Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Thursday, 16 July 2015

Batty Old Broad

Or, how your friends see you...


A friend referred to me as a batty old broad* in a recent email.

If I had to summarise myself I think I would go with 'obsessionista' but I am also quite comfortable squeezing my batty old head into the cap my friend gave me.

What phrase would your friends use to describe you?

And do you agree with their assesment?



*And in case you were wondering, the battiness in question was my current obsession with going out early on frosty mornings to try and freeze bubbles.

Like this...


I am determined to get it right. 

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151 comments:

  1. Anonymous16 July 2015 at 05:31

    That's pretty cool! I'm going to have to try that.

    I really have no idea what my friends would call me. A pull from my negative side would probably say annoying or needy, so I'm not even going to think further about it!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Elephant's Child16 July 2015 at 09:34

      Madalyn Quinn: My negative side can (and does) say worse things about me than anyone else.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous18 July 2015 at 09:39

      Yeah, same. :( but I think we're both better than we think.

      Delete
    3. Elephant's Child18 July 2015 at 10:52

      Madilyn Quinn: I hope you are right. The negative voice would disagree. Loudly. I do wish it would be quiet.

      Delete
  2. Myrna R.16 July 2015 at 05:58

    I don't thing trying to freeze bubbles makes you an old broad. Now I hate the cold, so if I did anything in it, I know I've gone batty.
    Not sure what my friends would call me, but batty may be at the top of their list.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Elephant's Child16 July 2015 at 09:36

      Myrna: It is the heat I loathe. And stay away from. It is also true that a neighbour heading out very early one morning obviously thought I was deranged as I played with soap bubbles in the frost.

      Delete
  3. Bookie16 July 2015 at 06:02

    I am afraid to think of what my friends might call me! I don't think I would ( or would want to) recognize myself in their names!

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    1. Elephant's Child16 July 2015 at 09:37

      Bookie: It is probably lucky that we rarely do hear what others say about us...

      Delete
  4. Joanne Noragon16 July 2015 at 06:05

    My father would have adored you. Of course you'll get it right, surface tension be damned.

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    1. Elephant's Child16 July 2015 at 09:37

      Joanne Noragon: It needs to get colder. Minus six isn't quite cold enough. A still minus ten would be perfect I think...

      Delete
  5. Anonymous16 July 2015 at 06:14

    What's batty about freezing bubbles?

    ReplyDelete
  6. mail4rosey16 July 2015 at 06:15

    eh I'd be right out there with you. We'd be batty old broads having a ball trying to photograph frozen bubbles. :)

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    1. Elephant's Child16 July 2015 at 09:40

      mail4rosey: I have had a lot of fun trying. One morning I was out for an hour and came in because it was too warm and the frost was melting. When I came back inside I discovered we still hadn't hit positive temperatures.

      Delete
  7. CountryMum16 July 2015 at 06:21

    Yes, I think we are all a bit batty, one way or another!

    Love your frozen bubble, and as a bonus, frost!! Great photo.

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    1. Elephant's Child16 July 2015 at 09:41

      CountryMum: My father used to recite a ditty which went along the lines of 'All the world excepting thee and me is mad - and even thee is a bit peculiar'.
      He had a point.

      Delete
    2. Alexia16 July 2015 at 10:11

      Snap! - my mother used to say, 'All the world's strange except thee and me - and thee's a bit strange sometimes'.

      Delete
    3. River16 July 2015 at 14:29

      I got "they're all nuts except me and you and sometimes I wonder about you."

      Delete
  8. Lynn16 July 2015 at 06:26

    I see nothing at all batty about freezing bubbles!

    One of my friends always talks about others like this: "I love Jane, but she's ___." Fill in the blank at will. She does that about everyone. I asked her one day what she says about me??? She replied, "I love Lynnie, but she's a ditz." Hmmm - I may be a ditz, but I don't name call! :)

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Elephant's Child16 July 2015 at 09:42

      Lynn: I am certainly a ditz some days. And no, I try not to label people either. Including myself.

      Delete
  9. Birdie16 July 2015 at 06:48

    Well, I won't wish our summer away but now I have something to look forward to next winter. Freezing bubbles!

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    1. Elephant's Child16 July 2015 at 09:43

      Birdie: You get colder weather than we do, and would probably have a better chance of success. In the fullness of time.

      Delete
  10. Mason Canyon16 July 2015 at 07:08

    If freezing bubbles is batty, then I'd say that's pretty cool! I'd have to say 'Batty Experienced Broad' would be a good title to carry. :)

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    1. Elephant's Child16 July 2015 at 09:48

      Mason Canyon: I probably wouldn't have described myself in those terms - but I have no problems with it either. And no intention of giving up on the attempt to freeze a bubble.

      Delete
  11. Linda Starr16 July 2015 at 07:26

    the same and worse I am afraid

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    1. Elephant's Child16 July 2015 at 09:48

      Linda Starr: Celebrate it. Would you be anyone else? Could you be?

      Delete
  12. Lee16 July 2015 at 07:38

    I'm probably called a batty old bird, too, and an eccentric....they've hit the nail on the head! lol

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    1. Elephant's Child16 July 2015 at 09:50

      Lee: It really isn't a problem is it? Mind you one of my friends (a different one) does tell me I am eccentric. Which I dispute.

      Delete
    2. Lee16 July 2015 at 10:47

      I'm proud to be considered eccentric....I wish everyone would recognise that I am! lol

      Delete
  13. Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com16 July 2015 at 07:41

    That is pretty awesome and not at all batty. Well, maybe a little batty. I still think you are awesome, though.

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    1. Elephant's Child16 July 2015 at 09:57

      Rawknrobyn: I am MUCH more comfortable with batty than with awesome. Which possibly says a lot.

      Delete
  14. LL Cool Joe16 July 2015 at 08:15

    I have to say I don't think that expression is very nice, and I have no idea what my friends, the few I have, would call me, probably a miserable old sod.

    Great photo!

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    1. Elephant's Child16 July 2015 at 09:58

      LL Cool Joe: Miserable old sod? You? I can't see that. At all. My friend didn't mean anything negative. And I certainly didn't take anything negative from the term either.

      Delete
  15. The Cranky16 July 2015 at 08:38

    Batty old broad??? Filled with childlike wonder is more like it, and that is a wonderful way to be!
    Mostly I get called weird - I can live with that.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Elephant's Child16 July 2015 at 10:00

      Jacquelineand...: Weird is fine. Particularly because I don't like a lot of what passes for normal. And awe and wonder is an almost permanent place for me to live. Which is also fine.

      Delete
  16. kylie16 July 2015 at 08:50

    lol, as i read your post i was thinking of what i might be called but when i got to the photo "batty old broad" just seemed so very right. wear that badge with pride!!

    i have been called blunt, eccentric and "very real", that one is always hilarious

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Elephant's Child16 July 2015 at 10:02

      kylie: Very real? Are most of the people they know cardboard cut-outs?

      Delete
  17. Merlesworld16 July 2015 at 08:53

    Not sure, nothing is said to my face so I don't know or care, it good that way.
    That is a very cold morning.
    Merle.....................

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    1. Elephant's Child16 July 2015 at 10:03

      Merlesworld: It wasn't quite cold enough. The bubbles still popped before they froze completely. That shell lasted well over half an hour though. Just a few less degrees and I think I could have nailed it.

      Delete
  18. lynners16 July 2015 at 09:06

    I don't have a clue what my friends would call me! Weirdo, probably.

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    1. Elephant's Child16 July 2015 at 10:04

      lynners: I really don't know either as a general rule. Weird would be fine though. I think.

      Delete
  19. Snowbrush16 July 2015 at 09:42

    As George Carlin put it, dancing looks insane to those who have no ears.

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    1. Elephant's Child16 July 2015 at 10:05

      Snowbrush: I hadn't come across that gem. The more I read of George Carlin - either his own work, or things written about him, the sorrier I become that I can never know him.

      Delete
    2. Snowbrush24 July 2015 at 08:34

      He was best known as a stand-up comic, by the way.

      Delete
  20. DJan16 July 2015 at 09:44

    Oh, I LOVE what Snowbrush said. I think I've been called headstrong and reckless more than once. I don't mind, really. :-)

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    1. Elephant's Child16 July 2015 at 10:07

      DJan: It was a brilliant quote wasn't it? Headstrong? Reckless? From what I have seen determined is closer to the mark. I am glad that you are comfortable with the descriptions though.

      Delete
  21. Julie Flanders16 July 2015 at 09:52

    I think the freezing bubble is fun, not batty. I'm usually called some version of ditzy or clumsy and sadly I can't argue with either. :D

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Elephant's Child16 July 2015 at 10:08

      Julie Flanders: Freezing/attempting to freeze the bubbles has been fun. Frustrating, but fun. I don't think I am ditzy (or described that way) but 'clumsy clot' was a common term in my youth. I am no less clumsy now. More perhaps...

      Delete
  22. Alexia16 July 2015 at 10:10

    I think 'batty old broad' is a great label, one to aim for. I think of myself as a bit strange, and people who know me would probably agree!
    We've had a few good stiff frosts here recently, but my reaction is to stay inside in the warmth, not head out to try to freeze bubbles....
    I'm looking forward to the shot of your successful bubble!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Elephant's Child16 July 2015 at 13:24

      Alexia: I really, really hope it gets cold enough to freeze a complete bubble. No frost for the next few days, but hopefully a good hard one is just around the corner.

      Delete
  23. Susan Kane16 July 2015 at 11:04

    I wonder where "Batty old broad" originated? And what was its intended meaning? I don't think you or I are there yet. I picture this as an old woman on her porch waving at kids, saying things "Get off the grass, you whippersnappers!"

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Elephant's Child16 July 2015 at 13:26

      Susan Kane: The friend was referring (I think) to my refusal to conform. Somedays I certainly am a batty old broad. The whippersnappers can walk on the grass, but I will do more than wave if they trample the garden.

      Delete
  24. Furry Bottoms16 July 2015 at 11:28

    I have no idea what my friends would have to say about me. "That cankerous old hermit"? When someone has spent a little time with me, they'll learn to like me. I grow on people like hairy warts. But I've had people meet about three times in total only to decide to run away screaming. True story. And I cannot figure out why half the time. But oh well! Freezing bubbles? I didn't know it was even possible!!! I bet they're beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Elephant's Child16 July 2015 at 13:28

      Furry Bottoms: A friend (a different one) sent me pictures of frozen bubbles in summer. I loved it (google has a fine collection). When winter hit my slow moving brain remembered and I have made several attempts. More successful each time, but total success eludes me.
      Anyone who meets you and runs away is chicken hearted - and the loser. Their loss.

      Delete
  25. Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe16 July 2015 at 12:49

    I don't think I want to know how my old friends call me, but being thought of as a batty old woman would not be half bad. Congratulations on the honor. I would proudly follow behind you.

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    1. Elephant's Child16 July 2015 at 13:29

      Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe: I was and am perfectly happy with the description. I can think of a lot worse. And am happy to have companions in my battiness. No leading, just sharing.

      Delete
  26. Cloudia16 July 2015 at 13:24

    It is the world that is batty. You are spot on!


    Aloha

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    1. Elephant's Child16 July 2015 at 13:30

      Cloudia: I really am comfortable with being batty. And equally comfortable with not agreeing with the mainstream world...

      Delete
  27. Denise Covey 16 July 2015 at 14:18

    'Batty' is a pretty loaded word. I always say I don't care what you call me, just don't call me late for dinner!
    (I never knew you were from Canberra! Brr. Brr. I'm from Sunny Queensland, but we're having our yearly cold snap these past few days). :-)

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Elephant's Child16 July 2015 at 15:21

      Denise Covey: Welcome. My partner has family in Brisbane and they are suffering at the moment. The house simply isn't equipped for cool weather. At the moment their minimum is our maximum...

      Delete
  28. River16 July 2015 at 14:25

    Batty old broad?? Who's been calling you these names? Point me in his direction and I'll smack him down a bit. You are NOT old.
    I love the latest bubble freeze attempt, it looks like a small frosted crystal bowl, tiny size for fairies to bathe in.

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    1. Elephant's Child16 July 2015 at 15:22

      River: It was a woman who called me a batty old broad - and it was affectionately meant and received.
      I was pleased with that half bubble too, but really want to achieve a frozen whole bubble. It may not get cold enough.

      Delete
  29. dinahmow16 July 2015 at 14:35

    I like your freezing bubble pictures. I think, though, that Canberra may not be quite low enough on the scale.The first ones I saw were taken in Colorado mountains!
    As to what people call me...they don't tell me.And I am glad you're getting some blog mileage from "batty old broad." Of course you're not old.How rude!

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    1. Elephant's Child16 July 2015 at 15:24

      dinahmow: I feel old. Physically anyway. Mentally not so but far otherwise. I fear you are right, and we may not get quite cold enough - but live in hope. And it gets me out of the house.

      Delete
  30. Unknown16 July 2015 at 15:11

    I saw this about the time winter was almost over for us or i would have tried it also! It looks interesting. I also want to try the balloon one. where you put colored water in a balloon and freeze it. That would look wonderful against our snow. So I guess I am batty also!

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    1. Elephant's Child16 July 2015 at 15:25

      Teresa Hennes: Coloured water in a balloon? I will have to investigate further. And I hope you do test the bubble caper next winter. You have much more chance of success than I do.

      Delete
  31. Anne in the kitchen16 July 2015 at 17:43

    I have a self imposed moniker that my good friends use regularly. It is "delightfully odd" which means a little different and unusual, but not in a mean or bad way

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    1. Elephant's Child16 July 2015 at 19:58

      Anne in the kitchen: Delightfully odd works well. I like that a lot.

      Delete
  32. Anonymous16 July 2015 at 17:48

    I like the description of you. Whether it is apt or not, well.........
    One good friend described me as 'takes time to get to know'. I'll wear that. Great photo!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Elephant's Child16 July 2015 at 19:59

      Andrew: It is certainly apt at least some of the time. I am not going to say how much of it. And the description of you is one I can wear as well...

      Delete
  33. Craig16 July 2015 at 18:06

    Oh, I think we're all a bit batty. I wouldn't trust anyone who didn't fit that bill quite frankly. I'm sure that I'm known as "That Impatient b******d" as my biggest fault is that everything needs to happen right now, not this afternoon, not tomorrow and certainly not next week!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Elephant's Child16 July 2015 at 20:00

      Craig: My best friends are all a bit odd, so I would agree with you. I hadn't realised you were impatient though. Are you sure? Silly question. Forget I asked.

      Delete
  34. Ellie Foster16 July 2015 at 18:21

    Dear EC
    How about 'eccentric' - that covers a multitude of sins, doesn't it? I quite like the idea of being described as batty!
    Best wishes and enjoy the rest of the week.
    Ellie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Elephant's Child16 July 2015 at 20:01

      Ellie Foster: For some reason (and I have no idea why) I am not comfortable with eccentric. Batty is fine.
      And a great week to you too.

      Delete
  35. Margaret Birding For Pleasure16 July 2015 at 19:04

    HI Sue Well as usul that word got me thinking so I looked it up to see the many other words that it can apply to. This is not a conprehensive list but I thought your readers might like to read it. I do like some of the sland ones

    batty
    adjective crazy, odd, mad, eccentric, bats (slang), out there (slang), nuts (slang), barking (slang), peculiar, daft (informal), crackers (Brit. slang), queer (informal), insane, lunatic, loony (slang), barmy (slang), off-the-wall (slang), touched, nutty (slang), potty (Brit. informal), oddball (informal), off the rails, cracked (slang), bonkers (slang, chiefly Brit.), cranky (U.S., Canad., & Irish informal), dotty (slang, chiefly Brit.), loopy (informal), crackpot (informal), out to lunch (informal), barking mad (slang), out of your mind, outré, gonzo (slang), screwy (informal), doolally (slang), off your trolley (slang), round the twist (Brit. slang), up the pole (informal), off your rocker (slang), not the full shilling (informal), as daft as a brush (informal, chiefly Brit.), wacko or whacko (slang) some batty uncle of theirs

    I am sure from time to time many of these words have been used for me!!!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Elephant's Child16 July 2015 at 20:03

      Margaret Adamson: Love it. And am amazed to note that I knew all of those terms. I don't think I could have come up with all of them unprompted though.

      Delete
    2. Ellen18 July 2015 at 01:21

      The people I know who are the most interesting and worth knowing would be described by that list! I love the "batty" people in my life. As far as I'm concerned, it's those "conventional" types that give me pause...

      Delete
  36. orvokki16 July 2015 at 20:28

    You already have frost on the ground !! ... We have until December, fortunately. Or, when here is now so exceptionally cold summer, it may occur earlier ..
    Photo is lovely.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Elephant's Child17 July 2015 at 14:58

      orvokki: We are in the middle of winter, and frost is expected. By December we will be in my least favourite season, summer, and I will be longing for frost.
      I am glad you liked my bubble shell.

      Delete
  37. DeniseinVA16 July 2015 at 20:39

    I like that photo. I have been hearing about the freezing weather over there. Now, I remember being called a daft bat, usually by one of my parents as a term of endearment, so never took offense.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Elephant's Child17 July 2015 at 14:59

      DeniseinVA: I certainly didn't take offence at being called a batty old broad. It made me laugh - and recognise that there is at least some truth in it.

      Delete
    2. DeniseinVA18 July 2015 at 07:28

      Yes, I wouldn't take offense either, it's a loving term I think.

      Delete
  38. mshatch16 July 2015 at 21:50

    I can relate to your obsession with getting it right. I play with watercolors and one of my favorite things to paint is trees, trying to capture the beauty and green. I have a lot of tree pictures.

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    1. Elephant's Child17 July 2015 at 15:00

      mshatch: You add painting to your talents? I would LOVE to see photos of your work. And am tree obsessed.

      Delete
  39. River Fairchild16 July 2015 at 22:08

    As for freezing bubbles, I'd have to describe you as intensely curious in an insane sort of way...or maybe my kind of friend. Either one would peg you as a five-star person. I shudder to think how others might describe me so I don't bother to speculate. :)

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    1. Elephant's Child17 July 2015 at 15:02

      River Fairchild: Or intensely insane in a curious kind of way. Both have some truth...
      In describing you darkness would come into it. And laughter.

      Delete
    2. River Fairchild17 July 2015 at 20:57

      I like that. :) *insert evil laugh here*

      Delete
  40. Margaret D16 July 2015 at 22:17

    I do like your frozen bubble.

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    1. Elephant's Child17 July 2015 at 15:02

      whiteangel: Thank you. Given the temperatures you are enduring at the moment I would be longing for some frost and ice.

      Delete
  41. Author R. Mac Wheeler16 July 2015 at 23:05

    ha ha...I've been called much worse

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    1. Elephant's Child17 July 2015 at 15:03

      Author R. Mac Wheeler: Some day I will get the third ha from you. And I would really like to know what you have been called...

      Delete
  42. Anonymous16 July 2015 at 23:59

    Nice shot! I think a batty old broad is a compliment! ;-)

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    1. Elephant's Child17 July 2015 at 15:03

      ladyfi: I laughed, and recognised some truth.

      Delete
  43. carol in cairns17 July 2015 at 00:16

    It is so nice when friends can jest with us and accept us for our quirkiness. I am cheering loudly for your scientific success EC. I think a You Tube video is called for. Now that's not a silly idea ~ I bet someone has posted some tips on there to help you.

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    1. Elephant's Child17 July 2015 at 15:12

      carolincairns: They are the very best kind of friends. People who accept us as we are. I think I would need to enlist an extra pair of hands to manage a video. Even the photos and the bubble blowing can get challenging. It is a thought though - if the skinny one is ever awake and prepared to play in the frost it is a possibility.

      Delete
  44. Stephanie Faris17 July 2015 at 00:41

    Hmm... I'm not sure what people would call me. I think I'm determined...that's probably the best word! But I've found in life that most of us are so complex, no one word can describe us. Often it depends on the situation we're in.

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    1. Elephant's Child17 July 2015 at 15:13

      Stephanie Faris: Determined is a good word. My family labelled that determination as stubbornness. And yes, we are indeed made up of lots of different, sometimes contradictory, things.

      Delete
  45. Sonya Ann17 July 2015 at 01:10

    Well bless her rude and honest heart. I have friends like that too.
    Unrelenting but in a good sort of way. Well I say in a good way, I'm sure that the people around me would say it wasn't a good thing.

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    1. Elephant's Child17 July 2015 at 15:14

      Sonya Ann: Those people wouldn't recognise a good thing if it bit them on the butt. Which I hope you do - metaphorically speaking.

      Delete
  46. Jono17 July 2015 at 01:29

    I think "batty old broad" is quite a compliment and a moniker you should wear proudly. The most fun thing about being of a certain age is caring less and less about what others think.
    Freezing bubbles is waaay cool!

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    1. Elephant's Child17 July 2015 at 15:15

      Jono: Learning not to care is sooooooo liberating. How I wish I had developed the skill much, much earlier. And freezing bubbles is both literally and metaphorically cool. Very cool.

      Delete
  47. Plastic Mancunian17 July 2015 at 01:32

    Hi EC,

    My friends (and family) think I'm a "grumpy old git" perhaps due to my excessive ranting abut life.

    Hardly fair.

    ;0)

    Cheers

    PM

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Elephant's Child17 July 2015 at 15:16

      Plastic Mancunian: I have worn that label too. And is sometimes is fair...

      Delete
  48. D.G. Hudson17 July 2015 at 01:36

    I would consider your experiments with bubbles either a scientific test or an artistic test to see what happens. If we don't intrigue our mind, it goes stale. Not batty, but brilliant in wondering. I've always been perfectionist and slightly obsessive about some things, too.

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    1. Elephant's Child17 July 2015 at 15:17

      D.G Hudson: Thank you. I am certainly full of wonder. And awe. About so many things.

      Delete
  49. Relatively Retiring17 July 2015 at 05:40

    How imaginative and clever. Brilliant, not batty, although bats are wonderfully talented, well-adapted creatures.

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    1. Elephant's Child17 July 2015 at 15:18

      Relatively Retiring: I never make the link between the expression batty and the critter. Perhaps because I am so impressed with how well they are adapted to life. Thank you. Food for thought.

      Delete
  50. My Inner Chick17 July 2015 at 05:57

    Cool!!
    A batty old broad! I consider that a compliment, darling. xxxx

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    1. Elephant's Child17 July 2015 at 15:19

      My Inner Chick: I did like the phrase. And accepted that, about some things at least, it is true. Hugs.

      Delete
  51. jenny_o17 July 2015 at 11:01

    I love the frosty picture. Maybe it's because I'm not an early riser, but I've never seen frost that beautiful here! Batty old broad - hee hee - you must be good friends indeed :) I don't like to think what people would call me. Perhaps "always late" or "procrastinator extraordinaire" - or maybe something worse :)

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    1. Elephant's Child17 July 2015 at 15:21

      jenny_o: Frost can be beautiful. Frost on a spider web is spectacular. It gleams in the sun, and puts diamonds to shame.
      I am also a procrastinator but chronically early. Often obscenely early. I had an appointment in town this morning and arrived forty-five minutes early and had to find a way to fill in the time so I didn't stress out the people I was meeting.

      Delete
  52. Anonymous17 July 2015 at 11:54

    More pictures of frozen bubbles please...that one looks like a diamond.

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    1. Elephant's Child17 July 2015 at 15:21

      Delores: Hopefully we will get a good hard frost and I can perfect it. Not for a week or so though.

      Delete
  53. 21 Wits17 July 2015 at 22:25

    Oh absolutely your determination is highly spot on! Names in jest on the spur of the moment can be hilarious!

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    1. Elephant's Child18 July 2015 at 07:19

      Karen S.: She was right. And knew it. And also knew that I would chuckle.

      Delete
  54. Susan Flett Swiderski17 July 2015 at 22:30

    If you're a "batty old broad." that's exactly what I aspire to be. (I think the friend who called you that is an old poop!) One of my friends keeps telling me I'm "weird" because of my sense of humor and the things I enjoy, and I dunno, maybe I am. But it suits me!

    Happy weekend!

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    1. Elephant's Child18 July 2015 at 07:20

      Susan: Being myself is the one thing I do which I KNOW no-one can do any better. Weird, batty, whatever... I am what I am. Until I am not.

      Delete
  55. lotta joy18 July 2015 at 03:32

    YAY!!! So I am not the only "batty old broad" with OCD.

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    1. Elephant's Child18 July 2015 at 07:21

      lotta joy: Nah. There are a lot of us about. Which is wonderful.

      Delete
  56. Bob Bushell18 July 2015 at 05:38

    Beautiful image EC, I didn't know it was so cold in Australia.

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    1. Elephant's Child18 July 2015 at 07:22

      Bob Bushell: Only some of Oz. Some parts are still quite warm, and some parts are colder than us.

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  57. Kim18 July 2015 at 10:13

    EC you mentioned 'soap bubbles' in the comments, do you use regular bubbles or some different mix? I love the frosty spikes on the grasses nestling your little 'gemstone'.

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    1. Elephant's Child18 July 2015 at 10:49

      Kim: I am using dishwashing detergent to blow my bubbles with. It works. I was a bit surprised that the frost spikes didn't pop the bubble - well didn't pop every bubble.

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  58. Vicki18 July 2015 at 18:38

    Well, I'm late to this party, but I would say my friends call me "eccentric", "hermit" and "typical Gemini"...
    And freezing bubbles, or the attempt to - if we had frost like Canberra, would be just the sort of thing I'd try too :)

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    1. Elephant's Child18 July 2015 at 19:14

      Vicki: How nice to see you out and about again. I hope you are feeling much, much better and life has resumed an even keel. My friends call me anti-social rather than a hermit. And are right. And as soon as I saw a photo of a frozen bubble I knew I had to try. And try. And try.

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  59. Mimsie18 July 2015 at 19:32

    Apart from the 'old' I think "batty old broad" a great title to have. Me? I have no idea how anyone would describes but my daughter does often use the term 'old person' so perhaps that would fit.
    I think your idea of freezing bubbles fantastic and hopefully you will have real success soon and we look forward to the perfect frozen bubble.

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    1. Elephant's Child19 July 2015 at 08:01

      Mimsie: I am quite comfortable with the description. And with aging. I wouldn't be a teenager again for anyone.

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  60. A Cuban In London19 July 2015 at 04:36

    I had never heard that phrase before and I confess my first reaction was one of shock! :-) I had to read on before getting all cross that someone had offended you. I'm quite unpredictable and my friends like that about me.

    Greetings from London.

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    1. Elephant's Child19 July 2015 at 08:02

      A Cuban in London: It wasn't meant, or taken as an insult. At all. Unpredictable? I am not brave enough for that.

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  61. Snowbrush19 July 2015 at 05:17

    I think it’s delightful that you photography frozen bubbles, so if this is what your friend had reference to, I wouldn’t take it that you’re batty but that she’s staid. I also would regard it as an interest versus an obsession because I can easily understand why you would want to strive for ever better photos of really good bubbles taken from really good angles and in really good lighting, etc. It’s not like you’re photographing a statue that is always the same and is only influenced by angle, surroundings, and the time of day, etc. It’s also true that there’s no clear dividing line between dedication and obsession. If you sold everything you owned, spent the money on photographic equipment, and then left your husband in order to travel the world making pictures of bubbles, I would think that maybe you were obsessed, but then again, maybe you would just be dedicated. It’s good to give oneself to something other than oneself. Maybe, you’re being judgmental of yourself because—unlike taking photos of war—your focus is, after all, bubbles, and bubbles can be dismissed as trivial. Then again, bubbles—frozen ones more that most, perhaps—are highly metaphoric, and they’re also a subject that probably hasn’t been photographically explored by many people. I admire you for doing so and, if I let my imagination run wild, I can picture an artistic coffee-table book of your bubble photos combined with information about where and how the different photos were made, along with your reflections and the quotations of others about life and art, with the focus being bubbles. If I were to be so arrogant as to suggest anything, it might be that, at some future time, you would make all bubbles your focus (if only because of the changing seasons). Then again, maybe there’s enough variety in frozen bubbles to stick with them and to make your own during the off-season.

    “What phrase would your friends use to describe you?”

    I really don’t know. I feel so out of touch with other people that I couldn’t even guess.

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    1. Elephant's Child19 July 2015 at 08:08

      Snowbrush: The friend is less staid than I am I suspect, and it was an affectionate jibe.
      I am enjoying playing with freezing bubbles - and frustrated because the weather is not co-operating. We have a good frost this morning, but it is only minus 3, which I have learnt is not cold enough. The bubbles start to freeze, but pop before the process is complete. The shells last half an hour or so.
      I am indeed considering upgrading my camera. My point and shoot owes me nothing, and has been fun but it is ten years old and getting tired. I don't think I am going to sell everything though. Probably not...
      I suspect most of us fit many labels. One that I believe would often describe you is intense. And you are definitely a thinker. A self-directed thinker.

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    2. Snowbrush24 July 2015 at 08:36

      "I suspect most of us fit many labels. One that I believe would often describe you is intense."

      I've been complimented for being laid-back, but I knew it was by mistake.

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    3. Elephant's Child24 July 2015 at 14:05

      Snowbrush: I can see that label fitting too. Some of the time, over some issues. Which fits you most often?

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    4. Snowbrush25 July 2015 at 02:56

      I’m way more intense and have only grown in that direction over the years. This is because, when I was young, I had more hope and more illusions regarding my power over the world and over my own life. Now that I see what the score is, it pisses me off, and this makes me more prone to pissing others off. When I ask myself how much I really care, I find that I value being who I am over the approval of other people. I even consider it a strengthening exercise to let other people go their own way.

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    5. Elephant's Child25 July 2015 at 05:46

      Snowbrush: I love that you value being yourself more than getting other people's approval. I fail on that some days - and kick myself for it. Am I also right that you are reserved until you get to know people? That your wonderful quirky sense of humour gets held back?

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  62. Coloring Outside the Lines19 July 2015 at 09:46

    I think that's pretty cool- not batty at all! I am quit found of old broad though...it has a touch of toughness about it, don't you think? :)

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    1. Elephant's Child19 July 2015 at 16:34

      Terri @ Coloring Outside the Lines: I hadn't thought about it that way, but you are right. Resilience rather than aggressive toughness. Batty is fine too.

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  63. Susan 21 July 2015 at 02:16

    If creating such gorgeous bubbles classifies you as "batty" - then you should wear the title proudly!! I am going to have to give a little thought as to what my friends call me...

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    1. Elephant's Child21 July 2015 at 07:20

      Susan F.: I am very comfortable with batty old broad. I have undoubtedly been called much worse, sometimes accurately.

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  64. mail4rosey22 July 2015 at 11:53

    I just saw the post over at A Life Examined. Very cool (that you met, and the day trip!). :)

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    1. Elephant's Child22 July 2015 at 13:34

      mail4rosey: It was very cool. And the credit for the meeting goes to Michael. I am very glad to hear that he enjoyed Questacon.

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  65. Riot Kitty24 July 2015 at 04:01

    I love that picture! Would you sell me a color copy?

    Generally people (not friends specifically) say I am thoughtful and I am weird. I hope friends would say I am a good friend.

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    1. Elephant's Child24 July 2015 at 08:01

      Riot Kitty: I am pretty certain that friends would, and do say you are a good friend.
      I will send you that picture by email shortly.

      Delete
  66. BECKY25 July 2015 at 22:26

    Hello dear Sue! I love this post! You are so creative to think of freezing bubbles and photographing them! I would call you amazing, creative, artistic, and FUN! I have no idea what people would call me. I'm sure there are plenty of different names, depending on the person ;)

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    1. Elephant's Child26 July 2015 at 06:12

      BECKY: The original idea wasn't mine. I was, and am, intrigued though. And will keep trying. Most of us where different labels, depending on the time and the circumstances. Batty old broad probably fits me quite well quite a lot of the time though.

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  67. Donna@LivingFromHappiness27 July 2015 at 00:59

    Oh I love the frosty pics and the idea of freezing bubbles...I think a determined scientific mind suits you...for me I have no idea...stubborn know-it-all might be what some think of me....

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    1. Elephant's Child27 July 2015 at 10:30

      Donna@LivingFromHappiness: Determined yes. Scientific? Not so much. Curious. Endlessly curious. A know-it-all is certainly not the way I have ever thought of you. Determined, yes, but not a know-it-all.

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  68. DMS30 July 2015 at 02:05

    What a cool picture! I can see why you are out and about snapping pictures. :)

    I am not sure what my friends would call me- depends on the day I guess. Crazy is probably in there somewhere!
    ~Jess

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    1. Elephant's Child30 July 2015 at 07:51

      DMS ~ Jess: Crazy is fine. Most labels only fit some of the time anyway.
      We haven't had weather cold enough to continue my bubble obsession for a while. Perhaps Spring is going to arrive early.

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  69. Andrew MacLaren-Scott5 August 2015 at 06:04

    "What phrase would your friends use to describe you?"

    What friends?

    Other people I know, however, would probably say "Gloomy auld git" (apart from the several ladies who would say "Unattainably gorgeous", of course).

    And hello again, it has been a while. I keep myself to myself more these days, busy with things that nobody else considers important.

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    1. Elephant's Child5 August 2015 at 07:45

      Andrew Maclaren-Scott: Nice to see you again. I have been enjoying your photographic journey. And somedays Gloomy auld git is a rational response to life.

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