February 2016 [Month in Photos]

Sun started to peak out between the clouds more often in February, creating a feeling that Spring is just around the corner. Yet, the Frost revisited us with some snow flakes and chilly weather. 

Some colds and flues - a part of winter - have been underway ... So pots of warm tea with honey, ginger and lemon, has been brewed in the kitchen.

Winter Break with slow mornings and some get together's, created an oasis or rewinding with the family.

Blogging Every Day in February made med pick up my camera and go out and about - walks in the neighborhood are refreshing both for the body and the soul.

 How has your month of February been? 

Nina

Sharing with

A Month in Photos by Mona's Pictoresque

Helmikuun kollaasihaaste by Pieni Lintu

[Blogging every day in February - Day 29]

Gather together

Just Be Held by Casting Crowns

:  :  :

 Blessings to your Sunday,

Nina

Here's a printable

of Matthew 18:20

for you   

 Sharing with

Scripture & Snapshot


Photo:iPhone 5S, Camera+, Snapseed, VSCO & Word Swag - Apps

[Blogging every day in February - Day 28]

A New Path

This view is from our afternoon walk today - we found a new path beside the great tree. I took this photo with iPhone, edited it in different painterly apps, and added some texture layers.

A reflective poem to go with the painterly view:

The Gentle Gardener

I'd like to leave but daffodils to mark my little way,

To leave but tulips red and white behind me as I stray;

I'd like to pass away from earth and feel I'd left behind

But roses and forget-me-nots for all who come to find.

I'd like to sow the barren spots with all the flowers of earth,

To leave a path where those who come should find but gentle mirth;

And when at last I'm called upon to join the heavenly throng

I'd like to feel along my way I'd left no sign of wrong.

And yet the cares are many and the hours of toil are few;

There is not time enough on earth for all I'd like to do;

But, having lived and having toiled, I'd like the world to find

Some little touch of beauty that my soul had left behind. 

Edward Guest

... Until next time,

Nina 

[Blogging every day in February - Day 27]

Ballerina

The elegant swan

dances, a waltz on water

a ballerina

Chiamaka Okorie

... Wishing you a peaceful weekend,

Nina

Sharing with

Photo Friday   Friendship Friday Friday Photo Journal

Saturday's share Fest by The Sits Girls

 [Blogging every day in February - Day 26]

Summer Memories

 

 The sound of buzzing bees in the glass

Enjoying the scent of clover flowers

Feeling the evening sun on my skin

A cup of coffee, reading Victoria Hislop's The Island 

on the stairs in front of the old sauna

... Looking back to these photos brings back the sounds, 

scents and feelings from that warm summer evening,

Nina 

 [Blogging every day in February - Day 25]

Signs of Spring [Wordless Wednesday]

:   :   :

... Happy Wordless Wednesday,

Nina

sharing with

Wordless Wednesday by NC Sue
Wordless Wednesday by Create with Joy

Photo: Nikon D3200, texture Bliss 7 by 2 Lil Owls

 [Blogging every day in February - Day 24]

Light - One Word 2016

I have chosen Light as the my word for 2016.   

Looking for light in many aspects, hoping the process to be molding & shaping ~ leaving a trail and maybe some changes, reflections and deepened insight ....   

Light is defined as  
~ The natural agent that stimulates sight and makes things visible
~ Of little weight; not heavy 
~ Come upon or discover by chance   
[Oxford Dictionary] 

Light is the essence in photography ...

Embrace light. Admire it. Love it. But above all, know light. 

Know it for all you are worth, and you will know the key to photography.
George Eastman 

:   :  :

Light diet in the sense of nutrition and sustainability of the ingredients ... not following any special rules or regulations, but paying attention to use the seasonal vegetables and fruits, produced close by if possible 

Take care of your body. Its the only place you have to live.

Jim Rohn 

:   :   :

I like the symbolical way the Apostle John, writer of the Gospel of John, uses light his Gospel and letters ... Not only as an illumination of God and Christ, but also referring to both choices we make - moving towards light / away from light.   

In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 

John 1:4-5. 

:  :  :

One's day can be lightened up ... and you can lighten up the day of someone else

Not all of us can do great things. 

But we can do small things with great love.
Mother Theresa

:   :   :

... Wishing you a good week ahead,

Nina

 [Blogging every day in February - Day 22]

Magical Moments

Monday morning starts a brand new week, that is carried partly by well knows routines of every day life. At the same time, it will contain events, meetings and moments, yet unknown ... to be seen as the life is unfolding.

Stopping occasionally - in the midst of the most familiar situation - activates our senses and curiosity. It brings some things to our focus, we often times take for granted. Noticing these things, and maybe accentuating the moment with words ... A note to one self, saying it aloud to children or colleague, or maybe taking a snapshot - enables us to take a break, and sometimes, really, this helps us to find the magic in the moments.

 ... With mindful Monday greetings,

Nina

Sharing with
Roses of Inspiration at Enchanting Rose

[Blogging every day in February - Day 22]

PS. The printable above is my first scrapbook-like try - Inspired by Roxi Hardegree's pretty watercolor doodle-kit, I purchased last weekend.

Before you ask

 The Same Love by Paul Baloche

:  :  :

 Blessings to your Sunday,

Nina

Here's a printable

of Matthew 6:8

for you   

 Sharing with

Scripture & Snapshot


Photo: Nikon D3200

[Blogging every day in February - Day 21]

Random Acts of Kindness

During the months of February, with focus on Random Acts of Kindness, I may have become a bit more conscious of my Language of Love. It might be giving or being encouraging (Words of Affirmation or Acts of Service). That is, when based on my actions and ways of showing kindness in general.

Marriage counselor Gary Chapman has defined 5 languages of love being Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Receiving Gifts, Acts of Service, and Physical Touch. His theses is that when spouses became aware of one another languages of love, they can be more conscious in expressing love and affirmation in a way that speaks to his or hers spouse. These ways of affirmation can be applied to other relations as well - being therefore one way and one perspective (though not all inclusive) in ways to express affirmation.

If you're wondering, what your language of love might be, there is a fun little quiz on the subject, that comes up with a suggestion.

Above the editing process: Photo edited in Glace, Tangled FX, Clever Painter and the final layered photo with textures.

Well, what were my Random Acts of Kindness this week?

• Baking sandwich rolls and giving them to my friend (a mother with the sweetest baby girl), so she could freeze the rolls and use them later making an easy lunch to herself.
• After visiting the Art Exhibition, I did send a Thank you- e-mail to the artist with a photo I took of her (showing her beside her paintings) - It was lovely to have her tell us about her art and the process of painting.

Sometimes it can be hard to notice the opportunities for Random Acts of Kindness - at at these times it takes a conscious effort from one self to take action. 

But take heart - Julissa Arangue from Community Outreach, Shari's Berries, has a very practical solution: She has developed a Random Acts of Kindness Generator! The Random Acts of Kindness Generator gives you suggestions on how to make your family's friend's coworker's and even stranger's day better.
Click on the link above and be inspired by the kind acts, the generator will randomly suggest you!

Happiness is something that multiplies when it is divided.

Paulo Coelho 

Have a peaceful weekend,

Nina

sharing with

Random Acts of Kindness by Manu

 [Blogging every day in February - Day 20]

Photo: iPhone 5S - Glaze, Tangled FX, Clever  Painter & Image Blender iPhone photo applications
Textures: Simple 2 by Kim Klassen & Tableaux_CremeFaiche by FrenchKiss

Art, Walk & Coffee

"Long time no see!" - Our girls afternoon out started with visiting art galleries at Bredgade by Nyhavn. 
The paintings by Marianne Christa Krogstrup at Galleri Bredgade 22, made an unforgettable impression on us. Many of her paintings were already sold at her vernissage on Wednesday - fortunately we were able to buy postcard prints of the beautiful painting with birch trees. 

Marianne Christa Krogstrup at Galleri Bredgade 22

We made our way through the side streets - popping in and out of pretty boutiques ... Flowers, pottery, tea ... Not really buying anything, but enjoying the atmosphere, admiring the colors and scent of the flowers, the way pretty things are being set up in the stores, and most of all, each others company.

Hot Moroccan Mint Tea tasted just lovely after a chilly walk outside ... Cafe The a la Menthe serves also coffee, tea and hot chocolate, together with light lunch dishes. Colorful and ethnic decor in the cafe created a warm and cozy atmosphere. 
The a la Menthe is a nice place to sit down and chat away, enjoying the fellowship around good food - in other words - a very hyggelig cafe!

... I'm so thankful for this week of rest - I find that Winter Break came just at the right time! 

 Wishing you a peaceful weekend,

Nina 

sharing with

Photo Friday   Friendship Friday Friday Photo Journal

Saturday's share Fest by The Sits Girls

[Blogging every day in February - Day 19]

Courtyards of Copenhagen

We found these charming courtyards close by Nyhavn today, having visited an art gallery, and looking for another.

History is echoing from the walls and through the architectural details. 

And - it is fun to find new places and short cuts, when out and about with friends!

Nina

Sharing with 

[Blogging every day in February - Day 18]

Free e-cards - A little midweek gift to you

Download the free e-card

Reading a good novel is like immersing one self into another universe ... A journey across culture and time, getting to know new personalities and following their destiny - relationships, their hopes and dreams, thoughts and actions. I finished a novel yesterday morning, which inspired me to take the photo above - As an appreciation on books and moments with them.

Download the free e-card

I added a stamp and notes to the photo above - to add a bit romance and feeling of old times to the photo.  

Photography has been my focus of interest for some years now - I have learned so much from photography blogs, where photographers share teaching and tips, and from courses in photography.

There are some very good free online photo editing programs, which I have used and am still using, besides Photoshop and Lightroo, (which both are photo editing programs you need to pay for).

I have been thinking of maybe writing some blog posts with tutorials on my favorite free online photo editing programs this spring - to share some of the things, I have learned in photography ... If you would be interested on a series of blog tutorial blog posts on free online photo editing programs, please leave a note in the comments section.

I am truly thankful for the online photography fellowship and community: The talented persons with beautiful minds, that are teaching and sharing their knowledge and expertise on photography.

Download the free e-card

Little did I know, when starting this blog in July 2012, in how many ways it would enrich my life ... Not just in and around photography, but also befriending with unique, creative and fantastic people around the world. To start somewhere - these e-cards are just a tiny way to express my gratitude. I have placed a link to Dropbox under each e-card you, where you can download the e-card.

Feel free to download them and delight your relatives and friends by sending a note. if you wish to use these e-cards on your blog or pin them, please give a proper credit by linking back to this post.

Download the free e-card

... With sunny midweek greetings,

Nina

 [Blogging every day in February - Day 17]

Thoughts on Focus

Some thoughts on Focus ...

My success, part of it certainly, is that I have focused in on a few things.

Bill gates

Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies.

Mother Theresa

People think focus means saying yes to the thing you've got to focus on. 

But that's not what it means at all. It means saying no to the hundred other good ideas that there are. 

You have to pick carefully. I'm actually as proud of the things we haven't done as the things I have done. 

Innovation is saying no to 1,000 things.

Steve Jobs

My son, stay focused; listen to the wisdom I have gained; give attention to what I have learned about life 

so you may be able to make sensible judgments and speak with knowledge.

Proverbs 5:2 

Simplicity is ultimately a matter of focus.

Ann Voskamp

... Until next time,

Nina

Sharing with Roses of Inspiration at Enchanting Rose

 [Blogging every day in February - Day 16]

Simplicity is ultimately a matter of focus.
Read more at: http://www.azquotes.com/author/18665-Ann_Voskamp/tag/focus

Winter break

Our winter break week started with bright sunshine and chilly weather ... Such a delight to be blended by sunlight after gray days with rain!

I visited a friend of mine this morning, and held her beautiful and precious 3,5 month old baby girl. I was taken by her daughters blue eyes and the sweetest smile, she gave to her mom!

Our boys have been out and about ... I wonder if there will fall some snow one of these days? The weather forecast promises cold weather and frost ... Let's see...

I baked macaron cakes yesterday, and took a snapshot as the cakes were resting before baking. This is the only photo of the macarons ... They turned out well and with four of us in the family, the cakes made a tasty treat: The macarons were made to be eaten and enjoyed, not to be photographed, after all.

Keep your heart open to dreams. 

For as long as there’s a dream, 

there is hope, and as long as there is hope, 

there is joy in living.

Anonymous 

 ... Until next time,

Nina 

[Blogging every day in February - Day 15]

Unfailing love

Flawless by Mercy Me

:  :  :

 Blessings to your Sunday,

Nina

Here's a printable

of Psalm 59:10

for you   

 Sharing with

Scripture & Snapshot


Photo:iPhone 5S, Camera+, Snapseed, Hipstamatic
& Word Swag - Apps

[Blogging every day in February - Day 14]

Random Acts of Kindness

Someone had collected these baby mittens from the ground and set them by the bus stop on a bench ... That is a friendly gesture.

Another Random Act of Kindness I witnessed this week, happened during the rush hour by our little town square. A man jogging over the street dropped his phone without noticing it - the phone fell from his pocket as he was crossing the street. A young gentleman picked the phone up, and run up to the jogger, returning the phone to him ... That was lovely to watch ~ many of us by the square saw what happened, sending encouraging and friendly smiles to this young gentleman, as he walked back to his fiancé.

I helped a colleague by taking over her shift, so she could go and pick her child from the nursery a bit earlier.

Our friends have 'adopted' a cat, that had been left behind by their neighbours, as they moved to another city. The sweet cat, they've now named 'Sille', is a bit shy yet very pretty ~ she has brown fur with few grey spots, and beautiful green eyes. 

... A bunch of Random Acts of Kindness this week ~ it is encouraging to see, how we care for one another ... Fellowmen ~ colleagues~ citizen ~ pets and animals.

What Random Acts of Kindness have you noticed this week?

Nina

sharing with

Random Acts of Kindness by Manu

 [Blogging every day in February - Day 13]

Old Houses in Frederiksberg [Hisptamatic Manchester-Pack Style]

The charming old houses, with their original style and old architecture, take my breath away ... Time has left the rustic details, that add to their beauty.

I took these snapshots on my way home from church on Sunday, using the new Manchester-Pack in the Hipstamatic iphone application. I like the faded colors, the blurred edges with subtle texture - creating a cintage feeling of traveling back in time. Moreover, how cool is the narrow frame on the photos, resembling an old instant camera photo. 

Manchester Hisptamatic Pack with Smith lens and Cheshire film might by my new favorite Hipstamatic combination ...

It is already Friday, and guess what: We're having a Winter Break next week! The days are getting longer, and if the weather allows, we're going to spent time outside as much as possible ... Spotting more sings of spring maybe?

... Wishing you a peaceful weekend,

Nina

sharing with

Photo Friday   Friendship Friday Friday Photo Journal

Saturday's share Fest by The Sits Girls

 [Blogging every day in February - Day 12]