Wandering...

The streets of London Town
June 2007

My iTunes: For The Moments I Feel Faint by Relient K

My favorite thing to do here? OK, besides look up and take pics off center? Wander the streets. Whether I am in my neighborhood on the Hill or down in the city, there isn't a place in the world like London. I snapped this while I was in the city. While walking through a maze of narrow streets, you find buildings like this a lot, some have just painted doors, some have painted the entire facade. The streets are clean and the flowers are in their rightful position adorning the windows up high. Make sure to click the image above to embiggen (thanks Carmi!) and see the Ye Old Print Shop.

I am headed out on a fantastic journey for a few days with my better half. I am so excited that I am about to burst. I will not be posting while I am gone and will catch up on my posts and commenting when I return. My husband has made me promise to power off for the duration of our trip...something about relaxing and being on vacation! What is that?!?! I am hoping to come back with some exciting images to share. I can give only one hint until then....I will be wandering there as well!

Take care friends & have a wonderful week!

All Is Quiet

Looking Left
June 2007

My iTunes: Somewhere Only We Know by Keane

This hardly ever happens in London, the home of 8 million people...a clear and sunny afternoon, I go to the tube stop....and it's essentially empty! It must have been my lucky day! A perfect picture taking opportunity had dropped right in my lap. I really love it when that happens! So here they are...I hope you like them.

Hope you are well wherever you are in this world!

Birds Eye View
June 2007

Compliments and Lines

A High on Lines
June 2007

My iTunes: Can't Stop by Red Hot Chili Peppers

In my post from June 19th called Satisfying My Habit, I shared with you an image of lines and reflections. I had snapped the shot as I was standing in a common area under a building in the city. Some of the most beautiful images I have captured have been after I have looked up. I know all of you know that fact. The above image is standing just outside that same building. I think it is just as cool as the first one.

I was nominated for a blogger award by my friend Julie. You can check out her photoblog called The Compulsive Worrier by clicking here. She nominated me for the "Rockin' Girl Blogger" award. I am not sure what it exactly means other than I LOVE the title....SO I ACCEPT! Here is the nice paragraph she wrote about me on her blog...

Anna is an American photographer living with her family in London - she has a fantastic eye for an unusual angle and she has taught me to always look up in case I miss something great. I never fail to feel better after a visit to her blog; Anna is one of those people who just inspire you and enrich your life. It's not just her photos, it's what she says and the way she says it. I'm so enjoying seeing my own country through her eyes.


Wow! Thanks Julie...it was so nice what you wrote. Your country is beautiful and I am thrilled you are seeing your country through my eyes (or lens)...it is a pleasure for me to share what I see day to day. In the next few days, I will nominate my favorite girlie bloggers as well. This is going to be hard!

Take care everyone!

The Hazards of Blogging

Tower Bridge View
June 2007

My iTunes: Real World by Matchbox Twenty

Hey everyone. I am feeling a bit better...thanks for all your get well wishes. I loved all the title suggestions that were given by some of you. My humorous side wanted to pick "Scary Man With A Big Stick Riding A Lion"....sorry Tim, I needed one more serious! I really did need to pick one and you will find it on the title post below. Thanks Julie for your idea...it totally fits. Julie is a wonderful photographer. Please click here to go to her blog which is a daily stop for me.

The images today are of the Tower Bridge. I love this bridge. Everytime I see it I notice more and more that I like about it. The architecture is beautiful with the lines and curves. I wouldn't be true to my Carolina roots if I didn't point out the pretty Carolina blue paint. Go Tarheels! :) I opted for black and white images but at Moi's request the color version is below as well. Again, this was another gorgeous day in London.

SIDENOTE: With these images ya'll may start thinking that it doesn't actually get gray and rainy here. TRUST ME...it does...today is a perfect example. It has been raining nonstop.

The bottom image is of the shadows on the bridge sidewalk. You can walk and drive across so I was trying not to wander into traffic as I looked up, down and all over. My husband, along with our family visiting had extra duties that day making sure I didn't lose my life for my blog. Thanks guys for helping out!

Have a wonderful week!

Shadows on the Bridge
June 2007

~Requested by Moi...the color version~
The Bluest of Skies...

A Call To Arms

Strength
June 2007

My iTunes: Electrical Storm by U2

Not many words tonight. I can't even think of a title for this image. Thanks for the title Julie! That is not like me! I am not feeling well. It is a combination of allergies (or as the Brits say, hayfever) and exhaustion.

I really like this image...very majestic. The sky is breathtaking and dramatic. The bronze figure in this strong and valiant stance adds even more drama I think. I snapped this in front of Buckingham Palace on a beautiful day. It stands near the Victoria Memorial which I have posted on before.

And for those of you who are paying attention...the subject is in the center of the frame. :)

Take care everyone.

An Answer to Prayer

Rose Garden in St. Paul's Cathedral
June 2007

My iTunes: Lay Me Down by Andrew Peterson

"Rejoice with me, I have found my lost sheep."
Luke 15:6
NIV

Many of you have been sending your thoughts and prayers out about little Joshua. You can click here and here to read the story of what happened. He has been missing after the small sailboat that he and his dad were in capsized and sank. His father managed to come up but Joshua got caught in the rigging and went under with the boat. Search teams and divers from all over the US have been searching for him since June 8th. Today at the end of a prayer vigil at Lake Jocassee, they finally found Joshua. I just know the family is so relieved to have him back so they can lay him to rest. They have stated countless times how they know he is in heaven with his Father and that are no prayers needed for him. Instead, they asked for prayers to go out to all the people helping in this search...for their eyes to see, for discernment, and rest for their bodies and souls as they spend hour after hour searching the area where the boat went down. Thanks so much for all your tireless work...

I am so grateful for this answer to prayer.

A Lavish Love

More Blooms...
June 2007

My iTunes: Your Love Is Extravagant by Casting Crowns

"For as the earth bursts with spring wildflowers,
and as a garden cascades with blossoms,
So the Master, God, brings righteousness into full bloom and puts praise on display before the nations."
Isaiah 61:11
The Message

Strolling through Queen Elizabeth's front garden (some people know it as St. James Park), I am always overcome at the scope of God's creation and how it is so readily available for us to savor. She has gardens full of wildflowers, beautiful old trees, ducks and swans and a lovely Weeping Willow or two. As I take it all in, I am amazed. The God who created these beautiful and delicate flowers with so much attention to detail and fragrance is the same God that became a man, entered into this fallen world and bore the weight of my sins. What an intense and personal love He has for us...from the creation of the heavens and earth to his purposeful and unrelenting pursuit of our hearts and souls. This image above is a reminder to me of the promise that we will all see God's glory in full bloom...all nations, all people, all over the world.

His love is a love like no other.

Doing What I Love

A Servant Heart
September 2, 2004

My iTunes: All My Life by Caedmon's Call

In almost a year doing my blog...I haven't hunted through archives yet...until today. A good friend of mine reminded me the other day why I love to take pictures.

For me, it's capturing a moment in time....sharing a glimpse of a world with others so they can live a bit as well with me. It is seeing the world differently...for me, seeing it a bit off center. I can be intimately involved as I look through my lens. Sometimes it is very simple, casual experiences and sometimes they are quite spectacular and personal ones.

The simpliest ones are my favorite...

The image above is of my same friend. We were visiting London a few years ago together on a trip to decide whether my family was moving here. This day the church group we were with had set up a face painting table in an open air shopping area. The kids LOVED having their faces painted and I think that they liked our American accents! This picture is simple. It is one of my favorites. It reminds me that we all are called to have a servants heart. Serving others, serving God....with the gifts that He gave us.

So while I love all the things that I am learning about photography from my blog, today isn't about why I took an image, the composition, the framing, the colors. I hope that you are reminded like I was to share your gifts and love what you do....just how you do it!

Thanks Christie for the gentle reminder....

Satisfying My Habit

Looking Up....Again.
June 2007

My iTunes: Love Song For A Savior by Jars of Clay

There I go again. I can't help it. We were all out wandering and looked up to see the reflections of one building against the other and that beautiful sky and white clouds beyond that. It was gorgeous! I stood there for a good fifteen seconds (that is a long time when you are standing still) before my husband wondered what in the world I was doing.

And for those of you who noticed...there are those lines I like so much as well. Hope your week is going well...I am exhausted from all of our birthdays and celebrations around here. I will be making the rounds to the blogs I have missed commenting on finally! Hopefully life is back to normal...well, our normal anyway! :)

Birthday Reflections

Our Birthday Boy
June 2007

My iTunes: Can't Touch This by MC Hammer
(that's right...I said it...it's Jack's favorite tune right now)

It is 11 pm here and I have my oldest son and second child fast asleep next to me. Where did the time go? Today Jack turned 9 and it seems like yesterday I was pregnant with him. One of our traditions with each of our kids is to bring out the baby book on their birthdays. They can't wait to do it and it is a real joy for me seeing how I labored over those darn books! He is growing so fast and I am doing all I can to keep up with him. He is such a blessing. I pray that God can make up for what I lack as a parent. These times are so vital....for their hearts, their minds, their tender spirits and their souls. I always wonder, what kind of man will he be? What will he value? My mind certainly can go a million miles a minute as I think of these things. Those questions will be answered soon enough I am sure. For now, I am going to savor these years...

I have been waiting to use this image. Jack's Uncle Jason is a Marine. He is getting ready to go to Iraq. Jack thinks the world of him and talks about him all the time! When my husband went and visited the beaches in Normandy, France with a friend, he brought back this replica helmet from the war. It weighs a ton...after having it on your head your neck starts hurting in no time. A few minutes after John pulled it out of the bag, it was clear it was no longer his anymore. My poor husband...what is his, is ours. Quickly, Jack camouflaged it with leaves and grass and the ownership was complete. Of course I did my part in sealing the deal by photographing him with it. After all, possession is 9/10ths of the law, right?!? Hopefully his Uncle Jason will be seeing this as well...that would make Jack's day!

Happy 9th Birthday Jack...we sure do love you.

Celebrating Dad

John Sr and Jr...
June 2007

My iTunes: Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own by U2

"Fathers, don't exasperate your children by coming down hard on them. Take them by the hand and lead them in the way of the Master"
Ephesians 6:4
The Message

Happy Father's Day Dad. Simply, I love you.
~Anna~

Countryside Snapshots

Rolling Hills
June 2007

My iTunes: Tomorrow by Mat Kearney

I couldn't drive through the countryside of Britain without having my patient husband stop the car while I get out and snap a few pics. The view goes on and on, as far as the eye can see. The scene is extremely breathtaking of these beautiful green hills with blooming wildflowers in one spot and then fluffy white sheep in the next. You just don't see these things where I used to live. There are some days that pictures don't do the scene justice....this was one.
I attempted it anyway....

For those of you who inquired, we do celebrate Father's Day on the same day as the US.
I hope that you all have a special one...

Another view through the barbed wire...

JOSHUA SEARCH UPDATE

There is now a new link on the top of my sidebar on the right. It takes you to the blog where you can get updates on the ongoing search for Joshua Dorchak. The search is still going on at Lake Jocassee for 3 year old Joshua. His father updates the blog daily. Please keep the family and the friends, divers and support teams in your prayers. There are many needs as the days go on in the search...from food and drinks to the needed rest and renewed spirit of everyone involved. Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers.
~Anna~

Birthday Wishes...

My Better Half...
June 2007

My iTunes: Underneath It All by No Doubt

Today I celebrated my prince. He is the man who God has prepared for me since I was a little girl (boy, did he need it!). He is a cherished husband. He is a caring father. He is strong when I am weak. He encourages me. He makes me laugh so hard I cry. He is kind. He is mine....and I am his. He is my best friend. He is my biggest fan. He is the last one I see when I go to sleep and the first one I see as I wake up. He prays with me. He treasures me. He challenges me. He loves me well. He relaxes me. He is patient with me. He plays with me. He loves the Lord. I am so grateful that God made him just for me. He is exactly what I need. He makes me a better soul.

He has changed my world in so many ways...

Happy 36th Birthday John!

It wasn't my intention to post another portrait tonight. However, I snapped this tonight before we went out in the city with friends. I knew when I saw it, it was going to be one of my favorites of him for years to come. His exterior is very calm and laid back. I think this is portrayed here.....and he is handsome! :)

Indian BBQ

All Smiles...
June 2007

My iTunes: International Love Song by Caedmon's Call

Taking a break from my tour of Britain for a bit. I'm tired and in need of a break...you know, for petrol, a Diet Coke and some crisps...maybe a quick stop in the loo! :)

Our family was invited over to a friends home last Sunday. We had such a good time. The kids played football (aka...soccer) and then played some casual cricket while the adults hung out and visited. Later they made us Indian food and we brought over desserts. I have never been to an Indian BBQ before and it was YUMMY! We were served grilled sweet corn, white and sweet potatoes and then later we had some chili paneer along with behl poori. We finished up the evening with homemade waffles, ice cream and some homemade chocolate chip cookies (Nestle Tollhouse, of course, you can't get them here).

The image above is one of my favorites from the evening. Isn't she beautiful? I love the way she is laughing and smiling. Whenever she sees me with my camera she just beams and this day was no different. The color of her sari is such a vibrant color of pink...it really compliments her. The bottom image is of our Samuel. He is quite the athlete and had a fun time playing cricket. I snapped this after one of his hits. For the record, I will NEVER understand the game!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Sam the Batsman
(it's a Cricket term)
June 2007

Back to Bath

Pulteney Bridge, Bath
June 2007

My iTunes: These Are The Days by 10,000 Maniacs

The day before yesterday I gave you a glimpse into our whirlwind trip to Bath. It is just an amazing city. I am eager to go back and spend a lot more time there soon. Bob-Kat, here you go! The above image is of the Pulteney Bridge that crosses the River Avon. It was designed by Robert Adam and was completed in 1773. The original purpose of this bridge was to connect historic Bath with the suburbs that were beginning to form in that day. The Pulteney Bridge is only one of four bridges that has shops running the length of the bridge on both sides. And while there has been many restorations, it is one of the best known sites in this city.

It was quite breathtaking as we came upon this bridge in the early evening. The skies were beautiful and the water running beneath provided a very serene and relaxing sound. I snapped this to remember a bit of that moment. The image below is of one of the guides in the city to help you find the various sites. I have always liked these beause I like the fact they go in all different directions. I decided to snap this one. Here in London, you can have 10 or 12 sites on it, pointing every which way. I will be sure to snap one of those as well so you can see...

So much for my Wordless Wednesdays...

Which way again?
June 2007

A Call for Prayer

Steeple at New Life Masih Ghar
Heston, London
June 2007

"Now let your unfailing love comfort me, just as you promised."
Psalm 119:76 (NLT)

My iTunes: If You Want Me To by Ginny Owens

This email came to me from my brother this afternoon. It was heartbreaking to read and I thought I should share it so people could pray for their friends who lost their son in this tragic accident. The link to the family's blog is below.

Dear Friends,

As some of you know, our family had the unfortunate experience of
being a part of a horrific event at Lake Jocassee last weekend. While
on a camping trip with 11 other families, a 3-yr old boy of one of
the families drowned when the sailboat he was in with his father
capsized. Although Joshua Dorchak was wearing a life vest, he became entangled in the rigging as the boat went down. Jim held onto his son as long as far down as he could but finally had to let Joshua go.

As of this morning they have not been able to find Joshua or the
boat. The reality is beginning to set in that they may never find
either. I have attached a couple of links for more info. Please keep
Jim, Lori and their other 4 children in your prayers - especially
Lori who is 3-months pregnant.

Also, as everyone heads out to the water this summer for sun and fun,
please be careful.

Thanks, Bill

Please make your way here to the Dorchak family blog for updated information and news or also to leave your encouragement and prayers for them. Take care...

Benches and Angels

Sit and Rest
June 2007

My iTunes: Already by Rush Fools

This post is up earlier than usual because I am headed out tonight...

After our spontaneous journey to Stonehenge we made our way to Bath, a city in Somerset, England. It is most famous for baths that are fed by three natural hot springs. The city was formed around these hot springs, the only ones in this country. In 43 AD the Romans settled here after the invasion of Britain. The city is absolutely incredible. It is like no other city I have ever seen and reminds me a lot of France with its architecture and colors.

For those of you who like to read British literature, Jane Austen lived here for a few years of her life and two of her books are set largely here in Bath (and I just love Mr. Darcy). Over the next few days I will be bringing you some images of Bath but I wanted to start out with these two. The top image is of the benches sitting right outside of the West front of Bath Abbey. The bottom image is the Abbey itself. This is the last great gothic style church in England. A church has been standing in this spot since 757 AD. Pretty Amazing. I have many shots but I chose this one because of the beautiful sky and the angels making their way up the ladder to Jesus (click to enlarge and see each of them better). My sister-and-law and I got a kick out of that...

I do hope you are enjoying this little tour.
Take care!

The Bath Abbey, West Front
June 2007

Big Skies and Big Rocks

Stonehenge
June 2007

My iTunes: Stolen by Dashboard Confessional

When our family was visiting here last weekend from the States, we woke up and decided to go on a spontaneous road trip....to Stonehenge. Pretty cool. From our front door, it is 90 miles. We packed up seven people and set off in the car. I have to say that we have been lots of places since we have arrived in the UK and lets face it....I could spend two years exploring just the city of London itself. We are were all pretty excited about this because none of us had been before.

Warning...here comes a another history lesson....

Stonehenge is one of the most famous prehistoric sites in the world. Archeologists believe that the standing stones were erected about 3200 BC. Scientists have come up with many reasons from astronomy to human sacrifice as to why Stonehenge was built with over thirty million man hours. The big mystery that we may never understand is exactly how these stones were brought here and stood upright.

I had a great time photographing these rocks. It is pretty amazing when you consider how long they have stood here. I prefered taking these shots like the first and second images because the sky was spectacular the day we were there. The last image was my husband being funny so I couldn't resist posting it.

Have a great week everyone!

In Color
June 2007

They're Not THAT Big...See!
June 2007

Child's Play

Peek-A-Boo
June 2007

My iTunes: 40 Ft. by Franz Ferdinand

As if the story from my bus ride yesterday wasn't enough...I had met another friend on my journey. This time the friend was a lot shorter and very silly. Our bus had been stopped for quite a bit when it became clear that he was getting restless. An accident up the road had all but suspended service for the time being. Translation: we weren't going anyhwere.

His poor mother was starting to become overwhelmed with the reality that there was a bus load of passengers and her young son was having none of it. He was ready to run and play and no one was going to stop him. After a few rounds of peek-a-boo with me, it was clear he was done. I started taking pictures of shoes, hands, watches...basically anything I could think of that wouldn't invade the privacy of anyone. I would take the picture and then promptly show him my screen on the back of the camera for him to have a look. And it worked...he liked playing this game! No more screaming or arching his back trying to get away from his mother. Before they got off I asked if I could snap his photo and she agreed. He reminds me of my Sam with those wonderful curls around his face and his big brown eyes were as big as saucers...beautiful!

Hope you all are enjoying your weekend!

A New Day, Another Friend

"Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations."
Psalm 46:10

Camera Ready
June 2007

My iTunes: No One Like You by David Crowder Band

This is a long story everyone...I do hope you will stay to read it...

I write a lot about this wonderful city and this quaint little neighborhood that I call home at the everyday. Every now and then I am priviledged enough to be let into a different side of this city and be a witness to all the wonderful cultures that are literally at my doorstep.

Today is a really good example of why I love this city. As I rode the 120 bus to Southall this morning, I caught the attention of an elderly Sikh (pronounced: seek) man. It must have been because I had smiled at him as we were getting on the bus.

SIDENOTE: Most people keep to themselves on public transportation here...there isn't a lot of eye contact or idle chit chat with strangers. Then there is me. I am smiling at everyone trying to genuinely be polite. Sometimes I get surprised smiles back but most people are wondering if something is medically wrong with me.

OK, back to the story...

We tried to converse as best we could. He is from India and had very broken English. He said he was going to the temple to worship. After he realized I knew what he was talking about, he asked me if I wanted to go with him but I explained that I am a Jesus follower but thanked him for inviting me. I mentioned my husband is a charity worker and that he had been to India and he seemed to enjoy that.

Being the blogger I am, as we rode, I was already wondering how exactly I was going to share this with all of you. How can I explain this interesting man and his kindness to me? How can I show this is what is so wonderful about living in this diverse city?

Then I knew what I had to do...

You know what is next right? I got out my camera and asked him if I could take his picture. I knew I needed two shots and I wanted to get them right. I moved in front of him and looked up just in time to see him fixing his very long beard...he already looked just fine but I found it heartening that he was trying to clean up. Shot one done. Then I asked him to grab his cane like he had been holding it the whole time we were talking...shot two done.

What an awesome day! I am really happy with both of these images. His eyes are so nice in this one...deep and caring. I like the way his white turbin and beard are surrounding his face. He looks...happy and quite satisfied with himself. I couldn't help myself with the bottom image. What great hands. Weathered by age and life but strong nonetheless.

I still can't believe I actually took my camera out. I do hope that I have been able to give you some of a glimpse into my day today...

Strong Hands
June 2007

London Bridge Is Falling Down?

London Bridge
June 2007

My iTunes: Take My Life by Third Day

Nope...it seems to be just fine.

I am not sure if you all were under the same impression as me but I ALWAYS thought the London Bridge was the Tower Bridge....but it isn't. The image above is the London Bridge. I thought I would take a moment to share some more history and clear this up for everyone....

A bridge has existed here in this spot over the River Thames (pronounced temz) for nearly 2000 years. Hard to believe. The first bridge was built by the Romans in 60 AD. Through the years, bridges have been built and deteriorated here. In 1831, yet another bridge was constructed. Many years later in 1968, the bridge was bought by an American entreprenuer for 2.5 million dollars. The story goes that he thought he was buying the Tower Bridge. It was disassembled and numbered to be put back together in Lake Havasu City, Arizona and is still standing there today.

Pretty cool, huh?

The modern day bridge was built in 1972 and today cars and pedestrians go across daily to get from one side of the Thames to the other.

Hope you enjoyed another short lesson.

Along the Thames

String of Lights
June 2007

My iTunes: Breathe On Me by Jennifer Knapp

When our family was here visiting....they most certainly brought all the lovely weather with them...look at these beautiful skies! It had been raining nonstop until they got here. No one ever believes how much it rains in London especially looking at these skies!

I took these images as we walked along the River Thames after going across the Tower Bridge and moving toward St. Pauls Catherdral. I am sure these lights look nice at night all lit up and running along the river. The bottom shot is of an outdoor shopping area just off the river that is somewhat new (compared to the Tower of London just across the Thames). You all know that I love the lines in both of these!

See you tomorrow!

Looking Up
June 2007

Views of Big Ben

12:46 pm...BST (British Summer Time)
June 2007

My iTunes: London Calling by The Clash

OK....so I don't feel any older....

That is good.

My birthday has been great and thanks to all of you who commented yesterday with all your birthday wishes to me. I thoroughly enjoyed reading all your thoughts to me. It seems as though I have a lot of blogging friends that are 29 (again) as well as me. I love to know that I am not alone. Beverly said it best in her comment...I am celebrating the 6th anniversary of my 29th birthday! YAY! I am SO using that next year (and each year after that)...so thanks Beverly...

I am using these images from the many days of wandering in the city when our family was here with us the last few days. In all the posts I have done, I have never posted an image of Big Ben. I know there was a real part of me that didn't want to be cliche by photographing it...I mean, everyone and their mother takes pictures of it right?!?! No one comes to London and doesnt end up sharing a slide or two of it!

So I was thinking today....I am a year older, a year bolder...time to share.

I was really happy with how these shots came out so I decided this was the time. I do hope you like my perspective here and that they don't bore you to tears. I have always loved standing underneath this massive structure. It is so ornate from the very bottom to the tip top. The chimes ring out across the city with sounds that are unmistakeable and unique. It gives me chills just thinking of it.

Have a good one all!

Moments later...
June 2007

29...again.

Because...

My iTunes: Beautiful Flower by India.Arie

"Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out; you formed me in my mother's womb. I thank you, God-you're breathtaking! Body and soul, I am marvelously made! I worship in adoration-what a creation! You know me inside and out, you know every bone in my body; you know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculpted from nothing into something. Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth; all the stages of my life were spread out before you, the days of my life are prepared before I'd even lived one day."

Psalm 139:13

Another year already! I can't believe I am 29...AGAIN. Ssshhh...let's keep this between you and me and please don't tell a soul...this happens to be the sixth year in a row that I have turned 29!

To celebrate, I decided to post some flowers for myself.

Happy Birthday me.

Snapshots from Notting Hill

Service with a smile...
June 2007

My iTunes: Find Me Tonight by Everyday Sunday

So many images....so little time!

It always happens when visitors come here...my world seems more real when I am walking through it with people that I love. Sometimes being so far away I can feel a bit disconnected with the life I once had and the lives of those people who were woven in with my own. Thankfully, so much comes flooding back as soon as I see familiar faces on the soil over here. it is wonderful to be with people that you can just pick up with like no time has passed at all. We have spent our days laughing until I have been literally crying and recalling fun times and talking about the future. It has been a blast so far and it isn't over yet...

As we walked through Notting Hill, I took advantage of all the lovely shops by shooting whatever had interest to me. Here are just a few....the top image has to be my favorite. The last few times I have wandered this street, this frog has been here displayed waiting to be brought home by a discerning customer. Obviously, he hasn't found a home just yet. I just like it...it is fun. The second shot is self explanatory....I love cameras and I wish that I could have taken each of them with me and done a whole lot more with them. Do any of you see one that you might have had? The last shot reminds me of these last few months of homeschooling and the relief I have that our year has come to an end. The placement tests have been given, the kids did great and are on to the next grade! YAY! Time sure does fly!

I hope that you all enjoy these images! By the way, there are lots more where these came from and I am looking forward to sharing them with you all! Take care and have a great week!

Say cheese!
June 2007

Schools out for summer!
June 2007

Color Coordinated

Portbello Road
June 2007

My iTunes: Wonderwall by Oasis

I can't get enough of doors. I am drawn to them.

Yesterday, once again, I found myself wandering the streets of Notting Hill with our family who is visiting with us. I have been going there quite a bit lately. The next post later today will also be from this same area but a different take completely. I sure hope you all aren't getting tired of this neighborhood. I always find something worth capturing when I am here. When I saw this shot....it was framed in my head before I even raised my camera. Isn't it lovely? The greens, the oranges and the whites are so soothing...what a wonderful way to be welcomed home at the end of a long day.

Although I don't have my computer back yet...I am back to my regular posts and will be making my way to each of you. I have gone through all my images and am pretty excited about some shots I will be sharing....

Have a relaxing Sunday!

Still here....sorta...

Hi friends!

I will be sifting through about six hundred images tonight and will be posting for yesterday and today! Thanks for checking in....sorry I am behind...

...SUCH A BAD BLOGGER...SHAME ON ME!

I will also be catching up on comments tonight as well once I have my computer! I can't wait to see what you all have been up the last couple of days...I have missed my daily dose!

Have a wonderful Saturday everyone!