Blog Day The Tenin Technique

How could I not come back for this momentous occasion in CDPB history? And what is a party without punch? So, here I am!

Hello everyone. How have you been? Good. Me? I've been OK. Busy. Not picked up my camera since New Years Eve, until last week. It felt very strange actually but the break from snapping pictures has done me good. I'm still not ready to come back to Cheltenham Daily Photo yet. One day maybe. But I am starting to take photos again. And reminding myself why I liked photography in the first place. Anyway. Today isn't about me.

Today's special Blog Day is to celebrate the start of this wonderful community, 5 short years ago, by our great leader Eric Tenin, with the first daily city photo blog - Paris Daily Photo. The challenge for this unique theme day is to take a photo in the style of the 'Friendly Parisian', either on the ground or at a jaunty angle. This is my tribute to Eric - Cheltenham Town Hall as seen from the pavement.

Check out who else has come to the anniversary party by clicking here.

Theme Day - ChangesThe Last Post

Its the first day of the new year, the first day of the month and the last post here at Cheltenham Daily Photo. As I mentioned yesterday I'm ending the blog to concentrate on other things.

As its the first of the month its Theme Day here in the CDPB community. The theme this month is Changes, which makes a change from the usual 'Best Photo Of The Year', which is now on the 15th, and as I won't be here for that, I'm posting it now, as a change. Got that?! Good!

This photo was originally posted in May and, although its not an earth-shattering photo, the view from the top of Leckhampton Hill is Cheltenham to a lot of people. Its certainly one of my favourite views of my home town. To see all the other Changes participants click here.

And now the part I've been dreading - the goodbye. Over the last two-and-a-bit years I've learnt so much about the town I call home, seen new places, and taken more photographs than I have ever taken in my life. I never imagined that I'd become a blogger (me?! I can barely use a computer!) and join an amazing community, full of inspiring people. Some of you out there are fantastic photographers, others tell wonderful tales, but all are proud of where you live. And all of you should be very proud of your achievements as Daily Photo Bloggers. Its a joyous journey, not without its moments of struggle, but well worth it. The best.

Thank you to everyone who has followed, commented, encouraged and supported me and Cheltenham Daily Photo. It has never been taken for granted. It is very much appreciated. I have made some lovely friends, friends I feel I know very well, but have never met. Thank you to you all.

I wish all of you the very best of luck with your blogging adventure. Goodbye.

And Now The End Is Near

Its the last day of the year and its also my penultimate post. Yes, tomorrow is my final post.

I've got a lot on over the next couple of months, so I'm taking a break to concentrate on other things. I'm not sure whether I'll return to Cheltenham Daily Photo. I may start a new photo blog of some sort at some point in the future, but for now I need to stop.

Over the last year on Cheltenham Daily Photo I have achieved posting every single day. It was, at times, a struggle and I think at some points my photography has suffered, but over the last few months I feel I've turned out some good photos. Photos that I am quite proud of. As I've mentioned in the past, the thought of needing a photo for the sake of a post is not always the best inspiration. I am amazed at how Eric (our great leader) and others who post 365 days a year, year in year out, find the creativity to keep on going. Hats off to them. In fact hats off to all of us who keep our blogs going regularly, not necessarily daily, but post a photo most of the time. Its no mean feat.

Tomorrow is Theme Day, time for goodbyes then, but for now enjoy the last day of the year. See it out with a celebration and welcome the new one with open arms.

Life Is Like A Butterfly

I just realised, I've never told you about Cheltenhams illustrious career as a star of a sitcom. Well, maybe more short lived than illustrious! Back in the late 70's and early 80's the TV program Butterflies was filmed in and around Cheltenham. It was about a woman who wanted to change her life but didn't quite manage it. I only ever watched about half an episode. Once I'd seen the Prom, the Municipal Offices and Hatherley Park I'd had enough! Why watch it on telly when you can see it in real life?!

Reduced

I told you the sales had started. I braved them this morning. Town was bursting with shoppers and most of them were in a post-christmas-must-get-a-bargain frame of mind. In other words - they kept getting in my way! The majority of shops I looked in had stuff in the sale that was in extra extra large sizes. No good for me. I did pick up a nice blue cardigan though, to match my eyes!

Green Bloom

As most of you know, I have a thing for green flowers. They just look so cool!

Looking Up

The Caryatids are one Cheltenhams most recognisable features. They run the length of Montpellier, supporting all the buildings. Well its better than boring old columns!

Sunset Steeple

The steeple of St Gregory's church as the sun was going down on another day.

I hope you all had a good Christmas. Mine was great, but it is what you make it. Here in the UK its Boxing Day today, basically a bit more of Christmas Day! The sales start and today is being called Super Saturday, as its the first time in 11 years that Boxing Day has fallen on a Saturday. Retailers are hoping that sales today will be beat those of Christmas Eve, when 1 million pounds was being spent every minute! Recession? What recession?!

Merry Christmas

Have a wonderful Christmas. Enjoy.

'Twas The Night Before Christmas

"Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"

Only one more sleep until the big guy comes and leaves a little something for all the good boys and girls. Yes, its Christmas Eve. All the rushing around, shopping, wrapping and decorating stop tonight, and its time to enjoy Christmas and all the things that it means to you.

As I'm working today, and then off to the pub for the obligatory Christmas Eve drink, I won't get around to you all to say happy Christmas. So I'll take this opportunity to wish and yours a very happy and peaceful Christmas, and I hope it is everything that you dreamed it would be. Merry Christmas everyone.

And here is the poem in full.

Glitter Girl

Not a lot to say. A glittery girl sitting in a shop window. Helping to sell sofas! With the obligatory seasonal attire - a Santa hat!

Only two more sleeps!

A Light Dusting

Nowhere near as much as the East coast of America, and a bit less than most of Britain, but we have had snow. A light icing-sugar dusting but it still snowed. And it is cold. So cold. But after all it is December, so what else should we expect? We may even get a white Christmas. That would be magical.

The Office

I'm one of the lucky ones. I don't work in an office. I'm sure lots of people out there love working in a little cubicle or in an open plan working area, but its just not my thing. I couldn't think of anything worse. But if I did work in an office I'd love to work for Ricky Gervais' David Brent. Now that is a boss! Cringe makingly hilarious! His comedy series The Office was one of the funniest TV shows of the last decade. Brilliant stuff.

Speaking of office based brilliance, I've found a fantastic blog. It was Blog Of Note last week and it is laugh-out-loud funny. Mr London Street is wonderfully observant of all aspects of life and his office sounds hysterical. I've just started reading and playing catch up, but this post, about food descriptions and the staff canteen is so funny my sides were hurting from laughing! I should say that the sensitive amongst you might be offended by some of Mr London Streets tales but it is so well written I'm sure you'll let him off. Anyway, check it out. Very funny! Did I mention I found it funny?!

Inside The Pump Room

Just a quick, and rather late, post today. I've been busy getting into the festive spirit. Basically eating and drinking and visiting!

As the title says, this is a shot from inside Pitville Pump Room.

Normal service resumes tomorrow!