Capturing magic

I love the time before Christmas.

I love the smell of Christmas. 

I love being at home 

and trying to turn it out 

into a winter wonderland. 

And then, I love looking around 

through my lens. 

Capturing life, 

cosy moments, 

gatherings, 

holding time...

There is something so magical about this time of year, 

something that includes the excitement of photography as well. 

For me. So, I discovered bokeh … A long time ago but you know, 

in a way photography is like taking you on a journey. 

If Christmas was a photography technique, it would be bokeh, 

I think. A special kind of images hiding some ethereal beauty 

and magic in them. It comes from a Japanese word meaning

haze or blur. Out of focus from where I am. 

I tried to leave my own home produce bokeh effect. 

Shooting not only the moment but also the feeling, 

some sort of emotion and those cosy vibes I’m so into! 
I’m learning to grip them 

and it’s so funny! Little snippets of everyday life could be 

really valuable if we pay more attention to them.

For the fireplace, I decided this year to do something different. 

Browsing an old edition of Country Homes, I was struck by

a hunt themed mantel reproducing wildlife.The magic of the 

forest has suddenly sunk within my soul and the idea was given!

A leather pheasant forgotten in the attic, a wooden duck brought 

from Madrid, a leaf garland and a festive bunch in a vase were 

my tools for this year Christmas creation on the fireplace.

My father used to hunt throughout his youth but since then,

nothing to do with it. Anyway...

So, you have another slice of my edited life here, how it looks 

at home now, the atmosphere, the treats, the candle lights... 

Blogging is actually precious for that; 

there are people to share things with 

and everything is getting so much better.

I'm guessing you fully enjoy this wait time until Christmas, that 

you all have something to look forward to and the sweetest moment

of the year finds you safe and happy. 
Still don't know if I'll post again before the holidays, if not, 

I'm wishing you and your families
all the blessings things of this world.
O

Immersed in the light

There is not much happening in our little corner of the world. 

Over the past three months, I have been going to a wellness 

centre and since last week I take part in an aquatic group 

exercise class. I decided to give the gym a try;

 the water isn’t really my thing and I wouldn’t have believed 

this possible for me. However, taking up aqua aerobics 

helps to have a gentle and easy workout I’m so in need of. 

Ι’m already feeling better inside and out. Hoping
to be able to keep my mood!

We have been really blessed to have some fabulous autumn weather
 so far this November. The gilded season is upon us with that 
stunning, slanting light assigning beauty to the nature, to the 
backyard, to everything. This is the perfect time to enjoy 
the outdoors through the golden hours of this season. 
Although we emptied the yard of most furniture, 
golden Sunday afternoons beckon us to cherish the garden 
which still appeals to a sense of refuge. 
No lack of frequent showers and chilly weather, though, 
mostly at night, exactly what we were praying for 
as the country garden was watered with the hose 
until late October. 

Colorful snapdragons are profusely blooming now, cosmos 
appear healthy so far, some plum roses are spreading their 
strong fruity fragrance around and it’s a real treat to spend 
time in the yard. 
It seems that the Greek Gods will let this sweet season 
linger further although I can’t deny my love for 
the winter season as well.

That’s all for the moment. I make an effort to leave messages on 
all blogs I’m following but I always have the feeling 
that something is missing ... I apologize for that. 
I’m leaving you with the pics of our home and garden 
in the country, immersed in the flattering autumn light;
it helps to stay focused on the positive side of this life of ours. 

Shake things up a bit, in order to feel energized! 

A warm hug 

O

More hygge

I know that feeling when it’s coming. 

It just arrives, falls on my shoulders, sent by the universe 

to wrap me up, to fill my entire being with good energy 

demanding me to harness every single cell in my mind, in my body. 

It might be the kick off autumn season that I’m so fond of. 

Perhaps, the fact that time flies faster as we get older and 

feel anxious about. The point is that it’s that time again where 

I feel bursting with strength. It’s about embracing things, 

all at once and quickly! 

This is craziness because all I have neglected before, 

I want now, in a minute! Posting twice a month…!!!, looking fit, 

inhaling books, listening to new music, trying new lipsticks 

and perfumes, baking something extraordinary, buying new 
clothes, seeking lovely shades of yarn, rearranging furniture, 

becoming a serious gardener, a never-ending list!
But most of all, I need to slow down and 
just cherish moments of the day and 
try not to rush through them very quickly.

 Bring hygge into life. 

You know, the Danish art of living cozily. 
Treating myself to a glass of red wine to round off the meal, 
picking some humble branches of rose hips, dawdling and 
sitting outside while enjoying that glorious autumn 
sunshine streaming in through the leaves of the garden, 
caressing the fluffy feline,

oh yes, this is the good life and its bright side.

Greeting autumn with a big smile. 

 Time to head indoors and lit the candles

I wish you cozy days and warmth around you.

May the sunshine flow into you 

and follow you everywhere. 

O