Been a long time

Hey everyone!  Its been a long, long time and how I've missed you.

Unfortunately life got in the way of my Project 365, I guess in my heart I knew it would.  I'd love one day to manage it but I just am so busy maybe I have to accept it's not realistic for me right now.

I still love my photographs and need to make more time for them.  And I will do that but without the pressure of a 365 project.

For that reason, I am going to return to my old blog, which will not be photography specific, but instead will track my life in general.  I'll post my photography as it happens as well as ramble on about whatever other random little things I'm getting up to in my life.

If any of you guys would like to follow me, it would be very lovely to have you, and I promise to follow you in return!

Find me at:  http://planetjildo.blogspot.com/

48/365 17th February 2010 - My favourite little person & Super Mario

48/365 17th February 2010 - My favourite little person & Super Mario, originally uploaded by jill_murray.

I used to love Super Mario on the Gameboy when I was little and now she loves Super Mario on the Wii! I did have a go the other day, and it appears I haven't lost my Super Mario skills, even after all these years!!!

47/365 16th February 2010 - :-(

47/365 16th February 2010 - :-(, originally uploaded by jill_murray.

I would have had a better picture today but spent over two hours after work sitting in the hospital! For anyone who followed me last year, I'm still going to the damn hospital about my gammy neck :-( But thats a story for another time.

46/365 15th February 2010 - Old Faithful

46/365 15th February 2010 - Old Faithful, originally uploaded by jill_murray.

These pencils are my backup plan, if I can't find anything of interest, I crack these out and normally end up with something I like :)

45/365 14th February 2010 - Food shopping day!

45/365 14th February 2010 - Food shopping day!, originally uploaded by jill_murray.

I love food shopping and I love having a nice fridgeful of food - makes me HAPPY :)

44/365 13th February 2010 - Happy Valentines Day

44/365 13th February 2010 - Happy Valentines Day, originally uploaded by jill_murray.

Thought it would be rude to let Valentines Day pass by without doing some kind of love heart themed shot....so here it is.....

43/365 12th February 2010 - Chippy tea

43/365 12th February 2010 - Chippy tea, originally uploaded by jill_murray.

Thanks for the title Rodders:)

This bad boy is what we in Northern Ireland call a pastie bap. Stuffed with chips. It's a heart attack on a plate but it really does taste good, and after the 2 weeks I've had, I can't even entertain the thought of cooking!

I am intending to hopefully catch up a bit on this place tonight, I have been neglecting here so bad and I miss catching up with all your awesome work!

42/365 11th February 2010 - Money, lots and lots of money.

42/365 11th February 2010 - Money, lots and lots of money., originally uploaded by jill_murray.

THIS is how much my boiler repairs cost me. £515. I am so utterly gutted, this is my holiday money I'm handing over. This is what is called making a bad week worse!!

41/365 10th February 2010 - Busy bee!

41/365 10th February 2010 - Busy bee!, originally uploaded by jill_murray.

God, I can't remember what it's like to not be this silly busy! I was out today from 745am to 10pm, so am truly, truly knackered. And to be honest, I nearly gave up on this project tonight! But then I realised that it will take all of 30 seconds to get this shot, so this is it. I'm pleased with myself for ploughing on!

40/365 9th February 2010 - It's getting late....

40/365 9th February 2010 - It's getting late...., originally uploaded by jill_murray.

....and this is the first time to date this year that I've got to this time and thought 'oh bummer, I haven't taken a shot yet' :( I still have no heating or hot water and am getting mightily peeved with the situation......

39/365 8th February 2010 - Follow your heart

39/365 8th February 2010 - Follow your heart, originally uploaded by jill_murray.

Yet again I am neglecting Flickr, I'm so sorry everyone! Been away all weekend as is obvious from my pics but hopefully will have a little time this week to catch up on everyones pics. In the midst of the madness, my boiler broke down and I have had no heating or hot water since Thursday. So stressed!

Anyway, this shot is a little bit calmer than how I actually feel inside.....

38/365 7th February 2010 - Leaving on a jet plane

38/365 7th February 2010 - Leaving on a jet plane, originally uploaded by jill_murray.

Time to go home after a fun weekend....

37/365 6th February 2010 - The Bullring, Birmingham

37/365 6th February 2010 - The Bullring, Birmingham, originally uploaded by jill_murray.

This is the Bullring shopping centre in Birmingham, taken with my phone - didn't think it turned out too bad!

36/365 5th February 2010 - Friday night vino

36/365 5th February 2010 - Friday night vino, originally uploaded by jill_murray.

Out in Brum with my buddy, we had to get the weekend started with a cheeking vino, obviously!

35/365 4th February 2010 - Decisions, decisions!

35/365 4th February 2010 - Decisions, decisions!, originally uploaded by jill_murray.

I'm heading to Birmingham tomorrow to meet up with a big group of friends for the weekend and I can't wait! So now the difficult decision of what to bring. I'm only taking carry-on baggage so can bring lots of choices so have to decide now....black or red.....hmmmmm.....

Happy dip-it Thursday folks!

PS typing is really hard today as I'm wearing gloves due to my boiler being broken and my house is utterly freezing!

34/365 3rd February 2010 - One day.....

34/365 3rd February 2010 - One day....., originally uploaded by jill_murray.

This is my favourite piece of jewellery that I own. It cost me $40 when I was on holiday in Canada and I totally adore it, and am determined one day I will have an expensive version with real diamonds, thank you very much! Don't know who'll buy it mind you....

HBW!

33/365 2nd February 2010 - Candy stripes

33/365 2nd February 2010 - Candy stripes, originally uploaded by jill_murray.

I apologise for the dreadfully uninspiring shot today, I've had a rubbish day and quite frankly can't summon the enthusiasm to think of something interesting....hopefully tomorrow will be better....

32/365 1st February 2010 - My favourite thing :-)

32/365 1st February 2010 - My favourite thing :-), originally uploaded by jill_murray.

How very naughty of me, I'm supposed to be sorting my diet out after Christmas but these things I cannot resist. Do you get Creme Eggs in the States? If not, to all those of my Flickr friends in the States, your life isn't yet complete....;-)

31/365 31st January 2010 - Citrus Sunday

31/365 31st January 2010 - Citrus Sunday, originally uploaded by jill_murray.

One month done! I am so pleased to have made it to today as I have had a pretty intense month and February is not going to be much better, that's for sure!

Thank you to all of you who have helped and supported me this month especially when I haven't at times had time to return the favour. This evening is set aside for catching up with everyone!

I've enjoyed my first 365 month even when it has been difficult, roll on February....

30/365 30th January 2010 - Take it easy...

30/365 30th January 2010 - Take it easy..., originally uploaded by jill_murray.

It's been a busy couple of weeks and the work residential was pretty intense, so tonightm I've got my jammies on and am relaxing in front of the telly for the first time in AGES!

29/365 29th January 2010 - Seen one hotel, seen them all....

29/365 29th January 2010 - Seen one hotel, seen them all...., originally uploaded by jill_murray.

Thats a bit how I feel with hotels these days!

Was away on a work residential on Friday and Saturday so I just had to do a hotel related shot. I pondered the room for sometime and there was nothing in my room at all that inspired except the bathroom toiletries - aren't they what everyone looks for as soon as you go into a hotel room!

Anyway, I'm not a big fan of 'chain' hotels and don't tend to choose them for my holidays. They are so samey. Give me an independent hotel/B&B/guesthouse any day.

28/365 28th January 2010 - Diary Dippy

28/365 28th January 2010 - Diary Dippy, originally uploaded by jill_murray.

Gah, I'm so busy at the mo. Without my diary, I'd be missing appointments and arrangements left, right and centre! This baby goes everywhere with me, as I seem to have a problem remembering stuff from one minute to the next. Must be my age :S

PS continued apologies for my lack of comments etc, I'm grabbing an hour here and there and not getting a lot more time than that on here these days! Busy few weeks ahead but I haven't forgotten you all, I promise, I will be back in force soon :)

27/365 27th January 2010 - Rush hour bokeh

27/365 27th January 2010 - Rush hour bokeh, originally uploaded by jill_murray.

I actually took this shot this morning, as i was on a course in a different office today and arrived a bit early. So I thought I'd try out a subtle little bit of rush hour bokeh...

HBW :)

26/365 26th January 2010 - Another side of me

26/365 26th January 2010 - Another side of me, originally uploaded by jill_murray.

Self portrait Tuesday again! And I still haven't done a face-on shot :) One of these days I'll run out of ideas and will be left with no other option. Til then, I cheat!!

25/365 25th January 2010 - Pick a colour any colour

25/365 25th January 2010 - Pick a colour any colour, originally uploaded by jill_murray.

I've said before how much I love colour so since I haven't done a colour shot in a few days I thought I'd indulge myself :)

I did a similar shot to this about a year ago, and I can really see how my photography has improved from this time last year when I compare the photos....in fact there's a lot of shots I've taken before that I want to try again now that I know a bit more. Watch this space...

24/365 24th January 2010 - Weekend bag

24/365 24th January 2010 - Weekend bag, originally uploaded by jill_murray.

Just home from my weekend and am totally and utterly shattered. Here's my weekend bag as photographic evidence of my trip, it is likely to remain unpacked for several days :)

I plan to be back on track tomorrow!

Hope everyone had a nice weekend.

23/365 23rd January 2010 - No time today....

23/365 - No time today...., originally uploaded by jill_murray.

was away for the weekend and had noooo time whatsoever to be taking photos so this was the best I could do! Onwards....

Frankie Blue Eyes

Frankie Blue Eyes, originally uploaded by jill_murray.

I know this isn't in my 365, but I had to give this fella a place in my blog, isn't he adorable? He's called Frankie Blue Eyes :)

22/365 22nd January 2010 - Happy Fence Friday!

22/365 22nd January 2010 - Happy Fence Friday!, originally uploaded by jill_murray.

Fence Friday! I went to watch my niece horseriding and ended up photographing this instead, whoops. Anyway, I loved the water droplets and the sunlight glinting on them. I'm sure she'll understand.

Tomorrow's the first day of my 365 that I'll not be able to post my photo on the day - I will be taking a shot but it'll be Sunday before I'm back at a PC. I'm fretting about it already but can't be helped....

Have a fantastic weekend everyone :)

21/365 21st January 2010 - I <3 eggs!

21/365 21st January 2010 - I , originally uploaded by jill_murray.

I really do love eggs, so I thought I'd dedicate todays photo to them! Or should I say three photos! Sorry my omelette is a bit rubbish-looking, but it tasted good and that's the main thing :)

20/365 20th January 2010 - Keep the faith :)

20/365 20th January 2010 - Keep the faith :), originally uploaded by jill_murray.

Anyone who read my 10 facts about me last week will know I love football (or soccer for all you bloggettes on t'other side of the Atlantic) and Liverpool are my team.

This season we have been completely and utterly rubbish, completely blowing out of the water all hope and expectation that we might win the league this year for the first time in 20 years :(

Anyway, tonight we play Spurs who are 1 place ahead of us in the Premier League, without Torres and Gerrard . Gah. But at 5 mins in, we are 1-0 up, come on. Keep the faith.

19/365 19th January 2010 - Cherry on the top

19/365 19th January 2010 - Cherry on the top, originally uploaded by jill_murray.

Inspired by the lovely avanhook www.flickr.com/photos/avanhook/ I loved her cherry shots so much that when I saw some cherries on the supermarket shelf on Sunday, I couldn't resist picking up a packet.

I couldn't really get this image to be how I wanted it, but I've worked a 12 hour day today so to be honest, it was all a bit rushed. Apologies to everyone for my lack of commenting and following at the minute, I just have soooo little time over the next 5 days or so! I will catch up eventually, I promise!

18/365 18th January 2010 - When you said tulips I knew that you're mine

18/365 18th January 2010 - When you said tulips I knew that you're mine, originally uploaded by jill_murray.

Haven't taken any flower shots in ages, went through a phase last year when I shot nothing else. Not going back there again, but I do still love flower photos, they so purdy :)

Happy Monday peeps!

17/365 17th January 2010 - You may telephone from here

17/365 17th January 2010 - You may telephone from here, originally uploaded by jill_murray.

As I said yesterday, I love the city and I love all things urban! Having a walkabout the city centre this morning and I spotted this sign which I had never noticed before. It's amazing what you see when there's noone else about.

I found it hard to choose which shot to use for my 365 today, but this one kept catching my eye, so it got the vote. Have a look at the rest here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jill_murray/

16/365 16th January 2010 - Abandoned

16/365 16th January 2010 - Abandoned, originally uploaded by jill_murray.

Finally got a few outdoor shots today, yay! I only had less than an hour but went into town for a mosey about and I'm planning to head back in tomorrow morning, weather permitting. There's something I love about being in the middle of the city early on a Sunday morning when there's noone else about. Can't wait. Hopefully get a few more good'uns tomorrow as didn't have enough time today to really come up with anything exciting.

However, I did like this little number. Somebody dumped their poor Christmas tree on the pavement, and not only that, they didn't even bother to take the lights off! Poor thing looked sad and lonely :( Christmas is well and truly over!

15/365 15th January 2010 - These shoes aren't made for walking...

15/365 15th January 2010 - These shoes aren't made for walking, originally uploaded by jill_murray.

But they are my favourites. It's Friday night and they are crying out for me to put them on. But I'm not going to. Sorry shoes.

Need to tidy up tonight so I don't have to spend my entire weekend cleaning!

14/365 14th January 2010 - Minder

14/365 14th January 2010 - Minder, originally uploaded by jill_murray.

Well I'm a little bit more refreshed today than I was yesterday! I'm looking forward to the weekend to get some outdoors shots, as the long as the weather improves. The snow has gone but now it's wet and windy :( I'd rather have the snow!

Anyway, this is my niece and her trusty minder, Molly chillaxing after a long day.

13/365 13th January 2010 - Tired and uninspired

13/365 13th January 2010 - Tired and uninspired, originally uploaded by jill_murray.

So this is the best I can do today! I have had a very stressful and busy 24 hours and I'm done in so all I want to do tonight is go to bed with my book and my hot water bottle.

I apologise to everyone, I'm a few days behind already on all your blogs and photos, hopefully catch up a bit this evening before my early night!

12/365 12th January 2010 - Me

12/365 12th January 2010 - Me, originally uploaded by jill_murray.

Self-portrait Tuesday again! And I'm still cheating a little! My reason for the marginal cheat this week is twofold:

1 - To hide my face!
2 - I thought the 'me' theme would be appropriate today as I have been tagged by my pal Mark www.flickr.com/photos/devilfishmark/4267166954/ and now I have to bore you with 10 (not very) interesting facts about me!

So here goes:

1 - I love cooking and have a Vietnamese Noodle Soup bubbling on the stove as we speak.
2 - I spend a huge amount of my spare time training Army Cadets in things such as drill, map and compass, community work and shooting.
3 - I love stationery and could spend hours on end in Paperchase, just looking at all the lovely papers and pens.
4 - I am a huge football fan and take it very seriously. I support Liverpool.
5 - I am going on my holiday of a lifetime in September - almost 3 weeks travelling the east coast of the USA. On my own!
6 - I have a problem with my spine (neck) which gives me a lot of pain :(
7 - I am about the only person I know who doesn't have kids - must be at that age now....
8 - I am desperate to upgrade my camera but can't afford to for the foreseeable future. I want a Canon 5D please!
9 - I have Reynauds disease which is a circulatory problem that causes some of my fingers to go seethrough in the cold - which is the source of much hilarity to my pals and a bit of a party trick.
10 - I have never eaten a pear. Or an avocado.

So there you are! 10 not very interesting facts about me!

11/365 11th January 2010 - Caffeine hit required

11/365 11th January 2010 - Caffeine hit required, originally uploaded by jill_murray.

It's Monday evening and I'm very, very tired. I wouldn't normally drink coffee at this time of day but I have to go out tonight and right now, the only way I'll get through it is with the help of caffeine! Hope it does the trick!

10/365 10th January 2010 - Dream a million stars in colour...

10/365 10th January 2010 - Dream a million stars in colour..., originally uploaded by jill_murray.

I'm a big dreamer. Even if it doesn't get you what you want, it's still nice, right?

I decided to stay indoors today since I have taken plenty of outdoors shots this week and don't want to exhaust all my options at this early stage! Plus, I've had quite enough of being cold, much as I enjoy the weather. The furthest I'll be going today is to the supermarket across the street to buy the Sunday papers and then I'll be spending the afternoon reading the papers, drinking coffee and watching Hancock.

Have a great Sunday everyone.

At least someone loves the snow....a wee extra for today!

At least someone loves the snow...., originally uploaded by jill_murray.

Ok, I know I have already done my shot for today but I thought you might enjoy this.

I just looked out the window (waiting for the chinese delivery man :D) and saw these tracks which had been left in the snow - what manouevre a car was doing to make them I have no idea, but I couldn't resist the urge to take a little photo!

9/365 9th January 2010 - A playground with no kids is like a person with no soul

9/365 9th January 2010 - A playground with no kids is like a person with no soul, originally uploaded by jill_murray.

We had a fresh snowfall today while I was out, so on my way home I just had to go via the local park to take some shots of the fresh, untrodden snow.

I saw the playground and it juts look so....empty, so I tried to capture that with this series of shots....

8/365 8th January 2010 - It's time to go home

8/365 8th January 2010 - It's time to go home, originally uploaded by jill_murray.

Hometime on Friday afternoon after a tough week. The weather has been crazy, there's still ridiculous snow and ice on the ground and I think most people will be heading home tonight and staying cosy for most of the weekend. If only I could stay in all weekend, I'd be a happy bunny, but it ain't going to happen!

I was a bit uninspired today about what shot to take, then about 3pm I came up with this idea. Then as I left work, I was so cold and tired that I just wanted to go home but I talked myself into heading to the spot I wanted and get the shot. I'm glad I did, as I'm pleased with how it turned out in the end.

7/365 7th January 2010 - Don't stand so close to me

7/365 7th January 2010 - Don't stand so close to me, originally uploaded by jill_murray.

Yay! I didn't forget my camera today and got my first 'proper' snow shot of the winter. It's funny how snow can turn somewhere than is nothing other than mediocre normally, into a beautiful place. I'm glad this shot turned out ok and made the walk worthwhile, because I was so cold I may as well have gone and sat in a freezer.

6/365 6th January 2010 - Well I woke up this morning and rainbows filled the sky

6/365 6th January 2010 - Well I woke up this morning and rainbows filled the sky, originally uploaded by jill_murray.

They didn't really, in fact quite the opposite. My day starting with a spectacular fall on the ice, whilst carrying my kettle to defrost the car. Seems I was more worried about the kettle than saving myself and I didn't spill a drop of water! Anyway, I got up and hobbled to the car, drove to work and realised I'd forgotten my lunch and my pass. Then I spilt a bottle of water over my computer. During all of which, it snowed, a lot, leaving the drive home a bit mental and making me rue the decision to not bring my camera with me today. Anyway, a rainbow did come out of the clouds when I got an email saying I was getting a refund of £165 for a bill I'd overpaid. Result.

Happy Bokeh Wednesday folks.

5/365 5th January 2010 - Defiance

5/365 5th January 2010 - Defiance, originally uploaded by jill_murray.

Yes, I'm being defiant. I'm doing a self-portrait of my face without actually showing most of my face.

I hate being in front of the camera. Soooo bad. But there are so many wonderul self-portraits out there that I've seen and been inspired by and I want to get my confidence up in selfies throughout this year. So self-portrait Tuesday it is then.

4/365 4th January 2010 - Look at the stars, look how they shine foryou, and all the things you do, they were all yellow...

4/365 4th January 2010 - Look at the stars, look how they shine for you, and all the things you do, they were all yellow..., originally uploaded by jill_murray.

This shot didn't turn out the way I wanted :( Don't know what I wanted but it wasn't this! Anyway, I have felt ill all day today so I guess this is better than nothing at all. Can't be a masterpiece everyday! Onto tomorrow.

3/365 - Walking on sunshine

3/365 - Walking on sunshine, originally uploaded by jill_murray.

I am loving this weather. This is probably the most consistently cold winter that I can remember. It's normally wet, kind of mild and not really a season of it's own. But this year, it's been cold, crisp, icy, snowy and I love it! I've probably got out and about more in the last month than I have for a long time and it's lovely. It pays to make a bit of an effort in life!

This picture was taken on the Cavehill in Belfast, it's a beautiful area and there'll definitely be more pics in my 365 from round here. Some day soon I hope to climb to the top of the hill and do a panoramic shot of Belfast, I've wanted to do it for ages but am too scared I'll fall over the edge! Doh.

Back to work tomorrow after the holidays. It's rubbish but I need to get back into a routine, I've been eating myself out of house and home and it has to stop!

Have a good Monday everyone!

2/365 2nd January 2010 - Sweet!

2/365 2nd January 2010 - Sweet!, originally uploaded by jill_murray.

Day 2 and I'm early on the ball today! I need to clean my house and I have found myself spending all day, literally all day over this past couple of weeks on Flickr and I'm getting nothing done!!! So at least if I have got my shot I can chillax and go do my chores, and then pop by later to see what everyone else has been up to.

So, this shot. I love colours, I really do. I'm guessing colours will feature heavily in my 365 this year! And since I have discovered Photoshop actions to help with my processing, I feel like a new world has opened up! I always coveted that retro/vintage feel others managed to have in their shots, and could never achieve, then I discovered actions - awesome!

I'm feeling terribly excited about my photography again and I haven't felt like that for 7/8 months. And since I have had the break, it's weird but I have come back feeling like I know more, like I am more willing to try new things, like I want to be more experimental and see where it takes me.

God, I really hope this lasts :)

1/365 - Happy New Year from Little Miss Cheeky!

1/365 - Happy New Year from Little Miss Cheeky!, originally uploaded by jill_murray.

I had really intended my 2010 sunrise shot to be my first 365 entry but when I took these shots, I realised they are probably my favourite photos that I've ever taken and therefore these make the Day 1 spot instead!