Category: Fotoutmaning

Poppy- Flower of The Day

Published on by Anita20 Comments

Yesterday I saw the first poppies of the year, one of my favorites when it comes to wildflowers.
“The earth laughs in flowers.”
― Ralph Waldo Emerson”

The purple is not as common as the red ones. Sure, they’re all beautiful!
“If we could see the miracle of a single flower clearly, our whole life would change.”
– Buddha

This look a bit like a butterfly.
“Butterflies are self propelled flowers.”
― Robert A. Heinlein

With this post, I wish you all a Happy Easter Holiday!
Now I’m takinga short break and I’ll be back in a week or so.
And don’t forget…

Cee’s Photo Challenge Flower of The Day

Gladiolus – Wild plants of Malta

Published on by Anita25 Comments

This is one of many colorful wild flowers that can be seen here on the island right now.

The beautiful gladioli are sometimes called the sword lily because of the sword-shaped leaves of the plants in this genus but the most widely-used English common name for these plants is simply gladiolus.

This lovely flower appear between March and May and is quite common throughout the Maltese countryside.

Feel free to click on an image in the collage and it becomes even more colorful.

Malta March 2021

Cee’s Photo Challenge Flower of The Day

Almond trees, Flowers & Nuts

Published on by Anita24 Comments

Species name: Prunus dulcis

Maltese name: Siġra tal-Lewż

English name: Almond

Status for Malta:
Non-native species, but introduced in Malta before 1492 when Columbus discovered the New World.

Flowering Time: Dec-Feb.
But they are still in bloom here in Malta, even though we are in the middle of March.

Cee’s Photo Challenge Flower of The Day

Flower & Color of The Day

Published on by Anita19 Comments

I still have some pictures left from the bouquet of tulips that I bought in early February.

In a previous post, I showed the pink ones while these have shades of orange, red and yellow with hints of green.
Please click on one of the images above to enlarge, then it will be more colorful!

“With color one obtains an energy that seems to stem from witchcraft.”
~Henri Matisse

“Mere color, unspoiled by meaning, and unallied with definite form,
can speak to the soul in a thousand different ways”.
~Oscar Wilde

“Color is a power which directly influences the soul.”
~Wassily Kandinsky

Cee’s Photo Challenge Flower of The Day

Gerbera – Flower of The Day

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Gerberas are believed to symbolize Beauty, Innocence, and Purity.

“Colors, like features, follow the changes of the emotions”
– Pablo Picasso

“Whether the flower or the color is the focus I do not know. I do know the flower is painted large to convey my experience with the flower – and what is my experience if it is not the color?”
– Georgia O’Keeffe

“We are all called upon to do small things with great love”
– Mother Teresa

Why do two colors, put one next to the other, sing? Can one really explain this?
No. Just as one can never learn how to paint.”
– Pablo Picasso

Cee’s Photo Challenge Flower of The Day

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge – Letter S

Published on by Anita44 Comments

Silhouette by the Sea
Sun & Sky
Solitude

Smart Small & Satisfied Dogs
Spectacular Steep Scenery
Seaweeds on the Shore

Simplicity
Silence & Serenity
Splendid Surroundings

Għajn Tuffieħa, Riviera Bay,
Malta February 2021

Lens-Artists #136 – “Subjects Starting with the Letter–S”.

Wild Plants of Malta – Narcissus Tazetta

Published on by Anita29 Comments

The beautiful wild flower Narcissus Tazetta has flourished in diversity here on the island of Malta since time immemorial.

Today, there are significantly fewer of these beauties seen in nature, mainly due to its attractiveness and delicious scent which leads to man being tempted to pick them.

It may be easy to be tempted, but given that they may soon be gone forever from the islands of Malta, makes it feel easier to leave them where they belong…

…in nature.

Tulips – Flower of The Day

Published on by Anita31 Comments

I bought a bouquet of tulips, in two different colors, three pink and four red. That was then, now they have begun to fade. But my images do not wither, they remain as long as I choose to keep them, I can keep them alive.

“You’re only here for a short visit. Don’t hurry, don’t worry. And be sure to smell the flowers along the way.”
– Walter Hagen

“I’d rather wear flowers in my hair, than diamonds around my neck.”
– Unknown

Cee’s Photo Challenge Flower of The Day

Almond Blossom – Flower of The Day

Published on by Anita43 Comments

Almond trees are now in full bloom on the island of Malta.

“Almond blossom, sent to teach us, that the Spring days soon will reach us”
– Edvin Arnold

Malta 01 February 2021

Cee’s Photo Challenge Flower of The Day

Make Life Beautiful

Published on by Anita39 Comments

“A good life is a collection of happy moments”
-Denis Waitley“Don’t cry over the past, it’s gone. Don’t stress about the future, it hasn’t arrived.
Live in the present and make it beautiful”
– Unknown
Cee’s Photo Challenge Flower of The Day

And for those who may be curious about Fanny’s pregnancy.

Fanny is always curious about what’s in the bag when dad comes home from the store.
She is curious about everything.

She gave birth to six puppies last Sunday night.
Everyone’s fine, more to come…🐕🐕🐕🐕🐕🐕

Lens-Artists Challenge – Negative Space

Published on by Anita48 Comments

This week’s theme, Negative Space chosen by Amy feels both challenging and fun. Although at least one of the images I’ve chosen may not fit the theme completely, they all have something in common. The blue color.“There are always two people in every picture: the photographer and the viewer.”
— Ansel Adams“Photographs open doors into the past, but they also allow a look into the future.”
– Sally Mann.“When people ask me what equipment I use – I tell them my eyes.”
— Anonymous“To me, photography is an art of observation. It’s about finding something interesting in an ordinary place…
I’ve found it has little to do with the things you see and everything to do with the way you see them.”
— Elliott Erwitt

Lens-Artists Challenge #114 – Negative Space

Anything to Do with Boats

Published on by Anita20 Comments

This week’s CFFC topic is “Anything to do with boats” and since I’ve been to Marsaxlokk recently I show some pictures from this small, traditional fishing village located in the South Eastern Region of Malta.For the sake of the colors and for Horus’ eye which is said to protect the fishermen when they are at sea.

“We may have all come on different ships, but we’re in the same boat now.”
– Martin Luther King, Jr.“There are a lot of mysterious things about boats, such as why anyone would get on one voluntarily.”
–P. J. O’Rourke“The sea is the same as it has been since before men ever went on it in boats.”
– Ernest Hemingway.

Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge.

Flowers, Quotes & Thoughts

Published on by Anita42 Comments

“To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.”
– Audrey Hepburn”
“Great photography is about depth of feeling, not depth of field.”
— Peter Adams
“When words become unclear, I shall focus with photographs.
When images become inadequate, I shall be content with silence.”
— Ansel Adams“I don’t trust words. I trust pictures.”
— Gilles Peress

That I like quotes is obviously no secret. I often use them when I myself cannot find the words. I don’t want to be anonymous but my blog isn’t intended as a diary, although I sometimes create posts about my everyday life. Still, publishing pictures without a single word reveals a certain personality of the person who took them.
Cee’s Photo Challenge Flower of The Day

Light as a Feather

Published on by Anita28 Comments

This may not be a flower but definitely some kind of plant that over time has become fragile and elusive.Whatever it is, these are abundantly seen in nature now here in Malta.It’s not visible in my images here but these grow on large bushes where the “flower” is light as a feather. The one seen here has loosened from its plant and been stuck in a spider’s web while others fly freely in the wind.
Cee’s Photo Challenge Flower of The Day

Trees on Tuesdays

Published on by Anita31 Comments

An ordinary tree full of cones. It is obvious from where the wind usually blows.A tree seen from Victoria Lines where the views of Malta are amazing, especially when the weather is clear.

Some dry leaves and a very thorny tree trunk.Last week, I showed a similar home-made wood construction and there are many of these in nature, too many. Can you guess what they are used for?Compare with this little wooden house that I would love to see more of and it does more benefit than harm.

Susan’s Trees on Tuesdays

Mimosa or What?

Published on by Anita26 Comments

It’s getting hot here in Malta now and most flowers fades away and thus all its colors, except this one.

The mimosa trees bloomed here in Malta in April and these really look like mimosa but…

…I really can’t recognize their long sharp thorns.Whatever it is, they give a lovely splash of color in nature, but you have to watch out for the razor-sharp thorns.

Cee’s Photo Challenge Flower of The Day

Trees, Wood & Thoughts

Published on by Anita19 Comments

The tree on the top is from San Anton Gardens in Attard while the one above was taken when I was walking with Fanny in Victoria Lines And yes, if you look closely you can see my dog sniffing on the ground.

Cones are an important part of many trees.

Figs on the fig tree are soon ready to be picked.
It will take a while but in a few years, an almond tree will grow here.
Here someone planted a tree in Ta Qali in 2007.

Here you can see Figs on fig tree, a tree planted in 2007 and an indication of an upcoming almond tree.
Click on an image to enlarge.I love trees and the wood from which you can create so much. In Sweden, wooden houses are common but here in Malta it seems like they have not realized how useful the material actually is.
But as seen here, we are well on our way.

Susan’s Trees on Tuesdays 

Welcome to The Forest

Published on by Anita31 Comments

Welcome to the one and only forest. There are very few forests here in Malta but one that I often visit is il-Miżieb. It takes about 20 minutes by car via the coast road and of course, Fanny always comes alongThe woodland was planted in the early 1970’s and stretches for some two km between Xemxija and Manikata. Here you will find Aleppo pines and a generous sprinkling of the slower growing carob and olive trees.

There are plenty of walkways and narrow paths to choose from and the scenery often changes. Fanny and I usually try to explore new trails and there is no risk of getting lost as we are on a high ridge.

Blue markings like these arrows are often seen but I have no idea where we would end up if we followed them. But, when we see this magical being, we know that we are close to where we started.

Flowers of The Day

Published on by Anita33 Comments

When I look at above images, I realize that they would probably fit better in a theme called “Today’s insect”.

So here I show some wildflowers that are found here in Malta, without any visible insect.Finally, Fanny, in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by a stunningly flourishing scenery.

Susan’s Flower on Fridays 
Cee’s Photo Challenge Flower of The Day

Spiny Caper – Wildflowers in Malta

Published on by Anita37 Comments

I have shown this flower before, its very common here in Malta and I like it a lot because it’s so special.

The plant is actually a bush and each flower lasts only for one day and one night which means you can see a lot of flowers in different stages on the same plant. The flowers bloom from April to mid July. Spiny Caper or Kappar tax-xewk as it’s called in Maltese, grows abundantly here in our Mediterranean climate and even in arid deserts. For me it is a beauty at all stages and it has a lovely scent.I have many favorites when it comes to flowers here in Malta and this is undoubtedly one of them.
And yes, the flower buds, capers, can be used as a taste in different dishes and sauces.
Click on an image if you like to see them enlarged.

Susan’s Flower on Fridays  (a day late)
Cee’s Photo Challenge Flower of The Day

 

Flower of The Day

Published on by Anita11 Comments

Now the cactus is blooming and within a few months we can pick tasty and sweet Prickly pears for free. When you see them like this it feels hard to believe that they will be edible.

Cee’s Photo Challenge Flower of The Day

Flower on Fridays

Published on by Anita16 Comments

This flower has a red-colored visitor with eight legs. It’s almost invisible but you’ll see it if you look closely.This visitor isn’t at all invisible and may take up more space than the flower itself.
But you cannot miss these flowers different shades of the vibrant and lovely purple color.

Susan’s Flower on Fridays
Cee’s Photo Challenge Flower of The Day

Wild White Beauty

Published on by Anita29 Comments

This is one of all the wild flowers found here on the island right now.

Soon the summer heat will come and most plants will dry out while the Mediterranean will be warmer and maybe, wishful thinking, our everyday life will return to being the way it once was, and we’re back to normal. Non-essential shops have opened again this week and cafes and restaurants may open at the end of May. Perhaps…Wishing you a great weekend from sunny Malta!!

Susan’s Flower on Fridays
Cee’s Photo Challenge Flower of The Day

Flowers on Fridays

Published on by Anita17 Comments

“Let the beauty of what you love be what you do”
– Rumi –“Remember to look up at the stars, not down at your feet.
Try to make sense of what you see and wonder about what makes the universe exist.
Be curious.” 
– Stephen Hawking –

Susan’s Flower on Fridays

Friday’s flower

Published on by Anita19 Comments

I’m not very good at wild flowers and tried to find the name of this colorful one via Google “Search by image”. I got the suggestion Carpobrotus rossii, also known as Karkalla. Then I read that that’s a plant native to Australia which is quite far from Malta. Regardless of it’s name, it’s a real splash of color in nature.

Susan’s Flower on Fridays
Cee’s Photo Challenge Flower of The Day

Just a Small Difference

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There’s only a slight difference between these two pictures.
I prefer the last one. The flower itself is very small.

“Small Differences can lead to Big Changes.”

Cee’s Photo Challenge Flower of The Day

Flowers on Fridays

Published on by Anita19 Comments

“Love is our true destiny. We don’t find the meaning of life by ourselves alone – we find it with another”
– Thomas Merton –Susan’s Flowers on Fridays
Cee’s Photo Challenge Flower of the day

Black & White Photography – 9

Published on by Anita23 Comments

This is the ninth time I join Susie’s fun photo black and white challenge.
In the past I have mostly photographed people, this time I choose pets, dogs and cats.“When I look into the eyes of an animal I don’t see an animal I see a living being, I see a friend, I feel a soul”
– Anthony Douglas Williams –“ If cats could talk they wouldn’t”
– Nan Porter –“Dogs eat – Cats dine”
– Ann Taylor –“Having a dog or a cat will open your heart. Reading a book will open your mind.
Having both a pet and a book… absolute heaven.
– Mark Rubenstein –“You can keep a dog but it is the Cat how keeps People because Cats find Humans useful domestic Animals”
– George Mikes –“Look at animals kindly, and they will see. Talk to animals gently, and they will listen”
– AD Williams – “All animals are born with innocence, curiosity and love”
– Anthony Douglas Williams –

Below are the images also in color for those who like to compare. And as always when it comes to quotes, we mustn’t take them too seriously, although some may be worth considering.

Susan’s Black and White on Wednesdays

Flower(s) of The Day

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Feeling Blue.Red for Love – Red for Fire. Snow WhiteYellow Solar heat. Pink – Passion.

Wherever life plants you…Susan’s Flowers on Fridays
Cee’s Photo Challenge.

Black & White Photography – 8

Published on by Anita21 Comments

I just realized that my Swedish driving license needs to be renewed. Since I live in Malta I have applied for a Maltese driver’s license. While I wait for it to be ready, I wonder what it’s like to ride a motorcycle. Lol.. Haha…

This is just for fun, don’t think I’m riding a Harley-Davidson here in Malta in a couple of weeks.
And for the sake of unusualness, there are only two pictures this time. Happily!

Susan’s Black and White on Wednesdays

Flower of The Day

Published on by Anita16 Comments

Yesterday I saw an almond tree that was already blooming, although it was mostly buds.

It’s a lovely flower.It feels like spring though it’s still winter here on the island.“Almond blossom, sent to teach us That the Spring days soon will reach us”
– Edwin Arnold –

Susan’s Flowers on Fridays
Cee’s Photo Challenge.