Fairy Grotto... by vignouse

Fairy Grotto...

Today is the start of a new year, it's also the start of my second year on 365, because I've decided to stay on 365 for the time being, but some changes are needed if I am to complete a second year. One thing is that last year I was so busy trying to be a better photographer that I have little in the way of personal and family photographs... hence I have started a Diary album - A Year of Days. The photos there are unlikely to have much photographic merit... but they will be important to me.

The other thing that I must change is my approach to commenting. Please take the time, if you can,to read through my revised profile statement where everything is explained.

This image was taken today in the 5 acres of Parish Gardens that I help to maintain - I think that it looks like fairies might live here... hence my title.

Finally, a big thank you to all of you who have followed me and encouraged me with your comments and Favs - I couldn't have made it without you.

I wish you all a Happy, Fulfilling and Healthy New Year.
glad you are staying - love the image above very beautiful
January 1st, 2015  
Excellent shot and processing as always
January 1st, 2015  
Wonderful capture and nice to hear you are staying,
January 1st, 2015  
So interesting reading your profile comments, Richard! I do feel the same way exactly. You have had a hard year so its good to know that you have recovered. I use iPhoto for assembling family photos and put them into albums for events and diary shots so don't post them here. Frankly I find it difficult to comment on someone who posts the same shot - dog, children, bird etc all the time. I have learnt so much from looking at good photos on Trending and PP and like to get the best photo I can for the day out of the many I have taken. I have also started to 'fav' without commenting as recognition of good photography should be made. Love the B&W here - must see if I can get a good one soon too.
January 1st, 2015  
This looks great as a B&W. I'm trying to think of B&W more, it was tough in December because of all the Christmas colors that I just couldn't resist.
January 1st, 2015  
what a fabulous shot - Fav
January 1st, 2015  
lovely capture fav
January 1st, 2015  
@maggiemae You make some good points Maggiemae, I too have no desire to see the same set of kids for a year... however 'cute' and photogenic they might be. I started my 'A Year of Days' album as a compromise so that I could actually still post a shot every day without the need to always do my best every day. It well may, like many compromises fall down the crack between two ideals, or folk may think it is representative of all my photography... which it won't be. If, in a month, I feel it's not working, I'll shift it elsewhere and think again.
January 1st, 2015  
Charming shot... I like the lines and pathway of the water.

Just so you know, Richard, I never expect someone to "comment back" just because I visited their project. This is how I Iearn ... I like to comment when I have something to say about their shot; you get a commenting pass from me, always. :)
January 1st, 2015  
I love this shot Richard. I read your updated profile with interest. Ii too find the commenting very time consuming so I tend to comment only on 365 album as some people post so many photos each day. I think it's worth thinking about commenting on those who take the time to comment on your. I so agree about encouraging new people. I follow two people who were only ever commented on by myself and sadly one hasn't posted since Sept and the others last post was 9th Sept. It was the encouragement that kept me going.
January 1st, 2015  
@ceilidh Same with me - there were three people who made me feel worth while - sadly they left 365 and also left a hole in my heart - but thats life!
January 1st, 2015  
@rosiekerr Thank you Rosie... but I don't intend to use that 'pass' very often. There is always something constructive to be said, but it does take a little more effort and involvement than just typing 'Awesome!'... even if it is.
January 1st, 2015  
@vignouse I so agree! However, each to their own.
January 1st, 2015  
@ceilidh I have mentioned it before Margaret but your profile photo and your red dress are like a beacon to me - everytime you pop-up on a new post (invariably with a Fav too - Bless you) I know that I am on the right track for that day!
January 1st, 2015  
Lovely scene -- especially the leading line, composition, pov, textures, processing
January 1st, 2015  
A magical scene. The b&w really adds to the starkness of the scene.
I read your profile comments with interest and am pleased that your health conditions have improved. Please don't feel obliged to comment on my pics - I know exactly how difficult it is to keep up with everyone and have been rather sporadic in my own commenting recently. I'm sure you'll work out how to find a happy balance.
January 1st, 2015  
Richard I'm so glad you've decided to stay! I always appreciated your comments on my photos. You are one of the people who I secretly sought out when I lurked around during the break I took after completing my project in June because I have always enjoyed your "masterpieces" and honestly, I am sure I will enjoy seeing your world through your lens just as much! Happy New Year!
January 1st, 2015  
I have been a bit lax commenting, and more embarrassingly thanking recently. As you say it is do time consuming and I noticed that the last 2 days I have spent hours on the computer instead of with my family and I am becoming lethargic which us not good. If hugely affected in whatever way I fav but don't expect it back- but it is lovely and motivating. I too enjoy the variety of techniques on the TP and PP. Glad you are staying!
January 1st, 2015  
Nice processing of this beautiful sylvan area
January 1st, 2015  
Lovely. Decided that I wasn't going to make an global committments or statements about commenting. When I do is when I do. I have decided, however, to do a month of forest pictures. Now where you do you think that inspiration might have come from???
January 1st, 2015  
@francoise Good Luck Françoise, I look forward to following your progress.
January 1st, 2015  
indeed - wonderfully magical!
January 1st, 2015  
I have lost so many friends on 365 lately so glad you are hanging around. Need some one to give me a kick in the .... every once and a while.
January 2nd, 2015  
lovely shot in b&w
January 2nd, 2015  
what a beautiful place - I like the b&w it leads me to the water
January 2nd, 2015  
Firstly, fantastic shot, it looks so peaceful.
And in regards to your profile comments, I think I agree with you on every point. It is certainly difficult to keep up on the comments. Sometimes I have lots of time, and sometimes only a little. My method so far is to comment on other shots when I can, and just give a fave to great shots when I have little time. I do also like to reply to comments on my shots. Again this isn't always possible. But you can only do so much, and sometimes life just gets in the way.
I am so glad to hear that you are doing better (health wise), this year. And I am really looking forward to seeing your work this year.
January 2nd, 2015  
A lovely shot! Congrats on completing your project! We were on the same schedule. Thank you for your comments on my photos this year. I have enjoyed seeing and learning from your photos also. I agree that the second year allows for a new set of more flexible rules. I will need to be less methodical in my second year also. Happy New Year!
January 2nd, 2015  
Lovely photo !! Looks great in b&w !! Such a peaceful scene.
January 2nd, 2015  
This does look just like a fairy garden! You do so much good work for your community there. I like your new plan you've outlined in your profile. It is a privilege and a pleasure working with you. Also, Molly and I caught your cold but they don't go back until Monday so hopefully we will all be well by then. I like this photo a lot. I need to get out of the house more but have surprisingly been so happy with my indoor candids and still-lifes. Didn't expect that to happen when I first started. Cheers!!
January 2nd, 2015  
Stunning B&W. I know this will be a great new year for 365.
January 2nd, 2015  
Congratulations, Richard on completing your first year. Looks like a charming place to start the new year. Here's to a wonderful year ahead.
January 2nd, 2015  
Stunning shot Richard, and congratulations on completing your first year. I am very happy that you will be staying on. I find your project very inspiring and always find the comments you leave on my project to be thoughtful and informative. Best wishes for a wonderful 2015!
January 2nd, 2015  
I read your updated profile. I totally get what you're saying. This, btw, is a fantastic first shot for the new year.
January 2nd, 2015  
Prinny jumping across the ditches, paddling in the waterfall. Mega fav


January 2nd, 2015  
Congratulations on completing Richard and I think this is a lovely shot to start a new year.
January 2nd, 2015  
Great seasonal picture. Looks a lovely place for a walk. Katharine
January 2nd, 2015  
Truly gorgeous shot Richard. Fav! Glad you are hanging around for a while
January 2nd, 2015  
Love this photo Richard and the title is perfect. I totally get what you mean about the commenting I've had to scale back hugely on how much I post and comment. I did set up a family album and I do need to go back to recording some things in there. Hope you continue to enjoy the site in 2015
January 2nd, 2015  
Beautiful and filled with fairy magic.
January 3rd, 2015  
Lovely image. Perfect title too!
January 3rd, 2015  
I love your approach to 2015! I have so enjoyed following you so whether you post 365 'masterpieces' or records of daily life I will be still be here to look. Have a wonderful year and I hope 2015 turns out as you plan.
January 3rd, 2015  
Wonderful!
January 5th, 2015  
wow
January 7th, 2015  
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