I have lots of photos from places I have visited in the past and today I was reminded of this lovely pocket park known as Hunsbury Hill Park.
According to the local government website, this park formed part of an Iron Age hill fort which I didn’t realise until I read it today! – You learn something every day!
I visited Hunsbury Hill Park nearly 10 years ago and, looking at the photos, it’s about time I went back!
It’s sometimes surprising what your local community has to offer!
Before I went on holiday in August, I went for an interview for a new job at Hilton in Northampton and was offered the job on the spot. I could not have been happier!
Since the end of last year, I had not generally been happy at work. I had good days, but overall, I found it extremely stressful. I was going to work with butterflies in my stomach and feeling stressed before I even got there! That kind of feeling is just not sustainable. I felt like I’d aged in the year that I had been working there!
In my life, I have always said that if I am not happy with something, I will do something about it.
When I returned to the UK in 2018, I found my perfect job in events. I just loved the environment, the variety of work and the people I met along the way. I found it really exciting! But, in 2020, I was made redundant because the COVID pandemic meant that the business, along with many others, wasn’t making money and had to make cutbacks.
I was gutted!
The two jobs I have had since then have not been for me!
So, when I got offered the job at Hilton, I was over the moon. I am back in events! You are now looking at the new Conference, Events and Sales Executive!
I am learning lots and every day, something new comes along – without fail. No one likes being the newbie, but I am looking at it as a period of growth. Every day, my confidence is growing, and I know I am going to love it even more than I do now. I don’t even mind going into work anymore which is a huge difference, and it feels like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders.
Despite following the wrong path over the last two years, I realise that sometimes we have to go through these negative periods to reach a place of joy once more!
I try to be as positive as I can and even when I might not believe it sometimes, my mantra has always been that everything works out in the end. Peace and love to you all 🙂
The Changing Seasons is hosted by Ju-Lyn at Touring my Backyard, and Brian and Bushboys World
The Changing Seasons is a monthly project where bloggers around the world share their thoughts and feelings about the month just gone. We all approach this slightly differently — though generally with an emphasis on the photos we’ve taken during the month.
For many of us, looking back over these photos provides the structure and narrative of our post, so each month is different. Some focus on documenting the changes in a particular project — such as a garden, an art or craft project, or a photographic diary of a familiar landscape.
But in the end, it is your changing season, and you should approach it however works for you.
There are no fixed rules around post length or photo number — just a request that you respect your readers’ time and engagement.
Tag your photos with #MonthlyPhotoChallenge and #TheChangingSeasons so that others can find them.
What a wonderful August I had. I got to spend two glorious weeks on holiday with my friends. And where better to go with them, than to one of my favourite places on earth – my old home of Thailand! Plus, we spent three days in Singapore – a new destination for me.
Singapore was nice, but very expensive. I’m glad I went, but probably won’t go back. There are fabulous things to see and do, but I much prefer the crazy and chaotic vibes of a city such as Bangkok.
But, we had a great time and saw as much as we could in the three days we were there.
On the first day, I took a stroll along Orchard Road – one of the main shopping areas in the city.
One of the places you must see if you are ever in Singapore is Marina Bay with its iconic tourist attractions like Marina Bay Sands Hotel.
And the Merlion.
A short walk away is the lovely Gardens by the Bay, especially attractive in the evening when it’s all lit up. My friends and I were too late to see the light show, but it’s still beautiful in the daytime.
A close-up view of the impressive Marina Bay Sands Hotel. This time from the gardens.
You must see the marina in the evening when the lights from the city are reflected in the water. It’s stunning!
Soon enough our time in Singapore was over and we headed to Phuket in Thailand. In all my time living there, I had never been to Phuket, so it was nice to see somewhere new.
We stayed in Splash Beach Resort in Mai Khao. The hotel itself was lovely with a swimming pool, beach bar and restaurant, but as this is their low season a lot of the facilities were not open. Still, we had a lovely ten days there just chilling and exploring.
The beach is some 11 km long, but the sea was very rough, so we couldn’t swim. The views were epic though!
We took a trip to Koh Phi Phi. I had been there in 2008, so it was nice to see it again. It is beautiful and I am happy to see that the authorities now ban tourists from its beaches for a few months at a time in order for the area to replenish!
Back in Mai Khao, we were right next to the airport and every day – many times a day – we watched planes take off over the water – what a thrill!
Of course, we also enjoyed some delicious Thai food which I have missed – one of my favourites is Pad Khapow Moo Kai Dow (Pork and rice with a fried egg on top!)
And we drank some lovely cocktails while watching the sunset!
Yes, I had a fabulous holiday and who better to spend it with than my good friends – Trudy, Jamie and Olivia.
Unfortunately, while I was there, I tested positive with COVID. I thought I had got away with it, but there you go.
I am happy to report, I am back in tip-top shape! 🙂
The Changing Seasons is hosted by Ju-Lyn at Touring my Backyard, and Brian and Bushboys World
The Changing Seasons is a monthly project where bloggers around the world share their thoughts and feelings about the month just gone. We all approach this slightly differently — though generally with an emphasis on the photos we’ve taken during the month.
For many of us, looking back over these photos provides the structure and narrative of our post, so each month is different. Some focus on documenting the changes in a particular project — such as a garden, an art or craft project, or a photographic diary of a familiar landscape.
But in the end, it is your changing season, and you should approach it however works for you.
There are no fixed rules around post length or photo number — just a request that you respect your readers’ time and engagement.
Tag your photos with #MonthlyPhotoChallenge and #TheChangingSeasons so that others can find them.
Whilton Locks, near Daventry in Northamptonshire, is the name of a seven-lock system which forms part of the Grand Union Canal – the main waterway from London to the Midlands (Wikipedia).
Back in 2013, I took a trip out there to take a gentle stroll along the canal. If you get the day and time right, you won’t see another soul which means you can really appreciate the sounds and peacefulness of the countryside for yourself!
A boat passed me by, I watched as it created gentle waves in the water. Once it had gone, the water was so still, creating mirror-like reflections of the trees.
It’s a lovely place to go for a walk and it’s high time I went back!
I took so many photographs when I visited Hitchin Lavender fields last year, but I’d like to share (what I think) are the best ones.
If you are ever in the area, I recommend a trip to this lovely spot!
Lavender is another favourite flower of mine, so I was really excited when I found Hitchin Lavender – a family-run farm specialising in the cultivation of this beautiful flower.
I visited in July last year and while there was lots of lavender, if you visit later in the year, there will be even more! The main flowering season is between mid-June and late August.
You are free to wander across the fields, up and down the rows, taking in the intoxicating smell! You can pick your own lavender or buy lavender products in the shop. You can even take a picnic and sit and enjoy the views.
It’s not just lavender that is grown here – there is a wild flower meadow, and fields of sunflowers which flower from the middle of August.
It’s a lovely place to spend a few hours.
Lavender represents purity, silence, devotion, serenity, grace, and calmness, so let’s enjoy some of that as we wander through the flowers.
Gorgeous isn’t it? 🙂
On a Saturday afternoon last year, I went to see the bluebells at Everdon Stubbs with my friends.
Everdon Stubbs is one of the few remaining ancient woodlands in Northamptonshire and it’s a beautiful and peaceful place to wander around with your camera.
There are many varieties of trees and flowers including the lovely bluebells which carpet the woodland floor in spring.
Bluebells are one of my favourite flowers – I love the colour.
Did you know that the bluebell symbolises constancy, humility and gratitude?
And, however beautiful they may be, bluebells are actually poisonous?
Last week, I took you on a walk around Delapre Park in the summer. Join me again and see how the area changes during the winter.
I think it is beautiful whatever time of year!
For more of an idea how the land changes throughout the year, take a look at my “Summer vs Winter” photo comparison!
Delapre Abbey is a lovely place to visit if you are ever in Northampton. With a history spanning over 900 years, the abbey itself sure has an interesting story or two to tell. If you want to read more about this, go to Delapre Abbey‘s official website.
The surrounding park is a popular place for walkers and it’s great for photographers any time of the year. You’ll find yourself walking through woods, around a lake and across grasslands as you make your way around the abbey.
Let’s start exploring!
Walk through the woods leading towards the lake.
There are seats around the lake to take in the views.
Follow the path to the left of the lake. It doesn’t matter which way you go around the lake, but I always go left.
This fellow wanted to have his photograph taken and I couldn’t say no!
Glimpses of the lake through the trees never fail to make me feel excited about seeing more.
The overhanging trees make for some lovely reflections in the shimmering water.
The trees stand majestically in the woodland.
The lake is beautiful – very still, the water gently lapping onto the shore. It’s very peaceful.
Unless the water is disturbed by people enjoying themselves on speed boats.
These geese were on a family outing.
While this mother swan and her cygnets were doing some exploring of their own. I stood still and watched while they came ever closer.
Walking through the grasslands, you might see horses grazing – and geese doing the same!
There are more woods to wander through as you walk towards the abbey again. This tree looks like it’s taking part in a strange praying ritual!
And into the gardens for a final couple of photographs.
I hope you enjoyed the walk around Delapre Park in the Summer. Next time, we’ll visit in the winter.
Goodbye July, hello August!
I’d like to share some July’s ‘photos of the day’ from morrisophotography.
Little Billing in Northampton is rather lovely.
I loved the colours and reflections on a Sunday morning walk.
This beautiful daisy caught my eye.
The Washlands in Northampton is always good for photo opportunities.
Another Sunday morning walk around the racecourse.
A view of the marina on the way home from the Washlands.
I took a stroll around Abington Park.
Another day, the clouds created some cool formations.
I also published my ‘Out in the Countryside’ Calendar – an 18 month calendar (July 22 – Dec 23) featuring images from Thailand, Vietnam, Australia, New Zealand and the UK. Getting out in the countryside is a great way to get some fresh air, to feel healthy, and to feel alive.
Finally, I’d like to share a round-up of July’s posts from morrisophotography.
The Changing Seasons is hosted by Ju-Lyn at Touring my Backyard, and Brian and Bushboy’s World
The Changing Seasons is a monthly project where bloggers around the world share their thoughts and feelings about the month just gone. We all approach this slightly differently — though generally with an emphasis on the photos we’ve taken during the month.
For many of us, looking back over these photos provides the structure and narrative of our post, so each month is different. Some focus on documenting the changes in a particular project — such as a garden, an art or craft project, or a photographic diary of a familiar landscape.
But in the end, it is your changing season, and you should approach it however works for you.
There are no fixed rules around post length or photo number — just a request that you respect your readers’ time and engagement.
Tag your photos with #MonthlyPhotoChallenge and #TheChangingSeasons so that others can find them.
