Have A 'Hoppy' Time! - An Easter Message (and Photographs of Spring)

Hi!!!

Good morning and Happy Easter! To celebrate, I've put together my Easter message to you all, as is tradition, and this year it is filled with photographs I have taken that showcase the season.

 

When I think of Easter, I think of hope, joy, growth and celebrating life. It's a beautiful holiday, and one I really enjoy celebrating, not only because of its meaning but also because of its ability to bring people together. I wanted to fill this post with natural and floral photography because I think it represents Easter brilliantly - things like daffodils and buds remind us of the beauty in every day and are signs of growth and new life after winter. I also wanted to showcase Spring, because it is a season that matches these sentiments.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A lot of these photographs were taken at a garden centre that is local to me. I've taken a few trips to it with my mother over the past few weeks and it has been a lovely opportunity to chat, buy new plants, drink tea at the cafe and of course, capture spring flowers with my camera (I'm lucky my mother is so patient when I stop to take photos). It's been so interesting watching the plants develop from visit to visit, and to see what flowers earlier in the season and what flowers later. It is a true joy.

 

 

 

 

I've also been snapping pictures of the blossom on my way home on weekdays - Elf Girl has also been very patient when I stop to take yet another picture. There are also blossom tress in these photos from days out. This time of year is a fantastic time to get outside and enjoy your surroundings, and I've been taking every opportunity to savour and appreciate all the season has to offer.

 

On a trip to London to celebrate the birthday one of a loved one in March, I came across a fabulous Magnolia tree in full bloom. I love Magnolia trees and putting this post together has made me notice how they bridge the gap between flowers like crocuses and blossom on, for instance, cherry trees. Nature really knows how to put on a coordinated display.

 

 

 

 

There is so much beauty to be found in all the seasons, and they are all special for different reasons. Autumn has its glorious leaves and conkers, Summer has its fresh green leaves and borders of flowers, Winter has its sparkling frosts and icicles and bare branches against soft grey skies. Spring has its own beautiful defining features - blossom, pastel colours, new buds, daffodils swaying in gentle breezes. It fills me with weeks and weeks of happiness and inspiration, and in many ways, the Easter celebrations the season builds up to, does too. There is beauty and hope in every day, big and small, just waiting for us to find it. Grabbing the opportunities to find it is something I think we should all do to carry the best parts of the season, and Easter, with us throughout our days, and brighten our lives.

 

 

 

I hope that whatever today means and involves for you, that you enjoy it and embrace it.
 I hope you are fortunate enough to spend it with people you love, and if you are not then I hope that you find joy in other ways today.
Take this opportunity to celebrate life and development, as well as the people you hold dear, the season of spring and chocolate eggs.
 Happy Easter to you and those you love.
 I'm sending good vibes, best wishes and lots of love to you all today xxx.

 

 

Thank you for reading. I hope you've enjoyed looking at these photos, I am really pleased with how they turned out.

What are your favourite things about Spring? What do you do to celebrate Easter? Do you have any comments or suggestions for future posts? Let me know by leaving a comment below.

I hope you all enjoy your Easter Sunday and make the most of the Bank Holiday tomorrow.

 

Happy Easter!

 

GingerSnaps xxx

I've Been Thinking... - Snapshots of Winter.

Hi!!!

Hello everyone. As February draws to a close, and everyone begins looking forward to Spring, I wanted to share some photos I've taken this Winter. Winter is my favourite seasons, for so many reasons, and this winter has been a wonderful one. So, without further ado, I present Snapshots of Winter, a mini photo essay of works taken from November last year, to the present day.

The first photo was taken in December on my way home on a particularly drizzly day. The second was also from a journey home, but one earlier this month - views of canals are as staple of life in Birmingham. The third is from January, when I woke up to flurries of snow, which sadly soon melted, but that kept my half asleep self entertained for a good half an hour or so.  The fourth was taken at about quater to nine one morning in January. The fifth and sixth were taken in November, on the day we went to Chatsworth to see the Christmas decorations - the sixth is the view from the passenger seat as the car heaters and an ice scraper worked their magic on the windscreen. The seventh was taken on Thursday, while I was staying at my Auntie's house. I was watching the TV and then looked out of the window, saw the view and abandoned my TV show for my camera. Storm Doris might have caused a bit of trouble but it enhanced the view ten fold. I chose the blue sky for the final photograph because I think it is rather symbolic of where we are seasonally, and was taken last week.

 I hope you enjoyed these snapshots of winter. I've taken approximately seven billion photos since Winter began (OK, maybe not quite seven billion... but close), but I chose these ones because I think they go nicely together as a little collection.

What are your favourite things about Winter? Do you have any other comments or suggestions for future posts? Let me know in the comments.

Thanks for reading.

I hope you have an incredible day!

GingerSnaps xxx

I've Been Thinking... - I Love Spring!

Hi!!!

Good afternoon, everyone. I hope you've all been having a lovely week so far and that you're making the most of your weekend. Today's post features some musings on Spring, because what would the seasons be without me rambling to you about the things that make them special?

I love seeing the blossom on the trees, the flowers on the Magnolia trees, the vivid purple crocus buds appearing in the grass, the blue skies and sunshine and fluffy clouds. And the daffodils. I love daffodils - they are such sunny and happy flowers. Everything seems fresh and new and I love that about Spring.

We went to Hay-on-Wye the other day and our drive was rather scenic - lots of pretty country lanes and the like. The flowers, the lambs in the fields, the fact that I could eat an ice-cream outside without being freezing cold - it was just wonderful.

So make the most of Spring. Drive on the more 'scenic routes', even if it's just to the garden centre or the shops, and look at all the beautiful things. Go for a walk in your local park in the April sunshine and soak in all the loveliness. Spend time out in the garden, prepare it for the arrival of all the flowers and leaves. Eat the Easter chocolate that is still kicking around the house (if you have any left that is!). Enjoy it.

I hope you enjoyed hearing my thoughts about Spring, and also that you've been making the most of it all. 

What is your favourite thing about Spring? What are your plans for the next few weeks? Do you have any comments or suggestions for future posts? Let me know in the comments! 

Thanks for reading.

Have the most beautiful sunshine filled day!

GingerSnaps xxx