Spring Days 1

Clear blue skies are the perfect background

For the first flush of blossom.

Behind, a poplar sprouts yellow green buds.

Hipstamatic, Lucas AB2 Lens, Kodot XGrizzled Film

Spanish Interlude 4

Sometimes it rains in Spain

High in the mountains of Andalucia

This small white village,

Villaluenga del Rosario,

Sits on the side of a mountain

Limestone pitted with caves.

Sheep, goats and hens in the valley below.

Hipstamatic, James M Lens, BlacKeys B+W film

Back in Jerez, the sun shone.

I roamed the walls of the Alcazar

Looking for the right picture to capture the bright sun

And shadows of the jacaranda and orange trees

That line the Alameda Vieja.

Hipstamatic, John S Lens, Ina's 1969 Film

The last shot of the day

It all fell into place

Light, shadow, white and black,

Warm sunlight on this ancient urban space

Lined with trees that give such grace.

Hipstamatic, John S Lens, BlacKeys B+W Film

Spanish Interlude 3

Jerez in spring, it is the smell and sight of oranges

bright on the green trees that line the city streets

that stick long in the memory.

Hipstamatic, James M Lens, Ina's 1969 Film.

Hot sun from a cloudless sky

Narrow shaded streets of ochre and white

Lined with trees of viridian hue

Heavy with orange fruit bright

Against the dark green leaves.

Sweet perfume of creamy orange blossom

Scents the warm still air

Mingles with the tang of oranges

Crushed, fallen by the wayside

People pass without a care.

Near a Bodega's white washed walls

A sweet alcohol taste of crushed grapes

Their juice maturing into rich sherry

Coopered casks of burnt oak

Piled high in cool dark halls.

Hidden away in arched courtyards,

Inherited from the Moors.

The music of falling water

Tinkles refreshingly, reflects off

Blue and yellow tiled walls

Glimpsed through open doors.

The cobbled surface of the Plaza de Arenal, Jerez.

Hipstamatic, James M Lens, Ina's 1969 Film

Cool shaded courtyards.

Hipstamatic, James M Lens, Ina's 1969 Film

Spanish Interlude 2

The cathedral of Jerez de la Frontera, surrounded by ochre walls and orange trees.

Hipstamatic, James M Lens, Pistil film.

Sunlight and shadow on the cathedral steps.

Hipstamatic, James M Lens, BlacKeys B+W Film.

Tio Pepe, founder of the Gonzalez Byass sherry bodega, Jerez,  is honoured

by this statue near the cathedral.

Hipstamatic, John S Lens, Ina's 1969 Film

Spanish Interlude 1

Jerez de la Frontera, Alcazar

Tall palms swaying in the warm wind

Which sweeps across Andalucia

Reach high above the fortress walls

Pitted with holes now home to roosting birds.

Hipstamatic, James M Lens, Ina's 1935 Film

Delicate Beauty

The bright sunshine

Brings forth nature in all its glory

A newly hatched butterfly

Sits soaking up the warmth of the day.

Hipstamatic, James M Lens, Kodot XGrizzled Film

Calm spring weather

A beautiful spring afternoon at Skerries, Ireland.

The bay calm and clear,

Reflecting the clouds floating past

A feeling of warmth in the atmosphere.

Hipstamatic, James M Lens, Ina's 1969 Film

White sail in shades of blue and green

Sunlight catches a white sail against a threatening sky,

The world is a symphony of blue and green.

Hipstamatic, Hornbecker Lens, Pistil Film

Simple Fruit

A simple bowl of fruit

Bright, vivid orange satsumas

Catch the eye

And impose their simple beauty

On the senses.

Hipstamatic, Loftus Lens, Catelli's DC Film