An avid tea-drinker who likes nutmeg in her coffee and warm lavender-scented quilts. She knits, crochets and partakes in random acts of craftiness (and kindness). More recently, she can often be found studying in a library which is nowhere as relaxing as the garden. She likes obscure works of literature, philosophy and the idea that her mind exists separately from her body. She enjoys moving furniture around, literary criticism and baking bread. She writes haiku about nettles, would like to swim with seals and become completely self-sufficient. She writes as if her life depends on it, listens to beautiful music, and loves her darling husband Mr. VP. Her life has changed dramatically since becoming a student, but she is learning that life is one wild and wonderful ride.

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I use two main cameras depending on what subjects I'm photographing: a Sony a580 dSLR and a 1970s Chinon CX.

I've been using 35mm cameras since I got my first proper SLR, a Prinzflex CX, back in 2004. It was love at first click.

I got my first dSLR in November 2010 and haven't looked back. Digital photography is amazing stuff. On this camera I use the 18-55mm Sony alpha kit lens and a Tamron 70-300mm Macro Telezoom lens.

But I still love film. My Chinon CX goes everywhere with me. I use my favourite lens in the whole world: a 1970s Auto Chinon Tomioka 55mm f 1.4. It is the best bokeh lens in the world (click here for photos taken with that lens). I also have a range of telezooms and fixed-focus lenses, including a very temperamental Carl Zeiss Jena DDR 50mm f 2.8. (click here for photos taken with that lens)

I am learning to develop my own negatives using standard B&W chems. So far, I've developed: Kentmere 400, Kodak Tri-X 400 and Ilford HP5. In the future I hope to build an entire darkroom and be able to make prints for sale.

Brilliant Blogs!

• Marie @ Candytuft Corner
• Mimi
• Rowan
• Angel Jem's City Cottage
• Everything Stops for Tea
• ljc's blog
• Scenes From a Slow-Moving Train
• Britt Arnhild's House In The Woods
• Liz @ Be Present, Be Here
• Beverly @ Tea Time and Roses

Crafty Blogs

• Posie Gets Cozy
• Tiny Happy
• Lisa
• Middle of Nowhere
• Val @ DottyCookie
• Attic24
• SouleMama
• Zoe's Knitting Bag
• India @ Flavaknits
• Mhairi

Foody Blogs

• Culinary Concoctions by Peabody
• Smitten Kitchen
• Comme un lait fraise
• Coconut and Lime
• Cupcake Bakeshop by Chockylit
• Not Eating Out in NY

Eco-logical

• Contemplating Change
• The Angry Toxicologist
• fiftyrx3
• The Accidental Smallholder
• Snapdragon's Chat

• Supply and Demand : Ethical Shopping
• Sanity Mechanisms
• My Future in Farming
• If This is so-called Progress
• Clean, Green and less of the Mean
• Just How Far is Far Enough?
• It's Not Easy, Being Green
• From Garden to Mouth
• Beauty Through Utility
• Dig For Victory
• Heaven Scent