Alienation

I've photographed a fair few events and weddings this year.  I've noticed that my nature photography - my first love - has been somewhat lacking in recent months.  There are a number of reasons for this; taking a break from the screen and digital photography, but mainly, my personal need to try new things and experiment.  Still, inspiration didn't come calling and a project didn't spring to mind.  

A few days ago, I was checking emails and noticed a pen on the desk with a topper from a long, long time ago and a galaxy far, far away.  Well, not quite Star Wars, but a little alien featured in the 70s/80s instant potato mash adverts.  This pen topper has survived Gareth's school days and stayed with us all of this time.  I decided he might make a compliant companion for a fun and quirky photo project.  I immediately set about seeking out alien looking environments - all within the boundary of our property.  

So, without further ado, meet Zebe.  Here he is, chilling in his garden.

Topping up the blue...even aliens sunbathe.

Eek!  He spotted me!  Fear not, he's friendly.  No probing took place.

In reflective mood.

I thought he might be mercurial, but I couldn't have been more wrong.  We've become firm friends.

As you might imagine, Zebe is well travelled.  He's a frequent visitor to Earth's satellite...

...and Mars, his home.  

But after all of those air miles, he's earned a rest.

Even though he can use his antennae to pick up any music he likes, Zebe still appreciates a retro radio listening session.  Here he is enjoying Fontaines DC on FM.

He also joined me on a trip to Ashwood Nurseries...driving his beat up but forever reliable old earthly vehicle, the VW Golf...

...and enjoyed the familiarity some of the more exotic looking plants offered him.

Peekaboo!  He's started to get the hang of this modelling lark.

Fancy seeing you here!

Hitching a ride on a giant ladybird.

Yellow is definitely his colour!

Zebe felt very at home here.

Not so comfortable.  Even aliens get probed from time to time.

After a busy day, Zebe returned home as it was techno night at his local nightclub.   I'll let you into a secret.  Aliens don't sleep.

Have I lost my mind?  You decide.

A Vintage Week - Chocks Away!

This week was the UK February half term holiday for schools and colleges.  Even though our son has his own set of friends and would generally rather walk backwards over hot coals than hang out with us (or as was the case this year, visit Rome with college), Gareth and I still think of it as a holiday period and usually head off somewhere on a jolly or two.  

Last Saturday, we visited the Cotswolds to meet up with Vix and Jon.  We all love the area and with a second visit to the circus coming up, it's definitely becoming a bit of a habit.

Our destination was The Cotswold Motoring Museum, a fascinating trip through motoring history, housed in an old mill in Bourton-on-the-Water.  A collector's dream.  Beautifully curated throughout, with something of interest adorning every square inch of surface area, 

 

Vix and I took way too many photos.  You can read her account here. 

Vintage Vixen: Car Heaven in The Cotswolds (Plus Some Sewing & Shopping) (vintagevixon.blogspot.com)

Isn't she pretty?

Why limit one's collection to automobilia?

Check out the patina!

Sadly, the mobile shot I have of Vix and I is a little too blurry.  However, as you can see from this photo, Gareth and Lord Jon were firmly in the promised land, Car Heaven.

I loved the vibrancy of the area covering the 1960s and beyond.

I spotted my old rocking horse!

Every cabinet was a world within a world.

We left with a growing wish list - cabinets to house collectables for Gareth (and just about everything in them), a gypsy caravan apiece for Vix and I and a Land Rover for Lord Jon.

Then it was directly to the Hobnail pub for food and an exchange of gifts, including a bottle of bubbly for our birthdays.  Thanks both!

Gareth however, left with more than he'd bargained for after hitting his head on a low beam on the way into the pub.  His cap both obscured his view, but also afforded some protection.  He still ended up with a headache and a scab for his efforts!

In the early house of Sunday morning, Caleb the wanderer returned, regaling us with tales of Rome.

After a mix up with public transport, the group holding the tickets for a pre-booked audience with the Pope failed to arrive on time and so that particular treat evaded them.  However, I have to share my favourite photo from his visit - the indescribably beautiful ceiling in the Gallery of Maps (commissioned by Pope Gregory XII in 1580) at the Vatican Museum.

Over the weekend, I was also thrilled to receive notification that the Stranger Things photo shoot I organised back in September had been published (in print) in the regional edition of a UK Wedding magazine - Your West Midlands.  

You can read it here:- Facebook  Just click on February/March edition and you should find it on pages 51-53 (no need to download).

Venturing into the same wood that staged that shoot, I met up with my friend Rachel and her 8 month old canine companion, Daycee, for walks and a catch-up on Wednesday and Thursday.  Daycee is beautiful and performed very well in her first impromptu photo shoot - this one being my particular favourite.

We also popped over to the local Halfpenny Green Airport to glimpse Gareth's Dad aka Biggles, at the latter end of his flying lesson.  

Naturally I hopped in and took her out for a spin when nobody was looking. Heh heh heh. Chocks away!

Handily there is also an Antiques Centre on site and I took full advantage, leaving with a vintage plum coloured late 60s/early 70s leather coat....which I chose to wear on another trip out to Shrewsbury.  Other items:  Charity shopped Dents Baker Boy velvet hat and black and white check Topshop midi skirt, black polo neck jumper, pleather leggings (thanks for the tip Beate) and Clarks boots.

Trawling the charity shops, I came away with a voluminous Celtic lambs wool scarf from Kerry in Ireland (so soft to the touch)... 

...and an immaculate, vintage St Michael's tabard (edited) style knitted top with side toggle fastenings, which I think will work well with another recent charity shop purchase - a pretty cotton Cath Kidston blouse.

Before heading home, we squeezed in a flying visit to the Museum to catch the Moon Exhibition...where I hung out with my latest muse (Mr Bowie) and touched some moon rock.    

On a roll with outfit photos, here's Friday's.  I'm clearly on a bit of a leather trip.  Here I'm wearing my mocha Dilli Grey dress (a sale purchase) with my DM replacements (walking-on-air Clarks) and an old, neglected leather jacket (Adidas).

We finished the week as we had started it, scoffing delicious food and celebrating landmark birthdays and the end of Mom's chemotherapy treatment.

A vintage week indeed.