The category winners for the International Photography Awards were announced last week, and although I didn’t win mine (I never expected to) I was awarded an Honourable Mention for my Emerging Butterfly image so I was tickled pink about that 😊

I’ve recently been working on a floral portrait of my former neighbour’s daughter, which I actually took last Christmas but due to the move and house renovations I’ve only just taken a look at. As each flower was photographed and placed individually it was a total pain in the neck to do, so I don’t think I’ll be repeating the experience any time soon, but I’m as happy with the resulting picture as I ever get 😉 I’m now working on something much more dramatic and creative which involves actual fire – watch this space!

Life in my garden is noticeably winding down and despite the recent warm and sunny weather there is definitely an Autumnal nip in the air. However, that means the stars at night are starting to look stunning again and, having been given a telescope recently, I’m looking forward to having a closer look at our Universe.

The last of my fruits to crop are the apples and plums. To be honest I’m not a huge apple fan and if it weren’t for the fact that the birds love my little apple tree I’d probably chop it down, but I am rather partial to a plum and am currently stewing, baking and have even made a plum Eaton Mess 🤤

I’ve also been really busy with my house renovations although, fingers crossed, I’m coming to the end of the work. I got the Utility room done in July and painted the outside in August. I now (at long last!) have the electrician, joiner and builder booked for the end of September to convert the former garage into a small photography studio and am so excited 🙂. For those of you interested in the house stuff you can see photos and read about it all here.

The new Camera Club season starts in a couple of weeks and I’m also booked to do a Zoom talk. As per usual, I haven’t got half as many photos taken during our summer break as I would have liked, but trying to juggle that with the house renovations and all the usual activities of daily living have just been too much at times. I try to be kind to myself about all the stuff that doesn’t get done especially considering my health issues.

It’s been a gorgeous Spring and Summer this year and I’m sad it’s ending. However I’ve achieved an incredible amount and in years to come will look back on the Summer of 2025 with gratitude 🙏🏻