On this site I’ll be writing less about photography, and more about World issues, justice issues, Church issues and random bits that interest me.The reason for this is simple. We’ve decided to take our business blog more seriously, and my thoughts and comments on photography will be appearing on the Hoskins Gallery blog instead of here.

I’m hoping that this will in turn help me to be more consistent with my blogging, instead of allowing myself to become overwhelmed with ideas to blog about, I’ll be quite clear about where to blog about specific things. Like, I’ve just published a new blog containing some early musings about Humanitarian Photography on our Hoskins Gallery blog and I’ll be doing a wee bit of blogging about the Church of Scotland General Assembly this week (mostly focused on the World Mission Council).

anyhoo, that’s all I’m going to say on the matter just now, here’s to more blogging!

Peace Out

I’m really looking forward to the day, hoping to be challenged, inspired, galvanised, energised and so much more today! Humanitarian work is a big passion of mine and an area I want to go with my photography work (http://hoskinsgallery.com/humanitarian-photography/)

I’ll be blogging on and off throughout the day and after,

Peace Out

At only £1200 – £1400 to convert a car (estimated!) This doesn’t seem as expensive as I first imagined it would – still can’t afford to do it though! I have been chatting to Linda on and off for a few years and we would consider a hybrid electric car….I’m getting visions of having a de-lorean with a blender on top cruising down the A90 to Edinburgh……

When I have shifts at Cotswolds, I will almost always walk or cycle the 2.2 miles to work – unless the rain is really nasty or I’m doing the Tearfund Rice and Beans challenge! We also, as a couple, make an effort to walk wherever we can – the city centre is a 40 minute walk from our flat, and our nearest supermarket can be reached in less than 5 minutes walking! We don’t often walk to Church – but that is a 4 mile walk uphill at 8am!

I don’t understand people who drive a walkable distance – it costs more; is often far more stressful; doesn’t always save that much time and just isn’t as enjoyable!!! I urge you, encourage you, walk or cycle as much as possible! It’s great fun, helps keep you fit, and can help the environment! Don’t just do it for the weekend – do it for as long as possible!

Do you walk/ cycle?

Peace Out

As I mentioned in an earlier post, we’re very blessed here in Aberdeen with what our council will collect for recycling – we have fortnightly collections for biodegradable waste; paper and cardboard; plastic packaging and bottles; glass containers and bottles – and we have easy access to clothes/ material recycling; wood recycling and all sorts of other recycling at the local supermarkets and council run tips.

Peace Out

My only travel plans for this summer so far are most certainly UK based! We’re heading to CLAN gathering in July, where we’ll be volunteering at the Tearfund Cafe there! I’ll be posting more about that later.

I also intend on doing a lot of cycling an walking in the nearby Cairngorms – accompanied by some of my friends and colleagues from Cotswolds, should be awesome!

Peace Out

Those who know me will laugh at this one, I’m renowned for taking long showers – something about standing under hot water is refreshing! However, I am taking this challenge to heart – I’m going to make a concerted effort to take shorter showers – we’ll see how it goes…..

Peace Out

Tea and coffee is certainly something I take for granted, especially at work. On a busy day, we can sometimes go through 6/7 rounds of tea for up to 11 staff at a time in Cotswolds. We are quite conscious about not overfilling the kettle though. We’re also quite conscious about that at home too. I’d love one day to invest in a more energy efficient kettle too, every little helps!

Peace Out

I’m ashamed to say that I didn’t speak this week at Church about the fast or the issues – I’ll need to improve on that! I am however making an effort this year to wear warmer clothes than use the heating – I’m getting quite into woolen base layers and insulated jackets/ tops.

Peace Out

I’m afraid I’m going to have to point-blank refuse to operate a no-fly home. You see, my dream in life is to become a Humanitarian photographer – this will involve at least some overseas travel, most likely by air! What I will do instead however, is to find ways to reduce my carbon footprint as much as possible when I do fly – whatever I can do, I’ll do my best to do!

Peace Out