Hello 2013! And my word of the year...

Hello 2013!!

I don't know about you, but I am ready for a new year and excited about it - our plans are already starting to come together for the next few months alone and I am excited about what the year brings... I was thinking about writing another 4 Simple Goals post... but really, my goals for this year are still the same as last years goals.

1. Get fitter and healthier and stay that way. (Still working on that one...) 2. Stop worrying so much. 3. Take too many photos.  (inspired by my friend Anna) 4. Be happy. Don’t try and be happy, just be happy.

However, my word for the year is different... and I think its a good one! My word for the year is...

alleviate

The definition is:  To make (something) easier to bear; lessen; relieve.

At first, I was quite surprised by my word as it seems like I'm starting in a negative place if I want to make things easier for myself (which I'm not) but after being considerate to myself for a year, it makes sense that I want to make little changes and hopefully ones that are for the better.

The thing I like about 'alleviate' too is that its a 'doing' word... If I have to make a decision where this word will help me, I'm probably going to have to actively do something to make it better and I like the idea of that too, rather than just thinking about things and being aware of them, I'm actually going to do something.

Also, why limit my word to just me right? Perhaps I can help make things easier for other people too...

I have a good feeling about 2013 already, how about you?

Feeling homesick...

I always feel the most homesick for Norfolk when I'm ill, especially for my family. So it was nice to have this roll of film with photos of Norwich that I'd forgotten about in the batch of films I got developed when we got back from Whitby. I think these might be from August as it looks nice and sunny (which it definitely isn't here at the moment)

These are seriously making me excited about going home again for Christmas (though I am excited about Christmas already hehe) and I'm glad that I finally took one of my cameras out around Norwich too.

Oh also, I should add, if you live in the UK, this film was from Poundland! I used to get the Kodak 200 film from there but they have this Agfa Vista Plus 200 film now too and I think its pretty good, especially for a pound!

Location: Norwich (finally)
Camera: Refurb LC-A
Film: Agfa Vista Plus 200

Whitby in Black and White...

Sometimes I can be stubborn about things for no reason... It took me years to watch Moulin Rouge because I decided that I didn't want to. Of course as soon as I saw it I completely loved it and kicked myself for not watching it sooner.

And, for some reason, when I started taking film photos again, I was reluctant to use black and white films, I'm not sure why, I think because I love colour so much. I eventually tried Ilford XP2and adored it - especially with my Diana Mini - but I've been quite stubborn about trying other films. After some recommendations from friends, I decided to try the Kodak BW400CN film. Like the Ilford XP2 this is a C41 developed film, so not a true black and white technically, but wow... WOW!!!!

I've been looking at these photos since I got them developed and been wondering if I really took them... the results of this film - the contrasts and the tones - with my refurbished LC-A are truly gorgeous (I haven't edited them at all) and I think now, I truly get the appeal of black and white film.

I can't wait to use it again already!

Have a great weekend

Location: Whitby, England
Camera: Refurb LC-A
Film: Kodak BW400CN

Polaroids from the weekend...

First, I have to say that it was an absolute delight having Zoe from Ladybird Likes visit us for the weekend and even more fun helping her out with her stall on Saturday. I love it when you meet a blogger in real life and they are even nicer and lovelier in person. Also she took me for a Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate in Starbucks straight away which totally won me over :)

Knowing that I had 13 films to develop from Whitby, I originally didn't plan to take any cameras on Saturday with me (gasp) but I realised I still had half a film in my Yashica Samurai, so I had to take that (obviously) and then I remembered that I still had film for my 340 Polaroid camera too (hurray), so in the end I had a lot of fun taking photos.

Unfortunately, and really it pains me to say it, I still haven't had much luck with this Fuji FP-100C film. I did a bit of research today and I think that despite leaving it for 5 minutes that I needed to leave it for much longer, so next time, I'll just have to be really patient. If I can. I ended up editing these to make them brighter.

But how amazing does Zoe's stand look. You should check out her shop. Seriously, her items are perfect and so well made, I saw at least 10 I wanted and I know that when Zoe announces her new range very soon (I got a sneak peak, its amazing) you will all love it!

p.s. I'm getting the 14 films developed today and although my purse is crying (just a little) my heart is very happy, I can't wait to see the results, woohoo!!!!