Zoom

The last day of April and the final letter of the alphabet. I'll admit I ran out of ideas for my photography theme. I took this photo from the passenger seat on the freeway north of Sydney at dusk. It fits today's theme at least.

How did you go with the A-Z Challenge? Are you glad or sad it's over? For those who took part, would you do it again?

I'll be back on Wednesday for the Insecure Writers' Support Group.

Note: For the month of April during the A-Z Challenge I paused from my usual blogging theme of writing and social media tips. Instead I shared my photography. Much of it was inspired by the fabulous and helpful site, The Bookshelf Muse. Please check it out and enjoy.


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Y is for...Go Visit L'Aussie and Find Out

No photos today for the A-Z Challenge. Instead I'd love it if everyone visited the wonderful L'Aussie. See you there!


Note: For the month of April during the A-Z Challenge I am pausing from my usual blogging theme of writing and social media tips. Instead I hope to share with you my photography. Much of it is inspired by the fabulous and helpful site, The Bookshelf Muse. Please check it out and enjoy.


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Xanthic

I thought for a moment the letter X had me stumped for the A-Z Challenge. Then I found this:

Xanthic: Of or pertaining to a yellow colour, or to one of those colours--except green--in which yellow is a constituent. For example, scarlet, orange, etc.

I have no idea where I took this photo. Perhaps in a public garden somewhere (nothing so glorious would grow in my garden). I love the colour.

What’s your favourite colour? (mine is purple) 

Note: For the month of April during the A-Z Challenge I am pausing from my usual blogging theme of writing and social media tips. Instead I hope to share with you my photography. Much of it is inspired by the fabulous and helpful site, The Bookshelf Muse. Please check it out and enjoy.

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Waterfalls

Waterfalls are difficult to photograph because there’s so much more to a waterfall than a camera can capture. There’s the joy of discovery. There’s the build in anticipation as the rumbling water grows louder as I approach through the veiling forest. The air is always cooler around waterfalls, and wetter. Waterfalls, especially the big ones, are a full sensory experience.

I took this photo somewhere in Australia. I recall it was at the end of a walking track and no one else was around.

What do you like about waterfalls? Have you made any waterfall ‘discoveries’? Do you have any favourites?


For more inspiration on the sight, sounds, smells, tastes and touch of waterfalls, go here to The Bookshelf Muse.


Note: For the month of April during the A-Z Challenge I am pausing from my usual blogging theme of writing and social media tips. Instead I hope to share with you my photography. Much of it is inspired by the fabulous and helpful site, The Bookshelf Muse. Please check it out and enjoy.

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Vineyards

In all my travels I’ve visited many wonderful vineyards. Near Sydney we have the Hunter Valley which is famous for its full-bodied Shirazes. Near Melbourne we have the Yarra Valley which, among a wide variety of wines, offers wonderful Pinot Noirs. Near Adelaide we have the Barossa Valley which has some delicious Cabernet Sauvignons.

I took the first photo at the Barossa, South Australia. I took the second photo in the Mudgee region which is situated about four hours inland from Sydney, New South Wales. The different seasons are evident.

 

Do you have any vineyards near you? Have you ever gone wine tasting? If you like wine, what’s your favourite drop?

Note: For the month of April during the A-Z Challenge I am pausing from my usual blogging theme of writing and social media tips. Instead I hope to share with you my photography. Much of it is inspired by the fabulous and helpful site, The Bookshelf Muse. Please check it out and enjoy.

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Underwater

I couldn’t think of many options for the letter U in this A-Z Challenge. Although I’ve always wanted to try underwater photography, I don’t have the equipment for it. Consequently, today I decided to show off a rare piece of traditional artwork. I say rare because I’ve not indulged in a lot of non-digital artwork because I’m not a fan of the mess, the storage, the stink of paints and turpentine, or the cat footprints in paint across the carpet because she walked across my palette while I took a break.

I did this piece in gouache paints on paper. It’s a self-portrait.

Should I make this image my new official author photo (chuckle)? Have you ever gone snorkelling? Have you ever dabbled in art?


Note: For the month of April during the A-Z Challenge I am pausing from my usual blogging theme of writing and social media tips. Instead I hope to share with you my photography. Much of it is inspired by the fabulous and helpful site, The Bookshelf Muse. Please check it out and enjoy.


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Trains

I love the old steam trains and it’s wonderful some are still in action. I took this photo at the old Zig Zag Railway in the Blue Mountains, west of Sydney.

I love sushi trains as well (I couldn’t resist).

Have you ever ridden a steam train? What kind of trains do you like best?

The Bookshelf Muse has included in their online setting thesaurus an entry for subway stations if you’re looking for more inspiration.


Note: For the month of April during the A-Z Challenge I am pausing from my usual blogging theme of writing and social media tips. Instead I hope to share with you my photography. Much of it is inspired by the fabulous and helpful site, The Bookshelf Muse. Please check it out and enjoy.

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Sunrises and Sunsets

I don’t see a lot of sunrises. I’m usually tucked in bed, sound asleep where all normal people should be at that time of day. Consequently, I have far more sunset shots than I do sunrises. However, on the rare occasion I’m up, I’ll be sure to check out the sunrise. Below are some photos I took around Australia.

Sunset looking south towards Wollongong, Australia

Sunrise at Murwillumbah, NSW, Australia

Sunrise at the Twelve Apostles, Victoria, Australia

For more inspiration on this topic, go here for sunrises and here for sunsets at The Bookshelf Muse.

Which do you prefer, sunrises or sunsets? Do you have a special one that stands out in your memory?

Note: For the month of April during the A-Z Challenge I am pausing from my usual blogging theme of writing and social media tips. Instead I hope to share with you my photography. Much of it is inspired by the fabulous and helpful site, The Bookshelf Muse. Please check it out and enjoy.

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Rainbows

How many of you as a kid tried to chase a rainbow to its end?


For more inspiration on rainbows, go here to the Bookshelf Muse.


Note: For the month of April during the A-Z Challenge I am pausing from my usual blogging theme of writing and social media tips. Instead I hope to share with you my photography. Much of it is inspired by the fabulous and helpful site, The Bookshelf Muse. Please check it out and enjoy.


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Quality of Light and Photography

I had a brilliant idea for the letter Q for this A-Z Challenge. It was sheer genius. Can I remember what the idea was? No. Did I write it down? No.

Tip for all writers: Always write down your ideas!

Because I lost the first idea, I’ll treat you to a different one. There is something about a certain quality of light that draws the attention of an artist. Afternoon and morning light are particularly special. Fire light also comes to mind along with low light, spotlights, coloured lights and key lights. I could fill this entire blog with images that displayed some kind of special lighting. Instead, I chose two that are a little different.

Light through a Christmas bauble

Candlelight through crystal

What kind of lights change your mood?

Note: For the month of April during the A-Z Challenge I am pausing from my usual blogging theme of writing and social media tips. Instead I hope to share with you my photography. Much of it is inspired by the fabulous and helpful site, The Bookshelf Muse. Please check it out and enjoy.

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Paths

I suppose for the A-Z Challenge I could have picked Photography for today’s post. Instead I chose Paths. I love the less travelled path. I love exploring when there’s no one else around. Below are some photos I took around Australia.

What type of paths are you most drawn to?


Note: For the month of April during the A-Z Challenge I am pausing from my usual blogging theme of writing and social media tips. Instead I hope to share with you my photography. Much of it is inspired by the fabulous and helpful site, The Bookshelf Muse. Please check it out and enjoy.

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Oceans and Oceans

There is something special about the ever changing shifts of light, colour and movement of the oceans. Oceans are timeless and powerful. They can hide secrets and whisper stories. I could watch the ocean for hours. Below are just a few of the photos I’ve taken in an attempt to capture some of its moods. I have so many that it was difficult to pick.

Cape Bridgewater, Victoria, Australia

The southern coast of Australia, Port Campbell National Park

The eastern coast of Australia, Waverley, NSW

What do you like best about the ocean?


For more inspiration on the sights, smells, tastes etc of oceans, go here to the Bookshelf Muse.

Note: For the month of April during the A-Z Challenge I am pausing from my usual blogging theme of writing and social media tips. Instead I hope to share with you my photography. Much of it is inspired by the fabulous and helpful site, The Bookshelf Muse. Please check it out and enjoy.

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Naracoorte Caves

There were only two clubs I joined at university: the chocolate club and the spelunking club. Spelunking is cave exploring--not on a guided tour, but with hard hats, ropes, and overalls. I remember squeezing through tunnels so low and narrow that I had to take my hard hat off to get through. Best fun ever!

I didn’t take my camera while spelunking, but I did take it on a tour through the Naracoorte Caves in South Australia. I’m not a fan of flash photography so I tried longer film exposures while trying to hold the camera still. Not an easy task without a tripod, lol.

A reflection in a still pool

Do you get claustrophobic? How have you released the adventurer within?


For more inspiration on the sights, smells, tastes etc within caves, go here to the Bookshelf Muse.


Note: For the month of April during the A-Z Challenge I am pausing from my usual blogging theme of writing and social media tips. Instead I hope to share with you my photography. Much of it is inspired by the fabulous and helpful site, The Bookshelf Muse. Please check it out and enjoy.


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Macro Photography

Macro photography is about close ups. I love this type of photography because it captures glimpses of a world most people miss.

Lichen on a picnic table

A dwarf pigface about to bloom

Moss in a neglected flower pot

Edit: A few people have been asking in the comments whether or not I took these photos. Yes, I did. Photography is another love of mine.

Is there a style of photography you like best?


Note: For the month of April during the A-Z Challenge I am pausing from my usual blogging theme of writing and social media tips. Instead I hope to share with you my photography. Much of it is inspired by the fabulous and helpful site, The Bookshelf Muse. Please check it out and enjoy.

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Library

I ran out of time to visit some of Sydney’s libraries so instead I’ll give you a glimpse of my own library.

Yay for ebooks because I was running out of space

One of my favourite shelves

my favourite workspace

I included the last shot because it's in the same room as the bookshelves and Theresa once asked me to post a pic of where I did most of my writing. The cat sleeps on the back of the faded couch. In the winter I open up the windows and gorgeous sunlight floods the room.

For more inspiration on the sights and smells of libraries, go here to the Bookshelf Muse.


Do you have a personal library? Do you visit your local library? Where's your favourite writing nook?


Note: For the month of April during the A-Z Challenge I am pausing from my usual blogging theme of writing and social media tips. Instead I hope to share with you my photography. Much of it is inspired by the fabulous and helpful site, The Bookshelf Muse. Please check it out and enjoy.

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Kookaburra

Kookaburras are an Australian native bird. They have the best call. It sounds like a laugh. Unfortunately because of unauthorised feeding, these birds will dive bomb any unsuspecting picnickers in the Royal National Park and steal food from fingers.

Have you heard the call of a kookaburra? Do you know of other creatures with an unusual cry? Do you have a favourite native bird?

Note: For the month of April during the A-Z Challenge I am pausing from my usual blogging theme of writing and social media tips. Instead I hope to share with you my photography. Much of it is inspired by the fabulous and helpful site, The Bookshelf Muse. Please check it out and enjoy.

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Jokers

The first J word that popped into my mind for the A-Z challenge this month was Jelly. I didn’t think that made a great photography study, so I went with jokers, specifically those found in amusement parks.

Clowns at a local village fair

The entrance to Sydney's Luna Park

A closeup of the entrance to Melbourne's Luna Park

Do you enjoy amusement parks? If so, what’s your favourite ride or point of interest?


For more inspiration on the sights, smells, tastes etc of amusement parks, go here to the Bookshelf Muse.


Note: For the month of April during the A-Z Challenge I am pausing from my usual blogging theme of writing and social media tips. Instead I hope to share with you my photography. Much of it is inspired by the fabulous and helpful site, The Bookshelf Muse. Please check it out and enjoy.

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Industry

I took this photo of industry across Botany Bay near Sydney’s airport:

This is how a bee gets industrious:

How have you been industrious this month?

Note: For the month of April during the A-Z Challenge I am pausing from my usual blogging theme of writing and social media tips. Instead I hope to share with you my photography. Much of it is inspired by the fabulous and helpful site, The Bookshelf Muse. Please check it out and enjoy.

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Hydroponics

A six hour drive north of Sydney, near Port Macquarie, is a fabulous hydroponics farm that grows tomatoes, strawberries and lettuce. I visited this place over the Easter long weekend and enjoyed the best strawberry smoothie I've ever tasted.

Unfortunately the tomatoes weren’t available, but here are some pics of the strawberries and lettuce.

Have you ever gone fruit picking or visited a hydroponics farm?


Note: For the month of April during the A-Z Challenge I am pausing from my usual blogging theme of writing and social media tips. Instead I hope to share with you my photography. Much of it is inspired by the fabulous and helpful site, The Bookshelf Muse. Please check it out and enjoy.

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The Graveyard

I took these photos at the Waverley Cemetery last weekend. It lies on prime real estate in the Eastern suburbs of Sydney. It's an amazing place.

For more inspiration on the sights, smells, tastes etc of graveyards, go here to the Bookshelf Muse.


Do graveyards freak you out, or are they fascinating places? Would you walk through one at night?

Note: I’ve prescheduled some of these posts for the A-Z Challenge because I'm away from the computer over Easter. I won’t be able to do my usual blog visits, but when I get back I’ll visit everyone who has left a comment.

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Forest

I love forests. Adore them. I took this photo in the Minnimurra Rainforest which is a short drive from Sydney.

 

For more inspiration on the sights, smells, tastes etc of forests, go here to the Bookshelf Muse. 


Do you have a favourite forest?

Note: I’ve prescheduled some of these posts for the A-Z Challenge because I'm away from the computer over Easter. I won’t be able to do my usual blog visits, but when I get back I’ll visit everyone who has left a comment.

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In Case of Emergency

I took this photo on the James Craig, a tall ship in Sydney Harbour. I thought it was cool. I'd love to one day sail on one of these ships and learn some of the ropes.

Have you ever set foot on one of the old ships?

Note: This post was prescheduled for the A-Z Challenge. I will be away over the Easter break so I won't be able to do my usual blog visits. I promise when I get back to visit everyone who leaves a comment. Please have a wonderful and safe Easter.

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Deserts

I’ve been looking forward to this one. There are some awesome desert landscapes on this planet. Here are just a few:

I went ballooning near Alice Springs
in the Northern Territory, Australia

I went horseriding through Monument Valley, USA

I climbed Uluru back when it was still called Ayers Rock
The Northern Territory, Australia

I went 4WDriving to the Pinnacles, Western Australia

I went on a 3 day camel ride across a hot Indian desert

Have you had any desert experiences?

For more inspiration on the sights, smells, tastes etc of deserts, go here to the Bookshelf Muse.

Note: For the month of April during the A-Z Challenge I am pausing from my usual blogging theme of writing and social media tips. Instead I hope to share with you my photography. Much of it is inspired by the fabulous and helpful site, The Bookshelf Muse. Please check it out and enjoy.

Churches

Australia doesn't have a whole lot of gorgeous cathedrals or sandstone churches. We do have some, but the majority are modern structures. It's a shame because I love the history and architecture of the medieval churches of England. Of course, a fancy building isn't reliant for a solid faith.

This is the inner courtyard of Salisbury Cathedral, England.

A devotional talk at the Blackstump Christian Music Festival.

my wedding

For inspiration on the sights, smells, tastes etc of churches, go here to the Bookshelf Muse.

Note: For the month of April during the A-Z Challenge I am pausing from my usual blogging theme of writing and social media tips. Instead I hope to share with you my photography. Much of it is inspired by the fabulous and helpful site, The Bookshelf Muse. Please check it out and enjoy.