http://search.deviantart.com/?q=by:chillipope&section=today deviantART RSS for by:chillipope en-us Copyright 2010, deviantART.com Tue, 05 Jan 2010 17:44:30 PST deviantART.com http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss http://s.deviantart.com/minish/widgets/apple-touch-icon-precomposed.png http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/29363995/ http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/29363995/ Fri, 01 Jan 2010 08:45:31 PST

*****

i've visited the ear-nose-throat guy just before xmas and discovered i'm going deaf, very quickly in the old left ear :0( - can't hear high-pitched at all, and my tinnitus is chronic

i'm lucky it's not blindness, so it could be far worse.

so i decided to go out and enjoy the crisp, crunch of frost, and the chirruping of all the finches in the dead sunflowers, the robins fighting for territory, the warning call of mr blackbird and a dozen other sounds i'll miss if i go completely deaf. i know i'll be able to wear an aid to give me back some quality of sounds but i'm not sure if it'll be the same


[link]

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http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/28934269/ Mon, 14 Dec 2009 01:12:30 PST

*****

i'm not a lover of xmas, you may be aware, but i like to share love at this time - not expensive gifts. presence and not presents you might say.
i love fir trees and hate gaudy decorations. love snow and frost, hate slush and false sentiment.

regardless the Will Clan wishes you all love, wishes you get everything you deserve and that the new year brings you peace and joy.



:iconWildlifeUK :
on a seperate note, and thanks for the reminder Sheryl , one of the clubs i enjoy so much and admin for suffered a lapsed sub. several of you lovely guys i know are already WATCHERS and Members.

due to the "stuff" i've been involved with this year, and my studies poor Lisa has tried to keep everything running but we need help so i'm passing round the begging bowl to my friends. dA offer an additional subscription for every subscription taken out right now, and if there is anything you could offer to help us out i would be obliged.

i'd sub myself but Seth and Mena have birthdays (23rd and 27th Dec) and i recently suffered changed circumstances at work, thus have concerns over future costs (i.e. my final year of the degree). if you could help, it would be marvelous, if you could join and submit (U.K. wildlife only) that would also be ace.

be well

i LOVE you - thanks for helping keep our club going

*****

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http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/28804945/ Mon, 07 Dec 2009 12:32:44 PST

*****

baby, it's all right now ...



funny how finding that album you looked for for ages can put a huge smile on your face

*****

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=chillipope http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/28709639/ http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/28709639/ Wed, 02 Dec 2009 13:05:13 PST

*****

is it just me or has the past fortnight gotten a little stale ? hard work finding something fresh, fragrant, orignal stylee ?

i'm struggling too - i wish it were summer

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... ]]> =chillipope http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/28484172/ http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/28484172/ Sat, 21 Nov 2009 08:52:14 PST

just found out i'm not the peace-loving hippy i thought i'd turned into.

some goon cruised up behind my car, both the boys were with me, right up to the bumper and turned the head-lights on full. i slowed down and let him pass.

he then slammed on his brakes and i nearly crashed into him - blood boiling now. so i sit still as he pulls away, trying to calm my lads down.

i wait till he's gone and pull away, but he waited and pulled out in front dangerously and tried to get me to stop.

by now i'm supernova nuts and ready to tear his f*cking head off, then i think how bad my boys would think of me so i passed by hoping he'd follow me somewhere so i could get the kids safe and smash his obviously small brain. i drove the whole way home thinking how i'd mash his face. i feel like a psycho now - the old me almost leaped out and scared my kids to bits by pounding some tw*t.

taking a couple of DA moments to let it go and peak at some tranquil pics. phew feeling better - a little - already.

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=chillipope http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/27973567/ http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/27973567/ Mon, 26 Oct 2009 07:47:17 PDT

*****

i've been worrying for a few weeks cause i know one of the teams i may have joined was responsible for MI and reporting for the leadership team/directors and i def don't fancy that one little bit.

*** Good news: the operations MI/reporting team decided they don't need any more full-time staff.

*** Good news: I'm joining the IT Access Governance team on Monday. One of the teams i did fancy joining - but if i had a choice i'd stay with problem management

*** Bad news : MI/reporting decided they need someone 5 days a month and specifically requested me, so I'm joining them too.

*** Bad news : I have to train for two jobs. It's a funny old game.


but on a plus side i seem to have gained a few more WATCHers, which is mega-ace and good for my mental health - thanks to everyone who's supported/FAVed/WATCHed me recently.

and congrats to for the DD for




*****

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http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/27792601/ Fri, 16 Oct 2009 06:25:51 PDT

*****

the exam passed without too much mental torture, against all preconception. amazingly i revised the right areas and was able to answer appropriately. now i have no studies until february when i will undertake The Art of English - my final course.

managed to get out with the new batteries, CF card and new skills. between clouds i think i've got some improving deviations - i hope i have. couple of schoolboy errors but i learn through pain ...

i also discovered the date when i leave the job i love, 30 october (whic coincides with the Norwich beer festival). still don't know what i'm doing next though there is another job for me. i thought knowing the date would give me some closure but i feel worse about it ... hey ho

however, though i need less cheering up i thought i'd feature a few more wonderful deviations that have brought a little sunshine during this dreary week ...













*****

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=chillipope http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/27646532/ http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/27646532/ Thu, 08 Oct 2009 07:59:25 PDT

*****
my batteries died at the weekend (both at the same time), and I have no deviations until their replacements arrive. hence i decided to do a feature of some of the deviants that have made me smile over the past couple of weeks. hope you like them









http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/27385923/ Thu, 24 Sep 2009 02:35:51 PDT

*****

I've just found out that my whole department is closing in 2010, and upping sticks to York. I'm so gutted cause I love love love working as a Problem Analyst - it's like solving puzzles and getting paid for it.

I've been offered a Talent Move cause I've been so good, but it's a stat-monkey role so I'm a little worried I might go all "Falling Down" later.

I've got an exam in two weeks too, concentration is tough enough. But on a plus-side there are plenty of folk worse off than chillipope right now so I'll pull my boots up and get on getting on.

Expect loads of dark-side deviations for a few weeks.

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http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/27256628/ Thu, 17 Sep 2009 03:46:10 PDT

*****

I'm very chuffed today, has included one of my squares (common blue in the dunes) in the News today;
[link] and I do so love to be featured alongside talented deviators.

It's funny that happened because yesterday I was thinking about what I love to photograph most, and what deviants FAV the most for me. I'm sure I photograph cause I love it so much, but I add eviations fro everything I think others would enjoy.

Here is my top few FAVed deviations - and my personal FAVs are #1, #3 and #8 so there is parity;

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9




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http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/27238969/ Wed, 16 Sep 2009 02:54:13 PDT

Massive thanks to everyone who commented with regards to my last journal, certainly was a big help on the day.

Weather conspired against us, though every site we consulted said it should be perfect. Heavy cloud cover was frequent, sunshine slight.

In a nut-shell we worked on landscapes - setting up, planning, composure. I need a new tripod, mine's too rubbish. Learned loads about filters.

Also got some tips and hints for nature photography - "setting up" a scene to encourage posing, planning ahead (my biggest downfall), correct exposure speeds, holding the camera to stop my terrible shaking.

Finished up shooting in low light, slow exposures and was blown away at the results.

Basically I've taught myself some bad habits but now I'm back on the road to improvement, but I'd still love you to tell me truthfull what you think about my progress.


I'm also looking for a new tripod (light-weight, sturdy) on a tight budget (under £100). Found a likely Manfrotto on Amazon for £80 (reduced from £140), but if anyone knows anyone who's selling preloved kit please let me know. I'm also about to order myself a filter holder and some ND filters, which should come in under £40 delivered, thanks to Chris who took me on the workshop.

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http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/26969938/ Wed, 02 Sep 2009 02:25:50 PDT

*****

Could try harder was always present on my school reports, and certainly rings true occasionally now.

I've got my 121 day with the Pro in almost two weeks and wanted to ask a favour of my favourite people ...

Please don't be afraid to be honest and tell me where you think I could improve on my state of photography in general ? I have very broad shoulders, and want to use the Pro's time effectively as possible.

I still have a problem with light, and often resort to post-production help. That I know. I'm also going to get some tips on landscapes - which I hardly ever do.

If you could see areas for improvement let me know soon as possible so I can plan ahead.

*****

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=chillipope http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/26661935/ http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/26661935/ Tue, 18 Aug 2009 00:01:51 PDT

*****

Here's a lovely example of non-photographic art I found particularly delightful recently



It's in a style I find very enjoyable, and I hope you do too. Pop over and check her out, wonderful young woman I must say.

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http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/26171646/ Sat, 25 Jul 2009 13:46:36 PDT

*****

My ma's buddlia was heaving with butterflies today so I took quite a number of snaps.

Then went to my bro's and caught a few of the common blue - I was disappointed when I IDed him cause I;ve not seen one before and hoped they were uncommon.

Thanks for listening.

p.s. thank you for being a Friend

*****

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=chillipope http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/26100729/ http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/26100729/ Wed, 22 Jul 2009 03:40:38 PDT

*****

I've just discovered that I won a competition at work, and the prize is a day-off doing something I love. Obviously my first love is the family, but I can enjoy them all the time, so Aviva is paying for a days tutorial with a local photographic artist (landscape and nature) - Chris Herring.

I'm so excited I can hardly concentrate on my job. Now I have an opportunity to build on the skills Mr Slade passed on, and keep growing as a snapper - and it's costs me nothing.

Like I said earlier in the year - with all the bad sh*t happening, some super-good stuff has to be around the corner.

*****

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=chillipope http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/25322945/ http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/25322945/ Mon, 15 Jun 2009 06:38:25 PDT

Wow - had the most fabulous weekend, mainly thanks to the awesome weather.

Spent Saturday morning studying King Lear - couldn't help but feel great after that, and then a kids party with friends.

In the afternoon my ma took all 3 of my monsters to a fete, and I invited pa to come out to Catfield Fen to see if the swallow-tails were about. At this point I should mention that one thing my pa and I have in common is that we prefer our own company above anyone elses, and that we don't have much quality time together since I was 13. He knows I love him to bits, and vice versa but we never spend "time" together unless it's watching footy on the box.

Imagine my great suprise when he said YES. We grabbed his massive mono-lens thingy and set off for an hour, which turned into 4 hours. To celebrate our "boys" time together we had a close fly-by from a marsh harrier hen who then perched in a nearby tree and watched us for 10 minutes. We also spied a hobby trawling for dragonflies over the reeds which was pretty spectacular. We spotted numerous other finches, warblers, and bugs and enjoyed each for it's merits.

Now I know we aren't all lucky enough to still have our pas around - for many reasons - but if you do make sure yo make the most of them, the pleasure is immense. I'm 40 pretty soon and I'd forgotten every boy, large or small, can have fun - at no expense - with their pop every once in a while. My ma called me after to say he was nearly in tears he'd had such a good afternoon, and he's not a howler.

On Sunday we popped to How Hill with the monsters and had a great time in the morning, and the afternoon which should have been for study was spent out in the glorious sunshine. Happy days - 48 hours and the only time indoors was spent sleeping.

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http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/25010692/ Fri, 29 May 2009 07:16:41 PDT

How fricken cool are these fellows ? FOund them on a site I frequent for many reasons;

[link]

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http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/24490583/ Wed, 29 Apr 2009 01:30:51 PDT
1. My kids are healthy and hilarious
2. Attended a wedding with an Elvis impersonator
3. Attended a wedding with GREAT food
4. The Sun
5. Bought some new sport sandals
6. Fed elephants
7. Saw a rhino fight - full blast
8. Watched Polanski's Macbeth 4 times - now I'm positive things can only get better
9. Wearing shorts more than trousers
10. Been to Malay and Chinese buffets - 3 times

A fool thinks himself to be wise, but a wise man knows himself to be a fool.

Don't forget - Love and Be Loved in Return

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http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/23603617/ Mon, 09 Mar 2009 04:18:13 PDT
This has topped off the worst month of my entire life so far, in so much as my baby niece died and the stress triggered a stroke in my sister (32 years old) who was paralysed on the right side and still does not have full movement and her speech is slurred. My 5 yr old daughter tried to cuddle my wife in the kitchen, when we found out and accidently placed her hand on the cooker hob - terrible burns.

My brother and sister-in-law are in pieces obviously. The sight of the tiny coffin was most distressing for us all and it's brought into close focus exactly what is important in my life. Family and Friends - I'm trying not to stress about anything else, I can see little point, but thanks to the spammers/hackers :0)

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... ]]> =chillipope http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/22447032/ http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/22447032/ Wed, 07 Jan 2009 06:46:56 PST
if I forgot to wish you the seasons greetings ...

if I haven't looked at your gallery ...

if I haven't replied / commented / been nice ...

if I haven't called ...

if I haven't done any of the other stuff that flew out of my mind ...

I'M SO SORRY


p.s. remember we don't all like Xmas much, and two of my kids have birthdays in Xmas week too to compound things and make them even more mental

p.p.s I'll get better this year

p.p.p.s maybe



I can't explain MYSELF, I'm afraid, sir' said Alice, `because I'm not myself, you see.'


***

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http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/21642306/ Mon, 24 Nov 2008 05:30:58 PST
my friend and fellow nature photographer, is having her first ever competition and she
challenges you to come up with a Holiday postcard.

There are prizes and allsorts so I'd say have a go, and best of luck;


[link]




***

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=chillipope http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/21104983/ http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/21104983/ Wed, 22 Oct 2008 03:47:48 PDT
I had to show you guys this DD, in case you missed it. I coughed up both coffee and a piece of my lung, spraying both over my colleague when I saw it;




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http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/21028088/ Fri, 17 Oct 2008 07:47:18 PDT invited me to an Americana accoustic night he was hosting on Wednesday I thought "oh no accoustic" - having little tolerance for this particular musical pigeonhole. But he's my photo-mentor and big-brother figure so what could I do and wonder of wonders ...

Three out of the four acts blew my socks off, and one of them, Jane Taylor (look her up) really moved me man. The other completely fitted into my stereotype and provided 40 minutes of cheese and everything I detest about American music. For shame.

I managed to blag MS Taylor's latest album off her and it's almost drawn tears several times. I've chatted to people at work and suggested they listen but they pretty much say stuff like "not my bag" "I only listen to R&B" "has she had a chart record or I wouldn't bother". It's that kind of closed-down attitude almost sentenced me to listening solely to the Beatles and drum & bass all the time.

It was also a shame that more people don't get out and support "new" or "upcoming" acts. But I'm gonna try harder and suggest you all do the same.

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http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/20681258/ Fri, 26 Sep 2008 05:55:06 PDT
a few days sunshine seems to have done the trick, even though I'm stuck at work. either that or the bittern and bearded tits.

... and for those of you interested (and who know him) I spoke to Normski / Norm at work and though he's not had much time to deviate he's well.

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=chillipope http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/20450360/ http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/20450360/ Fri, 12 Sep 2008 06:20:51 PDT
Jeepers I feel almost lost. I had a small accident at work some weeks ago, just cracked my elbow on an opening door, quite lightly. Shortly afterwards I was in so much pain I thought I had broken my elbow or cracked.

Turns out this small knock has accelerated the onset of the arthritis I already suffer from. The cold wet mornings are hell and I've suffered more and more for a while. Now I can hardly lift the baby so I decided to see what options I have, and my GP says sterroid injections in both elbows and both hands - oik.

As I Haven't been sleepoing they also took my blood pressure - it's sky high for the first time ever, so they are worried. They're worried ? Heck I almost pooed myself. I'm on a change of diet, no voddie - oh dear, having some more tests next week. Feel like I'm 80 years old

So I'm feeling a little lower than normal. Constant pain, no summer to speak of, tough year of studies, lack of sleep. Ain't life grand lol

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http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/20052805/ Wed, 20 Aug 2008 02:52:48 PDT
Popped to South Walsham Water Gardens - yesterday, between rain storms, and was about to leave and claim my money back cause it was so poor, but then ...

I discovered the dragonflies

They hang under leaves when it's raining and then come out to dry in between times - they seemed quite happy to pose. Actually had a great afternoon - have a peep at my latest deviations.

I even managed to get a couple of "not great" shots of an azure broad-bodied dragonfly which was awesome, but none of the Emperors that were hunting the drying dragons - shame

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http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/19372980/ Sun, 13 Jul 2008 13:45:49 PDT Well I'm nearly offay with v6, got everything where I want it now, or I know where it is.

Just wanted to say sorry if I've neglected any of you great guys that watch me while I'm watching you - I'm at a tricky point in my studies and have little time to manage and my own deviations let alone work through everything waiting to be loved in your Deviations.

But here's a couple of my current favourites from recently;

from my idol and mentor





simplicity



just keep coming back to this one



serene



cool as ...



wicked

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=chillipope http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/18889358/ http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/18889358/ Tue, 17 Jun 2008 09:40:24 PDT
We visited a hidden gem on Sunday, right on my doorstep almost. Catfield Fen (Norfolk Broads) we discovered is owned by the parish so parishoners may visit as they wish. Sunday was an open day for the Swallowtail Butterfly Trust at that venue so we popped over.

In addition to the Swallowtails we also saw marsh harriers, hobbies, reed & willow warblers, stonechats, swans, mallards, thousands of dragonflies, damselflies, caterpillars galore - tiger moth, peacocks, drinker moths etc, swifts, swallows, house martins (all gorging on the abundant insects), herons and many more besides. Plus I learned that on Catfield Fen and upto How Hill (almost adjacent across the river) is the greatest concentration of bitterns in the whole U.K. but we didn't see one.

I witnessed a rather large Emperor dragonfly take a Hairy in flight and chew his face off, got a couple of snaps of the eating part. Also got cool snaps of a dragonfly larva about to emerge - spooky.

Most importantly I managed to fulfil one of my wants and get a few closeups of the wonderful Swallowtail which was in abundance - though not always close enough, or still enough to photograph.

Happy days

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http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/18673604/ Thu, 05 Jun 2008 04:48:24 PDT
GP recommends another week of rest for the arm/elbow - and Dawn grassed that I've been trying to take photos, so I got a little ticking off.

Off the pain-killers though which is good, now I'm on a mix of other concoctions (which I hate) to reduce the swelling.

Good news though - the house-martins are nesting right next to my bedroom window, after not coming last year, which is nice to hear them twittering and flying back and forth all day long while I'm up here suffering.

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=chillipope http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/18609130/ http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/18609130/ Sun, 01 Jun 2008 11:42:29 PDT
One Thursday I had a very innocuous knock on the elbow from a swinging door, little pain but I didn't think anything serious - right elbow too so being left-handed 9and capable of thinking with both sides of my brain) I thought nothing else of it.

I was out for a curry that night with andyslade and someone said he did a similar thing and had actually broken his elbow. My pain was starting to escalate at this point. Had a sleepness night because of the pain and went to work the next day. Left early to see the GP with the 'broken elbow' story ringing in my ears, GP said it's probably broken - go to A&E.

The lovely Polish doctor I saw, but couldn't understand - other than through the nurse acting as translator - said I hadn't broken it, but the muscle was badly damaged and I had also damaged the nerves which get together in my elbow. Good I thought. Doc then said there's a possibility the nerve damage is permanent and i could need pain-killing treatment forever - great I thought.

My lucky break I didn't break he said, but I'm not sure why.

At least I can snap one-handed, though trying to type one-handed is proving to take a little longer.

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http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/18523548/ Tue, 27 May 2008 08:14:12 PDT
Nothing makes me more depressed right now than rain and clouds. Since I discovered my love of photography I have rediscovered my hate of our weather in the U.K.

Please join me in begging the spirit of the Earth for a few more sunny weekends - just for me.

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=chillipope http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/18382989/ http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/18382989/ Sun, 18 May 2008 12:47:07 PDT
Visited the Norfolk Naturalist Trust center at Barton Turf today, was brilliant last year. For a couple of quid you get all sorts of free activities, guided walks, free solar powered boat trip on Barton Broad.

I'm a little disappointed this evening, had some great opportunities but my wife invited her sister and her noisy nosey kids along (my neice and nephew) and they managed to spoil most of the good stuff - feel a little guilty having these horrible thoughts about them but hey ...

Spotted a hobby grabbing dragonflies on the wing but my neice banged into the tripod as I shot, then I managed to only get a couple of shots of at some mating dragonflies before my neice fell on them.

Other missed opps include marsh tit, dragonfly eating a damselfly, grebe on nest, swan flying towards me when on boat, we were the only boat that didn't see kingfishers and a couple of the trips had kingfishers land on the rails of the boat - doh !! And to finish me off and mess up my normal cool - there was a brilliant medieval story-teller we've seen before, and would my bloody neice and nephew shut-up? Would they bugg*r.

Next time it's me and my own kids, who were well behaved and quiet when needed, might as well have taken the dog to scare off all my chances

Rant over =0)

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http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/18238961/ Fri, 09 May 2008 08:40:11 PDT
What a fantastic afternoon. I remembered Norm's journal from last year about the rigmarole involved in 'The Shot' and decided for the first time to take all my kit and have a day without the kids (they were at school). I needed 2 bags because I need the tripod for the BIG lens and it won't fit.

I set off on my bike - thinking of my carbon foot-print - and went to How Hill, Ludham (on the Broads). What a brilliant day too. Few shots went rum because I don't have a filter for the bigboy but otherwise - awesome. I wish my long lens was as small as Norm's though.

Tufted duck, Eygptian geese, marsh harriers (4 pairs), long-tailed tits, reed warbler, reed bunting, shoveler, dragonflies - too many to mention.

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=chillipope http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/18226146/ http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/18226146/ Thu, 08 May 2008 12:13:23 PDT
However, Mena (4 years old) made me split my sides earlier when at supper she started singing a familiar song but with her own mental twist;

Daisy Daisy show me your heart's black too
I am crazy that is true

God knows how she came up with that

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http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/17693326/ Sat, 05 Apr 2008 04:02:36 PDT
This morning I have discovered a spot where a pair of kingfishers frequent, 1 mile from my house but adjacent to a boat-yard. A place called Sutton Staithe.

I set up the tripod and waited and was rewarded with both birds appearing on the rivers-edge, almost perfectly placed. I say almost perfectly, i had to adjust my position by a half metre, and as I did the boat nearest fired up it's engine so the occupants could have a warm shower. ARGHHHHHH !!!

Better luck next time.

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=chillipope http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/17676211/ http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/17676211/ Thu, 03 Apr 2008 23:34:43 PDT
Since the whole April Fools debacle has anyone else been encountering heaps of glitches and issues with deviant ?

I'm having problems at home and work so I;m pretty sure it's not just me.

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http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/17598879/ Sun, 30 Mar 2008 23:54:00 PDT
I'm chuffed as can be with the new lens, and my first real foray I took 'surprised chaffinch' and uploaded, it's got 13 favs so I'm happier than Larry. While I was out I saw a lot of horny chaffinches fighting over hens, couldn't get through the hedge to snap them, but next time.

In addition I spent a very worthwhile few hours yesterday with AndySlade - thanks so much Andy - learning some of the intricacies of my Rebel XT, brain hurts but I've gained a lot in a short time.

*****

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http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/17540970/ Thu, 27 Mar 2008 12:45:25 PDT
New lense arrived and it's MINT as promised, looks as if it was never used, and the test shots I took were so sharp. I'm giddy as a goose and can't wait for the weekend - as I have taken delivery of a tripod too.

Now I have to withdraw all my previous maons about eBay. And thanks my lucky stars hardly any one was bidding on Easter Monday =0)

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=chillipope http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/17510523/ http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/17510523/ Tue, 25 Mar 2008 14:15:50 PDT
Since visiting andyslade at the new studio a couple of weeks ago I've had a crush on his telephoto and been pestering him for tips on what to look out for. Went mad and have bought a 2nd hand piece of equipment that reviews OK - but I've a limited budget - Sigma 170-500mm F5-6.3 APO DG.

Now I can't wait to get out there, with my new tripod on one of those 'organised shoots' Norm was talking about recently.

You might be able to guess what I'm after now, some tips and hints. What to do and what not to do.

Feels like Christmas again, but without the new-born baby.

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<... ]]> =chillipope http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/17301160/ http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/17301160/ Wed, 12 Mar 2008 13:02:05 PDT
I feel a weight has been lifted, my uncles pain is ended and he has passed to the next level, whatever that could possibly be.

My sense of relief for him and my aunt amazes me almost as much as how little was done (apart from morphine drip) to ease his suffering.

But, I strongly believe that for each old or worn life a new life replaces it and the circle of life starts again.

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http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/17265165/ Mon, 10 Mar 2008 01:29:55 PDT
My poor uncle is still hanging on, can't do anything but suffer, and he looks terrifying right now. I was distraught on Thursday because I'd gone to visit and see his cameras and talk photo turkey but he had faded away and we expected the worse by now.

On a plus side the weather was good on Saturday and Sunday, and we went out as a family to make the most of each other. Touched base with ma and pa too - it's good to have family, and I'm counting my blessings there right now.

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http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/17158970/ Mon, 03 Mar 2008 03:54:26 PST
He had a brain tumor last year and they thought it had returned, unfortuantely they discovered too late it's now in hs stomach and chest.

My aunt told me not to visit because he doesn't want people to see him like he is, but I went anyway to support my aunt and cousin. He wasn't happy I broke his curfu but he asked me to go and see him in his room.

After an unfortable 10 minutes taking to the dying guy we slipped into a lenghty chat. John and my aunt got me into birding many years ago, and we shared a lot together during my formative years - so we chatted about that, about cameras, about families and about regrets.

'Timmy' he said, my relatives call me Timmy - I hate it, 'I've got regrets, there's too much I wanted to do but always used work or money as an excuse. Don't repeat my mistake, promise me ? Life really is too short'.

He's still hanging on today, I'm visiting tonight. It's odd but I'm strangely upbeat today, tempered by the fact my uncle will be gone shortly. I also lost my young cousin to an idiot driver some years ago - same side of the family. I'm realising how many breaks we have, and don't always reconise.

I read something in a photography magazine interview on his bed that said something like 'it's through pain, through misery that we are able to truly recgonise beauty - that's how art comes into being'. I'm looking through altered eyes.

Reflect on your present blessings, of which every man has many; not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some. Charles Dickens (1812-1870)

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http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/16955778/ Tue, 19 Feb 2008 02:31:55 PST
Small thing I know but I'm almost at 2008 page-views. Big thing to me - thanks to my friends, and watchers.

Happy days

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=chillipope http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/16719378/ http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/16719378/ Mon, 04 Feb 2008 07:43:39 PST
Anyone know a spell to ensure it's sunny at the weekend or when I'm not at work ? I'm sitting here looking out over the city of Norwich wishing I could escape to the sunshine.

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http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/16606933/ Mon, 28 Jan 2008 03:47:20 PST
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http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/16531642/ Wed, 23 Jan 2008 04:39:43 PST

indiephotographyclub

"What has happened to photography? It's become more technical than artistic. People have taken every bit of emotion, every bit of beauty, of fun, of everything that makes photography an art and replaced it with rules, headache, stress and an utter lack of what I thought the whole purpose of it really was.

What happened to people liking art simply because it's beautiful, because it's relatable, because it can make you laugh, because it can make you cry, because you just like looking at it?? I don't know. I really just don't know. I have searched deviantART for artists who are sick of boring, emotionless portraits and cliché run of the mill, unimaginative landscapes and still lives.

Who ever said that holgas and polariods aren't legitimate photographic mediums? I refuse to believe that and so do these artists. They see photography as a way to express themselves. A way to show the beauty, the pain and the happiness of their lives. And here are some accomplishments of the indie photography scene."

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=chillipope http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/16138829/ http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/16138829/ Fri, 28 Dec 2007 13:02:14 PST
I'm so lucky as a dad to have been able to have such an input into my kids lives. To do so twice is amazing.

Today the local paper popped round to take some pics for Monday's press (EDP). Tomorrow Look East are over for the evening news, and Monday we'll also be on Radio Norfolk - too funny.

Wishing everyone as wonderful a christmas as I had so far.

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http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/15763581/ Sun, 02 Dec 2007 11:25:30 PST Thanks to my buddy - I have recovered them, and it was worth a sleepness night waiting for the recovery process. Sleep is for wimps.

*****

I cannot believe it, and I'm not even sure how it's happened.

All my best and favourite work (originals) were stored in a folder called 'Best' on both the PC and backed up on an external drive. Tonight I have discovered both are gone !!. I'm so disappointed I could cry.

I had a handful of new shots I wanted to publish on deviant that are now lost forever.

Back to the drawingboard.

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http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/15548390/ Sat, 17 Nov 2007 12:58:27 PST
Can't believe we haven't had a decent frost, got a couple of decent ideas but need mother natures help - lol

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http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/15354876/ Sun, 04 Nov 2007 01:22:35 PST which is fabulous because I so love the work there. Please drop by and support.

To achieve this wonder I made certain promises;
I will feature in my journal the first 10 people who respond to this journal by choosing 3 images from their gallery to feature in this journal. Although I don't expect my take-up rate to be quite so swift - lol. Then...those members featured will select 3 images from the first 10 friends who respond to their journal.

I'll update my journal when I reach ten answers so that everyone can see all of the features.

I am adding a massive THANK YOU for featuring me




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http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/15283216/ Tue, 30 Oct 2007 06:42:16 PDT
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=chillipope http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/15258582/ http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/15258582/ Sun, 28 Oct 2007 13:28:39 PDT
thanks to everyone who has supported me in my quest to become a better deviant

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http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/15201809/ Wed, 24 Oct 2007 12:53:21 PDT
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]]> =chillipope http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/15167108/ http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/15167108/ Mon, 22 Oct 2007 01:37:54 PDT
Dawn had a very ill uncle who had very little time left on this earth (hours, minutes now), and we saw another dear friend this weekend who also has become afflicted with the Big C. Both are so brave, despite knowing the effectiveness of this killer, and I have been very humbled by them this weekend.

Occasionally I need a kick in the backside.

It reminds me;
Reflect on your present blessings, of which every man has many; not on your misfortunes, of which all men have some.

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]]> =chillipope http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/15109299/ http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/15109299/ Wed, 17 Oct 2007 23:22:54 PDT








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wildlifeuk Closeup-Photography ]]> =chillipope http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/15054983/ http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/15054983/ Sun, 14 Oct 2007 08:18:44 PDT
Also wanted to say that I gain such pleasure taking my photos, and even more when someone stops by and give me a little praise or some crit to improve my style and composition. Please fell free to get stuck in, I learn the best lessons from a little pain.
Thanks so much also to my deviant padowans;
andyslade
davincipoppalag
Lightfoot11
sheryllabouchardiere

]]> =chillipope http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/14767074/ http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/14767074/ Mon, 24 Sep 2007 03:17:54 PDT
]]> =chillipope http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/14571149/ http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/14571149/ Mon, 10 Sep 2007 05:39:33 PDT [link]) to learn a little about each other which I love;

1. Post these rules in your journal so others know how it works.
2. Post 8 random facts about yourself in your dA journal.
3. At the end of your post, tag 8 more people to learn some random things about.
4. Go to their page and leave a comment telling them they're tagged.

1. I would love to live on the beach.
2. I hate towns/cities and crowds.
3. I listen to folk music and worry we are losing our connections to the 'old ways'.
4. I kick/hit people if I see them kick/hit their dog/cat/child/partner - I hate bullies.
5. I'm interested in religions but I don't have my own (yet).
6. Brunette not blonde.
7. I remember the room in the house we moved out of before I was 2 years old.
8. I really miss my dogs Ebony and Rumor - who have both passed from this level of existence.

]]> =chillipope http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/14502410/ http://chillipope.deviantart.com/journal/14502410/ Wed, 05 Sep 2007 13:12:36 PDT
Takes lots to get me down but she's so infrequently had any ailments (well 1 in 10 years) so I'm a little worried now. We'll all be devastated and with a babe imminent Dawn and myself can't decide whether we should get another dog/cat for the kids and ourselves. For me I get up every morning (early) and we walk for an hour - then a pee-break in the evening and she used to come to work with me everyday.

Funny how we accept these silent souls into our hearts and how much they mean to us, though they live such short lives they worm their way so deeply into our affection.

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