Going to Seed

Spring has yet to appear in Norway; there's probably a good month or two of winter left here, but that's no reason not to start thinking ahead, to when all the seeds one planted last year may (or may) not appear as buds in the garden. Or to think about what quick-growing vegetables to sew when the snow melts. All this is purely academic as I do not even have a garden, just a little balcony, but I am nevertheless fascinated by seeds and anything that grows. And I loved the sight of this display in a local florist's backroom. The order and colour and excitement of such a confrontation is infectious, inspiring, and unlike similar displays of –for instance– sweets, everything here looks gorgeously healthy! I felt it was an interesting image (or series of images) to capture, and I particularly liked it that there are four empty slots in the shelves –breaking the perfection just a little.

Location: Oslo, Norway

Southbank

Big Ben is currently surrounded by scaffolding and undergoing necessary repairs, but this picture is from before the time when this work started and thus the palace of Westminster is uncluttered and Big Ben itself magnificent and proud in the early evening. We're on London's Southbank looking across the Thames. I've always adored the ornate lampposts that line the embankment on each side of the river. Here they have not yet been lit and are in the shade of the overhanging bridge so the decorative dolphins that enwrap each post cannot be seen but they are as much a part of London's landscape as Big Ben itself. I just liked this picture because it captured for me a moment and a mood and so much of what makes me love London.

Location: London, England

Gloves and Mittens Gone AWOL -No 12

Yes, the gloves and mittens continue to go AWOL, especially now that winter has taken a firm grip. Here, a musically-minded glove crawls slowly towards the entrance of Oslo's opera house, perhaps to take in a performance. Interestingly, this is not a traditional opera glove, for they are generally longer and worn by ladies almost up to the elbow; what we have here is something far less elegant, but who said that even the lowliest of glove should not enjoy opera. There's a story here somewhere, but that's for someone else to write. meanwhile, the glove edges closer to the door and the wonderful, magical world inside...

Location: Oslo, Norway