Reflections and Nightmares- Irene A Waters (writer and memoirist)

Weekly Photo Challenge: Twinkle

Posted on December 13, 2014 by Irene Waters 19 Writer Memoirist

(5 photos) Last night as we whiled away a few hours enjoying some scrumptious food and wine, good company, some excellent jazz and a mediocre sunset the lights twinkled both on and off the boat as we slowly travelled the Noosa river and canals. It put me in mind of other trips by boat and set me searching for twinkles I may find on these trips.

As we slowly chugged through the Pelorus Sounds in New Zealand we had a twinkle of a natural kind. Not only did the sun twinkle but so did it’s reflection on the water. It is probably bad photography (perhaps someone can enlighten me) but I love the bubbles of twinkles that the sun has thrown off.

On the cruise we did in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) there were abundant twinkles. Whilst on board (no photo available) there were twinkles of other kinds. A magician entertained us at our table and in a twinkling of the eye items disappeared or reappeared or was that really sleight of hand?

In response to Weekly Photo Challenge

Posted in Daily Post prompt and challenges, photography | Tagged Australia, Daily Post, irene waters, New Zealand, Noosa, Photography, postaday, Vietnam, Weekly Photo Challenge | 18 Comments

Skywatch Friday: 12th December 2014 Noosaville 6.24pm

Posted on December 12, 2014 by Irene Waters 19 Writer Memoirist

Posted in photography, Skywatch Friday | Tagged Australia, irene waters, Noosa, Photography, skywatch Friday | 3 Comments

Floral Friday: Colour in France

Posted on December 12, 2014 by Irene Waters 19 Writer Memoirist

(6 photos)

Posted in Floral Friday, photography | Tagged Floral Friday, France, irene waters, Photography | 14 Comments

Cutting my First Vinyl

Posted on December 11, 2014 by Irene Waters 19 Writer Memoirist

Coming up to Christmas this throwback Thursday’s choice to reblog seems an appropriate one.

Reflections and Nightmares- Irene A Waters (writer and memoirist)

Again I was four. I remember our pre-school Christmas Party/Concert, at least the occasion. Our teacher Mrs McDougal was ancient. Lines made road maps on her face but she was always smiling. When she laughed her huge bosom would wobble up and down like jelly. She controlled us kids by the tone in her voice. She had no need for punishment, maybe occasionally standing in the corner, certainly not rods, rulers or hands.

We had practiced for weeks for the concert. All the parents were going to come, but better than that Santa was also going to attend. And there was the food. There is nothing in the world like a spread put on by country women in Australia and having a particular liking for sweet things, I looked forward to the cakes and slices that would definitely be there.

What I didn’t know at the time was that…

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Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge: Bridges

Posted on December 10, 2014 by Irene Waters 19 Writer Memoirist

Bridges of Europe. There are so many and so varied, these are but a few. The footbridge crossing the River Reuss in Lucerne is the oldest covered wooden bridge in Europe. The interior of the bridge (the Kapellbrucke) has restored paintings dating back to the 17th century. Sadly some were destroyed in a fire in 1993.

Crossing the River Thames in London is a bascule and suspension bridge known as the Tower Bridge. Opened in 1894, the bridge is suspension on either side of the towers towards land and between the towers the bridge opens to allow for shipping. The two towers connect up the top with a pedestrian walkway which gives stability. The bridge has been the site of several incidents. Planes flying between the walkway and the opening of the bridge, a double-decker bus being caught on the bridge as it was opening and the quick-thinking driver accelerated to jump the gap. Luckily apart from some shock at suddenly flying through the air coming down with a huge bump on the other side the manouvre was successful and no injuries were sustained. A shepherd took his sheep across the bridge claiming that he was exercising his ancient right of a freeman, causing havoc to the traffic. Recently a Fathers 4 Justice campaingner climbed a crane near the bridge and began a 6 day vigil as spiderman. You have to love the British.

Back in France at the quaint Venice of France Annecy there are small bridges, both foot and vehicle, crossing the many canals that the town boasts.

Finally in Switzerland some miniature bridges are to be found at the Vapeur Parc on the shores of Lac Leman in Le Bouveret. Here 16 miniature engines, (scaled down reproductions of several famous trains) of which half are steam, tootle around the 2000m of track going through 63 signals, five tunnels and ten bridges. If you don’t wish to ride there are 1200m of walking tracks but walking doesn’t get you to all vistas the park has to delight you.

This children’s playground in Montreux boasts a bridge to get from tower to tower.

In response to Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge. Have a look at more of Cee’s bridges here.

Posted in Cee's Fun Foto Challenge, photography, travel | Tagged bridges, Cees fun foto challenge, irene waters, miniature trains, Photography, Switzerland, Vapeur Parc | 21 Comments

Wordless Wednesday: Solitude at Lake Menindee

Posted on December 10, 2014 by Irene Waters 19 Writer Memoirist

Posted in photography, Wordless Wednesday | Tagged Australia, irene waters, Lake Menindee, Photography, Wordless Wednesday | 18 Comments

Sunday Stills the Next Challenge: Pets

Posted on December 9, 2014 by Irene Waters 19 Writer Memoirist

(12 photos) Trog liked her comfort

Where Mungo liked company whether it be Mrs Wiggins the pig (his best friend)

or Angus the bull

Snowflake

or Sadie and Shakey. He loved them all. Every morning he would do the rounds and check all the animals, including his humans had survived the night. Luckily we never had to find out what he would have done if they hadn’t.

Grace the labrador came from the city for a visit. Flossie was quite interested in checking out the new girl in the paddock having only met Mungo the German Shepherd there before.

A playmate Jerry was found when we left the farm and Mungo missed his buddies. Surveying their new territory.

Zac, our rescue Shepherd loves company also. Treats are obviously available – all eyes focussed

Games on

Zac and Bundy, the new addition, another rescue dog, playing in the park.

Gold fish. A tank in the wall led to two more tanks. My tank has two large fish whilst Roger’s has guppies. He is so proud of his parenting skills. Five fish have multiplied to an uncountable number (at least 50) and he won’t let me feed any to my two hungry for live food fish.

Bundy makes himself at home.

This week is Ed’s 6th birthday running the Sunday Stills: the next challenge prompt. Happy birthday Ed and thanks for continuing to run it. Every year Ed has his birthday prompt pets.

Posted in photography, Sunday stills: The Next Challenge | Tagged German Shepherd, irene waters, Mungo, Pet, Photography, Sunday stills the next challenge, Trog | 17 Comments

Cee’s Odd Ball Challenge: Harbourfront Wellington

Posted on December 8, 2014 by Irene Waters 19 Writer Memoirist

I loved the contrast of the bright yellow painted tie up point, the timber and the rust. Parts seemed so well cared for whilst others appeared to suffer neglect.

I didn’t understand at first what a free ambulance was or at least why the little house? Did a couple of ambulance officers sit waiting for an incident? Did they hose their victims off before entry to the building. Why the stairs going to nowhere? And the balls – decoration I presumed. I still don’t know the answers to any of these questions apart from “free ambulance.” These are found all over Wellington and are a public defibrillator point. A bit of research will be needed to find out if deaths from heart attack on the streets of Wellington have decreased as a result.

Twee but what a lovely sentiment. We can never have too much love.

In response to Cee’s Odd Ball Challenge.

Posted in Cee's Odd Ball Challenge, photography, travel | Tagged Cee's odd ball challenge, irene waters, New Zealand, Photography | 23 Comments

99 word flash Fiction: Carrion and Plum Pudding

Posted on December 8, 2014 by Irene Waters 19 Writer Memoirist

The stench of the decomposing old man’s carcass filled the air. Rotting road kill.Hit and run. In the desert heat the unfortunate fellow would bloat, explode, and have his bones picked bare by the circling vultures in only a couple of days.

Alarmed, the birds took flight when flying reindeer appeared. Rudolf’s red nose screwed up at the malodorous vapours which suddenly invaded his sensitive, red nostrils.

“Blow this Santa. I’m not doing it. My nose is too sensitive.”

“We’ve got to deliver these toys, Rudi. Here, cover your nose with this plum pudding. Fermenting fruit beats festering coot.

Charli’s December 3, 2014 prompt:over at the Carrot ranch: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story that pairs something seasonal with something odd. You can select your own two or pick from the suggested pairings above. Keep one associated with the December holiday season.

Posted in fiction, Writing | Tagged 99 word flash fiction, Creative writing, irene waters, writing | 31 Comments

Shadow Shot Sunday: Dinosaur shadows

Posted on December 7, 2014 by Irene Waters 19 Writer Memoirist

In awe we wander

Amongst the monsters

Reduced to bare bones

That lead us to ponder

Reduced to shadows on walls

Ribs like feathers, delicate, treelike

Other jaws and claws

That frighten us all

For more Shadow shot Sundays

Posted in photography, poetry, Shadows | Tagged dinosaurs, irene waters, New Zealand, Photography, Poetry, Shadow shot Sunday2 | 12 Comments

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Reflections and Nightmares- Irene A Waters (writer and memoirist)

Weekly Photo Challenge: Twinkle

Skywatch Friday: 12th December 2014 Noosaville 6.24pm

Floral Friday: Colour in France

Cutting my First Vinyl

Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge: Bridges

Wordless Wednesday: Solitude at Lake Menindee

Sunday Stills the Next Challenge: Pets

Cee’s Odd Ball Challenge: Harbourfront Wellington

99 word flash Fiction: Carrion and Plum Pudding

Shadow Shot Sunday: Dinosaur shadows

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Follow Blog via Email

Buy Nightmare in Paradise

Recent Posts

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Archives

Categories

Blog Stats

Pages

Irene Waters

Blogging Challenges Available

Monthly early each month Times Past

Every Weekend Weekend Coffee Share

Sunday: Sunday Stills

Meta

Blogs I Follow