I am a 49-year-old parent of two children. I have a 18-year-old daughter, and a 20-year-old son. My daughter enjoys the usual things that a teen girl enjoys – music (well, she calls what she listens to music), reading, Leonardo DiCaprio and animals. My son has Asperger’s Syndrome which is an Autistic Spectrum Disorder, he likes his XBOX and chatting with people on Facebook, fast cars, playing his guitar.
Towards the end of 2011, I got into photography, buying a GE HZ1500 bridge camera to start as I didn’t know if it was going to be a fad or something I could really get into. After a few months though, I decided to go for it and brought myself a Nikon D3000 DSLR. Since then, I have brought a 55-200mm lens, a 70-300mm / Macro lens. a tripod, four zoom filters and a set of 28 assorted filters as well as a wide-angle macro lens. I have also been given a CAM-LINK TP2800 tripod, which my parents brought me for my birthday, and 5-in-1 reflector which I received free for subscribing to Nikon‘s monthly magazine. Most recently I have brought a macro extension tube.
My sister got me into taking a photo every day of the year. That way, you get to see what is around you, no matter how small. Due to reasons beyond my control, I have not been able to take so many photos. They are only occasional now.
I am sticking to writing flash fiction for now, which you can see on the page bar at the top, and I write some poetry as well.
I hope you enjoy the stories, photos, poems and other things I post. Thank you for taking the time to read.
A Mixed Bag 
Pingback: 06 July 14 – 314 – Award – sort of…. – Simply ME
Pingback: Tribute, OR: Who Carries Whom? – StrangeLander2015
My brother also loves photography and he really can take pictures… I keep nagging him to go for it. He is still not giving into his calling.. We are not so rich but I really want him to go for his passion.. I will make sure to ask him to visit your blog 🙂 Thank you for posting such sweet about me and the pictures 🙂 Look forward to reading more.
Thank you 🙂
Getting into photography was one of the best things I did. It allows me to see so much more. I see things going on around me that I only ever took for granted before. The beauty of nature that you never notice.
Cameras are not that expensive to start with. You can get a decent bridge camera – which is a step between the compact and the DSLR. There isn’t an interchangeable lens on them, but you can get in a long way. You can pick a decent one up for just over £100. The DSLR I have is now around £150-£200. It’s a Nikon D3000 which is a good entry level camera.
Pingback: SWEET | Ute smile
I found you after seeing your bubbles photo over on Art’s site (and what a great photo that is!). I’m looking forward to following your work, and maybe borrowing some of the prompts for my own photography (such as it is, but at least I’m having fun).
Thanks very much 🙂 Having fun is the main thing. If it turns into a chore, then there’s no point in doing it. I stopped for a little while until it became fun again.
Hi there! I think you have an incredible blog, and I really enjoy reading your content!
Thanks very much. Had a quick visit to yours as well
Wow! You have an awesome site! Looking forward to reading more.👏
Thank you Jessie, and thank you for the follow.
Nice blog you got here. : )
Thank you 🙂
: )
I hope that you don’t mind, but I’ve nominated your blog for an award. Please don’t feel obligated to participate. The details are here: http://rachelsvendsen.com/2014/11/18/241/
Love,
Rachel
Thank you Rachel, I appreciate that 🙂
Wow 😀 that you have two grown up children. It’s not easy to bring up them. Thumbs up. Thanks for the visits
Hehe not it isn’t. The temptation to throttle them sometimes is very great 😛
You’re welcome and thanks for allowing me to use your images
You are most welcome 🙂
Al, thanks a lot for the follow.
You’re welcome 🙂 Followed both your blogs
Thanks a lot 🙂
‘flash fiction’.
very cool.
Thanks Sedge
Pingback: HAIBUN THINKING – October 7th 2014 | Haibun Thinking
Pingback: Coming This Tuesday … The Return of the Haibun | A Mixed Bag
Thank YOU for your thoughts and words—I have read several this morning–your work has been a blessing to me! Wonderful “Mixed Bag!” Blessings to you and your children!
Thanks Johann. I appreciate you stopping. I hope your week is a good one.
Thanks. Delighted to have found your blog and I look forward to lots of reading here. Regards from Thom at the immortal jukebox (drop a nickel).
Thank you Thom. I appreciate the visit
holy cow! I remember poking around here before now! I followed you home from Art’s. You always make me laugh there. Now I need to look at pictures!!
Thanks Julie 🙂
Pingback: Award – sort of…. | Ute smile
Hi There, I have featured you on my weekly recs -http://wp.me/p4gNzR-sp , as I truly enjoy your photography. If you wish for me to remove you from the list for any reason please let me know and I will do so. Have a nice weekend! 🙂
Thank you so much. I really appreciate that
You’re most welcome! 🙂
Pingback: Finished! | UnfetteredBS
Pingback: Haibun Thinking about Haibun Thinking | anelephantcant
Yeah I know you don’t do awards – you getting these two anyway
I have nominated you for the Semper Fidelis and Angel Awards. This is me taking the opportunity to thank you from my heart for being a friend xxxx
http://theboipoet.wordpress.com/2014/04/14/the-boypoets-award-ceremony/
Jez
Thank you Jeremy, I truly appreciate it. You know where I am any time you want to annoy me 😉 (jk) Any time you want me
Poke!!!!
Poke
Hi! Thank you for visiting my blog ^^
You’re welcome. Thanks for the ping
Al! I see you’ve been writing more and more! BRILLIANT! 😉
Thank you Raynna 🙂
Pingback: You Are Me And I Am You « A Shade Of Pen
Pingback: Haibun Thinking Week 7: March 4th 2014 | Haibun Thinking
Hey! I found you by following your gravatar from a friend’s blog, and I think you’ve got a cool thing going here. I’m gonna go ahead and follow you on Twitter and Facebook.
Lol, maybe just on Facebook. I could have sworn I saw a Twitter feed when I scanned the page, but apparently, I was wrong.
I did a while ago, but it’s @kattermonran 🙂
I swear I saw it when I first looked, but then couldn’t find it when I went back to follow you.
Thank you 🙂 I think I know who’s blog that was 🙂
Yeah, you probably do 😉
how on earth I had not seen the picture in this page, I do NOT know.. picking it 🙂 🙂
Thank you. It is one of the most magnificent breaks in the clouds I have ever seen
yes and absolutely no second thoughts about that and I didn’t have to think at all as I EXACTLY know what i am going to write on it 🙂 🙂
I used it for my Photo Fiction last year, as most people see it as a butterfly, but I see it as an angel
i will tell soon what and why and how i see 🙂 🙂
Cool. I look forward to it
🙂 🙂
I nominated you for a Sunshine Blogger Award :-*
Thank you, I really appreciate that
You have a really varied and interesting blog, Al, and I love your photos. 🙂
Thanks Sylvia, Glad you like it
Hello! I have shared with you the Inner Peace award, which was also shared with me. No further action is necessary on your part, You are a Blessing to me and I am Happy to let you know in this small way. Should you be interested in passing the award on to others, you shall find the information for doing so on my post at : http://booknvolume.com/2014/02/16/inner-peace-inspiration-and-shepherds-pie/
Thank you Morgan, I really appreciate you thinking of me for this
I was uncertain if you participate with awards, but in sharing the honour with you I was also able to share your blog with my readers 🙂
Enjoy~
I don’t participate because I don’t have the time unfortunately, but I appreciate that you thought of me for it 🙂
Hi there!
Just to let you know Robyn has written a message for all of us. Her picture is at the top of my side bar, and if you click on it you will go to her personalized page. _Resa
Thank you Resa. I don’t have a lot of times to go visiting of late, so I am grateful you told me.
I’m glad she is moving forward, even if it is baby steps at the moment
Dear Al,
I’m glad Robyn is moving forward as well!
I thank you for continuing to support her with you “likes” and comments. _Resa
You’re welcome. I want to thank YOU for keeping us updated
♥
She’s so adorable.
I can’t begin to tell you how she has brightened my life!
Cheers to a positive next report from Robyn!
I can imagine.
Pingback: Happy December 62nd! | Not a Punk Rocker
Pingback: Facebook Page | A Mixed Bag
Pingback: BFFs – Haibun Thinking | sharing me myself and i
Pingback: The Secret of Pithy Power | Writing To Be Noticed
Pingback: Enchanting Queen, Awesome Ruler of the World | Oh Pithy Me
Dude, you have a really whacked out blog. I like that.
Thanks Trent 🙂
Pingback: New Beginning | I am Shira
Pingback: 2013 In Review vs 2012 In Review | A Mixed Bag
I have nominated you for the Sunshine Award. Acceptance is not requisite, but do know how much you have blessed me. Should you choose to receive this nomination, further info can be found on my post: http://booknvolume.com/2013/12/29/be-the-blessing/
thank you Morgan, I appreciate the gesture, and for thinking of me with this 🙂
🙂
http://seenorway.wordpress.com/2013/12/22/julehilsen-xmas-greetings/
Merry Christmas to you as well.
1000 photos a month!? Holy crap 😛
Yeah I know. I’ve come close to 2,000 before as well. 😉
Hello Al! I came over from Sandra’s blog ‘Quirkybooks’ and I’m so glad that I did as I have really enjoyed taking a look, so much so that I have signed up to follow you! I see that we have quite a few things in common, one being that I love to take photographs, always have done, and I do enjoy sharing a few on my blog but I only have a Sony Cybershot so I could learn a lot from you and your beautiful photography!
The other is that my 21 year old daughter was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome when she was 18 and I blog about this and our journey, amongst other things.
I will be taking a break after my last catch up this weekend but I certainly look forward to reading more here in the new year, and until then may I wish you a very Happy Christmas and New Year. It’s a pleasure to meet you. Sherri 🙂
Having that diagnosis is both a blessing and a curse. A blessing because you finally know, and a curse because you know your child is not as perfect as you dreamed them to be. However, when you get past that, you realise that they are perfect and that you would never change them for the world.
I want to thank you for coming by my blog and taking the time I comment. I appreciate it
I’ve awarded you the Blog of the Year Award 2013! (Forgive me if I’ve awarded you before and you declined, it’s hard to keep track of). There’s no obligation to accept, I understand completely if you don’t. Anyway, thanks for liking posts on my blog “The Journal of Wall Grimm.” I appreciate your coming by. For details about the award, please see my post http://wp.me/p41c99-oB Happy Holidays and have a peaceful and prosperous New Year! Sage
Thank you very much. I really appreciate that, and you are welcome. I enjoy your stories that you post.
You’re welcome, and thank you! I appreciate your readership definitely, I see you around a lot 🙂
I do try 🙂
You’re awesome!
love the new blog looook!!
Thank you 🙂
Pingback: Coo Who You | Oh Pithy Me
Last week I got some pictures of an Oregon Grape Holly in it’s stunning full bloom glory…at the end of November. http://solarbeez.com/2013/11/27/oregon-grape-holly/ The bees loved it, but it’s usual time of bloom is in mid spring.
Since I’ve gotten into beekeeping, I’ve had a great time taking close ups of the bees. I see you’ve got a macro lens…why don’t you try getting more pictures of bees on flowers this spring? It will open up a new world to you. It has for me.
Thank you 🙂 I managed a few in the summer. I love close up of them. They are a stunning little creature
Congratulations!
I have nominated your blog for the Blog of the Year 2013 Award.
More about this nomination is at
http://dearkitty1.wordpress.com/2013/11/20/blog-of-the-year-2013-award-thanks-horty/
Thank you very much, I really appreciate it.
Well deserved 🙂 Keep blogging!
Thank you 🙂 I will
Pingback: My Lonely Flight « A Shade Of Pen
Hello
Good morning Nil
Interesting to see we have common bloggers who frequent our sites … and I’ve been noticing your gravatar lately when making my rounds. It appears we both have eclectic blogging styles.
We do 🙂 Thank you
… and we both interact with our visitors!
It’s only fair. If people take the time to visit me, and talk to me, I will reciprocate. I’d feel awful not doing so. But for tonight, I am afraid I will be able to interact no longer as I need my beauty sleep (quite badly by the looks hehe) Thank you so much for the visit. I appreciate it
Good point … but I won’t touch the last half of the comment.
I love your photos of the moon and the comments about how you made them… very interesting… Your whole blog is also very unique… I like that… I was thinking of writing about the full moon, with a picture this weekend for my monday blog post… Maybe we can be friends and enjoy each others journey… Barbara
Thank you Barbara. Thanks for stopping by and the follow. I love taking photos of the moon. Somewhere that I would love to go, but will be able to unfortunately. I may just have to write a piece of fiction about it instead.
I’ve been to your blog and followed you. Thank you for coming to mine, I appreciate it
It was so nice reading about you….Sorry to hear about your son but trust me he is perfectly normal….I have met people with this syndrome who were more intelligent than other people and have a broader vision of life ! I hpe you are having a good family time 🙂 Love xx
Thank you 🙂
I tried something both kids today, it was an optical illusion and after about 90 seconds, you have to look away and every thing is all “wibble” like. My son didn’t notice any difference. It was an insight into how his brain is affected.
His brain may be effected he may lack somethings but he is extra efficient in some others and you have to trust me on this !
Oh yes. He can do some things that astound me. His knowledge in some areas is unsurpassed. He is my favourite son. The same as my other child is my favourite daughter 😉 They are both unique, and they are both perfect
Awh This is so nice to know 🙂 May they be happy and blessed for their whole life 🙂
Al, saw your comment on Hastywords blog and thought I should check you out. In reading your blog about I can’t help but feeling that my blog should be called “Another Mixed Bag”. In all honesty I think it is still trying to find its feet. MM 🍀
Thank you. I changed the name of mine a month or so ago. It did have my full name and blog, but I wanted to make so many changes as I am now doing fiction, photos, poetry, inspirational tweets and whatever else I feel like, I needed a new name. I was going to use “grab bag” or “Random Tandems”, but decided on this instead
Hi Alistair, was looking for your blog this afternoon and removed clutter by doing that. By accident I unfollowed you, but corrected that. Is it possible that you changed the blog title? Have a good evening. Ute
I did. Sorry. It’s A Mixed Bag now. 🙂
So happy I found you!! Love your stories and pics………
Keep on keeping on! 🙂
Thank you Courtney 🙂 I will continue as long as people like me to
Pingback: The Colors Of Love « A Shade Of Pen
Love your new design!
Thank you. I needed one that kept all the widgets. I love widgets.
I need to look into those widgets.
Thank you for the follow and the support, Al 🙂
You’re welcome 🙂 Thanks for coming by
Al aka A I love this new design and the color is so fall. I love it. I can’t wait to read all about it. Again….like a new view of you. I love it! 🙂
Thanks Michelle.
Thank you so much for dropping by wePoets, we’d be happy to showcase any or all of your art forms should you want to share. 🙂
Thank you, I’d be honoured if you wanted to use any of mine.
Sorry about the gravatar change, I’m just in my other blog right now. That would be great, We would ask you to kindly go through the submission process. We post things in the order that they come in. We also have theme days. Our submission and theme pages explain all this. 🙂
Okay, I’ll take a look tomorrow 🙂
You have a nice blog!
Glad to have found it! 🙂
Bless ya 🙂
Thank you 🙂
I stumbled over here because other fellow bloggers I follow always do writing for your photos it seems. I love writing…and photography and so it caught my eye. So I am just looking around. 🙂 Your son’s aspergers also made me pause. I work with young children and my area are those with special needs and learning disabilities. 🙂
Thank you for coming by. Your working with special needs and learning difficulties, I applaud you for your work. I know it can be a very hard job doing it, but very rewarding.
It really is the best job, they teach me so much.
I know my son has taught me patience 🙂
ha Oh that is the first lesson. I still have to practice at that.
I do sometimes. He;s 17 with the mind of an 11 year old. My 15 year old gets very exasperated with him at times. But seeing as she’s a teen. that’s normal lol
My son is about to be 19 and his mind….well I won;t go there. lol Daughter is 17 and they exasperate me!!!
Haha so you are me in two years time lol
Awesome Website, Carry on the excellent job. Appreciate it!
Thank you 🙂
Is everything okay? Your Twitter account has disappeared!
oops .. I have to reactivate that now. I deactivated it because I couldn’t stop the mobile notifications
I’m glad everything’s okay!
Thank you 🙂
Hello there Alastair! I hope that all has been well with you and your family. I would like to let you know that I have nominated you for the Loyal Reader Award. I really appreciate the fact that you visit my page I would like to honor YOU with this award.
Please visit my page to see the award requirements and other information…along with the name of your blog page! Check it out on “Elaine’s Random Thoughts”. I love reading your blogs and I look forward to reading many more of your posts!
Thank you Elaine
A I wanted to tell you today that I appreciate your friendship and your inspiration and most of all your support and positive attitude. I created this design with several of my WP friends and of course you are one of them that I look for daily and find laughs and fun! I appreciate you and I wanted you to know it.
http://michellemarieantellg.wordpress.com/2013/07/19/you-dont-know-how-strong-you-are/
I am truly touched. Thank you Michelle. Sincerely, thank you
BTW I gave you this: http://wingedprisms.com/2013/07/18/an-award-yay/
Wow. Thank you 🙂
That’s awesome! I’ve developed a passion for photography too!
Excellent. I love it. Even after nearly two years, it is a hobby I haven’t grown out of. Something wrong with me
There’s something about it, it’s like a whole new world through the lens! Do you have pics up on Redbubble?
Never heard of redbubble
really? you can sell your work on there. 😉 Here’s my link
http://www.redbubble.com/people/zoego
Here’s the redbubble link
http://www.redbubble.com/found
Thanks for that, I’ll save that and take a look tomorrow
Hey Alastair. I want to try your photo challenge from last Sunday, but cannot find the link to it. I think it is a separate blog.
Hi Joe. Yes, it is a separate blog. It’s here:
http://alastairsphotofiction.wordpress.com/2013/07/07/photo-fiction-sunday-july-7th-2013/
Thank you
Thank you. I wanted to post that for tomorrow, just ahead of the next one.
Cool 🙂 I look forward to it
This professor has never liked Twilight!
I can relate to that lol
I know. Why do you think everybody likes it?
I think it’s the love story. The vampire loving a human girl. I write a story for Friday Fictioneers, it’s an ongoing story about a vampire and a woman. The vampire is how they are supposed to be. I have been asked to calm him down for a bit as he killed four people in three weeks. That’s how vampires are supposed to be
😆 Good for you, man! You keep that Vampire hungry–tell you what!
😆 Yes. The way they should be – scary, gory, evil
Does your daughter ever yell at you?
Ooohhhh yes. Apparently I never listen to her either lol
You should just tell her that sweet vampires creates a stunning, vexing paradox. A scary one too, I should add!
HAHA yes 😀
[ Smiles ] Hi Alastair, Matron Bell asked if they could use the “No Awards Please” badge that you presented me with as a gift for my blog.
I told them that you are its creator and I would have to seek your permission before I do that.
Please let me know if you if you are going to grant approval or deny approval.
Of course 🙂 It can be freely spread to whoever wants to use it 🙂
[ Smiles ] She will be pleased.
Thank you, Alastair!
You’re welcome 🙂
Hi Alastair, You spoke about disappointment as a reason leaving a few challenges. Got a feeling that you were referring to Ligo haibun challenge and special mentions. It is not easy to select a few mentions and becomes even more difficult with so many ideas. And it does not mean those not mentioned are not good haibun. Each person (or judge) has a different taste for writing. Anyway, just wanted to say sorry if that is the reason. Anyway, hope you will still continue to visit our blogs as we visit yours.
I have just received a WordPress Family Award & have nominated your blog. (Yes I know – Oh no not again lol ). You can view it here: http://khanasweb.com/2013/06/22/the-wordpress-family-award/. This one is easy, you just need to nominate 10 folks who have been friendly. Thanks for your friendship & support 🙂
Thank you Khana. I appreciate that 🙂
I had to choose 10 people that had been genuinely friendly this time so you had to be on the list 🙂
I’m touched .. truly 🙂
Love the new profile mug. You are lookin’ groovy dude!
Thanks Michelle 🙂
Hi Alistair! I’ve just joined this blog and will join your other blogs too – I asked my Aussie friend Lyn to introduce us because I had heard such good things. I may put one of your badges on my blog. 🙂 Thanks!
Thank you Debb 🙂 I’ll take a look at your blog
Great – thank YOU! 🙂
Oh, by the way – your boys might like this one – I also write a story blog with another person, find it at http://storysquared.wordpress.com.
Congratulations! You’ve been nominated for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award 🙂
I hope you’ll accept…
http://rockyourinnerhippie.wordpress.com/2013/06/17/very-inspiring-blogger-award/
I believe in the power of your words and I’m so happy to be able to nominate you for this award 🙂
Keep blogging, because your words rock…
Thank you, I appreciate that and I accept. Thank you
Alastair, I’ve added your Ligo Haibun link to the inlinkz. Is that okay?
Whoops. Thanks Nightlake. I completely forgot about that. My apologies
Hey, that is okay:)
I have added you to my knaves, I mean my blogroll and you are at the very top so I will be calling in to see your photographs soon, in the meantime have a wicked (wicked / good) weekend my new friend 🙂
Andro
Thanks very much. Appreciate it. Enjoy what’s left of your weekend
Thank you, and I will certainly try to 🙂
Andro
I am adding my thoughts here because it would be rude to just visit your Space and add a comment regarding another user of WordPress and then not to find out a little about you.
I like your ‘About’ page as your introduction offers one the opportunity of viewing your photographs and to share the results of a year in photography so to speak. It is a fine concept and I am going to click on the ‘Follow’ option so that I can call in again to view your art, that is if I can of course?
I know that you don’t know me, and to be honest I don’t even know Charron that much either but I couldn’t let the bully get away with his / her ridiculousness without adding a comment. My Space is private but if you wish to visit please request access and I will grant you that my friend. I have seen you around our blogosphere and have always liked your comments so I know that adding you as a friend will be of a positive nature.
Be well and do enjoy the rest of your weekend…
Andro
Thanks, that would be good. Explains why I couldn’t click on your name to see your blog
I will try sending you an invite 🙂
Andro
Lol I just clicked request access from my phone 🙂
I have granted access 🙂
Andro
Thanks. Added you. Will add it to email list in the morning.
Thank you my friend, oh and when you watch my nutty videos try not to think, oh dear what have I done, this guy is nuts 🙂 lmao
Andro
Lol I’ll do my best
🙄 lol
Andro
Love your new blog…..well, it’s new to me since last year!
😆 Thanks, and welcome back
Hi Alastair, Here is the link to the next ligo haibun challenge:
http://call2read.com/2013/06/01/ligo-haibun-challenge-3/
Thank you. I think I missed the last one. I’ve just opened that up in a new tab so will look at that once I have finished replying to comments 🙂
That’s cool. Just reminding. There are five more days to go:)
Okay, thanks
Alastair, I look forward to exploring your photography.
Thanks very much. I look forward to seeing more of your posts
You have been nominated for the Wonderful Team Membership Award. For more information visit https://otrazhenie.wordpress.com/2013/05/26/wonderful-team-membership-award/ . Enjoy 🙂
Thank you 🙂 I appreciate it
Pingback: Nominating the Maphia’s™ Finest Readers | Stuphblog
Alastair, do you think my latest story reads like a news item? I can delete and write something else, I suppose…
No … it’s perfect
It doesn’t read as a news item, that’s not what I meant. I meant that we see this kind of thing happen on the news so we can relate to how she is feeling.
yep, got what you said. but after reading it again, I felt that it read like that..
No, it’s great. Well written.
okay.. Thank you, Alastair
You’re welcome 🙂
Pingback: Best Moments of quirkybooks – Two Best Moment Awards | quirkybooks
I certainly enjoy them..and I’d surely be coming back for more. Lovely blog.
🙂
Thank you very much. I appreciate that
You have an interesting blog.Great photos and posts.I will be back and look into your older posts.I am planning to discover more about you:)
Thank you 🙂 I am now following your blog and look forward to seeing more posts
Ah..I found it..When I looked at your name, I thought I heard this name some where else.After cracking my head for some time I found It’s in Supernatural..I like the way he portrayed his role:)
Yes 😀 The demon Alastair. Not the nicest of people. I’ve still got to catch up with this latest season.
Hmm..I watched till episode 5 of season 8.In my location,Now I am nowhere able to locate the videos..So sad.. at least I have to give a glance at Wikipedia to know what is happening:)
Let me see if I can find them for you
Oh,Thank you so much:)
Try here:
http://stream-tv.me/watch-supernatural-online/
I ll check it out and let you know..Thanks for your effort:)
🙂
The link you sent is working.I can watch remaining episodes,Thank you so much Alastair:)
Excellent 🙂
🙂
Hi Alastair,
Yep, awards are still out there. When you next visit my site check out http://wp.me/p2jC53-1ot for your blog. This is my way of saying that you are a special blogging friend. Feel free to do with it what you will – no rush – no pressure. The world won’t collapse if you do nothing, nor will I. I just wanted to say, “Thanks for being a good friend.” 🙂
Thank you Marsha. I do have the award written down, and I will get it down soon. My time seems to vanish faster on a daily basis 🙂 I do appreciate your support, even though I don’t always think I deserve it.
Thank you
You do deserve it. Why would I nominate someone who doesn’t deserve an award? You have a great heart, Alastair, and you are a great friend 🙂
Thank you, and I’ll take your word for that about my heart and being a friend
🙂 Please do. I’m honest! 🙂
Alastair, While drafting a haibun – You may also write narrative fiction or a short story before closing it with a haiku. Just a thought:)
Thank you. I’ll bear that in mind 🙂
That quotes post, it was awesome n amazing! Thanx for visiting my blog! 🙂
You’re welcome Somesh. Thank you for popping to mine
Pingback: Blogs the boss likes | Random thoughts
Ooops! It’s 2:00AM Alastair, and I just woke up and realised I forgot to include the Award in my post. It’s there now. I plead a blonde moment even though I’m not blonde 🙂
Haha everybody has a blonde moment 🙂
Hi Alastair, I’ve nominated you for the WordPress Family Blog Award. To find out more visit my latest post.
Thank you, I am honoured that you would think of me for this award
Alastair, would you like to take part in the ligo haibun challenge..Here’s the link if you are interested:
http://call2read.com/2013/04/13/ligo-haibun-challenge-peace/
Thank you. I’ll take a look at it when I get home
Hello there,
I just want to let you know that all the inspiring images on your blog can chase the blues away. Thank you for sharing them. 🙂
-Sassy
Thank you very much Sassy, I truly appreciate that
Hi Alastair,
Just letting you know I’m moving all content on my Reflections blog to a new blog at thewritofimagination.wordpress.com. Thanks
~ Tina
Thanks for letting me know Tina. I’ll go follow that now
Pingback: Best Moment Award | quirkybooks
I just wanted to let you know I nominated you for an award (The Very Inspiring Blogger Award to be exact), for all the rules check the link – http://itstartswithapicture.wordpress.com/2013/03/26/the-very-inspiring-blogger-award/
Thank you so much 🙂
I love the idea of carrying a camera around so as to notice what’s around you. I do this with my notebook. You and I are like the guy who thinks he’s being poisoned; pretty soon ALL his food tastes funny.
Great blog. Awesome, in fact.
Patty
Thank you 🙂 I agree about the poisoned bit. I wouldn’t have even looked at those chains the other day if I didn’t keep an eye out
Hello Alastair, thanks for stopping by. I often see you commenting on blogs such as Renard’s. Good to meet you.
You’re welcome. Thanks for coming back this way 🙂
Hey, how are you?
Good news, we are giving you the “BEST MOMENT AWARD“. Congratulations and enjoy the rest of the day!
Wow … thank you so much
Hi Alastair. This is my first visit to your blog and I just wanted to encourage your continued writing and photography brilliance! It’s a privilege to read your stories… my younger brother has Aspergers and it’s definitely challenging (though also rewarding!) at the best of times. He’s a pretty brilliant drawer though. Blows me away. You’re doing a great job!
Thank you very much Laura
Thanks for connecting with us & ur appreciation 🙂 All the very best
You’re welcome 🙂
🙂 Smiles to u too
Seems to be a good place…will be camping here..:)
🙂 Thank you
Pleasure…Good photographs cna light up one’s day 🙂
🙂
Great site! My son had Asperger’s too. Its a condition which comes with amazing talents. Just recognising and channelling them can give out a genius for the future. Good Luck with all!!!
Thank you. Yes, my son is a whizz when it comes to cars. He is in a specialist school and they have him go to a garage twice a week to work on cars and bikes. There are so many famous people with Asperger’s including Einstein, Bill Gates and loads of others.
Thank you for coming by
Really like your work & inspiring photo cheats Amazing 🙂
Thank you Swati. Thanks for coming by
Thank you for visiting and following my blog! What an honor to have you join me on my journey! Have a wonderful day! 🙂
Thank you Becky. Pleased to come along
Admit it! You’re infected with the photography virus! 🙂
Fare not! It’s the most rewarding hobby you can ever get. (Far better then stamps) And the motives are all around you: Up, down, inside, outside – wherever you look! And ‘macro’ is a world of its own!
The bad news is: There’s no cure!
Lol thanks. At least I can stop looking for a cure now then 😉
Most definitely! As for myself I was bitten back in 1954 and have been taking photographs ever since 🙂
I’m trying to systemize things a bit here. Are you operating out of US or UK ?
I’m in the UK
Thanks for liking my Lennon blog entry. The photos are by another blogger who is my daughter. I am just dabbling in photography. The photos were taken with a new Nikon D7000. I took it on a trip and it was hard to use it fearing I might damage it! My daughter has a lot of photo experience.
She is a great photographer 🙂
Over a thousand a month? You’re pretty passionate about your photography! 🙂
I love taking photos. So glad it’s digital now and not film. Don’t think I would be able to afford that 😆
Oh no kidding haha. I just started taking pictures and all I have is my phone and an old digital camera that doesn’t work that well. I need to invest in some new stuff.
I had one of the first digital camera that came out. I still have somewhere. It was 1.3 megapixel and came with a massive 2 megabyte storage card. Yes that was two MEGAbyte 😆 What phone have you got?
Very awesome blog. I really liked the compilations.
Way to go!
And the photos are awesome.
Shall remain in touch!
Thank you Hira. I appreciate it.
Thanks for visiting my blog! I appreciate it very much. 😀
You’re welcome. Thanks for coming by mine
Hi there! I nominated you for an award! Please check the link if you’d like to participate 🙂 http://iquitmyjobandmovedtoguam.com/2013/02/07/blog-awards/
Thank very much, I’m honoured.
Pingback: Approaching Full Moon « ShutterbugSage.com
Have you and your daughters found Wrong Planet yet? Lotsa info and resourses and fellow Aspie support.
Thank you. I hadn’t seen, but I am loading it up now. Thank you
Your story is very inspiring. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you 🙂
It seems you are running an amazing blog here. Thanks for the visits to my blog. I appreciate your support very much. I happen to be a photography enthusiast too and shall be following your blog from now onwards. Tips are most welcome. 🙂
Hope you are doing fine. 🙂
– Manu
Thank you Manu. I think I am going to put a page up with the cheat sheets I have rather than keep sending people to them, but until then, http://kattermonran.com/2012/08/09/cheat-sheets/
http://kattermonran.com/2012/06/14/photography-cheat-sheet/
There’s advice there you may find useful, Thank you for coming by my blog
Feel free to stop by for a cup o’ coffee: http://wp.me/p2oM0H-V5
Thanks Rosy 🙂
You’re welcome. Hope you enjoyed it 🙂
Happy Day!
I did, thank you, got one now 🙂
Hi Alastair, Meme sent me here and I am so glad I have found your blog! Looking forward to keeping up with your posts, especially your photos. I am waiting for my Nikon D3100 to arrive so I can start learning to take a decent photo 🙂
Cool 🙂 I have a 3000. Couldn’t afford the 3100 at the time, but it is definitely worth it. I have a couple of cheat sheets on my blog that you find useful.
Welcome to my blog
Thanks! I got the 3100 on a 41% discount on Amazon, otherwise no way could I have stretched to that 🙂 I think it was reduced because a newer model is out or coming out! Will have a look for your cheat sheets later x
That’s a hell of a discount and definitely worth it. Apparently it’s very much the same as mine except that you can do video on the 3100. It’s a great one.
http://kattermonran.com/2012/06/14/photography-cheat-sheet/
http://kattermonran.com/2012/08/09/cheat-sheets/
Thanks Alastair, these will be very useful to me x
You’re welcome 🙂
Thank you for being such an inspiration to me…I have nominated you for the Very Inspiring Blogger award. You can check out your link here http://mylatterhalf.wordpress.com/?p=1280&preview=true and I would be honored if you would accept the award 🙂
~Lyann
Thanks you very much Lyann. 🙂
You are welcome 🙂 Thank you again for inspiring me on a daily basis!
~Lyann
Thank you for that. To be told that I inspire someone really makes my year. I truly am honoured
😀
Wow! I would be glad to follow you, Mondrak. Looking forward for your updates. Have a good time ahead. Cheers.\m/ 🙂
Rahul
Thank you Rahul, and welcome
My pleasure, Alastair! Have a great time there. Cheers. 🙂
Rahul
Alastair thanks for joining my blog much appreciated my friend.
You’re welcome. Sorry it took so long following you back
np
Thank you for the award you have given me. 🙂
http://mixandmatchmeme.wordpress.com/2012/12/18/meme-knows-a-story/
You’re welcome 🙂
I have nominated you the Very Inspiring Blogger Award….I hope that you will accept the Very Inspiring Blogger Award – I have truly enjoy visiting your blogsite Please refer to: http://natureswalkphotography.wordpress.com/2012/12/12/very-inspiring-blogger-award/
Thank you so much 🙂
You are so very welcome! 🙂
Tha link doesn’t work though 😦
Which link?
The one on here http://natureswalkphotography.wordpress.com/2012/12/12/very-inspiring-blogger-award/
Thank you, I will try to fix it…:)
I haven’t any idea how to fix this….:(
http://natureswalkphotography.com/2012/12/16/very-inspiring-blogger-award/ That works 🙂
Thank you…This stuff is new to me, but i thought I would do it. I guess maybe when I get my next Award I will be a pro at it….:)
😀
Just as a “thank you” *blushes*
http://chosenvoice.wordpress.com/2012/12/15/free-hugs/
Thank you 😀
I have nominated you for the Liebster Blog award because I so thoroughly enjoy your blog. Please don’t feel any pressure for having to complete the qualifications for this award. I just really wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your blog!
http://www.ceephotography.com/2012/12/11/liebster-blog-award/
Thank you Cee. I’m honoured
Award for YOU – http://wp.me/p2oM0H-NO
Thank you Rosy, I’m touched.
ciao! luvFAB blog.
thebestdressup
Thank you 😀
Pingback: Very Inspiring Blogger Award | rarasaur
Your about piece inspires me. You must work very hard. I agree about the benefits of photography. It broadens my interests. All of the sudden I am looking for insects or leaves, or lighthouses. Then I notice them everywhere. I look forward to getting better acquainted over the blogging years. See you later 🙂
Thanks Marsha 🙂
Hello! I’ve come to you from Meme. I, too, take at least one photo every day to remind myself of all the beautiful things in my life. I’ll be back here to look at your photos 🙂
Thanks 🙂 It’s amazing some of the things you can see when you look
OMG! that’s a lot of photos! *laughing* For some reason word press threw your comment into spam? It’s done that to a few people lately! *Ack* Thanks for checking out my blog. I love beauty and will enjoy seeing it through your eyes! Have a great day. …..Paula x
Thank you Paula. I’ve been having that a lot lately as well. I think it’s because the spammers have changed how they post.
Glad I’m not the only one! It’s driving me crazy! xx
Yeah it’s damn irritating
Hello Alastair, I’ve nominated you for the Wonderful Team Member Readership Award. Pls go through my latest post for more details..
Thank you very, very much. I’m honoured
Alastair, first I want to apologize for being absent of late…I will catch up soonest! Second, it is my honor to share The Sensual Blogging Award with you! Hugs ~ http://wp.me/p2wxQT-jT
No apologies are necessary, people have their own lives outside of the blogging world. Thank you so much for nominated me for this award, I am honoured and touched 🙂
Hi there! This is just your official notice that because I enjoy your posts and comments, I’ve nominated you for the Wonderful Team Member Readership Award. I hope you’ll consider this good news – but even if you aren’t interested in accepting, I hope you may see some increased traffic as a result! The acceptance rules are at: http://wp.me/p2ekZU-ZC. All the best!
Thank you so much, I’m honoured
Pingback: Many Thanks for the Fun Stuff | The Retiring Sort
Hi! A bit random but I just wanted to say thank you so much for reading and liking so many of my posts. I was actually just reading through my own blog for the first time and saw some of your really helpful comments you wrote quite a while ago now. Completely out of the blue but yeah, thanks! 🙂
You’re welcome. It’s a pleasure to visit your blog. 🙂
I just wanted to thank you for your support, so please, read this : http://chosenvoice.wordpress.com/2012/11/16/inspiration . Hugs, Hentai.
Thank you Hentai 🙂
I’ve reblogged it as well 🙂
I look forward to checking out your blog. Thanks for dropping by mine!
Thanks, and you’re welcome 🙂
I’m really enjoying your blog Alastair. Keep up the great posts = )
Thank you 🙂
Pingback: Terms & Conditions | Alastair's Blog
Do you still take a photo every day? What a nice project. Do you have certain themes, or subjects that you try to shoot?
I do still take a photo every day. My subjects tend to be what things I see. I don’t normally decide on one. I say not normally, but I do sometimes. I will get up and think “I’m going there as I want to take one of those photos”
Hi Alastair, great photographs.
Thanks for visiting and for your kind comments.
You’re welcome 🙂
Thanks for the visit yourself 🙂
Thanks for following my blog and I’m glad I found yours. You have some gorgeous pictures. I see you like Nightwish too? I love their music. I first heard their Phantom of the Opera version and I was hooked.
Thank you 🙂
Unfortunately, Anette has just parted company with them mid-tour. Wasn’t as bitter as when Tarja left, and they have a stand in for the rest of the tour now. It was “Nemo” for me so I had to get all of their albums. One of my favourites is Wish I Had An Angel.
Yeah, I heard they had some issues, but I just listen to their music. I based my story The Mermaid’s Kiss off their Turn Loose the Mermaids. (and yes, Wish I Had an Angel is awesome 🙂 )
Brilliant 😀
Hi Alastair, I hope you are having a good day. You are invited to play along in a game of blog tag, I hope you can join in http://rainbowbakery.wordpress.com/2012/10/06/tag-youre-it/
Thanks Georgia, I was just looking for your name on your blog 😀
I have an Aspie too. And a Nikon. Kindred spirits we are.
What Nikon do you have?
I think the 3000, but sadly am not sure. I so want to be good at photography I am just too ADHD to learn it.
Yeah I can see where that would be a problem. Trying to focus can be difficult
I’d never thought of taking a photo a day to record one’s life, it’s a great idea… here I go!
Cool 🙂 I look forward to seeing your photos 🙂
Hi
Lovely to meet you. Thanks for visiting and liking soulsnet. Much appreciated. As you can see
m my blog I am no photographer but I do like to include a photo of my own every day on the site, supplemented by one from a “real photographer” for my readers to have something really lovely to look at. Would love to share some of your images if that’s ok. Will always credit and link back. Even though I am hopeless it is true you do see the world in a different way. At present desperate to take more myself as have run out!!!!
Regards
Corinne
Thank you so much Corinne. I would love for you to share my photos. I am honoured that you would think they were good enough to do that 🙂
And you’re welcome. You’ll find your blog listed when I have made the final changes 🙂
Alastair
Hi Mon,
Thank you for supporting my blog. It means a lot to me.
And by the way, you have a beautiful blog my friend.
Thank you, and it was my pleasure. I enjoyed your blog.
Went through your blogs for some while and I loved your way of expressing yourself and the amazing blogs! 🙂
Following you, to stay updated in near future! 😀
Thank you Sarin. I’ve returned the favour 🙂
EDITED: Corrected name 😉
Haha, yess. Really glad to have you on board 🙂
On another note you pronounced/typed my name wrong… =p Ouch.
Oh crap, I did, didn’t I? Sorry Sarin. Going to edit that and correct it
Haha, no biggie 🙂
It’s all perfect noww 😉
🙂
Not sure about the new theme. Not digging the taupe background. I’m so afraid of changing themes just because fans will be confused. I’m easily confused.
Must be the CPU not coping well LOL.
Thanks for the feedback, anyway 🙂
Hey, a change is always good!!
Thank you for ‘likeing’ my image – my first entry for the Weekly Challenge. I like your idea of taking a photo a day – but what hard work! Last summer I set myself the challenge of ‘Mornings at Seven’ and had to take a photo between 6:30 – 7:30am. Lovely light at that time. You can find them on my blog if you are interested.
I think the “Mornings at seven” would be harder lol. I have my camera with me all the time, as you never know when an opportunity will show itself.
I’ve started following your blog, and I’m going to have a look through 🙂
I would like to give you with a very distinctive award. I dub thee an honorary alien-human-terminator!
Thank you Ripley, I accept 🙂
Cool!
Do you go by Mondrak, Alastair, Katter Monran or something else? Just want to make sure I reference you correctly!
I normally go by Mondrak or Alastair now. “Toe” is usually what my friends who are on the XBOX call me. Some people call me Al as well.
Wow…many alibis! I have no idea how anyone can handle another persona. (hee hee)
I know it’s a bit late, as the closing date is tomorrow, 29th August, but I’ve nominated you for the Capture the Colour competition:
http://www.travelsupermarket.com/c/holidays/capture-the-colour/
Thank you so much. Just hunting through for photos now 🙂
Hi! I have nominated you for the One Lovely Blog Award. You’re of course not obligated to pass it along – I just wanted to tell that I really enjoy your blog, and your pictures 🙂
Thank you Sofia 🙂
I also wold like to thank you for stopping by and liking some of my posts. Blogging is fun isn’t it 🙂
Yes it is. Thank you for coming by
Thank you for your support by “likes” 🙂 This is a great motivation 🙂
You are welcome. I like the posts you put up. The last few you have done have made me giggle a bit as well. 🙂
Thanks for stopping by my blog & for your vote. Again – greatly appreciated. I love taking photos (not a photog – just a chic with a camera) & seeing photos from others points of views. I look forward to seeing you on my reader.
PeAce!
RoSY
You’re welcome Rosy 🙂
I would like to nominate you for the One Lovely Blog Award!
Here’s some information:
http://ripleyconnor.com/2012/08/01/one-lovely-blog-award/
Continued success to you!
Thank you Ripley 🙂
Hi Mon,
Thanks for dropping by on my blog.
You’re more than welcome. I like what you have there
I’m a huge fan of Nikon and love my little D60…at least I think it’s a D60, it went to college with my daughter and in our joint agreement, I may get it back once she graduates. 🙂 She’s doing great things with it, so I’ll let her keep it. I enjoy your photos!
Thank you Jill 🙂 When I eventually upgrade (won’t be for a while yet) I think I am going to stick with the Nikon.
Was just looking at the D60. Definitely a good one 🙂
thanks for stopping in on my blog… I look forward to seeing your photos and posts 🙂 like what I see so far 🙂
Thanks very much 😉
Perfectly composed subject material, regards for selective information. “He who establishes his argument by noise and command shows that his reason is weak.” by Michel de Montaigne.
Thank you. Sorry it took so long to answer
Hello, I’ve nominated your blog to Versatile Blogger Award.
http://filmphotographyisnotdead.wordpress.com/2012/06/13/versatile-blogger-award/
Regards
The more I discover about you, the more impressed I become. My professor and dear friend has a son with Asperger’s, and he is extremely bright and sarcastic, but his discomfort with physical touch has been hard on his family, who love to hug and kiss. Are your children interested in photography as well?
On a different note, would you consider doing a simple tutorial for dummies (like myself) on how to use the different filters and shutter speeds?
All the best,
Tiara
My daughter is semi interested, I’m thinking of letting my son use my old HE camera. As for a tutorial about shutter speeds and filters, unfortunately, I don’t know enough about them. I have a “cheat sheet” that I can scan and put on here that gives what different shutter speeds can do.
Very cool. I’d like to read it. I always use the AUTO function because every time I’ve experimented with shutter speed, my pictures get blurry.
Just reading through these and I remembered I was going to upload another couple of cheat sheets.
Loving your photos… and just read about your sons birthday, fantastic daddy you are…
Thanks Kellie 🙂
THANKS for subscribing to my “pun-ny” photoblog and leaving some likes! I hope I can bring you a smile (or at least a groan) every weekday! You take great photos (I’ll be back to visit). Cool the way everything floats over the pen-and-ink sketch background.
–John R.: http://TheDailyGraff.com
Thank you. I certainly had a few good giggles.
thanks for stopping by my blog!!
I am loving yours :~))
Thank you very much 🙂
I think you will really enjoy this type of creative outlet. I’m gonna follow it.
Thank you 🙂
Thank you for visiting my blog and especially for your nice comment. With my love, nia
You’re welcome 🙂
I’ve got something to say: Thanks for following my blog.
You’re welcome. You have taken some stunning photos.