Where did February go?

Sorry if you follow this blog because you must have become incrediably bored waiting for updates. The last post was on the 3rd about a photo shoot last month. So, what am I up to? What have I been doing in the whole month? Did I go on holiday? Was I ill? Was I inundated with work? Well, there were several things, and to sum them up, busyness with work and my dad has been in hospital basically since the Australia Day (26th Jan).

Many of you would know, on the 7th February, Victoria has experienced its worst bush fire in history in what is known as the "Black Saturday". Over 200 people lost their lives and I indirectly know at least two of them. I would have loved to take pictures of the amazingly beautiful (colourful) sky when it was covered with smoke or haze. But then, personally, I didn't feel right to enjoy the sky in such tragic time so I didn't take any picture... No offense to those who did.

Anyway, had a couple of photo assignments on Thursday. Firstly for NAB, then again for the Manningham city council for the Healthy Lifestyle Week Launch and the Retirement Expo Launch. Yeah, all on the same day. So I picked up my camera again after an unusually long break (thank God the batteries kept their charge well)... Yesteday (Friday), I took a few more pics just nearby. Here they are..

If a photographer's work reflects his mood or what is in his heart/head... What message do these pics convey to you? Saddness? Depression? A sense of lost? It is a fairly dark footpath, winding, and no hint where it leads to... Well, the end of the road is actually an amazing sunset, full of colours and vegetation (and houses - family - people), full of hope, power and life. It is rich and beautiful. Can you picture it? :)

Melbourne Weekly Eastern A Celebration of the Nation

I am going to be a copy-cat this time. Just noticed one of my pics in the local Magazine - Melbourne Weekly Eastern (Feb 3-9 aka week 5 2009 Volume 3). Below is the pic and the article. :)

"There were flags and barbecues, music and citizenship ceremonies across the nation last Monday in celebration of Australia Day. In Manningham, 63 people became Australian citizens and many more enjoyed the festivities on offer at the council offices in Doncaster. Mayor Charles Pick (second from the left) and councillor Fred Chuah (right) were on hand to announce Manningham's Citizen of the Year and Young Citizen of the Year. Heather Ambrose (left) was named Citizen of the Year for her work with Manningham U3A, and Eve Ember (second from right) was handed the Young Citizen of the Year for her outstanding achievements in tae kwon do, at school and as a teacher of martial art."

Manningham Council, thank you very much for giving me the opportunity to serve you. Looking forward to serving you again.

Congratulations Heather and Eve for your excellent achievement!

Visit here for more information about Manningham U3A or if you want to help or sign-up to a course. Heather is the Volunteer Coordinator and she teaches Psychology there.