This week’s Monochrome Madness Challenge is from Elke with the theme of Triptychs. This is Szentendre, a charming riverside town just outside Budapest, known for its cobblestone streets, colourful facades, and creative art scene. With its baroque churches, quirky museums, vibrant public art, and lively markets, the town feels both historic and playful. Szentendre in…
Category: challenges
Tuesday Streetart: Hello Possums! – 115
Dame Edna Everage is a fictional character, a flamboyant Australian housewife created and performed by the late comedian Barry Humphries. – Google Dame Edna Place is a tiny laneway in Melbourne named after Barry Humphries’ iconic character Dame Edna Everage. Dame Edna is instantly recognisable for her lilac-coloured hair, dramatic cat-eye glasses, love of gladioli, and…
Almost Deleted
I often find myself drawn to the rejects in photography—the frames that didn’t quite make the cut. The ones that are slightly off, imperfect, or overlooked. Sometimes it’s in these discarded moments where the real story lives: a raw expression, an honest haze, a feeling that wasn’t planned. They may not be technically perfect, but…
Where Smiles Meet the Grumpy Chef
In Osaka, I spotted several smiling golden figures sitting proudly in Japanese restaurants and shopfronts. This is Billiken, a beloved good-luck character. Originally inspired by a Western statue and introduced to Japan in the early 1900s, Billiken has become a symbol of happiness, prosperity, and good fortune. Billiken is usually shown seated, with pointy ears…
Pull Up a Seat
A seat on a wall in a cafe. I am linking this to Xingfumama’s Pull Up a Seat Challenge
Floral Friday – 25
“Life is like a flower, it grows into something beautiful. ~ Donnajo Calhoun This is a type of Protea, native to South Africa and is also very common here in Melbourne, Australia. I am linking this to Floral Friday and for FOTD.
Simple Doors in Osaka
Osaka may be bustling, yet these doors whisper simplicity and serenity. I am linking this to Dan’s Thursday Doors Challenge.
Hi, my name is Teresa
I saw this prompt and became curious. I just know that my name came from St Therese of Avila, my patron saint. She is remembered not only for her holiness, but for her belief that prayer is a conversation between friends—simple, sincere, and deeply human. So my curiosity brought me to AI and asked: Write…
Carrousel de la Tour Eiffel
Inspired by Leanne’s Monochrome Madness Theme of Carousel, this image was captured while wandering the streets of Paris. Jack and I were walking from the Eiffel Tower along the Seine, heading towards where the Bateaux-Mouches boats were docked, an easy half-hour stroll. We boarded the river cruise at sunset and that’s when the city softened…
Tuesday Streetart: Lawry Streetart – 114
Just across the street from where we had dinner before Tim and Leigh headed home, I came across these in Lawry Street. Two large murals stand opposite each other, quietly transforming a corner of Northcote into an open-air gallery.
In North Melbourne
On the corner of Victoria Street and Curzon Street sits Our Community House, a building with simple rectangular windows on both sides. At its very centre is a striking work by Melbourne-based artist Baby Guerrilla: a floating woman, gently suspended in space, holding what appears to be a heart-shaped balloon. I am linking this to…
Minimalism in Black & White
Black and white is where minimalism feels most at home. Stripped of colour, there is no distraction. A single subject can speak louder than a crowded scene, inviting the eye to see less—which sometimes is all that matters. (As suggested by my fellow bloggers, Ritva and Sarah, this image may work better using the rule…
Floral Friday – 24
“To me, flowers are happiness.“ – Stefano Gabbana Taken at my Sister- in- Law’s centre table. I am linking this to Floral Friday and for FOTD
Shop doors in Shinsekai
This is in Osaka’s nostalgic Shinsekai district where there are rows of small shopfronts. Many open into modest eateries selling Osaka favourites, souvenirs, and affordable meals, giving the street its lively, old-fashioned charm. I am linking this to Dan’s Thursday Doors Challenge.
Monochrome Moments at Place du Tertre
Visiting local markets is one of my favourite things to do when travelling. And not to be missed is Place du Tertre, the famous artists’ square in the heart of Montmartre, Paris which is known for its lively atmosphere. Montmartre is extra special—not only for its food and colourful stalls, but for the artists who…
Tuesday Streetart: Windows in Berlin – 113
You probably know by now that I love sharing photos my kids send me from their adventures. Here are Tim’s phone snaps, hope you enjoy them! Some photos of murals appropriately painted on windows of tall buildings. I am linking this to this week’s Monday Window Challenge.
What’s around the corner?
Nothing spectacular to photograph today—no grand buildings or perfect shots. Just life, happening around the corner. Tim and Leigh headed off this morning, but we squeezed in brunch at Project 281 Coffee Roasters in Brunswick before saying goodbye. This is the front room. And around the corner are these doors with murals. A fuchsia flower…
Ice Cream, Smoothies, Juice & Chairs
Summer is a time for Ice Cream, Smoothies & Juice while sitting on Beach Chairs in Sorrento, Victoria. I am linking this to Xingfumama’s Pull Up a Seat Challenge and for Debbie’s Six Word Saturday
Floral Friday – 23
A photo taken in Sassafras, Victoria on 20 November 2020 I am linking this to Floral Friday Challenge
Kyoto Doors
Kyoto doors, much like the city itself, feel quiet, thoughtful, and deeply rooted in tradition. In general, they are simple and understated rather than grand. Many are made of wood that has been left to age naturally, so you’ll often see soft browns, greys, and weathered textures that tell a story of time passing. The…
Tuesday Streetart: The Wanderers’ Mural – 112
These are the windows of the Wanderers’ mural on High St, Thornbury. Artwork is by Tom Civil painted in 2014. I am linking this to Monday Window Challenge
Travel Diary in Namba – Day 12
Today we’re exploring the Namba area. Our first stop is Yasaka Shrine, famous for its giant lion head that looks both fierce and fascinating, and is said to swallow bad luck and bring good fortune. So many quirky shops around the Namba area. Walked all the way to Dotonbori which is a vibrant district in…
My Favourites from 2025
This week’s challenge is My Favourites from 2025. I went back through photos from two of my travel destinations and chose a few favourites. Some may be familiar, but they’re images that still hold meaning for me and bring back moments I loved. For the South Island of New Zealand, choosing a favourite wasn’t easy….
My 2025 Travels in Pen & Ink
I enjoy urban sketching—plein air sketching, sketching on location, or whatever you may want to call it. I may not be very good at it but I find it incredibly relaxing. Seeing my travels captured in watercolour and pen is the best way for me to keep those memories alive. Here are some of the…
Window & Mural in Thornbury
This mural was painted by LucyLucy on the wall of Women’s Health in the North in Thornbury. It shows two women and the words Voice, Choice, Power. The message is about women having the power to make their own life choices. I love the vibrant colours that were used. I am linking this to Ludwig’s…
That “Money Shot” Family Christmas
Trying to get that perfect “money shot” with family and kids is an adventure in itself. Blinks, giggles, distractions everywhere… but somehow, those imperfect moments become the best CLICK: Oooops no one’s ready! CLICK: Tita Mari and Marion not looking at the camera. CLICK: Well everybody looks happy here, but Remi got hungry and a…
A yellow rose in my backyard – 22
Rain on yellow rose, a quiet breath of light in the grey air. I am linking this to Floral Friday Challenge Debbie’s Six Word Saturday
Free Train Weekends in Melbourne
To celebrate the Metro Tunnel opening, public transport is free on weekends (that means trains, trams, buses — all across Victoria) from: 30 Nov 2025 through to 1 February 2026. So Jack and I grabbed the chance. We went down at the Melbourne Central Station and spotted something new. Along the walls are large-scale murals…
Last Chance: South Island
Some South Island scenes I haven’t posted yet … or may have forgotten if I already did. Sharing them now before the year closes, for Tina’s Lens Artist Photo Challenge with the theme “Last Chance”. A last glimpse of autumn purple at NZ Alpine Lavender Farm. The South Island skies is always dramatic, vast, and…
Seated teddies hoping you’ll say hi
Three cute bears in the Shinsekai district of Osaka. For Xingfumama’s Pull Up a Seat Challenge and Debbie’s Six Word Saturday