The Alphabet Project | P is for parenting

Welcome to the Alphabet Photography Project and letter P! Thank you to everyone that joined in last week.

Letter P absolutely has to be for POD but given that’s what I’ve chosen the past two series of the Alphabet Photography Project, I’ve opted for parenting. POD turned five on Christmas Day and on one hand it’s quite hard to believe that. On the other, it’s strange to think of life before she arrived. She has such an amazing character and although parenting can be challenging at times, I wouldn’t swap it for anything.

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Combining a birthday with Christmas

Christmas Day is always more hectic than most as it’s also POD’s birthday. Like the majority of other children, her excitement levels were at fever pitch as we approached the festive period. We had a great drive up to the POD Father’s parents, enjoying a lovely Christmas Eve feast before putting presents under the tree and retreating for the night. POD was up early the following morning to discover Father Christmas had been. The presents were all individually wrapped in Santa paper (he’s a good egg that chap in red) and POD was thrilled with every one. Her wide-mouthed look of surprise continuing until she reached the final gift.

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The Alphabet Project | O is for Opal

Welcome to the Alphabet Photography Project and letter O! Thank you to everyone that joined in last week.

We travelled up the Opal Coast in Northern France in October and came across some wonderful sights. From the military history, the beaches and the landscape to the NAUSICAA aquarium and this incredible statue near it in Boulogne-sur-Mer. Such a great contrast between the old statue and that bright blue sky.

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A winter walk at the majestic Mottisfont

We’re extremely lucky where we live to have so many National Trust properties not far from us. Not just in the Surrey Hills but across London, Hampshire and Sussex. One of those located a little further away near Romsey is Mottisfont Abbey – founded as an Augustinian priory by William Briwere back in 1201. This country house has been home to an array of interesting people over the last eight centuries including Sir William Sandys, a favourite of King Henry VIII, the Mill family who arrived in Georgian times, and laid the framework for today’s grounds, gardens and house facade, plus wealthy banker Daniel Meinertzhagen who let Mottisfont in the nineteenth century.

The property was made the centre of a fashionable artistic and political circle in 1934 when Maud and Gilbert Russell arrived in 1934. Having bought the house in a state of disrepair, they spent many years bringing the house and estate back to life and making it their home. These days the National Trust is responsible for 1600 acres of woodland and farmland providing the most wonderful place to explore.

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Our Christmas Day baby turns five

It doesn’t seem five minutes since POD was born. She arrived on Christmas Day 2010 to the Salvation Army singing Good King Wenceslas outside the delivery suite. We couldn’t have planned that even if we’d tried to! When we returned home, the streets were still white with snow, as they had been for the majority of December. Although there was some snowfall the following year, POD doesn’t remember touching it or helping Daddy build a snowman. It’s far too mild for a white Christmas but I do hope this winter sees her make her first snowman and sleigh down a hill. She’s itching to have a snow ball fight with Mummy and Daddy too although I’m not sure she fully understands it’s a two-way thing. She’ll learn.

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The Alphabet Project | N is for nature

Welcome to the Alphabet Photography Project and letter N! Thank you to everyone that joined in last week.

This letter always seems synonymous with nature, particularly macro photography which fascinates me. I love to see the small transformed into this big magical world. It’s just fabulous.

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Capturing creativity in Brick Lane

There is a wealth of creativity to be found in and around Brick Lane. While much of it changes on a regular basis, there are some pieces that have stood the test of time. Roa’s crane in Hanbury Street being one – the three story mural has been there since 2010. Next to it is a hand-standing man which was created by Martin Ron two years ago. On Bacon Street, there is a tribute to East End legend Charlie Burns who died in 2012 at the ripe old age of ninety-six.

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What’s The Story? | 21st December 2015

Hello everybody, welcome to What’s The Story for w/c 21st December. I don’t know about you but the festive period seems to have come around especially fast this year. In just a few days time Christmas will be upon us as will POD’s birthday – she turns five on Christmas Day.

You might be wondering what this image is given the Force Awakens was released the other day. The photograph was taken just off Brick Lane in the East End of London where a renowned street artist was in the early stages of what looked to be an amazing Star Wars mural.

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Piri Piri chicken with sweet potato wedges

A great way to get into the Christmas spirit is to have a feast with friends. The food for which prepared while you’re jigging away to the likes of Last Christmas, Merry Christmas Everyone and Fairytale of New York. Although we incorporated a selection of Christmas treats, the main event was this Portugese inspired Piri Piri chicken with sweet potato wedges. Expedia challenged us to make a dish from one of the countries they fly to and we just had to do Portugal. It seemed the natural choice given two friends have just moved to the UK from there.

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The B&W Photography Project | Week #76

Hello everyone, welcome to week #76 of the Black and White Photography Project. Thank you so much to those of you that joined in last time. This photograph was taken when we escaped to blow away a few cobwebs locally. POD absolutely had to go fish spotting with Daddy too. It’s so nice to get outdoors and feel the fresh country air on your face even if it’s only for a short time.

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