Tuesday 13 December 2011

Reasons to be cheerful, part F


For this round of Jenny Matlock's Alphabe-Thursday, I thought I would take a theme which might loosely be entitled 'Reasons to be Cheerful, Part _', after the 1979 hit single by Ian Dury and the Blockheads (Reasons to be Cheerful, Part 3).




J

For everyone, the reasons will be different, but I wanted to search around for some of the things which brighten up my day; things for which I am thankful.

F is for firelight.

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There are obviously two faces to fire but, when it is controlled and burning in the garden on a cold autumn evening, I love firelight.




The flickering and dancing of the flames mesmerises.


The heat comforts and the smell of woodsmoke evokes memories of childhood.


The embers glow and fade like something living, slowly consuming and turning to ash.


Shapes stand out in stark relief.


While a change of material brings a sudden hint of gentle blues and greens.


I love firelight!

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At the moment, f would also appear to be for furlough.

I've published less posts in the past month than at any time since I started blogging almost two years ago. Life has been fast and inspiration slow.

As soon as I go somewhere interesting or see something of note, I will get my camera busy and return to more regular posting. In the meantime, I do think of my blogging friends :)

Incidentally, did you know that the word 'furlough' comes from Dutch verlof (Danish vorlov), meaning permission? The gh spelling reflects the original f sound ending, which was lost in the early 1800s.

17 comments:

  1. I love a good flickering fire too!

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  2. I love firelight too... the smell, the creaking and crackling sounds, and the quietness or happiness in me when within the comforting circle of the fire's warmth. Great post and wonderful photos. I didn't know that about furlough either.

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  3. Firelight gives my soul an inner glow, especially at Christmas time!

    =)

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  4. Your Firelight Fotos are Fabulous. Did not know the etymology of Furlough, but that was Fine to Find out. Totally get needing one! :-)

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  5. I am warm now in front of your fire. It lightens my load. In case Francisca doesn't know, ""F"" is for proper nouns. But it is always Fiendish Fun to break all the rules too!

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  6. Well, Tina's photos made me cold, but now I'm nice and toasty warm!! Thank you sooooo much! I hate cold hands!

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  7. Here in AZ we never really want that fire--except this time of year. I agree with you!

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  8. Not too much furlough : some of us out here depend on you for making our days that little more interesting.

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  9. I agree, the fire is wonderful. It's so pretty when we have a bonfire and the flames die down to glowing red embers. It's all dark except for the red glow. So pretty.

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  10. I agree that fire light cheers me up too! Lovely photos.

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  11. I love our wood stove - there's nothing better than a log fire on a cold, damp afternoon!

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  12. I agree, very mesmerising! Fires make me feel all cosy! :)

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  13. Love the new theme! I also love fires. They are my favorite thing about camping. I can literally sit for hours and just stare into one. And I can do that anytime I want. We heat our house with only a wood burning stove, but it's an insert into the original fireplace, so we get to watch and be warm.
    Tina @ Life is Good

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  14. Awww yes, the flicker of flames! But only controlled ones:) Enjoy your furlough, I think we all need to step back once in awhile. I'll watch for new posts next year...haha

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  15. I'd love a real fire (except for the mess they make). And yes, I know what you mean about inspiration for blogging and photography coming and going. It's easier in the good weather and longer days.

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  16. Nothing compares to the Fuzzy Feeling you get when you cozy up next to a Fire with Friends and Family...

    It is one of my Favorite things...

    Thanks for reminding me with such a Fantastic link to the letter "F"!

    Fond wishes For a Fabulous 2012!

    A+

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