One Man's Travels

"STONE" Photography Challenge

2011-04-24T12:54:00.006+01:00

THE ALL NEW PHOTOGRAPH CHALLENGE!

I always look forward to new challenges, what ever they are. It has been a long time (yet again!) and by popular demand I have been requested to kick off the monthly photography challenges again. As it has been so long, and a lot of us are feeling perhaps a little rusty, I will try to make the first theme not too complicated. So there will be no excuses from any of you about not joining in...LOL!

So without further procrastination and hesitation, the theme for this month is "STONE"

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The closing date for submissions to the challenge is 8th May 2011

Guidelines

The guidelines for the challenge are as follows:

1) Take a photograph or set of photographss that in some way, manner or form incorporate the theme of "STONE". You are welcome to use your artistic touch to manipulate the photograph(s) using a photopackage such as Photoshop/Paintshop Pro etc. Be as creative as you dare!!! You are even welcome to submit a video clip, if that is your preferred media.

2) Include a brief explanation of the photograph(s), including what inspires you with the image, the location, camera/lens/settings used etc.

3) When you have posted your challenge, be sure to send me a link so that I can include it on my "The 'STONE' Photography Challenge" next month!

4) You want to join in with the challenge but don't have a blog or website to display your photograph on?

No problem, either:

a)Just email me copy of the image, along with your name and your description. I will then include your entry on my "STONE ~ Photography Challenge Entry" post!

b)Join up to a photo storage site like Redbubble or http://www.flickr.com/and upload your photograph, then leave a link to the photograph in the comments box on this post.

!!Happy Photography!!

Graham Ettridge

If you have any questions, concerns or have an idea for a future photography challenge theme then please do not hesitate to contact me on grahamettridge@aol.com

Graham Launches His New Calendar!

2010-10-08T01:22:00.007+01:00

Well, it is that time of year again.... time to start thinking of that festive cheer. I know, it is still two and a half months away, but it is never too early to make a new calendar. So that is what I have done. I have taken a selection of a few of my favourite photographs and turned them into something that resembles a calendar.

If any of you may be interested in purchasing one of my calendars, you can go to the Calendar shop by clicking on any of links.

Front Page

Example Month

Back Page Displaying The Photographs

Within The Calendar

Thank you, and I would be welcome of any feedback that you may have.

Happy viewing and shopping!

Graham x

September Photography Results & October Challenge

2010-10-04T23:50:00.008+01:00

Drum roll!!!........

And we have our submissions for the September challenge of "Morning". The results have been great as always. Each different in their own way, but this time all of them have a healthy helping of humour within them. Each one made me smile! All very interesting and providing us with a little insight into the life of each photographer, and a peek into their creative minds.

Ella from Ella Unread took this extremely creative and stunningly edited collage of the things around her that reminder her of "morning". This really is a fantastic creative piece.

Zhu from Correr Es Mi Destino captured this great photograph of the 'hustle & bustle' morning traffic in Ottawa. I can completely understand why Zhu is not a morning person when I see the traffic in this photograph.

Matt Ryder took this nice photograph of a slightly charred slice of toast. Hmmmm, now how many times has that happened to you? I have lost count how many times I have burned toast in the mornings.

Caroline Ryder took this really cute photograph of her dog Barnaby, who quite clearly wanted to stay in bed that morning. His expression captures my sentiment every morning when I have to get up for work.

Thank you all for your contributions to the challenge! They really are fantastic!!!

For my piece, I thought long and hard and, like some of the submissions shown above, I thought of my breakfast. One of my all time favourite breakfasts is soft boiled egg with soldiers. So that's what I decided to cook and photograph. As the yolk of the egg was such a deep rich colour, I decided that I needed to emphasise this so opted for selective colouring.

And for good measures, I have decided to throw in the fail-safe method to cooking great boiled eggs every time:

1) Heat a saucepan of water to boiling point.
2) Once boiling, place in a fresh egg
3) Boil the egg for one minute
4) After one minute, turn off the heat and cover the saucepan, leaving the egg in the water for 4 minutes.
5) Remove the egg and place in an egg cup
6) The boiled egg should be enjoyed with narrow slices of buttered bread (soldiers), along with a small pinch of salt.
7) Boiled eggs and soldiers are not complete without a cup of English tea, a glass of orange juice and a newspaper.

Thank you guys, for playing along. Your photographs were brilliant. I know some others were planning on joining in but ran out of time. No problem, here is the next challenge.

I have seen on a few occasions, some budding creativity. So I could think of nothing better than combining a couple of topics whilst also allowing people to be as creative as they wish. So the challenge for October is "Design & Technology". Take a photograph that in some way represents "Technology" then add your own design touches to complete the challenge!

Guidelines
Just to recap, the guidelines for the challenge are as follows:

1) Take a photograph that in some way, manner or form represents the theme of"Design & Technology". You are welcome to use your artistic touch to manipulate the photographs using a photopackage such as photoshop. Be as creative as you desire!!! You are even welcome to submit a video clip, if that is your preferred media. You might want to also include a second photograph that shows the same thing in its more common view.

2) Include a brief explanation of how the photograph(s) relate to the theme.

3) When you have posted your challenge, be sure to send me a link so that I can include it on my "The 'Design & Technology' Photography Challenge Entry" post next month!

4) You want to join in with the challenge but don't have a blog or website to display your photograph on?

No problem, either:

a)Just email me copy of the image, along with your name and a brief description of how the photograph(s) relate to the theme. I will then include your entry on my "Design & Technology ~ Photography Challenge Entry" post next month!!!

b)Join up to a photo storage site like Redbubble or http://www.flickr.com/and upload your photograph, then leave a link to the photograph in the comments box on this post.

5) Closing date is 1st November 2010!!!! So get snapping!!!

!!Happy Photography!!

Graham Ettridge

If you have any questions, concerns or have an idea for a future photography challenge theme then please do not hesitate to contact me on grahamettridge@aol.com

September Photography Challenge

2010-09-10T15:21:00.001+01:00

Hurrah! I am here again! I have so much to blog about over the next few weeks! So much has been happening here in my little world. But to kick off with, it is about time we had another photography challenge. I have thought long and hard (to the point that I had to sit down with exhaustion)....

...eventually I came up with a theme...

...A nice easy theme....

...A theme that all of us experience...

...(well, unless you are EXTREMELY lazy!!!!)...

Okay, I guess you are now waiting to find out what the theme is? Right?

So, the theme is...

Are you ready for this?...

This is a really big build up to a very "un-big" theme...

Lol! The theme is...

..."MORNING"

Yup, that's it folks. The theme for this month is going to be anything to do with or represent "MORNING". I know that in certain people's books, morning is anything before 4pm. However, I am going to have to be really strict with this these guidelines.

"Morning" has to be before 12 O'clock noon!

Guidelines
Just to recap, the guidelines for the challenge are as follows:

1) Take a photograph that in some way, manner or form represents the theme of"Morning". You are welcome to use your artistic touch to manipulate the photographs using a photopackage such as photoshop. Be as creative as you desire!!! You are even welcome to submit a video clip, if that is your preferred media. You might want to also include a second photograph that shows the same thing in its more common view.

2) Include a brief explanation of how the photograph(s) relate to the theme.

3) When you have posted your challenge, be sure to send me a link so that I can include it on my "The 'Morning' Photography Challenge Entry" post next month!

4) You want to join in with the challenge but don't have a blog or website to display your photograph on?

5) Closing date is 1st October 2010!!!! So get snapping!!!

!!Happy Photography!!

Graham Ettridge

If you have any questions, concerns or have an idea for a future photography challenge theme then please do not hesitate to contact me on grahamettridge@aol.com

Photo challenge - An Uncommon View of Something Common

2010-07-27T13:25:00.008+01:00

Well, we had some great contributions to the challenge this month. It is amazing what things are around us that we look at every day, but don't really take notice of. I enjoyed this challenge because it made me look all around my house to find something that we all see.

First of all, here are your contributions. Each of them made me scratch my head a bit as I tried to work out what they are, then as soon as I realised, they made me smile! Brilliant work and each of you have made brilliant interpretations of the theme.

Ella from Ella Unread took this fantastic picture of the Manhattan skyline.... Or is it? Hmmmmmmmm.......

Matt from MattRKarting took this great photo of lots of lines? or is it wood grain? or is it..... Hmmmmmmm?

Caroline Ryder took this photograph of one of my favourite objects.... I wonder what it is?.... hiccup!!! :)

Great work everybody!!! Perfectly fitting for the challenge!

When trying to come up with a photo for this challenge, I was cooking one of my favourite meals. Suddenly I was reminded of a photograph that I took a couple of years ago, so I thought I would attempt it again. See if you can guess what it is, before scrolling down to the answer....

Yes, I know... it is an easy one...lol! A starburst!!!!

And now for the photo reveal....

A bird's eye view of spaghetti in a wine glass.

I love the shape the spaghetti forms in your hand just before you put it in the boiling water. It was calling out to be photographed. I am sure you will be pleased to know that I did eventually put my camera down and eat my dinner....hehehe!

Thank you all for your great photos. Keep your eyes peeled for the next challenge, appearing during this week!!!!

Bye for now,

Graham :)

Email Hacker!

2010-06-28T17:52:00.003+01:00

Sorry to all of you that received a junk email from me today. It appears that somebody has hacked into my email account. This has happened several times this year and is making me very angry!!!!! I highly recommend that you do not click on the link in the email, as I do not want the problem to pass onto you.

Sorry again,

Graham :(

Time For A New Challenge

2010-06-27T20:19:00.008+01:00

Yes, time to brush the dust off your camera and get your imagination & creativity in motion! A new challenge has begun!

It has been far far far too long since I last offered a photography challenge. A number of people have written to me and spoken to me, asking why I stopped running the photography challenges. Well, unfortunately things got a bit hectic here over the past couple of years, and I just didn't have the time. However, things have settled and the fun NEEDS to start again. And as they say "there is nothing like the present". So fasten your seatbelts, and prepare for a high octane burst of photography fun!

The big question is what should the theme be? Well, I think we should kick off the challenges with a fun one. Something that everybody can join in with, whether you are using a state of the art professional camera or using the camera on your mobile phone. I also want people to think a little bit, to challenge themselves and have a bit of fun. Therefore, the theme for this first of a new set of challenges will be.....

"An uncommon view of something common" - closing date 16th July 2010

Guidelines
Just to recap, the guidelines for the challenge are as follows:

1) Take a photograph that in some way, manner or form represents the theme of"An uncommon view of something common". You are welcome to use your artistic touch to manipulate the photographs using a photopackage such as photoshop. Be as creative as you desire!!! You are even welcome to submit a video clip, if that is your preferred media. You might want to also include a second photograph that shows the same thing in its more common view.

2) Include a brief explanation of how the photograph(s) relate to the theme.

3) When you have posted your challenge, be sure to send me a link so that I can include it on my "The 'Something Common' Photography Challenge Entry" post next month!

4) You want to join in with the challenge but don't have a blog or website to display your photograph on?

No problem, either:

a)Just email me copy of the image, along with your name and a brief description of how the photograph(s) relate to the theme. I will then include your entry on my "Something Common ~ Photography Challenge Entry" post next month!!!

b)Join up to a photo storage site like Redbubble or http://www.flickr.com/and upload your photograph, then leave a link to the photograph in the comments box on this post.

!!Happy Photography!!

Graham Ettridge

If you have any questions, concerns or have an idea for a future photography challenge theme then please do not hesitate to contact me on grahamettridge@aol.com

Follow That Dream!

2010-05-09T19:44:00.015+01:00

I was reading through the posts of a fellow blogger, Batty from Start Making Memories, yesterday and was immediately taken by the theme of 'each day making a memory'. It took me back to the reason I was inspired to start this blog. Recovering from a 40ft free fall over the edge of Blaina Quarry, I had suddenly realised that life is actually very disposable. One day you can be healthy and the next day you can be stuck in a wheel chair or, even worse, not here at all. Luckily I only suffered with having to have a new shoulder. It made me think long and hard, to take a look at my life so far and rethink where I wanted to go. In attempt to keep my mind and soul strong whilst going through the lengthy period of physiotherapy, I decided to look back over my life and document the special memories that I had, and that was how this blog was born. As this blog grew, along with sharing my adventures, I also began to document the moments of my life that provided inspiration. My camera soon became my best friend, providing me with a means of capturing some of those special moments.

As you may be aware, I have recently launched a new blog detailing 40 things that I want to achieve over the next two and a bit years. New memories that I want to build, dreams that I want realise. This is where Batty's blog caught my attention yesterday. There was a statement on one of the posts that questioned 'should dreams be limited or limitless?' For me, this is an easy answer.... Dreams should be limitless. Dreams are the hopes that fuel our souls, that give us that energy to jump out of bed each morning and do something different, that provide the genuine spirit that helps us smile to even the most distant of strangers in the street. Do we need to be diagnosed with a fatal disease to decided to actively live the last few moments of our lives?…. No, we just need to dream, and live out those dreams.

For me, I am a single guy with a mind that reaches out over a thousand horizons. My head is always full of a million dreams, each one in a different direction, with a different purpose, triggering a different emotion. The thought of putting a limit on my dreams is like closing a door.

The nearest I can describe the feeling, is like when reading a fabulous book. You know it is a special book because you have become familiar with the characters within, like they are members of your own family. You suddenly realise that you are on the last page. You know that finishing the last words on the page will bring that relationship with the characters to an end. Eventually you close the book. You feel satisfied that it was a great read but you also feel empty because that bond is no more. If you have dreams but those dreams are limited, what happens after you have achieved those dreams? What happens if you reach the end of the book of your dreams, and close it? Every day should hold dreams, every day should create memories, every day should be lived and enjoyed. I can't even begin to try to comprehend the day where I wake up in the morning and have no dreams.......

"The day I stop dreaming...

...is the day I die"

I'd love to hear your thoughts, and about some of your dreams. Please do one thing after reading this post, just take five minutes out of your day to sit back and think of your dreams.

Graham

Good news and even better news!!!

2010-04-30T19:56:00.003+01:00

So what can be that good? You may well ask! Well, firstly I am going to be blogging again. This time I have many many many good reasons to be confident that I am going to be blogging regularly. The even better news is that, not only will I be blogging here much more frequently, but I have a new blog with a whole new theme and a whole new set of challenges.

I won't spoil the surprise here and now, instead I will invite to to hop on over to my second blog.

I look forward to seeing you there, and watch here too as there is going to be a plentiful supply of posts coming up fast and furious!!!!

Best wishes and look forward to speaking to you soon!

Graham :)

A Christmas Trip To The City Of London - Part 4

2010-01-07T19:42:00.024Z

...After leaving Trafalgar Square, there were still two more destinations on my list before leaving the cold evening and returning to the warmth of my bed. A short walk from Trafalgar Square lead me towards Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament (also known as the Palace of Westminster), another of my favourite locations. It was a very cold night and, unsurprisingly, not many people were wandering around. The streets were eerily quiet and the cold breeze sent shivers down my spine, this was a true winter's night along the streets of London.

The Palace of Westminster, stands on the site where Edward the Confessor had the original palace built in the first half of the eleventh century. In 1547 the royal residence was moved to Whitehall Palace, but the Lords continued to meet at Westminster, while the commons met in St. Stephen's Chapel. Ever since these early times, the Palace of Westminster has been home to the English Parliament.

In 1834 a fire broke out which destroyed much of the old palace, all that remained was the chapel crypt, The Jewel Tower and Westminster Hall. It was Lord Melbourne, the Prime Minister, who saved the great hall by arranging for the fire engines to be brought right into the hall and personally supervising the fire fighting operation.

The magnificent Gothic Revival masterpiece you see today was built between 1840 and 1888, this was the work of Charles Barry who designed the buildings to blend with nearby Westminster Abbey. The two imposing towers, well known landmarks in London, are the clock tower, named after it's thirteen ton bell called Big Ben, and Victoria tower, on whose flag pole the Union Jack flies when parliament is sitting. Much of the Victorian detail of the interior was the work of Barry's assistant Augustus Pugin.

I stood at the riverside, opposite the Houses of Parliament, motionless, for half an hour, just staring at the elegance of the architecture. My mind drifted, all the strains and stresses of life lifted from my shoulders for that moment, a moment that I wished could continue.

I reluctantly picked up my rucksack, took a deep breath and ascended the stone steps back onto Westminster Bridge, crossed the road and walked towards the London Eye. For those of you who are not familiar with the London Eye, it is the structure that, on December 31st, is used to hold the firework display at midnight to celebrate the New Year. The London Eye was initially only supposed to be a temporary structure in the lead up to the celebrations of the year 2000. However, due to its overwhelming success, it still stands today and continues to be one of the most popular attractions if the capital.

Leading up to the wheel, there is the most beautiful avenue of light. I defy anybody to walk up the avenue with the wheel of the London Eye and the River Thames just behind, without feeling like a child who has just woken up and found themselves in wonderland.

Alas, the time had arrived for me to make the slow walk back to my room. I stood at the base of the London Eye for a few moments, before heading back. Once over the bridge I stole one more opportunity to take some photographs. From the north bank of the river, you can really see the London Eye in all its glory and splendour. Also, on a still night, the reflection of the wheel in the River Thames can be as breathtaking as the wheel itself.

My day had finally come to an end. My feet were feeling a little warn, and my fingers were starting to tingle with cold. All that was left was for me to jump in a hot shower, pour myself a hot cup of tea, jump into climb between the sheets of the freshly made bed, and reflect on the amazing day that I had just had....

...I opened my eyes. The sun beaming through the gap in the curtains. Morning has arrived so soon. Oh, if only I could spend a few more blessed hours in bed, but there is so little time. I only have one more day in the city before having to return home. I threw back the covers, showered and dressed, grabbed my rucksack and ran out the door.

My plan of action for today, was a bit of retail therapy whilst also packing in a handful of photograph opportunities at the same time.

I couldn't resist slipping in some of the things that are easily recognisable as being quintessentially British, such as the Red Royal Mail Post Box, the Red Telephone Box and the red London Buses.

Well, that's it for now. I'll write more soon to continue my Sunday and Monday journey around London. I hope you have enjoyed wandering along with me.

Cheerio for now,

Graham xx

100 things about me.... updated for 2010

2010-01-04T23:48:00.008Z

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I thought it was about time I updated my "100 things about me", as it was 3 years ago that I last completed the meme! Happy readings!!!!

Q1: What is your first name and what does it mean?
A: Graham (‘Gra’ = gravel/stone, ‘ham’ = Home/house).

Q2: What is your last name and what does it mean?
A: Ettridge (originated from a place in Scotland and means ‘the land between two waterfalls’). Therefore my full name means “The stone house on the land between two waterfalls”.

Q3: How old are you?
A: 37yrs old (3 years older than the last time I wrote 100 things...lol!)

Q4: Where do you live?
A: England

Q5: Any Hobbies?
A: Travelling, Photography, Cooking, Swimming, Reading, Walking

Q6: What colour socks are you wearing?
A: A mixture Red, black, blue and yellow stripes...lol!

Q7: Club or Bar?
A: Bar

Q8: What time did you get up this morning?
A: 07.05 (is that precise enough?)

Q9: When is your birthday?
A: June 17th (Gemini)

Q10:What is your favourite TV show?
A: QI

Q11:What did you have for breakfast?
A: A Slice of toast and a cup of tea

Q12:What is your favourite cuisine?
A: Any Thai, Italian or Greek food

Q13:Your favourite potato chip?
A: Cream cheese and chives

Q14:What is your favourite album at the moment?
A: ‘Do you want the truth......’ by Paloma Faith

Q15:What kind of car do you drive?
A: Honda Civic 5dr SE Executive (now, there is a surprise...lol!)

Q16:Favourite sandwich?
A: A hot 'Bacon and Brie Cheese' Panini

Q17:What characteristics do you despise?
A: Lateness and dishonesty

Q18:Favourite item of clothing?
A: Jeans

Q19:If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go?
A: Serengeti Safari

Q20:What colour is your bathroom?
A: Pale green with a minging avocado bathroom suite
(soon to be changed...hurrrrrayyyy!!!)

Q21:Favourite brand of clothing?
A: Fat Face/Big Fish/Ralph Lauren/Polo

Q22:Where would you want to retire to?
A: Anywhere but here!

Q23:Favourite time of day?
A: Around 6.00pm when I slowly sink into the hot jacuzzi at my local country hotel and relax after a crappy day at the office

Q24:Where were you born?
A: Stratford Upon Avon (Shakespeare's Birthplace too!)

Q25:Coke or Pepsi?
A: Coke

Q26:Are you a morning person or night owl?
A: Morning

Q27:What size shoe do you wear?
A: 10 (UK) 44(EUR)

Q28:Do you have pets?
A: No, but I would have a dog if I spent more time at home.

Q29:Any new and exciting news you'd like to share with everyone?
A: Yep, I'm young(ish) free and single!!!

Q30:What did you want to be when you were little?
A: Older....oh and a Pathologist...then an accountant...then.......

Q31:Favourite sweets/candy bar?
A: I love dark chocolate and my favourite brand is "Black Magic" Chocolate...mmmmmm yummy!

Q32:What is your best childhood memory?
A: Having the stabilizers taken off my first bicycle....my worst memory was 2 seconds later when I fell off...ouch!

Q33:What are the different jobs you have had in your life?
A: Shop assistant, Accounts clerk, HR Admin Co-ordinator, and currently Strategic Resource Planning Mgr

Q34:What colour underwear are you wearing?
A: White

Q35:Nicknames?
A: You can't honestly think that I am going to disclose that one whilst I'm sober

Q36:Piercing?
A: none...yet

Q37:Eye colour?
A: Brown (or bloodshot, if it is a Sunday morning)

Q38:Ever been to Africa?
A: Yes - Morocco, but would love to see more of it sometime soon!

Q39:Ever been toilet papering?
A: Don't know what that is.

Q40:Love someone so much it made you cry?
A: Yes...once upon a time...sob

Q41:Been in a car accident?
A:Yes

Q42:Who do you work for?
A: Honda

Q43:Favourite day of the week?
A: Saturdays

Q44:Favourite restaurant?
A: Three Crowns (Brinkworth, Nr Chippenham, Wiltshire, England)...This place should be placed on everybody's "MUST VISIT" list, whether you live in England or anywhere else in the world.!!!!!!

Q45:Favourite flower?
A: Self raising.....oh flower....an English Rose of course

Q46:Favourite ice cream?
A: Vanilla

Q47:Disney or Warner Brothers?
A:Disney

Q48: Favourite fast food place?
A: Any chinese takeaway

Q49. What colour is your bedroom carpet?
A: Cream

Q50: How many times did you fail your driver's test?
A: Zero, I think I scared the instructor so much that he wanted to avoid seeing me again

Q51: From whom did you get your last email?
A: Facebook...lol!

Q52: Which store would you choose to max out your credit card?
A: It would have to be a travel agent

Q53: What do you do most often when you are bored?
A: Go for a walk in Savernake forest

Q54: Bedtime?
A: Usually 11.00 p.m on a work night

Q55: Last person you went to dinner with?
A: Scarlett Johansson(come on guys...I'm allowed to dream aren't I?)...It was with some friends to celebrate New Year 2010.

Q56: "Ready cooked" meals or fresh ingredients?
A: Fresh ingredients of course! I lurve cooking!!!

Q57: What are you currently reading?
A: I'm rereading Philip Pullman's "His Dark Material" Trilogy

Q58: What are you listening to right now?
A: "Within you" from the fantastic and emotional album "Till the sun turns black" by Ray Lamontagne (go check it out if you haven't heard it before)

Q59: What is your favourite colour?
A: Blue

Q60: Lake, Ocean or river?
A: River

Q61: How many tattoos do you have?
A: None

Q62: Which came first, the chicken or the egg?
A: The egg..it's soooo obvious

Q63: Which seven famous people would you invite to your dinner party?
A: Mahatma Ghandi, Michael Palin, Anthony Hopkins, Scarlett Johansson, Charles Darwin, Julia Roberts, Al Pacino

Q67: Which animal best describes your personality?
A: Orangutang

Q68: 'Centre of attention' or 'on the sidelines'
A: On the side

Q69: Ideal partner: Blonde, Brunette or Redhead
A: It doesn't matter (as long as it doesn't come off at night).

Q70: Claim to fame
A: Related to Emmeline Pankhust (Founder of the Women's Suffrage Movement - Equal voting rights for women)

Q71: Bank or spend?
A: Bank then spend...

Q72: Mend or throw away?
A: Don't break in the first place!

Q73: Hot climate, cold climate?
A: Like both, but it is easier to warm up than cool down.

Q74: What would the epitaph on your gravestone read?
A: "...at least he tried"

Q75: Are you left or right handed?
A: Right handed

Q76: On what side of the bed do you sleep?
A: Left hand side

Q76: Cinema or sofa?
A: It all depends who with :)

Q77: PJ's, shorts or nothing?
A: Nothing

Q78: A day at the Mall or a day by the river?
A: A day by the river of course.

Q79: Have you ever lied?
A: Would you believe me if I said no?

Q80: Purpose in life?
A: To be happy and to make people happy...to love and to be loved

Q81: Favourite Drink?
A: A glass of Cabernet Sauvignon

Q82: What would your ideal house look like?
A: Old cottage with a thatched roof in the Cotswolds of England

Q83: What's the first thing you notice about the opposite sex?
A: Their eyes

Q84: Are you comfortable with your height?
A: At 5'10 yes I am - but it gets a bit cold up here sometimes.

Q85: Have you ever thought that you were honestly going to die?
A: Yes, tumbling 50 ft down a hill then falling over the edge of a quarry and free falling 40ft on to my back...my life did flash before me..something I will never forget.

Q86: Any regrets about anything?
A: I try not to regret, just learn...but yes I do have a few.

Q87: Is there someone or something you really want?
A: Yes, but I haven't met her yet :(

Q88: Does anybody like you?
A: I do hope so...

Q89: Do you believe in God?
A: I do believe...but just not sure what...

Q90: Have you ever kayaked?
A: Yes, in the Amazon

Q91: Fireworks..love'em or hate'em?
A: Love'em

Q92: When was the last time you were hugged?
A: At new year 2010

Q93: Do you speak any other language other than English?
A: A very small amount of French, German and Japanese

Q94: Are you allergic to anything?
A: Just the tax man

Q95: Favorite Saying?
A: I'll respect your opinion if you accept that mine is right

Q96: Are you close to your family?
A: Yes, they are very important to me!

Q97: When was the last time you went swimming?
A: This evening, I try to swim most evenings after work.

Q98: Can you curl your tongue?
A: Yes...can you?

Q99: Were you ever rushed by ambulance into an Emergency room?
A: No, I went by helicopter instead...Lol!

Q100: Is there a question that you would like visitors to your blog to answer?
A: Yes, please can you let me know 100 things about you?

A Chistmas Trip To The City Of London - Part 3

2010-01-03T12:42:00.021Z

So, the Saturday continues :)

My stroll along the south bank of the River Thames continued. Every so often a little surprise would reveal itself, like this piece of sculpture in the form of a surreal ship. This seemed the perfect place to stop for some refreshments.

Another one of my favourite places to frequent along the south bank of the River Thames, is the book market situated under Waterloo bridge, outside the National Theatre. Hours can be lots just walking up and down, reading the backs of the books. Some old, some new, some rather obscure and some absolute classics. The internet may be alive but books will never fade away. There is something magical, almost romantic about reading a book, being whisked away to a different time or location, turning the pages with anticipation of what lays ahead.

Just past the book market was another market with more sellers selling their wares. One stall that unsurprisingly caught my attention was the sweet stall, selling many varieties of sweets and candy. Can you recognise your favourite ones here? Mine are most definitely the coconut mushrooms Mmmmmmm yummy!

I made my way further along the bank, then catastrophe happened! The worst thing that could EVER happen to a photographer! An event that is worse than you could even remotely comprehend.....

...the battery ran out on my camera, and I had stupidly left my spares ones on charge in my room, which was still miles away!!! Ggggrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!!!!! I managed to capture one more shot before I had to pack my camera away and head back to Covent Garden. This shot was taken on the approach to Westminster Bridge. On the other side of the river, the Houses of Parliament are clearly visible on the skyline as is the clock tower of Big Ben. Unfortunately, the photograph is quite poor quality. I didn't really have the time to get the settings right before the battery shut down.

Muttering absurdities from under my breath, I wandered over Westminster bridge as the sun set and made my way back to my room to get my batteries. I then took the opportunity to grab a bite to eat in Covent Garden before going to capture some more photograph opportunities.

There is a quaint outdoors Italian bistro on the edge of Covent Garden that serves the most scrumptious Spaghetti Carbonara. So I sat myself down on an available chair and placed my order. The next hours was spent watching the world go past whilst warming myself underneath an outdoors heater.

After refuelling and warming up, I wandered around the outside of the grand Covent Garden marketplace and captured a few more shots. It is just so frustrating that I cannot show you the sounds, aromas and energy that floated through the air on that cold and crisp evening.

In the top left hand corner of the first photograph, you can probably make out the balcony of the Punch & Judy pub, which has to be my favourite location of the whole of London. Many a glass of champagne or red wine has passed through my lips on that balcony... Hiccup!

So, my night time journey begins. My first stop is the fountains of Trafalgar Square. Many times over the past few years I have unsuccessfully tried to photograph these at night.

With its position in the heart of London, Trafalgar Square is a tourist attraction; and one of the most famous squares in the United Kingdom. At its centre is Nelson's Column, which is guarded by four lion statues at its base. Statues and sculptures are on display in the square, including a fourth plinth displaying changing pieces of contemporary art, and it is a site of political demonstrations.

The name commemorates the Battle of Trafalgar (1805), a British naval victory of the Napoleonic Wars.

My wanderings do continue further into the night. But in fear of boring you all too much in this post. I will save that and more for my next post.

Come back soon, for more of my adventures in London at Christmas.

Cheerio for now,

Graham xx

A Christmas Trip To The City Of London - Part 2

2010-01-02T18:25:00.027Z

Day Two

I woke up early excited that it was Saturday morning, I am in London and that only means one thing.... It is time for Borough Market!!!! Call me a man of routine, but actually I just can't help doing the things that I REALLY enjoy, and wandering around Borough Market early on a Saturday morning has to be one of the best places in the world. I dived in the shower, pulled on my jeans and shirt, rode down the elevator and ran across the road to the Tube Station. In no time at all, I was descending the steps to the Market. Already I could smell the aromas coming from the food stalls and hear the calls of the sellers selling their wares. I have just stumbled into my own little piece of heaven.

Everywhere you gaze, there are colourful signs, amazing displays of every kind of food that you could imagine. Some common and some rather obscure and crying out to be sampled. Rather than go on with the descriptions, I will let the photos speak for themselves.....

One of the most amazing stalls at Borough Market is the fishmongers. There are fish of all shapes, sizes and colours. I just couldn't resist capturing some pics of it. Sorry in advance to any readers that may be a bit squeamish!

Enough now of the fish! There were also many stalls of other kinds of produce, so artistically put together....

Well, I did spend a rather long time wandering around the market. If you want to see more photos from here, leave a comment below and I will post some more another time.

You will however be pleased to know that I did do more than just wander around Borough Market. I always get the train to Borough Market, as it is quite a long way. However, it is always nice to take a very long stroll back. The walk takes one along the embankment of the River Thames, and encapsulates some of the most recognisable sights of the beautiful city of London.

The first is Tower Bridge....

The bridge,named for its two impressive towers was completed in 1894, and is a fine landmark crossing the river.

As I continued down the side of the Thames, I soon came to the next famous landmark. This one is St Paul's Cathedral. The first photograph was taken whilst standing on the Millennium Bridge.

A Cathedral dedicated to St Paul has stood on this site since 604AD, and throughout the Cathedral has remained a busy, working church where millions come to reflect and find peace.

St Paul’s is not only an iconic part of the London skyline but also a symbol of the hope, resilience and strength of the city and nation it serves. Above all, St Paul’s Cathedral is a lasting monument to the glory of God.

The current Cathedral – the fourth to occupy this site – was designed by the court architect Sir Christopher Wren and built between 1675 and 1710 after its predecessor was destroyed in the Great Fire of London.

Its architectural and artistic importance reflect the determination of the five monarchs who oversaw its building that London’s leading church should be as beautiful and imposing as their private palaces.

Since the first service was held here in 1697, Wren's masterpiece has been where people and events of overwhelming importance to the country have been celebrated, mourned and commemorated. Important services have included the funerals of Lord Nelson, the Duke of Wellington and Sir Winston Churchill; Jubilee celebrations for Queen Victoria; peace services marking the end of the First and Second World Wars; the launch of the Festival of Britain; the Service of Remembrance and Commemoration for the 11th September 2001: the 80th and 100th birthdays of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother; the wedding of Charles, Prince of Wales, to Lady Diana Spencer and, most recently, the thanksgiving services for both the Golden Jubilee and 80th Birthday of Her Majesty the Queen.

As I continued my journey along the embankment of the River Thames, the clouds arrived with rain soon to follow. However, before the heavens opened, I managed to capture this shot of a rainbow over the city. It was quite breathtaking.

Alas, this is where I will leave my report of day two for now. There is still much more of day two to come, so please visit again soon :o)

To be continued.....

A Christmas Trip To The City Of London - Part 1

2010-01-01T17:39:00.015Z

Firstly, I would like to wish everybody a very Happy New Year for 2010! I hope you have all have made lots of resolutions! (I certainly have, including the usual diet and exercise ones that we all seem to make every January 1st lol!).

My last post explained that I was about to embark on a trip to London. Well, my trip to London did happen and it was one amazing time from beginning to end.

The whole experience started when a kind friend gave me a lift to the station after work. No sooner than arriving at the train station, I was wandering up the platform to find my carriage. I had decided to travel in style and had prebooked a seat in the first class section. Before long, I was sat in the big comfy chair, with my ipod earphones tucked in my hears listening to some music. There is something just so relaxing about sitting on a train, staring out of the window watching the world speed past. The rolling hills, the trees, the small villages and farms, everything seemed so surreal. It is sometimes quite hard to comprehend that life is still going on in each of these places, whilst we are simply consumed with our own lives.

About an hour later, I arrived at Paddington station in London. London Paddington was originally opened in 1838 and its current mainline station was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel in 1854. I have grown accustomed to stepping off the train and taking a deep intake of air and looking up at the steel and glass structure that runs the whole length of the station. A marvellous feat of engineering and architecture.

I walked away from the platform and down the stairs towards the underground tubes. Yet another one of my favourite things about being in London. I could so easily wander around the tube stations, hopping from tube train to another all day long. The sounds, sights and smells are just memorising, and the moment where a breeze brushes against your face as the tube train approaches from deep in the tunnel is pure exhilaration.

I have undertaken this same journey so many times in my life, so didn't need to reference the underground map (see image above). I jumped on the Bakerloo Line to Piccadilly, where I then jumped on the Piccadilly line to Covent Garden. Even though it was late afternoon on Friday, it wasn't too busy on the underground, so manoeuvring my enormous suitcase was not too much of a struggle.

I eventually arrived in my hotel at 3pm and no sooner than arriving in my room, I jumped in the shower and got ready for the evening ahead. My first stop was Covent Garden. I won't ramble on too much about Covent Garden as I have taken you there before on my previous adventures in London. Nevertheless, I can declare that my first action was to go to the usual and head straight for the Punch & Judy pub for a large glass of red wine on the balcony, watching the street artists below entertaining the Christmas crowds.

London:
London: The Punch And Judy Pub

Mmmmmm it was now 5pm and my tummy was rumbling. Time for food!!! Time for China Town! I love Chinese food at the best of times, but I always feel a little awkward when eating in a restaurant on my own. It is the only part of travelling on my own that I can never get used to. Nevertheless, a man has to eat lol! So, I found a nice buffet restaurant and gorged on the most scrumptious oriental food washed down with another glass of wine. (Graham makes a mental not to self "I must start photographing some of the more trivial things on my vacations, like the meals that I eat and the transport that I ride upon").

Anywayz, after finishing the meal I had enough time to take a gentle stroll through the streets of London before heading for the theatre to watch "Cat on a hot tin roof". The night air was crisp and cold, the temperatures already approaching for zero degrees. A true winter's evening. I have enjoyed many cities and towns on my travels around the world. However, when I wander the streets of London and look at the history and architecture that surrounds me, I am reminded that the most amazing city in the world is on my own doorstep.

I finally found myself turning left off The Strand into Aldwych, the theatre stood grandeur in front of me.

I am not sure where to start with the play. I don't want to ruin it for anybody who hasn't seen it yet. For those that are reading this post, I really cannot recommend enough that you immediately jump onto the Novelli Theatre website and book yourself a ticket. The play is 3 hours long and from the moment the curtain rises at the beginning to the moment it falls at the end, you are completely drawn in to the lives of a feuding family. You are taken on an emotional journey from depths of despair to anger and hatred to love and compassion. And to have the unadulterated luxury of watching James Earl Jones on stage playing a part of man who discovers that he is dying of cancer whilst desperately trying to be the head of his family, is something that I will never ever forget. Truly truly truly worthy the lenghtly standing ovation that was given by all at the end, and there was not a single dry eye in the entire theatre, including mine!

Following such an emotionally exhausting 3 hours, I needed to snap straight back into the Christmas spirit. So, went straight back to Covent Garden and wandered around the market for a while. A good excuse to grab my camera and take some photographs!!!!

Alas, still buzzing with excitement yet with weary legs, I decided to retire to my room and grab a few hours of sleep before embarking on more adventures the next day. There ended day one of my trip to London. I'll write more posts over the next couple of days, sharing memories and photographs from the trip.

Cheers and cheerio for now!

Graham x

Graham needs a rest!!! lol!

2009-12-03T22:09:00.004Z

Yup! It is official! Graham needs to take a break! Not from blogging, goodness no! I have only just returned (and am here to stay! Sorry folks!). However, I am totally in need of a few days away. My camera has clearly been gathering dust over the past few months, my maps have been tucked away on the bookshelf, my walking boots are crying out for some exercise and my mind is frazzled!!!!! Alas, there is nothing for it except to pick up my ruck sack and go for a wander. So, in the pantomime spirit of Dick Whittington I am going to take a return trip to one of the most beautiful cities in the world, London! I am planning to go next Friday, 11th December and return on Monday 14th December.

As I am going on my lonesome, I have decided to do it in style. So, I have booked myself first class tickets on the train (so will be blessed with plenty of champagne on the journey there and back!). I have booked myself accommodation in one of the most amazing locations in the whole of London, at the edge of Covent Garden. And there is more....

... to keep myself occupied each evening, I am trying to arrange a few things. So far I have booked two visits to the theatre! On the Friday evening I am going to see "Cat on a hot tin roof" with the legendary James Earl Jones and Phylicia Rashad.

and on the Sunday evening I am planning to see "Inherit the wind" with Kevin Spacey

I want to leave the whole of Saturday free to wander the streets and absorb the magic of London at Christmas. My camera will be firmly in my hand as I try to capture the sights, the scenes, the history, the markets, the festive fun, the people, the food, the drink, the atmosphere... I will be sure to blog each night before I retire to my bed, so that you will be able to walk along side.

As a little challenge (lets call it a 'warm up' challenge in readiness for a whole year of them starting in January), where ever you live and what ever your religion, I would like you to grab your camera and capture the sights and scenes around you during December. Be sure to post them on your blog and I will do a special post at the end of the year to share your work.

Chat soon!

Graham x

....hello? Is anybody there?

2009-11-20T00:44:00.006Z

Okay, it's official! I have been away too much, and am gonna try this place again. I have missed it BIG TIME!!!!!!!!

Watch out, there will be posts galore coming soon.

Here are a couple of photographs for anybody who may have missed me (that is assuming that anybody can still remember me!).

Graham x

Quincy's Quest

2009-08-30T22:51:00.005+01:00

This is going to be the strangest post that I have ever written, but nevertheless one of the most important...lol!

Many many years ago, when I was but knee high to a grasshopper I was sat in my parents lounge with my sisters watching TV. I remember the afternoon vividly as it was just before Christmas, dark outside and the snow had begun to fall. The reason I remember this evening so distinctly is that we were watching the most magical film ever written.

The film was based in a department store, and followed the adventures of a pile of broken toys that had been thrown in the basement awaiting incineration. Their adventures took them out of the basement and up into the unknown in search of Father Christmas.

The reason that this film has always stayed in my mind, is that we had to switch off the TV before the film had finished and head to London to stay with our Grandparents. You could only begin to imagine the heartache and distress that my sisters and I have had to endure over the past 30 years as we have wondered what happened to the toys at the bottom of the basement in that department store... What was the name of the film? Did the toys make it up to Father Christmas? Did their journey come to a sudden end en route? Did the robot or the witch capture them? Did Tommy Steel ever sing again?

Each year since, we have grappled with the Christmas TV film listings as soon as they are released, in hope that this would be the year that they would reshow the film. But alas, it has never been shown since... sob...sob!

Well, now all our questions can be answered as, while randomly wandering through YouTube tonight (as one does), I stumble upon the film... YES!!!! My life is now complete!!! (Well, almost..lol!) And judging by the comments left by others on YouTube, it appears that we were not the only children of the 70's that were wondering what happened with the film.

There is only one thing left for me to do, and that is to open a bottle of red wine, turn out the lights and sit back to enjoy the film. Of course I can't end this post here. It would be completely remiss of me not to invite you along. So get your popcorn ready, pull up a cushion and enjoy the film... oh, and as you will very soon discover, the film is very old and this copy on YouTube kinda reflects that fact. I am thinking of petitioning to get the film remade...lol!

Cheerio for now and happy viewing,

Graham x

Edinburgh ~ Scotland (Day 2)

2009-08-12T00:23:00.014+01:00

I am now sat in my Travelodge room with a bottle of red wine. Mmmmmmm! The perfect medicine after a long day walking around the wonderful city of Edinburgh. I spent most of the day walking up and down the Royal Mile, enjoying the sights and sounds of the Edinburgh Fringe commotion. Then as the day came to an end, I wandered up to Edinburgh Castle. Here is a small selection of the photographs that I took, to give you a little flavour. More photos and video clips are to follow soon......

That's it for now! I'm off to bed, and am looking forward to another adventure tomorrow :)

Cheerio!!

Graham :o)

Ayrshire ~ Scotland (Day 1)

2009-08-11T08:45:00.008+01:00

Bruce's Stone ~ Glen Trool in Galloway Forest, Scotland.

Well, I am finally on vacation again... this time staying within Great Britain. My destination is the amazing location of Ayrshire in Scotland. I'll write more about it later, but thought I'd let you see a small handful of the photos that I took on my first walk yesterday, whilst I sit here finishing my morning cup of tea in my hotel room :)

My first walk was Glen Trool, and the famous landmark of Bruce's stone (see photo above). The inscription on the stone reads:

"In loyal remembrance of
ROBERT the BRUCE
King of Scots
whose victory in this
glen over an English
force in March 1307
opened the campaign of
independence which he
brought to a decisive
close at Bannockburn
on 24th June 1314."

I'll add more photographs and write more, over the next few days.

Cheerio for now,

Graham

Topping the charts on the day I was born.

2009-06-28T01:38:00.003+01:00

I was having a meal at my sister's house this evening, along with the rest of the family. Somehow, after the feasting was over, the topic of conversation ended up being "What was topping the music charts on the day that you were born?". With the help of google search, we all looked back through the archives to find out.

On June 17th 1972 in the UK, whilst I was taking my very first breath, Don McLean was singing "Vincent"

and in the US, Sammy Davis Jnr was singing "The Candy Man"

Which songs were topping the music charts on the day that you were born? Click on either of the two countries below, to discover who was number 1 on your special day:
UK Chart List
USA Chart List

A few more photographs from New York...

2009-06-07T22:31:00.002+01:00

Here are a few more photos from my New York trip. I promise I will write a proper post about the trip soon :)

I loved the sights from the top of the "Rock"

These were two of the cutest little things I have ever seen. They were snuggled up next to me as I sat on the bank under the Brooklyn Bridge

I took hundreds of photographs around Central Park. It was such a magical place on Memorial Day. The weather was amazing and the people were all so friendly and happy.

This guy was entertaining the crowds in Central Park

One of many photos I took in Time Square, this time by day.

The skyscrapers were so impressive, towering above me. I had permanent neck ache from walking around looking at the sky.

The Trump Tower has an amazing waterfall inside. I will reveal it to you in a future post.

If only I had somebody to buy something for..... sigh....

Ground Zero..... lest we forget.....

A trip to the museum of natural history. These creatures looked really mean as fossils. I can't even begin to think what they were like alive!

A trip to Wall Street.

Back to Time Square at night. I spent most of my evenings wandering around time square, just people watching and taking in the atmosphere.

Walking back to my hotel in the early hours of the morning. The skyscrapers were as impressive by night as they were during the day. This hansom fellow is the Bank of America building...

...and this guy is the Empire State building. The very top of the building was literally touching the clouds.

More to follow soon, with a full report :o)

June Photograph Challenge

2009-06-05T00:59:00.003+01:00

THE NEXT CHALLENGE!

I always look forward to new challenges, what ever they are. As we have been undertaking these photograph challenges for quite sometime now, I try and choose themes that are both fun but also stretch the imagination. I can honestly say that you all always come up with the goods, your photographs never stop amazing me. Your creativity, ingenuity and sometimes dexterity is quite awe-inspiring. I hope this month's theme provides you with a little fun too!

I am sat here, writing this post at the ridiculous time of 1am. At the same time I am wondering why I am not tucked in bed sound asleep!!! This moment of madness gave me the idea of photographing different times of the day. Therefore, the challenge will not be for one photograph, but will be five photographs (an odd number is always more aesthetically pleasing...lol!). The theme title is "Moments in the day" and the challenge is to capture a set of photographs that represent the times of "Morning", "Lunctime", "Afternoon", "Evening" and "Night". Oh! I really can't wait to see what people come up with!!!!

Guidelines

Just to recap, the guidelines for the challenge are as follows:

1) Take a set of photographs that in some way, manner or form represents the theme of"Moments in the day". You are welcome to use your artistic touch to manipulate the photographs using a photopackage such as photoshop. Be as creative as you desire!!! You are even welcome to submit a video clip, if that is your preferred media.

2) Include a brief explanation of how the photograph(s) relate to the theme.

3) When you have posted your challenge, be sure to send me a link so that I can include it on my "The 'Moments in the day' Photography Challenge Entry" post early next month!

4) You want to join in with the challenge but don't have a blog or website to display your photograph on?

No problem, either:

a)Just email me copy of the image, along with your name and a brief description of how the photograph(s) relate to the theme. I will then include your entry on my "Moments in the day ~ Photography Challenge Entry" post early next month!!!

b)Join up to a photo storage site like Redbubble or http://www.flickr.com/and upload your photograph, then leave a link to the photograph in the comments box on this post.

!!Happy Photography!!

Graham Ettridge

If you have any questions, concerns or have an idea for a future photography challenge theme then please do not hesitate to contact me on grahamettridge@aol.com

May Photograph Challenge ~ "Outside"

2009-06-05T00:04:00.004+01:00

It is now time for the entries for the May 2009 photograph challenge. And we have had some exceptionally great photographs submitted again this month. With summer upon us in England now, the photos have really got me in the mood for stepping outside and enjoying the scenery!!!

First and most important are your submissions...

1) Michelle from Rusin Roundup with photos of a festival,an enormous beetle and a summer yard sale

2) The biscuit in the basket with a whole hoard of stunning photographs of their journey around london.

3) Thrice from the Stupidest corner of my mind with her wonderful and vibrant photographs of a garden frog, an old chair, a beautiful self portrait and a self shadow.

4) Matt from the Personal Blog Phoenix with a wonderful autumn/fall river scene

5) Liss from A memory forever, with a set of haunting photographs that truly show the harsh realisation of the affects of a drought.

If I have missed anybody or you have a late entry (it is never too late!), please let me know and I will add your link to either this post of the next challenge post.

Yes again, each and every one of the entries show a different perspective of "outside", each and every photograph equally wonderful and entertaining. I always enjoy looking at all of your work and welcome those that have joined in this month for the first time :o) I hope you stay with us for the challenges that lay ahead.

I also have an extra entry for the "Chocolate" challenge from Fi from Fi's Ideas and creative moments with her sneaky cadburys cream eggs! Mmmmmmmm!

Okay, now for my entry. I had a bit of an advantage this time as I took a vacation during the challenge time frame which provided me with plenty of opportunity to grab my camera and snap away. Here is my entry:

This is a scene on Memorial Day (25th May 2009) in Central Park, New York. The weather was stunning with the sun shining and barely a breath of air. The magical thing about Central Park is that you can be just footsteps away from one of the busiest cities in the world and find yourself in the most beautiful and amazing park area. The noise and the hustle & bustle of the city seem miles away.

Cheerio for now

Graham x

New York! New York!

2009-05-30T23:39:00.005+01:00

Well, I have finally made it back home! All I can say at this point is that it was the most fantastic experience I have had in a long while. It was the much needed event that I have been waiting for. However, my feet are certainly the worse for wear, as I walked absolutely everywhere. I have blisters the size of Belgium (no offence to Belgium...lol!).

Over the next few days I will write a few posts about the whole occasion, but in the meantime would like to show a small selection of photos.

The photo at the top of this post was taken at the top of the Rockefeller building, on the day I went up to watch the sun set. Words can't describe the impact of the views as you walk out of the elevator and onto the platform. The photographs below were also taken whilst I was at the top.

I was originally intending to only stay "on top of the Rock" for a short while, but ended up staying there from mid afternoon to late into the evening. As the sun slowly went down, the scene slowly transformed from a hustling daytime to a magical evening.

The first of the two photographs below was also taken from the top of the Rockefeller building. It clearly shows the rectangle of green which is Central Park. The second of the two shots is looking back from Central Park towards the Manhattan skyline of skyscrapers. Both views were equally as beautiful and intoxicating.

Whilst wandering around Central Park, it is almost impossible to comprehend that you are still in the middle of a city that never sleeps.

The last skyline photo for now, is the great Brooklyn Bridge. There is a small park on the Brooklyn side, where you can sit and relax in the sun whilst enjoying the wonderful view and listening to the water of the East River lapping against the shore.

Finally are a selection of street scenes to wet your appetite...

Well, that's it for now. I hope it gave you a little taster of the amazing location of Manhattan, New York. I'll be sure to write a full post soon, detailing the time I had.

Cheerio for now :)

Graham xx

Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu

2009-05-19T22:31:00.004+01:00

I was driving home last night following my usual swim and sauna after work. However, this was no ordinary journey home.... As I sat in the queue of traffic waiting for the lights to turn to green, I was taken by the song on the radio. It was a beautiful yet emotional song sung by the most memorising voice. I was soon finding myself approaching the junction for me to turn off the main road, but I knew that if I pulled off at that junction I would be almost home. I didn't want to stop listening to the songs that this enthralling voice was singing, and the stories being being recounted between each song. I carried on driving for a further half an hour as the radio programme continued. Each song digging deeper and deeper into my soul. Eventually I caught the name behind the voice, it was Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu.

Although I was hoping the radio session would go on forever, it soon came to a close. The radio DJ thanked Gurrumul for his presence and the radio show continued with a regular music track, sweeping me back into reality. The track finished and the DJ started reading some of the texts and emails that had begun to flood in from all corners of the nation. Each and every one stating how the listener had become absorbed and hypnotised by the voice of Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunipingu. Drivers in their cars, families in their kitchens cooking dinner, students sat in their bedrooms doing their homework... all absorbed by the magic of this amazing artist.

I finally turned off the main road and headed home. As soon as I arrived, I ran into my lounge, logged onto the internet and searched his name, downloaded his album and haven't stopped listening to it since.............

That's how my regular journey home turned into a moment of sentiment.

If you want to do one great thing today, then I suggest you have a listen to the two songs in the links above and enjoy a few moments of Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunipingu, the blind aboriginal singer with the most amazing voice I have heard in years and years.

If you do have a listen to his songs (and I really hope you do), I would be extremely interested to hear your thoughts and opinions. So please leave a comment below.

I also recommend you visit his website at: www.Gurrumul.com

Happy listening

Graham :o)

Time for travel!!!!

2009-05-16T21:55:00.003+01:00

Yup! Finally Graham DOES get off his big fat butt and brush off his rucksack and atlas. A couple of key presses on my laptop at 2.30 am one Sunday morning a couple of weeks ago, and BIFF! BAFF! BOOF! I have a few days booked in New York City!!! How cool is that! I know, it is a bit of a change from the Amazon Rainforest or Egyptian Desert, but equally as impressive and EQUALLY as photogenic!

I'll be staying in the Intercontinental "The Barclay" just off from Park Avenue. I am rather excited and am desperate for a few days of "me" time. You know me, my camera will be firmly in my hand from the moment I leave my house to the moment I return. Expect to be flooded with photographs and filmclips when I return. I'm hoping that this will help reignite the passion that I have been missing over the past few months.

Cheerio for now,

Graham xxx

May Photography Challenge

2009-05-16T21:36:00.002+01:00

THE NEXT CHALLENGE!

And now for the next challenge. I feel partly responsible for the copious amounts of "CHOCOLATE" that were indulged during the taking of the photographs in the last theme, so feel obliged to provide some exercise in this theme. So, I ask you all to stand up, put on your 'glad rags', open your front door and step outside. This month's theme is "OUTDOORS".

Guidelines
Just to recap, the guidelines for the challenge are as follows:

1) Take a set of photographs that in some way, manner or form represents the theme of"Outdoors". You are welcome to use your artistic touch to manipulate the photographs using a photopackage such as photoshop. Be as creative as you desire!!! You are even welcome to submit a video clip, if that is your preferred media.

2) Include a brief explanation of how the photograph(s) relate to the theme.

3) When you have posted your challenge, be sure to send me a link so that I can include it on my "The 'Outdoors' Photography Challenge Entry" post early next month!

4) You want to join in with the challenge but don't have a blog or website to display your photograph on?

No problem, either:

a)Just email me copy of the image, along with your name and a brief description of how the photograph(s) relate to the theme. I will then include your entry on my "Outdoors ~ Photography Challenge Entry" post early next month!!!

b)Join up to a photo storage site like Redbubble or http://www.flickr.com/and upload your photograph, then leave a link to the photograph in the comments box on this post.

!!Happy Photography!!

Graham Ettridge

If you have any questions, concerns or have an idea for a future photography challenge theme then please do not hesitate to contact me on grahamettridge@aol.com

April 2009 - Photography Challenge results

2009-05-16T20:00:00.005+01:00

All because the lady loves..........

Above is my contribution to the April Photography challenge themed "Chocolate". When I first came up with the theme I had several complex ideas in my head. After a while of mulling them over, I decided to go right back to basics. I took two red roses out of the vase sitting on my lounge table and carefully removed the petals. I used the petals as a bed for the chocolate to sit on. The first photo worked well, but didn't quite have that "je ne se quois". So I coated the chocolate in a thin glaze of olive oil to give it a rich sheen. I was really pleased with the result.

And now for the best bit.... Your contributions. As usual, they are mind-blowingly brilliant and each has a slightly different interpretation of the theme.

Chica ~ Beloved Reese Pieces

Liss at A Memory Forever ~ Chocolate

Kimberly from Kimberly Creations ~ A Glass of wine and some chocolates

If I have missed anybody, then please let me know and I will definitely add you to the list!! and it is never too late to participate. Anytime you do, just mail me as I would love to see your interpretations and will add you to the post list.

Here are two of my favourite people who have recently posted their interpretations of our last challenge "10 things about me":

Zhu at Correr Es Mi Destino ~ 5+5 and 5+5=10

Robin at Naked in Eden ~ Who are you?

High praise to all of you for your artisic genius and great interpritations!!!!

Graham xx

March 2009 Photography Challenge Results ~ "10 Things About Me"

2009-04-13T22:32:00.005+01:00

Okay, so above is my contribution to the March challenge of "10 things about me", containing a mixture of old photographs and new ones.

My explanation of the photographs is as follows:

1) An Achiever ~ Once I set my mind on something, I never give up (sometimes to my own detriment).

2) At One With Nature ~ Nothing invigorates me more than being out in the wilderness watching the sun rise through the canopy of the trees.

3) A Workaholic ~ Over the past 15 years my career has got the better of me. I have spent far far far too much time at work albeit early mornings, late nights and/or weekends. Only recently have I been able to start building a work-life balance.

4) A Wanderer ~ As you all know, I love putting on my boots and walking. Absorbing the scenery, being intoxicated by the smells, the sounds and the sights that this beautiful planet has to offer.

5) A Chef ~ Mmmmmm food. Enough said...lol! Just give me a call if you want to try my culinary magic :o)

6) A Dreamer ~ When I am not able to be outside in the mountains, the deserts, the forests, I am dreaming about being there.

7) A Reflective ~ I took a personality test at work a while back. It summed me up more than anything I have ever taken before.... everything was me to a tee!!!! This is what it said... "People like you who are extremely Reflective are energised when they are absorbed in thoughts, images, and insights into their inner world. You probably enjoy spending time alone or with a couple of close friends, keeping a feeling of quiet intimacy. You're likely to allow yourself lots of time for contemplating the world at large and how you fit into it. In addition, your careful and thoughtful nature can have a calming effect on the people you come into contact with.

The thing that encourages you most in life — the thing that makes you get up and take action — is the potential you see to learn about something new and unknown. You are probably fascinated with learning how things work and having new experiences. Because of this, you probably have an interest in a variety of pursuits that span all kinds of disciplines. At times, your insatiable desire for learning also drives you to be independent and individualistic because you want to get answers to your questions about the world around you. You thrive when you see the opportunity to learn and discover new answers."

8) A Sportsman ~ I love badminton, swimming, cycling and golf. I would do more, but just don;t have the time...lol!

9) A Photographer ~ My camera is never far away from me. I love to look at the world from a different perspective and try to capture as many moments in the lens as I possibly can.

10) An Adventurer ~ I love an adventure, the education of a new culture, the challenge of a high mountain or a dense forest, the risk of wild animals, the curiosity of a new location. (I got the little Indiana Jones Lego character from the local toy store...lol!)

Now for the great entries from you guys. Firstly can I congratulate you on your brilliant interpretations. Each of them revealing a little bit more about the person behind the camera :o)

10 photographs about Muse at Xanadu

10 photographs about Michelle at Rusin Roundup

10-no-12 photographs about Liss at A Memory Forever

Zhu at Correr Es Mi Destino ~ 5+5 and 5+5=10

Robin at Naked in Eden ~ Who are you?

Please take some time to visit these blogs and have a look at their truly fantastic efforts, and be sure to leave a comment whilst you are there :o) It is not too late if you want to enter the challenge. Just drop me a line with a link to your photographs and I will add it to the list :o)

THE NEXT CHALLENGE!

...And now for the next challenge. Now I know the last challenge was a real difficult one, with 10 photographs. So, this one is going to be a lot easier. There is one things that we all probably have lots of at the moment, so thought I would set it as the challenge for April (it is quite topical!). Have you guessed yet? The theme is "CHOCOLATE".

Guidelines
Just to recap, the guidelines for the challenge are as follows:

1) Take a set of photographs that in some way, manner or form represents the theme of "Chocolate". You are welcome to use your artistic touch to manipulate the photographs using a photopackage such as photoshop. Be as creative as you desire!!! You are even welcome to submit a video clip, if that is your preferred media.

2) Include a brief explanation of how the photograph(s) relate to the theme. The photograph doesn't need to be outside, it can be of somebody or of something around the home.... it just needs to represent the theme of the month.

3) When you have posted your challenge, be sure to send me a link so that I can include it on my "The 'Chocolate' Photography Challenge Entry" post at the end of the month!

4) You want to join in with the challenge but don't have a blog or website to display your photograph on?

No problem, either:

a)Just email me copy of the image, along with your name and a brief description of how the photograph(s) relate to the theme. I will then include your entry on my "Chocolate ~ Photography Challenge Entry" post at the end of the month!!!

b)Join up to a photo storage site like Redbubble or http://www.flickr.com/and upload your photograph, then leave a link to the photograph in the comments box on this post.

!!Happy Photography!!

Graham Ettridge

If you have any questions, concerns or have an idea for a future photography challenge theme then please do not hesitate to contact me on grahamettridge@aol.com

Traditional English Steak & Ale Pie Recipe

2009-03-15T21:30:00.014Z

It is quite a while since I posted a recipe, so I thought I would dust off the cooking utensils and pull something together. One of my favourite comfort foods is Steak and Ale Pie. There is nothing more satisfying than tucking in to a good pie, mashed potato and peas. Now it would be rotten of me to tell you this, without letting you into the secret of my favourite traditional Steak & Ale Pie recipe :o)

If you do use this great recipe for a traditional English Steak & Ale Pie, please be welcome to either email me or leave a comment at the bottom of this post with your feedback. Thank You ~ Graham :o)

__________________________________________________

* * * INGREDIENTS * * *

750g Braising Steak

2 - 3 onions

1 clove garlic

1 bay leaf

Plain flour

Puff Pastry or Shortcrust Pastry

2 - 4 rashers of smoked bacon

6 - 7 mushrooms

Butter

500ml Dark Ale/Beer

250ml Beef Stock

___________________________________________________

Please click HERE to for a UK/US weights and measures conversion table

RECIPE

The first step is to dice the steak into reasonable sized pieces. Whilst doing this, heat up the pan until it is very hot. It is important to get the pan hot, so that you can brown off the steak. Put seasoned plain flour into a dish and place each piece of steak into the flour, thoroughly coating all sides.

Then add the pieces to the pan. It is really important to get lots of colour into the steak at this point as this is will help give the stew a lovely dark colour. Add salt and pepper as the steak browns.

Once browned on both sides, remove the steak from the pan, and put aside.

Next dice some smoked bacon and add to the pan with a touch more butter. Then add some sliced onions. We are looking to caramelised these down, so keep the pan on a high heat. To help caramelise the onions you can add a small sprinkle of caster sugar. Then add a chopped clove of garlic.

Once the onions are caramelised you will see them turn soft and brown. Now you can add the remaining ingredients. Firstly add 6 or 7 large chopped button mushrooms.

Next slowly pour in the Ale, allowing it to reduce down a bit before pouring in the beef stock. Finally place in the steak portions that were cooked earlier, making sure that they are covered by the stock. Finally add a bay leaf and cover the pan. Allow it to gently simmer for around 45 minutes to 1 hour.

When you remove the lid you will see that the sauce has reduced and thickened and the mushrooms are wonderfully soft.

The next thing is to place the beef and place it into your pie dish, followed by the spoon the sauce, mushrooms and onion.

It is important to pile up the steak and vegetables, to ensure that the pastry lid doesn't sink when you put it on. You can either use shortcrust or puff pastry. If you are using ready made puff pastry, roll two layers together. Next, coat the rim of the pie dish with an egg wash to help the pastry stick, before finally placing the lid on the dish.

Once you have placed the lid on the dish, crimp the edges with your thumbs and fingers to form a seal and stop the pastry shrinking during cooking. If you have any leftover pastry, you can add some decorative leaf features onto the top of the pie.

Trim the excess pastry from the edge of the dish and coat the top of the pie in egg wash (Egg wash using 1 whole egg and one egg yoke, to give the pie a deep golden brown colour).

Finally pierce a few whole in the lid of the pie with a knife to allow steam to escape from the pie.

Bake the pie in the oven for about 25-30 minutes at 200 degrees C.

ENJOY!!!

Graham xx

Time for a challenge!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-03-08T11:21:00.006Z

Okies, it has been a while. In fact it has probably been too long! So without further ado, here cometh the next photograph challenge... (*Graham waves his hands in the air, holding his imaginary drum sticks and gives a silent drum roll!)

The challenge for this month is to take 10 photographs (Yup, I said 10... we have a lot of catching up to do!) that represent you / things about you / your personality / likes / dislikes... I think ya catch my drift. Against each one, you need to write a comment to explain what is says about you.

Now, if you find the challange too difficult, I will allow you to dig into your photo archives for some of the photos if necessary (however, at least one of them must be a new one!).

Guidelines
Just to recap, the guidelines for the challenge are as follows:

1) Take a set of photographs that in some way, manner or form represents the theme of "10 things about me". You are welcome to use your artistic touch to manipulate the photographs using a photopackage such as photoshop. Be as creative as you desire!!! You are even welcome to submit a video clip, if that is your preferred media.

2) Include a brief explanation of how the photograph(s) relate to the theme. The photograph doesn't need to be outside, it can be of somebody or of something around the home.... it just needs to represent the theme of the month.

3) When you have posted your challenge, be sure to send me a link so that I can include it on my "The '10 Things About Me' Challenge Entry" post at the end of the month!

4) You want to join in with the challenge but don't have a blog or website to display your photograph on?

No problem, either:

a)Just email me copy of the image, along with your name and a brief description of how the photograph(s) relate to the theme. I will then include your entry on my "10 Things About Me Challenge Entry" post at the end of the month!!!

b)Join up to a photo storage site like Redbubble or http://www.flickr.com/and upload your photograph, then leave a link to the photograph in the comments box on this post.

I haven't forgotten about the November'08 challenge ('Happy'). So will include the entries from that one at the end of the month too!

!!Happy Photography!!

Graham Ettridge

If you have any questions, concerns or have an idea for a future photography challenge theme then please do not hesitate to contact me on grahamettridge@aol.com

The Wanderer Returns

2009-02-22T10:08:00.005Z

Graham unlocks the door, leans on the handle and gives it a nudge to see if it still works. The door slowly creeks open to reveal an old and dishevelled blog. Dust and cobwebs strewn across the walls and ceiling, the occasional rat and cockroach scurrying along the floor.

He walks into the room, his hand reaches out and precariously pulls open the shutters to allow the sunlight to burst through. "My goodness, it has been a long time!"......

Over the past few days I have been trying to think of how rediscover my inspiration and creativity for maintaining this important piece of my life. There are so many moments that I want to write about. There are so many photographs that I want to capture and share.

There is no better place than to kick off with a couple of memes that have been floating around the bloggesphere:

A) "Your Life To Music" Meme

RULES:

1. Put your iTunes, Windows Media Player, etc. on shuffle.

2. For each question, press the “next” button to get your answer.

3. WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS.

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IF SOMEONE SAYS “ARE YOU OKAY?” YOU SAY?
"Make me smile" - Steve Harley

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF?
"Delayed Devotion" - Duffy

WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
"Never Say Goodbye" - Bon Jovi

HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
"Baloney Again" - Mark Knopfler

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE’S PURPOSE?
"Patience" - Take That

WHAT’S YOUR MOTTO?
"Make You Feel My Love" - Adele

WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
"Pie Jesu" - Angelia

WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
"Great Escape" - Moby

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
"This Old Heart" - James Brown

WHAT IS 2 + 2?
"Who's Been Talking" - Howlin' Wolf

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
"J'en connais" - Carla Bruni

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
" Toccata and Fugue in D Minor" - Vanessa May

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
"Feel like making love" - Bad News

WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
" Superwoman" - Karyn White

WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
"Con Te Partiro (I'll go with you)" - Andrea Bocelli

WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
"When a man loves a woman" - Percy Sledge

WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
"Subterranean Homesick Alien" - Radiohead

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST FEAR?
"After the war" - Gary Moore

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
"Something" - Lasgo

WHAT DO YOU WANT RIGHT NOW?
"About a girl" - Nirvana

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
"Nightingale" - Nora Jones

B) "That Darned ABC" Meme

A - Allergies: Work.

B - Bed size: Double

C - Chore you hate: Washing & Ironing

D - Dad's Name: David

E - Essential start-your-day item: A cup of tea and a bowl of Greek Yoghurt & Honey

F - Favorite actor(s): too many to mention

G - Gold or silver: Gold

H - Height: 5'10"

I - Instruments you play(ed): Guitar (badly!)

J - Job title: Strategic Workforce Planning Manager ~ Honda

K - Kid(s): No.... not yet! But like practising ;)

L - Living arrangements: Live on my own in my own house

M - Mom's name: Jackie

N - Nicknames: Cracker (thanks to Chica!...lol!)

O - Overnight hospital stay other than birth: So many times it doesn't even bare thinking about. Last time was to have my shoulder removed and replaced after an accident 2 yrs ago.

P - Pet peeve(s): Noisy eaters, lateness and dishonesty (oh, and people who have a differing opinion to mine...lol! 'cause I am never wrong...lol!)

Q - Quotes you like: "We think too small. Like the frog at the bottom of the well. He thinks the sky is only as big as the top of the well. If he surfaced, he would have an entirely different view." - Mao Tse Tung

R - Right- or left-handed: Right

S - Sports you played: Football (soccer) & Rugby at school, Golf, Badminton

T - Time you wake up: Usually about 6 or 6:30a.m.

V - Vegetable you dislike: Parsnips... eeewwwww YUK!

W - Ways you run late: Never late (except once a couple of years ago when I completely over slept).

X - X-rays you've had: Way too many to list here, mainly on my head and my arms.

Y - Yummy food you make: Where do I start with this one? Hung Shao Pork, Chili, Spaghetti Bolognese, Roasted Pumpkin Seeds, Carrot cake, Lancashire Hotpot, Sunday Roast, Oven Roasted Trout/Sea bass, Sponge Cake, Tiramisu, Homemade Rice Pudding, Chocolate Mousse, Haggis Neaps & Tatties.

Z - Zodiac: Gemini

Version 2 of ABC Meme:

A. Attached or single?
Single (*sigh*)

B. Best friend?
I have a few.

C. Cake or pie?
Pie (as long as it home made)

D. Day of choice?
Saturday

E. Essential item?
My camera of course

F. Favorite color?
No specific colour, but I do like autumnal colours (browns, golds and oranges ettc)

G. Gummy bears or worms?
Neither

H. Hometown?
Swindon Wiltshire (however was born in Stratford Upon Avon)

I. Favorite indulgence?
A glass of port, cabernet Sauvignon or champagne

J. January or July?
January, because I love the cold weather!

K. Kids?
Someday.

L. Life isn’t complete without?
Happiness.

M. Marriage date?
Kinda given up on that one at the moment.

N. Number of magazine subscriptions?
One

O. Orange or apple?
Apple

P. Phobias?
None. I have a bit of a problem with heights but it doesn't stop me falling off the edge of mountains...lol!

Q. Quotes?
"We think too small. Like the frog at the bottom of the well. He thinks the sky is only as big as the top of the well. If he surfaced, he would have an entirely different view." - Mao Tse Tung

R. Reasons to smile?
Just because...

S. Season of choice?
Autumn

T. Tag 5 people -
Most people I know have already completed this Meme, so I tag anybody who wants to give it a whirl!

U. Unknown fact about me?
I can curl my tongue.

V. Vegetable?
Spring Greens

W. Worst habit?
Being too shy

X. X-ray or ultrasound?
X-ray

Y. Your favorite food(s)?
Any Asian food.

Z. Zodiac sign
Gemini

--------------------------------------------

It's good to be back!!

Bye for now

Graham x

And the results are.........!

2009-01-03T22:16:00.005Z

Mmmm, I think I have some catching up to do! I have been AWOL for far too long. Before disappearing I left a photo challenge and a request for help in choosing some of my photographs to go into a photobook.

I can't thank enough, all of those who participated in both challenges for their reponses. I will post the entries to the "November photography challenge" over the next couple of days. However, today I would like to announce the names of the lucky winner of the photobook along with the 6 runners up who will be receiving a fridge magnet.

Firstly, the 6 runners up are (in no particular order):
1) Chica
2) Marie
3) Janette Jones
4) Wandering Butterfly
5) Muse
6) Liss

The lucky winner of the Photobook (as soon as I have finished it..lol!) is....

!! Zhu !!

Thank you all again and, once the magnets have arrived, I will be contacting each of the above individually to confirm postal addresses.

Happy New Year to you all!!! and I promise not to be absent for so long in future!!!

Graham xx

I need help and there's a special prize or two in store!

2008-11-13T21:42:00.008Z

Time for a real challenge folks!!! I have often thought about putting a selection of my photographs together into a photobook. However, I really can't decide which photographs to include. Each time I wander through my images, I keep changing my mind.

This is where I would like you to come to my rescue. The task I am setting is for you to have a look through my photographs either here on my blog, at my flickr account or my Redbubble site, and select at least three photographs that you think should be included within the photobook. Then simply write a comment on this post with your selection along with a reason why you have chosen them.

This request will stay open until the end of this month. After that, I will put the names of all those who participated into hat and pull out 7 random names.

The first name drawn from the hat will get a signed copy of the photobook.

The next 6 names will be rewarded with a fridge magnet of one of the six most popular photographs chosen.

I really do thank you so kindly in advance for any selections that you make.

Happy hunting !!!

Graham xx

ps. Make sure you come back in December to find out if you are one of the lucky 7!!!

November Photograph Challenge

2008-11-13T21:10:00.006Z

"It's not the camera that takes a great photograph, it is the photographer"
Hurrah!! It's challenge time!!!! ...and what a challenge I have for you all this month. As we are fast approaching the festive season I thought I would try and come up with a theme to get us into the spirit of things. Therefor, the November challenge theme is "Happiness".

Your photograph should represent something that makes you feel happy. I really wish you all to have a lot of fun with this one!!!!

Guidelines
Just to recap, the guidelines for the challenge are as follows:

1) Take a photograph that in some way, manner or form represents the theme of "Happy". You are welcome to use your artistic touch to manipulate the photograph using a photopackage such as photoshop. Be as creative as you desire!!! You are even welcome to submit a video clip, if that is your preferred media.

2) Include a brief explanation of how the photograph(s) relate to the theme. The photograph doesn't need to be outside, it can be of somebody or of something around the home.... it just needs to represent the theme of the month.

3) When you have posted your challenge, be sure to send me a link so that I can include it on my "November Challenge Entry" post at the end of the month!

4) You want to join in with the challenge but don't have a blog or website to display your photograph on?

No problem, either:

a)Just email me copy of the image, along with your name and a brief description of how the photograph(s) relate to the theme. I will then include your entry on my "November Challenge Entry" post at the end of the month!!!

b)Join up to a photo storage site like Redbubble or http://www.flickr.com/and upload your photograph, then leave a link to the photograph in the comments box on this post.

!!Happy Photography!!

Graham Ettridge

If you have any questions, concerns or have an idea for a future photography challenge theme then please do not hesitate to contact me on

October "Shadows & Silhouettes" Photography Challenge Results

2008-11-10T21:15:00.008Z

"It's not the camera that takes a great photograph, it is the photographer"

Yet again, your talents are exploding and your imaginations run wild with a fantastic bunch of photographs for the October "shadows & silhouettes" challenge. I enjoyed each and everyone of them. Please visit the sites below to see each others interpretations:

Ingrid from Boricua in Texas - A fantastic silhouette on a red wall

Phoenix ryzing from Geeks R'Us - The Afternoon Nap - a great silhouette of his cat, Kal

Jessica from Wayfaring Wanderer - A truly amazing selection of photographs of the moon over a lake

Kimberley from Kimberly Kreations - A great interpretation of shadows from stones, to a cactus, to her true self

Toni from Daily Vignette - The most amazing evening sky.

Muse from Xanadu - A fabulous silhouette of two lovely ladies and a great shot of a rose in sunlight.

Elizabeth - A wonderful evening costal shot.

Michelle Dawn from Rusin Roundup - A brilliant Halloween shadow to send shivers down your spine.... spooky!!!!!

Liss from A Memory Forever - A truly warm and wonderful shot of dreams emerging from the shadow.

Thank you all for your wonderful interpretations. You have all really made me smile.

Okay, so now it is my turn to reveal my interpretation for the challenge. Well this time I have decided to post two images.

The first is a shot of Brian May from Queen, taken during the concert I went to last month. The lighting in the arena was amazing and I was fortunate to catch this shot when the lights all turned blue.

The second photograph was just a fun shot that I took whilst on holiday. I was stood on a bank and turned around to find a rather amusing shadow staring back at me. I don't think Indiana Jones has anything to worry about just yet.... hehehe!

Thank you all again for participating in this highly entertaining challenge. If you have undertaken the challenge, but I have missed your interpretation off the list, then please let me know and I will add it immediately.

I'll be posting a new challenge for November in the next couple of days.

Happy snapping!!!!

Graham xx

I'm sorry I have been absent for so long....

2008-11-09T22:26:00.002Z

I'm sorry that I have been absent for so long. Unfortunately, I have had an attack of the "blues" recently, but hope to be back this week - including the results of the October challenge and a new one for November. I'll also be catching up with everyones blogs and websites!

Bye for now,

Graham x

Graham's Blog Blast For Peace

2008-10-18T22:12:00.003+01:00

Occasionally something comes along that deserves more than just a second glance, and when I read chica's Blog Bast for Peace post, I had to read more. Within moments I found myself in Mimi's Peace Globe Gallery.

This is such a deserving cause, and one that I am really proud to contribute to. Here is my blog blast for peace...

Please take some time out and join in with this worldly cause. Please click on the image below to find out more:

A few pics from last night's Queen concert!

2008-10-15T22:37:00.013+01:00

I'm finally back from my trip to see the amazing "Queen and Paul Rodgers" in concert last night. It was one of the best shows I have ever seen. My ears are still ringing and my arms are still aching from all the arm waving and clapping that is customary when singing along to anthems such as "Radio Ga Ga" and "We Are The Champions".

I will write a full post or two about the past two days soon. In the mean time, as a little taster, here are some of the photographs that I took last night.

Warmest wishes,

Graham x

A journey to Ethereal

2008-10-11T19:07:00.018+01:00

It has been so long since I actually sat down and spent some time writing a post about my wanders. Mainly due to the bad weather we have had here in England this year (rain, rain and more rain), but also because I have been crazy busy, feeling the blues and frustratingly single...lol! However, I have decided to do just that this weekend.

I’m going to have to turn the clocks back a couple of weeks. The Saturday was very foggy in the morning, but the sun managed to break through around 11am. I checked the weather forecast and it looked like Sunday was going to be the same. So I dusted off my camera, recharged the batteries, brushed off my boots and set my alarm for an unearthly hour.

Sunday morning soon arrived; I was sound asleep when the alarm began to reverberate around the room. I reached out from under my lovely warm duvet, switched it off and curled into a ball to savour five more precious minutes in the warmth and comfort of my bed. Eventually, I pulled off the duvet and ran into the bathroom to grab a hot shower. Still almost asleep, I climbed into my trousers, pull on my hiking socks and shirt, supped a cup of tea and munched my way through a slice of toast & marmalade.

Peering out of the window revealed a solid wall of fog. Perfect!!! I grabbed my camera and made my way to my car, switched on the ignition and was on my way.

Within fifteen minutes, I was climbing out of my car in Savernake Forest and taking that first really deep breath of crisp fresh air. The darkness was starting to lift and I set off on my hike. The further I wandered into the undergrowth the clearer the visibility became.

There is something so beautiful, so emotional, so intoxicating about being on your own in the middle of a misty forest in the early hours of the morning…

Everywhere I turned revealed the most inspiring views, every breath I took filled my lungs with the most exhilarating freshness. I always find that when you wander through a forest during the day you can hear the birds sing. However, when you wander during the earliest hours of the day, the noises are so different. The scurrying of the animals, the creeks of the branches, the rustling of the leaves are much more distinct. Knowing that there was nobody for miles around, just the wildlife and me, filled me with excitement, a true sense of well being and a total feeling humbleness.

I walked further and further into the depths of the forest, taking a muddy track here, a turning there, sometimes just wandering through the undergrowth. Occasionally I would stumble across a scene that would stop me in mid step. I have wandered through Savernake Forest thousands of times during my life, but never ever ever have I experienced it looking as mystical as I did on that misty morning.

After about an hour of weaving my way through the bracken, I began to realise that I was being followed. The shivers began to run down my spine, and my breathing became more erratic. I tried walking faster, but the noise in the undergrowth simply followed at the same pace. I stopped, and the rustling stopped. I took a few more steps and there it was again, the same rustling in the undergrowth. I turned and still I could see nothing…….

…. This continued for several minutes, until I turned and looked over my shoulder and my follower finally revealed herself. She was a small muntjac deer. Her nose twitched and she leapt back into the undergrowth. My breathing slowed down, but the excitement and awe grew bigger. Our little game of follow the leader continued for about twenty minutes. Each time I turned, she would stand there and we would look at each other, both with equal curiosity and respect, before she would leap back into the undergrowth again. At first I tried to grab my camera to capture a photograph of her, but I soon realised that this wasn’t meant to be. We reached a point where she would follow me no further; perhaps it was the boundary of her territory. I stopped and turned one more time, she stood there and we shared a final trusting glance, holding on to this rare encounter knowing that it was soon to finish. Finally she turned, leapt into the bushes and cantered off into the distance. Each step I took from that point on was a step with an enormous bounce. I was walking in the clouds of joy! Never in my life had I experienced such an encounter. Never in my life had I ever felt so close with the things around me…..

The sun was beginning to rise through the canopy of the trees casting beams of gold through to the track below. Occasionally, I would just sit on a tree stump and just savour the scenes around me. Closing my eyes, so I could listen to every single rustle and crack; breathing slower and deeper to absorb every aroma. Wishing that time would come to a halt, so that the moment would never end.

Soon midday came and it was time to head back to my car. The journey came to its end, but the memories of that morning will never fade. …….

I hope you enjoyed another walk with me through the magical and mystical Savernake Forest in the lovely county of Wiltshire in England.

Warmest wishes

Graham x

You can view all of these photographs and more at my photosite

October Photography Challenge

2008-10-08T23:24:00.009+01:00

"It's not the camera that takes a great photograph, it is the photographer"

It is my favourite time of the month! It is challenge time! Hurrah!!! I was looking for a theme this month that would be fun and that anybody could join in with, no matter how good your photography skills are... and Muse from Xanadu came up with a great idea. It is an idea that is also quite fitting with the fact that Halloween is fast approaching too. The theme for this month is "Silhouette / Shadow". Now, the interpretations for this one are countless, and I am REALLY excited at seeing what you come up with. So dust off your camera, turn down the lights and get snapping!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And I want to see ALL of you entering this one... and yes, that includes YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yes, you... stop looking away... you know who you are!!

Guidelines

Just to recap, the guidelines for the challenge are as follows:

1) Take a photograph that in some way, manner or form represents the theme of "Silhouette / Shadow". You are welcome to use your artistic touch to manipulate the photograph using a photopackage such as photoshop. Be as creative as you desire!!! You are even welcome to sumbit a video clip, if that is your preferred media.

2) Include a brief explanation of how the photograph(s) relate to the theme. The photograph doesn't need to be outside, it can be of somebody or of something around the home.... it just needs to represent the theme of the month.

3) When you have posted your challenge, be sure to send me a link so that I can include it on my "October Challenge Entry" post at the end of the month!

4) You want to join in with the challenge but don't have a blog or website to display your photograph on?

No problem, either:
a)Just email me copy of the image, along with your name and a brief description of how the photograph(s) relate to the theme. I will then include your entry on my "October Challenge Entry" post at the end of the month!!!
b)Join up to a photo storage site like Redbubble or www.flickr.comand upload your photograph, then leave a link to the photograph in the comments box on this post.

!!Happy Photography!!

Graham Ettridge

If you have any questions, concerns or have an idea for a future photography challenge theme then please do not hesitate to contact me on grahamettridge@aol.com

September Photography Challenge Results - "Favourite time of the day"

2008-10-05T13:21:00.005+01:00

"It's not the camera that takes a great photograph, it is the photographer"

What a great bunch of photographs that you have all taken this month. I can truly understand why you love the times of the day that you have chosen. So, without further ado, here is a list of the wonderful moments from our September Challenge...

Kimberly from Kimberly Kreations - The stunning capture of sunrise early in the morning.

Zhu from correr es mi destino - A great sunset photograph and a truly amazing shot looking down on a Beijing road at night.

Muse from Xanadu - A cute photograph of her cat Mia staring at the clock... and the time? Of course it is just after 4.30pm, which means work is over!!!!

Liss from A Memory Forever - The first moment of peace.... A stunning image of her daughter sound asleep Sssssshhhhhhhh!

Michelle Hix from Sont les mots qui vont tres bien enemble - The most beautiful sunsets over the Rocky Mountains

Michelle Dawn from Rusin Roundup - A great selection of photographs from her son's football game where his team won 13-0

Thank you all for your truly wonderful interpretations!!! They all really do portray great parts of the day!!! We all need to savour these precious moments as we continue our marathon in the great rat race.

I have two special times of the day. One time during the week, and another for the weekend....

During the week, after each crazy day at work, I always venture to my local Country Hotel (Blunsdon House) for cycle, a long swim, a jacuzzi and a sauna (and if the weather is really nice, I even try and squeeze in 9 holes of golf). The walk from my car to the health suite is alongside the edge of the golf course. The views are so refreshing, and at this time of year the sun casts long golden shadows along the fairways. Often, I will just stand there and stare over the horizon and take a few deep breaths to absorb the view and the fresh air. Already I can feel my shoulder and neck muscles start to relax. Below is photograph of one of those moments....

(and yes, I have spent many an evening trying to hit my golf ball out of this sand bunker...lol!)

My second favourite time of the day, is early in the morning of a weekend. Yes, you did here correct. I love getting up really early of a weekend, if I have nothing much planned, and jump in the car to my local forest to wander through the undergrowth and watch the sun rise through the canopy of the trees. I did that very thing last Sunday morning, and will post about it in the next couple of days, but thought I would share a couple of the photos with you now. There is nothing more amazing than watching a deer leap through the bushes just in front of you, or watching a squirrel scurrying up a tree as the fog slowly lifts and the sunbeams shine through the branches of the changing trees.

Thank you all again for your fantastic pieces of work.

Warm wishes

Graham x

Sepia in a frame

2008-09-28T22:38:00.005+01:00

Okay, my Sunday evening seems to be full of challenges. My second challenge for today, from Chica at Photo-Projectz was to take a photograph and convert is to sepia, also to have a go at framing a photograph. I thought I would be brave (or mad?) to try and do both with the same photograph....

I heard yesterday that it was going to be foggy this morning. So I set my alarm for 6am. As the sun rose this morning, I was wandering through my favourite forest at Savernake. I will save all the details of the lovely morning, but needless to say, I captured some nice photographs. The trees are just about to turn into their Autumn colours of rich organges and browns. I thought this would be quite fitting for a sepia experiment. Below is the result of my trials:

It is a first attempt, I clearly still need to practice with this technique. Thanks Chica, this has inspired me to have a go at this type of effect more often.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Chica and to Jessica from Wayfaring Wanderer for their helpful techniques and guidance. I am still very much a novice with photo editing, and your tips and examples are a great source of inspiration.

Bye for now,

Graham :o)

The Great Egg and Spoon Balancing Challenge!!

2008-09-28T19:39:00.004+01:00

Muse at Xanadu set me a challenge of trying to balance an egg on its end. Well, when somebody throws down the gauntlet and sets me a challenge, I cannot turn it down.

I have balanced eggs on their ends before, so I thought I'd make it more difficult for myself. So rather than balancing it on the big end, I wanted to try and balance it on the pointed end...

Well, after a couple of hours I managed to achieve that feat... by this time my hands were shaking and I had almost turned blue due to holding my breath as I precariously balance the egg on its tip. I then had the almost impossible task of very slowly walking away and picking up my camera to take a shot of it. Desperately trying to avoid making any unnecessary movement, in fear of the vibrations making their way to the egg and causing it to topple. Here is the result:

But no!!! Now I have achieved this, I WANT to do more. One of my weaknesses is that I am never ever satisfied with my work, no matter what I put my hand too. So this challenge, although complete, needed a little bit of a twist. So I decided to raise the stakes. I now want to balance a spoon on top of the egg that is already balanced on its tip. My goodness!!! Am I barking mad???? Surely there must be something better for me to be doing at this moment in my life??? eh...nope! So, I slowly maneuvered my way over to the cutlery drawer and carefully slid it open... like a butterfly in flight, I slowly put my hand inside and pulled out a small teaspoon. I moved over to the balanced egg and held my breath once again. My hand moved slowly to the top of the egg, a small bead of sweat trickled down my brow....

I slowly lowered the spoon onto the top of the egg.....

the egg wobbled!!!! I stopped.....

I tried again.....

it wobbled again....

One more time, this time I can feel it deep in my bones, I can do it!...

And guess what?.......

I DID IT!!!

HURRAY!!! And here is the evidence:

Okay, so now the challenge goes on! Can you balance an egg on its end? If you can, can you go that step further and balance a teaspoon on top of it?

Go on, you know you want to try it! Go get that egg and get balancing!!

Oh and be sure to post a photo... I want to see the proof!!!

Good luck and just remember... if all else fails, make an omelet!!!!

Bye for now,

Graham x

Time for a change!!!

2008-09-17T19:24:00.005+01:00

Well, it has been time for a change for my blog! And I would like to thank my very good friend Chica from Photo-Projectz for taking the time and effort to create and build this marvellous layout.

I absolutely love the header and the colour scheme. It is a significant improvement on what was here before, and she has really managed to capture a part of me here. Chica has kindly left a few things for me to play with to enable me to add my very own personal touch. So I will be having a dabble over the next few days!

If you would like help with your blog design, then I totally recommend you visit Chica's graphic design services website design-bug.

A little preview of where I live and work

2008-09-13T01:52:00.004+01:00

There was a series of documentaries shown on BBC over the past few weeks. It was based on seeing Britain from the air. Explaining some of the history and geology of our wonderful country.

Fortunately, they actually featured my home town of Swindon in Wiltshire on one of the programmes, and in addition to this they also visited Honda, the Company that I am the Strategic Workforce Planning Manager for. The clip is quite short, but I thought I would include it in this post, so that you can experience a bit of the world around me.

I hope you found this insight into my world interesting. I'll be sure to visit some of the historic places around Swindon in the coming months.

Warmest regards

Graham :)

September Photography Challenge Introduction

2008-09-08T22:49:00.005+01:00

"It's not what you photograph, it's how you photograph it" ~ Graham Ettridge

Hurray! Time for a new challenge! Thank you to all of you that contacted me with suggestions for new themes. Please keep the suggestions coming in, and I'll be sure to incorporate them into future challenges. This month I'd like to use an idea put forward by Kimberly from Kimberly Kreations. Her suggested theme is to photograph a favourite time of the day / favourite moment in a day.

Guidelines

Just to recap, the guidelines for the challenge are as follows:

1) Take a photograph that in some way, manner or form represents the theme of "Today". You are welcome to use your artistic touch to manipulate the photograph using a photopackage such as photoshop. Be as creative as you desire!!! You are even welcome to sumbit a video clip, if that is your preferred media.

2) Include a brief explanation of how the photograph(s) relate to the theme. The photograph doesn't need to be outside, it can be of somebody or of something around the home.... it just needs to represent the theme of the month.

3) When you have posted your challenge, be sure to send me a link so that I can include it on my "September Challenge Entry" post at the end of the month!

4) You want to join in with the challenge but don't have a blog or website to display your photograph on?

No problem, either:
a)Just email me copy of the image, along with your name and a brief description of how the photograph(s) relate to the theme. I will then include your entry on my "September Challenge Entry" post at the end of the month!!!
b)Join up to a photo storage site like www.flickr.comand upload your photograph, then leave a link to the photograph in the comments box on this post.

!!Happy Photography!!

Graham Ettridge

If you have any questions, concerns or have an idea for a future photography challenge theme then please do not hesitate to contact me on grahamettridge@aol.com

My First Sale

2008-09-02T22:10:00.004+01:00

This morning started in the normal way… the alarm going off at 6am, falling out of bed and diving straight into the shower, getting dressed, ambling down the stairs, dropping a slice of toast into the toaster, making a cup of tea, logging on to the internet…

!!!! THEN SOMETHING NEW AND AMAZING HAPPENED!!!!!

I came upon an email with the heading “Sale notification from Redbubble”

I jumped for joy and my feet haven’t touched the ground ever since. Some truly kind hearted wonderful person has actually purchased a piece of my work. A photograph taken by me is going to appear as a poster on a wall somewhere…. I am soooooo happy!!!!

Whoever you are, THANK YOU SOOOOOO MUCH!!! I am so greatful and today, after struugling with a serious bout of the blues over the past couple of weeks, have the biggest smile on my face imaginable!!!!

If you would like to view my photographs for sale, please be welcome to visit my gallery.

August Photography Challenge Results ~ "Time"

2008-08-31T23:56:00.005+01:00

"It's not the camera that takes a great photograph, it is the photographer"

This theme has certainly been quite appropriate... I just do not know where time is going at the moment. We are heading into September already!!!! Thank you to all of you who have posted their interpretations for this rather short month challenge. Once again, the interpretations have been awesome!

Below is a list of each of the participants and their wonderful work:

Kimberly Miller at Kimberly Kreations - The life of a rose and her son coming of age.
Liss at A Memory Forever - The time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time
Cooper at True Nomads - The Eroded mountains and the Ancient Buddhas
Muse at Xanadu - A collection of her wristwatches
Ingrid from boricua in texas- A beautiful set of portraits of Ingrid as a child, a teenage and now.

It is never too late to enter the August theme challenge. Simply send me a link and I'll add it to the list.

The reason I chose "Time" as the theme for August, is because I was fast running out of it when I wrote the post. My own interpretation changed in concept several times. I finally settled for a photograph of my wristwatch (see below):

However, once I had taken the shot, I realised that it didn't feel quite right. It wasn't really portraying the message that I wanted to give. My frustration lately, is that I just don't have enough time. It is almost as though hours and minutes are simply disappearing, or missing. This gave me an idea, so I grabbed what little time I had, jumped onto photoshop and had a tinker. This is the result....

If you have any ideas for a Photography Challenge Theme, then drop me a message and I'll try to include it in a future month's challenge.

I'll announce the challenge theme for September during the next few days.

Warmest wishes

Graham

More photographs from Portugal

2008-08-23T00:37:00.004+01:00

I am sorry it is taking so long to post photographs from my holiday in Portugal. I am desperately trying to catch up with things...lol!

Below are a few more of my favourite shots. I hope you enjoy them:

"Feeding the hound" - A street scene from Portugal

"The Backstreet" - A street scene from Portugal

"The Market Square" - A small street running off of the Market Square. The architecture and colour of the buildings is stunning.

"The old cobbled street" - A street scene from Portugal

"The War Zone" - The wall of a disused fort in Portugal

"What's the hurry?" - I stumbled upon a cat dozing in the afternoon sun. I couldn't resist taking some photographs

"A Lazy Afternoon" - That same cat a few seconds later.

"The fishermen" - A river scene from the Algarve in Portugal

"The Rocky Passage" A photograph taken whilst I was on a boat trip around the cliffs of the Algarve, Portugal

"Flying high" - I was lucky enough to capture a seagull flying over the hole in the rock above. It made for a great photograph.

"Charlie Chaplin in Sand" - When visiting a sandcastle exhibition, I found this sand sculpture of Charlie Chaplin.

That's all for now. I will be sure to pull togethera proper account of the holiday very soon.

If you are interested in purchasing any of my photographs is cards, prints or posters,then please feel free to visit my photograph site at www.getty72.redbubble.com/

Warmest wishes

Graham :)

August Photography Challenge Introduction

2008-08-17T11:12:00.005+01:00

"It's not what you photograph, it's how you photograph it" ~ Graham Ettridge

Yes I know, we are half way through August already. Going on holiday is a wonderful thing, and gives you ample time to relax and recharge. However, as soon as you come home, you realise that everything else was still going on and you have heaps to catch up with. One of those things is the monthly photography challenge. As we are fast running out of time I thought that it would be a great to try and somehow capture time in an image, to hold onto it forever. Therefore my theme for this month is "Time".

Guidelines

Just to recap, the guidelines for the challenge are as follows:

1) Take a photograph that in some way, manner or form represents the theme of "Time". You are welcome to use your artistic touch to manipulate the photograph using a photopackage such as photoshop. Be as creative as you desire!!! You are even welcome to sumbit a video clip, if that is your preferred media.

2) Include a brief explanation of how the photograph(s) relate to the theme. The photograph doesn't need to be outside, it can be of somebody or of something around the home.... it just needs to represent the theme of the month.

3) When you have posted your challenge, be sure to send me a link so that I can include it on my "August Challenge Entry" post at the end of the month!

4) You want to join in with the challenge but don't have a blog or website to display your photograph on? No problem, either:
a)Just email me copy of the image, along with your name and a brief description of how the photograph(s) relate to the theme. I will then include your entry on my "July Challenge Entry" post at the end of the month!!!
b)Join up to a photo storage site like www.flickr.com and upload your photograph, then leave a link to the photograph in the comments box on this post.

!!Happy Photography!!

Graham Ettridge

If you have any questions, concerns or have an idea for a future photography challenge theme then please do not hesitate to contact me on grahamettridge@aol.com

Weathered though time...

2008-08-16T18:01:00.006+01:00

I still have to sit down and work my way through most of my photographs from my holiday. However, I just wanted to share this one with you now. It has to be one of my favourite photographs from the whole trip.

There is something I love about the colour and the texture of the stonework, and the peeling paint on the door. Stood in front of the door, my mind was swimming with wonder about the stories this little cottage could tell about the events that have taken place over the years. A little piece of history that has been battered by the winds of time.

July "FOOD" Photography Challenge Results

2008-08-16T11:27:00.011+01:00

"It's not the camera that takes a great photograph, it is the photographer"

Firstly, I would like to sincerely apologise for being so late with posting the contributions to the July "Food" Photography Challenge. Things have been hectic around here, leading up to and after my vacation.

As always, thank you to all of you who have contacted me about the monthly photograph challenges, and an enormous WELL DONE to those of you who have posted their interpretations. I continue to be totally amazed at the quality and imagination that you have each shown in your results. They are all so enjoyable!!

Below is a list of each of the participants and their work:

Zhu from Corre Es mi Destino - Pig Day in Ottawa

Chica from Photo-Projectz - Kiwi Fruit

Liss from A Memory Forever - Blueberry and Coconut Cakes

Michelle Dawn from Rusin Roundup - Taco Goode

Ingrid from Boricua in Texas - Bird Food

Dale from Little Red Planet - Beer and Vegemite

Michelle from Crow's Feet - Potted Rabbit

Mirage as Usual - The Philippines dish of Sinigang

Matthew W - Coke

Babylonezoo - Gateau d'anniversaire

Muse from Xanadu - Pancake Syrup

(I do hope I have included everybody here. If I have missed off your interpretation, please drop me a message I will add it to the list)
Once again, your interpretations are all truly brilliant and individual - from oozing chocolate to fruit and birdseed, from beer and Vegemite to fabulous recipes, from a pig to a rabbit. Thank you all for your contributions and I do hope you take a few moments to have a look at and comment on each others' fine work.

My contribution for this challenge takes me back to my holiday in Portugal. One morning in the first week we took the opportunity to have a wander around a local town called Lagos. During our wander around this beautiful seaside town, we stumbled upon a small undercover food market.

The market was exploding with the most amazing aromas, bursting with the most vibrant colours and bustling with the most interesting people.

The photograph below is of a wonderful old lady, sat counting the profits of her hard work surrounded by the fruits and vegetables that she has so caringly cultivated.

Tomorrow I will set a simple photo challenge for August, and look forward to seeing your interpretations.

Best wishes

Graham

Sunset from the end of the Earth

2008-08-12T21:57:00.003+01:00

Well, I have finally arrived home after two weeks in the sun. I have so much catching up to do, but thought I'd share with you one photograph to wet your appetite of the things to come.

This is a photograph taken standing on the cliffs of Cabo de Sao Vicente in Portugal. Before the discovery of the Americas, this location (the most westerly point of Europe) was believed to be the very end of the Earth and it was thought that if you tried to sail over the horizon here, you would fall off the edge of the World.

I'm sorry that I have fallen so far behind on things, especially the July photography challenge. I'll endeavour to post the entries before the end of this week, and will also kick of a short challenge for August. I'll also attempt to get a few more of my holiday snaps downloaded and posted very soon.

Warm wishes

Graham x

A moment to reflect....

2008-07-23T21:12:00.003+01:00

A few days ago, I was gazing into the sky and saw this amazing moon scene. The clouds were starting to gather in readiness for a summer storm, the air was motionless, hot, humid and buzzing with electricity. There wasn't a sound to be heard.

The time:
The very early hours of the morning

The location:
Sat on the lawn in my back garden

My mood:
Calm and reflective (and rather sleepy)

Everything else:
Somewhere else

There is nothing more mellowing that to sit in the outside in the dark looking up at the moon and letting your mind wander.

Of course, I couldn't end this post without sharing a little bit of that moment with you....

Cheerio for now... my mind is about to wander....

Graham x

Vacation time!!!!!!!

2008-07-20T18:36:00.009+01:00

Hurrah!!!!!!!!! I have finally managed to survive the first half of the year relatively unscathed and am now ready for my first vacation!!!! YIPPEEEEEEEEEEE!!! I'm not sure if you have realised yet, but I am rather excited! WOOOHOOOOO!!!!!!!!!! And the best thing about this vacation? The intention is to do almost absolutely nothing!!! A chance to truly recharge my internal batteries and catch up on reading a few books. Yet, you can be assured that my camera will not be very far away!

The location for my holiday is a luxury villa in Espiche, the Algarve in Portugal, with my family. It has been many years since the whole family had a holiday together, so this is going to me a fun time, and the villa is plenty big enough for us all to have our own space, which is very important when you are spending 2 whole weeks together.

Below is a small selection of photographs of the villa.... Mmmmmmm, I am getting excited just at the thought of it.

The Villa

The view from the pool

The tennis court and putting green

The lounge area

The dining area

One of the many bedrooms

With it being situated in such a beautiful location, I will most definitely go wandering with my camera and hope to take copious amounts of photographs to share with you (The villa also has Internet access, so I'll be sure to post a few updates whilst I'm there... as long as I can summon the energy to get myself up off the sun lounger..lol!).

Unfortunately, there are still a few slow, long, arduous, tiresome, grueling, frustrating days before I go (not that I am wishing my life away... but goodness HURRY UP!!!!! LOL!!!!).

Cheerio for now :o)

Graham x

Project - Flower Desaturation.

2008-07-11T23:43:00.014+01:00

Chica and Photo-Projectz has come up with yet another fantastic project. This time it is to desaturate a flower. As I am starting to experiment with my photography, this is an idea opportunity for me to try something different.

The project rules are as follows:

It's to take an image of a flower, and make it black and white, and whatever other editing/non-editing you don't do. You can also just take the image in black and white, I do know that many cameras have that fancy option. I would like to force the color out of you and make you pay attention to highlights, lowlights, and everything in between. There is a certain science when working with black and white, that totally differs from color. You just have to figure it out is all.

I had great fun trying this one and recommend that you visit Photo-Projectz and give this one a try!

I took the photographs this evening. Unfortunately, the weather is awful again today, with yet more rain, so I was unable to get into the garden to take the photos. The background of the photos is actually the beechwood side of one of my kitchen units. With hindsight, I should have looked for something brighter, as the background is too dark. Perhaps, when I have time, I may play with this in photoshop and try to lighten the background, to allow more emphasis on the flower.

Here are my attempts (I also took this opportunity to try sepia):

Photograph No.1

Original Photograph

Black & White

Sepia

Photograph No.2

Original Photograph

Black & White

Sepia

Photograph No.3

Original Photograph

Black & White

Sepia

Although I was reasonably satisfied with my very first attempt at this, I also realise that it is way off the mark and clearly needs some work. If anybody has any tips or advice on how I can develop my skills in converting to black and white, I would truly appreciate it. Black and White can be a wonderful medium, when used properly.

Bye for now,

Graham x

Another Sunday afternoon stroll through the wilderness....

2008-07-06T21:14:00.010+01:00

For me, the most perfect place to go walking is deep in a forest, and the prefect weather for walking is when it is raining. Today I had the luxury of walking in a forest in the rain. There simply isn't anything else in the world that even comes close to such an experience. The sounds of the rain hitting the leaves, the scent of the wet grass and the sights of the flora & fauna, and I am fortunate enough to have it all on my doorstep.

I have blogged about wandering through Savernake Forest once before, and I know that I will never be able to capture the forest through photographs in the way that I achieved that morning.

Today I also felt like I needed some company as I wandered through the undergrowth... Therefore I decided to invite you all along. So, grab your walking boots, waterproof jacket (trust me, you'll be needing that!) and a flask of tea and let's get walking!

(If you would like to see the video in a higher quality level, click on the youtube logo and then select the "Watch in High Quality" option)

There is something so endearing about the squelching of sodden mud underfoot, something so relaxing about the feeling of raindrops running down my face; something so captivating about the cool breeze on my cheeks; something so comforting when I unscrew the lid of the hot flask and pour that first cup of sweet tea.

The beauty of wandering through Savernake Forest is that there are so many trails that lead off in every direction, you could visit it time and time again without taking the same path twice. And whilst wandering down a path between the trees, every once in a while you stumble upon a tree of great wisdom and beauty - all aged and twisted. On the video clip above (at around the 7:15 mins point), there is the most magnificant tree that reminds me of "Treebeard" the Ent in the "Lord Of The Rings" Trilogy. You can clearly see see his eyes, nose and mouth. Truly enchanting. (There is also a little bit of narrative near the end of the video too! I wasn't brave enough to narrate the who video on this one..lol!)

Finally, here are a couple of the photographs I took on my journey.

Nature is so beautiful!

Cheerio for now,

Graham x

July Photography Challenge Introduction

2008-07-04T20:47:00.003+01:00

"It's not what you photograph, it's how you photograph it" ~ Graham Ettridge
It's a new month, which means that it is yet again time for a new photography challenge!!!
So, now for the theme.....

Well, it is Friday evening. My day has consisted of a long hard "headless chicken" day in the office, followed by sitting in a traffic jam for 40 minutes, then a 6 mile cycle session in the gym, finished off with 1 mile swim. I'm now sat at home on my sofa, and have one thing on my mind.... FOOD!!!!! I'm on the verge of hallucination with starvation...lol! And because of this, I am emotionally driven to choose "Food" as the photograph challenge theme for July. The interpretations are endless.... it could be a photograph of your favourite meal (if it is, then be sure to include the recipe in your post!), or it could be a photograph of a fruit/vegetable or even a favourite drink.... the world is literally your oyster!!

Guidelines

Just to recap, the guidelines for the challenge are as follows:

1) Take a photograph that in some way, manner or form represents the theme of "Food". You are welcome to use your artistic touch to manipulate the photograph using a photopackage such as photoshop. Be as creative as you desire!!! You are even welcome to sumbit a video clip, if that is your preferred media.

2) Include a brief explanation of how the photograph(s) relate to the theme. The photograph doesn't need to be outside, it can be of somebody or of something around the home.... it just needs to represent the theme of the month.

3) When you have posted your challenge, be sure to send me a link so that I can include it on my "July Challenge Entry" post at the end of the month!

4) You want to join in with the challenge but don't have a blog or website to display your photograph on? No problem, just email me copy of the image, along with your name and a brief description of how the photograph(s) relate to the theme. I will then include your entry on my "July Challenge Entry" post at the end of the month!!!

!!Happy Photography!!

Graham Ettridge

If you have any questions, concerns or have an idea for a future photography challenge theme then please do not hesitate to contact me on grahamettridge@aol.com

June 2008 Photography Challenge Results - "The Moon" or "Moonlight"

2008-06-29T15:15:00.006+01:00

"It's not the camera that takes a great photograph, it is the photographer"
Thank you to all of you who have contacted me about the monthly photograph challenges, and well done to those of you who have posted their interpretations. I am amazed at the quality and imagination that you have each shown in your results. They are all so enjoyable!!

Below is a list of each of the participants and their work:

Chica X at Photo-Projectz used her creativity and created a fantastic design, exploding with colour.

Liss at A Memory Forever who, after a game of hide and seek with the moon, had the ingenious idea to capture it during the daytime - a wonderful contrast of "Day and Night" all rolled into one.

Robin at Naked in Eden created some amazing and imaginative swirls and squiggles using the light of the moon contrasting against the darkness of the night sky.

Ingrid at Boricua in Texas has captured a breathtaking photograph of the Waxing Moon, a moon that is almost full - just starting to fade into the darkness.

Michelle Dawn at Rusin's Roundup has managed to capture the guiding light that is provided by the moon. The streaks of light provide a mystical feeling.

Zhu at Correr Es Mi Destino captured a wonderful nighttime scene, with the brightness of the moon set against the backdrop of the evening skyline

Azzy at Azzy's Blog-A-Roonie has caught a wonderful photograph with the moon in the night sky contrasting against the silhouette of a tree.

Once again, I would like to congratulate all of you on your wonderful interpretations. The thing I find most amazing about this challenge, is that yet again each and everyone of you have managed to capture the moon so perfectly, yet each from your own very unique perspective.

It just leaves me now to reveal my very own contribution to the June 2008 photography challenge....

Like many of you, this was the very first time I have actually tried to photograph the moon. I tried to capture it at various times of the night, using countless settings... some successful and some rather unsuccessful...lol! Also, as many of you found, the weather has a large amount to play when taking photos of the night time sky.

I was glad with how this one turned out, as it shows the contours of some of the craters. I have always been fascinated by the moon and the stars, and this challenge has certainly increased this fascination. I can see myself attempting more and more night time scenes in the future.

Whilst I was looking for inspiration for my challenge, I stumbled upon a wonderful poem by Robert Louis Stevenson, titled "The Moon". It seemed so fitting to the challenge, that I couldn't resist adding it to my photograph.

I will be posting July's challenge in the next couple of days. I look forward to seeing all of your interpretations!!!!

Cheerio for now,

Graham Ettridge

Graham's History Lesson #1 ~ The Moonrakers

2008-06-22T20:23:00.006+01:00

One of the many things take makes the British Isles such a special place, is that it is stooped in so much history. So I have decided to add another prong to my substantial lack of talent and try my hand at explaining a little of this history to you, as I go on my travels. I apologise in advance...lol!

Today's history lesson came to my mind whilst I was contemplating a suitable photograph for this months "Moon" photo challenge. It takes us back around 500 years and is based in my very own county of Wiltshire.

Before I go any further, I would like to formally introduce you to Wiltshire, by showing you where it is situated. The main image on the map below is the United Kingdom and the smaller map on the top right hand corner highlights the county of Wiltshire.

The Moonrakers

Between the fifteenth and eighteenth centuries the wool produced from the English County of Wiltshire was known and prized all over Europe because of its superb quality. Dutch and Flemish merchants had permanent headquarters in the Wiltshire town of Swindon (my home town), attracted there by the high profit obtained from the wool trade.

But there was a problem!

The merchants had a reputation of being rather partial to a regular drink of Brandy and Holland's Gin, but this came with a high duty tax. The local folk came up with a solution and began to smuggle the barrels of spirit into the county to avoid paying the import duty.

By the mid-sixteenth century they had established a smuggling operation that would run for more than 200 years. The barrels of spirit were landed in quiet coves on the Hampshire coast and brought up to Swindon by night and hidden within church crypts, fields and cellars throughout the surrounding villages.

But one night it all went wrong. A group of smugglers were forced to hide their loot in a pond, the Crammer, when they were tipped off that the Revenue men were waiting in ambush. They returned on the night of a full moon to the Crammer with rakes. This again attracted the attention of the Revenue men. When asked what they were about they pretended that they were raking a cheese, the moons reflection, from the water. No doubt the Revenue men walked away shaking their heads at the stupidity of the ‘simple’ Wiltshire folk leaving them to recover their contraband at their leisure.

This legend has become firmly embedded in the folklore of Wiltshire and the natives of Wiltshire were known. The name "Moonrakers" has spread throughout Wiltshire with pubs, clubs, hotels and even learned societies named after them.

Below is a photograph that I took this afternoon, of the plaque on the bank of the Crammer pond.

The plaque reads:

"The CRAMMER AND ITS LEGEND

The origin of the Crammer is not known and neither is its name, which was probably derived from Cranmere. Meaning Crane Pond. However it has often been associated with the famous Wiltshire Moonraker legend, bestowing this nickmane on the county's inhabitants.

The story goes that some Wiltshire smugglers who had concealed kegs of brandy in the pond were observed by excise men in the moonlight in the act of trying to retrieve the kegs. The moon was reflected on the water and the smugglers said they were trying to rake out "Thik gurt yaller cheese." Convulsed with laughter, the excise men rode on. While the smugglers chortled, "We were too vly for they. There baint no vlies on we."

The pond is owned by Devizes Town Council.

This plaque was the gift of Mr John Drake, Mayor of Devizes in 1972/73. Who was made an honorary freeman of the town in March 1996."

You may be familiar with another usage of the term "Moonraker". Moonraker was the third novel by the British author Ian Flemming, based on the fictional British Secret Service agent Commander James Bond (007). Set completely in England, it follows Bond's mission to stop an industrialist Hugo Drax from destroying London with a nuclear weapon. The novel's name was used in 1979 for the eleventh official film and the fourth to star Roger Moore as James Bond. However, the film was significantly modified so as to include outer space.

It poses no surprise that Ian Flemming used the term "Moonraker" in his work, as he lived and died in the village of Sevenhampton, just outside my hometown of Swindon.

And here endith my history lesson.

Best wishes

Graham xx

It's been far too long....

2008-06-20T21:25:00.009+01:00

I'm back.... one year older and a few more grey hairs (Now 36 years old, and still single.... that's not good!!!)... but I'm making my return to the blogging world after a few weeks AWOL. It will come as no surprise that I have missed it all immensely.

I make my return with another of Chica's projectz. This one seemed quite fitting in helping me dig deep, cheer myself up and find some inspiration, by looking back at some of the good times I have had over the past few years.

The project:

"This weeks challenge is a bit ambitious. The whole idea is to photograph every letter of the alphabet, not the actual letter, but something representing that letter. A for Apple, B for blue, C for Cat, you get the whole idea. I imagine that right now you have about 20 of those letter representing photographs already in your collection of photos. Perhaps put together a slide show of them, that would be easy to host and view. "

Here is my contribution:

(To view the video at a better quality level, double click on the video clip and select "Watch in high quality")

Note: The software package that I used for this project is ProShow Gold. I can't recommend it enough. It is the simplest and most dynamic photo/video slideshow package that I have used!

I think this is a great way to look back at some of your fondest moments/captures and to share them with the world. I hope you all check out Chica's project and have a go at this one yourself. Please let me know if you do!!!!

Bye for now and warm wishes
Graham xx

June Photography Challenge Introduction

2008-06-03T00:00:00.004+01:00

"It's not what you photograph, it's how you photograph it" ~ Graham Ettridge

It's a new month, which means that it is yet again time for a new photography challenge!!!

So, now for the theme.....

I was walking down the street the other evening, and the sky was perfectly clear and the moon was out. It was most beautiful. I wish that I had a camera in my hand that very moment, so that I could have captured the image forever, but alas I didn't. However, it did give me a good idea for June's theme. So, as you have probably already guessed, my theme for June is "The Moon" or "Moonlight"

Guidelines

Just to recap, the guidelines for the challenge are as follows:

1) Take a photograph that in some way, manner or form represents the theme of "The Moon" or "Moonlight". You are welcome to use your artistic touch to manipulate the photograph using a photopackage such as photoshop. Be as creative as you desire!!!

2) Include a brief explanation of how the photograph(s) relate to the theme. The photograph doesn't need to be outside, it can be of somebody or of something around the home.... it just needs to represent the theme of the month.

3) When you have posted your challenge, be sure to send me a link so that I can include it on my "June Challenge Entry" post at the end of the month!

4) You want to join in with the challenge but don't have a blog or website to display your photograph on? No problem, just email me copy of the image, along with your name and a brief description of how the photograph(s) relate to the theme. I will then include your entry on my "June Challenge Entry" post at the end of the month!!!

!!Happy Photography!!

Graham Ettridge

If you have any questions or concerns, then please do not hesitate to contact me on grahamettridge@aol.com

May Photography Challenge Results - "Urban Regeneration"

2008-06-01T12:22:00.006+01:00

"It's not the camera that takes a great photograph, it is the photographer"

Thank you to all of you who have contacted me about the monthly photograph challanges, and well done to those of you who have posted their interpretations. They have been of an extremly high standard like always!!

Please click on the links below to see eachothers' wonderful creativity at work, and please leave an encouraging comment whilst you are there....

Liss from A Memory forever - A tractor turning a paddock into bulding site and A seed that will one day become a garden flower.

Muse from Xanada - The modern architecture of a casino building in Texas.

Michelle from Rusin's Round-up - Construction at a local hospital
Excellent interpretations from you both!!!

The weather in England has been to its usual standard... sunny when I am in the office and raining when I am at home. Well, isn't that typical. However, I did manage to brave the rain and take my camera outside.

So, here are two of the images that I managed to capture:

This first image is my nominated challenge photograph, as I think it represents the emotions I feel when I see more houses being built on our green fields. The feeling of becoming caged in by the concrete and steel jungle....

I decided to also include this second image, as I found the structure of the scaffold very interesting.

Once again, well done everybody on your efforts and achievements in this challenge. Tomorrow I will announce the theme for June's challenge

Cheerio for now :)

Graham xx

Emotive Self Portrait

2008-06-01T00:43:00.005+01:00

Well, this is probably the hardest off all possible projects for me, as I hate being in front of the camera. However,not one to turn a Chica challenge down, I took the plunge and made an attempt at a self portrait.

This photograph was taken very late one night, after a long hard day. My eyes are clearly showing the affects of tiredness, lol! I tried various different lighting methods, but this one seemed to capture the mood that I wanted to achieve.

I can't say that I am particularly happy with the result, mainly because I am in the shot. But at least I tried......

Cheerio for now,

Graham x

Red Rose

2008-05-30T20:08:00.007+01:00

I was hoping to get out and about during this week, but the weather has been pretty poor... typical! Still, that hasn't stopped me from spending a little bit of time with my camera. Today I thought I would have an attempt at another of Chica's projects at Photo Projectz. This one was to photograph something in just one colour.

"One color- A photo with only one overall color, with no post editing to achieve it."

Mmmmm, a challenge indeed! I have a vase of red roses on my dining table, so decided that these would provide the perfect case study. No sooner had the inspiration overcome me, I jumped from my sofa and grabbed the camera. A little shuffle of the dining table, a little extending of the tripod and a little huffing and puffing as I tried to get the rose in focus - and suddenly the image took form.

This image is a simple reminder to me of how much warmth and beauty there is in nature. Yet the world is so fragile..........

Chica has listed 10 projects do consider in this assignment, that are worth having a go at.

Cheerio for now,

Graham :)

One Amazing Year Of Blogging

2008-05-29T00:21:00.002+01:00

Unbelievably, this week sees the completion of my first year of blogging. I can honestly say that I had no idea what was in store for me when I added my first post, all those months ago.

Since starting my blog in May 2007, I have had the fortune of communicating with some of the most wonderful people imaginable. I have also looked at things in a different light. I am sure you understand what I mean when I say that when ever I do something out of the ordinary or go somewhere, the first thing that comes into my mind is "Mmmmm, I must write a post about this!". Where ever I go, I automatically look for the perfect photograph that would fit nicely on the page. And most importantly, I always look forward to coming home from work and browsing others' blogs to catch up on what they have been doing.

Anywayz, before I start rambling too much, I just want to say thank you to all of you for making my experience so truly enjoyable!!!

Thanks

Graham

Blue Marble Day

2008-05-27T16:19:00.008+01:00

Today is a blue day.... no, my life is not collapsing around me (well, no more than usual...lol!), but today I decided to photograph a blue marble. I am using Chica's project of photographing marbles as a good opportunity to have a practice at Macro photography.

I think most of you know me well enough now, to guess that taking this photograph involved me rearranging my lounge and having my coffee table outside in the garden with a rubbish bin balanced on top of it and the kitchen cutting board on top of that.... lol! Bugger!! I'm sure there is an easier way to take photographs!

Anywayz, I decided to use a spoon as it has great curves (and I like things with nice curves... hehehe!). This one turned out quite well. I am beginning to like the black & white photographs with the focal item in colour.

To see the real master at work, please visit Chica's collection of marble photographs.

Technical Information:
I have been asked what lense & settings I used for this photograph, so thought it might be useful to include this detail on the post itself.

Camera: Canon EOS 350D (Rebel XT in the USA).

Lense: Canon EFS 18-55mm

Lense Extensions: Sonia 58mm +4, +2 and +1 extension lenses connected together. This is a much cheaper way of achieving macro photography without spending fortunes on a proper Macro lense.

The pack of lense extensions shown above consist of a +1, +2, +4, +5(Macro) lense set.

Exposure Program: AV (Aperture Priority)
Exposure: 0.002 sec (1/500)
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal Length: 55mm
ISO speed: 100
Exposure Bias: 0/2 EV
Flash: Off
Orientation: Horizontal
White Balance: Manual
Compressions: JPEG
Image Width: 3834 pixels
Image HeightL 2779 pixels

I hope this is useful.

Cheerio for now,

Graham

"That day my eyes were opened...." ~ Famous quotations and what they mean to me.

2008-05-26T20:02:00.009+01:00

A rare photograph of me infront of the camera... daydreaming on a beach in the Isle of Wight

Kris from Chasing Fireflies tagged me on a meme to write about my favourite quptations. Well, it may come as no surprise to you there are many quotations that have caught my heart over the years. So, I may write more than one post in response to this meme. However, today I will focus on my favourite travel quotes.... those that I have used on my blog page.

1) "For my part, I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel's sake. The great affair is to move; to feel the needs and the hitches of our life more nearly; to come off this feathered bed of civilisation, and find the globe granite under foot and strewn with cutting flints." ~ Robert Louis Stevenson

A photograph taken on my trek through the amazing Sinai Desert, Egypt.

This quote needs no explaining, Stevenson captures the sentiment perfectly. To travel, to experience and to learn......

2) "The road diverged in a wood and I - I took the one less travelled" ~ Robert Frost

This is a photograph taken on an early morning wander through Savernake forest, a short distance from where I live.

With travel so widely available many locations are being flooded with western commercialism, with western food, and with western shops and very often at western prices. To see the world for what it really is, we need to step away from the tourist route, and poke our heads down the little alleys, walk over the hill or row to the next shore.

3) "We think too small. Like the frog at the bottom of the well. He thinks the sky is only as big as the top of the well. If he surfaced, he would have an entirely different view." - Mao Tse-Tung

A photograph taken from the Control Tower in Auschwitz Concentration Camp, Poland.

I have often recounted my experience in Auschwitz Concentration Camp in Poland, but it did have an enormous impact on me. To the extent that for many months after, I would get tearful at memory of the visit. Through school I had learned about the two World wars. I had also seen many films and documentaries on TV. I thought I knew about the holocaust, but nothing prepared me for the journey that I took that day. To walk through the corridors full of faces; the rooms full of human hair, spectacles and suitcases; the rubble of the gas chambers; the railway line that brought innocent people to their deaths..... That day my eyes were opened..... The words of Mao Tse-Tung so beautifully capture the fact that we think we know everything, when in fact we know very little. To learn, we need to look... to open our eyes and peer outside the well.

4) "All travel has its advantages. If the passenger visits better countries, he may learn to improve his own. And if fortune carries him to worse, he may learn to enjoy it."- Samuel Johnson

A photograph taken whilst our Bedouin Guides were preparing breakfast for us during our trek through the Sinai Desert.

My journey through the Sinai Desert in Egypt was my first real experience of this. Coming from a first world country to spend time with the Bedouins of the desert taught me so much about how complacent we are, and how we live in such a "superficial and throw away" society. No longer do I spend my life worrying about what colour to paint my kitchen and what car to have next... Now I spend my life being grateful that I can turn on a tap to get water, and turn up the thermostat to warm the house.

Whilst walking with my Bedouin guide one day, I asked him how he felt about taking us on the trek through the desert. He turned to me and said "It is an enormous honour for me, that such wealthy people from a faraway land would want to spend time with with me and experience my surroundings". That night I lay in my sleeping bag looking up to the stars and thought about his words. I realised that it was I who should be honoured, as he was spending time with me, teaching me the true value of life. It was a very humbling and emotional experience...... one that I shall never ever forget.

5) "Travel, in the younger sort, is a part of education; in the elder, a part of experience. He that travelleth into a country before he hath some entrance into the language, goeth to school, and not to travel."- Francis Bacon 1561-1626: Essays (1625) 'Of Travel'

A photograph taken of caimen enjoying the sun in a lagoon deep in the Amazon Rainforest

As I mentioned in my profile introduction - The biggest reward I get from travelling is the education of new cultures, meeting new people, and learning more about myself. No matter whether it is a walk in a local woodland area or a trek through a new country - each time I travel I come back a little more educated and a lot more humble.

I was in my car the other day and was listening to an interview with a musician who explained that she could see musical notes as colours. When she listened to a piece of music, she could close her eyes and see an amazing display of shades of colours that formed an ever changing picture.... I get a similar feeling when travelling. I often experience a sensory overload that on occasions can be quite suffocating. Whilst floating down the river in the Amazon rainforest, everywhere I turned I saw new sights; every breath I took, I experienced new scents; every noise I heard was like a new symphony. At times it was impossible for my little brain to absorb everything. I either had to close my eyes, cover my ears or hold my breath. There is always so much to learn, so much to experience, so much to enjoy.

A photograph taken at the top of Corcovada Mountain in Rio De Janeiro, at the feet of "Christ The Redeemer"

Thank you Kris, for such a thought provoking tag, it was most enjoyable to complete. To this end, I would like to open this Meme to all of my readers. I would dearly love to hear your favourite quotations and what they mean to you.

Cheerio for now,

Graham x

Marble in the cog.

2008-05-25T23:40:00.005+01:00

Well, I haven't been spending anywhere near enough time on my blog recently... so this week I am going to try and catch up a bit. My first post is inspired by Chica from Photo-Projectz.

Chica has some great projects running in on her blog. One of these projects is called "Get your marble on!"

"Today's project idea is simple, it is of my most favorite thing to photograph and that's marbles! I want to see how you would shoot a marble. Photograph it anyways you want, and try to be creative at the same time."

And that is exactly what I did today. I have been meaning to participate in this project for a while, as I love the way the world looks so different when you look at it from a different perspective. I am also fascinated by the marriage of the colours of the glass reacting with the light. So, I went to the local toy store yesterday and purchased a bag of marbles (gosh, that certainly took me back to my childhood!).

Today, whilst glumly looking out at the rain pouring down into my garden I decided to have a go the project. After a few minutes of contemplation on what I could possibly do to create a reasonable composition, my eyes fell upon the coffee grinder that was standing motionless on my kitchen window.

I precariously balanced the marble onto the mechanism of the grinder and got to work. I was quite pleased with the result.

To finish the photograph, I converted the grinder and background to black and white. This hopefully allowed the focus of the photo to be placed on the colour and shape of the marble.

Well, that's one job done.... I wonder what will unfold tomorrow....?

Cheerio for now,

Graham x

My return trip to the sand dunes of Egypt

2008-05-13T23:24:00.011+01:00

Woohoo!!!!!!! I have finally chosen where to go for an adventure this year!! Yippee!!!

After my fall at the end of December 2006, I wasn't really up for anything adventurous last year, but it is now time to dust off my hiking boots and get myself back on track. All I can say is "Move aside Indiana Jones"...lol!

library photograph

So, as you have probably guessed by the title of this post, I am going back to Egypt. My last visit to Egypt was to the spectacular Sinai Desert in 2002. My goodness, it feels just like yesterday.

This time my expedition will be slightly different.

library photograph

After leaving England, I will fly to Luxor where I will meet the group that I will be exploring with, and then will find a donkey and ride to the Valley of the Kings and visit Queen Hatshepsut Temple.

library photograph

I will also visit the main tombs of the area including the most famous tomb, Tutankhamen (How amazing is that?)

library photograph

library photograph

In the afternoon I will have time to discover the surrounding villages with a Calesh ride, visit the Valley of the Queens and experience the 'Sound and Light show' at the Kamak Temple. There should also be time for me to catch an early morning hot air balloon ride over the valley.

After a couple of days, I will travel by train to Aswam, where I will begin a 5 day trip in a very basic boat across Lake Nasser to Abu Simbel. As part of the project to flood the lake in 1971, many temples were relocated to save them and are now sited around its shores. Apart from crocs, fish eagles and pelicans, the only inhabitants I am likely to come across in the wilderness are lone fishermen selling their catch.

library photograph

library photograph

The beauty of experiencing the lake this way is being able to explore areas that are inaccessible by other means of transport such as; Wadi Es Seboua with its well preserved inscriptions, Dakka and Maharaqah as well as the old fort of Kasr Ibrim, standing alone on a small Island hilltop (the only site that still occupies its original position). There are also numerous opportunities for treks in the sand dunes as well as swimming, relaxation and even some fishing.

One of the highlights of the tour is arriving at Abu Simbel from the lake.

library photograph

I should have the chance to explore the interior Sanitary and witness the spectacular sun rising at the site early in the morning well before the crowds arrive. I will then travel by road and train back to Luxor for the final evening with the group.

Now, the only unfortunate thing is that I will not be going until October.... However, I am already feeling excited...lol! Before then, I have a two week vacation in Portugal during August. Even that feels like an age away...LOL!!!!!

Cheerio for now,

Graham xx

May Photography Challenge Introduction

2008-05-07T23:33:00.004+01:00

"It's not what you photograph, it's how you photograph it" ~ Graham Ettridge

It's a new month, which means that it is time for a new photography challenge!!!

So, now for the theme.....

I am fascinated by the changing architecture of different towns, cities, countries and cultures. We are all experiencing development and change in our ever expanding societies. I would like to use this photography challange as an opportunity for us to share with eachother, the sights around us. Therefore, I would like to set a challenge theme of "Urban regeneration".

Guidelines

Just to recap, the guidelines for the challenge are as follows:

1) Take a photograph that in some way, manner or form represents the theme of "Urban Regeneration".... examples could be a construction site, a new building, an old building that is need of repair, roadworks or something completely unique.... the world is your oyster!

2) Include a brief explanation of how the photograph(s) relate to the theme. The photograph doesn't need to be outside, it can be of somebody or of something around the home.... it just needs to represent the theme of the month.

3) When you have posted your challenge, be sure to send me a link so that I can include it on my "May Challenge Entry" post at the end of the month!

4) You want to join in with the challenge but don't have a blog or website to display your photograph on? No problem, just email me copy of the image, along with your name and a brief description of how the photograph(s) relate to the theme. I will then include your entry on my "May Challenge Entry" post at the end of the month!!!

!!Happy Photography!!

Graham Ettridge

If you have any questions or concerns, then please do not hesitate to contact me on grahamettridge@aol.com

April Photography Challenge Results - The Seven Deadly Sins

2008-05-06T19:03:00.015+01:00

Well, I have seen another amazing bunch of contributions to April's photography challenge of "The Seven Deadly Sins". As a reminder, the challenge was to photograph a representation of any or all of the seven deadly sins. You guys have certainly excelled in your efforts and achievements. Please see below the great Photographs.....

Chica - A wonderful image of the faces of the seven deadly sins!!!

Muse - A great achievement in capturing all seven of the deadly sins - from big trucks to yummy pizza!!!

Michelle Dawn - Another great achievement in capturing all seven of the deadly sins - with some fabulous cameo appearances by family and friends!!!

Crystal - A lovey pink contribution with the theme of Envy.

Congratulations to all of you!!!

So, now to my contribution. Regretably, I failed to capture all seven sins. I do have some ideas for the missing ones, so will try and capture them over the next couple of weeks. However, I did manage to achieve some success. Below are the photos that I managed to catch.

1) Gluttony - This was a fun one to take, and I dd partake in the sin as part of the experiment. I purchased a couple of boxes of chocolates and some cream from my local supermarket and set aside an evening to try and photograph them. As well as the chocolates that appear in this photograph, I also made the most delicious Irish Coffee (Whiskey, Sugar & Coffee with a thick layer of cream poured over the top). It took me several attempts to pour the cream onto the hot coffee without it mixing in. When it didn't work, I had the penalty of having to drink it before I could make another one...lol! I was quite tipsy by the time I got it perfect... the funny thing is that it didn't even make it into the final photograph...lol!

2) Greed - It frustrates me when I watch TV or read the newspapers - everything is full of advertisements. Marketing companies trying to encourage people to get into debt and buy buy buy!!!! The world is starting to feel the credit crunch... but it is already too late. This photograph is a selection of newspapers and magazines that I had around the house - and all of them are full of reasons to part with our devalued earnings.. We now live in a "throw away" society, a society that is full of greed and a society with very little value for what is really important.

3) Anger - This photograph was initially intended to be the title image - with all of the sins being incorporated onto the board. However, ironically, the one word that I couldn't fit on was "Anger" - and yes, it did make me angry...lol!!!

4) Pride - I was searching the internet for the true meaning of "Pride" relating to the Seven Deadly Sins. I found this phrase that I thought summed it up quite perfectly:

"Overweening pride, arrogance, haughtiness: these have been the stuff of tragedy. Vanity, fussiness, delicacy: the stuff of comedy. These are all forms of self-delusion, and paper-thin masks over rotting features. Pride and vanity refuse the truth about who we are and substitute illusions for reality."

I know a few people who put on a mask and try to be somebody that they are not. It reminded me of a mask that I have hanging on the wall in my lounge, that I picked up on one of my travels. The mask didn't look quite right with the cream background of my lounge wall, so I replaced the cream with black. I was quite pleased with the result.

Once again, well done everybody on your efforts and achievements in this challenge. Tomorrow I will announce the theme for May's challenge (and It will be slightly easier than the Arpil challenge!!!).

Cheerio for now :)

Graham xx

Graham's Favourite Evening Snack - Roasted Chilli Pumpkin Seeds

2008-04-22T21:07:00.004+01:00

"It's 8pm and I fancy something to nibble on.... Mmmmmm, what shall I have?"

How many times do you have that munchie feeling during the evening? For me, it is almost every evening...lol! Tonight being no exception. One of my favourite snacks is Roasted Pumpkin Seeds.

The recipe for this is quite simple, so I will not send you to sleep with countless photographs. All you need is some Olive Oil, salt and a bag of Pumpkin Seeds. I like a bit of a kick to pumpkin seeds, so I have substituted Olive Oil with Chilli Oil and I also use some chilli flakes. Both of these items are optional.

The first step it to cover a baking tray with foil. Then spread the pumpkin seeds over the foil base. Lightly drizzle some olive oil (chilli oil) over the seeds, then season with salt (and chilli flakes if desired). The final stage before cooking is to move the seeds around the baking tray so that they get covered with the oil and seasoning.

Pre-heat your oven to a medium/high heat and then place the baking tray into the middle of the oven.

After 10 minutes, take a look at the seeds. They should be turning a golden brown colour. Give them a stir with a spatula (be careful, they are exceedingly hot!). If they are still quite green, then leave them a couple more minutes.

Once they have turned a golden brown, remove them from the oven and pour them onto several sheets of kitchen paper to soak up the oil. You may need to repeat this process several times to remove the excess oil.

Pour the seeds into a serving bowl. Finally , lightly sprinkle a few grains of rock salt over the top.

So that is my favourite munchie, when sitting in front of the TV enjoying a good film.

Do you have a favourite munchie? If you do, I'd love to hear what it is! So please leave a comment and be sure to include instructions on how to make it. Even better, write a post on your blog and leave a comment here with a link!!!!!

Cheerio for now!

Graham Ettridge

A experimental photograph

2008-04-13T14:03:00.006+01:00

Water by *Getty72 on deviant ART

Well, I am still learning to use my DSLR camera, whilst trying to discover how to compose the object/scene. This morning, whilst eating my breakfast, I had a spur of the moment idea....

I took two small side-tables and balanced one on top of the other. I ran upstairs and dug out a sheet of green felt (that I use to cover my kitchen table when playing poker...lol), and placed it over the lounge window. So, now the environment was looking pretty cool. Now for a subject! Last night I was taking photos as part of the April Photo challenge and had eaten far too much (there's a clue for the gluttony pic..lol!). So, I decided that I needed a healthy subject this morning. There is nothing healthier than fresh water.... So I grabbed my biggest wine glass (an enormous burgandy wine glass) and filled a large jug full of water.

So now I have my subject. I placed the wine glass on top of the two tables, in front of the green felt, and placed the camera down the other end of the room. Now for the logistics... how am I going to get from the camera to the glass... ah! I know, I'll use the shutter timer on the camera.

So with jug (full of water) in hand, I pressed the trigger and ran as fast as I could down to the other end of the room, to get into position and start pouring the water into the glass - in time for the shutter to go off. Well, it worked in theory!!! I DID manage to press the trigger. I DID manage to run down to the other end of the room. I EVEN managed to start pouring the water. The only problem, is that I kept missing the glass.... Now if I was taking photos of water on the floor, I would have been very successful, but the camera was stragically pointed at the glass (which was still empty!).

After several failed attempts and a floor looking more like a swimming pool, I remembered that in my camera bag there is a remote trigger control. Why, oh why did I not think of this before???

With the remote trigger, I had enough time to get into position, press the remote and pour the water INTO the glass... Hurrah!!!

So, that is how I took the photograph...lol!

The next stage was to frame the photograph. Chica from Photo-Projectz has been giving me some really valuable tips on how to turn a photograph into a piece of art (I highly recommend that you visit her site). So, following her advice, I decided to add a black frame to the photograph. This was done by simply increasing the canvas size in Photoshop, and selecting Black as the canvas colour. The final stage was just to add the title of the image and my name to the bottom.

So, that is how I captured this image earlier today. I hope you like it. I would also appreciate any critique that you can offer.