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. Last week I took you to our National Arboretum to see the Warm Trees Exhibition. The night before that post went live we went back to the Arboretum for a very different event. Most of you know that I volunteer with Lifeline Canberra, which was celebrating its 50th birthday in my city. I have been volunteering with them for almost half of that time so was pressured into going to the celebration - held in the visitor's centre at the arboretum.
I think the visitor's centre is a beautiful building and I really appreciate its elegance.
It looked very different by night.
I am going to finish this Sunday Selections with much more usual fare. Early morning skyscapes taken from the comfort of our own yard.
Yes, that is a dusting of snow on the hills. It was cool - but lovely.
Finishing with some different dawns.
W O W ! Just W O W ! Your photos are spectacular. I really am happy I am here today. Have a wonderful day.
ReplyDeleteMy Tata's Cottage: Welcome and thank you.
DeleteBeautiful images EC, the building is magnificent, and, skylines are wonderful, lots of love.
ReplyDeleteBob Bushell: I really like that building - but prefer it in the daytime. I do love the sky - have a wonderful, wonderful weekend.
DeleteDear EC
ReplyDeleteIt's such a worthwhile organisation, giving hope and an ear to those most vulnerable of people. Volunteers like you are so important and precious.
Your sky photos are stunning.
Wishing you a good week
Best wishes
Ellie
Ellie Foster: How I wish that Lifeline (and similar organisations) was not necessary. It is, and at the moment our phone lines are running hot. The sky is a very welcome respite. A very, very welcome respite.
DeleteOh so nice! I enjoyed being with you in your usual environment more than the first part, but I appreciate you sharing with me. :-)
ReplyDeleteDJan: Thank you. I am MUCH more comfortable in my usual environment too.
DeleteReading between the lines, having been to a few similar events, I wonder if your work was one of the things being feted at the gala ... if so, will you tell us? I used to enjoy going to those events even if they were out of my comfort zone, too. It was a chance to dress up and do something different from usual with my husband. I miss the thought that there won't be any more of those. And now I've gone down a sad path and I didn't mean to do that.
ReplyDeleteI love the skylines you photograph. There are never too many sky pictures for me. I see the Sister Trees in their dual elegance; I always think of you when I see them as it feels like you could be the sister I never had. I hope your week ahead is less frazzled than the last, and that you have a chance to rest. Hugs, dear friend.
jenny_o: I am trying (for the third time) to respond to your comment. I am sorry that I reminded you of yet another closed door. So very sorry.
DeleteAll of the volunteers were feted (which was lovely). I did receive two free tickets in recognition of my continuing contribution.
I also don't have a sister, and will happily adopt you oh sister across the seas and the skies. I will look at those twin trees in a new light too. Thank you.
I would have loved to be at that party!
ReplyDeleteYour photos are stunning as usual. I wish I could see what I have to see through your eyes with my own peepers!
Anne in the kitchen: I wish you could have been at the party. And thank you.
DeleteLovely photos and fete but was anyone there in a mask? Things here are terrible and not great other places. Please look after yourself.
ReplyDeletee: Masks are not being worn here at the moment. My city has been covid free for over a year now. We are aware how quickly that could change (and prepared). Stay safe.
DeleteIt's ages since I've been out and about at night. Over the past few or more years the only night I go out...and it's not far...is to the annual pre-Christmas party at my landlords' home....up at the other end of this block of land!! I'm a real gadabout, aren't I? lol
ReplyDeleteHave a good week ahead, EC. Take care...cuddles to Jazz. I hope he's doing a lot better. :)
Lee: I very, very rarely go out (at night particularly). You are not the only gadabout.
DeleteThank you. Hopefully Jazz will have a good week (which will improve ours).
The Arboretum looks like a spacious building for large gatherings. I'm glad that you were invited as a recognition for your many years of volunteer service with the Lifeline Canberra.
ReplyDeleteSome may have been dressed to the nine but others barely could afford to cover their bottoms, lol...
I can't remember the last time I went out to a dressed up night event, it's been that long.
Your skyscapes photos are always spectacular as usual.
I hope that you have a very peaceful and beautiful week.
Hugs,
Julia
Julia: I was humbled to receive free tickets - and grateful. Smiling at your comment about the barely covered behind. I *think* she was part of the paid entertainment and her enthusiasm infected lots of people.
DeleteI like the purple lighting effects in the visitor's center. I think I would have been wearing a mask. The Delta variant is in all 50 states and I'm sure it's on its way to you if not there already.
ReplyDeleteMike: The delta variant is hitting Australia hard. More than half the country is in lockdown at the moment. My city has no cases at the moment but that could change (probably will change) very quickly. And we will revert to mask wearing when/if it does.
DeleteSaying to yourself, that was hard work but I am glad I made the effort. There does seem to be some enthusiasm on display at the celebration.
ReplyDeleteI am very impressed with your snow photos. It looks to be more than a light dusting. It was a clear sunny morning here but just after 9am a heavy fog has rolled over us.
Andrew: There was a lot of enthusiasm on display - which was lovely. The snow melted very quickly so I suspect it was only a dusting (but a fairly heavy one).
DeleteThe building is indeed splendid, Sue, and I am glad that you decided to attend the event. It would have been a shame had you not gone, after so many years of dedication to a mission that few are willing to accept. There comes a time when a little recognition is overdue, so in addition to the kudos you and your fellow volunteers received that evening, may I add the gratitude of the entire world for taking on this difficult and gut-wrenching challenge. Few of us could do it. There are so many unsung heroes in each of our communities and it's good to let them know that what they do is for the betterment of all, and that we acknowledge it and appreciate it. Bravo!
ReplyDeleteDavid M. Gascoigne: Thank you. I am very glad that the part that Lifeline plays in the community is recognised. There were plenty of politicians and business leaders there - and I hope they dug deep into their pockets. Interestingly one of my other voluntary commitments was also recognised on the night. A woman who works at the Early Morning Centre which supports the homeless and those at risk of becoming homeless came up to me and my partner just to say how much my contributions matter to the centre. Which was lovely.
DeleteSo pleased to read this ... and so pleased for you ... xo
DeleteHilary Melton-Butcher: Thank you.
DeleteI love the outside of the arboretum - the inside doesn't appeal so much, as I am not a party animal by any means... but sometimes we need to go to functions, whether we like it or not! You certainly deserve recognition and appreciation for the wonderful work you and your colleagues do for Lifeline.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your sky photos - lovely as always - and the cold snowy pictures too.
I hope you have a good week, and that you and Jazz are feeling well :)
Alexia: Thank you. I knew that the arboretum hosts big gatherings but hadn't seen it in this role before.
DeleteI do love the sky (though today it is uniformly grey). Jazz has his ups and downs but my doctor has prescribed a medication which seems to be making a positive difference.
That's good to hear!
DeleteAlexia: It is wonderful to experience. The nausea is still here but it isn't front and centre.
DeleteSuch a gathering is not in my comfort zone either.
ReplyDeleteIt is so unusual to see snow in your photos, EC. Beautiful!
Marie Smith: Thank you. I know that you see more than enough snow, but we rarely see it so close to home.
DeleteThat first dawn photo is quite dramatic. I like the one with the moon still up too. Unless that is the sun? The party photos are nice with the mood lighting. I'd be glad to get home from such an event too. I left my grandson's wedding reception when the younger crowd hit the floor and the music rose to head thumping levels.
ReplyDeleteRiver: The music was ALWAYS at head thumping levels. I/we were very glad to exit into the cold, clear night relatively early. It is the moon in that photo, and I was grateful to catch it. Shortly afterwards it was shrouded in fog - which we have had a lot of.
DeleteGreat post, lovely photos as always xx
ReplyDeleteaussie aNNie: Thank you.
DeleteEvery once in a while, it's good to get out and do something that is not within your normal rounds, i think it keeps us from getting too stiff in our spirits.
ReplyDeleteMy selections will be over here.
messymimi: I do worry that my spirits are getting stiff - so thank you for the reminder. And of course I look forward to your selections.
DeleteI love the early morning. You have done a good job capturing the morning in your photos. I've got to get my camera out.
ReplyDeleteAnn Bennett: Early morning is one of my favourite times and my camera lives quite close to the front door - where it is also useful to capture visiting birds.
DeleteLindos amaneceres. Te mando un beso
ReplyDeleteJ/P. Alexander: Thank you.
DeleteThose distant hills dusted in snow are beautiful and subtle. Were you in any of those rowdy party photos? Sounds like a good time. I can't remember ever going to a party of any sort.
ReplyDeleteStrayer: The hills looked lovely didn't they? No photos of me. Thank fully.
DeleteYour first subtle snow dusted hills photo is my favorite. It's like the hills are waiting, quietly, at least from a distant view because who knows what excitements are really happening right there, in the thick of things. We will never know, from the distance, thinking all quiet in the far hills.
DeleteStrayer: I hope that those far away hills are packed with wildlife, quietly doing their own thing, surviving and thriving.
DeleteI admire the volunteer work that you do, I think that's absolutely great!
ReplyDeleteThose photos are great too! I especially like those nature scenes, they're truly beautiful!
Lon Anderson: I get an incredible amount from my volunteering and am glad to do it - and thank you.
DeleteAll the photos are lovely and good to see people having fun.
ReplyDeleteThose hills look like paintings to me, beautiful and soft.
Margaret D: Thank you. How I wish I could paint. Or draw.
Deleteso glad you got to be there.. so many things having to be cancelled due to Covid in Sydney.
ReplyDeleteAnna: I am sorry. It was perhaps insensitive to have posted those images when so much of Australia is in lockdown.
DeleteI hate it when I am a volunteer and get pressured into attending something I would rather not attend. However, I think you were glad you went, even if you were a bit uncomfortable. You got some lovely shots at least.
ReplyDeleteOf course, your photos from home are more what makes you feel most comfortable. LOVE the moon shot, dear. And of course, the sky shots are incredible.
Glad blogger straightened out for you.
Bleubeard and Elizabeth: Thank you. There was a professional photographer at the event and I look forward to seeing what she captured. And yes, photos from home are much closer to who I am. Blogger hasn't completely fixed itself but I usually get access to my reading list.
DeleteAnd thank you for visiting and commenting when you are in so much pain. I hope it leave. Quickly.
Your skyscapes are awesome. Calm and peaceful.
ReplyDeleteThe Blog Fodder: Calm and peaceful is the way I feel when I look to the sky and the hills.
DeleteI like the building. If you were a bit uncomfortable, you had the last laugh--- None of them could have taken these pictures. Hugs from the North. Oh yes--- another impossible heat wave coming next week. I don't think many of our backyard plants will be very happy...
ReplyDeleteBill: I am so sorry that you are about to endure another heat wave. Stay as cool as you can - and safe.
DeleteThe photos are very beautiful especially the landscapes !
ReplyDeletehttps://gattinawritercramps.blogspot.com/2021/08/sunday-selection_01171766782.html?m=1
Gattina: Thank you. I am off to check out your selections now.
DeleteHi EC - congratulations on your 25 years with lifeline - an enormous help to so many ... and an amazing experience and life-learning for you. The Arboretum centre is beautiful isn't it - while at night ... it changes its focus ... and looks a wonderful setting for the 'celebrations'.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos - skies etc ... and you too have a happy comfortable week - cheers Hilary
Hilary Melton-Butcher: Not quite twenty five years yet, but I hope to get there and continue.
DeleteI do love the arboretum, but the day time views give it the edge...
I'm with you on that EC. I tend to feel a little out of my element these days in glam parties, which is totally opposite to how I was when I was younger. What a treat to check out the party and fun, and I'm glad you were able to hang out for a little while. Always wonderful to see the peacefulness of the skyline. Happy Day and many hugs, RO
ReplyDeleteRO: Thank you. Glamour and I have never been close friends (or even acquaintances). I am glad I went, but won't rush to the next celebration (if that makes sense). A very happy hug filled week to you too.
DeleteI’m glad you went to the lifeline celebration. You deserve to be celebrated. Thank you for your dedication.
ReplyDeleteThe dawn pictures are so delightful to see.
Have a wonderful week.
Myrna R.: Thank you. It is not quite dawn yet, and I am already wondering what it will look like - and have my camera ready.
DeleteWell, it was nice to go to that event, but I don't like loud music, either. Your photos from your yard are spectacular. I love the mountains in your region.
ReplyDeletegigi-hawaii: You could 'feel' that music as much as you could hear it. Too loud for me, but lots of people loved it. I do like the skyline from home and have taken many, many photos over the years.
DeleteOhh, mountains, snowy mountains. I love them. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteCharlotte (MotherOwl): I do too, and the snowy mountains look MUCH better than the photos I took (from the same spot) when they were on fire.
Deleteamazing photos greetings from sunny Europe
ReplyDeleteGosia: Thank you.
DeleteGetting out of our comfort zones can be stressful at times but it sounds like you had a good time. sure looks cool at night.
ReplyDeleteLove the pictures.
Mary Kirkland: I struggle to get out of my comfort zone - but am glad I did. It might be a while before I do it again though.
DeleteIt takes courage to get out of your comfort zone, especially around here. A worthy celebration though to honor all the work you have done.
ReplyDeleteTruedessa: I am proud to be a member of the Lifeline family, sorry that we are needed and glad that so many people are ready to put the effort in.
DeleteMhmm ... the first four photos after you were back in your comfort zone, I do like best.
ReplyDeleteNeed I write that I admire what you have been doing for the past 25 years?
No?
But I want to!
Herewith done.
Sean Jeating: Thank you - on both counts.
DeleteI am glad you went to the celebration because you surely deserve it. I'm not uncomfortable in situations like that but I have found that they are never as much fun as I expect!
ReplyDeleteLovely soft skies and dusty snows are more my speed, too
kylie: I didn't expect the birthday celebrations to be quite so LOUD. And yes, the skies were much more to my taste. But thank you.
DeleteFotografie molto belle.
ReplyDeleteBuon inizio settimana
Giancarlo: Thank you - and to you.
DeleteYour photos of the dawn are always so beautiful. I'm glad you went to the celebration, sounds like a lot of fun. You do such amazing good through your work and you brighten lives in so many ways (mine included). Take care and be safe my friend.
ReplyDeleteMason Canyon: Thank you so much. So very much.
DeleteI hear you on the birthday bash. Lovely photos though. Taking pictures at such events saves me from the burden of small talk. It was awkward when I was mayor of a small town but saved my stress levels.
ReplyDeleteYour dawn pictures, as always, are gorgeous.
XO
WWW
Wisewebwoman: It was too loud for small talk. Much too loud. I knew very few people there too, since many of the participants seemed to be supporters rather than participants. You were mayor? That WOULD have demanded small talk. Lots of it (in addition to more weighty talk).
DeleteEl ambiente de fiesta se refleja en tus fotografías y las tomas de los cielos son espectaculares.
ReplyDeleteQue tengas una buena semana-
VENTANT DE FOTO: Thank you. I hope your week is healthy, happy and beautiful.
DeleteThe first and the fifth photo taken in your comfort zone are lovely.
ReplyDeleteAs for your volunteering: Good on you, dear Sue.
Sean Jeating: Thank you so much for your follow up visit and comments.
Deleteha ha, just noticed what I had (already) forgotten.
DeleteOh well, praising you twice within one comment section can't be considered too often, can it?
Sean Jeating: It can't, and some day I may be able to accept/believe compliments.
DeleteAh, just enjoy a heartfelt com(pli)ment.
DeleteSean Jeating: Thank you again.
DeleteYour view of the hills around you is stunning. I love the snow on top of them!
ReplyDeleteI'm not a big friend of such big gatherings either and right now I wouldn't go to any indoor event where people are unmasked. Sadly, the number of our cases have risen again, mainly because of the Delta variant. Even though I am fully vaccinated I mask - they're mandated again in our countu anyway.
Thank you for your work with Lifeline.
Carola Bartz: I love that skyline too. Whatever the time of day, the weather, the season, it lifts my heart.
DeleteWe have been very lucky. It is over a year since my city has had a Covid case, and longer since we have had community transmission. The delta variant means that this is almost certainly about to end.
I like your dusting of dawns, the colours of this time of the day always often makes me wonder that God does exist. I don't like winter, too cold for me but I like to see the silhouette of leafless bare trees, kind of mysterious. Dressing to the nines and loud music is not my comfort zone too. For me maybe it is my age, cos I did love loud music once. But it was nice to see the youngies having fun in the photos and they were all dressed up to dazzle.
ReplyDeletekestrel: It WAS nice to see the young 'uns having a wonderful time. Very nice.
DeleteJust coming over to peek at the peaceful skyline and to be reminded of my dancing from back in the day.(lol) Hope you're doing well! Hugs, RO
ReplyDeleteRO: I really appreciate your return visits. Hugs.
DeleteA big thank you from me for all the time you have devoted to this incredible organization. It also takes courage to get out of your comfort zone. Another great Sunday Selection! The snow on the mountain, stunning!
ReplyDeleteDeniseinVA: I am glad that I captured that dusting of snow - we are having warmer days now and I suspect it was the last. And thank you. I get more than I give to Lifeline. A lot more.
DeleteThe snow on the hills looks lovely and what a fun party! it's nice you are able to give back and volunteer at Lifeline, they provide such valuable services!
ReplyDeleteHope you are having a nice week :)
Away From The Blue
Mica: Lifeline does an amazing job and we are very, very busy at the moment. Thank you - and I hope your week is wonderful.
DeleteYour landscapes are lovely! I agree with you - despite the glamour of your gala evening, the beautiful outdoors is more to my taste. :-)
ReplyDeleteDiane Henders: Glamour and I don't have a close or comfortable relationship. Never have and probably never will.
DeleteI'm with you - I'm glad the gala was a success but I prefer my solo time and those pics are lovely!
ReplyDeleteJemi Fraser: It was a success, but future galas will succeed without me.
DeleteI'm sure in these present times of so much stress and change organisations like Lifeline are needed more and more. I am pleased you were able to go to the celebrations.
ReplyDeleteYour photographs on your post are lovely, wonderful to see the snow and your sunrises are glorious.
All the best Jan
Lowcarb team member ~Jan: Sadly Lifeline and similar organisations ARE in high demand at the moment. I am very, very glad to be able to contribute.
DeleteWow, that was some party!!
ReplyDeleteLove your sky photos!! The snow on the hill was so beautiful!
Big Hugs!
Magic Love Crow: It was quite the party - and I was glad to be home. And grateful for the sky.
DeleteWhew! That party made me feel claustrophobic. I was happy to get back to your yard and its lovely peaceful views.
ReplyDeleteJ C: So was I. Very glad.
DeleteI like party, but more the mountains and sunset.
ReplyDeleteorvokki: I preferred Nature's bounty too. So much.
Delete