Hot and green -

"April's Teahouse"
digital collage by Mick Mather

The weather continues to warm, gentle rains soak the bulbs that are sending shoots high above the ground and the pastel hues of spring seem to be, suddenly, everywhere. Today feels like a day to sit in a field and admire the handiwork of nature with a sweet breeze blowing across my face.

All Fools Day -

"April Showers"
digitally manipulated photograph by Mick Mather
- original photograph by Bill Ives -

Welcome to that special day for pranks, practical jokes and every shade of japery. That said, it should come as no surprise that I, a huge fan (especially visual jokes and wordplay), have no joke today! Very fitting that, yes? Anyway, back in October 2007 my good friend, Bill Ives, posted a set of photos taken in Italy, this particular image among them, and gave me permission to work my magic upon it. Finally, while playing about with a 'found' film still and a new plug-in, I was able to press forward ... thanks again for the inspiration, Bill!