Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Sunday 31 December 2017

Sunday Selections #360

Sunday Selections was originally brought to us by Kim, of Frogpondsrock, as an ongoing meme where participants could post previously unused photos languishing in their files.
 
The meme is now continued by River at Drifting through life.  The rules are so simple as to be almost non-existent.  Post some photos under the title Sunday Selections and link back to River.  Clicking on any of the photos will make them embiggen.  River is having a blog break at the moment (and will be missed), so I am keeping the meme warm in her absence. 

 

Like River I usually run with a theme.  This week?  A bit of a hotch potch.


Starting with fire in the sky.





It was brief, but dramatic and lovely.

 Then to the junglegarden.  The lilies, the roses and the weeds are thriving.









I liked the feather flower too.

I am finishing with a small outing.  A very urban friend (who sees the countryside as somewhere to drive through on your way to a city) raved about an exhibition of wildlife photography at our National Library. 

She even said she wondered whether she had been wrong to discount the beauty of the natural world!  So on a vilely hot day we went to the library for some beauty and respite.

The exhibition featured the photography of Peter Dombrovskis and some of the glorious parts of the Tasmania wilderness he captured.  It included some stunning macros of lichen too. 








 And how right she was.  It was glorious.  Taking photographs of photographs, particularly when they are behind reflective glass is not easy.  I do hope that you can see some of the incredible beauty.  The photograph above is of a snow gum - in the snow.  Aren't those colours dramatic?

I have to admit to a fall from grace.  As we left the exhibition himself noticed a small 'No Photography' sign.  Oops.

The library is lovely too.




153 comments:

  1. I look at your photos each week and wish I could be where you are to see what you're seeing. Even on a vilely hot day.

    Love,
    Janie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Janie Junebug: What a lovely thing to say. Viley hot will be the norm here for a bit. There will still be beauty though.

      Delete
  2. Before I read your words, EC, I saw fire in the sky.
    A stunning display of photos to cap the year, EC.
    Thank you, and may 2018 bring daily unexpected treasures.

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    1. Rawknrobyn: Thank you. I hope that 2018 is gentler than this one has been. I would welcome unexpected treasure though.

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  3. Beauty, everywhere you look!

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    1. Sandi: Thank you. This beauty addict is so very grateful.

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  4. Oh my gosh- how gorgeous! I love all your photos today- made me smile and wish I could see this display in person. Happy New Year to you and yours!

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    1. Terri @ Coloring Outside the Lines: Thank you. I am pretty certain (completely certain) that you will continue to find beauty just where you are.

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  5. I never tire of your photos; I can't imagine someone who discounts the beauty and value of nature, they are missing so much, glad you showed your friends some of it so it can be appreciated more in the future by them.

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    1. Linda Starr: Her attitude is alien to me too. Mind you, I don't appreciate many of the things she loves either.

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  6. Compelling and beautiful, as always. Your fall from grace is forgiven. Wishing you a happy year ahead.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. e: Thank you. I do feel guilty about taking photos. I am surprised no-one stopped me. I don't feel (quite) guilty enough to delete them though.
      I hope the new year is much gentler and kinder to you (and the world) than this one.

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    2. Thanks. I hope so, too!

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    3. e: We all do. Devoutly. Whether we are religious or not.

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  7. Oh beauty. Now I am off to tell the new neighbors that their dog is freezing outside. She is barking at their back door. I sure don't want to do it. It is bitter out today. I need to be down there.

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    1. donna baker: Some worldwide weather moderation would be nice wouldn't it? I hope that your neighbours dog is safe and warm now.

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  8. Dear EC
    Such lovely photos of the natural world which never fails to enchant.
    Here's to continuing that appreciation throughout 2018 - Happy New Year to you and yours.
    Best wishes
    Ellie

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    1. Ellie Foster: Thank you. We live in a beautiful world and I hope to appreciate its wonders for many years yet. A very Happy New Year to you and yours.

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  9. Viley hot? It is viley cold in these parts and covered in snow. Love the flowers.

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    1. Sue in Italia/In the Land of Cancer: I would swap in a heart beat.

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  10. The sky really does look like fire. I hope your heat relents a bit to make it more comfortable there.

    Beautiful flowers, as ever. The blossoms are so lush. I have not seen flowers here that look like that; ours are a smaller, paler imitation. I expect it is a side benefit from all the heat, at least until the heat dries everything to a frazzle.

    I'm glad you had that outing. Who says people can't change? Your friend seems to be going there :)

    ReplyDelete
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    1. jenny_o: We have had a couple of slightly cooler days. The heat will ramp up again next week though. I have been watching the temperatures on your side of the world and hoping you can stay safe and warm.
      I wonder whether my friend will change or if it was a temporary aberration? I hope the change sinks in.

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  11. Just gorgeous, EC. Each new set of photos better than the previous one. The snow gum is incredible!

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    1. Marie Smith: The snow gum photograph was amazing. I was drawn back to it time and time again.

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  12. Replies
    1. Bob Bushell: It was spectacular while it lasted.

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  13. Replies
    1. A Casa Madeira: Welcome, thank you - and to you and yours.

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  14. If there is one tree I love, it is a smooth barked gum, no matter whether it's a lemon scented or a snow gum or a Sydney red.
    Beautiful pictures, EC. Thank you. And I hope you have some more outings to cooler places planned for the coming heat

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    1. kylie: I love them all, but would love to see a snow gum for myself. I am hoping for more cool outings too, but will see what the day(s) bring...

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  15. Well, you didn't get caught taking the photos...and I won't tell! My lips are sealed, even if my fingers are doing the talking! :)

    A very Happy New Year to you and Himself, EC...and a big New Year's cuddle to Jazz from me. :)

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    1. Lee: Thank you. I hope your and your furry overlords have a wonderful year.

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  16. Fire in the sky is always brief, but quite wonderful. While I've not heard of him before, Peter's Tasmania photographs are brilliant. I too have seen 'no photography' signs as I have exited somewhere where I have taken photos, or noticed the sign in the photos later.

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    1. Andrew: He was admitted (posthumously sadly) to the International Photographers Hall of Fame. A migrant, from Latvia he grew to love Tasmania - and it shows.

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  17. Beautiful colours in the library windows and on the tree trunk - but they can't beat the colours of your sky shots and your roses!

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    1. Alexia: Thank you. You are a shameless flatterer - and I am touched. The roses have scents to match their colours too. Rich, heady and delightful.

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  18. Your spring is beautiful. I LOVE the rainbow (?) tree. Someday we'd want to touch one.

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    1. Susan Kane: Isn't the snow gum glorious. Capturing the colours in the snow just adds to the magic.

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  19. How could you not take pictures? They are beautiful!

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    1. Birdie: I took a LOT of pictures. And marvelled. The exhibition is free and on until the end of January. I may go back.

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  20. Tell them you are sharing it with the world. Silly restriction. Art is bigger than rules. The stacked stones are wonderful.

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    1. Joanne Noragon: Weren't they. And to the best of my knowledge the stacking was natural.

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  21. I started reading the comments and your responses, but I realized I would be here ALL DAY if I didn't stop. Seems from what I've read, though others enjoyed your pictures as much as me even if I wasn't supposed to see them. I especially love the roses; they are beautiful and legal! :-)_

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    1. DJan: Thank you so much. I will be picking some roses later today to perfume the house.

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  22. I love illegal pictures! bahahaha! I'm very glad you didn't notice the sign. Gorgeous shots - both his and yours. I've never heard of a snow gum. It looks like a wood carving with paint streaked on it. :)

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    1. River Fairchild: I am a bit surprised that no-one was policing it. And grateful. Aren't those colours incredible?

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  23. Stunning pictures EC, I still love the shots of the sky but the rest are absolutely amazing also.

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    1. Jimmy: Thank you. I never, ever tire of the sky.

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  24. I was introduced to his work at the time of the drama over the Gordon, below Franklin, dam.
    And did you know that Bob Brown (yes!) published a book about Dombrovskis' work a couple of months ago?

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    1. dinahmow: Bob Brown's book was for sale at the National Library. It was a beautiful thing - but not cheap. I too saw his photos during the Gordon on Franklin protests but I am ashamed to say his name had slipped my memory.

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  25. Elephant's Child, I like all those photos, but I especially love your photos of your flowers and those sky scenes!

    I wish you and yours much happiness in the year of 2018!

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    1. Lon Anderson: Thank you. I hope you and your wife have a wonderful year ahead.

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  26. I always enjoy all your photos, but the fire in the sky ones get me like no other. Wildernesses are what I prefer over all else, just back from some of the most heart-stopping ones in Africa. Bliss!

    Wish you and family a wonderful, happy, peaceful and fun 2018!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nilanjana Bose: Dusk and dawn are my most favourite times of day. Dusk is more dramatic here as a rule, but dawn has rather a lot of charm as well. And yes, wildernesses are magic. Long may they remain.

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  27. I love the stained glass windows. I would like to know how you get the velvety red rose to show its true colour. Every red rose I photograph comes out vermilion. Ditto any other red flower.
    Can you believe I forgot it is Sunday? I know it is December 31st, but forgot what day it is (*~*)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. River: I can remember being taken on a school excursion to see those windows shortly after the library opened. I liked them then, I love them now. I put capturing the true colour of red flowers down to luck - and the camera.
      You missed last Sunday Selections too. Your break must be doing you good. Which is wonderful.

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  28. The snow gum in the snow is just beautiful but then so are all your photographs. I particularly like the fire in the sky pictures and your gorgeous flowers.
    I did smile when I read about the ‘no photography’ sign, I’ve done the same thing myself in the past and felt incredibly guilty about it. Still no harm done, it just means more of us have the chance to see them.

    Wishing you and your family all the very best in 2018. Thank you for all your amazing blog posts.

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    1. Barbara Fisher: Thank you. I hope your family time in my country is wonderful - and am sure it will be. And a very happy and healthy New Year to you and yours.

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  29. I just love a great sunrise or sunset photo. The colors are always so beautiful. It just gets to me. So inspiring. Love all the flowers too. Happy New Year!

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    1. We are:Clamco: They get to me too. Thank you - and a very Happy New Year to you and your family too.

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  30. That first set of photos is to die for. Unbelievably beautiful. :-)

    Greetings from London.

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  31. The same soil that makes your flowers thrive grows the weeds, because, as Winnie-th-Pooh pointed out, weeds are flowers, too, once you get to know them.

    Beautiful pictures, and i've put up only 3 that struck my fancy today, with no theme at all. http://messymimismeanderings.blogspot.com/2017/12/love-to-give-and-sunday-selections.html#comments

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    1. messymimi: How right you are. And some 'weeds' are very beautiful. I have been and enjoyed your Sunday Selections. Thank you for joining us.

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  32. You have to know those skies are my fav

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    1. Author R. Mac Wheeler: Not the snow gum? I am flattered.

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  33. Wow, you got excellent pics of pics! I list on ebay and taking photos of paintings is so difficult! Your flowers are stunning, as always, and I so wish it was vilely hot here.

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    1. mshatch: Taking pictures of pictures is very challenging isn't it? And I didn't share those of my attempts which were epic failures. I am so over the heat - as you no doubt are of the cold.

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  34. I love to look at the sky and how I would love a library that had such beautiful exhibitions (even if some people don't see the 'no photo' signs). Your pictures are ALL spectacular. As always, I am so grateful to you for being so generous with your experiences.
    Have a Happy New Year!

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    Replies
    1. Myrna R.: The National Library almost always has an exhibition or two. And they are all free to the public and often gorgeous. We really need to go there more often. I hope your New Year is wonderful.

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  35. Replies
    1. Robert Bennett: That Mother of Pearl is an abalone shell. It was, and may still be, a thriving industry in Tasmania.

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  36. I love all your photos, but the garden touches me most today as we are expecting a hard freeze tonight and barely getting above freezing all the next week.

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    1. Mason Canyon: Isn't it lovely to be able to experience two seasons simultaneously. I have been revelling in rather a lot of cooling images from your side of the world. Stay warm, stay safe and Happy New Year.

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  37. Happy New Year, Ms. Ansel Adams!!

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    1. fishducky: Thank you. Ansel Adams would probably not be best pleased, but I am flattered.

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  38. Really beautiful. All the pics!
    How does 2018 feel at the moment? : )

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    1. Caterina: Thank you. 2018 feels fine. It is not too hot (yet) and I have already done some weeding. I hope your year is lovely.

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  39. Happy New Year.

    I wish You all the best.
    Greeting and hug.

    JST 01.01.2018, From Japan, ruma ❃

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    1. ruma: Welcome and thank you. I hope your year is wonderful.

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  40. Dang! We live on an incredible planet.
    R

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    1. Rick Watson: We do. And it is time to look after it better.

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  41. Hi EC, hope you had a good Christmas. Best wishes.

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    1. Terry: Lovely to see you. Christmas was quiet and pleasant. I hope yours was good and the year to come even better.

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  42. Loving all these photos!! Truly beautiful! Weeds are just mother nature's wild flowers :) I have tones of them in the summer! LOL!
    You're lucky your camera wasn't taken from you! Snow gum? Never heard of that before! Happy New Year! Here's to a great 2018!! Give your fur babies hugs from me!

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    1. Magic Love Crow: Weeds are a constant here too. Happy New Year. I have given Jazz a pat from you - and he thanks you.

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  43. Words have been published on my blog Happy new year to you and your loved ones.

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    1. Vest: Lovely to see you posting for Words for Wednesday again - and thank you.

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  44. You go to so many interesting places. The photos are stunning, but I suppose you can understand why they don't want them photographed. Happy New Year to you! Let's hope it's a good one.

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    1. LL Cool Joe: I do understand why photography is often forbidden. And would have abided by the ruling if I had seen the sign.
      I hope 2018 treats you and yours much more kindly than the year which is gone.

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  45. The skyline is so amazing and soothing to look at. I don't how you do it, but you find some of the most unusual places to visit, and they are so neat to look at. Somehow, I can see it through your eyes, and I really love it! Happy New Year! Hugs...RO

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    1. RO: We are lucky. My widely touted as boring city has some amazing exhibitions, parks and public places. And I am so glad that other people like some of the same things I do. Hugs.

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  46. I'm so happy you didn't see the No Photos sign going in. The pictures you took were beautiful and I loved being able to see them.

    Here's to breaking more rules in 2018.

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    Replies
    1. cleemckenzie: His work is glorious and I mourn his relatively early death. And rejoice in the beauty he showed, cherished and left.

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  47. All kinds of glories here today, EC:) Your garden is just beautiful. Had to chuckle about the no photos sign:)
    Happy New Year, and may 2018 be the best ever.

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    Replies
    1. Sandra Cox: Some of the garden is lovely. Most of it requires work. Lots of work.
      A very Happy New Year to you and yours. Best ever is something to aim for.

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  48. It does look like fire in the sky! I can imagine it would be hard to take pics of pics. They are beautiful

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    1. Kim Standard: It was very difficult to photograph the photographs in a way which captured their stunning beauty. We may have to go back - and this time I will obey the rules.

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  49. Fire in the sky - a very apt description. So pleased you were able to capture these photo's and share them.

    So pleased you didn't spot the no photo sign!

    Happy New Year

    All the best Jan

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    1. Lowcarb team member~Jan: Thank you. And a very Happy Healthy Year to you and yours.

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  50. Hi EC - those are delightful photos - and yes the Library was well worth a visit ... so glad you skipped seeing the notice! All the best for 2018 = cheers Hilary

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    1. Hilary Melton-Butcher: The Library is always worth a visit, and we don't get there often enough. All the best to you too. I hope you are enjoying your current adventure to the max.

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  51. What a stunning sky. Wow! Love the colors. And your garden is fantastic. So many gorgeous sights. :)

    I am so glad you went to the library and shared your pictures with us. Hey- you didn't see the sign until the end- so you can't feel bad about taking them. Plus- now we all got to hear and see part of the wonderful exhibit. Thanks for sharing.

    Here's to a happy and healthy 2018.
    ~Jess

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    1. DMS ~Jess: Thank you. I hope that 2018 is full of conquered challenges for you and Stephanie.

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  52. Fire in the sky is gorgeous, better place for it than anywhere else! Your flowers are lovely, a breath of fresh air while here in S Ontario we are suffering a deep freeze, -12C this afternoon, then -24C at night, feeling even colder in the wind. Sometimes I wonder why I ever decided to come and live here!!!!!!! Brrrrrrr
    I have some photos of the stained glass windows at the library too, beautiful colours, so vibrant.

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    1. Shammickite: Those windows are lovely aren't they? And I love the glow that they cast on events in the shop and the cafe.
      I like the cold, but have rarely experienced those sort of temperatures. Perhaps I would change my mind.

      Delete
  53. Happy New Year, making blog rounds today. Never did find the right place to link when I popped in the last time. What gorgeous photo's. The Roses especially, when we look out and see all the ugly cold snow, the roses make me smile.

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    1. Sandy: A very Happy New Year to you and yours. We don't have a formal linky tool - so just including a link back to River in the text is fine.
      I am glad that you are enjoying our roses. I am revelling in the snowscapes from your side of the world.

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  54. Dear EC, that photographer at the exhibit is one talented human being. No wonder your friend wondered if she'd been missing something in her drive through country and wilderness.

    I've never before seen a "snow tree." What a wonder it is.

    As to your garden, I found the apricot roses delightful.

    Peace in this new year and thank you for your new year's comment on my blog. We have so much for which to be grateful.

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    1. Dee: Isn't the snow-gum glorious. And yes, Peter was talented. And dedicated. The world is a little smaller and duller without him - but immeasurably richer because he was here.
      Peace and happiness to you in this New Year and all the days to come.

      Delete
    2. Dear EC, thank you for the good wishes for 2018. I so hope that I'll get structure and routine back in my life. I've lost that in the past three years and need it if I want to write seriously. Peace.

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    3. Dee: I so hope you find a structure and a routine which works for you.

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  55. The purple sky is enchanting!
    Taking photos of photos is quite tricky. Taking photos through a car window is also a challenge.
    I never tire of the roses. *sigh*
    Happy New Year from over here. B x

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    1. Bea: I have never mastered the art of taking photos though a car window. And I too love roses, but thoroughly enjoy the very different vistas you share.
      Happy New Year to you and yours.

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  56. I love that feather flower. I'm here to wish you a happy new year!

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    1. mail4rosey: Thank you so much - and to you. I hope the coming year is wonderful.

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  57. Hey Sue,

    A glorious collection of photos to start out 2018 on the right note.

    I've been known to take photos of photos. Thankfully, most worked out just fine, with a little bit of doctoring.

    Thanks for the photos and yep, it's a jungle out there!

    Welcome to 2018.

    Gary

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    1. klahanie: Dear Gary it is lovely to see your punning self out and about in the blogosphere. I hope 2018 is WONDERFUL for you, for Penny and for Tristan.

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  58. Happy New Year to you, may it be a great one!
    Love your blooms.
    Peter took some great photos in his life time :)

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    1. Margaret-whiteangel: Thank you. I hope that your year is lovely. Another trip?
      And yes, he took some amazing photos. Simple, elegant and spectacularly beautiful.

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  59. Replies
    1. Tammy Theriault: Thank you. We live in a beautiful world.

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  60. What a feast of glorious beauty! Thank you. And wishing you much more joy, beauty and good health in the year ahead.

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  61. That first picture is one of the most magnificent sky pics I've ever seen. It would be beautiful framed and hung.
    Hope your day is filled with sparkle.
    Hugs

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    1. Sandra Cox: Thank you. I am so in awe of Nature's palette and skill.

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  62. I've done the same - taken photos, then realized later it wasn't allowed. I'm so glad you transgressed so we could see those marvelous images.

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    1. Lynn: I am usually so very careful. The friend who told me about the exhibition had taken photos which may have influenced me. And what incredible photos Peter took. Awe and wonder.

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  63. Wonderful photos. a Happy and Inspirational New Year to you!

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  64. Oh my such lovely captures, and a wonderful way to move into 2018! May happiness and good cheer follow you everywhere you go!

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    1. Karen S.: Even on my own darkest days there is beauty. And I am so very grateful.

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  65. Such glorious pictures! But I'll tell you something. Although the professional photographer's photos on display at that library are terrific, they aren't any better than some of the wonderful photos you've taken and posted right here. Maybe you should be featured at a display at the library... :)

    HAPPY NEW YEAR, dear Sue. May the vile heat not be TOO vile this year.

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    1. Susan: Thank you. His photos really ARE better than mine, but thank you so much. And the heat will pass. Though this weekend will be ugly.

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  66. Your flowers are just beautiful. I would love to stroll through your garden.
    Have a day filled with sparkle and good health.
    Hugs,

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    1. Sandra Cox: Thank you. Mind you, strollers in the garden are put to work. And there is always plenty of it.

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  67. I had to scroll down here to get my photo fix. Ahhhh :)
    Now I'm recharged enough to carry on!

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    1. Carol Kilgore: I am really, really chuffed to think that my photos recharge you.

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  68. That sky is GLORIOUS! And i truly appreciate the beautiful garden photos - we're freezing our nuggets off over here in the states. no end in sight! Happy new year!

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    1. daisyfae: I have been watching your weather. And will admit to some envy. Possibly based on ignorance, but envy just the same. I am so over our sweaty season.

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  69. Oh,
    I gasped when I saw the stained glass in the library. Magical. xx

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    1. My Inner Chick: Aren't they glorious? And given the way I feel about libraries it is entirely appropriate to have them there.

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  70. Dombrovskis's work is so sharp! Great positioning.

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    1. Dombrovskis work is incredible. And has been a significant influence on preserving a lot of Tasmania's wild country.

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  71. Stunning collection of photographs. Stunning.

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    1. The Happy Whisk: Thank you. I am still blown away by the Tasmanian Wilderness photos.

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  72. A very frustrating post this week EC. Those roses are so exquisite that I want to be able to lean forward and smell their fragrance

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    1. Kim: Their fragrance was truly lovely. Heady and rich. They are suffering in the heat though.

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  73. My very late Happy New Year -greetings to you, my friend.

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    1. orvokki: Never to late. I hope your year is wonderful.

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