Some images from last weekend in Il-Bajja tal-Ġnejna, Gnejna Bay in Mgarr.
I hope the depth of field can be seen in some of these pictures.
Last but not least, my beloved Basenji Fanny, always by my side, a precious part of my life.
For Nancy Merrill’s A Photo a Week Challenge: Depth of Field
From below, between some high-rise blocks.
Fanny loves warmth. Today it has rained the whole day, it’s windy and only 9 degrees.
She refuses to go out for a walk and now she is sleeping close to the fireplace.
She’s not so fond of cats, but likes to chase them.
Tuesday Photo Challenge – Gentle
Stairway to heaven…
Sometimes we may need to just relax and contemplate before making any decisions, which way…
Today we only have 10 degrees, rainy and strong winds, which means it feels even colder here on the island. Just searching for some light, this Wordless Wednesday.
By the way, I have a new site where I participate in a Swedish photo challenge.
You are more than welcome to visit my maltanita.blog
Sometimes, it may be a challenge, to capture unknown people with the camera…
…while they are unaware that they are actually being photographed by another unknown person.
A Splash of Color from Malta’s typical fishing boats…
A Floral Color Splash…
A Splash of Joy…
Click this link and find more Splash on Kate’s Friday Photo Fun.
The realistic lifesized painted-bronze work by J. Seward Johnson Jr. depicts a man about 30 years old carrying a boy, about 4-years old on his shoulders. The boy has taken the man’s hat and is about to put it on himself as the man’s left arm reaches for the hat and his right hand grips the boy by the right ankle. Behind the work is a mural of a carousel, leaving the impression that the pair are at a fair or carnival.
Santa Barbara, California, United States.
This is my entry for this week’s fun theme.
Composition.
This is my first entry for Nancy Merrill’s photo challenge, where the theme for the week is Blue.
Where the first picture of the boy in blue jeans was taken, I will show in a later post.
Blue color in two different pools, or maybe the same pool but from different angles in different light.
Old and new surrounded by blue…
Back to the pool for a dip in the blue…
…before embarking on this sailboat for a trip on the Mediterranean blue sea.
It’s hard to believe that this creature will transform into a colorful moth. I’ve never seen such a big caterpillar. It’s about 15 cm/6 inches. Could be an Elephant Hawk-moth, Deilephila elpenor but I’m not sure.
Now, that caterpillar was not yet colorful so here’s some sunshine from Ta Qali…
…where the grass was wet with dew.
A spider’s web along with dew create a nice pattern.
Nature is an amazing world to explore and we must all do what we can to preserve it. 
“We are in danger of destroying ourselves by our greed and stupidity. We cannot remain looking inwards at ourselves on a small and increasingly polluted and overcrowded planet.”
—Stephen Hawking
Food for thought can be that earth is home to millions of species, but just one dominates it.
Wish you all a lovely weekend!
“If the bee disappears from the surface of the earth,
man would have no more than four years to live.”
—Albert Einstein
A breakwater outside Malta’s majestic Grand Harbour which is one of the most spectacular ports in the world.
It is possible to take a walk along the Mediterranean Sea when you are in Malta’s capital Valletta.
But some parts could be a bit difficult to access… 
…and so it was when we hiked in Majjistral park. My brave Basenji Fanny and my dear stubborn husband try to find the way to the stairs leading up to the plateau. Which we never found because there was no staircase.
Another breakwater outside Malta’s Grand Harbour in Valletta. 
St Elmo Breakwater Footbridge.
Which way would you choose.
It may not look so comfortable but when I saw this man I felt that he had fun. Seeing the fun in an uncomfortable situation shows that the man has an open mind who enjoys his comfort.
Some may feel the comfort of a cold beer after a hard day’s work while others choose a light lunch.
There are so many types of comfort, that can be friendship or being alone.
And most important, to be grateful for having the feeling of comfort, which we can’t take for granted.
Both images above are from a suburb outside Stockholm in Sweden. I myself prefer the one with the blue sky. Although both images give an exciting impression of the difference between seasons in the northern Europe.
A farmhouse in Gozo, Malta.
Maltese residential buildings.
This was how it looked when I grew up outside Stockholm and this is how it still looks in many suburbs.
New buildings are in full progress almost everywhere right now here in Malta. Old houses are replaced with new ones. I know, it does not show but these men work on the narrow boards high above the ground.
I myself are far away so this time I had to use my zoom lens in full.
This is my third entry for Son of a Beach’s Which Way Photo Challenge.
Approved or not for this challenge, they are at least standing on boards. But, of course I have a backup:
Which way?
Surely it’s surprising to discover what amazing bird species there are around the world. This one looks unique.
When I saw this “sculpture” at a distance in Siracusa, Sicily, I was absolutely sure it was real. 
Until I came close and my dog began to nose around his feet. Then he couldn’t sit still any longer without laughing and he began to talk. I’ve seen many kinds of these players before but nobody as real like this one.
A really fun and unexpected surprise.
Shooting with the macro lens often gives unexpected surprises.
It may be surprising to look at a fly with its amazing faceted eyes…
…or to see a hairy butterfly.
Here we are on the way along the Mediterranean Sea where the sculpture “White Shadow”stands. A marble cut-out of human figures walking together. Designed by Maltese Architect Richard England in Sliema 2002.
On the way by car to the countryside.
…where we meet these happy riders.
Suddenly the road ends. Which way I chose then I’ll let you know in a later post, without high heels.
This is my second post for Son of a Beach’s Which Way Photo Challenge
In Ta Qali National Park, there aren’t only lots of different kinds of plants, trees, birds, insects and picnic areas.
There are also many stairs, leading to nowhere, except from where you came.
Posted for Son of a Beach’s Which Way Photo Challenge
In this weeks photo challenge, Frank like us to share some insights into “Our World”.
How we see it or something that can catch your eyes or someone else’s eyes.
The colors of these traditional fishing boats are usually painted in bright colors while the bow has a pair of eyes. These Luzzus have existed since ancient times and is often considered as a symbol of Malta.
I can’t imagine living in a world without being surrounded by colors.
Imagine if Our World only could be seen in different shades of grey. 
Colors are part of our lives and we need to add more bright and vivid colors into Our World. 
These boats represent few colors but colors are everywhere. Look around, it will make our existence more joyous, fulfilled and full of positive adventures. Let’s paint Our World in a variety of colors. 
Tuesday Photo Challenge – Our World
Winged and colorful but so hard to capture with my camera.
Pride…
Tough and stubborn.
Looks like this one wants to say something, I’m colorful and I can fly.
Why did I photograph an unknown man who for an unknown reason walks in an unknown place.
Memories – Santa Monica – Los Angeles 2014.
This week’s photo challenge is about keeping things fluid.
Let the imagination flow…
Barefoot in soft sand and crystal clear blue water.
Reflections in the sea from the sky and a boat.
WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge / Liquid
This week, Cheri ask us to share a photo with a composition dominated by lines.
I choose some images from Malta International Airshow that was held a few years ago.
Lines created in the sky! A competitive aerobatic presentation with the participation of teams, civil and military airplanes from various countries. Today, there are no more organized airshows, for different reasons.
This week, Krista asks us what “Prolific” makes us think about. The most prolific must be the earth itself as home of all known life. Water, microorganisms, oxygen, mammals, dinosaurs, flowers, insects, humans…
A never ending process, of which these images are just a tiny fraction from my little corner of the earth.
The nature, not always easy for humans to explore, but we are attracted and we are curious about it. 
…and we are part of an amazing landscape and scenery. 
In search for life and color.
We all know that behind the clouds the sky is always blue but rarely think of the valuable air we breathe.
And when the sun sets, another day is gone and life on earth continues in an eternal circle, constantly prolific. With or without homo sapiens…
All images are from Majjistral National Park here in Malta April 2018.
This week, Jen asks us to show an image/s of awakening or some kind of renewal.
While enjoying the awakening of nature after winter…
…seeing a butterfly is an obvious proof of that spring is has arrived…
…and when you see these you know that even this summer, you can enjoy eating fresh figs…
…while a wild cat yawning, renewed with energy after a few hours sleep in Independence gardens.
This week, Frank invites us to share one or more photos that makes us think about the future.
Yesterday, we were hiking for three hours in the Majjistral National Park where nature is stunning. The sea, the huge rocks in different shapes, all wild flowers and the swirling footpaths gives a feeling of being truly in the middle of nature. That we totally went lost is another story…
Nature is both delicate and strong. As long as we let nature take care of itself, it will also survive…
One of many threats to the future of our nature is plastic. In the deep oceans, as well as on land.
What every generation teaches to the next…
…will be the result of our future. And I strongly believe in the future.
Photo Challenge by Frank / Dutch Goes the Photo’s / Theme: Future
This week, Ben invites us to point our camera at something or someone that puts a smile on our face.
Happy people jumping of joy a cold day in January here in Malta. Keep smiling, regardless of image quality. “There are hundreds of languages in the world, but a smile speaks them all”
A child’s spontaneous drawing, natural colors from flowers and even the strict but yet colorful stained glass found in many churches. “A smile is the universal welcome”
An unexpected smile during last weekend’s walking in Majjistral National Park.
💖If you meet someone without a smile, give one of yours💖
Honestly, I’m not so fond of images showing sunsets, maybe I’ve seen too many.
But i like straight lines, colors and silhouettes. 
And I like to look back in my archive to find memories. Here you see how the Azure Window once looked before it collapsed in stormy weather on 8 March 2017. A major tourist attractions, a 28-metre-tall natural arch on the island of Gozo in Malta, was suddenly gone forever. A place from where I have many memories.
Another memory I found in my archive. These are from 2011, three of my very first pictures before my interest in photography began. The images are real bad but the scene so perfect. There´s no need to look closely, but today they mean a lot to me as they remind me of the time when I began to explore the beauty of the photography.
WordPress weekly Photo Challenge / Rise/Set / Photo Challenge by Frank / Dutch Goes the Photo’s Memories
I’ve never seen these flowers before but there are thousands of them growing in Ta Qali Park right now.
When I first saw them, I thought they were some kind of fungus.
Apparently, insects are attracted to them too.
I found similar but in a different color and my dear man picked one for me.
I have no idea what kind of plant these are but I’m sure some of my blog friends know.
Where would I rather be, I asked myself when I was sitting in front of my computer and worked last Friday. I decided to take a day off and went to Majjistral National Park a second time to explore and enjoy the nature. Just me, Fanny and my camera. I’d Rather Be out there than sitting on my office chair.
In the park you´ll find wild flowers and different plants everywhere. Most of them are quite small so you have to look for them. Now I also got the chance to try my new macro lens but sadly, it was very windy and for some reason, my M mode setting doesn’t work anymore. But it was a lovely day, where I´d rather be…
Click on an images to enlarge.
This is sweet enough for me, love, peace and harmony…
This week, Krista asks us to share images of where we live. What do we love about where we live?
Malta is an island in the Mediterranean Sea located south of Italy. It´s one of the smallest countries in the world with an estimated population of 422,000. It´s a popular tourist destination with its warm climate and architectural and historical monuments. Malta has some of the oldest free-standing structures in the world and the capital Valletta is designated as the Capital of Culture 2018!
Love the wonderful nature, especially in spring with all wildflowers and a stunning greenery all over the island. Not to be found during the hot summer months.
Who doesn’t love the typical Maltese balconies, painted in different colors…
… and where in Europe can you buy fresh sweet strawberries even in winter.
The local wine is very tasteful as well as many other local produces.
Then we have the colorful fishing boats known as Maltese luzzu. There are much much more I would like to share, but I think I have to stop here and consider a part two…
Piggy Pink.
Bitter sweet.
Razzle Dazzle Rose.
ColorYourWorld!
…and for those who might wonder from where the colorful mannequins in my last post came from. Surprise!! A window display at Capo Crudo’s restaurant at Triq Il-Lanċa in Valletta, close to the ferry to/from Sliema.
Besides my beloved husband, I have a wonderful beloved Basenji puppy.
Fanny doesn’t mind taking part in the week’s theme, but only partially.
Water
Variations of the water in the Mediterranean depending on light, waves, depth and reflections.
WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge / Variations on a Theme, by Ben Huberman
This week is about the effect of time and the elements. Above you see Malta’s typical honey yellow limestone. The terrain of Malta is characterized by limestone plateaus that change constantly in shape due to climate and time. The limestone is still common as building materials and the effect of that is clearly visible below.
A weathered old forgotten store surrounded by walls made of limestone.
Influenced by time, sun, wind, rain and salty water from the Mediterranean Sea.
A weathered old sign-board.
WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge / Weathered Theme by Krista
Growth in nature provides nutrition to fruits and vegetables. We use leftovers as decorations.
There was a wedding that took place here high above the clouds. 
No greenery without growth. 
Growth among clouds and mountains high above Kota Kinabalu town.
Growth puts people at work who provide food for themselves and the people.
At the market in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Borneo, Malaysia
Sabah, also known as “Land of the Wind”, which comes from the author of Agnes Keith’s first book in 1939. A kind of growth, in the history…
Now the oranges are ripe and sweet and ready to eat here in Malta…
…while the snow falls in Sweden and the nature are dressed in white.
16 December 2017
Click on a circle if you wish to accompany him up there.
In this week WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge Michelle ask us to show something cheeky. 
Can a clown or a prankster be cheeky? 
Of course…
…we can all act cheeky, in an entertaining way and with a joyful attitude.
