Buddha and Fairies

I notice a lot of buddha statues at the Queensland house, and this made me wonder why we seem to have a preocupation with collecting these idols and whta is the attraction ans calming influence they may evoke.

Nikon D300, Tokina 11-16mm f2.8 @ ISO 200, f2.8, 11mm, 1/200sec

Buddha means ‘Awakened One’, someone who has awakened from ignorance and sees things as they really are. Every living being has the same basic wish, that is to be happy and to avoid suffering.

Nikon D300, Nikkor 70-200mm f2.8 @ ISO 200, 140mm f2.8, 1/200 sec

When things go wrong in our life and we encounter difficult situations we tend to regard the situation itself as the problem, but in reality whatever problems we experience come from the mind.

Nikon D300, Nikkor 70-200mm f2.8 @ ISO 200, 70mm f2.8, 1/320 sec

If we were to respond to difficult situations with a positive or peaceful mind they would not be problems for us, we may even come to regard them as challenges or opportunities for growth and development. Problems arise when we respond to difficulties with a negative state of mind.

Nikon D300, Nikkor 70-200mm f2.8 @ ISO 200, 105mm f2.8, 1/160 sec

And then there's a lot of fairies! Don't start me on the fairies . . . .

Nikon D300, Nikkor 70-200mm f2.8 @ ISO 200, 70mm f2.8, 1/250 sec

Eladio

The best thing about Christmas is getting to see your family. Here is my grandson Eladio after two caramel milkshakes and a stack of pancakes!

Nikon D300, Nikkor 35mm f2 @ ISO 200, f2.0, 1/320sec

Queensland on the iPhone

Now you can access Queensland on your iPhone, you can search for accommodation, attractions and events from your current location, anywhere in the Sunshine State.There's descriptive content with phone numbers, email and website links so you can connect directly. The location awarebApp can reveal an event or attraction in your vicinity. Use this link

Bee-have in New England

While on our way to Mount Tamborine Queensland we stopped in a small town called Uralla. This little town is famous for it's connection with a legendary bushranger called Captain Thunderbolt. The grave of Thunderbolt (Fred Ward) is here and Thunderbolt Rock, a large granite boulder just south on the highway, is where he and his gang reputedly hid waiting for passing Cobb & Co. coaches to rob. The town is in hilly country 1,005 metres above sea level on the Northern Tablelands of the New England region of New South Wales about 500 km north-north east of Sydney and about 20 km south of Armidale. While in a park in the town centre I came across these guys.

Busy Bee

Nikon D300, Nikkor 105mm f2.8 @ ISO 200, 105mm f3.3, 1/250 sec

Very Busy Bee

Nikon D300, Nikkor 105mm f2.8 @ ISO 200, 105mm f3.3, 1/1000 sec

"Look Out He's Coming Straight For You" Angry Bee

Nikon D300, Nikkor 105mm f2.8 @ ISO 200, 105mm f3.5, 1/2500 sec

One of the Bees feminine butterfly friends

Nikon D300, Nikkor 105mm f2.8 @ ISO 200, 105mm f3.2, 1/4000 sec

Another one of the Bees feminine butterfly friends

Nikon D300, Nikkor 105mm f2.8 @ ISO 200, 105mm f3.2, 1/3200 sec

How Can I Help?

How can we help we asked?

Nikon D300, Nikkor 70-200mm f2.8 @ ISO 200, 200mm f2.8, 1/100 sec

Is this illustration below of Andrea in the back yard cheerfully hanging out the laundry to dry? When asked if I could possibly help by doing this job, I said "sure!" but the next image made me wonder how long has it been since anyone did this at our house?

(Below) The one lonely peg.

Nikon D300, Nikkor 105mm f2.8 @ ISO 200, f3.0, 1/250 sec
I think I will go fishing instead.

Nikon D300, Nikkor 105mm f2.8 @ ISO 200, f3.0, 1/100 se

Hermione thinks that's a great idea.

Nikon D300, Nikkor 70-200mm f2.8 @ ISO 200, 200mm, f8.0, 1/80 sec

More Christmas Lights

December, don't you love it . . .

Nikon D300, Nikkor 35mm f2 @ ISO 200, f2.0, 1/30sec

Nikon D300, Nikkor 35mm f2 @ ISO 200, f2.0, 1/30 sec

Nikon D300, Nikkor 35mm f2 @ ISO 200, f2.0, 1/3 sec