Beltane Fire Festival

“A celebration of the fertility of the land and their animals. The main traditional element which was common to all Beltane festivals was the fire which gave it its name. All the fires of the community would be extinguished and a new, sacred ‘Need Fire’ was lit by either the village head or spiritual leader. From this source one or two bonfires were lit, and the animals of the community would be driven through or between them. It was believed that the smoke and flame of the fires would purify the herd, protecting them in the year to come and ensuring a good number of offspring. The inhabitants of the village would then take pieces of the fire to their homes and relight their hearths, and dance clockwise around the bonfires to ensure good portents for them and their families.”

Check it out – http://www.beltane.org/

 i’ve got my ticket and heading up to Calton hill on Monday night with my camera in hand, along with 10,000 other people. Should be an interesting event for sure. A good welcome to the upcoming summer.

Pancake Making.

This is one that Amber stumbled across. A different approach to making pancakes. Well worth a look.

The digital age…

Its been a few years now that i’ve been exploring the world of photography. Starting out with a simple little camera to take travelling, and always being happy with the results. Then as I learnt more and more, I became more critical of myself and photos but moving to a SLR got many more pictures I respect in the battle it took to produce good results. Plus many many trips to the photo-shop to drop off film, collect it the next day and eagerly await to see how they all turned out. Exploring further into the red light district of the darkroom and its many mysteries. It all seems to be a never-ending challenge, and spiral further into a creative world.

This week I’ve finally made the move towards the next step and currently have a Digital SLR in transit somewhere. After a year or two of waiting, a whole new playground awaits. I’m still a bit wary to take it travelling at this point, but will get over that. The Edinburgh springtime provides the perfect practice place, starting with the park outside my window.

Stay tuned.

The end of winter.

After the tempting warm sun of yesterday, we have another sunny day – people out in the park, and all the windows open in the flat. I’ve officially turned off the last heater in the house and the long easter weekend is looking pretty good as I head to london in an hour. Will hopefully have some photos upon my return.

Warmer, Warmer..

With an unexpected wave of warm weather, Edinburgh plunged head first into the start of summer. It was a stage site to see most of the people downtown walking around with a jacket folded over one arm, squinting in the bright sunlight trying to find their way around. Yes, I was one of them but mine was folded into a reusable Tesco’s shopping bag. Bit less obvious. It seems like the start of summer is finally here, and just in time as i’m off to London for easter. Seeing a few people along the way, some I haven’t seen for a few years. Can’t wait.