https://pinchmyself.org/welcome/creative-life/writing/https://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/pinchmyself-icons-v2-x4-scaleartboard-34x.png© pinchmyself design logohttps://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/pinchmyself-icons-v2-x4-scaleartboard-24x.png© pinchmyself photo logohttps://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/pinchmyself-icons-v2-x4-scaleartboard-14x.png© pinchmyself writing logo2023-03-20T03:49:16+00:00weekly0.6https://pinchmyself.org/welcome/creative-life/photos/2023-03-20T03:48:22+00:00weekly0.6https://pinchmyself.org/2020/04/12/carriers-of-love/https://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/c2a9-mairi-barton_carriers-of-love_tile.jpg© Mairi Barton_Carriers of Lovehttps://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/c2a9-mairi-barton_carriers-of-love_april-2020_purple.jpg© Mairi Barton_Carriers of Love_Poem2020-08-13T10:51:31+00:00monthlyhttps://pinchmyself.org/2013/05/21/bagpipes-make-me-cry/2021-09-23T08:03:14+00:00monthlyhttps://pinchmyself.org/contact/2019-01-31T10:24:20+00:00weekly0.6https://pinchmyself.org/2017/05/14/mothers-day-memories-of-childhood-moments-with-mum/https://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/fullsizerender-321.jpgFullSizeRender-322017-05-15T12:15:07+00:00monthlyhttps://pinchmyself.org/2016/10/26/dont-fear-the-blank-page/https://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/watermark_dadsstory_panel-1.jpg© pinchmyself Dad's Story2017-02-17T07:11:59+00:00monthlyhttps://pinchmyself.org/2013/05/10/resilience/https://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/130520-highland-coo.jpgHighland CooThe Highland Cow and her wee calf2017-02-17T07:10:33+00:00monthlyhttps://pinchmyself.org/2013/05/12/hello-running-my-good-friend/2017-02-17T07:09:51+00:00monthlyhttps://pinchmyself.org/2013/05/14/do-mention-the-r-word/2017-02-17T07:08:55+00:00monthlyhttps://pinchmyself.org/2013/05/16/redundant-full-stop-new-chapter/2017-02-17T07:08:17+00:00monthlyhttps://pinchmyself.org/2013/05/18/speed-bonnie-plane/2017-02-17T07:07:30+00:00monthlyhttps://pinchmyself.org/2013/05/24/i-will-have-what-shes-having/https://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/img_2601.jpgElderly peopleThe sign across the road from my cousin's B&B2017-02-17T07:05:28+00:00monthlyhttps://pinchmyself.org/2013/05/27/a-fresh-perspective-on-the-hare-and-the-tortoise/https://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/img_2741.jpgBreathtakingOne of the breathtaking moments in a beautiful half marathon course through Edinburgh and along the Firth of Forth. Saturday, 26 May 2013https://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/img_2730.jpgAnticipationRunners heading to the start line for the Edinburgh Half Marathon, Sunday 26 May 20132017-02-17T07:04:45+00:00monthlyhttps://pinchmyself.org/2013/05/30/farewell-scotland-hola-spain/https://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/img_2828.jpgDrumlanrig CastleDrumlanrig Castle in the south of Scotlandhttps://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/img_2754.jpgGeorge Square, GlasgowA rainy day in George Square, Glasgowhttps://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/img_2727.jpgEdinburgh street sceneStreets of Edinburghhttps://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/img_2722.jpgThis is my countryOne of a number of poems and quotes on the outside wall of the Scottish Parliament in Edinburghhttps://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/img_2705.jpgInternational runners at Edinburgh CastleInternational runners at Edinburgh Castle during the ~5km International Breakfast Run, part of the Edinburgh Marathon Festival. Saturday, 25 May 2013https://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/img_2691.jpgFirst bagpipes of the visitThis piper in Edinburgh's Royal Mile is the first one I saw after arriving in Scotland a week prior. Friday, 24 May 2013https://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/img_2613.jpgPollok House, GlasgowPollok House, Glasgowhttps://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/img_2586.jpgThe River Clyde, BlantyreDad spoke often about playing down by the banks of the River Clyde as a child. This section is near his childhood home in Blantyre.https://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/img_2583.jpgLivingstone, I presumeIncredible statue of David Livingstone being attacked by a lion in Africa. Livingstone Memorial, Blantyrehttps://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/img_2574.jpgLivingstone Memorial, BlantyreDavid Livingstone was born in Blantyre and lived in this building, now part of a memorial in his honour2018-04-11T07:11:17+00:00monthlyhttps://pinchmyself.org/2013/06/01/oui-does-not-mean-stop/https://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/img_2946.jpgPlaza MayorView up the street from the Plaza Mayor, Madridhttps://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/img_2936.jpgIrisBeautiful iris in the Real Jardin Botanico - the botanical gardens, Madridhttps://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/img_2896.jpgPalacio Real, MadridPalacio Real, Madrid - the Royal Palace, 1755. The first Middle East peace talks were held here and it's where Spain marked its accession to the EU.https://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/img_2875.jpgCatedral de la Almudena, MadridSpectacular Catedral de la Almudena, Madrid. Construction began in 1883 and it was opened by Pope John Paul II in June 1933. https://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/img_2864.jpgPuerta del SolThe calm before the storm in Puerta del Sol, Madrid as police await the protesters.2017-02-17T07:02:47+00:00monthlyhttps://pinchmyself.org/2013/06/06/the-bar-of-seville/2017-02-17T07:01:22+00:00monthlyhttps://pinchmyself.org/2013/06/09/where-waters-meet-and-two-continents-stand-apart/2017-02-17T07:00:22+00:00monthlyhttps://pinchmyself.org/2013/06/11/never-lost-for-pictures-in-ronda/2017-02-17T06:59:40+00:00monthlyhttps://pinchmyself.org/2013/06/14/same-tour-different-journeys/https://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/img_42081.jpgThe Mezquita, CordobaThe Mezquita of Cordoba by night, reflected in a brass doorhttps://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/img_4415.jpgValencia marketsThe food markets in Valencia are housed in an ornately designed building.https://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/img_4397.jpgDoor knocker in ValenciaThe ultimate door handle, in Valencia.https://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/img_4376.jpgCathedral, ValenciaCeiling detail above the altar in the Cathedral, Valencia.https://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/img_4361.jpgHoly Grail?The home of the chalice which has been defended as the true 'Holy Grail' within the Cathedral, Valencia.https://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/img_4345.jpgDownpipe, ValenciaEven the downpipes are decorative in Valencia.https://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/img_4341.jpgTiger nut drinksSampling tiger nut drinks, a local specialty served in Valencia.https://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/img_4334.jpgPost office, ValenciaThe ceiling of the post office in Valencia.https://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/img_4289.jpgSunriseSunrise over the beach at Valencia.https://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/img_4248.jpgSand castle, ValenciaA form of beach busking, this sand castle took the designers a week to build. It must be kept wet all day to protect it from crumbling and they guard them at night.2017-02-17T06:58:47+00:00monthlyhttps://pinchmyself.org/2013/06/28/in-the-arms-of-the-angel/2017-02-17T06:57:18+00:00monthlyhttps://pinchmyself.org/2013/07/04/enjoying-some-time-on-roads-less-travelled/https://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/img_5351.jpgBendigoBendigo is a beautiful old Victorian city about two hours drive from Melbourne.2017-02-17T06:56:20+00:00monthlyhttps://pinchmyself.org/2013/08/03/birds-flying-high-you-know-how-i-feel/2017-02-17T06:54:45+00:00monthlyhttps://pinchmyself.org/2013/08/05/we-are-family-please-come-to-mauritius-with-me/2017-02-17T06:53:49+00:00monthlyhttps://pinchmyself.org/2013/08/09/the-circle-of-life/2017-02-17T06:53:06+00:00monthlyhttps://pinchmyself.org/2013/08/13/from-providence-came-a-new-life-in-australia/2017-02-17T06:52:15+00:00monthlyhttps://pinchmyself.org/2013/08/15/a-womans-world/2017-02-17T06:51:35+00:00monthlyhttps://pinchmyself.org/2013/08/22/finding-strength-in-adversity/2017-02-17T06:50:40+00:00monthlyhttps://pinchmyself.org/2013/08/29/juggling-expectations/2017-02-17T06:49:50+00:00monthlyhttps://pinchmyself.org/2013/09/04/looking-for-adventure-head-out-on-the-highway/2017-02-17T06:49:06+00:00monthlyhttps://pinchmyself.org/2013/09/10/dont-go-changing/https://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_7031.jpgArtisansThere are dedicated enterprises that seek to teach and preserve the traditional methods for arts and crafts, including the production of silk as being practiced here.https://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_7328.jpgPub StreetPub Street in Siem Reap. As the name suggests, it's a street full of pubs and restaurants. Sadly, the lure of tourists with pockets of cash means that this area is also a hot spot for a seedy underbelly.https://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_7292.jpgBuffalo boysThese two boys were herding their water buffalo in the grounds of the Prea Rup temple ruin. We first spotted them from high on the temple, where we could see the water buffalo enjoying a refreshing dip in the deep pools of water created by the wet season.https://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_7281.jpgEye catchingNo magnifying glass required to see this colourful beauty, perched on the steps at one of the temple ruins. When it flew off, it had multiple layers of colourful wings.https://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_7268.jpgRay of lightLoved the way this ray of light seemed to pick out one of the lions guarding the entrance to this part of the Prea Rup temple ruin.https://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_7262.jpgView from the topThe view across the Prea Rup temple complex from the top of the structure.https://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_7250.jpgPrea RupThe majestic Prea Rup temple ruins.https://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_7239.jpgStanding guardThis warrior is one of a number who have stood guard for centuries across the bridges at the entrances to Angkor Thom.https://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_7232.jpgTraditional lifeMany aspects of life for the local people go on as they have for centuries. These women are walking near the wall of Angkor Thom, the last capital city of the ancient Khmer Empire.https://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_7231.jpgMagicalThere's something quite magical about the whole Angkor historic site. No matter how many times you see them, these huge monuments have the power to give you goose bumps.2017-02-17T06:47:45+00:00monthlyhttps://pinchmyself.org/2013/09/15/whenever-you-need-shelter/2017-02-17T06:47:08+00:00monthlyhttps://pinchmyself.org/2013/09/19/its-electrifying/2017-02-17T06:46:20+00:00monthlyhttps://pinchmyself.org/2013/09/22/dont-give-up-cause-you-have-friends/2017-02-17T06:45:29+00:00monthlyhttps://pinchmyself.org/2013/09/27/a-moment-before-we-said-goodbye/2017-02-17T06:44:51+00:00monthlyhttps://pinchmyself.org/2013/10/04/chance-encounters-lasting-impacts/2017-02-17T06:44:02+00:00monthlyhttps://pinchmyself.org/2013/10/10/mountain-beauty-finds-simple-expression/2017-02-17T06:43:14+00:00monthlyhttps://pinchmyself.org/2013/10/17/celebrating-successful-women-laughs-tears-and-all/2017-02-17T06:42:21+00:00monthlyhttps://pinchmyself.org/2013/10/18/thought-and-prayers-for-nsw-people-as-bush-fires-rage/2017-02-17T06:41:46+00:00monthlyhttps://pinchmyself.org/2013/10/26/the-day-the-singing-died/2017-02-17T06:41:04+00:00monthlyhttps://pinchmyself.org/2013/11/01/enough-treasured-stories-of-dad-to-fill-a-book/2017-02-17T06:40:20+00:00monthlyhttps://pinchmyself.org/2013/11/07/a-stunning-man-from-snowy-river-moment-with-my-sister/2017-02-17T06:39:45+00:00monthlyhttps://pinchmyself.org/2013/11/16/make-the-most-of-every-day/2017-02-17T06:39:19+00:00monthlyhttps://pinchmyself.org/2013/11/24/cant-help-myselfie-bad-habits/https://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/img_5816wm.jpgTortoise 'selfie'I couldn't blog about 'selfies' without including an example, so here's one from my trip to Mauritius in August. Selfies have a lot of potential for humour and the joke here is that the tortoise is participating in the selfie. This one was shared on Facebook, with the following caption: M: this is a good spot for a selfie...just need to frame the shot...get it in focus...smile... Tortoise: just take the photo lady, I can't hold this pose forever! :)2017-02-17T06:38:51+00:00monthlyhttps://pinchmyself.org/2013/12/06/singing-in-the-face-of-fear/2017-02-17T06:38:27+00:00monthlyhttps://pinchmyself.org/2013/12/19/now-i-believe-she-can-fly/2017-02-17T06:37:11+00:00monthlyhttps://pinchmyself.org/2014/01/01/bush-christmas-took-me-back-new-year-has-me-looking-forward/2017-02-17T06:36:25+00:00monthlyhttps://pinchmyself.org/2014/01/10/a-friend-in-deed/2017-02-17T06:35:45+00:00monthlyhttps://pinchmyself.org/2014/02/04/same-dad-different-stories/2017-02-17T06:35:08+00:00monthlyhttps://pinchmyself.org/2014/04/21/a-year-of-new-appreciation-for-life/2017-02-17T06:34:26+00:00monthlyhttps://pinchmyself.org/2015/04/21/what-a-difference-a-year-makes/https://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/wmimg_5469.jpgBlack Mountain sunset 3The light and shade make this one dramatic, with hints of silverhttps://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/wmimg_5258.jpgBlack Mountain sunset 2A gallery of sunsets taken over the past year seemed like a fitting illustration, given this blog post foreshadows the current theme of this blog coming to an end. This particularly image is all about the shards of gold.https://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/wmimg_3773.jpgBlack Mountain Sunset 1Love the blues and greys fading into mauve, through pink and then orange2017-02-17T06:32:00+00:00monthlyhttps://pinchmyself.org/2015/04/29/an-anzac-centenary-tribute-to-my-dad/https://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/wmimg_2270.jpgNZ National Memorialhttps://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/wmimg_2258.jpgWMIMG_2258https://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/wmimg_2241.jpgLone Pine Memorialhttps://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/wmimg_2205.jpgHelles Memorialhttps://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/wmimg_2203.jpgFrench War Cemeteryhttps://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/wmimg_2181.jpgAtaturk Memorialhttps://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/wmimg_2179.jpgTrencheshttps://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/wmimg_2177.jpgLone Pinehttps://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/wmimg_2175.jpgBeach Cemeteryhttps://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/wmimg_2171.jpgQuote by Ataturk2017-02-17T06:31:10+00:00monthlyhttps://pinchmyself.org/2016/03/07/uncertainty-and-creativity-make-good-company/2017-02-17T06:30:15+00:00monthlyhttps://pinchmyself.org/2016/06/25/three-things-ive-learned-while-writing-about-a-loved-one/2018-12-04T03:37:40+00:00monthlyhttps://pinchmyself.org/2016/11/08/make-a-difference-in-the-world-one-page-at-a-time/2017-02-17T06:27:40+00:00monthlyhttps://pinchmyself.org/welcome/creative-life/photos/photography-books/black-a-black-mountain-photo-series-by-day-and-night/2017-02-17T06:23:04+00:00weekly0.6https://pinchmyself.org/about-2/2017-02-16T22:25:18+00:00weekly0.6https://pinchmyself.org/welcome/creative-life/writing/dads-story/2017-02-16T22:21:45+00:00weekly0.6https://pinchmyself.org/welcome/blog/2017-02-16T22:19:30+00:00weekly0.6https://pinchmyself.org/disclaimer/2016-11-05T04:55:14+00:00weekly0.6https://pinchmyself.org/2013/06/04/women-and-the-city-of-granada/https://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/img_3176.jpgAlhambraViews of Granada from Alhambrahttps://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/img_3116.jpgCeiling, AlhambraOne of many intricately-designed ceilings at Alhambrahttps://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/img_3096.jpgWalls of AlhambraWall detail at Alhambrahttps://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/img_3075.jpgIMG_3075https://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/img_3069.jpgCave homeCave home, Granadahttps://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/img_3055.jpgChurch, GranadaEvening sun lighting up a church in Granadahttps://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/img_3046.jpgFlamencoFlamenco street performers in Granada, with Alhambra providing a stunning backdrophttps://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/img_3017.jpgGranadaStreets of Granada with Alhambra in the background2016-05-21T01:33:44+00:00monthlyhttps://pinchmyself.org/explore-pinchmyself/2016-03-24T06:46:54+00:00weekly0.6https://pinchmyself.org/2013/06/17/i-leave-spain-and-heave-a-sigh-and-say-goodbye/https://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/img_4976.jpgPark Guell, BarcelonaGaudi's work on display at the Park Guell, against a city backdrop.https://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/img_4975.jpgPark Guell, BarcelonaMosaics have been used extensively by Guadi at the Park Guell.https://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/img_4972.jpgCeilings at the Park GuellThese mosaics feature on the ceilings at the Park Guell.https://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/img_4966.jpgCeilings, Park GuellAnother colourful mosaic by Gaudi at the Park Guellhttps://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/img_4965.jpgPark Guell, BarcelonaA forest of columns and mosaics at Park Guell, Barcelona.https://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/img_4954.jpgPark Guell, BarcelonaPark Guell, named after one of Gaudi's patrons, is a popular tourist attraction in Barcelona.https://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/img_4947.jpgPark GuellOne of a couple of Gaudi buildings at the Park Guell.https://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/img_4941.jpgLizard, Park GuellThis iconic Gaudi lizard has inspired an industry of fridge magnets and t-shirts in Barcelona.https://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/img_4862.jpgGaudi houseThe Batilo House, built by Guadi in Barcelonahttps://pinchmyself.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/img_4840.jpgGaudi LampOne of Gaudi's first and only public commissions - the lamps for the Plaza Reial in Barcelona.2016-03-24T06:22:26+00:00monthlyhttps://pinchmyself.org/2013/06/21/sounds-of-silence-as-i-head-home/2016-03-24T06:21:54+00:00monthlyhttps://pinchmyself.org/2013/07/12/why-this-blog-has-been-hard-to-write/2016-03-24T06:19:48+00:00monthlyhttps://pinchmyself.org/2013/07/22/little-rays-of-sunshine/2016-03-24T06:18:09+00:00monthlyhttps://pinchmyself.org/about/2016-03-24T05:20:58+00:00weekly0.6https://pinchmyself.orgdaily1.02023-03-20T03:49:16+00:00