A Fond Farewell

We've all heard of the proverbial "pain in the neck."  Well, for the longest time, I've been waking up with a cricked neck which has usually resolved itself after a few days.  But not this time.  Unrelenting pain (like tooth ache) in my upper back and shoulder forced me to seek help.  Turns out I've been suffering from trapped nerves in my neck, referring quite severe pain into my upper back and shoulder.  I'm spending a small fortune on chiropractor fees and have been forced off screens for a time while the slow process of treatment and healing takes effect.  My usual sleeping position has been out of the question (side sleeping only) and consequently, sleep has been scarce.  My work station certainly needs a bit of an overhaul and I'm currently searching for a stylish ergonomic office chair.  Lack of support on this front and the repetitive motions of hand on mouse have, I suspect, played a big part in this.

My time away has forced me to pause and reflect and it's made me realise just how much time I'm sat in front of a screen and how that time could be better spent.  I've concluded it's just not healthy; physically, mentally...in fact every "ally" you can think of.  

Don't get me wrong, I'm well aware that screen time is unavoidable, but given that my working life requires hours of it every week; preparing for jobs, uploading and editing photos, updating my website and other advertising platforms, posting reviews, organising and archiving photos, maintaining my social media accounts etc, something's got to give.  Modern life is ruled by apps, from banking to buying.  Literally every aspect of life is driving us towards these nefarious glowing rectangles crowded with influencers and opinions.  I've long admired those free thinkers who've eschewed social media altogether.  I'm betting they are happier.  It can be all consuming.  Even the teen in our household has accused me of being addicted to my phone.  I've found I'm reading fewer books and increasingly surrendering to the lure of the internet; losing too much precious free time scrolling on Vinted, watching videos and reading online articles.  Sadly this includes Blogland.  I've decided to give myself some tough love and stop.  I need a distinction between work and pleasure and for me to maintain a healthy balance, neck and mental attitude, screen time should be confined as much as possible to the former.

It's given me more time to get outside, like yesterday lunchtime, when I took a solo hike up the steepest of hills with just the sheep for company and the most glorious panoramic views.

I'm my own boss, flexible and do have some time to spare, but I can be like Alice falling down a rabbit hole when confronted by a screen.  They're addictive...that steady drip, drip, drip of dopamine.  

But the feel good hits are short lived.  Scenes like this leave a more lasting impression.

I now have some wall space in Archie's Attic and have been busy creating a small picture gallery using pre-loved and vintage frames (work in progress).  Guided photo walks are potentially in the pipeline too, an idea I'm kicking around.

As for my fashion finds, I've been gradually overhauling my wardrobe, which this winter has been interspersed with some funky knits, a couple of pairs of trousers including a punky red tartan pair (to be worn with a military style blazer) and some lovely 40s inspired wool rich trousers (inspired by Kiera Knightley's Black Doves wardrobe) which provide the perfect companion for my preppy loafers.  I've also scored a killer dress worn by Hollywood types for the 5 seconds of spring/summer we're likely to be rewarded with.

I will still be blogging occasionally, but, as I've hinted at before, I'll be using a different blogging platform linked to my website (assuming is remains reliable) and focusing on my photography output/work.  This will be shared to my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/WinterPeachPhotography/  

As a visual person, much of my work and some of my life will be shared on Instagram here: Claire Evans (@winterpeachphotography) • Instagram photos and videos  I like the immediacy of Instagram.  A picture can say 1,000 words.

This decision has by no means been an easy one and I have really valued the interaction I have had with members of this community and I truly hope that the contact will continue in some shape or form.  I'm even hoping I will meet some of you in person one day.  But in 2025 I'm all about real time interactions, face to face contact and life outside of the virtual world!  That's the aim anyway. xxx

A Frosted Fishy Tale

Well the big freeze continues.  Winter 2025 has been pretty forthcoming when it comes to evocative, atmospheric weather conditions.  After the mists of Christmas, we're now shivering in sub zero temperatures with an apparent permafrost!

I've been adding more layers when venturing with old and new technology working in harmony to keep me toasty - a vintage sheepskin coat layered over one of those slug-like long line padded zip up gillets.  If my core is warm, then my fingers stand a change against the elements.  Obviously gloves are a little pointless when I'm carrying a camera and the fingerless ones don't really cut it.

I captured yesterday's frost and got a little creative with the photos (one example below).  I'm finding winter increasingly inspiring and decided to place an order for a print of each photo in a gorgeous lustre finish as I have some spare frames knocking around. 

Today's walk was short and sweet and I'm totally guilt free about it!  I've hibernated all afternoon, thankful that I have nowhere I need to be.  

Here's the morning sun poking through the clouds above the hedge.

It was an effort to wean myself off black and white for frosty photos...but I managed it.

Check out these brush strokes in the sky.

A load of hot air!

Out onto the fringes, the fields were awash with that tell tale frosted sage green watercolour.

I love a sun spot!

Finally, I couldn't resist a return to black and white.  That's Wordsley Church in the distance where my parents and numerous friends and relatives exchanged their vows - and where I was christened.  

Now.  Here's a challenge for you...our latest bargain acquisition which is now sitting on the other side of the fireplace, staring back at the gurgle jug.

It's very heavy and hand blown amber glass.  I've investigated and am aware that numerous glass manufacturers have produced fish glass vases, including Blenko, Sowerby, Libbey, Bagley and the Murino, but I can't find anything resembling this one.  I found its twin online, described as 1970s, but sadly sold some time ago, so I have no further clues.  Anyone?

I met up with Clare, my most recent client, to hand over her photos stored on a keepsake memory stick) in person and we had a catch up over wine and coffee.  Clare handed me the most thoughtful Thank You note, tied up with a ribbon of excess material from her dress.  

I'll be sharing more from Clare's wedding day in my next purpose built post.  

In the meantime, my Polaroid obsession continues and there are certain Birthday celebrations to be had! See you soon!

Hiatus and Hinterland

December and January...bleak and beautiful.  I'm limiting my screen time right now, so sharing some photos which give an essence of life in recent days.  

Hinterland: the area around or beyond a major town or port.

Here's our very own Hinterland...just beyond the garden gate, some 12 miles away from the UK's second city, looking magical in the fog which ascended late Christmas Eve and stayed with us almost to New Year's Eve.

I'm not taking these beautiful trees for granted.  The recent storms have claimed a number of them.

The ridge you can see in the photo above is the more challenging route home...

...but as I made my way across the top, I was soon forced to take an alternative route home after encountering this fallen giant.

The other paths were littered with casualties.

So sad to see.

The dying days of December also marked a new chapter for my last clients of 2024, Clare and Tony, who tied the knot at Hogarth's Stone Manor, a Worcestershire manor house formerly owned by the Palethorpe family (renowned Birmingham sausage producers, who started operations in 1852). 

If ever a dress screamed mid winter magic, it's this one.  More coming soon.

As for my own photo journey, I've added another camera to my armoury; a new generation Polaroid.  I love everything about Polaroids.  They are the antithesis of digital photos.  There's a mysterious alchemy about them; light and temperature being major players in the process.  You never quite know what you're going to get and there's a soft, fuzzy quality that is impossible to replicate. I'm in love.

I've had a few mishaps so far, but for the first one off the camera, I'm pretty pleased with this one. 

I've already moved on to my beloved black and white (which Polaroid introduced in 1950).  I'm just waiting for the weather to settle down (we've had snow, ice and heavy rain in the last 24 hours) before venturing out.  I've also discovered a way of upcycling the spent cartridges, so watch this space!

I'll be back and catching up with other blogs as soon as possible. x

A Month In Pictures

December will be magic again.  I'm only just starting to believe Kate's festive lyrics after a couple of weeks of neck/shoulder pain (finally resolved by a pummelling from the chiropractor), swiftly followed by one of the worst colds I've had.  Here in the UK, we're dropping like flies with a perfect storm of Covid, flu and various other seasonal viruses circulating and spreading their own individual Christmas messages.

Should anyone fall foul of one of these viruses, I've done thorough market research on the over the counter remedies available.  The upshot is, most of them do absolutely nothing, so keep your hard earned cash in your pockets.  However, for persistent coughs, the only throat sweets I have found to be remotely effective are Lockets.  The only cough medicine that packs a punch is the Lemsip one.  But for evenings in, I recommend ye olde hot toddy, comprising the juice of half a lemon, a good teaspoon of honey, hot water and don't spare the brandy.

Anyway,let's move on.  The only good thing I can say about the last week is that I've stayed close to home, not wanting to spread my germs with the rest of the family by driving anywhere and consequently, I've managed to get some moody shots of the Black Country, by venturing out on foot.  The seasons definitely dictate how I see the world and I'm currently finding it impossible to extricate myself from my love affair with black and white.  This one was taken a couple of streets away.  I love this tree lined street and the way the sun bounces off its rain slicked surface.

Here's a suburban snapshot in a puddle...I was drawn to the lines.

Here's a typical Black Country boozer.

Venturing on to the neighbouring village, Wordsley, here we glimpse the old house at the entrance to King George V Park, flanked by some impressive monkey puzzle trees.

Another day, another detour through the side streets of Wordsley.  Can you spot the famous Red House Glass Cone?

Some old factory units, still in use and housing a small car repair service.  I wonder how many more years these buildings will exist?

Onto the canal...a sure sign you're in the Black Country.  The network was used to move coal, limestone and iron around the country and whole communities sprung up around them.  Life on the canal is much more sedate these days.

Onwards we go, past my first primary school, The Brook, first established in 1872 and attended by my Mom when it was a secondary school.  Some time in the 70s, the secondary school relocated and this building reverted to being a primary school.

The only pupils in attendance on the day of my visit were of the feathered variety and had flown in from Canada.  

This was my regular route to school as a small child.  For the longest time, there was some graffiti dedicated to the Irish band Thin Lizzy on the white expanse of wall.  I felt a little sad when suddenly one day, it had vanished.

Another glimpse of that cone.

Nature overspill.

Back on the towpath and the Red House Cone in all her glory, newly restored and imposing.

Rewinding a little, we went to see some more live music, courtesy of Black Country band Headshrinkers.  Securing my position at the front because I was relying on my mobile camera (and because I just love feeling the music and leaving with my ears ringing), I took a few shots, composing, framing and checking focus single handedly, as my other hand was rarely without a beer.  We had a blast and were blown away (almost literally) by the band's raucous noisy energy, lyricism and sheer talent, plus a welcome horn section.

They were ably supported by a female fronted band, Bld Sugr! (Blood Sugar).  The vocalist loved her theatrics and had a good set of pipes as our friend Ade pointed out.

After the show, Gareth snaffled a couple of vinyl editions of Headshrinkers' new album Judgment Day.  I had a brief chat with the lead singer, Garran, during which we discovered that we'd been following each other on Instagram for the last two years.  I hadn't made the connection prior to that evening, probably because it's a personal account and he posts less frequently than I do.  I really need to address my spiralling screen time!

I loved that the band are proud of their Black Country roots, Garran's lyrics are poetry and their videos are shot at various locations close to home.  I hope they make it!  Here's a link to Threadbare, which has proved to be an earworm and also features Dudley Priory ruins, which you may recall I also used as a location for my Halloween Steampunk shoot last year.

Headshrinkers - Threadbare (Official Video)

Staying with the black and white imagery, I made a final visit to Archie's Attic in Enville.  That's the beauty of our region, urban sprawl with a gritty industrial heritage, punctuated by pockets of picturesque countryside.  

Archie's is in a hamlet called Enville, seemingly in the middle of nowhere (but a short drive from the town of Stourbridge) with views to die for, an intriguing history and at least two Knights Templar graves.  The owner and great supporter of local crafters and creatives, Clare is moving on to pastures new.  The cafe will continue though, under different management and will be reopening in mid January.

I never tire of this magical place built around the historic Enville Hall.

I want this sign!

Mistletoe.

My one regret - unavoidable as it was - was that I was too unwell to go to see Sharon Shannon's Big Band Tribute to Shane MacGowan in Birmingham's Irish heart, Digbeth, on Friday.  Unsurprisingly, it was by all accounts an incredible evening, featuring the likes of Imelda May and former Pogue Kate O'Riordan.

So, I'll just have to make do with my vinyl copy of my favourite Christmas song, Fairytale of New York.

Oh, and because they look festive, I'm sharing the spools from one of this month's rare charity shop visits, where I managed to bag all the reds; a pair of leather gloves and a cashmere asymmetrical poncho.

Whatever you're doing, have a good one!