Reading My Way Around the World

Sunday, 10 January 2021

Gifts

Photo Scavenger Hunt January 2021 

Good frosty morning to you - the sun is shining and we're in a wintry wonderland, but no snow yet and it's starting to warm up.  

So I'm joining in today with Kate's Scavenger Hunt - a wee bit different this month from last year in that we have one prompt per week.   

I love gifts - both giving and receiving.   And oftentimes I'll end up keeping the box or the wrapping paper for years afterwards, vicariously enjoying presents that have long disappeared.  





Tom and I usually buy necessities for each other at Christmas time and for birthdays - things we need but won't get around to buying for ourselves ... but this year I had a special wish - (well two actually, but the paints are already a mess and not to be shown lol ) this beautiful Mbira or Kalimba.  It's an African instrument or rather the Western version of a traditional instrument - and I love it.   It arrived for my birthday which was also the day mum went into hospital and, well , things have been a bit pear shaped since so I've hardly touched it.  One of these days I'll let you hear how it sounds with me playing but I've a bit of practice to do yet!

And a a few weeks back when I wasn't feeling so good a friend came around with an Amaryllis plant which just today burst into bloom.   I was expecting a red but instead it's this beautiful pale pink colour  ... Just gorgeous.  



Thank you Kate for keeping this Scavenger Hunt going - I'm heading now to have a look at what everyone else has put in for this prompt.  


9 comments:

  1. Ooh I know them as Marimba (we used to have them when we lived in Africa and I still 'feel' the metal keys under my juvenile finger tips, and 'hear' the metallic melody in my head) I could not play them properly but I do remember being able to make rhythmic repetitive sounds that to me were music :)

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    1. I'd love to get my hands on a traditional one Kate - lucky you to get playing one ... they're very hard to get over here now. but yes, it's that repetetive metallic sound that makes it sound so magical

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  2. Oh, that looks a lovely instrument & would love to hear it played. The amaryllis is a pretty & delicate colour. Glad you've joined in. Take care, stay safe & huggles.

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    1. Thanks Susan - I still haven't had a chance to look around all the others yet (been at a conference all weekend), but there's a whole week in front of us. Loving the amaryllis.

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  3. Your marimba is beautiful. I'm not musical but would give one house room because it is so pretty. I've not bothered with an amaryllis this year but I do find them amazing to watch.

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    1. it is beautiful to look at - my snaps don't do it justice - I think half the instruments in this house are just there cos I love looking at them :)

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  4. Hi Fil - the Mbira will be wonderful to play - you'll have so much fun; it looks beautiful ... what a lovely instrument. While the pink lily is just right for a soft start to the year ... an easin in. All the best - Hilary

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  5. The kalimba looks lovely. I'd never heard of them before so just googled it and watched a youtube video of someone playing one, it sounded lovely. I hope you enjoy playing yours :)

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  6. Ooh, such a lovely Kalimba! I have 3 at school but they aren't as nice as yours! One was a lovely gift from Millie who is from Zimbabwe and she sent me a trad one but it got a bit bent in the post- so lovely though!! Then two others at school- I can't wait to hear you play it! I'd like to try a Kora!

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