From the album “Time Stands Still” by Mike Howe
It was with complete surprise, followed by a buzz of excitement to be one of the WordPress Editors picks on “Freshly Pressed” today. My song “Hope” was featured and I got a badge (those of you in the UK that remember “Blue Peter” will understand my swelling pride – hehe…)
It’s funny how this virtual world that we inhabit for chunks of our lives these days has become, to a greater or lesser extent, so much part of what we do and maybe who we are. If I’m honest I both like it and find it quite unsettling all at the same time.
Which is why I’m so grateful to be able to get away from this screen and go and deal with some very real stuff, and tomorrow is no exception. Tomorrow I travel North so that I can look at, kick about in, and discuss the future of this place and one or two others. When I get out into air like this, all the anxiety disappears.
“A Long Way To Go” from the album “Round River” by Mike Howe
In the Snowdonia National Park in North Wales…
I just had to show you these beautiful photographs by Mike Alexander of the puffins on Skomer Island. Â I find the colours of the birds and the ocean just mesmerising.
Elke’s blog http://elkement.wordpress.com/Â is brilliant. Â If you don’t mind having brain ache after you’ve read it but at the same time learned so much about physics, life, the universe and everything, then have a look, it’s ace.
Anyway Elke is always very appreciative of Mike A’s lovely photographs that I post of my surrounding environment but has unfortunately been given the impression that the weather is always nice here, which couldn’t be further from the truth. Â Sticking out into the prevailing winds of the Atlantic as we do the weather can often be a little lively shall we say. Â Trees don’t really grow too well here, so you get the idea.
Of course those of you who are photographers will know that doing justice to high winds, rain, grey and gloom in a photo is pretty difficult, and most people don’t bother trying.
In a place where there are few trees it’s even more difficult – there’s nothing to indicate the strength of the wind. Â However in the interests of science I did venture out with my friend Ian and bravely stood out in unbelievably strong winds next to the only other thing that gives you some idea of the stormy conditions, the sea. Â I did, however, wait for a break in the rain!
Elke, this weather wasn’t actually too bad, after all we did go out!  But I hope it gives you just a little insight and persuades you that the pretty photos I post on my blog are only part of the story 🙂
Mike Howe 