Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Sunday 23 February 2020

Sunday Selections #469




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.

Huge thanks to Cie who gave me this wonderful Sunday Selections image.
  
The meme was then continued by River at Drifting through life.  Sadly she has now stepped aside (though she will join us some weeks), and I have accepted the mantle.
 
The rules are so simple as to be almost non-existent.  Post some photos under the title Sunday Selections and link back to me. Clicking on any of the photos will make them embiggen. 
 
I usually run with a theme.  This week I have spent in a snot festival (a combination of a summer cold and allergies) battling digestive issues so I haven't gone far at all from home.  This week's Sunday Selections are largely experimental photos taken over a number of days in one of my favourite parts of the day from first light to just after dawn.


Starting with the sky.








And then to photos I took in the garden, mostly using the Aperture Priority setting, when there really wasn't enough light.  Some were failures, and some were interesting.  No doubt I will continue to play.  



These two quite different photos are of the same subject.  The second was taken about ten minutes later than the first...
Sadly the first is strongly reminiscent of the flashes that retinal tears produce in my right eye.  I assume the flashes are there all the time but I am only aware of them in reduced light.  They can be quite disconcerting.






 



I am fascinated by the differences that changing light makes.  No doubt my family would put this into the small things amusing small minds category but my very adult self pokes her tongue out at them.

I hope your week is filled with fascination and light.

165 comments:

  1. Ah, you are a morning person. So am I. Hope you feel better soon.

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    1. gigi-hawaii: I am definitely a morning person, though my partner insists that my morning is really night. It isn't quite light yet.

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  2. Those flowers aaer reminding of fireworsk. And I too am fascinated by ligth on flowers and almost anything, taking a zillion photos. I love your adult self's tongue poking. And I hope that you are feeling better and that your mornings are clearer with every passing day.

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    1. Charlotte (MotherOwl): The grasses in particular did look like fireworks didn't they? It is still early here, but is clear and beautiful.

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  3. The play of light is glorious! Have a great week, EC.

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    1. Marie Smith: Light is a joy isn't it? Still early here, and between responding to comments and attending to the cat I have been taking photographs.

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  4. What fun! I especially like those bottle brush looking flowers in the varying light. :-)

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    1. DJan: Thank you. I am glad that you enjoyed my experiments.

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  5. I love your experiments! I do that, too. It's surprising what comes out sometimes, and it's always a learning experience.

    Those first two photos of skies take my breath away. What magnificent colour!

    I hope you feel better soon. Being well acquainted with digestive issues, I feel your pain. And confinement. And snot's not fun either. Hunker down and read, dear friend. Although I don't think you need to be told that :)

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    1. jenny_o: The light this morning was quite similar to those first two photos. A wonderful start to the day.
      I am slowly getting better. I know you will understand just how vile I was feeling when I tell you that reading was too much like hard work...

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  6. More than often it is the small things that are most beautiful and most entertaining, and even the smallest, most fleeting glimpse is worthwhile...and those who don't see or realise this are small-minded...and that is not you in any way, EC. :)

    I'm sorry to learn you're still having discomfort...I hope it all clears away during the coming week, and you're back feeling all well again. Take care...cuddles to Jazz. :)

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    1. Lee: The little things are huge in my world, and I feel no shame.
      I am better than I was, and hopeful the improvement will continue.
      I hope you and the furry overlords have a wonderful week.

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  7. I have an appointment at the hospital on Monday and I have a strong feeling I have a retinal tear too. I always think the eye is healing in the day and then as the night draws in I realise I can see these flashing lights right in the corner of my left eye. I didn't realise I'd have them forever. Geez.

    Great photos as usual.

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    1. LL Cool Joe: Good luck with the appointment. I know exactly what you mean. During the day it is fine, and at night the flashes start. I have had mine for well over a year now, and they seem to be a permanent fixture.
      And thank you.

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  8. Sorry about the snot.
    Those are some really nice experiments. Very cool shots!

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    1. Alex J. Cavanaugh: Thank you. Experiments continued this morning - and then I went back to bed.

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  9. Those are some extraordinary shots of the flowers! It's amazing what differences come out with changes of lighting. Thanks for sharing and hope you feel better very soon.

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    1. River Fairchild: I went back to bed again and feel almost human at the moment. Almost.

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  10. Interesting camera play in interesting lighting at times. I should play more with the camera.

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    1. Andrew: There are a lot of settings I rarely use, so I am determined to experiment more.

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  11. Wow what stunning and fascinating shots you have shown us today, EC! Morning is my favourite time of day as well, and I love going for our daily walk (Manu comes too) when the sky is as clear as your first 2 photos.

    Like you, I had about a week snot-full with a summer cold. And again like you, I have had problems with a retinal tear, which produced those annoying flashes. Mine was about 18 months ago - the specialist assured me that the flashes should eventually disappear, and I'm glad to say that they have almost gone completely, except for an occasional one at night. I hope yours will tail off altogether, eventually.

    I hope you have a better week. Please carry on experimenting!

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    1. Yesterday we had actual rain! AND it's only going to be 28 degrees today.

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    2. Alexia: Snot-full is not fun is it? Nor are the flashes, though I am grateful to not see them in the day time.
      I am thrilled you had rain and cooler temperatures (and long for more rain here too).

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  12. It is surprising that a tilt of the earth, sun going down, and you can make such beauty.

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    1. Susan Kane: I am a beauty addict and I firmly believe it is everywhere - if I open my eyes, heart and mind.

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  13. Your photos are outstanding, Sue. Early morning light give such a beautiful glow.

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    1. Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe: It is one of my favourite times of day. I love the transition which starts off so gentle and then sometimes explodes...

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  14. Your experimental photos entertained you and fascinated me. I just point and shoot. So, please continue experimenting!
    Hope you feel better soon.

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    1. Catarina: Thank you. I mostly point and shoot too but have promised myself more explorations/experiments.

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  15. Your streetlights look like a giant's sparkler that is just about to go out!

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    1. Sandi: I hadn't seen that so I went back and looked. How right you are! And at that time of day, they do go out quickly. Renewable sparklers is a lovely way to look at street lights. Thank you.

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  16. Well, two of us can poke out tongues, then. As an old used of light meters and cameras that didn't decide on aperture or shutter priority, I was following right along, and had a chuckle at tongue poking.

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    1. Joanne Noragon: I do a fair amount of tongue poking. And experimenting.

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  17. I am also fascinated by how different things can look when the light changes. This is one of the reasons decorators supply small swatches of colour and instruct you to hang them on whatever wall you are going to paint, so you can see how they look at all times of the day to make a final paint colour choice.

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    1. River: The changes are so fast too. At dusk and at dawn particularly ten minutes makes a HUGE difference. Sometimes a minute makes a huge difference. I have learnt to go out when I see interesting light and not to wait. And it has still changed by the time I get out there...

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  18. Your studies of light, of different kinds, are quite beautiful.

    My week was random, and thus so are my selections.

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    1. messymimi: Thank you. I am looking forward to seeing your selections when they go up.

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  19. I've always been mad for sky shots, any skies. I like your experimentation and I do hope you're on the mend.

    XO
    WWW

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    1. Wisewebwoman: Thank you. I am a big fan of skyscapes. Mostly I hope I am on the mend, though there have been a few steps backwards.

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  20. Lovely skies, as always. And I'm envious of the Hoyas. I've tried, many times, but something always thwarts me.Usually @#!!ing ants.

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    1. dinahmow: We picked the hoya up at a market stall (ten? years ago). The previous owner got tired of waiting for it to flower. It does now. We have planted cuttings (from cockatoo prunings) and hope that they too flower. The ants like them, but don't bother them.

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  21. I loved your early morning photos especially the one with red spikes that you compared with retinal tears in such a sinister fashion. Hope your eyes are doing good though.

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    1. Kalpana: My retinal tears do present themselves just like that - though I will admit to not seeing their beauty. I am glad you enjoyed my early morning experimentation.

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  22. Sorry to hear you are under the weather so I hope you get better soon. The sy shots are all wonderful. Like you I am a morning person and now I am walking with other people 5 days a week which we all love even it is cold. Love all the love images and once again, like you I like experimenting although nowadays I do not seem to have anytime for it. I hope you have a better week than last week.

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    1. Margaret Birding For Pleasure: Thank you. In the scale of things my current maladies are very minor indeed. I do hope they are gone shortly though.
      Hooray for early mornings.

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  23. Hope you get well soon. I loved all the photos! Thank you.

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  24. The skies, beautiful EC. And the flowers and grasses, love 'em.

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    1. Bob Bushell: I am a big fan of the sky too - and the garden, as you know.

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  25. How beautiful are these light images. Thanks for sharing. I hope you're better soon

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  26. I hope you feel better this week!
    The skies are pretty and since the loss of "my" hoya which grew over the fence from the neighbours and was killed when the fence was replaced, I really appreciate seeing yours.

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    1. kylie: Thank you. Our hoya lost all its blooms in a particularly hot week earlier this summer. I thought that was it for the year and was thrilled to see more blooms. Really thrilled.

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  27. Get better! That's an order! Terrific skies, Sue, and the experimenting with your camera has brought great results with the flowers too. The hoyas look exceptionally splendid.

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    1. David M. Gascoigne: Thank you. I have been sending similar orders but so far the body is not paying a lot of attention.
      Hooray for skyscapes. And gardens.

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  28. So strange...you and I live so far apart and yet...are both suffering the lingering effects of flu and stomach problems! 🙁
    It is such a pain...I can totally sympathize...and hope you feel a lot better real soon.

    Your photos, in spite of it all...are truly stunning, as always, and that is what makes it such a pleasure to visit!😊😊
    Certainly not "Little things pleasing little minds"...your blog is utterly delightful and uplifting!!
    My family only very rarely read mine, so I don't have that concern...a positive thing in my case...as one family member described it as "Crap"!! Lol

    Have a fabulous Sunday, and get well soon 😊😊

    Lots of love and hugs ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

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    1. Ygraine: I am sorry you are wrestling with ill health and hope you feel much, much better soon.
      My family doesn't read my blog (for which I am thankful). I fear it would reinforce too many of their opinions.
      Huge hugs.

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  29. Dear EC
    I hope you are beginning to feel a little better. I always enjoy your nature photos and the light experiments are fascinating.
    Best wishes
    Ellie

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    1. Ellie Foster: Thank you. I am still in the step forward, step back dance but am well aware that in the scale of things I have not got a lot to complain about.
      There will be more (but different) light experiments next week.

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  30. Hi EC - light and the perceptions of colour we receive - are so different for each of us ... I'm learning a little about this now - and I fall into the small-minded person looking at weird and wonderful ideas!! ... but I do hate following the crowds. Gorgeous photos ... particularly the first one of your garden - amazing ... take care and thank goodness the fires seem to be under control. Cheers Hilary

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    1. Hilary Melton-Butcher: I don't cope well with crowds - or following them.
      Thank you - and yes, I am thrilled that many of the fires are finally out and I think that all of them are now under control. Long may it last. The koalas and the endangered southern corroboree frog have gone home to Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve (which hopefully will be able to open again soon).

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  31. Once again, you've taught me to see the natural world in a different way. Thank you for once again sharing the beauty on your side of the world and in your yard.

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    1. Dragonquillca: Thank you. I believe that there are as many ways to see the world (natural or otherwise) as there are eyes. And hope that people continue to look.

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  32. Indeed fascinating. Continue to poke your tongue out at them (and I will too). Love your beautiful photos.

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    1. Mason Canyon: I can't tell you how much the image of a platoon of people joining me in poking their tongues out at my family means. I am smiling rather a lot. Thank you.

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  33. Beautiful photos. It looks like very natural

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    1. Vicky Cahyagi: Thank you. I turn to the natural world for so often.

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  34. These photos are wonderous, EC:) Sorry to hear you are feeling poorly. Hope your energy level is up, your sinuses dry up and that you have a rollicking good time with your camera.
    Hugs

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    1. Sandra Cox: Thank you. It is still a snotfest here, but I think/hope a dryer snotfest.

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  35. I love your pictures. I need to start playing around with the buttons on my camera and see what I can come up with. I hope the cold/allergies go away for you soon.

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    1. Mary Kirkland: I mostly only use a few of the cameras settings and I need to explore. And playing around is the best way I can manage that.

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  36. Ypur very adult self pokes her tongue out at them... That's so funny. Love the pics!

    Hope you're doing fine,
    Blue

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    1. Blue Grumpster: My very adult self is often not very adult. Tough.
      My problems are minor. I hope you are doing much better than you were.

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  37. I sincerely hope you are now feeling a lot better …

    I enjoyed seeing your photographs, light plays such an important part in them doesn't it …

    Take care

    All the best Jan

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    1. Lowcarb team member ~Jan: Light (physical, mental and emotional) is a very important thing.
      Have a wonderful week.

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  38. LOL small things amuse me too! :) I also love to tinker with the camera settings. I admit that I rarely read manuals, but you can get some really cool effects by playing around with the settings! Your skies looks so much clearer!

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    1. Rain: The sky is a heap clearer. Which is wonderful. I do read manuals, but it doesn't sink in until I play.
      I hope you are closer to finding that perfect home.

      Delete
  39. I actually managed to get one done today!
    Fossil Dig and Cave Art
    You always have so many beautiful and varied photos. My photography posts always look harried, slapdash, and lazy, but they take me as long as writing a chapter does. I'm not really sure why.

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    1. The Ornery Old Lady: Selecting/adding photos to a post isn't fast here either.
      I am just about to head off to view your Sunday Selections. Thank you for joining the fun again.

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  40. Wow,those photos are so pretty!

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  41. Replies
    1. Plastic Mancunian: Thank you. I do love the sky. In most of its moods.

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  42. I imagine your best medicine is your photography practice. I'm so grateful for it. Your pics are delightful. I especially like the crispness of the last few.
    You are a true artist. I think many artists are ridiculed; their art rejected by family and community. That didn't stop them, I'm glad it won't stop you. Poke out your tongue at them. I'll join you.

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    1. Myrna R.: Thank you. That is a truly lovely thing to say. I don't have the temerity to call myself an artist, but am very, very happy to have found a tribe happy to poke their tongues out with me.

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  43. Beautiful pictures. The mimosas are my favorite.

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    1. Rick Watson: Thank you. We know them as flowers from the Japanese or Persian silk tree (Albizia julibrissin). They are really prone to borer attack and not long ago we had most of this tree cut back hard.

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  44. Hey Beautiful Soul. I hope you're feeling ok???
    I think all your pictures are gorgeous! It is amazing how light can change a picture so drastically!!! Big Hugs!

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    1. Magic Light Crow: Light (or its lack) makes all the difference. I am snotty and wobbly but ok. How about you? Hugs.

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  45. These are beautiful! And your family is being ridiculous if they think considering lighting in photography is for small minds. It's a cornerstone of photography!

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    1. John Wiswell: My family only considered the issues that were important to them to be worth any consideration. They were highly intelligent and also narrow minded and occasionally downright stupid.

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  46. Fantastic sky, per usual. Some of the blooms remind me of fireworks the way they poke up and out!

    May all be well with you. x

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    1. Bea: I saw the fireworks too. And revelled in them.

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  47. Your morning photos are great and I am pleased you are a morning person as I am not a morning person so am missing out on that beautiful part of the day. I will try and change but ever since I retired I have not wanted to get up early, and now my health makes it difficult too. I do get some interesting photos of sunsets though!! Thanks for sharing your photos and I hope you are feeling better soon.

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    1. Rosie: Insomnia is part of the reason I have become an early morning person. In addition my heatlh means that my energy runs out quickly. Between the two of us we should have most of the lovely parts of the day covered.

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    2. EC- I like that together we've got the day covered, you'll just have to keep the sunrise photos coming! I'll try and get some from the middle of the day to complete it, but might be of me having a Nanna Nap!!

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    3. Rosie: Nana Naps are good. I might occasionally throw in a sunset photo too.

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  48. Clever girl tracking me down via River! I am going to try my very best to visit my favourite old bloggers more regularly. You have been steadfast in blogging, I so admire that. I too have been playing with my aperture but being impatient, I mainly use intelligent auto. Early morning and watching the day awaken is my most favourite time of day and I rarely miss it. It's ...well almost spiritual. Great to catch up with you.

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    1. Rose ~ from Oz: I am so glad that you didn't feel I was stalking you. I feel as you do about the start of the day. I almost always get up in the dark, and wait for those first threads of light.

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  49. Ogni giorno nuovo è una nuova opportunità, per essere felici.
    Buon inizio di settimana.

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    1. Giancarlo: It is indeed. I hope your week is lovely.

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  50. It is 2:30 AM and I'm just going off to sleep. Himself will awaken me in a couple of hours wanting his breakfast. I cannot eat that early but sometimes I too wait for the first threads of light. Have a good week and thank you again.

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    1. e: I am rarely still up at 2:30 am, though it is not unheard of for someone to get me up them. And breakfast waits (for me at least) till a lot later. I hope you and Lukas have a delightful week.

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  51. YIKES! There is nothing worse than being stopped up, but when the weather is hot outside seems to make it even worse. I sure hope you feel much better soon. Meanwhile, as always you've provided us with some pretty fabulous pics. Sending some healing hugs your way. RO

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    1. RO: A cold/allergies make a body feel miserable don't they? Out of all proportion to the severity of the ailment.
      I am slowly getting better and thank you. I am sure the hugs helped. Hugs which I reciprocate.

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  52. The first garden shot: definitely intriguing.
    YOU have a grand day.

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    1. Sandra: Thank you. I had been eyeing off that clump of grass for days. I am glad I remembered to photograph it, because himself mowed the lawn later than day and it is now gone.

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  53. Retinal tears do not sound like fun!
    The photos are beautiful - I'm just learning photography and I adore playing with light as well. Some of these are perfect for framing!!

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    1. Jemin Fraser: Thank you. Photography (like so many of my obsessions) is seriously addictive. The retinal tears are disconcerting, but so long as the retina stays intact no more than that.

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  54. Dear EC, thank you for the photo series and the explanations. What really caught my attention was your comment that one photo reminded you of the flashes that retina tearing has done to your eyes. That must be so disconcerting and disheartening and also scary. Is there anything that can be done about that?

    I had for several months a retina inflammation that required medication. The inflammation was bringing on swelling which could tear the retina. Fortunately for me, the drops worked. I just need to keep taking them the rest of my life because of the two stents in that eye. They are rubbing against the retina, irritating it. So the med is necessary.

    Is your condition like that? I haven't had any flashes and I truly can't imagine how scary that must be. Peace.

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    1. Dee: Sadly time is the only treatment for my retinal tears. They are a little better than they were, but not gone. I believe that both age and family history have played their part. My father's retinas detached, which I hope does not happen to mine. If it does, surgery will be involved. For the moment it is watch and wait. It seems that quite a lot of people here in the blogosphere are all too familiar with these flashes.

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    2. Dear Sue, thank you for explaining. I find myself sorrowed to learn that so many people have this problem. All the years of my life until 2009, I don't think I thought of the gift of sight. I just took it for granted. Oh, the callowness and stupidity and the being cavalier about my body! Peace.

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    3. Dee: I think most of us have been callow, stupid and cavalier. I know I have. It is yet another example of privilege.

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  55. All beautiful photos particularly I love the lilies.

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  56. Although my tear is supposedly repair by surgery, I too have flashes. Until today, thanks to your post and some reponses, I had no clue what it was from. My doc said nothing when I told him of it. As for your photos, it is certainly amazing how a camera lens can progress a day. I myself am lucky to be able to click the button on my camera phone!

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    1. J C: I hope your flashes diminish. Mine are better than they were, but certainly not gone. It was the flashes that first alerted me to the problem, as I suspect it is/was for many of us.
      I rarely use the phone on my camera, and struggle with it. My other camera is smarter than I am - a work in progress.

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  57. Clear skies! What a treat! The red photo of the grasses was very cool, too. Not so cool were your retinal tears, though - I hope they heal up for you.

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    1. Diane Henders: The clear skies ARE a treat. A treat I am revelling in. The retinal tears are inconvenient but no more (so long as my retina stays attached).

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  58. Wow, EC, some of those are beautiful! I like 2nd from last and 6th from last to name two.

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    1. Strayer: Thank you. Playing/experimenting was a heap of fun.

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  59. Gorgeous shots of first light. Hope your snot festival is now GONE!

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    1. Lady Fi: Thank you. Sadly the snot festival continues, but so do the blissfully clear skies.

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  60. Love this lighting experiment of yours. They are all beautiful skies and flowers. Hope you feel better soon!

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    1. DeniseinVA: Thankyou. I am feeling a little bit more human each day.

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  61. I also adore all the pictures of the broomy-looking plant. Wonderous. Ouch on the retinal tears:(

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    1. Sandra Cox: I really like the textures and shape of that plant. After the mowing (the first this summer) it has gone. Fortunately there is no pain with the retinal issues.

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  62. Adorei a seleção.

    Obrigada pela visita.
    Tenhas uma boa continuação de semana.

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    1. A Casa Madeira: Thank you. A very good week to you too.

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  63. Beautiful Begonias!
    Back at ya on fascination and light...AND rain.
    Hugs.

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    1. Sandra Cox: Thank you. We are in a 'green drought' now. The recent rain has produced a wave of green, but the water table is still dangerously low. Follor up rain is desperately needed.

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  64. I love the lilies. Such a graceful flower.
    Here's hoping for rain.
    Hugs

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    1. Sandra Cox: I am a big fan of lilies too. These white ones are just off the back deck and just about glow in the early mornings.

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  65. Finally have a moment to stretch my legs out here - and as always, enjoyed digging into your photos. Quite a scare with the fires - cannot imagine seeing that from home! Very glad that it's under control. Hoping that your snot-fest comes to a successful conclusion soon, and that your gut decides to get itself sorted so you can venture out again!

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    1. daisyfae: Eighty days later the fire closest to us is finally out.
      Still snotty, still with digestive issues, but getting there.

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  66. You always find ways to light up our days ... I hope you are in an area where you are not affected by the fires ... my heart breaks when I see the news coverage. There Are so many issues that we are all dealing with ... or trying to deal with. Life was not supposed to be so hard. Hope all is well with you ...

    Andrea @ From the Sol

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    1. Andrew @ From The Sol: We were too close to fire. However, the nearest one has finally (80 days later) been declared out. Which doesn't diminish the heart break across the country.
      Life is indeed a challenge.
      We muddle along - as I hope you do.

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  67. I'm inclined to say that you have nicer skies, flowers, birds, nature, etc. in Australia. But the truth is: You're incredibly talented. Golden hearted too.
    Go gently, friend.

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    1. Rawknrobyn: I don't know what to say. Thank you is all I can manage.

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  68. Your photos, as always, are lovely. There's something about pictures of the sky that touch my heart. Yours, especially, touch my heart today, because there's no longer any signs of wildfires close to you. Thank goodness. I hope that nightmare ends for the rest of your country real soon, too.

    As for small things amusing small minds? HA! That's not even close to describing you. I say it takes a wise and open mind to appreciate the intricate beauties of life, and a keen eye and lots of imagination to capture them. Great artists have always known the value of light in their masterpieces. What you see with your mind and heart are natural masterpieces, and you capture them beautifully with your camera.

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    1. Susan: I adore the sky and like you it often (so very often) touches my heart. I was thrilled to learn on Wednesday that the fire nearest us have been classified as out (eighty days later).
      My family had a very different mind set to mine. Maths and science were valued far above anything else. I was in my thirties before I realised that I am not stupid.

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  69. Ti auguro un sereno fine settimana.

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    1. Giancarlo: Thank you. So far it has been busy, but mostly enjoyable. I hope yours is lovely.

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  70. loving the way you show the differences in lighting to the subjects especially the flowers

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    1. Linda Starr: Thank you. Light and colour is the subject of my next post too.

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  71. WOW! The sky is gorgeous. the 3rd flower picture is fantastic. I believe you could win a contest with that one. Hope you feel better soon, but did laugh when I read snot festival, lol

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    1. Sandy: Thank you. I really like the flowers to the silk tree. These are a triumph because the tree itself was savagely pruned this year in an attempt o minimise borer activity. I really didn't expect any flowers this year. The snot festival continues.

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  72. I was like... Is that the moon in those first few pictures? Silly me. They're simply beautiful, though. Nice job!

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    1. Hot guys: It was indeed a sliver of moon in the first few photos. And thank you.

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