...has gone red-white-and-blue crazy this year, with the Queen's Jubilee and now the Olympics. Ashbourne had taken patriotic decor to a whole new level though - I'd never seen so much bunting!
Tuesday, 31 July 2012
212. Shade
From within the shade of this beautiful acer, I was able to capture its lovely colours as a moment of sunlight crept through.
211. Faith
These effigies are on the tombs of well-to-do lay-folk from the early 15th century. As a medievalist, I have a particular fascination with art, sculpture and literature from this period and actually wrote my Masters dissertation about iconography associated with death and funerals from this time. Macabre and morbid, you may think, but undoubtedly fascinating.
We can learn a lot about the religious practice and beliefs of people at this time, from how they handled death. It was only in the 14th century that recumbent effigies on tombs such as this, began to show the deceased with their hands clasped in prayer. Around this time, the Ars Moriendi (The Art of Dying) was written and began to be disseminated widely, guiding lay-people how to 'die well'. The text describes the five temptations that dying people face - loss of faith, despair, impatience, vanity and greed - and the five solutions to these temptations: faith, hope, patience, humility and generosity.
It would seem that the effigies commissioned for the tombs of wealthy people were sculpted in such a way as to show the deceased as 'dying well', clasping their hands together in a show of faith.
210. Primitive
Dragonflies are among the most primitive creatures on Earth - there are fossils which place them here more than 300 million years ago: pretty amazing.
Thursday, 26 July 2012
Tuesday, 24 July 2012
205. First class
Seeing as though I don't think I'll be flying first-class any time soon, a very literal interpretation of this theme will have to suffice!
203. Overlooked
This is the view over Bath, taken from Alexandra Park. I'm very excited that we're going to be living in Bath very soon - such a stunning city.
Thursday, 19 July 2012
201. Embers
It's that time of year again...time for al fresco cooking and dining. I love BBQs - I just wish we had some warmer weather so we could enjoy more!
Wednesday, 18 July 2012
Tuesday, 17 July 2012
199. My Favourite Spot
My mum's garden. So many happy memories there and it's really beautiful in summer. Sitting outside with a glass of something chilled is one of my favourite things to do.
Monday, 16 July 2012
198. Family
I love my family. There are lots of us and we're all close. I feel very blessed to have them in my life and be able to spend time with them regularly.
197. Dangerous
To birds, mice, frogs, butterflies, bees, spiders and flies...when she gets this look in her eyes, we know she's about to pounce!
196. End
This poppy would have been in its prime a week or so ago, but by the looks of it, it is right at the end of its glory. The detail on the withered petals makes for an interesting photograph, though.
195. Cars
Mine and my brother's cars side by side at my mum's house this weekend. His is considerably cleaner than mine.
194. Spiral
A slight delay in getting my photos up from the last few days...it's been a pretty busy time. Here we go then...
Wednesday, 11 July 2012
193. Neglect
This wheelbarrow isn't really neglected - but lying like this in the grass with its rusty colouring, it does look like it!
Tuesday, 10 July 2012
Monday, 9 July 2012
191. Fantasy
This little faery was given to me several years ago now, by some friends. It's so delicate and pretty - I love it.
Sunday, 8 July 2012
190. Emotions
During the speeches at the wedding we attended on Saturday, there were lots of laughs and some tears as well. I enjoy trying to capture the mixture of emotions around the room at moments like this.
188. Fancy
This weekend we were at the very fancy wedding of a couple of my university friends. It was filled with really beautiful details, like these great 'order of events' posters and freshly cut flowers. So pretty.
Thursday, 5 July 2012
186. Soft Focus
This beautiful lavender is currently in bloom down at our allotment. I absolutely love the colour.
Tuesday, 3 July 2012
185. Macro
Sadly I don't yet have a macro lens for my SLR. This little beauty was captured with my iPhone camera while walking through the grounds of Lacock Abbey. I'm really pleased with the detail - from the little hairs on his legs to the lace in his wings. Being an iPhone pic, sadly it won't ever be good enough quality to be printed large, but it will do on the computer screen!
Monday, 2 July 2012
Sunday, 1 July 2012
183. Motionless
This cat always seems to be sitting on one of the benches in the grounds of Lacock Abbey. Yesterday he/she was motionless, watching a bird across the lawn. You can see the look of concentration in his/her eyes!
And...can you believe it's half way through the year! 183/166 photos completed!
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