Shadow Shot Sunday 159 - Kelmscott

This week's shadow shot was taken in the beautiful lush grounds of Kelmscott Manor near Oxford. It was the countryside home of William Morris, the leading exponent of the Arts and Crafts Movement, and inside the house his beautiful wallpapers, textiles, and tapestries are on display, as well as a delightful temporary exhibition of Burne-Jones' charcoal drawings....

For more shadow shots this week, check out Shadow Shot Sunday. Enjoy!!

Weekend Reflections 19 - London

All the reflections this week come from the Olympic Park in Stratford, London, the location, of course, of London 2012 that has enthralled us all for the past two weeks with gold medals galore and the high drama of sport....

Strolling around the park sees some superb venues and their reflections, as well as the Gloriana recently seen as part of the Thames Pageant for the Queen's Jubilee...

The BP mirror screen reflections give a good impression of the crowds thronging the Olympic Park, whilst the beautiful gardens and pool below reinforce why the Park has been so highly praised for its landscaping....

And of course at night the venues take on a whole new aura led by Anil Kapoor's Orbit and the stadium itself...

If you didn't manage to get to the Olympic Park in the last two weeks, then make sure you get tickets for the Paralympics which open here on August 29th. More posts on the Olympic Park this week, and more reflections over at Weekend Reflections. Enjoy!!

Bored of the Rings??

No!! We are definitely not bored of the rings here in London as the Olympic Games gathers more and more momentum with each day, and the increasing success of Team GB with their amazing medal haul doesn't seem to want to put the brakes on....

Like everyone else, I have been glued to the tv coverage, but as London is my home town, I have been lucky enough to actually go to the Games and see all the action live,,,,,

The volleyball competition is taking place at Earls Court and here are some of the early preliminary matches....

I played volleyball myself competitively for 24 years as well as coaching many school teams, so what an absolute treat it is to see womens' volleyball played at the very highest of levels......

Next it was out to Eton Dorney, in the shadow of Windsor Castle, to watch all of the rowers in competition........

We were in the cheap seats sitting on the river bank entitled "Lakeview Lawns" but we were still able to see all the action close up....

Along with so many other supporters with enthusiasm undampened by the drizzle and rain!!...

All the British athletes have played tribute to the home crowd and how they have been boosted by the deafening cheers - It has been so much fun to be part of all this....

This week I am off to the Olympic Stadium for an evening of athletics on Wednesday 8th, and then back to Earls Court for the women's bronze medal match and the men's final - Can't wait!!

Shadow Shot Sunday 158 - London

Strolling along the South Bank in London is one of my favourite things to do, especially in this festive Olympic atmosphere, and when the sun is shining the shadows come out to play....Start at the Festival Hall with the London Eye in the background and the cafe tables creating a polka dot shadow pattern,,,,,

Progress along in front of the British Film Theatre and find these lovely dappled patterns from the shady horse chestnut trees....

Get along as far as the Oxo Tower and Tate Modern where these geometric shadow patterns are awaiting you....

...If you are tired you can relax on the beach at Gabriel's Wharf with the view of the Gherkin and St Paul's behind you....

...Or stretch out on the very popular giant green sofas and armchairs in front of the National Theatre where there is always some great free summer entertainment..

Olympic London is looking and feeling just fabulous right now in sun or shadow....but of course I am biased because it is my home town, and wherever else I may live temporarily, London is always home. For more shadow shots this week, click HERE for Shadow Shot Sunday. Enjoy!!