summer's close (as diana sees it)

Summer is drawing to an end. Colder airs are ebbing in--yet the sun just keeps on shining.

I took these with Diana last year. They're a little oddly cut, it has to be said. But I love the colours.

let's think positive

I've had a headache for three days, now, that I just can't seem to shift. It's interrupted my plans today--my already laid-back, weekend plans--because I couldn't bear the 30 minute train ride over to Arnold's. (Our trains here verge on prehistoric. Sometimes the doors don't even open, mechanically, at the end of the line).

So this afternoon, I took a walk. I freed myself of the cloudy perspective such a headache instils--where the optimism and the hope seems to drain and you struggle, despite yourself, to see clarity--and it was, without a doubt, exactly what I needed. I took Diana along for the little stroll because I haven't used her in a while--sadly--and I don't know why. Even though her counter is broken and she halts a lot as I wind her, she's still as beautiful as ever. Still as inspiring; still making me feel "me". (Is that a really, really pretentious thing to say? Forgive me, if it is).

On the walk, I started thinking about the things I'm thankful for (present headache excluded)--and I thought I'd share.

So today, today I'm grateful and thankful and appreciative of: my new duffle coat (the one that makes me feel like Paddington Bear); love (because it is, hands down, the most inspiring thing); productivity (because it is cleansing and it is satisfying); candles (because they are just what this time of year is about); colour (because autumn is so rich and vibrant with it); snail mail (because it is fun to read and fun to write); and stitching (because it is a great, great distraction).

What are you thankful for, today? Please, please feel free to leave your own list in a comment.

I hope you're having a lovely, lovely weekend.

I'm looking forward to tomorrow. Hopefully, it will be a day spent with some important (to me) people. One very special one in particular.

diana double

I thought I'd share a few Diana half-frames from around this time last year.

That little plastic lens of hers sure does make me appreciate the things I see--the things I envelop myself in on breezy, summer days.

Out of interest, what are you doing today?

I am about to go out bowling with friends. I love bowling--or rather, I love bowling badly!

Have a lovely day.

italiano, by someone else's lens

By chance I stumbled across these beautiful, beautiful shots taken with a Diana Mini.

(Source)

And it's funny, because Italy is place I have been dreaming about a lot lately.

I will go there.

on reading week

It is reading week and I have done no reading. But the essays have been handed in (in the clumsiest, most disorganised way) and that is all that seems to count.

Today I saw a puppy chase his own tail and I got rained on, twice, whilst waiting for a train. It was a good day.

I should be spending tomorrow, with my love, by the cold, wintry sea.

And, most likely, I will continue to obsess over Christmas.

(From my first Diana roll).

diana mini

My new Diana Mini came in the post yesterday. I have already had one roll of film developed and cut.*

A child of the digital age, it frustrates me that I have never used a proper film camera before. The expectancy, the unknown, the pure artistry (which I confess to not having yet mastered) is a lot of fun.

In the book related world, I came across this:

I thought it was pretty fun, too. (See more here).

This weekend I am off to York. Hopefully, it will involve some more Diana fun - especially if I work out my ISO/light confusion. I have never been to York. I am quietly excited about seeing the city.

*If I work out exactly how to use my scanner, maybe some of my pictures will be posted.