The good thing about this time of year (that would be Spring! Yay, get in!) is that if you’re stuck for words there are plenty of colourful and/or blossomy photos to fill in any gaps.

It’s not so much that I’m stuck for words though – I could happily witter on about stuff for ages given the opportunity; I just haven’t actually done anything this week that anyone would ever want to hear about. Honestly – snoozefest.

Next week though – something exciting. And more pictures too! #airpunch

Oh, and I’ve cheated with these photos by the way, they aren’t even from this year! They are from this time of year though – I think we have another week or so until the magnolias are in full flower. Now THAT is something to look forward to! And the fact that the clocks go forward an hour at the weekend – I am more than happy to sacrifice an hour of snuggly, weekend sleepy-time in exchange for some daylight in the evenings.

Finally though, this is for Cass – because she’s so nosey. It’s is my special new notebook with the makings of ‘The Plan’ in it – yes the paper is brown, cool huh! I got this one as I wanted something that was quite big (A5) but not so heavy that I wouldn’t be able to carry it everywhere with me – you never know when inspiration is going to grab you by the throat and demand to be noticed!

Finally-finally – do you have an iPad? I keep thinking about iPads. Do I only want one because everyone else has got one or are they as cool and useful as I suspect they might be?

Some news on my ‘big plan‘ – I now have an official notebook which I carry everywhere with me! I know, I know I have lots of notebooks already (you sound just like my husband) but a girl needs a new notebook for some things – important things.

For days the only writing in it was on page one (it said ‘the plan’) but I am pleased to report that I didn’t let the blank pages intimidate me for long and I now have quite a few words that feel ‘right’. I’m quite excited!

In the meantime, here are some photos of Camber Sands where, if it hadn’t been freeeeeeezing cold when I was there – I would have lingered longer. I love a sandy beach!

Photos taken with Canon 5D MkII and 135mm f/2 lens

In my day job I am lucky enough to work with people from all over the world. The ones that are new to these shores all seem to want to visit the same particular place – the white cliffs of Dover. When announcing this intention they then look puzzled as to why us native Brits make weird faces at each-other and incredulously mouth the word ‘Dover’ in a questioning fashion. Dover?!

 Taken with Polaroid SX-70 and 600 film

I’m not down on Dover – far from it; I mean, you can wake up in the morning and see France from your bedroom window if you live in Dover – how cool is that?! What I will suggest to my new work colleagues though is that they consider visiting Beachy Head instead – it’s half the distance away and looks just as impressive in my opinion.

 Taken with Konica C35 camera and Kodak Ektar 100 film (35mm)

You do of course have to shake out of your brain that it’s the one of the top suicide spots in the world (not something they put on the tourist brochures) – that’s hardly the places fault though.

 Taken with Fuji Instax 200

When I was there I kept looking at the people I was passing; looking for a troubled expression or a tell-tale sign of anguish (I think some of them were looking back at me for the same reason). Everyone looked happy enough though so I let them go on their way.

 Taken with Fuji Instax 200

So yes, I like it there a lot – it was a bit overcast when we were there – I bet those cliffs glow bright white when the sun’s shining. I’ll have to return!

 Taken with Canon 5D MkII and 17-40mm lens

As you can see – I took a few different cameras with me – I just couldn’t decide which one would produce the best results. What do you think?

The next best thing to being given a camera for free is finding one at a bargain price in a second-hand store – like this little Konica C35 EF-P for the same price as a cappuccino!

It seems to have been in my bag for aaaaages, I carry it everywhere and take a snap here and there, whenever I remember – I’ve been doing this since January and I finally reached the end of the film at the weekend!

You forget just how dark it gets in January – I doubled-up on a few shots, with and without the flash. I needed the flash! Flash doesn’t always look great though – apart from on this telegraph pole – I love what it’s done to this shot!

However – look at the difference a couple of months and a bit of sunlight can make…

It’s a very basic camera – just two choices of ISO (100 or 400), the flash on or off (it’s good that you can force the flash NOT to fire) apart from that you just point and shoot – the focus isn’t always brilliant, but this isn’t the sort of camera to seek perfection with – it’s a camera for character and surprises!

And it doesn’t seem to mind when I shoot straight into the sun, either, which is good.

So, this is going into the ‘needs lots of natural light’ pile of cameras – lets hope I got lots of opportunities to use it!

All photos taken with Konica C35 EF-P and 35mm Kodak Ektar 100 ISO film
(I should have used at least ISO 400 but was impatient and had lots of 100 film to use RIGHT NOW).

It’s always reassuring after a dark and gloomy winter to see those little signs of life – buds and shoots and catkins – you know things are going to change, and soon.

Then you turn a corner and see a massive tree full of the most amazing Barbie-pink magnolias – glowing like a beacon. You realise we’re on a new page now. Hello, Spring!

In a world where life can change in an instant (often in crazily unfair ways) it’s good to have the clockwork of mother nature to keep us moving forward – turning the pages, not closing the book.

Photos taken with my Polaroid SX-70 and 600 film