Cee’s Fun Photo Challenge: Shadows

So, having had two weeks off from my blog, I´m having what you might call: withdrawal symptoms. I´ve a longing to catch up on everything I´ve missed while I was away – an impossible mission but I can only try.
Truth be told; I´m looking forward to this weekend when I´ll have the time to sit down and catch up on some of my favourite blogs, check out some of my new followers and catch up on some posts. It´s crazy, I´m so driven to get my blog back up and running but struggle to find the time during the week! So; all I can say is roll on this weekend.
As I was scrolling through my reader last night, when I should have really been sleeping, I saw Cee´s Fun Photo Challenge and I loved it. So; I decided to try to fit it in. I´m new to Cee´s Fun Challenge. I´ve seen lots of entries on blogs I follow and have been fascinated by the creativity of this challenge but haven´t been brave enough to actually enter myself.
That said, time to bite the bullet, get over my fear and enter the challenge. After all, as the title suggests, it is only for fun! So enough of my rambling and onto the challenge. I´m only putting forward three photos in this weeks challenge, all of which were taken on my holiday in Ireland, I decided baby steps were the best way forward!
So, here you have it – my humble entry into this weeks challenge. I hope you enjoy it!

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So, there you have it, my humble entry into the challenge this week. If you liked it and would like to see some more, or you would  simply like to enter the challenge yourself,  then click here to be brought to the challenge page.

Hope you all are having a great day.

Thank you for reading and I will talk to you in my next post.

Giana xoxo

Weekly Photo Challenge: On Top

So, as you may have noticed, I disappeared for two weeks. Don´t worry, I´m not flaking on my blog, I have no intention of going anywhere. However, I was on holidays. I had hoped to have better access to the internet while I was away but, sadly, that was not the case. I was living off the limited service that my phone provided me with. So; lesson learned – next time I decide to go on holidays I´ll schedule my posts to publish in my absence. What can I say? I was naïve: forgive me!

That said, having missed the weekly challenge last week, I was eager to get this one in on time. I was quite excited when I saw the challenge. I managed to fit in a lot of hill walking on my little trip to Ireland. I feel that this challenge allows me to show off the beautiful landscape that I was lucky enough to see on my trip, while also serving as a little warm up to the posts to come.

So; all that´s left to say is – enjoy!

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So, there you have it, my humble entry into the weekly challenge this week. If you liked it, and would like to see some more, check out these entries:

http://thewritemight.me/2014/04/19/weekly-photo-challenge-on-top/

weekly photo challenge: on top

https://solaner.wordpress.com/2014/04/18/the-daily-post-on-top/

http://ordibild.com/2014/04/19/on-top/

http://esengasvoice.wordpress.com/2014/04/18/weekly-photo-challenge-on-top/

http://shoot2blog.wordpress.com/2014/04/21/weekly-photo-challenge-on-top/

Or click here to be brought to the challenge page.

Hope you all are having a great day.

Thank you for reading and I will talk to you in my next post.

Giana xoxo

 

 

Weekly Photo Challenge: Thresholds

The weekly challenge this week is an interesting one, depending on the interpretation you choose to take on it, and it is also one that I can easily relate to.

This year, for me, was one in which I experienced a few of life´s major thresholds. All of which were natural transitions of live, waves (or in some cases tidal waves) of change that we all have to ride on at some point. These waves of change bring up so many emotions that you never knew you could have. Emotions such as hope, anticipation, fear, uncertainty and apprehension.

However, whatever emotions these changes stir up, one thing is for sure: change is necessary. It alters our paths and, while sometimes we may begrudge it at first, the sooner we learn to roll with it, the better.

As I stand at a pivotal threshold in my life; one in which I learn to accept and embrace the changes that have occurred, I can´t help but smile. That´s the great thing about thresholds – as you learn to put your best foot forward, learn to take the plunge in the right direction – you slowly begin to leave your loss, your fear and the past behind you. The unknown awaits you, whether it´s good or bad, and that´s exciting.

So, here´s to stepping over that threshold. Here´s to the change that awaits us. Here´s to the thresholds that lead us to discovery, awareness and awakening. And here´s to having the courage to walk through that door.

So, with that said, here are my offerings for the weekly photo challenge. I hope you like them and my interpretation of the theme. Enjoy.

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Threshold
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Threshold
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So, there you have it, my humble entry into the weekly challenge this week. If you liked it, and would like to see some more, check out these entries:

1. http://ubecute.com/2014/04/05/thresholds/

2. http://theeternaltraveller.wordpress.com/2014/04/06/weekly-photo-challenge-threshold/

3. http://mhdriver.wordpress.com/2014/04/06/weekly-photo-challenge-threshold/

4. http://sued51too.wordpress.com/2014/04/06/weekly-photo-challenge-threshold-ii/

5. http://shoot2blog.wordpress.com/2014/04/05/weekly-photo-challenge-threshold/

Or click here to be brought to the challenge page.

Hope you all are having a great day.

Thank you for reading and I will talk to you in my next post.

Giana xoxo

A little Sunday Drive: Novelda, Spain.

A few weeks ago, on a Sunday, my mum and I were a little restless. The sun was glorious, little Betsy (our car) was ready for some action and my growing list of places worth visiting was burning a hole in my pocket. Everything was pointing us in the direction of a little adventure – and what an adventure it was.

Men Hard At Work.

We got our things together and set off on a little road trip – destination: Novelda. Novelda is a sweet little town tucked away in the Valle del Medio Vinalopó, about 241 meters above the sea. It´s a town which is rich in modernist heritage. It boasts many magnificent squares, which are full of character, lots of beautiful parks and a lovely market place. What I liked about it though, even more than the architecture, was the people. They were all conjugated in the copious squares basking in the evening sunshine while catching up on the day´s gossip.


While the town itself is quite special, filled with charm, its biggest surprise is located roughly 3km from the town centre; St. Mary Magdalene´s sanctuary. This modernist building was designed in the 19th century by José Sala Sala, who was born in Novelda, and took his inspiration for its design from Catalonian Modernism.

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I have to say that, while the town itself was delightful, nothing could have prepared me for the beauty that awaited me at the sanctuary. I had heard a lot about this place, both from my mum and several guidebooks I have read. However, despite this, I was totally caught off guard by sheer beauty that unfolded before me. Located at the top of a steep hill, overlooking the Vinalopó Valle, the setting truly is picturesque. The upward trek is astonishing with the rich colours which spread out across the mountainous countryside serving as a backdrop to this breathtaking building decorated with modernist motifs, ceramics and bricks. I have to admit: it´s hard not to be blown away by what the area has to offer.

By the time I reached the sanctuary I felt exhilarated and quite excited to see what this enticing building was like up close. I am delighted to say that I wasn´t disappointed in the slightest! Its authenticity and originality added to its character. I found myself completely lost in the splendour that surrounded me, every minute uncovering a new beauty.

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Threshold
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Novelda
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Novelda

It´s easy to see why this hidden gem is the symbol for the town. While writing this post I came to a startling realisation. That realisation being: pictures fail and words let you down when it comes to sharing the beauty of this place, you need to see it in person to really appreciated it. José´s design is out of this world and it couldn´t have been built in a more complimentary area. If you haven´t yet visited Novelda, and you happen to be in the area, I suggest a visit. You won´t be disappointed.

I hope that you enjoyed reading about my little Sunday trip and that you´ve all had a fantastic weekend.
Thank you for reading and I will talk to you in my next post.

Giana xoxo