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We went to stock up on supplies with my folks.  The Medi Deli called and we went.

I have gotten out of the habit of taking the camera with me when we go out.  When the girls were younger it was always in my bag with nappies and snacks, now I'm out of the habit.  Perhaps because it's holidays I remembered to throw it in.

Ella and I walked the aisles, same as they always are, her snapping on her dad's old iphone, me on the camera.  We had such fun, oblivious for the most part to the signs saying "No photography or video recording without express permission of the management".  We'd already taken many snaps by then and really, What??!!

I said to Ella that I would love to come back when the store is empty, there's something about the orderly presentation, but also the monotony of the aisles that I find really appealing.  I feel that would only be increased if the place were empty, perhaps only emergency lights on ...  These images put me in mind of the supermarket scene from Fantastic Mr Fox and also of a photograph Jo took for her first portfolio.  The most mundane things can sometimes be so pleasing.

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I am love, love, loving my new lens.  Geoff got me a 50mm for my birthday after I checked with Jo what I really wanted!  I love it and a morning with Jo on something completely different shamed me with how little I know of my camera, but inspired me to get myself up to speed and has me excited about getting back to basics. The only problem now is that I'm shortsighted and with a completely manual lens realise I really need my glasses on as I just can't tell what's in and out.  Next thing I need a class on tinkering with the colour to get it juuuuust right.

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I wish I could claim this photo as my own, but that would be denying the talents of the wonderful Jo Ely, photographer extraordinaire.  You may know her through her blog, but you should consider her for any photography needs or wants you may have.  I can't imagine more enthusiasm from anyone and I know the results will make you smile.

We spent a lovely few hours together yesterday and it was so interesting to watch someone who actually knows what they're doing, versus someone like me who hopes for a great result.  My dining room even looks like something that could happily live in a design magazine.

My blog has been many things for me, but I'm quietly chuffed that of late it's led me into the lives of some truly delightful women - you know who you are!

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Oh, and there were also clouds!

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I had a thing for lines when we were out today.

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After my weekend away I realised that I don't really know all that my camera can do. Jo's love of photography also reinspired me to try harder to do more, other than just shoot. I did a photography course, gosh when I was in my late teens (!!!) with my first Nikomatt camera which I still have and love. I remember taking photos with the lens wide open and watching while the trams rattled past down Glenhuntly Road in Elsternwick. Of course back then we had to commit to trying to get images printed during the forthcoming week, if our chemist could accommodate, and we'd critique them together afterwards. So amazing, really when you think how fast things change.

The lovely thing about meeting new people is the new perspective, what you share and in turn what you take away with you and are inspired by.

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One of my pieces of perfection turns 8 very, very soon.

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I took a lot of photos from the car on the drive home. The landscape really moved me, really seemd of my country, if I can say that without sounding too twee.

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I remember someone taking a picture of me with a Polaroid, when I was a child. I remember the amazement of it. You pulled back the paper and waited. You just waited for the image to magically appear. I still don't know how it happens and honestly, I don't need to know, it just seems like magic to me.

When I finally decided that I wanted a Polaroid of my own, I mean really decided rather than it just being on a very long wish list, it was about 2 years ago. At that time the film was no longer being produced, out of date film was going for crazy prices and the cameras themselves were selling for "new prices".

A while ago we were at a friend's house and I noticed their son playing with two cameras, Polaroids, as toys. I curtailed the squeals and at a later date asked if they'd mind if I borrowed them to see if they work. I would add that it was a few years later so it's not like I was stealing their child's favourite play thing.

So, now I have in my possession to try two Polaroid cameras. I'll have to figure out if they work (how would I know?) and get myself some film. Can't wait!

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There are many things I wish I were better at, skills I wish could be improved upon. Most of them are on my "get to that one day" list, but one that causes me regular frustration is photography. It's not that the principles are difficult, that I don't understand them even, but sometimes time is against you and there is something you see which is so gorgeous, so breathtaking, that you need to get it right in that single moment, when there is no second chance.

Tonight I was hanging out our swimming clothes and the clouds were passing across a rapidly fading but still blue, blue sky with the moon twinkling in the bottom corner. There was no time to grab the ladder and climb up it to really clear the pergola and trees. There was not really time to fiddle with settings so it was just right. There was only time to try and grab the image, with skills that just weren't up to the task. So, you'll have to take my word for it, that the sky tonight was just perfect.

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How does one become a food stylist? It's one of those professions that I think is somewhat exotic, mainly because it seems so unattainable, something that an elite few do. I base that on nothing whatsoever, aside from my own, sometimes warped, ideas. It's one of those vocations that I wish I'd known of to consider when I started working. Of course my 17 year old self didn't really give much consideration at all to what I wanted to do, let alone consider arranging food for a living. That teenage self seems so terribly young and uninformed now.

At times my 40 year old self wishes I'd realised sooner the things I'm good at and that I enjoy, but honestly I think more than anything I believe in time and place. The things I have now are only here because of what's come before. I really don't regret decisions once they're made, perhaps I really believe in destiny...


Very ripe nectarines and plums equals a delicious tea cake.

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Broad bean seeds up and out of the soil in less than 2 weeks.

Beets, cabbage, cauliflower, brocolli, carrots and potatoes all strong and healthy.

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Inspired by this image today and thinking of Pina's participation in this macro project I managed a quick snap. I'm not sure that this really fits the macro bill but I love the shadows and no fuss of it. If I could take photos well, or if I had the time to try, I would like to take some like Jennifer or both these ladies or even these two . What company to keep.