Monday, December 31, 2012

Re-Focused for 2013

As I prepare for tonight's celebrations of ringing out 2012 and welcoming 2013, I'd like to share a few photos taken earlier this year in Villefranche-sur-mer, France. 





These fireworks were not related to a New Year's Eve celebration, but rather were set off over Cap-Ferrat the peninsula directly across the bay of Villefranche from the town of Villefranche-sur-Mer. The delightful Le Petit Bijou apartment Peter and I had rented from Riviera Experience had a balcony over-looking the bay and the unexpected firework display gave me an opportunity to experiment with capturing night exposures. As you will see by the following photos, not only were we treated to fireworks, but a full-moon as well.





Two years ago when I decided to chuck my career and take early retirement, I accepted a challenge from a friend who suggested that I create a blog of my experiences and photographs.


I never thought that I would or could accept that challenge, but in the two-weeks after my arrival in Nice, France in October 2010 with a Dell computer, an Apple iPad (1st generation), a BlackBerry cell phone, my Sony Cyber-shot camera, and finding courage in several glasses of good French wine I posted my very first blog entitled Life's Illusions.


That was in October 2010 and in the ensuing 12 months I had created a total of 22 additional postings; 15 of which were posted on this blog Focused . 


Surprisingly I find that some people are still accessing my blogs. The most viewed being Walk from Nice to Villefranche-sur-Mer.



Now two years later, after being silent for over a year, on the eve of 2013, I'm suddenly feel re-inspired to relaunch Focused


My goal is to hopefully bring some pleasure to you as these trips and photos have brought to me.


So let this first blog of 2013 be the first of several to re-introduce my audience to the joys and beauty of the town and the surroundings of Villefranche-sur-Mer. Afterwards, I'll introduce you to other discoveries; Lake Garda and Marseille.



I wish you all a very good New Year! 

8 comments:

Tom said...

Thanks for finding the courage, liquid or otherwise. I read and enjoy it all. It makes me feel a little closer. You have great visual sense and a wonderful wit to share your experiences. I look forward the your next post! Tom aka Patrick

paula said...

Thankyou for your lovely photos great to hear from you again. We have got our week booked for beginning June and your pictures will get us through the long winter days.

Sarah said...

Gorgous as always!!!!

Sarah said...

Gorgeous Roger, your pictures always amaze me!

JLo said...

Yay! Glad to see you blogging again! What cities are on the itinerary this year?

Anonymous said...

Hi Roger - beautiful photos! So glad you've resumed your blog. Looking forward to more.
Buon Anno Nuovo, Thea

Anonymous said...

Roger - thanks for sharing. Bonne Annee! Felice Anno! - Nick

Unknown said...

Dear Roger,
I've looked at, even studied your photos celebrating the new year 2013 several times and find them exquisite. Your eye for composition and focus are excellent and convey not only the physical qualities of the subject but the romance implied.

Thank you for such a wonderful gift!

Warmly,
Maida