Welcome to my photostream and I hope you will find something of interest here! :)

(Please do not download my pictures without permission.)

Photography for me is just fun - I am self taught, have never been on a photography course and really just play with editing. I know next to nothing about the technology side. My pictures are all taken with a hand held camera.

These pictures represent my life as I live it, like the footprints on a journey and what I write are just a few of the thoughts I have that I can share with you.

I know many people just look at the pictures on a photostream but for those who look deeper I usually add quotes to give more meaning to what the image alone might convey.

“Your photography is a record of your living, for anyone who really sees.”

Paul Strand

Just a few words about my life – I was a teacher for young children for a number of years and have also taught asylum seekers, adults with special needs and disaffected young people. I have two children of my own, both daughters ( since writing this one has now died) and have 2 granddaughters now. I have also trained as a listener for people who have serious problems and I belong to a lively discussion group.

I have a number of interests including psychology, philosophy, theology and how it relates to everyday life, photography and writing and I have always loved horses!! In fact I love all animals and have kept horses, dogs and a cat in the past! I have certain beliefs that I feel strongly about and will not compromise on – respect for all living beings is one of them, whether human or animal and despite religious differences or social status, age, colour or gender. For me, both deliberate cruelty and neglect of the defenceless are a complete taboo and I feel very passionate about that.

I like to make up my own mind about things and have spent most of my life searching for the answers to some of the big questions. Along the way I've found enough to keep me looking for more and have come to some conclusions about what I believe in, so my faith is important to me. Which faith that is is probably apparent in some of the posts in my photostream but I would never claim to be a good example.

"...I remain Mistress of mine own self and mine own soul.”

Alfred Tennyson

I live in Scotland these days though I am English and have been here for some time to take care of one of my daughters who was terminally ill. She died this year(2021) in June.

My husband had also been diagnosed with cancer but after surgery seems to be free of it for which we are very grateful! Just recently my younger daughter too has been diagnosed and is undergoing treatment.

Please support cancer charities and research and perhaps one day we will be able to beat this terrible thing.

"Take nothing but pictures

Kill nothing but time

Leave nothing but footprints

To show you came by"

John Kay

If you do leave a comment on a picture it will be greatly appreciated and I will do my best to visit your photostream in return. Please don't add me as a contact and then not comment, but don't misunderstand this request - I would much rather know what you think and get to know you! If you talk to me I am more likely to add you as a contact than if you only fave my pictures and say nothing! If you have no pictures on your photostream or I doubt that you are genuine then I will block you.

Please do not download my pictures without my permission, to do so without asking is not just bad manners - it's stealing. If you ask then I would be pleased to say yes as long as you do have the courtesy to ask. I'm happy to share but I object to theft.

If you do add me to your list I really would appreciate your comments. I realise time is a problem for most of us so I don’t expect regular comments but if you have time to visit my photostream – then thank you!

Marilyn :)