Sea Sights, Sea Salt...

Just looking over these views from this Christmas in Cornwall, wishing I could go out for an early morning walk. Even what might initially appears plain, or colourless soon seems to offer its hidden treasures in the light along the coast.

These crab and lobster pots were on Smeaton's Pier in St Ives, but there are always similar ones around Newlyn harbour. The traditional traps were objects of beauty in their own right, with their curved willow canes, but these modern versions are quite eye-catching with their geometric forms, bound with brightly-coloured rope, set off by the vibrant buoys are generally mark their position in the water.

The patchwork pattern of the dry stone walls is equally intricate, with the colours of granite offset by lichen.

 The stones look like sliced geode of agate with intricate lacy rings and speckles.

I love the jumble of the fishing boats in the harbour - Newlyn in this case - huddled up or aligned in imposing rows...

Finally, some music that seems quite appropriate. To the Sea by Brenda Wootton and John the Fish.

Anemone Petals...

End of a month of being very busy doing nothing particularly inspiring.

However, the sight of these beautiful buds and pollen-dusted petals made me feel more appreciative of life in general.

The light on the petals, alongside the striking, dark tasselled stamens is magical every time.

It is somehow hard to believe that these papery petals will develop and unfold from such mysterious, downy forms.

Twigs and Branches...

Within the space of a few days, spring seems to have come along, although this might just be a fleeting impression. There are not really any buds out yet here, these were from the magnolia trees in Cornwall over Christmas.

There might not be a great deal of greenery for the moment, but there is colour to be found, even on the starkest of twigs. In this case, lichen along the vines...

Hard to believe that only a few weeks ago, the branches on the trees were bowing under the weight of snow...