Nature makes me smile February 7, 2012

I have had a very busy couple of days.  Walking dogs is lovely especially if you’re being paid for it, but dashing from house to house and fitting 9 hours worth of walks into 6 hours is tiring.

However Mother Nature had a couple of wonderful surprises in store for me today.

My first walk was through a lovely little wood.  The floor was covered with snow and the morning light was glowing pink as it hit the trees side on.  It was magical and glittery.  Sadly I didn’t have my camera with me

A little way into the trees I could hear a woodpecker.  I couldn’t see it but I very clearly heard it.  It was disappointing to have missed it but I was so happy to have heard that ‘Woody Woodpecker’ noise hammering on the tree.

I walked a few more dogs in different parts of the town, in the beautiful sunshine and crisp snow, and was strolling between jobs when I spotted a flash of red and green.

I realised immediately what it was. A Green Woodpecker!  Damn – still no camera!

I got to see such wonderful scenery and a woodpecker (!) today.  Having been caught up in the stress of working I was forgetting to enjoy the fact that I have my dream job (although it could pay more ;op  )  I just wish I had my camera

(but as I didn’t here’s a couple of pics from yesterday)

Snow with some relish February 5, 2012

I’ve been on a bit of a downer for the last few days.  Not surprising when you consider that I’ve travelled hundreds of miles (500 plus?), been to a family funeral, been cooped up with F i L, it’s freezing cold and there’s been some really dumb things done in the name of my business (and not by me).

Today I’ve woken up with a migraine, which 10 hours later I still have, but overall I am feeling more positive.  Customers I thought may have lost have called up so it looks like I’ll be having a busy week. That has cheered me up.

But what has really made me feel better is the snow.

It’s crisp, so white, so clean and perfect, especially first thing in the morning and that clean perfection gives us the perfect clean slate.  A new start.

My dog hasn’t seen snow before.  He was so excited by it, trying to eat it, playing in it.  He stayed out in it for ages, until he was so cold and covered in ice he was shaking from head to toe. He was relishing it and that’s something I need to learn to do – relish the moment.

Woodland Wonders January 29, 2012

 

At the weekend I like to take MY dog (I’m a dog-walker) to our local piece of Ancient Woodland.  It gives him lots of exercise off-lead, gives us both some fresh air, and give me the opportunity to, occasionally, take some photographs.

This week in particular I feel like I have to justify my abilities as ‘photographer’ as I’ve tutored a school class in the art of close-up photography and had to re-supply my Aunt with the pictures I took, at her request of her marriage blessing.

This morning was bright, misty, and frosty – a magical combination –  and I got some nice shots.

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• Superhero, Dog Walker, Photographer or Mum? (fundemental.wordpress.com)

Superhero, Dog Walker, Photographer or Mum? January 22, 2012

I’m feeling a little like a Superhero right now, only not very SUPER.

By day I am a dog walker, but tomorrow morning a temporary change occurs when I throw of my usual garb and don the outfit that turns me into ‘Photography Tutor’.

I’m not a photographer! As I tell the kids I tutor I am an enthusiastic amateur.  Tutoring came about as a temporary help to a company offering workshops in schools when the photographer they had kept bamboozling the participants with technical jargon.  They needed to find someone quick who could handle a camera, explain the basics in easy terms and cover a booking at short notice.  I was that someone!  Two years later I’m still that someone.  I don’t mind (although I do feel a little like I’m cheating) and I enjoy seeing what the classes achieve.

So today I fly here & I fly there.  I’m taking bookings for dog walking, arranging diaries for staff and sorting appointments.  I’m finding materials for my tutor group, prepping my presentation and getting ready to drive for 4 hours to my destination.  I’m being mum, I’m being carer and I’m being wife.  I’m changing hats, roles and jobs a few times each hour……..

And not a phone box in sight