TRAVEL DIARY: DAY 4 On the Road from Christchurch to Lake Tekapo Ever heard that New Zealand has more sheep than people? I used to think that was just a running joke—but it turns out, it’s absolutely true! In 2023, there were about 24.4 million sheep roaming the country, compared to just 5 million humans….
Tag: nature
Serenity found Outdoors
Being outdoors brings a kind of peace you don’t find anywhere else. There’s something really calming about a misty day. Sometimes it’s in the rustle of trees as the wind moves through them. Other times, it’s the stillness of a lake, or the soft ripple of water as ducks glide by. Even clouds drifting slowly…
Some Blooms…
I’ve been missing flowers in my posts lately, so I thought I’d jump in with what Cee started with FOTD — time to bring some blooms back!
Pirianda Garden
Jack and I figured autumn was almost over, so we wanted to catch the last of the leaves before they all dropped. I found Pirianda Garden in the Dandenong Mountains on Google—we hadn’t been before, so we thought we’d check it out. But when we got there, I hesitated. The walk looked seriously steep. And…
A Cinematic South Island
Cinematic photography is the art of creating still images that feel as though they belong in a movie. It’s not just about capturing a subject, it’s about telling a story, setting a mood, and building a visual atmosphere. The South Island of New Zealand is a dream for cinematic photography. With its dramatic mountains, crystal-clear…
A drive to Te Anau
The clouds on our drive from Queenstown to Te Anau were light and fluffy, drifting slowly across the bright blue sky. The sun made everything shine, and the clouds looked like soft white shapes floating above and within the mountains. I am linking this to Johnbo’s Cellpic Sunday
A snapshot from Akaroa
Making friends with the alpacas at the Shamarra Alpacas in Akaroa. This is just an hour away from Christchurch, New Zealand I am linking this to Johnbo’s Cellpic Sunday
One last tribute…
I’ve known Cee through her various challenges on WordPress. There was even a time when we casually discussed my hosting some challenges, but I never felt confident enough to do so. Still, since I started blogging in 2020, I’ve participated in several challenges, with my favourite being the “Flower of the Day challenge”. When I…
Wordless Wednesday – 26
GARDEN WORLD, SPRINGVALE I am linking this to Wordless Wednesday and to Cee’s Flower of the Day Challenge
Seeing the world differently
Photography captures moments, but the choice between colour and black and white changes how we perceive them. This coloured photo showcase the warmth of a sunset, while a black and white version emphasizes the interplay of light and shadow, making it feel more dramatic or nostalgic. This photo was taken in my local wetlands some…
Geometry of Flowers
OLD CHEESE FACTORY, BERWICK The Old Cheese Factory grounds showcase a charming mix of flowers, trees, and shrubs that are stunning any time of the year. Here, I also noticed the geometry in the flowers that I found. I am linking this to Cee’s FOTD and for Becky’s GeometricJanuary
White clouds floating
White clouds floating in the sky, Soft and quiet, drifting by. Blue above, so wide, so free, A peaceful world for all to see. It’s 32 degrees here, and the heat is a bit uncomfortable. But looking at the clouds, so soft and peaceful, brings a sense of calm that makes it all feel a…
Stepping back in time
Coming from Melbourne’s southeast suburbs, it took us just about an hour to reach San Remo. From there, we crossed the bridge and made our way to Churchill Island. I’ve been to Phillip Island countless times—so many that it feels like second nature to me. From its stunning beaches and rugged coastline, to the feeding…
Gratitude for the year that was…
There’s something magical about mornings during the holiday season—everything feels quieter, softer, and full of possibility. I had such a wonderful time soaking in the festive moments, surrounded by warmth and joy. As I reflect, I want to focus on gratitude. There were days when life felt heavier, and I wasn’t sure how I’d move…
Poinsettia
The poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) is a vibrant plant renowned for its bright red and green foliage, making it a popular symbol of Christmas. Poinsettias thrive in warm climates and prefer indirect sunlight, making them a festive choice for indoor decoration during the holiday season in Australia. I am linking this to Cee’s FOTD Challenge
Clouds in Monochrome
Clouds have always been an inspiration, acting as symbols of feelings, fleeting beauty, and nature’s mysteries. Each type of cloud has its own unique charm, sparking thoughts and imagination. And this is my favourite…not the long haul flights, but being on top of the clouds flying to a wonderful destination as inspired by Margaret’s Post….
Went for a drive
It’s been a hectic few weeks, so my husband and I decided to take a short drive to the mountains for some much-needed relaxation. It was the perfect escape! I am linking this to Hammad’s Weekend Sky and for Johnbo’s Cellpic Sunday.
Yellow
Beneath the sun’s warm, gentle glow, The yellow rose begins to show. A bloom of hope, a heart’s delight. I am linking this to Cee’s FOTD
Lysterfield Lake
Lysterfield Park is a hidden gem in the outer south-eastern suburbs of Melbourne. I recently enjoyed a refreshing walk there with Jack and some great friends. This is a lovely spot to unwind. I saw people preparing to set sail on the lake, adding to the vibrant atmosphere. Some visitors were out kayaking on the…
Flowers at the Wilson Botanic Park
These were taken a few weeks back at the Wilson Botanic Park in Berwick. I am linking this to Leanne’s Monochrome Madness and for Cee’s FOTD.
Iris for Cee
Photos taken from two weekends ago during my walk at the Alowyn Gardens. Love these Irises with its vibrant and varied colours, showcasing a stunning spectrum that includes deep purple, lavender, peach and pure whites. I would like to share these photos to Cee and hope that it makes her smile and helps her feel…
Alowyn Gardens with friends
Alowyn Gardens, located in Victoria, Australia, is a stunning horticultural destination that offers a blend of natural beauty and carefully curated landscapes. As we entered the gardens we were greeted by period carts, oil lamps, flowers and sculptures. We paid our discounted entry since we were all seniors. Then we proceeded to the Autumn Harvest…
Wordless Wednesday – 14
ASSISI, ITALY
It is nearly Spring…
Five more days and it’s officially Springtime. Here are 7 types of flowers that I saw in Wilson Botanic Gardens when I went for my morning walk this today. I am posting this for Becky’s Seven in September and for Cee’s FOTD Challenge
Wordless Wednesday – 13
BRIGHTON, VICTORIA
My home … my story…
I have here three parts of my sketch series entitled:MY HOME…MY STORY plus some flowers I took from my front garden just this morning. Part 1 MY HOME…MY STORY…MY SANCTUARY where every piece reflects a chapter of my life. In my sunroom, you’ll discover a collection of plants, a cozy chair, fragrant candles, and a…
Walking in My Neighbourhood
Tina of Travels and Trifles is hosting the Lens-Artists Photo Challenge this week, with the theme of Walking the Neighbourhood. I know that I have posted about this part of my neighbourhood way too often, but I can’t help it. The wetlands have become my favourite retreat. Every time I visit, I’m struck by the…
Wordless Wednesday – 11
LISBON, PORTUGAL
Wordless Wednesday – 10
MY TITLIS, SWITZERLAND
A return to Montsalvat with Sis
TRAVEL DIARY: MONTSALVAT WITH SIS Its funny to experience the same thing with different people. You see how they react, and how they meet or subvert your expectations. I had a fantastic time at Montsalvat earlier this year with friends, so when my sister came to visit in April, I was excited to introduce her…