West Coast National Park: Birdlife ~ Hartlaub’s Gull #6

Hartlaubs Gulls in a field of wildflowers, Plankiesbaai, Postberg, West Coast National Park, South Africa
(2015-08-22)

“Keep close to Nature’s heart… and break clear away, once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.”  ~John Muir

West Coast National Park: Birdlife ~ Greater Flamingo #6

Greater Flamingo, Seeberg Bird Hide, West Coast National Park, South Africa ( 2015-08-22)

“Keep close to Nature’s heart… and break clear away, once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.”  ~John Muir

West Coast National Park: Birdlife ~ Greater Flamingo #5

Greater Flamingo, Geelbek Bird Hide, West Coast National Park, South Africa ( 2015-08-22)

“Keep close to Nature’s heart… and break clear away, once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.”  ~John Muir

West Coast National Park: Birdlife ~ Greater Double-collared Sunbird #2

Greater Double-collared Sunbird, West Coast National Park, South Africa ( 2015-08-22)

“Keep close to Nature’s heart… and break clear away, once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.”  ~John Muir

West Coast National Park: Cotula turbinata #2

Cotula turbinata, Postberg, West Coast National Park, South Africa (2015-08-22)

“Keep close to Nature’s heart… and break clear away, once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.”  ~John Muir

West Coast National Park: Wildlife ~ Eland #1

Eland, Postberg, West Coast National Park, South Africa ( 2015-08-22)

“Keep close to Nature’s heart… and break clear away, once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.”  ~John Muir

West Coast National Park: Cape Twinspur #1

Cape Twinspur, Postberg, West Coast National Park, South Africa (2015-08-22)

“Keep close to Nature’s heart… and break clear away, once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.”  ~John Muir

West Coast National Park: Common Slugwort #1

Common Slugwort, Postberg, West Coast National Park, South Africa (2015-08-22)

“Keep close to Nature’s heart… and break clear away, once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.”  ~John Muir

West Coast National Park: Birdlife ~ Common Ostrich #2

Common Ostrich, West Coast National Park, South Africa ( 2015-08-22)

“Keep close to Nature’s heart… and break clear away, once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.”  ~John Muir

West Coast National Park: Birdlife ~ Cattle Egret #3

Cattle Egret , Postberg, West Coast National Park, South Africa ( 2015-08-22)

“Keep close to Nature’s heart… and break clear away, once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.”  ~John Muir

West Coast National Park: Butterfly Lily #3

Butterfly Lily, Postberg, West Coast National Park, South Africa (2015-08-22)

“Keep close to Nature’s heart… and break clear away, once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.”  ~John Muir

West Coast National Park: Wax Creeper, Bokhorinkies #2

Wax Creeper, Bokhorinkies, Postberg, West Coast National Park, South Africa (2015-08-22)

“Keep close to Nature’s heart… and break clear away, once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.”  ~John Muir

West Coast National Park: Bokbaaivygie #4

Bokbaaivygie, Postberg, West Coast National Park, South Africa (2015-08-22)

“Keep close to Nature’s heart… and break clear away, once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.”  ~John Muir

The Four Agreements: Part 31

Good day friends,

Over the next few months, I am reading, The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. Some days  I will Quote a page or just give you a summary of what I read and how I understand it. I am just an ordinary person, and I find it interesting how different people and cultures see the world. This is not based on any typical religion. I hope you find it as interesting as I did. Please keep an open mind.

The Third Agreement: Don’t Make Assumptions – Part 5

“We make the assumption that everyone sees life the way we do. We assume that others think the way we think, feel the way we feel, judge the way we judge, and abuse the way we abuse. This is the biggest assumption that humans make. And this is why we have a fear of being ourselves around others. Because we think everyone else will judge us, victimize us, abuse us, and blame us as we do ourselves. So even before others have a chance to reject us, we have already rejected ourselves. That is the way the human mind works.

We also make assumptions about ourselves, and this creates a lot of inner conflict. “I think I am able to do this.” You make this assumption, for instance, then you discover you aren’t able to do it. You overestimate or underestimate yourself because you haven’t taken the time to ask yourself questions and to answer them. Perhaps you need to gather more facts about a particular situation. Or maybe you need to stop lying to yourself about what you truly want.”

Don Miguel Ruiz, The Four Agreements

WE MUST STOP MAKING ASSUMPTIONS!!!!

This is so true. I for one is guilty of thinking others think and see life like me and then I am disappointed when I realize that they have their own way.

I overestimate and underestimate myself regularly. I am always up to try something new even if I haven’t done it before. Sometimes you get it right and your self-esteem get a boost, other times it is one massive failure and when you fail you start blaming yourself for even trying… I have learned that I have to ask myself a few questions before I say yes to a challenge.

Thank you with all my heart for stopping by. Thank you for your continued support. I am truly grateful for every view, like, follow and comment.

Stay safe and think positive thoughts.

Have a Blessed day.

Coreen

Grand Tour Of Scotland: On Route to Scrabster ~ Part 6

Day 6: 16 August 2019 Thurso – Part 3

Thurso United Reformed Church

Thurso United Reformed Church, Thurso, Scotland
Thurso United Reformed Church, Thurso, Scotland
Thurso United Reformed Church, Thurso, Scotland

Thurso Castle

Positioned on the main route between Norway and the Western Isles, Thurso Castle was originally a Viking stronghold. It was later acquired by the powerful Sinclair family and in 1660 the castle was substantially rebuilt. In the late nineteenth century the entire structure was transformed into a Gothic style mansion and these are the ruins that survive today.

Thurso Castle,Thurso, Scotland
Thurso Castle,Thurso, Scotland
Thurso Castle,Thurso, Scotland
Thurso Castle,Thurso, Scotland
Thurso Castle,Thurso, Scotland
Views from Thurso Castle,Thurso, Scotland
Views from Thurso Castle,Thurso, Scotland
Thurso Castle,Thurso, Scotland
Thurso Castle,Thurso, Scotland
Thurso Castle,Thurso, Scotland
Thurso Castle,Thurso, Scotland
Thurso Castle,Thurso, Scotland

Thank you very much for taking the time to join me on my travels through Scotland. I hope you enjoyed it just as much as I did.

Till next time, safe travels and keep dreaming.

Have a fabulous day.

Coreen

Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!

Good day friends,

It is with a happy and Grateful heart I am writing this post.

In September 2020 I said that in a years time I would like my daily views to grow to a 1000 a day. Tomorrow it is 1 September 2021 and the past week or so my views has climbed to over 1000 a day. I am truly grateful for every view, like and follow I get.

Being a photographer is the best job in the world. I get to capture all the beauty in the world. I have the pleasure to capture many happy memories for others and for myself. It is not always easy, and it is hard work. I still have trouble choosing photos. I would rather edit thousands than miss that one wow photo I did not see in the group….

This means that I have so many photos to share with you and maybe one day I will start selling some of them. Selling my nature and landscape photos is also on my Wishlist for the near future.

Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! for your continued support and taking the time to look at my photos and my posts.

🤗Big Virtual Hug🤗

Coreen

West Coast National Park: Bokbaaivygie #3

Bokbaaivygie, Postberg, West Coast National Park, South Africa (2015-08-22)

“Keep close to Nature’s heart… and break clear away, once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.”  ~John Muir

Morning Greetings: 31 August 2021

Good morning friends,

How are you doing this morning?

And so the last day of Winter has arrived. What a beautiful cold winter we had with plenty of sunshine and rain. Tomorrow it is 1 September 2021 and the first day of Spring. Jippee….

I received an sms last night that my lens and filters will be delivered today. I am like a child on Christmas morning, can’t wait to test out my new toy and well you can call it another “business partner”. Without my camera’s, lenses and rest of my gear, I will not be able to do my job. I am so grateful and happy today.

According to the weather forecast we are having a freezing cold and cloudy Winters day. A maximum temperature of 14°C is predicted.

On my To-Do List for today:

  • Sort and pick photos of pageant for editing.
  • Edit Grand Tour of Scotland
  • Edit one photo of each contestant that paid their fee.
  • Prepare dinner
  • Gaelic lesson

With all my heart, thank you for your ongoing support and taking the time to read my post. I am truly grateful for every view, like, follow, and comment I receive.

May you have a day filled with laughter and love.

🤗Big Virtual Hug

Coreen

Cee’s Flower Of The Day Challenge: 31 August 2021 – Cape Honeysuckle

Good day friends,

I hope that you all are still happy and healthy.

Here is my contribution for Cee’s FOTD Challenge.

Cape Honeysuckle, Kraaifontein, Cape Town, South Africa

“Minds are like flowers, they open only when the time is right.” ~Stephen Richards

With all my heart, Thank You for your ongoing support and for taking the time to have a look at my post.

Stay safe and healthy. Till next time.

Have a Fabulous day.

Coreen

West Coast National Park – Beautiful Landscapes #18

Abrahamskraal Bird Hide, West Coast National Park, South Africa (2015-08-22)

“Keep close to Nature’s heart… and break clear away, once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.”  ~John Muir

Tuesday Beach Vibes: 31 August 2021

“Sometimes in the waves of change we find our true direction.” ~Unknown

Kelpbaai, Cape Town, South Africa

Thank you for spending some time at the beach with me.

Have a beautiful day.

Coreen

Just a Random Photo: 31 August 2021

Good day,

My random photo for today.

I captured this photo at: Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Cape Town, South Africa

Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Cape Town, South Africa

I Thank you for your continued support and taking the time to look at my post.

 Have a fantastic day.

Stay safe. Till next tomorrow.

Coreen

Squared: 31 August 2021

Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Cape Town, South Africa (2015-09-24)

Thank you very much for taking the time to have a look at my work.

Stay safe and healthy. Till next time.

Have a Fabulous day.

Coreen

My Photo Someone’s Quote: 31 August 2021

Good Morning,

 Here is my quote for today.

“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Thank you for your continued support and taking the time to look at my post.

May your day be filled with positivity and gratitude.

🤗Big Virtual hug🤗

Coreen

Affirmation for Today: 31 August 2021

Good day everyone,

Repeat Affirmation throughout the day. Remember to truly believe it.

“I see abundance all around me, and I feel so blessed.”

With all my heart, thank you for your ongoing support and taking the time to read my post. I am truly grateful for every view, like, follow, and comment I receive.

May you have a day filled with laughter and love.

🤗Big Virtual Hug

Coreen

West Coast National Park – Beautiful Landscapes #17

Postberg, West Coast National Park, South Africa (2015-08-22)

“Keep close to Nature’s heart… and break clear away, once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.”  ~John Muir

West Coast National Park – Beautiful Landscapes #16

Plankiesbaai, Postberg, West Coast National Park, South Africa (2015-08-22)

“Keep close to Nature’s heart… and break clear away, once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.”  ~John Muir

West Coast National Park – Beautiful Landscapes #15

Plankiesbaai, Postberg, West Coast National Park, South Africa (2015-08-22)

“Keep close to Nature’s heart… and break clear away, once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.”  ~John Muir

West Coast National Park: Nemesia affinis #1

Nemesia affinis, Postberg, West Coast National Park, South Africa (2015-08-22)

“Keep close to Nature’s heart… and break clear away, once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.”  ~John Muir

West Coast National Park: Yellow Marguerite #1

Yellow Magriet, Postberg, West Coast National Park, South Africa (2015-08-22)

“Keep close to Nature’s heart… and break clear away, once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.”  ~John Muir

West Coast National Park: Cabong, Painted Petals #1

Cabong, Painted Petals, Postberg, West Coast National Park, South Africa (2015-08-22)

“Keep close to Nature’s heart… and break clear away, once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.”  ~John Muir

West Coast National Park: Lampranthus, Vygie #1

Lampranthus, Vygie, Postberg, West Coast National Park, South Africa (2015-08-22)

“Keep close to Nature’s heart… and break clear away, once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.”  ~John Muir

West Coast National Park: Lizard #1

Lizard, Postberg, West Coast National Park, South Africa (2015-08-22)

“Keep close to Nature’s heart… and break clear away, once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.”  ~John Muir

West Coast National Park: Indigo #1

Indigo, Postberg, West Coast National Park, South Africa (2015-08-22)

“Keep close to Nature’s heart… and break clear away, once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.”  ~John Muir

West Coast National Park: Birdlife ~ Hartlaub’s Gull #5

Hartlaubs Gulls in a field of wildflowers, Plankiesbaai, Postberg, West Coast National Park, South Africa
(2015-08-22)

“Keep close to Nature’s heart… and break clear away, once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.”  ~John Muir

West Coast National Park: Birdlife ~ Hartlaub’s Gull #4

Hartlaubs Gulls in a field of wildflowers, Plankiesbaai, Postberg, West Coast National Park, South Africa
(2015-08-22)

“Keep close to Nature’s heart… and break clear away, once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.”  ~John Muir

West Coast National Park: Birdlife ~ Hartlaub’s Gull #3

Hartlaubs Gulls in a field of wildflowers, Plankiesbaai, Postberg, West Coast National Park, South Africa
(2015-08-22)

“Keep close to Nature’s heart… and break clear away, once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.”  ~John Muir

Hallo Charlie: 30 August 2021

Good day everyone,

How are you doing today?

Posing for some headshots…..

These photos of Charlie was taken on 17 April 2021.

Thank you for visiting Charlie’s enclosure.

Have a fantastic week.

Coreen

West Coast National Park: Birdlife ~ Hartlaub’s Gull #2

Hartlaubs Gull, Plankiesbaai, Postberg, West Coast National Park, South Africa ( 2015-08-22)

“Keep close to Nature’s heart… and break clear away, once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.”  ~John Muir

Morning Greetings: 30 August 2021

Good morning friends,

How are you doing this morning?

Today I got up around 6:25am. I have a busy day ahead as you will see on the length of my To-Do-List for today, some of it may be carried over to tomorrows list.

Yesterday we took Willow for a walk at Sonstraaldam. Willow was so excited and it took me a while to get her under control again. Shame, I can’t blame her due to the weather and all the work I had we only played a bit indoors everyday. I hope that we have a beautiful sunny morning in the week so that I can take her for a walk again.

In two days time it is Spring… I am so excited. Tomorrow my new lens and filters are due for delivery. Just in time to take my first Spring photo on Wednesday.

My whole body is still sore of Saturdays pageant photography. Especially my legs. Yesterdays walk did not help at all.

Today I am so grateful that I am healthy and that I can walk, carry things, see the my surroundings, hear the birds chirp and the rain falling, smell the coffee in my cup, taste my food, and that I have a career that I love. I am also very grateful for all of the support I get from my online family. Over the past week my views on my site climbed to over 1000 on a daily basis. I am very grateful for that. THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

According to the weather forecast we are having a freezing cold and wet Winters day. A maximum temperature of 14°C is predicted and rain throughout the day.

On my To-Do List for today:

  • Do Laundry
  • Charge camera batteries
  • Send reminders for payments still outstanding for pageant
  • Sort and pick photos of pageant for editing.
  • Edit Grand Tour of Scotland
  • Edit one photo of each contestant that paid their fee.
  • Schedule some posts for the rest of the week.
  • Prepare dinner
  • Gaelic lesson

With all my heart, thank you for your ongoing support and taking the time to read my post. I am truly grateful for every view, like, follow, and comment I receive.

May you have a day filled with laughter and love.

🤗Big Virtual Hug

Coreen

Cee’s Flower Of The Day Challenge: 30 August 2021 – African Stachys, Katbossie

Good day friends,

I hope that you all are still happy and healthy.

Here is my contribution for Cee’s FOTD Challenge.

African Stachys, Katbossie, Postberg Nature Reserve, West Coast National Park, South Africa

“Minds are like flowers, they open only when the time is right.” ~Stephen Richards

With all my heart, Thank You for your ongoing support and for taking the time to have a look at my post.

Stay safe and healthy. Till next time.

Have a Fabulous day.

Coreen

The Magic Mirror – 30 August 2021

28 Weeks of practicing Gratitude….

Week 27: The Magic Mirror

“The appearance of things changes according to the emotions, and thus we see magic and beauty in them, while the magic and beauty are really in ourselves.” ~ Kahill Gibran

Change the person in the mirror, and your world will change.

If you have followed the 26 Magical practices to this point, you have changed! And even though it is sometimes hard to see the changes in yourself, you will have felt the change in your happiness, and you will have seen the change of improved circumstances in your life, and the magical changes in the world around you…..

….When you are grateful to be the person in the mirror, feelings of dissatisfaction, discontentment, disappointment, or I’m-not-good-enough completely disappear. And with them, every dissatisfying, discontenting and disappointing circumstance in your life magically disappears too.

Negative feelings about yourself cause the greatest damage to your life, because they are more powerful than any feelings you have about anything or anyone else. Wherever you go and whatever you do you take those negative feelings with you in every moment, and those feelings taint everything you touch, and they act as a magnet, attracting more dissatisfaction, discontentment, and disappointment with everything you do.

When you are grateful to be you, you will only attract circumstances that make you feel even better about yourself. You have to be rich with good feelings about yourself to bring the riches of life to you. Gratitude for yourself enriches you!…

….When you’re grateful, you don’t blame yourself when you make a mistake. When you’re grateful, you don’t criticize yourself when you’re not perfect. When you’re grateful for being you, you are happy, and you will become a magnet to happy people, happy situations, and magical circumstances, which will surround you wherever you go and in whatever you do. When you can see the magic in that person in the mirror, your whole world will change!”

Rhonda Byrne, The Magic

This week’s practice is very easy and it won’t take up to much time at all. Every time you see yourself in the mirror say, “Thank you” three times and if you have the courage say three things you are grateful for about yourself.

Let’s all start to love the person in the mirror first then all the other things will fall into place…

Thank you with all my heart for stopping by. Thank you for your continued support. I am truly grateful for every view, like, follow and comment.

Stay safe and grateful.

Have a Blessed day.

Coreen

Daily gratitude routine.

  1. When you wake up to a new day, before doing a single thing say, Thank You.
  2. Say, Thank you for the magical day I am going to have.
  3. From the moment you put your feet on the ground until you finished your morning routine, say the magic words, Thank You, in your mind for everything you touch and use.
  4. Go through my plans for the day in my mind and say, Thank you in advance for it going smoothly.
  5. Say, Thank you for the great news coming to me today!
  6. Count your blessings: Make a list of 10 blessings. Write why you’re grateful for each blessing. Reread your list and say “Thank you, thank you, thank you” Feeling gratitude for each blessing.
  7. Identify 2 relationships and write 5 things you are grateful for in the person. It can be a family member, a friend, a colleague even a pet. During the day say “Thank you, name.”
  8. Say thank your for your different body parts, organs and your senses. Be grateful for each of them.
  9. Four times a day read the words on the card slowly and be grateful for your health. (THE GIFT OF HEALTH IS KEEPING ME ALIVE.)
  10. Four times or more a day look at your Magic Bill and be grateful for the abundance of money you have been given in your life. (THANK YOU FOR ALL THE MONEY I’VE BEEN GIVEN THROUGHOUT MY LIFE.)
  11. While at work, look for things to be grateful for. Say to yourself. ‘I am so grateful for ……….’
  12. Try to go through the day without saying or thinking anything negative. If you think negative thoughts stop immediately and say but I am really grateful for…..
  13. Say, Thank you and be grateful every time you eat of drink something.
  14. When someone perform a service that benefits you, look them in the face and say, Thank you.
  15. For 90 seconds, say Thank you every time you take a step.
  16. Practice my heart magic.
  17. Take 5 deep breaths during the day and say, Thank you for the magical air that I breathe.
  18. Before going to bed, take your magic rock/gratitude rock in your hand and think about all the things to be grateful for that happened the day and say, Thank you.

West Coast National Park: Birdlife ~ Hartlaub’s Gull #1

Hartlaubs Gull, Plankiesbaai, Postberg, West Coast National Park, South Africa ( 2015-08-22)

“Keep close to Nature’s heart… and break clear away, once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.”  ~John Muir

Monochrome Monday: 30 August 2021

Lionshead from Signal Hill, Cape Town

Thank you for taking the time to have a look at my work.

Till next time, stay safe and healthy.

Coreen

Just a Random Photo: 30 August 2021

Good day,

My random photo for today.

I captured this photo at: Sonstraaldam, Durbanville, South Africa

Blacksmith Lapwing in flight. Sonstraaldam, Durbanville, South Africa
 

I Thank you for your continued support and taking the time to look at my post.

 Have a fantastic day.

Stay safe. Till next tomorrow.

Coreen

Squared: 30 August 2021

Hartlaubs Gull in field of flowers, Plankiesbaai, Postberg, West Coast National Park, South Africa

Thank you very much for taking the time to have a look at my work.

Stay safe and healthy. Till next time.

Have a Fabulous day.

Coreen

My Photo Someone’s Quote: 30 August 2021

Good Morning,

 Here is my quote for today.

“Gratitude is the inward feeling of kindness received. Thankfulness is the natural impulse to express that feeling. Thanksgiving is the following of that impulse.”
~ Henry van Dyke

Thank you for your continued support and taking the time to look at my post.

May your day be filled with positivity and gratitude.

🤗Big Virtual hug🤗

Coreen

Affirmation for Today: 30 August 2021

Good day everyone,

Repeat Affirmation throughout the day. Remember to truly believe it.

“Joy is the essence of my being.”

With all my heart, thank you for your ongoing support and taking the time to read my post. I am truly grateful for every view, like, follow, and comment I receive.

May you have a day filled with laughter and love.

🤗Big Virtual Hug

Coreen

West Coast National Park: Birdlife ~ Greater Flamingo #4

Greater Flamingo, Seeberg Bird Hide, West Coast National Park, South Africa ( 2015-08-22)

“Keep close to Nature’s heart… and break clear away, once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.”  ~John Muir

West Coast National Park: Birdlife ~ Greater Flamingo #3

Greater Flamingo, Geelbek Bird Hide, West Coast National Park, South Africa ( 2015-08-22)

“Keep close to Nature’s heart… and break clear away, once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.”  ~John Muir