To The Moon Alice: May 2010

Time again for the full moon. This month she comes to you direct from Rome accompanied by my Angel from Ponte Sant'Angelo... As I have no camera at present, she kindly offered to showcase this month's moon post .. with a slightly theatrical touch!

She also fits in quite nicely with a little project I've been working on this week. A friend asked me if I had some iconic images of Rome.. A search of my travel photos turned up a few of the usual subjects, unfortunately they were all quite boring. So I spiced them up with a little photoshop makeover. Always overly enthusiastic ... here are a few more ....

I hope you all enjoy the full moon season

Exciting News & A Thank You

Our own sweet talented Laura of 52 Flea fame is a guest curator at the online art community Crescendoh. Each week a number of guest curators share their own story of how art has influenced and enriched their lives... How Art Saves... Well this week you can get to know more about Laura and how art has brought a sense of peace and calm to her own life. Each day Laura has linked to a feature artist.. Yesterday she linked to our talented friend Ange [Signed by Ange] and today ... I'm excited and humbled to say, Laura has linked to my own little blog.

For those of you who don't know Laura's blog [I doubt there are many]... 52 Flea is treasure trove of beauty created from her wonderful collections gathered from broncante, friends and family memories. Each inspiring post will leave you with a spring in your step and renewed energy..

Thank you dear Laura.. you're a gem!!!

It's been a pleasure to learn more about your beautiful spirit and new path

IMAGE SOURCE: 

ALL Photography, text and photo editing by me - [Being Ruby]

This has been another RubyTime Production: brought to you by: The colour green, bella Roma and our angel of Ponte Sant'Angelo

Istanbul ... 'Was Constantinople....'

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Istanbul

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As the song says.. Istanbul once was Constantinople which is evident when wandering through this fascinating city layered with influences from both the Byzantine and Ottoman periods.

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The most famous example being St Sophia Basilica... Known also as Hagia Sophia [the Wisdom of God] and Ayasofia during the Ottoman period. Originally Eastern Orthodox, then Muslim, the Basilica is now a museum, cleverly retaining both religious influences. Considered the 'epitome of Byzantine architecture' it is open to the public and well worth a visit if you are ever lucky enough to be in Instanbul. There is something quite special about the basilica .. a palatable presence of something mystical accompanies the awe you will feel viewing the splendid architecture and mosaics. Mix this up with Ottaman Chandeliers and what you have is ... Magnificence!!!

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As with all my travel stories ... Istanbul provided the usual share of strange occurrences and funny moments. Being chased by a taxi driver.. I still don't know why.. and my visit to the Grand Bazaar.. I had been warned over and over to be careful.. don't go alone.. don't talk to anyone.. Not sure if there was genuine need to worry.. I didn't think it clever when my friend decided to accompany the carpet seller into his attic showroom to see his 'special kilims' .. Worried to leave her alone, I hesitantly joined them... Well in typical travel coincidence.. the carpet seller was a cousin of my neighbour back home. So much for white slave trade and I do believe we received a nice discount on our purchases..

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I think though my, overwhelming memory of Turkey was the kindness and friendliness of her people!! I could state without a doubt that Turkey was the friendliest country I have visited.. The kindness and generosity shown me during these few weeks I travelled her lands, stay with me still, along with the visual beauty of her historical artifacts, vast lands and aqua seas.

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More beauty and kindness was to find me during the following weeks travelling south to the small towns of Canakkale and Selcuk, but for now.. these photos above were taken in 1993 during those first few memorable days in Instanbul.... [not Constantinople!]...

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Giveaway Reminder

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Don't forget my giveaway runs till the end of May, so if you are new or haven't had a chance to enter... you can find the giveaway post [here] ... Goodluck ...

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.. Welcome to all the newcomers and thanks everyone for your lovely comments ..

.. wishing you all a wonderful weekend ..

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IMAGE SOURCE: .. ALL photography and artwork by me [being ruby©]

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Saying Thank You With Roses [Giveaway]

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a 'SAYING THANK YOU WITH ROSES' giveaway ....

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I'm having another giveaway ... You see I am celebrating all the wonderful things May has brought me and we are only half way through. Giveaway wins, birthday greetings, birthday posts [thanks Ange] ... and now unbelievably... A Guest Artist feature post!!!

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Actually I think I need to pronounce that Artiste!! You see the clever and stylish Sharon from 'My French Country Home' has just honoured me with a feature post all about my art!! Little Me!! Moi! A few weeks back Sharon contacted me to interview me as a guest artist in her new series ...

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'When Blogging Becomes Art'

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I have to admit at first I was looking over my shoulder to see where the candid camera was. Although I've always had an interest in art and photography, I had never really pursued this as a hobby for myself. My brother was always the artist and photographer in the family. Not me! Perhaps that is why I hesitated. I've never thought of myself as an artist.. that is until blogging took hold of me... Well I'll let Sharon share the rest in her feature here; ...

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'When Blogging Becomes Art - My first Guest Artist'

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Thank you dear Sharon

For you kind and generous post

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The Giveaway

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Well you'll be wanting to know what the giveaway is... I'm offering all three photos you see in this post...

Three variations of my rose image - Bloom. All professionally printed on 8x12" archive paper ready for framing.

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Entry to the giveaway is open to all who comment on this post

[closes midnight Monday 31st May Sydney time]

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How to Enter

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1 Leave a comment on this post

and if you'd like an additional entry

2. Post the giveaway button on your blog and leave another comment to let me know

3. I'll also be giving all new or existing Followers who comment - an extra entry

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Thanks Everyone.. Thanks Sharon... and Good Luck

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IMAGE SOURCE: .. ALL photography and artwork by me [being ruby©]

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Splendour In The Grass

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Splendour In The Grass

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though nothing can bring back the hour

of splendour in the grass

or glory in the flower

- William Wordsworth -

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Beauty Is Everywhere

[even in the Burbs]

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I could say I took these photos on my past travels through France.. But alas no..

I found these beauties outside a rundown apartment block on my way to visit my tax agent..

Yes .. Even a trip to a tax agent can procure a little beauty if you keep a watchful eye ..

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I've been a little fascinated with this strange sea grass sort of plant. There is a huge glorious frond of these lovelies growing outside of a very expensive home near where I live.. Everytime I drive past I have an urge to stop and take some photos.. but so far haven't had the gumption for fear of being hounded like the paparazzi for invading one's privacy.. maybe if I see the residents I will just ask... So when I saw this bush again walking to my appointment.. out came the camera and a few quick snaps...

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The fact is..

Beauty can be found anywhere if you think to look for it...

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This post is dedicated to my lovely friend Ange..

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Who's beauty stands bold and clear

to all who cross her path

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I thank you dear Ange for my surprise birthday post and generously kind words

.. you sure know how to make a girl feel special ..

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I also Thank Everyone for your lovely birthday messages

You guys are the best!

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IMAGE SOURCE: ALL Photography, text and photo editing by me - [Being Ruby]

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It's A Beautiful Day - [my birthday]

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It's A Beautiful Day

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Don't Let It Get Away

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It's My Birthday

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Just two weeks shy of winter and today was a glorious 27c..

The sun was shining.. the birds singing and the kitty kats chasing imaginary butterflies..

... heck so was I ...

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... THEN ...

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.. the sky changed colour...

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.. and the sun took on an eerie glow ..

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The fire brigade decided to back-burn and Sydney was suddenly covered with a smokey haze...

.. of course people complained ..

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But hey not me.. it's my birthday..

And the strange hazy glow allowed me to get these shots

Looking directly into the sun..

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So I Say

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It's a Beautiful Day

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ps.. tomorrow we are back to chilly 19c .. so thank you mother nature for my fine birthday gift!!

still no photoshop.. so alterations compliments of iphoto and MAC in the box!!

image #2 is not altered.. this was the actual colour of the sky today!

... weird ...

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IMAGE SOURCE: ALL Photography, text and photo editing by me - [Being Ruby]

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