100 Steps

Posted on May 12, 2013 by nuvofelt

Did you think that I’d forgotten about this series? I hadn’t! I have several I want to share with you, but our internet has been so erratic I haven’t been able to load the pictures I wanted. For weeks I have had to grab a very small gap in the day, between 8 and 11 in the morning, when things were working well. Although we apparently still had a connection it was fraught with frustration and you wouldn’t have liked the rude words I might have used.

Anyway, I digress. Yesterday we returned to Missenden Abbey. It’s a place I know really well, and I know that many of you too have been there. I’ve shown you areas where I have taken 100 steps, for instance here, and here, and my intention yesterday was to investigate another area in detail. However, it was a strange day all round, and my post explained a little. (Incidently, I won’t be using the iPad to take pictures next time I’m there, the lighting is atrocious so I apologise for the quality of the pictures. I was appalled to see them when I got home). It was a bright and sunny day outside, but cold, not the sort of day to ‘hang around’, so when the time came I knew that 100 steps had to be taken at the trot.

Outside I went. Sun shining. I walked down the path and it clouded over. I turned around to see and spotted this

100 steps 1

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen that bell, BUT I HAVE NEVER SPOTTED THE TV AERIAL BEFORE! It must have been there, but I couldn’t resist recording the moment. The moment? Yes, the moment the one and only shower of the day started…… so, 100 steps now turned into a gallop.

I know that I haven’t shown you the accommodation block. The outlook is lovely, very thoughtfully landscaped

100 steps 2

The running water is restful, but turned off at night. No need for an alarm, though, if you like a lie in

100 steps 3

this water spout is turned on at 8 am, just time to hurry you to breakfast. I tend to set an early alarm and go to the classroom to set up for the day before breakfast, though, so only hear it if the workshop is set in the room you can see at the end.

All thoughts of taking you across the bridge and through the gardens disappeared at this point as the rain became quite heavy, so I made a dash for the front.

100 steps 5

Someone, though, knew more than I did, because in spite of the downpour a loan blackbird sang joyfully to his heart’s content. I could hear him, but couldn’t see him for a while

100 steps 6

and then I spotted him

100 steps 4

It always pays to look up!

Here endeth a very quick trip around Missenden Abbey!

100 Steps

Posted on April 7, 2013 by nuvofelt

The weather and work commitments have made this rather difficult during the last while, but today I have something a little different to share with you.

Over the last couple of days we have made trips to two new selling venues. I took advantage of both and have another 100 steps lined up for next week, but today I would like to show you those that I took today. We travelled to a city that is familiar and one that I have written about before, Salisbury in Wiltshire, where we visited to see this very special hanging. Once again we visited the area close to the Cathedral

In fact, the view from our room was almost identical

I hasten to add that the cathedral is standing very straight and tall, I am the one with the list. We weren’t the only ones surveying the view, even though part of the building is shrouded in scaffolding.

However, it was not here that I chose for my 100 steps. We drove home along the A347 and stopped for a bite of lunch at the cafe at the Army Air Museum. The food is home cooked and good, and outside an interesting array of relics can be viewed. I was interested to see just what I could see within 100 steps, and as you will see, I didn’t get very far!

I started here

and turning around, this is what I saw

Ten more steps and

….. then, the fun began!

To my amazement 100 steps was over before I knew it! They ended here

and on the right you can see the gate where it all started.The colours and textures displayed were quite inspirational. Patterns could be created from several areas. I probably won’t use any of it directly, but it is amazing what you can see when you look in unexpected places.

I’ll leave you with one last bad picture, it’s placing will be left to your imagination.

If you join in with this challenge please leave a link below so that we can all come and visit. More details here.

100 Steps

Posted on March 26, 2013 by nuvofelt

Each time I show you my 100 steps I assure you that the distance is minimal. So it is on the occasion that I want to show you now, but I want to start in a slightly different way.

Take a walk in my footsteps. Is this what you will see?

Well! As I strolled, I looked in the opposite direction! This is what I saw

What would you have seen? I hope you will join in. All the details are here.

100 Steps – Part 1 – Hidden Secrets! (chittlechattle.com)
100 Steps – Part 2 (chittlechattle.com)
100 Steps – a trifle belated! (chittlechattle.com)
100 Steps (chittlechattle.com)
100 Steps – Part 1 – Hidden Secrets! (hereismy365.wordpress.com)

100 Steps – Part 2

Posted on March 17, 2013 by nuvofelt

If you read today’s earlier post in this series you will remember that I suggested you remember the above photograph. A short while later I walked along the right hand side of the building that you can just see behind the trees.

The view from that side is stunning. The squally rain had now turned to showers interspersed with cloud filled blue skies and sun. The shadows show how bright it was at times. There is a terrace from which you can see this view, and in better weather it’s a delight to take coffee or afternoon tea sitting and enjoying the peace and quiet.

No-one was outside today, though.

The next photograph shows how windy it was. The chairs had been upright when we arrived,

but the main object of this picture is to direct you to the point between the trees, where the path turns towards the right.

And from that point – this is the view that surprises you! Water! I have ventured to this spot many times in the recent, and not quite so recent, past and this view of the river has been completely dry. Not only was there water, it was quite deep and flowing really fast. A ‘point and shoot’ camera is not the best for taking pictures in strong contrast, so some of these are not at all good, but you will still get the ‘feel of’ the place. My ’100 Steps’ begin.

This little stretch is bounded at each end by a bridge. To the left

and to the right

The gravel path is partly covered in moss

and in some areas it is difficult to see where the grass ends and the path begins.

The sun was shining brilliantly at this point, and the view ‘backwards’ shows the promise of golden daffodils that will appear in the very near future.

I love the line of ancient stones that line the two banks, without the water these are completely meaningless.

This wonderful, ancient, moss covered pillar marks the point where the bridge crosses the river

However, you would be forgiven for thinking that it is just another path!

This view tells you otherwise! This too was dry very recently, and the fence, now serving as a boundary demarcation, was useful for keeping out the cattle that graze in the fields beyond.

On the other side of the bridge the end of ’100 Steps’ is marked by another clump of snowdrops. Standing up, a fitting end is revealed

A view of the Abbey that is not available from any other spot. I hope you will consider joining in. Please leave a link below, if you do, so that I can come and visit. All you need to do is choose a starting place and take 100 steps, photographing as you do so. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can do it – and how you will notice things you had missed before. More details here

100 Steps – Part 1 – Hidden Secrets! (chittlechattle.com)

100 Steps – Part 1 – Hidden Secrets!

Posted on March 17, 2013 by nuvofelt

The alarm went very early yesterday morning. Too early for a Saturday, but we had to be up and out on our way to Missenden Abbey where we were selling some of our wares to the students on textile and art courses. I have mentioned the Abbey before, and when I looked I discovered that I had even written about it exactly a year ago! We have been several times since then, in fair weather and foul. Yesterday travelling and arriving was definitely in foul weather. Squally gusts of heavy rain pounded us as we drove, and as we unpacked. It continued until lunchtime when there was respite for a while, and the sun shone encouragingly. It was quiet while the students enjoyed their lunch so I disappeared with my camera for a quick look around.

Well kept gardens and surrounds are the order of the day. Some areas are sympathetically cultivated, others are left wild, and it was to one of these that I was heading. I knew that it would be past its best, but on our previous visit it was covered in snow, with no sight of what I want to show you. However, to my amusement I found some surprises on the way, and as a result I now have my 100 steps!

This is the drive at the front. The entrance to the Abbey lies behind me, my walk begins at the third tub on the left, just about in middle distance. The tubs are planted with polyanthus at the moment. They have struggled this year as the weather has been harsh, but colour is starting to appear and I’m sure that in a day or two they will be lovely. They aren’t the subject of this post, though, so on we go.

And here is the tub mentioned above! But what’s that nestling in the pocket between the hedge and the grass?

Snowdrops! I knew I’d find some. As I suspected, past their best, but pretty anyway. Hang on, though, can I see something else?

I thought so, something black behind the bush. I’m sure it shouldn’t be there, but whatever is it?

Goodness! It’s a wheelbarrow! I wonder if they have been hunting for it. It shouldn’t be there…. and neither should this….

It’s a champagne bottle, but the label has long gone and it’s well and truly embedded in the ground, so it must have been missed when the gardens were last manicured!

More? Well I have seen these before. They usually stand outside the entrance to mark disabled parking for specific students. One of the labels is still attached, so they were brought to their current position either by a very high wind (doubtful) or some local hooligans intent on causing mischief (probable)……

My next unexpected find was a shell. Well hidden and looking very grubby. I’m tempted to imply that it was from an archaelogical dig and that it dates from xx000 years ago, but I don’t think you’d believe me.

I had embarked upon this stroll with the intention of seeing flowers, so far it was other items that had taken my attention, but now a seasonal bloom took my eye, such a pleasing sight

Easter is nearly with us, and this seemed to be a reminder of just how fast the year is moving along. On the opposite side of the drive, however, was a reminder of what I actually wanted to see.

More snowdrops! You see, these are just a tiny minority of the thousands that flower here each year

As far as the eye can see, and nothing but snowdrops. Such a shame they are past their best because the view is stunning

They just go on and on. There is a path through them, but it was very muddy and my feet were not suitable clad.

They will be over by the time we next visit, so these pictures will have to do for this year. Hopefully we’ll be back at the right time in 2014. I hope you have enjoyed this walk with me. 100 steps isn’t far, and below is the reverse view down the drive, taken from the same spot as the above picture

You can see the tub I mentioned earlier, and the main entrance to the Abbey. You can also glimpse the lawn disappearing into the distance. Keep the plan in mind because I have more to share. I had another little wonder shortly afterwards and found something that really surprised me. All too much for one post, so, in view of the fact that I’ve had to forego ’100 Steps’ due to family sickness and other events I have decided that today I will treat you to two posts. I hope you will come back later to read the second, and if you would like to join in please leave a link below so that I can come and visit you. All you need to do is choose a starting place and take 100 steps, photographing as you do so. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can do it – and how you will notice things you didn’t know were there. More details here

Missenden Abbey (myfanwyhart.com)
Travel Theme – Walls (apostadayfor2013.wordpress.com)

100 Steps – a trifle belated!

Posted on February 20, 2013 by nuvofelt

You may remember that I was away last weekend, so this series is a little late. It is, however, connected with the weekend, as you will see.

I told you a little about our trip to Cottenham here. It is a thriving community close to Cambridge, and our visit involved 3 days at the Community School. This has many activities each week that are attended by members of the community, as well as the normal Secondary age students that attend on a daily basis. The school is in the heart of the village with houses close by, and in the middle of the entrance drive there is a little pond.

This is the view standing with the school behind me. I determined that on this occasion my walk would be 100 steps around the pond. Can you see the small patch of white on the left? That’s my starting point.

The patch of white

Snowdrops! What a lovely sight they were. I’ve watched them each year and this year they have larger flowers and were more open than in other years. Such delicate markings and such a fresh green. They would convince you that spring is just around the corner. Oh, I do hope so!

The patch of white

A very wonky view, but you can see how close the houses are – and I just loved the reflection in the water. It was too damp and muddy to lie on the ground in my best clothes to take photographs, so this isn’t the only ‘off’ shot you will see!

The tree was too close to photograph in its entirety, but thanks to the reflection I managed to claim a picture anyway. The reeds reflect well too, and distort the image.

Summer

Spring and Autumn

Winter

These three images interested me because in the space of two steps there was evidence of all four seasons. It was a glorious day, warm enough for a cool summer’s day, but still only February, and the day had begun with a heavy frost.

The little pond isn’t deep, but this is a stark reminder that care is needed. More reflections of the trees that surround the site.

The tops of the reeds almost looked frosted as the sun caught their delicate tops.

Another picture that I couldn’t resist. Such lovely textures.

And the final picture. The daffodils are later than other years. Still small and compact. However, if the sun continues they could be in flower in no time.

Feel like joining in? Take a stroll of no more than 100 steps and make a note of what you see. You’ll be surprised at how little energy it uses, how short a distance, but just how much you notice. Post on your blog then come back and leave a link to your blog post so that I can come and see.

http://sasieology.wordpress.com/2013/02/19/a-cultural-100-steps-along-city-road

Capture the moment, February #15

Posted on February 15, 2013 by nuvofelt

On
with the
walking boots

Will
I make
100 steps?

100 Steps

Posted on February 11, 2013 by nuvofelt

Circumstances mean this is a day later than planned. The photographs have been ready for a while as they are another from the series that was featured both last week and the week before.

This time, however, it is a question of ‘eyes down’. All these marks were made within 100 steps. I can see many possibilities in these marks. I hope you will join in, leave a note below if you do. Details are here.

http://lucidgypsy.wordpress.com/2013/02/12/100-steps-for-chittle-chattle

100 Steps

Posted on February 3, 2013 by nuvofelt

The snow has gone. Washed away. I’m relieved, but now I can look at the photographs I took and enjoy them! My 100 steps this week are taken from the same walk I began to share last week. We began at the canal, and then walked to the Pond, a local nature reserve. No-one else ventured out, the benefit of walking in the snow on Sunday at lunchtime! No words with these pictures, just enjoy them and interpret them in your own way. The long view that is included shows what lay before us at the end of this particular 100 steps.

If you would like to join in the information is here. Please link back with a comment below so that we can all find you.

http://sasieology.wordpress.com/2013/02/05/100-steps

100 Steps

Posted on January 27, 2013 by nuvofelt

I’m really enjoying this series, I mentioned it earlier when I illustrated how such a walk had been used (I haven’t told you about that one, yet). The photograph was taken during a walk in the snow which began at our local canal. I’ve mentioned it before, and this 100 steps is actually the same area that I wrote about here. The comparison with the scene just two months ago is quite interesting.

The last walk began at the canal bridge. Work was going on to drain an area so that a new pipeline could be installed. Well, work is continuing, but at the time of taking these pictures the workmen were hampered by the cold temperatures

By way of introduction, this photograph is taken from the old bridge (no longer open to motorised traffic) and is of the canal in the opposite direction to the way we were intending to walk. You can see the snow lying, obviously, and the frozen water. There is now a solid barrier on both sides of the area in which they are working, and the ice extended beyond, surrounding the dredger and other boats that were there…

Now we start the walk! This is step 0! The barrier grid is still there, and the ice is clearly seen.

Just two steps, though, and what a difference! Water was (and is) still being pumped out causing ripples and unexpected water movement.

The ducks were pleased about this, and those ripples are duly recorded in one of my sketchbooks for use at a later date.

I think of these mallards as being quite colourful ducks, but in this environment they are almost perfectly camouflaged, that surprised me,

The edge of the canal showed signs of ice as we moved along, but it was the reflections and patterns created in the water that interested me here.

So too here. The uprights of the trees, band of snow and interesting reflections are something I will use in the not too distant future. I like the interest in the foreground too, I would like to have brought this piece home with me, but the seeds are better in their natural environment than on my desk ready for drawing….

This brought us to the basin, and almost the end of 100 steps, do you remember this?

I wonder if it has moved since I photographed it last time!

There are just a couple more photographs I’d like to include today. To show that they aren’t really part of the journey I’ve included them in a little gallery with captions. They were actually of areas that featured in the 100 steps of the following week, but I won’t be devoting a post specifically to that part of the walk this time.

More lovely texture. I might go back and draw this at some point.

On the other side of the bank this gorse was showing a welcome splash of sunshine yellow, but you had to look hard to see it.

Don’t forget that if you click on a picture in the gallery you will open a slideshow with captions. I hope you have enjoyed coming with me. I’d love it if you took part too. You might like to visit the related posts below for inspiration. 100 steps isn’t far, why not try it? Details here, and please link back to this week’s post, then I can come and visit.

http://newpillowbook.wordpress.com/
http://lucidgypsy.wordpress.com/