Pink heaven
As the temperatures drop,
The colours in the sky intensify.

When the ice reflects back
The perfection of a pink and lilac dawn,

You know you’re lucky enough
To be enjoying a slice of heaven.

For more heavenly shots, please visit: Skywatch.
Early morning sparkles
This is a tale of an early morning walk —
When the light of dawn turned reeds into glittery beauties.

A dog (Simmie) ran joyously out of the lake
Sprinkling water everywhere.

Later on, when he shook to dry himself,
Rainbow jewels of water flew into the air.

We met some sheep with yellow earrings;
They said, “Here’s looking at ewe!”
(Sorry about the baa-d joke.)

On the way home, we breathed in the beauty
Of autumn tints reflected.
(All those fallen trees are the work of the beavers who live by the shore.)

For more sparkles, please visit: Our World.
Golden waves
The kids spent most of their time
In Ericeira, Portugal, surfing.

Some days, the waves
Were big and foamy and fun.

Some days, the lessons took place
Just as the sun was setting

And it looked as if the surfers
Were gliding on gilded waves.

For more golden moments, please visit: Our World.
Fairytale Palace
The small bus chugs up the winding roads of Sintra —
And then after a steep uphill climb on foot,

You gasp when you finally glimpse the fairytale outline
Of Pena Palace:

A beautiful example of 19th century
Portuguese Romanticism.

Gorgeous tiles and lemon walls
Are a breathtaking reminder

Of how amazing the human imagination
Coupled with architecture can be.

For more incredible sights, please visit: Our World.
Warning: Dogs at play!
During the Christmas break, we looked after Jessie, one of Ruby’s puppies from 2014.

She and Simmie spent a long time
Chasing each other through frozen, silver grasses.

After a cold and invigorating swim,
The play continued.
(Can you see the water drops flying through the air?)

To an outsider, it might have looked
As if they were fighting —
But really it was more like love and frolicking
Between two really good friends.

For more play, please visit: Our World.
Christmas swimming
It was a cold Christmas morning
And the reeds caught fire in the rising sun.

As the sky spread its golden glow,
Simmie broke through the ice for a refreshing swim.

For more crazy dogs and brilliant skies, please visit: Skywatch.
Feeling festive
Christmas is soon upon us! Unfortunately, we’re suffering from grey weather and lack of snow, so I’ve delved into my archives to try and capture that festive feeling…
A magazine contacted me recently and bought this photo
Called Festive. I like the simplicity of this arrangement.

I love Nature’s
Very own fireworks. (We never have real ones.)

The Christmas spirit
Isn’t to be found in things —
Although I was happy to discover Santa’s sleigh a few years ago.

The Christmas spirit is one of love,
Compassion and forgiveness.

For more festive feelings, please visit: Our World.
Light and hope
The tradition of Lucia is my favourite time of year:
When the darkness is lit up with candles and song.

The light comes in many forms —
Whether it is the hope
For better times to come

Or as a metaphor for love and compassion:
Those two metaphorical candles that drive out the darkness.

For more light, please visit: Our World.
Abstract skies
It’s been very mild (too mild!)
With misted silver views

And pastel pink skies.

For more foggy shots, please visit: Skywatch.
Tutus in the sky
Call the clouds what you will:
Lilac tutus,

Marshmallow fluff
Or pink candy floss.
They are still just as beautiful.

For more heavenly shots, please visit: Skywatch.

Who says what?