#AtoZChallenge H – Hampton Court

Posted on April 9, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

I took some lovely photos on my visit to this wonderful Royal Palace over the Easter holidays. It was a great family day out, filled with history and fun.

At times I was choked thinking about the people who had lived their often short lives at the palace. I came away wanting to read and absorb every Hilary Mantel and Philippa Gregory book. I haven’t read any before, but my beta readers rave about them, and I really would like to see the past brought to life on the page. (Just bought a 4 book set of P.Gregory)

I decided to keep this post visual and use my favourite shots of the day.

Impressive outside

On the worn cobbles of the courtyard, I was transported back in time. I imaged the feet and hooves that have trodden this same path.

Couple of close ups

Inside

I love this shot – walking into the light.

Gardens

These Hyacinths smelt divine.

Meet Aragon and Matt.

And of course, my lovely Hampton Court swan.

Hope you’ve enjoyed your quick tour of Hampton Court Palace. It’s worth a visit if you get the chance.

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After a day of rest, I’ll be back with some Inspiration.

Check out my other AtoZ challenge posts here

#WordlessWednesday – #photo of a Hampton Court Swan

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Hugh’s weekly photo challenge: Week 19 – Gap

Posted on March 31, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

This maybe my last entry into Hugh’s photo challenge for a while as I am taking part in the A-Z April Blog challenge for the first time, whilst trying to finish my second book, and becoming a book reviewer. I don’t know when I’ll find the time to sleep!

The beautiful fountain is at Witley Court in Great Witley, Worcestershire.

#WordlessWednesday – My son’s horse chestnut sapling

Posted on March 30, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

#WordlessWednesday – Magnolia

Posted on March 23, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

Hugh’s Weekly #Photo Challenge – Week 17 Calm

Posted on March 18, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

It’s been a few weeks since I’ve managed to participate in Hugh’s weekly photo challenge, but the idea of something that makes me calm was very appealing. Apart from taking a picture of a glass of wine (husband’s suggestion, not mine) this place does the job just as well.

This is Virginia Waters in Berkshire, a beautiful place to walk at any time of year. We’ve spent many happy family days wandering this Royal Park and its beautiful gardens. There’s interest all year round, but I love this spring morning where the carpet of blossom lays so thick it looks like snow.

These photos were taken on 31 March 2015, which became a very special day because we stumbled upon this grass snake basking in the sunshine. I was so happy to capture the shot, before I’ve only managed a disappearing tail! I was lucky this snake must have been feeling sluggish after a recent meal.

#WordlessWednesday – Dinnertime!

Posted on March 9, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

#WordlessWednesday – #photo Our plum tree still looking good after today’s hailstorm

Posted on March 2, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

#WordlessWednesday – Mist on the water & my favourite #photos of the morning

Posted on February 24, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

Did you guess the object? And my perfect writing holiday.

Posted on February 21, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

The object in the photograph below (which I posted it in response to Hughes weekly photo challenge week 12 – games) was of course a footprint, a cast of a wolf footprint to be exact.

Thank you, Hugh for picking my picture to showcase on your weekly blog challenge.

It is not as exciting as a fossilised footprint (being only 12+ years old), but it is very special to me and reminds me of one of the most magical and memorable experiences of my life.

I stayed on holiday for a week at Wolf Watch UK, actually within a wolf reserve in Shropshire, England. It’s a brilliant organisation and for me it was a once in a lifetime holiday. Please check out their website Wolf Watch UK to see how gorgeous the place is and the important work they do. I don’t know if they still run holidays, but there are plenty of opportunities to visit the wolves on things like photography days.

(The pictures in this post are not the greatest quality as they are only photos of photos, it was way before my days of digital photography.)

I loved that whole experience. Hearing the majestic and haunting sound of the wolves howling in the evening and early morning – I couldn’t think of a better alarm clock. I would spring out of bed at the first howl (not that easy when you’re 5 months pregnant!) and record their howling on my little palm top computer. I have a sound file that I wanted to share, but the .wav format is not accepted by wordpress. If anyone can tell me how to convert and add sound files I would love to update this post. As it is you’ll have to put up with a rather poor quality image of one of the wolves mid-howl or yawning its hard to tell.

Back in 2004 there was no TV reception in this beautiful Shropshire wooded valley so it made the perfect writing retreat. I started planning and writing scene for one of my works in progress called Child of Destiny. I hope to finally finish the draft in 2016.

My husband wasn’t that happy without a TV. And he certainly wasn’t keen on the wolf feeding experience.

I loved my time in the wolf enclosure. Even though I was 5 months pregnant with my first child, I wasn’t going to let that stop me getting up close with these lovely creatures. I think you’ll agree I look a lot happier about it than my husband.

I’ve always been an animal lover, but my obsession with wolves started when I read Robin Hobbs Farseer trilogy. Nighteyes was, and still is, one of my favourite all time fictional characters. I’d love to have met him.

This holiday will always have a special place in my heart and it’s brought back lots of memories writing about it now. I would love to revisit Wolf Watch UK, but I have a few years to go before my youngest is 16 (age limit imposed for safety reasons).

If you ever get the chance, go along and meet the wolves. The experience will stay with you forever.

I’m taking a few days off social media to finish the edit of my next book. Please do leave comments though, and I will get back to you as soon as I can.