The ANZACS

THE ANZACS

Every year Australians and New Zealanders pause to remember and honour the brave ANZAC troops that landed on the beach at Gallipoli [Turkey] on April 25 1915. A tragic encounter, for both sides. That is the face of war. Men fighting for home and country. Their own and those of their allies. On this day we also commemorate all our troops that served in the armed forces. Men and women alike irrespective of age or rank, or where they served, they are all considered heroes of their nation.

The ANZAC Ode

They shall grow not old

As we that are left grow old

Age shall not weary them

Nor the years condemn

At the going down of the sun

And in the morning

We will remember them

Lest We Forget

Give Away Winners

On a happier note, it is also time to announce my giveaway winners and to say a big thank you to all who entered. Thank You all and if you missed out I suspect I will have another giveaway soon for my upcoming half century [eeeeks!!]. But first.. the winners;

Virginia: Paris Through My Lens

Jane: Blondie's Journal

Have A Lovely Week Everyone

IMAGE SOURCE & CREDITS:

 Artwork  [copyright beingRuby©]

Paris Neutral: Mr Man & Architectural Whatnots

Shifting Into Neutral Gear 

OR A More Masculine Look At Paris

Hi Everyone.. One of the things I love about Paris is the soft muted light and the way it reflects an ethereal glow against the neutral coloured backdrop and architecture.

When we think of the French Blues and Soft Greys synonymous with this famous city, it's easy for our mind to quickly associate with the soft feminine interiors of the 18th century. Today I thought I'd show you some of the men of Paris [human and otherwise] that I shot during my trip, that fit perfectly into that  soft coloured world we have come to love.

Mr Man of the human variety just popped into view as I was walking along Rue de Rivoli not far from the Louvre. I have no idea what his business was to be dressed in such a manner.. but it was a quick rush to get my camera out and aim for a shot without the ever present crowds.. I only managed two and he was lost into the world of tourists and such but those few moments were such a treat. I did feel like I had stepped into another world for a moment. His suit may be modern day but the top hat just made it all a bit surreal.

My other Mr Men here of the non-human variety were hard at work protecting a doorway. Bouncers from a previous century. Although I think their somewhat scanty dress might have attracted more than a few visitors of the female persuasion. Perhaps that was the intention. Either way I think they are doing a splendid job and should be rewarded for their vigilance.

Thanks

Before I go I wanted to say thanks to all my lovely readers and commenters who encourage me to keep blogging. As many of you know it can be a time consuming task playing with the artwork and photography, so it's nice to know that you are out there to appreciate it. Also thanks to Julie-Ann and the 'The Decorating Forum'  for featuring my blog this week.  Pop over there and check it out.

Giveaway Reminder

Don't forgot the giveaway is still open till April 22 [Sydney time]. The rules are simple. Just comment on any post this week [starting with The Ancestors and finishing on Sunday]. The giveaway prize is two professional prints of my artwork chosen from the selection on display at my Photo-Art Page. Link below. I've updated the selection with two pieces from my last post on the French Countryside.

Giveaway Print Selection Can Be Viewed

[by clicking HERE]

Giveaway Button If You Feel So Inclined

Have A Lovely Weekend Everyone

IMAGE SOURCE & CREDITS:

 Artwork  [copyright beingRuby©]

Created from original photography:  [beingRuby©]

Location: Paris, France,  August 2011

Somewhere In France: Life Is A Picture Postcard

Somewhere in France

'Life Is A Picture Postcard'

Hi Everyone.. I hope you are having a lovely week so far. Here in Sydney it is raining cats and dogs. Almost time to build an ark, but I'll hold off on that for just a tad longer.

Today I'm continuing with my French Week in celebration of a whole bunch of recent and future events, one being featured at the 'The Decorating Forum' this week. Once again thanks to Julie-Ann and all the readers who nominated my blog and a big welcome to my new readers. If you are just tuning in with me this week, I am also holding a photo-art print giveaway. More on that at the end of this post, but first a little blurb on my photo-art above;

Life Is A Picture Postcard: Whilst traveling in Europe last year I was fortunate enough to spend a week in Normandy, staying at Sharon's Guesthouse [see other post here]. I would have to say it was one of the most relaxing weeks I have spent anywhere and not least because of the lovely company of Sharon and family, but also the beautiful countryside and village architecture that greeted me when I did decide to move a muscle or two and venture out on a walk. It's a funny thing. We travel far and wide hoping to find nourishment for our spirit. Some will travel to an up market spa and others to a far flung meditation retreat. For me it was found here, the countryside of Normandy. In the small things that pleased the eye and greeted the weary traveller and in the simple quiet that rested slightly above the earth as if floating and swirling around me without making a sound.

Buying Milk On A Monday

These photo-art images above were created from shots I took on one of my walks through the local countryside. Little water-colour patchworks, snipped and smudged and coloured and painted till they formed the images that my memory was keeping.. 

This particular day was a Monday!.. Mondays in rural France are quiet days.. Shop closed days!. I knew this. I had been warned. A helpful notice posted in the cottage was there to remind me, and even with a verbal reminder from Sharon I still managed to overlook the fact I was about to run out of milk and on a Monday no less!!! So determined to rectify my silly lapse of brain cells,  I took off on an adventure.

I made out for the next village by foot. Then the next, crossed a valley and the river that runs through it and finally came to the little village of Chambray. And here I found the local bar was indeed open, on a Monday and yes they had milk. From memory it was a 4 hour round trip by foot, but hardly a burden enjoying all the sights along the way. Lucky for me Sharon's eldest son miraculously turned up on pushbike just as I was entering the village so I had a handy interpreter to champion my cause. Thanks #1 son.

Now of course.. back home in everyday life buying milk is nowhere near as pretty an adventure, but at least I have the memories.

Giveaway  Reminder

During my 'French Week' every comment on this and future posts up to and including Sunday April 22, will go into the draw for my giveaway. I've put together a selection of some of my art prints [see link below] and the winner can choose any two.  Perhaps your own Uncle Louis or some Parisian Rooftops.. the choice will be yours! I will also pick an extra winner from my Followers who comment, in appreciation of helping my blog make it to it's Third Birthday.

Giveaway Print Selection Can Be Viewed

[by clicking HERE]

Giveaway Button If You Feel So Inclined

Have A Lovely Week Everyone

IMAGE SOURCE & CREDITS:

 Artwork  [copyright beingRuby©]

Created from original photography:  [beingRuby©]

Location: Normandy, France,  August 2011