So this is week 11 of lockdown we are finishing.

If someone told me I would have to be mostly inside for 11 weeks, I really wouldn’t have been happy or believed them! It’s been a rollercoaster. But, boy, what an achievement it will be when this is all over!

Now that we are allowed out a bit more with the lockdown easing, I am going to take the advantage of being able to get out and about with my camera. I have to say, regrettably, that I haven’t had much time with my camera. After all, there is only so many times you can go around your housing estate and take pictures of flowers.

Now that we can go further afield, I plan to brave and brace the elements of the next couple of weeks. However, the weather is seeming to have other plans.

The weather was dry, breezy and sunny this afternoon. I used this chance to get out for half an hour (before the rain) to take some floral nature shots.

It feels so good to be back doing my fave hobby and love.

Watch this space for some more stories of past snaps, and some recent and future photos as I continue to catalogue my life in lockdown.

JT

I received a bunch of beautiful tulips from a colleague last week for my birthday and , unfortunately, came downstairs to a rather lifeless bunch this morning!

So, seizing every opportunity in the photography world, I neatly arranged them on a couple of pieces of A4 paper on my kitchen floor.

I placed them in different orders and compositions and was pleased with the outcomes!

Love them!

Today I am grateful for the beautiful sunny weather, that has (after sitting and baking in the garden for over an hour) left me Rosie and sun kissed. And a bit sleepy!

JT

Isolation takes you up and down. One minute you’re feeling positive about everything, then the next you are knocked down. But please don’t be disheartened.

Find that calling. Text that friend. Eat the cake. Go for the walk or run. Smile to the children you walk past. Wave to the birds in the garden. Do it all. Do as much as you can, as much as you want – you will feel better!

I’m throwing myself back into exercise, french and money management. I am going to educate myself to help improve my world, whilst the actual world seems to be falling apart around me.

Keep smiling. Keep doing. Keep going.

We will get through this.

One day.

JT

I was grateful, so so grateful to be in work for two and a half days this week. It felt so refreshing to be doing something worthwhile and helpful. Plus, it was so lovely seeing and speaking to other people and seeing different walls!

I feel I have achieved a bit whilst being on lockdown. I have completed the Rubik’s cube, I have coloured in, I have begun and am currently running a photography email course, I have gotten fitter, I have entertained my friends daily with a challenge in our group chat and I have sewn!

Sewing isn’t really my forte, but with time on my hands, I put a needle and thread into them! Above are the creations I have completed so far! A bit messy and rough/ frayed around the edges, but I have done them myself and feel a huge sense of accomplishment!

So this weekend I am grateful for my friends, family, hidden and newly discovered talents and patience. After all, we need a lot of patience at a time like this.

Keep safe, and let’s hope we get some new and positive news soon.

See you all soon!

JT

I am grateful for having the chance to add a little sparkle to my lockdown days – even if it is just on my nails!

I’m jazzing my hands up because I am off to work for the rest of the week. Hopefully I can remember what to do!

What ever you are doing, however you are coping in this crisis, treat yourself. Do something for yourself that will make you smile. After all, I think we all need it.

Take care

JT

Earlier in this interesting year, I paid for some adverts to be featured in my local, neighbouring suburbs. How thrilled I was when I received a copy of the magazine that included my advert!

I was so excited! On page 19, here is my advert! Featuring my best friend at Wallington Hall.

I am grateful for hard work, I am grateful for my friends and I am also ever so grateful for the internet.

I came up with the idea of running a small course under a week ago and I have been thrilled with the response. I am pleased that people want to take part in it and I am excited to get it started on Friday.

I also signed myself up as a photography mentor on one of the pages I follow on Facebook. So it’s all go! Which I am happy and grateful for, because lockdown isn’t my thing!

Take care

JT

I took this photo this morning with my iPhone on the way back home from my run. I love to pass this beautiful blossom tree, and couldn’t resist an “action shot” of my “running legs” across the blossom filled grass.

I am grateful and proud of the efforts I have put into my running and exercise recently. I enjoy walking outside in the warm sunshine, or cloud, everyday. Granted, I can’t wait till I can go more out and about, but for the time being, I am making the most of practicing my jogging and getting me health and fitness up.

And I can’t resist a progress photo either!

JT

From today, and throughout May, I will be regularly posting something I am grateful for.

Today, it is my garden.

I am grateful for my garden, because it is a space I have enjoyed being with my friends and family, it is a sun haven, there is plenty of space to lie, sit and enjoy nature. It is tidy and spacious, and it is the perfect spot for catching those rays!

I am lucky to have the opportunity to enjoy this space everyday, especially now that there is more time on my hands! I enjoy this views everyday from my bedroom window, I enjoy listening to my neighbours and the passerby’s who walk past on the toad at the bottom of the garden.

What are you grateful for today?

JT

📸 Want to learn how I take my photos? 📸

🌸 Looking for a new skill to learn? 🌸

☀️ Need something to keep you occupied in lockdown? ☀️

Then why not sign up to my 14 day photography class for £5?

📱 You will receive an email everyday starting 1st May and learn all the techniques and tips I’ve learnt along the way. 📱

All you need is a phone!

🌟 To sign up, or to enquire more information, email me at: jt.photo@outlook.com 🌟

JT

I’ve been thinking of the past and how I took many things for granted. More scarily, I have been thinking about the future, and how I intend to savour every second of my life, freedom and presence of loved ones.

This picture was taken in my estate. The blossom is utterly beautiful and restores my hope and love every time I see it. It is bright, strong, colourful, brave and beautiful. It is so eye catching!

I took it on my iPhone whilst on the way back from a walk in my local country park. Think I may have to take my Nikon D3400 to truly capture its glory, tomorrow!

I was so taken aback when a friend wrote on my Facebook wall saying that she’s been out taking pictures out and about because I inspired her. Really made my day.

Spread that love. But first of all, start with yourself.

JT