The Cup-and-Ring Stones

We walked on Ilkley Moor today….famous for a song about the perils of being hat-less….but, more significantly, an extremely important site of prehistoric rock art.

I was so lucky….because I bumped into a man who just happened to be an expert on the subject.  He showed me the neolithic carvings on a couple of the solitary rocks - the scooped-out cup shapes surrounded by one or more rings – and filled me in on lots of fascinating stone age history.

I find it utterly astonishing….the way the landscape connects me in such an immediate way with people who lived thousands of years ago.  I can look at a rock and see pretty much what they saw.  I can touch with my hands the marks they made with theirs.

It’s extraordinary.

Images of Summer (2)

Instant Love

Yikes!  I just signed up for the most amazing-sounding retreat ever!!!

Shooting Polaroids….in Marrakesh….in the company of three stellar Polaroid photographers: Susannah Conway, Jen Altman and Amanda Gilligan. 

The venue is an exquisite-looking boutique resort set in its own private olive grove and with a name – Peacock Pavilions – so exotic I’d sign up for that alone. 

Throw in a girly henna party, shopping in the souks, a trip to the coast and a late night, under-the-stars showing of Casablanca….and you’ll get why I leapt heart-first into this one.

If you’re wondering why the ‘Yikes!’….well, I have to admit that it’s super expensive.  Not surprisingly.  And it’s astonishing me that I regard myself as enough of a photographer these days to believe I qualify for such a treat.

But it seems I do.  So there you go.  Yikes!

P.S.  Places are very limited and I understand they’re going pretty fast….but, if you’re tempted, there’s still time to join me.  Find the low down here.

Images of Summer (1)

Overhanging our lane at the moment….a profusion of these blossoms.  Summer lushness.

Show Me June

Bit late again, but had to show you this picture Bethany sent showing June in her part of the world - Arkansas.  A tiny frog.  How cute is he?

It so happens that the same day Bethany sent me this, I’d been photographing a frog of my own.  But I won’t show you that one….in case you’re squeamish. 

My poor little creature wasn’t quite so happy as this chap.  Or quite so alive.  Actually, he was extremely dead.  And not just dead.  Dead and flat as a pancake.  In fact, he looked exactly like a squashed animal in a Tom and Jerry cartoon.  I can only think a very heavy vehicle had rolled over him.  Poor, poor frog.

Anyway, Bethany’s frog is – gladly – perfectly alive and kicking.  Lovely picture – love that blue background.  Thanks, Bethany.  Enjoy your summer!