This is a photograph of me wearing a Cowboy hat, which I bought during my visit to San Diago,Β in America. The photograph was captured of me at a barbecue event, at a ranch where I was staying. It was a fun event. We had a country and western band playing in the background as we ate lunch. π
I am still missing some photographs from a wonderful day I spent with my sister during a pony trekking day at Stapleford Park. I was delighted to ride a beautiful white horse named Porridge. I feel quite disappointed that those pictures are still missing. π’
I am quite excited as my Exochorda or Machrabtha, Β also known as ‘The Bride’Β (Pearl Bush), will be flowering soon. It has an abundance of little white flowers on it. This is mine looking quite splendid in 2004. π
A. Lol, I was born a female, and I still identify as a female. I have always had very feminine ways. I’m not likely to change sex. I quite like being me. π
During my childhood, I was always very feminine, enjoying dresses and skirts; however, I occasionally wear leggings and jeans for comfort these days, particularly when I am at home . I have generally maintained a feminine appearance, favouring long hair. Currently, my hair is shoulder-length and has a dark brown with reddish hue. Overall, I consider myself to have a feminine presentation.
I do not require anyone else to be me, as I believe I am quite capable of presenting myself effectively.
Q. Do you care about what others think about the way you look Frances?
A. No, not at all. If an individual has a slim physique, they may be regarded as underweight. If they are slightly overweight, they might be considered fat. If someone does not have a favourable opinion of you, they may resort to mockery or ridicule. You can’t win.
When my children were young, I liked the public figures or models who maintained a healthy appearance rather than extreme thinness. My youngest daughter believed she needed to resemble a stick insect to gain acceptance. It is important that children enjoy nutritious meals during their growth periods rather than resort to unhealthy dieting due to media influence. My aim was for them to maintain a healthy and balanced weight. It can be quite concerning for a parent when they notice their child or children not eating properly because they feel pressured to conform to a particular appearance. I was a concerned full-time mother.
Generally, an individual’s appearance is not of primary concern. What is more significant is the influence that media exerts on our children. This may be the reason I have a particular fondness for the 1970s, when there were only four television channels, which were more selective regarding the content they broadcast. During that period, programmes were often of better quality.
I believe it is important not to form judgments about individuals without taking the time to get to know them. People possess a range of qualities across all areas of life, and appearances can be deceiving. By making an effort to understand someone personally, you may discover valuable insights and qualities that were not immediately apparent.
Q. Frances, I have noticed that there are some pretty good photographs on your blogsite. Does anyone else have access to any of your photographs, Frances?
A. In a nutshell, “No.” If anyone else has access to any of my photographs, then they are out of order as I have not given anyone else my permission to use any of them. They are for my website only, and NOBODY else should be using them!
I have never earned a single penny for any of my photographs. Nobody has ever offered me money for any of my photographs. Therefore, my photographs are all out of bounds. Nobody should be using them. This is my own website, not associated with anyone else.
Anyone using any of my photos, all owe me. My price, and not theirs!
None of my photographs are displayed publicly anywhere else, but on my blogsite (here). Anyone else displaying my photographs anywhere else, they all owe me! All photographs here are viewing only.
Q. Why do you use a black and white website?
A. Because it is easier to read and the photographs look much nicer on a black background. I notice that you do not ask the same questions to the newspaper publishers! A newspaper is black and white. Please stop being so pathetic re the colours I use here. It has no reflection re my nationality. I like the colours black and white. I am not so stupid, like some, to associate the colour of my photographs or blogsite with my background.
I went for a lovely walk at Ferry Meadows yesterday, and I photographed this lovely carousel. It reminded me of how we loved to ride on the carousel when both of my daughters were younger. They loved the fair, just as I did as a young girl. My ex-husband, J Alan, and I took them to the fair regularly. I often frequented the Stamford Fair.
It also reminded me of the film Half a Sixpence, which starred Tommy Steele and Julia Foster. I loved this musical film so much. It is one of my early film memories. π
This is me riding on the carousel with my daughter Kitty when she was younger. π
This little catouselnwas photographed by me at Peterborough Cathedral.
As we remember the resurrection of Your Son, fill our hearts with peace, joy, and renewed faith. Help us to walk in kindness, to share love freely, and to trust in Your promise of new beginnings. Bless our homes, our families, and those we hold dear. May we carry the spirit of Easter within us, today and always.
That is a very good question. I previously volunteered at a local pre-school when the children were young, dedicating my time on a voluntary basis. I sincerely believe that individuals should consider contributing their valuable time by volunteering and engaging in community activities, particularly when they are not currently employed. It can be very rewarding, and it looks great on your CV when looking for employment.
I often think about Rosie, my pet cockatiel. She is the reason I joined Twitter. Rosie had a charming personality and was quite amusing to watch. She frequently perched on the top of my head and gently nibbled at my ears whilst I worked at my computer beside her cage. She chattered away happily.
I once sent an email to our local dj Rob, at Rutland Radio, to ask if he’d mention her name on the radio. I often left the radio on for her to listen to, whilst I was out. When she heard my car return, she chirped very loudly with excitement. Then one day, she struggled to climb onto her perch to bid me goodnight, as she customarily did. The following day, she passed away. I was deeply saddened by her death. She lived for nearly ten years and is greatly missed. My mum helped me to bury her in the garden. It was so sad. RIP Rosie.
I can remember taking so many beautiful photos of Rosie, with her wings spread. She looked so beautiful. I am sad that someone could remove my lovely photographs of her. It was bad enough coping with her death, but how could someone take my memories of her away. π’
A Poem
A cockateil bird on Twilight Wing, With feathers dipped in shimmering spring, It sips from blossoms, sweet and bright, And dances through the velvet night. Its colours swirl like drinks well-spun, Of orange flame and setting sun, With hints of berry, gold, and lime, A living toast to joy and time. It flutters near with sugared grace, A crystal gleam upon its face, Its songβlike ice in glasses clearβ A melody we long to hear.
This is definitely one of my favourite British films. π
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
My parents resided in British India. Did you know there are approximately 19.9 million to 23 million Roman Catholic Indians, representing around 1.55% to 1.57% of the total population. While Christians make up about 2.3% of India’s population overall, the Roman Catholic Church is the single largest denomination within the Indian Christian community.
My parents were both practising Christians, with one originating from a traditional British background and the other from a Christian family of Indian heritage.
(Orange and White).
Both of my parents adapted to the British language and culture after they relocated from British India to England. They were both Roman Catholics and exclusively spoke English as their primary language.
Today is Good Friday. It is not a day of celebration, not in the traditional sense but a crucial, sombre remembrance within Holy Week. Good Friday is a solemn Christian observance honouring the crucifixion, suffering, and death of Jesus Christ at Calvary.
Today, I plan to eat some Hot Cross Buns, with my daughter Catherine.Β Hot cross buns are an age-old tradition, traditionally baked to commemorate the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on Good Friday. My entire family was brought up as Roman Catholics. My background is Christian. Both of my parents were both Roman Catholics.
Lord Jesus Christ, on this sacred day, we remember Your great sacrifice. You bore the weight of our sins and gave Your life out of love for the world. Help us to stand at the foot of the cross with humble and grateful hearts. Teach us to understand the depth of Your mercy and to live in the light of Your forgiveness. As we reflect on Your suffering, strengthen us to carry our own crosses with faith, to love others as You have loved us, and to walk in obedience to Your will. May this day of sorrow lead us to hope, and prepare our hearts for the joy of Your resurrection. We thank You, Lord, for Your endless grace and redeeming love. Amen.π
I chose this hymn because my Father’s funeral was at Easter weekend, 9 years ago. He was a choir boy at church in his youth. This is one of my favourite Easter hymns as a young girl.
When someone keeps comparing you with other women and he makes you feel measured, then maybe he’s not the man for you. You need to be with someone who values you as a person. Someone who makes you feel special always. .
I captured this photograph at Springfields Spalding a few years agoSpringfields – me Dancing I captured this photograph at Flag Fen during one of my photography days.This was. Captured during a day at Shepreth Wildlife Park.I captured this photograph at The National History Museum, London
This photograph was captured at the Peterborough Cathedral.
When dawn was young and wild and wide, And silence held a roar, The earth awoke in ancient breath Unlike all days before. Through tangled green and shadowed light, Where mist and sunlight blend, Great creatures moved like living hills From forestβs edge to end. Their voices rolled like distant storms, Low thunder through the ground, A language lost to passing time, Yet once the only sound. The hunterβs gaze, the grazerβs grace, A dance of tooth and leaf, Where life was fierce and fleeting still, And death was never brief. No footprints led to where we stand, No trace of humankindβ Just echoes pressed in stone and dust, A world we cannot find. Yet close your eyesβ¦ youβll feel it stir, That ancient pulse, that glowβ A Jurassic whisper in your bones From long, long ago.
A love so great, it fills the sky, Soft as dawn, yet fierce as fire, It lives in every whispered sigh, In every hope, in each desire. It bends but never breaks apart, A steady light through darkest days, It wraps itself around the heart, In quiet, everlasting ways. No distance dims, no time can fade The warmth it leaves, the truth it knows, For even shadows cannot shade A love so greatβit only grows.
——β————————–
A Love Like No Other
A love like no other, quiet yet strong, A place in the heart where youβve always belonged. Not loud in its presence, yet deep in its stay, A light that still guides you when skies turn to grey. It asks for no glory, no grand display, Just truth in the moments we give it each day. In laughter, in silence, in all that we share, It lives in the knowing that someone is there. No measure can hold it. No words can define, Itβs gentle, enduringβboth yours and mine. A love like no other, steady and true, A rare kind of magicβ¦ found only in you.
This evening, I watched the film “The Notebook,” which starred Ryan Gosling, Rachel Mcadam, and James Garner. It has been a long time since I cried watching a film. However, this film was able to profoundly evoke an emotional response. It managed to tug on every heart string.
My favourite quote from the film is:Β
“I am who I am because of you.Β You are every reason, every hope, and every dream I’ve ever had, and no matter what happens to us in the future, every day we are together is the greatest day of my life.” π
I am currently watching the comedy film “The School of Rock”. It is thoroughly entertaining, featuring Jack Black, whose performance is particularly amusing. This film has been a welcomed distraction today and is greatly lifting my spirits. π
This film reminds me a little of the film “Kindergarten Cop,” but without the policing. It starred Arnold Schwarzenegger. Another good actor.
It also reminds me of the film “About A Boy,” which starred Hugh Grant. π
When you were five, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A teacher or an air hostess. When I was 10 yrs old, I loved photography, maybe even a photographer. I always had a good eye. I did not become any of those things. However, I quite like the thought of doing all three.
This evening, I visited Tesco and I noticed a van parked outside. It was named, “Shahβs Halal Food.” There was a queue of people waiting for food, so I decided to try something myself. I opted for the Lamb Gyro. I genuinely mean this β it was exceptionally tasty. It was not greasy and was cooked to a high standard. I observed the preparation process and can honestly say it was one of the most enjoyable takeaway meals I have eaten in quite some time. I thoroughly recommend it. Thank you also for the tropical iced drink; it was greatly appreciated.
Yum! I bought lamb and chicken Samosas the other day. They were delicious. I bought them from our small M&S outlet. I gave them the big thumbs up! π
I took one into work with me for my lunch. They were quite filling.
Hilarious. π€£ Every time I watch this, I chuckle to myself. π€£
This reminds me of when I thought the band The Police were singing about Sue Lawley, the Broadcaster and TV presenter. The song was “So Lonley,” and I kept wondering why Sue Lawley. π€£
Two souls once whole, then torn apart, Sent wandering worlds with the same soft heart, Through time and lives, through joy and ache, Each step a path the other would take. A glance, a sparkβno need for name, For deep within, you feel the same, A knowing older than the stars, A pull that heals the hidden scars. You are my mirror, fierce and true, Reflecting all I hide from view, In you I find both storm and peace, A wild unrest, a sweet release. We meet, we part, we rise, we fall, Yet fate still answers when we call, For love like this wonβt fade or endβ It bends, it breaks, but learns to mend. Not just a flame, but fire divine, A sacred thread through space and time, Two halves that wander yet remain Forever boundβ¦ one soul, one flame.
Honouring a father who has passed involves treasuring his enduring legacy of love, resilience, and the lessons that continue to influence our daily lives. Although he is no longer with us, his presence endures in heartfelt memories, shaping our values and offering comfort through the enduring, meaningful moments we shared.
It has been 9 years. I miss you, dad. My dad was F de.
I cherish my childhood memories. This is an old photograph of me at the age of seven, wearing a pink dress, alongside my younger sister wearing an orange dress. I can not recall the names of our friends, although I seem to remember the names Michael and Gary; however, I am uncertain. The photograph was taken in Penang, Malaysia, during my father’s military service with the Royal Air Force. He was stationed at RAF Butterworth, and we frequently went to see him as he crossed the ferry to and from the base. I recall an occasion when my father was late arriving at the ferry terminal; he attempted a daring “Mission Impossible” stunt by running and jumping onto the departing ferry. Unfortunately, he missed and was left hanging onto the side of the deck until assistance was provided. He subsequently injured his ribs and received several bruises. Fortunately, he avoided falling into the sea, which was known to be populated with jellyfish. π±
Since returning from my break away, I have been sleeping at regular times. My eyes look so much better. I need to be in bed by 10 pm, these days. No more late nights. I wake up feeling a lot better.
A. Apologising is appropriate when an individual acknowledges that they have made a mistake. One cannot apologise for something they are unaware of. Open communication about the matter is therefore beneficial.
You may sometimes accept differing opinions if the matter is minor or if the individual is at fault; in such cases, an appropriate apology should be offered.
If you don’t talk, then nobody ever knows that they have done something wrong.
This exquisite pink rose was presented to me a few years ago at the George Hotel in Stamford, during an afternoon whilst I was dining there after shopping in the town. I had completely forgotten that it was Valentineβs Day. π
Have you ever thought and wondered about a past love?
Often called a “First Love” or a “Significant Past Romance,” it can leave a lasting mark.Β
Sometimes, emotions can stay bright and fresh in our memory, even after decades. These memories serve as a touchstone of youth.Β
Many people find that, even when relationships end, the strong feelings connected to them may not completely fade. Sometimes, they lead to a lifelong sentiment that stays with us forever.
Recently, a work colleague kindly came to pick me up for work. I truly appreciated it. While she was waiting outside the front of my home, a random woman unexpectedly entered the back of her car. My colleague was quite startled and exclaimed, “Oh Jesus, what are you doing in my car?” She noticed that the woman appeared to be alarmed also. The woman apologised, explaining, “I thought this was the taxi I ordered.” At this point, the taxi driver behind them began to laugh. It was quite an amusing situation. π
I am unsure what my reaction would have been if someone did this to me.
Sometimes, going away on your own can be fabulous and very therapeutic. I loved my own company, but it was also nice to chat yo a few friendly people on my travels. It would have been nice to go away with a friend or a member of my family. However, all of the people I know were all working. Rather than stay at home, I decided it would be good to have a nice little getaway, just to chill out on my own. Somewhere lovely and peaceful.π
Frances
My holiday began by staying at this lovely hotel called Petwood. My room was just lovely. The staff were very nice. π
This was a quaint little Police Station
I then headed off to my next destination, to continue my lovely holiday.
The ceiling in the tree house. It was beautiful xMy favourite place to relax.
My beautiful photo of the day.
Beautiful – My view from my roomSo delicious. Salmon Encroute. I loved doing G&T’s Relaxing in a hammock
Feeling so relaxed.
The birds love this!πAt the end of the dayBags all packed
A. Yes! All of the photographs were all captured by myself. I love photography. It is the only place I display any of my photographs publicly. If my photos are displayed anywhere else, then I want to know why! That person will then owe me!
They have no rights to any of my photos. I have never sold any, not yet! All of the posts on here and on my website are my own.
If I do not get paid for any of my photographs, why should anyone else get paid for any of them!
I do not display all of my photographs on my website. However, neither should anyone else be displaying any of them either! It means that they are private!
The photographs displayed here are for public viewing.
If I choose to display any of my photographs on Facebook or anywhere else, they would be private and appear here on my website first.