5 in 5 - Melanie - April 2017

Melanie is my friend who lives in Australia and she loves photography.  Every month since the start of this challenge Melanie has taken part in this monthly meme and as she doesn't have her own blog I post here. I love that we have found a way for her to take part, so over to you Melanie:

"April 5^th and my five in five photos are a theme I know I have used before.  I did not go out intending to take these photos but was walking round to see a friend and there was such a beautiful sun set that as I walked I took photos and these five are in the space of five minutes from different spots along our Esplanade at Brighton.  The Jetty in the photo is Brighton Jetty, South Australia.  I didn’t even have my camera on me but fortunately had my phone so these photo are phone photos.  Hope you enjoy seeing the sunset and sea".

Thank you to Melanie for sharing these photos and for taking part. Anything to do with the sea makes me happy, and seeing the sunset cheers me all the more. It is nice to live somewhere with such  beautiful views and walks.

It just shows you don't have to go out with the intention of taking photos for 5 in 5 - sometimes the spontaneous moment is just right. What photos don't always show is the emotional connection with that moment, and I am imagining a warm breeze and the sound of waves as I look at those photos. It is blissful!

Hopefully Melanie will be back next month and I look forward to you joining us. Thank you for popping by, it is great to have your company.

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If this has inspired you to pick up your camera and join in please go to the original post where you will also find out how to link in.

And to find out more about this monthly photo challenge, and how this started, please go to this post.

5 in 5 - April 2017 - Why we are still smiling

Welcome to '5 in 5' where on the 5th of

each month I post 5 photos that I have

taken in 5 minutes.

I am training to become Master NLP practitioner and over the past six months this has meant a number of stays in London. As I live  near the coast I like the occasional contrast of city life but to find escape and calmness I seek water. So I am glad that my hotel is near the River Thames and most days I take the opportunity to go for walks with my camera.

On a recent visit I walked along the embankment towards Westminster Bridge. I admired the reflections of Big Ben in the water and usually on my early morning walks I jostle with commuters and joggers as I go against the throng. But on this Sunday morning life took on a slower pace, and like me, there were others enjoying the quiet and taking photos of this spectacular building. 

Then a week later the terrorist attack took place.

I can't define in words what I felt or thought when I heard the news. I bought back the memory of this quiet early morning walk and counted my blessings, while my heart went out to all those who happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

A week later I was back in London. I wanted to revisit to pay my respects, and what I saw was heart warming. In a defiance and
unbroken spirit, people filled the streets. Tributes decorated every lamp post along Westminster Bridge, and opposite the Houses of Parliament people had left a swathe of flowers and messages. So this month, I am adding a few extra photos, taken after my 5 in 5.

The words below speak for many, because from this atrocity comes a sense of unity. Out of nowhere people came together to save lives or help those in need. There were many gestures of goodwill, such as a restaurant owner who gave free meals to hundreds of rescuers. And so while this event (and others like it) shock us to the core, it does not deter. No. People are going about life as usual and we are still smiling. 

If you fancy picking up your camera to join in with 5in5 it could be lovely to have your company!   

Here's what you do and there are more details here. 

1.  Choose a location.

2.  Have your camera ready.

3.  Set a timer for 5 minutes (I use my mobile phone).

4.  Take as many photos you can (or wish to) until the time is up.

5.  Choose 5 photos to download and share by using the link tool below.

                              You have until the 25th of the month to add your photos.

Please add your link below if you would like to take part. I am often excited and inspired by the ideas and photos of others so thank you to Melanie, Paula, Mary-Lou, Melissa, Karen, Maggie, and Borqna for joining in last month. Have a good Easter and I'll be back next month with another 5 in 5, enjoy the weeks in between and happy photo taking!