Cresswell Quay

There are lots of little places in West Wales that I haven't visited for many years having lived away for a long time, and many places that are still new to me. This little gem at Cresswell Quay, I have been meaning to visit for a while. I've seen the signs and kept it in mind so on this glorious Saturday morning I ventured there. 

The drive as always when your visiting villages in Wales was in places a little worrying, hoping that no one would be driving towards me, and if they did, wondering how far I would have to reverse so that they could get by. I always find that I'm the one who reverses, other drivers don't seem too keen!  But it was fine, I only had to reverse once and thankfully only 50 yards or so.

I sat and watched the water for a while, a family of ducks and a heron. What a treat. Then I walked a mile or so up towards Lawrenny. The birds flitted here and there, a young couple trying to encourage their young labrador to swim in the river who didn't seem at all keen to do so! The trees in full bloom, the dappling light ... all of nature's wonders as ever a sheer delight. 

At the end of my walk, I walked into the Cresselly Arms and asked for a cup of coffee. They don't serve coffee! But the landlord offered to get me a mug of instant from their kitchen. I was grateful and it wasn't a bad mug of coffee, It hit the spot! 

Labour Campaign Day

Marc Tierney (Labour candidate GE2017)  with Liz and Gill

Josh Beynon, newly elected councillor for Pembroke Dock with Christina Rees, Marc Tierney, Colin, Marge, Gill, Liz and Laura

Pictures as Emotion

The following quotes are from 

Jacob Baal-Teshuva. TOTHKO (2003) Los Angeles Taschen GMBH

Photographs were shot on a NIkon Digital

All Copyright Penelope Davies

Pictures as Drama

A consumated idea between picture and onlooker

A space filled with inner light

The appreciation of art is a true marriage of minds

A picture lives by companionship, expanding and quickening in the eyes of the sensitive observer

I had been drawn to Rothko's works without realising the significance to my own way of thinking, and to my own photographic creative methodology. When my eye is one with the camera, I am being filled with emotion. In nature, it is the emotion reflected back at me that I seek.

The slate quarry in Rosebush, West Wales, .is one of the places I love to visit. On this ocassion, it was the wind that embraced me. It played music in my ears and notes on the water, the movement of a symphony. It was nature's orchestra with rain drops falling singing their song. It was truly joyful.

Calvary (2014)

A film directed and written by John Michael McDonagh.

Father James (Brendon Gleeson) a man of integrity and humanity entered the priesthood late in life. He plays his pastoral role in an Irish county town, where he becomes the victim of an intended murder. In the confessional box he is told by a man who has been abused, that although he is a good priest, he is going to die in a week's time.

This is an excellent film, The script, the scenery, the acting, make this a film not to be missed.

It has had conflicting reviews, but in my opinion this is a thoughtful, intriguing, suspenseful and beautiful film. 

A Winter Witch by Paula Brackston

A mystical story written, as all good magic tales are told, of good versus evil.

A young girl, discovering she has magical powers, an arranged marriage, heartbreak, a magic well, the wicked witch, the good witch....all set in the atmospheric Welsh hills.

I hose this book on a visit to the library because of its connection to Wales, and to the magical myths of the land. I do love stories based on myth and folklore; this one didn't disappoint. It is a simple tale but well written, and succeeded in capturing my attention, I was lost and engrossed in Morgana's world and of those around her who she loved and wanted to protect.

goodreads.com/book/show/15702859-the-winter-witch

Solace by Nicci Gerrard

I enjoy Nicci Gerrard's style of writing. She writes sensitively and has empathy with her characters that allows the reader to become part of the characters' lives. In my opinion she is a very talented writer.

Written in 2005, Solace is one of her earlier books. The story tells of a family breaking down,a betrayal and the aftermath of that betrayal. It is sometimes intense, sometimes sad, sometimes excruciatingly difficult to read because of its depth of feeling. But you always feel that somewhere there is some hope.

Contented Sleep

A bright day, a coffee in the Lounge, strong and steaming, the sun glaring, blinding and harsh. I move towards the beach where the soft wind beckons, the sun now thankfully hiding behind a cloud, a respite from the heat. I spy a sleeping pebble, blissfully content.