“May the flowers remind us why the rain was so necessary”
-Xan Oku
Saturday’s Flower
Category: Photo Challenge
Make Life Beautiful
“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
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
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.
Flowers, Quotes & Thoughts
“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
It’s true, the last image is not a flower but for me Fanny is constantly blooming and fills my life with joy.
Light as a Feather
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
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.
Mimosa or What?
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.
Welcome to The Forest
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 along
The 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
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
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
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.
Flower on Fridays
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
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
“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 –
Friday’s flower
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
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.”
Flower on Fridays – Mimosa
Wish you a lovely weekend from Sunny Malta!
Susan’s Flower on Fridays
Cee’s Photo Challenge Flower of The Day
A trip to Għajn Tuffieħa
Għajn Tuffieħa / Riviera Bay is located on the north-west coast of Malta. Here you’ll find clay slopes and high cliffs on either side of the bay, red sand, crystal clear water and lots of narrow footpaths to hike on.
Here I go with Fanny as it’s one of the few places where she can run freely. Ta Qali Park which is closer and where we normally go is completely closed and on the rocks along the sea at home dogs must be leashed.
This man has chosen a clever way to keep the social distance imposed by the authorities.
The scenery here is barren but offers several beautiful views. 
Singita Miracle Beach – Mgarr Għajn Tuffieħa – Malta / April 2020
Flower on Fridays
No more No less
Flowers on Fridays
“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
Flower of The Day
Orchids
Black & White Photography – 9
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.
Flower of The Day
Flower(s) of The Day
Feeling Blue.
Red for Love – Red for Fire.
Snow White
Yellow Solar heat.
Pink – Passion.
Wherever life plants you…
Susan’s Flowers on Fridays
Cee’s Photo Challenge.
Black & White Photography – 8
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!
Kuching Street Art
Kuching is a colorful place and the city is becoming a popular haven for street art.
Thanks to local arts festivals and even corporate sponsorships, more and more of the town’s blank walls are gradually being taken over by vivid murals. 
Many of the works portray scenes from local life… 
…whether it be human or wildlife. 
Paintings of orangutans are a common sight throughout the city. This one is small…
…while this one covers an entire wall facade.
Flower of The Day
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 –
Black & White Photography – 7
Moments…
Movements…
Meanings…
“Silence is sometimes the best answer”
– Dalai Lama –
Flowers on Fridays
This time I choose to show three different types of flowers but with similar shades of color.
The flower on top I believe is an anthurium, also called flamingo flower.
The one above is a type of orchid but there are about 28,000 different species so I have no idea about its name.
Plumeria flowers. 
Susan’s Flowers on Fridays
Cee’s Photo Challenge.
Black & White Photography – 6
The above pictures are from the square along Sarawak River in Kuching. Every afternoon, both young and old can be seen playing with each other, many of them blowing soap bubbles, just for fun.
This skilled lady I saw in Valletta here in Malta the other day. Guess why she’s looking down.
Concentration! She really knew how to handle her little puppet on a string.
Back to the square in Kuching. This little girl seems to be looking for someone.
Finally, Fanny and I at home yesterday evening. Fanny did not like to wear a Santa hat, I can understand that. It’s much more fun to try to bite it into small pieces and so she did. It was cheap and it was Christmas Eve.
As usual, I also show my pictures in color. This time, I prefer to see all these images in color, except one. Guess which one..
Flower of The Day
“Look deep into nature and then you will understand everything better”
– Albert Einstein –
“It you truly love nature you will find beauty everywhere”
– Vincent Van Gogh 
“Time spent in nature heals your body, mind & spirit”
– Katrina Mayer –
Sarawak Orchid Garden, Kuching – December 2019.
Black & White Photography – 5
Wednesday, and my fifth colorless post, inspired by Susan’s black and white photo challenge.
As in my previous black and white post, I choose to show people. People in everyday life that I photographed recently when I visited the city of Kuching in Sarawak, Borneo, Malaysia.
Of these five images, there is actually only one that I’m happy with. As always, it’s up to the viewer to decide whether you like what you see or not. Which of these five pictures do you think I am most satisfied with. What’s your opinion of my b/w images?
As usual, I also show them edited in color, for those who want to compare.
Lens-Artists Challenge – On Display
Today’s pictures are from Kuching Sunday Market that I visited recently. I’m not so happy to show headless and half people though it’s not easy to avoid when there are so many people moving around.
Here you’ll find a huge variety of different kinds of fresh fruits & vegetables.
Guess it was high season for bananas.
Walking around here is an exciting experience, a colorful symphony with many more or less appealing scents.
Where they sell fish I pass pretty quickly, although the fish are naturally fresh.
I’ve promised myself not to show too many pictures in just one post, but sometimes it’s hard to avoid.
Whats your opinion, isn’t it better to show fewer pictures and divide them into different posts? I think so.
This post has seventeen images, it’s too much but the post is done and most important, it was fun.
Lens-Artists Challenge #76 – On Display
Signs on Sundays / Skyltsöndag
It’s Sunday, which means it’s time to share some signs again.
Since I just came back home from Malaysia, my signs are from there.
For some unknown reason, wordpress has restricted the possibilities to create a gallery. That’s why it looks like this, though I didn’t want it to look like this. Feel free to click on an image to see it more clearly.
It you look closely, there is a small gecko to the right on the sign.
I do…
This is my favorite. AisKrim.
The sign reminds me of when I saw a little girl standing by the river in Kuching. She sold homemade ice cream that she marketed with a handwritten sign, AIS-KRIM. Typically I didn’t bring my camera with me.
Alla kan vara med och skylta på söndagar tillsammans med BP som håller i trådarna.
Länk till övriga deltagare.
Flowers on Fridays
These beautiful flowers were taken when I visited Orchid Garden in Kuching, Sarawak. It’s obviously not some kind of orchid, but it is a beautiful flower that grows on large trees and has a lovely scent.
If I’m not mistaken, this is Plumeria flowers which are most fragrant at night in order to lure sphinx moths to pollinate them. But I could be wrong…
Black & White Photography – 4
This is the fourth time I’ve joined Susan’s black/white photo challenge and to me it’s really a challenge, but a fun one. In last week’s b/w post I showed old vehicles but it feels more challenging to edit images of people.
These people dressed in traditional costumes are from the Iban tribe in Sarawak, Borneo. 
The Ibans are famous for their head-hunting past, their massive ironwood longhouses, their ornate body tattooing, their wonderful weaving skills, and of course their potent rice wine, tuak.
Next Monday I will be traveling to Sarawak again, probably for the last time…
The one I am least satisfied with is the warrior, he is doing much better in black / white.
Trees on Tuesdays
“Be like a tree and let the dead leaves drop”
– Rumi – 
“The greatest Threat to Our Planet is the Belief that Someone Else will Save it”
-Robert Swan – 
Susan’s Photo Challenge Trees on Tuesdays.
