony, Josh and Felix - Race around the World
2. #walk1000miles challenge
3. Reading - Wild Signs and Star Paths

Would you like to see a photo from yesterday's walk? I would - to soothe my jaggered nerves and tired brain .... good...

Beware of the ......

Wowsers! Yet again a brilliant selection of photos and stories - thank you everyone who joined in !

Astrid unfortunately missed the link up - but her pictures and words should be seen - please visit her at Dragon Stitches and Stuff by Astrid, well worth it :)

Ok - April's words 

A photograph inspired by a word, words inspired by the photos - enjoy!

Edge

Loaf

Bridge

Mine
Black

My own choice

Remember to think laterally, interpret as YOU fancy,

be it a current photo or a favourite one from your past. 

We'll reconvene and post our words and photos on Friday 26th April.

And the photo? Village humour, I found these signs on a hen pen whilst I was walking around the village, I couldn't resist!

March's Link up Party!

***

Welcome to  March's link up party!
Just add your name to the list if you have taken part :)
Don't forget to visit everyone else's page - thank you!

When you tap on someone's link - it takes a second or two before transferring you
please don't think it is not working :)

It seems that the inlinks company are now putting in adverts - please ignore the obvious advert - I did try to delete it - if it continues - I will look for another link up tool :(

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

March's words and photos

March's words and photos - enjoy.

FLAT

The day we walked on Feizor Thwaite moor, we were looking for this.

A propped stone - created by the ancients to make a 'portal' or window. 

The angle of the flat top stone is 30 degrees. The combination of the flat top slab is gritstone, the small prop stone is sandstone cobble and the bedrock is limestone. According to those who know - 'an unlikely natural arrangement of rock which confirms its deliberate arrangement.'

We did not stay long enough to investigate what we could spy through the window, 

we will check it out next time!

WHEEL

Well, two actually :D

SWING

Again two. I was looking for a particular photo for this prompt (which I have used in My Own Choice) when I came across these two. My boys - when younger used to love vaulting over gates and would practice climbing up then swinging over the top, landing with a thud, grinning and climbing up again!

RAGGED

A cornflower from my garden - taken last summer.

POT

In early summer, before it gets too warm, the greenhouse is in great demand with a certain cat.

She quietly slips in between the pots and spreads out,

gently melting in the warmth.

My Own Choice

This photo - taken in 2011 - on a gloriously sublime May morning is one of my favourites.

Connecting with the ancients

Sunday was bright, with a sharp breeze and welcome flashes of sun.

Up on Feizor Thwaite Moor in the Dales,

we were looking for traces of the past.

Inside Dead Man's Cave, a welcome respite from the cutting breeze, 

the three of us drank tea and took in the view.

While I explored years of graffiti worn away by the weather,

Himself and Moss sat at the mouth of the cave.

Youngest took the camera and fired off the flash to follow the cave contours.

Tea drunk and scarves and hats firmly put on, we set off to find the ancient

Celtic wall. 65 foot long and solidly square it is refuses to be marked on

any maps. We wandered over the moors until we stumbled upon it.

Is it missed from maps because it moves ...?

We sheltered from the cutting wind behind the solid structure,

the exposed side of the wall was bleached white and brittle,

the sheltered side, moss and lichen encrusted.

The skies were darkening which only served to 

magnify the amazing affect of the sun.

The reason for our walk - I wanted to find this propped stone.

It was being watched over by a large dog fox - a handsome creature with

a rather generous tail.

On the home stretch, the skies now heavy and we

could feel the rain in the air.

A good walk - cold but good.

That is.....

except for the small incident that occurred 

less that 500 metres from the car.

 A cluster of Hereford beef heifers congregating at the last gate.

We strode forward - looking as large and purposeful as we could,

Moss hidden by our many legs.

Clapping of hands and farmery style whistles to get them to move

revealing amongst them a very large and testosterone filled bull.

He raised his huge head,

looked at us and growled, deeply.

I could feel it in my chest.

Himself had already reached the gate and slipped through, 

I retreated as the bull stepped forward.

Head down.

Youngest was urgently instructed to hurl the dog over the wall

and to get over too.

It was at that point I saw that Himself

was face to face to a second black bull.

Huge as the first,

he too began to roar.

Both bulls drooling, roaring,

the Hereford now pawing the ground,

watching us.

Himself threw himself over a fence, grabbing the dog

came to us,

we had managed to get over a six foot stone wall

topped with barbed wire.

The bulls roared

and roared

and growled and drooled.

We walked quickly away through the field

Every third pace, I looked behind.

The bulls too interested in each other and the heifers surrounding them.

Shame the only place they chose to hang out was the only place we needed to be.

Took until getting to the car to stop shaking.

No signs to say 'bull in the field'.

Over 8 miles to add to my #walk1000miles challenge - but jeez .... not ones I would like to repeat.

Flustery Friday

Not sure where this week has gone.

I have been busy but in a 'not-in-the-studio' sort of way and I keep looking at my work longingly. I have one more commitment to fulfill this morning then I will  shut myself in the studio with the radio, whichever cat deigns to tolerate me and Moss.

One companion that I will be glad to see leaving is Storm Gareth, he has been rather up close and personal the last few days which has made walking less enjoyable and in some cases impossible.  My next 'personal milestone' for the #walk1000miles challenge is a rather heady 200 and I am less than 2 miles from it. And have been for the last three days ....so close so close.

Himself purchased a moleskin pocket sketch album for me and it landed with yesterday's post. He had miss read the sizes, switching inches for centimetres and it was a lot smaller than he anticipated and was rather disappointed.

However - I am delighted!  I use moleskin art journals - I love them, my present one is a little bigger and therein lies a problem. I'd bought it to tout around when I am out to do quick sketches of faces or views etc however it is a little too large to whip out anonymously and start a surreptitious scribble in a cafe. So this new and happily unexpected pocket sketch book is very very welcome!

My laptop, who had been sounding a bit asthmatic for the last couple of years or so, started having hot flushes about twelve months ago and more recently taken to throwing tantrums and fainting at crucial times. Early Tuesday morning it finally folded it arms and said 'no more'.  I tried all the usual tricks of pleading, coaxing and the tried and trusted method of ... have you switched off and back on again?...

All to no avail. I had to call in the big guns. So I rang my mostly reliable computer-mend-it-man only to get a recorded message saying that 'this number is not recognised'. So I went on line with my tablet and found his web site and was slightly put off by the huge link saying 'this domain is now up for sale'..... In a moment not only had I lost my laptop but I 'lost' my fix-it man too!

Then I remembered, not far down the main road is a PC repair chap that a friend of mine once recommended. Quickly I searched his name and found his number and gave him a ring. The conversation went thus....

Him: Morning PC Repair

Me: Morning, sorry to ring you so early, a friend of mine recommended you, my laptop has just died and I wondered if I could pop it down to you?

Him: what's up with it?

Me:..... I gave him a quick resume of it's shameful antics

Him: Where are you? as I have to be out by 9.30am

Me: (triumphantly) oh only five minutes up the road, I can drop it off now

Him: ok - see you shortly.

I hung up, grabbed the lifeless laptop, shoved it and the cord and mouse into  a bag, unceremoniously yelled at the dog to go to bed and to stay and galloped out the house and down the road as quick as my legs would decently go.

A few minutes later, I breathlessly knocked on the door and fairly quickly a youngish man opened it ... ah.....

The face did not match the voice.... so I hesitantly said..

Me: Hi, I rang a moment ago?  

Bloke ... blank look on face

Me: About my sick laptop?.................you told me I could bring it down?

Bloke (sudden realisation on his face) Oh - he moved. About six months ago. He lives in Whalley now.

Me: (...... tumble weed rolling and wind blowing sounds in my head .... ) oh.

Bloke: bye (firmly shutting door in my face)

I look at my watch. Nearly 9.30.  There is absolutely no way I can get the car ready in five minutes let alone get to Whalley (about 30 minutes away)....

I gallop back up the road home, crash into the house, startle the dog who (bless her) has not moved and grab the phone, redial....

Him: Morning PC repair

Me: (Laboured breathing) ...you (gasp gasp) you (puff puff) are not five minutes away.... 

Him: What?

Me: (puff puff) You are not five minutes away - you don't live in the village you have moved!

Him: Yes.

Me: (feeling indignant and still trying to get my breath back) I will never make it in time to Whalley. 

Him: It is ok, I am coming down to the village...... I'll pick it up from you

Me: (Instant mood change from grrrr to 'OH?) Oh? could you? that would be great, thanks

So.... it turns out, he did move, about six months ago but comes to the village every day to collect and drop off work as so many of his customers are based here. He explained later, when he returned my laptop to me, that my accent had thrown him - his words were.... you speak so posh I thought you lived in Whalley........ 

hey ho.

Notes.    

1. Laptop is better - no longer asthmatic, no longer suffering fainting fits or hot flushes.

2. laptop no longer has any downloads so am having to find them all again.

3. Laptop now has microsoft office on it - woop woop.

4. Whalley is pronounced worley and not wally. Coz iz posh ya see.... like me accent..... sigh.

A path less trod

A phrase I try to aspire to - although not one that is that easy to achieve. I suppose you can make the meaning of that sentence bend and flow as you need it for your own life. Whether you use it figuratively or symbolically.

Today's post takes the literal meaning of the path less trod.

Although this little path can be easily taken, most walkers seem to steam on ahead along the main route, ignoring the quiet invitation. Yesterday, I stepped off that often busy and certainly muddy way and lead my little pack into the trees.

Moss, ever ready, shot on ahead, I chose to ignore the quizzical mutterings of the other two.

 

It was like stepping off into the unknown. Falling from a causeway into a secretive space. The air felt different and my two, who'd been deep in conversation in a mechanical masculine vein soon fell under the spell.

The path meandered through larch trees, quietly heralding spring with the tiniest pink buds.

I collected a few that had fallen and Himself held them for me - we left them on a mossy log - the colours were beautiful.

The little woodland finished all too quickly but we had all felt it's magic.

We will return.

Mud glorious mud

The pinprick sound of raindrops on the summerhouse roof fluctuate as the trees are blown around, if I listen really carefully, in between the drops are the scuttly scratchy feet of the blackbirds as they dash across. The cat, with her apparent xray vision, watches the sound as she twists her neck tracking their roof top races.

It is the same cat who, on my last post, triggered an interesting thread - so many noticed and commented on 'her penknife'. Believe me - this cat has no need to a mere mortal's trifling tool - she has 20 very sharp scimitar knives of her own! We as a family have an array on knife like tools, we all use them. We each have at least one (some of us are blessed with two) Swiss Army knives. Mine are identifiable by the generous quantity of painterly finger prints. As is my laptop and mouse.

Winter seems to have slipped back. Walking Moss has been more of a trial by mud than a pleasure and today we may even postpone our morning muddathon until a later hour when hopefully the clouds part and let the sky back in.

Yesterday I persisted and seemed to be one of a few hardy fools as I stomped around the local nature reserve. I was accompanied by an increasingly splattered but happy dog who splashed in puddles, leapt into full streams, jumped over leats and slipped and slid in as much mud as she could find. I chose to withdraw into my coat and wellies which made a glup---glup--glup noise on my calves as I walked.

I became fascinated by the sound, glup--glup--glup. That sound of the synthetic slap of the boot on your leg. Glup--glup--glup.

We followed the river - Colne Water - quietly raging like strongly brewed black tea. The ducks had wisely taken themselves off and sat like flattened feathery stones along the bank. Our route took us past the old mill pond, finally filling up after last summer's dry months. The weeds and bullrushes making beautiful reflections in the still waters.

We managed - or rather I managed and Moss thrashed - a slippery sliddery 1.6 miles before I gave up and took us back to the car. The grinning happy face on the dog made me smile but I was ready to get out of my wet stuff.

Now, today, it is still raining as I type this. I think I need a coffee before I start painting.

Please excuse the quality of the images - all were taken with my cell phone, I did not want to expose my camera to the weather.