Simples

Meerkats are everywhere at the moment. TV programs, adverts, cuddly toys, garden ornaments, t-shirts. These ones, in the window of the Pied Piper shop in Montpellier, are all dressed ready for the Christmas festivities. Have you got yours?!

If today's title means nothing to you, go here to see what started the Meerkat madness.

Spring Chicken

I was very tempted to have a go on this kids toy in Fairview Park! There was no one around, hence the photo in a children's park, but I controlled my child-ish urges and took a grown up photo instead!

Have a playful weekend.

Tea For Two

This cute couple were in the window of the Art Gallery and Museum, also promoting Affordable Art. They look quite happy at the picnic waiting to tuck into their knitted cupcakes. I want the little rabbit! Sad, I know.

My Cuddly Valentine

I completely forgot about this photo. I had it lined up for Valentines Day but it totally slipped my mind, so you get to see it now. This was the window display of the Pied Piper shop that I showed you last week. The stuffed toys looked so cute with all the hearts. Altoghter now - Ahhhh!

I've got a lot on this week, and its not work - its fun! Anyway, I'm scheduling posts and will comment when I can.

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A Rats Tale

This friendly little chap makes up part of the art work on the outside of The Pied Piper shop in Montpellier. The shop sells collectable teddy bears, dolls, dollhouses and all things soft and cuddly. The full shop front is below.

I decided that I would look into the story of The Pied Piper of Hamelin to accompany today's post and I have to say it is a disturbing tale. I must have read the Ladybird version when I was younger, as the true story is far from a fairy tale. Basically the town of Hamelin was over-run with rats and the townsfolk called upon the Pied Piper, who had suddenly appeared within their community, to rid them of the infestation. The residents agreed to pay the piper if he could do the job. As we all know - the piper piped, the rats followed, he led them to the river and they all drowned. The towns people wouldn't pay the piper so, while they were in church, he piped again and this time the children of Hamelin followed. The Pied Piper led 130 boys and girls to a cave and they were never seen again. The version I know is that two children, one lame and one deaf, remained in the town and told the adults of the other childrens abduction. The parents paid the piper and the children were freed.

In reality the children were never seen again. It is believed that they were either killed in a landslide, that they left on a religious pilgrimage, that they were drowned in the river or worst of all, the mysterious piper killed and dismembered them. The story dates from the 14th Century and over time has changed many times. I guess we'll never really know what happened but it was no fairy tale ending.

If you have some time and want to read a version of the story by Robert Browning, published in 1842, here it is.
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Sweet Injustice

I hope you all appreciate this photo. Its the photo that got me a warning! I could have been banned from the Beechwood Shopping Arcade!

On my trip to take photos on Monday I went for a wander round the Beechwood Arcade. I came across this newly installed sweet and toy vending station, and I thought to myself 'that'll make an interesting post...' so I started snapping. The next thing I know a security guard is heading my way. He asks me to stop taking photos. I reply 'Oh...' He says 'the Centre management don't like it.' I say 'Oh.' And, like a good boy, I put my camera back in its case and walk away.

Then I began thinking...I don't remember seeing a 'No Photography' sign...if I was a parent taking a snap of my children would the same of happened?...if I was a teenager with my mates, messing about with my camera phone, would I have been told off?...doesn't the half empty Beechwood Shopping Centre want a bit of free global publicity? Obviously not.

This is the first time anything like this has happened to me while taking a photo. I know this issue has been discussed before on other CDPB's, but what do you think?

One final thing - The best photo would have been when I left the Arcade and I saw the security guard enjoying an ice cream. But I thought I'd better not push my luck!

Theme Day - My Local Corner Shop

Its the first of the month and that means its Theme Day again!

Although this isn't my local shop (its just on the edge of Cheltenham town centre, not far from where I live) I just had to show it, as its name fits the theme perfectly! This newsagent and toy shop is on the corner of Bath Road. Its been there for as long as I can remember and has never changed. As you can see its looking a bit tired, with flaking paint and a faded window display, but inside it is full to the rafters with all sorts of childhood delights! When I was a little boy my Aunt used to take me with her shopping on Bath Road. We used to go in her Morris Minor, which we called The Old Banger, and we would sing 'She'll Be Coming Round The Mountain' (ahh, memories.) If I was a good boy she would take me to The Corner Shop for a toy as a treat. Happy times!

Take a visit to some of the other 173 City Daily Photo Blogs taking part in this Theme Day, just Click here to view thumbnails for all participants