Fanny has found a new friend and they really enjoy playing with each other. There are very few of the breed Basenji here in Malta so it was lucky they met, that we met the owners of this beautiful one year old male.
Fun in the sun as they run around in the green grass in Ta Qali park.
I feel warm in my heart when I see them so happy together…
…and now we are planning to buy another Basenji! It’s an amazing breed with a lovely personality!
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.
“As times goes on, you’ll understand…
What lasts, lasts;…
What doesn’t, doesn’t…
Time solves most things…
And what time can’t solve, you have to solve yourself”
Quote by – Haruki Murakami –
…but only in my dreams. And that’s enough for me, as long as I am surrounded by colors.
“Imagination is more important than knowledge”
– Albert Einstein –
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
I’ve been to Sweden for a few days and the weather felt a bit gray and cold compared to Malta’s mild climate. 
On the first day I went for a walk in the surroundings of Älvsjö, a suburb of Stockholm, in search of colors.
Autumn colors.
The final countdown…
“And all at once summer collapsed into fall”
– Oscar Wilde –
A cute little house where birds can eat some seeds. I also saw lots of Snowberries, snöbär.
“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower”.
-Albert Camus-
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.
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.
A few weeks ago there was no greenery at all in Ta Qali National Park. After the summer heat it was very dry. Then the rainy season began and nature woke up again. 
Although it’s October and the winter season awaits, it feels almost like spring is here. Fanny can merrily run around in the high grass again, surrounded by yellow flowers.
In Malta you will not find colorful autumn leaves, but cones may also have autumn colors.
I haven’t seen these beautiful flowers since last spring.
This is Malta in October.
In January it becomes colder before the real spring begins in February when the almond tree blossoms.
A pretty pleasant winter awaits.
Macro photography is always fun and I guess this is a hornet, Vespa crabro, or Bålgeting as we say in Swedish. I see many of them now among our hibiscus on the terrace. Sadly, with fewer plants the butterflies are gone.
The plant blooms but the leaves are more yellow than green. Perhaps more care and nutrition are needed. 
Finally, there are lots of spiders to find in Ta Qali National Park, this one is about two inches. More to come…
I just couldn’t resist buying these roses, for no special reason at all. Three pink and two white. It doesn’t show but they are twice as big as usual and they still last after five days. I love the soft colors, I love pink…
It’s told that pink is not just a color, it’s an attitude. Either you love it or hate it, but there must also be something in between depending on the shades and where the color is seen. Who doesn’t like flamingos… 
We have variable weather now here in Malta with sun and blue sky and gray days with rain, while the first stormy weather has passed. (Please click on a circle to enlarge, each image has a short text.)
…and when it’s gray and rainy, there are always colors to find that can brighten our days.
Autumn is here to stay but we have varannandagsväder as we call it in Swedish. Yesterday I had to bring my umbrella while walking with Fanny, today it’s clear sky and 27 degrees. Wish you all a wonderful weekend!
When the prickly pear cactus fruit are ready to eat, it’s autumn. This delicious fruit has a sweet, melon-like aroma and grows wild throughout Malta and Gozo. Tasty and said to be healthy but with a prickly skin. 
This giant flower, like the other images in this post were chosen for their colors, to give a sense of autumn.
First of October and yet few signs of autumn while the temperature slowly drops, today we have 28 degrees. Did you know that Malta enjoy around 3,000 hours of sunshine per year, one of the highest rates in Europe!
“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.”
― –
“If you’re feeling blue, try painting yourself a different color”
–Hanna Cheatem-
“Every drop in the ocean counts”
-Yoko Ono-
“The worst kind of sad is not being able to explain why“
“Color is to the eye what music is to the ear”
No autumn feelings so far here in Malta.
We have some flowers left on our roof terrace and have planted new ones on the lower one.
We are in the middle of September and it’s still warm but yet, not too hot. In the Mediterranean it’s 27 degrees.
No rain has fallen and what you see is not water from the sky.
No, I’ve no feelings of autumn, yet…
Remember in November the lovely September!
Try to remember the kind of September
When life was slow and oh, so mellow.
When grass was green and grain was yellow.
When you were a tender and callow fellow.
Try to remember, and if you remember,
Then follow…
Try to remember when life was so tender
That no one wept except the willow.
That dreams were kept beside your pillow.
That love was an ember about to billow.
Try to remember, and if you remember,
Then follow…
Deep in December, it’s nice to remember,
Although you know the snow will follow.
Without a hurt the heart is hollow.
The fire of September that made us mellow.
Deep in December, our hearts should remember
And follow…
– American original text: Harvey Schmidt 1960 –
Slightly shortened.
That’s all from Malta this Wednesday in mid August 2018.
Some snapshots from Ortigia in Siracusa & Taormina located on the island of Sicily in Italy north of Malta.
We went to Sicily for a week, to get away from it all. Here we rented a villa, Villa Cristina, located in a rural area, but not too far from Siracusa. Simple yet cozy accommodation. The garden was huge and there were orange and olive trees, banana plants, grapes, tomatoes, chili peppers, herbs and much more. I love basil!
Sweet tomatoes! I can eat Cherry tomatoes like candies!
These bananas were not edible but the flowering herb was both decorative and exotic.
Did you know that banana plants are the world’s largest herb!
Above you see some images from the garden where we could pick and eat whatever we liked. 
There’s more to find in the garden and we did some trips with our car to a few towns and secluded beaches. More to come from Sicily in Italy!
It was a long time since I felt as relaxed as during our stay in Sicily. Away from it all, away from the outside world. Perhaps something we all need from time to time, completely without any internet access.
That’s all for now. No more posts until I have enough time to comment and to visit my valuable followers. Take care out there!
…I walk, I look, I see, I stop, I photograph!
Every picture tells a story, even though the viewer doesn’t always know what lies behind.
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.
In the midsummer’s eve, according to Swedish tradition, seven kinds of flowers should be picked and put under the pillow. If you like to know how to celebrate midsummer in Sweden Click here. 
Two very special flowers from a very special blog friend.
Thank you BP, they are still in my kitchen after four years.
“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass…
it’s about learning to dance in the rain”
It was on our roof terrace I took my first macro images.
A few years ago we bought seeds in an attempt to grow rhubarb. But it didn’t succeed.
Spiders! Click on an image to enlarge.
It’s early in the spring and my dear man is cleaning while I take a selfie in the window of our office.
I’m not sure how many different kinds of flowers we have had but these are some of them.
One of my husband’s many fun experiments. Can you really fry an egg in the sun? Obviously!!
Our terrace as it once looked and below, what it looks like right now. Yes, added some color. 
Our office, my dear husbands atelier and our dining room that we use every summer are gone after twelve years. Of our flowers and plants there are only a very few left and so are the butterflies and other insects. Looking at the stars in the sky and the moon that shine but this is not my Seventh heaven anymore.
Fanny, Yeah, come on!!! Rock ‘n’ roll!!!
All images in this post have I taken on our roof terrace over the years gone by…
…apart from the last one.
Not much blue here but a Satisfied Flower fly!! 
“The Sky is Not the Limit – It’s Just the View”
Blue Feeling / Feeling blue…
Alone…
Today I just want to spread some color! My favorite flower and color, the Bougainvillea on top.
A Flower fly is looking for nectar in the flowers of Ta Qali National Park.
Color & flower.
Macro photography are challenging and exciting. This butterfly was hidden behind tall grass a windy day in Ta Qali Park and rarely stopped for more than a few seconds. I suppose this is a Wood White (Leptidea sinapis).
I didn’t notice that it actually were two butterflies until I came home and downloaded the images to my computer. A happy surprise that often happens when shooting with macro. If these really are Wood White, I can always ask Brian. He knows a lot about different butterfly species and his blog is well worth visiting.
How blue can it really be up there in the sky?
Can blue be just for fun?
Compare the blue color in the sky with the sea.
And you’ll find same blue color but in fifty shades of…
No sense with this post, just to keep my blog floating.
If all insects on Earth disappeared, within 50 years all life on Earth would end.
If all human beings disappeared from the Earth, within 50 years all forms of life would flourish. 
Quote by Jonas Salk
When exploring the nature in Malta you often see cliffs, cliffs, I see cliffs everywhere. And a clear blue sky.
It makes me dizzy and instead of looking up, I take a look down, to find a busy bee.
When I look up again, I see someone sitting on top of one of the high cliffs.
Must be a great view up there while I got an amazing view from down here.
Finally, for those who wondered if there aren’t any restrictions in Majjistral Nature Park. Here you are…
Walpurgis Night is the last day of April and a traditional non-religious holiday in Sweden. Especially in the City of Uppsala where there are huge student gatherings to celebrate the arrival of the spring.
Here in Malta April 30th is an ordinary day and my images have no connection with Walpurgis Night, or Valborgsmässoafton, as this evening is called in Swedish.
But I like to wish you all a wonderful evening wherever you are on this planet, no matter if you celebrate or not. Remember, even a small fly is part of our nature. Take care out there and enjoy every moment!!
I’ve shown some pictures from Majjistral Park but not so many from the plateau that is high above sea level. From here the views are amazing but it’s real steep at the edge of the high cliffs. Do not walk too close!
Most of the plants up here are small, you can see the ant. These grow individually…
…whilst these blooms together and forms like small meadows on the plateau.
A symbol of the Navy.
A very special flower that I’ve never seen before. To me they look like soft corals.
Finally, Fanny on the run, full of energy 💖 …until we are back home. More to come…
Meanwhile, wish you all a great Sunday 💖
Nature’s miracle, an amazing world to explore.
Everything happens for a reason, take care out there…
Last time, we went along the narrow path to the small buildings that you can see in distance at above image. From there we continued our walk in search for the staircase up to the plateau, where we got lost.
Here we are still on our way to the buildings by the sea and the path is easy to follow. My dear man carries my pink bag with water, my macro lens and some snacks. Fanny is the leader while I, as usually, walk behind.
Surrounded by huge cliffs…
…and the Mediterranean Sea below.
The scenery varies quite a lot but we just have to follow the narrow path and there’s no risk of getting lost.
Finally, by the sea to rest for a while. I dip my feet in the water before continuing our walk around the corner.
Water and some chicken for Fanny…
…while I take a look at some of the pictures I have in my camera that I’ve taken along the way. 
Now I realize that even this post will be too long so I finish as last time with a picture of my beloved and brave Basenji Fanny. Part 3 will come later but to give you a clue, there were no easy paths around the corner…
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.
