Thank you to the blog East of Málaga for this monthly Photo Challenge – just click the logo above for more information about how this challenge works. You can also click this link to read their post for this month’s challenge: CBBH Photo Challenge
I will also be using this challenge as a way of enjoying some of my favourite photographs of the Algarve ~ and even linking you up with some other blog posts you might enjoy that we have previously written.
Simple Pleasures
is the theme for December’s Challenge ~ which has been a lovely gentle theme to explore this month – here are my choices:
Sometimes you can be lucky enough to have an entire beach all to yourself at this time of year – we had a fantastic day exploring the west coast recently and this is me – on my own personal beach – enjoying the view – magical!
Everyone who reads this blog will know that Dave is the photographer – but every now and then I can surprise him with a shot of my own that makes it onto the blog. It’s the simple pleasure of turning a corner and finding yet another breathtaking view that I adore about the Algarve and its hidden coves and beaches.
Closer to home, these are our first lemons from our little pot grown tree in the garden – we are very proud of them and can’t actually imagine eating them yet!
Talking of eating… I love the cafés out here for giving you extra cake – you order one yummy chocolate and figgy one, and another little one arrives alongside! All washed down with uma bica of course!
Sometimes it can be the smallest little flower growing wild that can stop you in your tracks – these grow all over the Algarve and they are such delicate and pretty little things – just perfect for a painting too!
We sat on the wonderful beach at Faro on my birthday this year and watched these tiny little birds scurrying along the water’s edge – they were so timid and shy, and their legs seemed so tiny as they scattered along hunting for food. There was something so special about just sitting there and watching them, and letting time stand still for a moment.
If you want to find out more about Faro you might enjoy our post Don’t rush away from Faro or our post B is for Birds
One of my absolute favourite pleasures which gives me a thrill every time, is seeing a painting finished on my easel. Here’s a recent one I completed as a commission – every painting is a joy to paint, watching the shapes and colours take on their life and place in the piece – but it isn’t until it is all finished that it all comes together – that’s usually the moment I dance a little jig around the studio when no-one is looking!
You can see more of my paintings on our website A3 Art
If you want to make me happy – then just take me out for a meal with a restaurant that has picanha – Brazilian steak – on the menu! Add some chips and a nice glass of red wine and I am smiling!
I’m also happy when I see my lovely husband out and about with his camera! He looks rather professional in this shot doesn’t he?!
And sometimes he goes out and comes back home with the most amazing shots! This one I think is stunning, taken on the beach at Armação de Pêra – and I can assure you the colours were really like this!
I love finding a little corner like this and wondering who sits there – and remembering that one of the reasons for being here in the Algarve is so that we too can enjoy a slower pace of life!
You might enjoy our post K is for Kindness too
I am a fiend at sunset for trying to capture that elusive moment when the sun turns the sand to pure gold, and catches the very tips of the waves as they roll over and flick up the surf – I think I actually managed to catch it this time?
And I cannot leave you without just one more sunset shot to enjoy!
I hope you have enjoyed our selection of Simple Pleasures for you – and if you want to see our photographs from previous months – just click the link here:
Thanks again to the blog East of Málaga for this challenge and here’s a link to two more new blogs that I have recently discovered ~ who might even be up for the challenge of joining us every month – who knows?!
Silkannthreades - ‘about the little things in life’
Thirdeyemom - a great travel blog
With you on the picanha – yummy indeed!
yes never had it before we came here – it’s such a moist and tender cut of steak
the sky and ocean..very nice sequence, tucked with show starters and stopper as beach shots
thank you! glad you liked them – thanks for stopping by and commenting
welcome:)
likewise! thanks for popping over and saying hello
Happy New Year 2013
Happy New Year to you too!
Amazingly beautiful photos!
thank you
Tell Dave his pics are great (as is your one).
thanks! he usually wins!!!
I love following those little birds along the beach. Such busy little souls! Merry Christmas to you and Dave, Aly. I’m sure 2013 will be fabulous.
ah thank you hun – and much love to you and Mike too xxx
Wonderful shots, and I particularly love your “breathtaking view” shot.
thank you – the Algarve can often take your breath away – especially at sunset!
Two cakes for the price of one? It’s obviously high time I visited Portugal.
ah yes – and then there is the wonderful pastel de nata too – absolutely gorgeous!
Thanks for including my blog in your lovely post. I will have to sit on that corner chair and to contemplate the idea of a monthly challenge! Perhaps if I sit there long enough someone will bring me a few slices of that delicious cake.
ah well it wouldn’t be me as I’d have eaten it all on the way to you!!!
What an absolute feast for the eyes this post is! Wonderful pictures of all kinds; I can’t decide which is my favourite, though the cave and the birds are definitely in my top three.
thanks! it’s nice to know we made it a tough decision!
Wonderful! The first photo and the second are….wow.No words! Very beautiful !:)
thank you so much! glad you liked them!
Beautiful photos. Merry Christmas.
thank you – happy Christmas to you and yours x
Such wonderful pictures again, Merry Christmas to you and a great new year, show us more of your wonderful counry and art. Really enjoy yuor blog!
thank you so much – merry Christmas to you and yours too x
Exquisite work!
thanks!
Reblogged this on i cittadini prima di tutto.
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