Tag Archives: stone

Edinburgh, a love letter, Personal, Photography

Happy Birthday to Me

3 Comments

Today was my birthday, and a very good one it was, too. From the flowers the kids gave me first thing, to the cards and the presents that started my day so well, to the very good day with my colleagues at work, it was both ordinary and magical. Even got my usual walk through the Botanics, taking the odd picture along the way, seemed a little special, though I don’t know if that shows in these phiotos.

Something sprouting through the rocks

Dsc00624

Taken 15 February 2006

Something about this drystane wall spoke to me too.

DSC00632

Taken 15 February 2006

Then, on the walk home, I was struck by the beauty of these balustrades in the raking sunlight.

Dsc00636

Taken 15 February 2006

But that was nothing to the sky over Calton Hill! (Photo cropped to remove a crane)

caltonsky

Taken 15 February 2006

The best moments came at the end of the day – playing tag with the kids on the walk home in the last of the sunlight. Noticing that Alex has finally figured out how to moderate his pace so Fiona can catch him. Chocolate cake. Silly kids in their bubble bath. A chance to talk to Martiin in the evening (and to thank him – I am aware that the flowers, the presents, and the cake only seemed to appear magically at the right moments!)

In some ways, having such an ordinary working-day birthday was better than having an all special day, because it made me look at my everyday life afresh and see it sparkle. I hope I can hold onto that for a while yet!

Edinburgh, a love letter, Photography

Walking Home At Sunset

The days are getting longer again. I walk to the bus in the growing light every morning – saw Venus today in the eggshell blue sky, just before the red sunrise drowned it out with brightness. And on my walk home, I get to see the tops of Edinburgh’s golden sandstone buildings still drenched in sunlight.

While I was crossing Princes Street, it began to rain lightly. I didn’t get that wet, or that cold, but it was enough to bring a rainbow.

Dsc00577

Taken 8 February 2006

The Balmoral clock tower in the light, with the Scott Monument in shadow.

DSC00578

Taken 8 February 2006

Up the hill a shadowy David Hume glowered near St Giles Cathedral

Dsc00579

Taken 8 February 2006

The pattern of the stones of the museum on Chamber Street satisfies me every time I pass it.

DSC00581

Taken 8 February 2006

The anarchists have also been out in force. I rather like this one.

Dsc00582

Taken 8 February 2006

And, last of all, a public service announcement. If you’ve lost your heart recently, it’s waiting for you on the wall across from the Potterow Port, right near the museum back door. It misses you.

Dsc00583

Taken 8 February 2006