Launch

It's the time of year when all the babies launch themselves into mid air - scary!
I couldn't decide upon the background - which one do you prefer?

© 2011 nicky linzey for illustration friday

swept

The river bed fascinates me and it was hard to photograph as it's constantly moving - the water swept leaves and debris along ... so I drew the image instead for illustration friday this week.
© 2011 nicky linzey

Soaked

I've actually managed an illustration for Illustration Friday this week. Hoping for some rain for my garden but not over the Bank Holiday weekend!
© 2011 nicky linzey for Illustration Friday

Secret Garden

I was invited to see Julie's garden last week. It was wild and beautiful - one of those gardens that look effortlessly natural but you know it's all down to hard work! Click on the picture for a better view.

Rare

A beautiful walk, a beer with friends and a rare find - what could be better. I came across this plant on a walk last week and had never seen it before - I usually record anything unusual. I rushed home, looked it up and was so excited to see that it should only grow in one secret place in the Cotswolds, I thought I had discovered a second secret place! Unfortunately in my haste I misread it and it's not rare after all - a white helliborine - member of the orchid family.

Journey

They've arrived! It's always a special moment when we see the first house martins. And unbelievable to think they've travelled from Africa on those tiny wings.
I'm really on the last lap for Illustration Friday this week.
© 2011 nicky linzey for Illustration Friday

Illicit days

Isn't an illicit day off in the week so much more pleasurable than a weekend? I had such a lovely time yesterday walking along the South Downs Way with My Jack Russell. Trouble is he'll expect this every day now and I'd be quite happy to oblige.