Kotare visited illustrated

We've been a bit spoiled of late having a kotare (kingfisher) visit and hang out in the trees in easy view from the deck.  

A Karoro story

On the last day of work in 2014 I noticed a Karoro (Blackback gull) sitting on a nest on the building across the road.  What a treat, I might get to watch chicks growing up right in front of me, a perfect mental health break!  
Below are photos taken over a 3 month period up until the little ones fledge.  It was pretty awesome to watch them attempt to fly and then finally master it.  I only see them occasionally now.

17th December 2014

7th January 2015

7th January 2015

7th January 2015

13th January 2015

21st January 2015

27th January 2015

29th January 2015

10th February 2015

10th February 2015 

Learning to fly 
10th February 2015

Flying lessons 
12th February 2015

 17th Feb 2015

   

12th March 2015

Mr Motown in print (in 2nd photograph below)

Available through Black and White publishing

Mr Motown

Just over a year ago I was contacted by Susan McMullan requesting to use the photo above of Motown for her book 'What Your Cat Really Thinks'.  Of course I was happy to oblige. Here he is, for many to enjoy. 

It's two years since we lost him & there's still a big gap in my heart, RIP my beautiful boy.

Being Frank he said - it's just a flower that looks a little bit sad, what's the fuss? I think they look like they're standing proud like a person holding their chest out.

Brightening my day by imajane on 500px

Good old Zen Habits has another great post

You're doing it right

Being that my folks met while working at the railways

it's not that surprising I have a small fascination with trains.  This video captured me, sharing because I know I will never see this in New Zealand!

Negotiating the erratic wind

Titi wainui (AKA fairy or dove prion) gliding the air waves over the Cook Strait. These little guys ducked and dived in the mad wind.  I love their M plumage. Nice to have my new binoculars to view them with (thanks Frank!).  We also saw one albatross, what a treat, their wingspan is so impressive.

Spot Jane!

A long time ago in France

Imajane photos and images available now

Click here for link to Society 6

Plus a couple on pinterest

Time for some beach? ...

imajane's photos of and from the beach on flickriver

The old ship Huia

My grandfather sailed this ship between Australia and New Zealand during the second world war.  He died before I was born, my Dad always told me I would have loved him.  I cherish the fact that I have photos like this to look at and remember that the old days weren't that long ago.

Fun on Pinterest!

Imajane on Pinterest

Links I want to check out soon

31 plants that repel insects
Guide to architectural photography

Dawn straddle with Ninian Lif texture

An early start to watch some riveting container loading at Wellington's wharf, I did enjoy the morning light silhouettes.

Old compur

With Ninian Lif texture.

Villa in the Vines

Ten minutes walk from the centre of Martinborough is the delightful 1910 cottage Villa in the Vines.  This place really has character & a great garden to match.
To see other photos from this visit click here.

Shapeshifter 2014 photo set on flickr

Link to photo set

Old Coast Road Church

This cute old church on Wainuiomata's Old Coast road was built in 1866. We visited to see our distant relatives graves.  I couldn't help but try and imagine what it would have been like here 100 years ago.  Isolated and wild are two words that pop to mind.  
Link to Coast Road Church
On flickr

Browny on the path

Today I met my first frog at home

While moving a pot of succulents in the garden I pulled a dead leaf away & a blur of brown lept from the middle of the pot onto the path. I wasn't expecting company & got quite a fright. He seemed a bit stunned and just sat there still as anything while I took a few photos.

We've been hearing a 'weeeeep-eeep-eeep-eeep-eeep-eeep' sound for months now thinking it was most likely frogs. So it's nice to see one and confirm we have brown frogs hanging around. I'd hoped they would be native but they were introduced into New Zealand in 1875.

Awesome photography

Planetary panoramas had me absolutely captivated ... superb.
[reblogged from theboldcorsicanflame]

Parading around brightly

Fun with photoshops oil painting feature and a tad of masking.

Great advice for me - Let go of your crutches by Leo Babauta

Marlborough sounds from a caravan!

Caravan being a type of Cesna aircraft with fabulously large windows making panorama photos possible.  Such a beautiful area of NZ to fly over, the colour of the sea always amazes me.

Flower muse

Fill me with your luscious colours, 
your delicate aromas 
and the lovely sight of you!

WOW

Now that's some fancy skipping!

Home made

What an inspiration this is ... I'd love to make my own home

Cute wrapping

Made reusing pink tissue paper and hand cut labels rescued from the recycling bin after a packaging line trial.
Gift, a photo by Ms Behave on Flickr.
(Am starting to wonder if I have too many alias'?!)

Painted wall at PN

Painted wall at PN, a photo by Ms Behave on Flickr.
The wonderful guest house, Phranakorn Nornlen in Bangkok.  This place has a magical authenticity with gorgeous whimsical paintings on almost every wall. One wall of the dining area has a museum along one side, multiple collections of old interesting things ... nice as they're a part of history we don't get to see often.  Vintage cameras & clothing.  Old TV's. Old cafe setup & even old washing powder packaging!  This place has many lovely nooks and crannies to explore especially because the gardens are also lush and well cared for. What a nice way to relax.
For more photos click here

Oil painted self in photoshop

Yup that's a wig I bought at the Chinese markets in Bangkok.  It's such fun to have a totally different hair style :)

Time for something new ... in 18 months ...

News I lose my job