FIVE FACT FRIDAY

with 74 comments

This is the third week Kim & I are playing along with friends from Behind The Scenes - a creative guide to blogging your passion – Registration is open now and today both Kim and I are giving away one spot each on the September round! Two chances of winning! Leave a comment here and over at Kim’s cafe, and we’ll pick a winner on Monday.

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I’m taking a different twist with Fact Friday this week… Instead of it being a mixed bag of random things. I’m gonna share a few loves/facts/thoughts about this great city of ours because I’ve kinda fallen back in love with it, riding the wave of all this Olympic love.

1. I love London

2. I love travelling by bus, sitting on the top deck always noticing new things… it’s a window to a whole new world.

3. We love jumping. (You must have noticed this)

4. There is always some sort of street art to admire (or jump in front of)

5. Whilst Tower Bridge doesn’t have the same allure as Brooklyn Bridge… it’s still pretty impressive, even more so decorated with the Olympic rings.

Have a happy weekend. xo

Written by xanthe

August 17th, 2012 at 6:35 am

Posted in behind the scenes,five fact friday

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  • Paul P

    I haven’t visited London since 1991, and it would be interesting to see what it’s like now compared to the way I remember it. Great photos, thanks for posting.

  • http://jillianinitaly.wordpress.com Jillian in Italy

    Gorgeous photos. We are also big jumping fans. And street art fans.

  • http://chococolette.blogspot.com Ellen

    I love London too, I usually go there twice per year and love the buzz of it. I am always grateful to be home again in the tiny village I live in, but those two times per year I soak it all in in London.

  • Cathie

    Hi Xanthe
    I have been following a few of the Shutter Sisters on Flickr for a while and spotted a link to something of yours on MaineMomma’s site I think it was a few weeks ago. Love your site, your blog and your Vimeo. : )
    I think I have been wanting to start a blog for some time now, and have actually just set one up, but life is a little on the busy side at the moment so my heart is just not in it. I would so love to participate in one of these e-courses in the future, so will keep watching your blog closely. Good luck with everything and I think you and Kim are awesome. Love watching what you both do.
    PS. Your boys are gorgeous. My boy is 12 and is my angel. : )

  • Lisa W.

    I love London too. It’s been way too long since I’ve last visited. Thank you for the chance to be in your class. You and Kim are both so inspiring.

  • Dawn

    Fun fact about me: I love taking photos but I really like the editing afterwards!

    I would love to win and learn more!

    Thanks,
    Dawn

  • Kellie

    I love your photographs! I love all things British…and I love that you say “whilst”!

  • http://Www.melindameredith.com Melinda

    Would live to win a spot in your class!

  • Bonnie

    My brother and sister-in-law traveled to London for the Olympics this year. I am jealous.

    I was in London once, when I was 18 years old. I was there with a group of high school graduates who were all together in an English Handbell choir for a tour of England. We only spent a day in London and we were expecting rain, but it turned out to be the sunniest, warmest day we had on our trip to the UK. I remember us girls rolling up our pant legs and soaking up the sun in a park . . . what a wonderful place!

  • http://www.reddancerstudio.com Marrianna

    Even though I’m registered for Round Two of BTS, if I win, I would get the class free. That would be great. As to a fact about me: my favorite part of photography is to capture the essence, the form, of whatever happens to be in front of my lens. I heard great things about the BTS online course and look forward to possibly winning a free spot.

  • http://mindi-joiedevivre.blogspot.com/ Mindi Bruner

    I lived just outside of London for 5 years and loved it! Now that I’m older I regret not doing some things (never did get in a visit to Buckingham Palace), but I’m hoping I’ll get a chance to get back sometime in the future. Thanks for the chance to win a spot in the class.

  • http://www.heathersblog-o-rama.blogspot.com Heahter :) :) :)

    Hi Xanthe,
    I heard about your giveaway over at Kim Klassen’s blog :) :) So cool :) :)

    I got to visit London for the first time back in 1995. I was living in Germany, and one of my friend’s in the dorms was from a suburb of London and studied in Aberdeen, Scotland. In any case, he was driving back home, and I asked if I could carpool with him there. He said yes :) :) It was so much fun. I got to visit London, and then later some friends in Aberdeen. So breathtaking to finally see all the things in person that I’d only ever read about in books :) :)

    Thanks for hosting this nice giveaway :) Love and hugs from the ocean shores of CAlifornia, Heather ;)

  • Susan M.

    Hi Xanthe! I have so loved seeing London through the Olympic coverage. Would be a wonderful place to visit, maybe someday i’ll get there!

  • http://corvidarium.blogspot.com wendy

    I’m here via Kim’s blog… would love to win a spot in the course!
    Fact about me: I once spent the day walking. Literally. Seven hours, non-stop. My feet were sore.

  • http://www.musingcrowdesigns.com Marie Z. Johansen

    I would be so over-the-top thrilled to be able to win a slot in this class! I’ve been wanting to take another kk&X class and that way I could enjoy both! Thanks so much to both of you for this golden opportunity. be well!

  • http://www.elainemillarphotoworks.blogspot.com ElaineM

    Fact about me: I love, love, love Broadway plays including Broadway in London haha. Too much fun!

  • http://feutrella.blogspot.fr/ Feutrella

    I’d love a chance to win. I don’t know London but I love street art too. It’s a beautiful form of communication in anonymous town.
    Greetings from Paris

  • http://Mrseliotbooks.blogspot.com Francesca / mrseliotbooks

    Umm. Hello 55 comments! Can i just say that that is tower bridge not london bridge;-) but most of the tourists think it’s london bridge too so may as well go along with it! Great pics as always. X

  • http://www.reflectionofyou.org/royblog/ nancyjean

    Hi Xanthe, first i want to thank you again for coming up with this idea of 5 Fact FridaY…i just love sharing a bit of myself and reading a bit about other bloggers. I love your post on your dear towne, London. Your last photo is amazing with the olympic rings on the London Bridge…of coarse i am a sucker for B/W… hope you have a great weekend!

  • Beth

    Love your photos of London but…. ooohhh Xanthe, as a proud Brit I hope you understand I correct your photo caption with kindness; the bridge decorated with the Olympic Rings is not London Bridge – it is Tower Bridge.

    Tower Bridge is often mistakenly referred to as London Bridge, which is the next bridge upstream on the Thames.

  • Lucy

    Love your bright & fun photos of your children hamming it up for the Olympics…. and you will love that you were able to capture this time & important event in their lives. WELL DONE!

    Thank you for the opportunity to win a seat in the September Class

  • Cindy A

    London, on my wish list! We love jumping, too. Thanks for sharing. Would love to win the class .

  • Kathy

    London is brlliant. I worked for the airlines and in 1978 my first flight out of the USA was my check ride to LONDON. What a fantastic experience. Last week the bridge with the olympic rings and the full moon inside the middle ring was outstanding. Your country is fabulous and so are your photos!

  • http://lime-juiceandzest.blogspot.com.au/ LindyS

    London is one place I have never been but I soooo want to visit one day. It’s right up there with Italy.

    The Olympics has given this dream a more ‘urgent’ feel. I think the Olympics really showcased the quirkiness and eccentricity of the British character. I think I would love London :-)

  • Cathy

    Lovely photos! Haven’t been to London, would love to one day. Thanks for the chance to win!

  • Melanie

    Thanks to you and Kim for giving us the opportunity to win a spot in this class! I have been eyeing this course since the announcement, but can’t afford it right now. You both are so inspiring to me.

  • http://prettyinposies.blogspot.com Jenn M

    Love the energy and fun in your London pics. What a treat to have your city host the Olympics! Would love to be surrounded by all that excitement.

  • http://www.back40fotos.com Nina

    City life is interesting, but a bit intimidating for a country mouse like me! Wish I could visit a few, with confidence.

    Your BTS class would give me a creative kick that I need for my new blog. Thanks for the chance to win a spot!

  • Lynn Thompson

    I mean Kim Klassen, Excuse me please.

  • http://pamdavisphotography Pam Davis

    Love you images of London, have always wanted to visit but alas just have not made it there. Soon I hope!! Thanks for the opportunity to win a spot.

  • Lynn Thompson

    Happy Kim Lassen introduced me to you!

  • http://lolas-sweetlife.blogspot.com Laura

    I would love to visit London someday! It’s been my dream forever to travel…I keep waiting and hoping that my time will come, sooner than later. And I would love to win a spot in your class! hugs!

  • http://oldbackporch.com Patrice

    Great photos in a great city – love your jumpers!

  • http://marionmccristall.com Marion McCristall

    I’ve travelled to more than 25 countries and am always amazed at what catches my eye and draws me in. Thanks for sharing your love of London. It’s a wonderful city.
    It would be great to have to opportunity to win Behind the Scenes.

  • Marilyn G

    I enjoy all your action shots. I had a wonderful time in London years ago. I’ll always remember you taught me how to make the circles for my layouts. Thanks so much, Xanthe.

  • http://www.apicturebooklife.blogspot.com Sadee Schilling

    Oh my gosh, I would be THRILLED to win a spot in your e course! Gorgeous photos today–I especially love the ones of the street art. I live in Hamburg and am addicted to photographing grafitti and street art! :)

  • http://www.lusciouslifestudios.com Dori

    I was in London for only 1 day last fall and it was just fabulous. I can’t wait to come back for a longet visit to really get to know the city.

    I had such a great time in the first round of BTS that I would love to have another go. It was so full of great info that I could really use the second session to take it all in.

  • http://suruha.com Su Hall

    I love visiting blogs for a little visit, getting a peek into that person’s world. I think about that all the time.
    And, of course, it gives one all kinds of grand opportunities, too, like winning a spot in the ‘Behind the Scenes’ course!
    Thank you! Aside from the contest, I enjoyed your blog!

    Su

  • http://www.visualthemes.org/selfcare/journal/ Colette

    I love seeing your London family pics cause my class (I teach) and I are studying the Olympics and we have been following the games! I can imagine how you felt having it in your own city cause we had it here in 2000. LUV. I’d love to win a place in your new class with Kim.

  • http://www.meghandavidson.com/ Meghan @ Life Refocused

    It’s been over 20 years since I’ve been to London. Your photos always make me want to come visit. Would love a spot in class. xo

  • Janet Castle

    I will always remember my trip to London….such an interesting city – hope to return for a visit someday! Thanks for the reminders..great pics! Thanks too for a chance to win a spot in ‘Behind the Scenes’. I do have a blog, but it ‘kinda’ just sits there with a post every few months…pics are not the problem…what to say is! So, could really use your class!
    Paper Hugs,
    Jan

  • http://www.pickingpoppies.blogspot.com Kim Stevens

    Popping over from Kim’s in hopes that I will win a wonderful chance to be in the class. My fun fact; I want to visit England sooo bad, as the Town of Mildenhall was named after my family. Have you ever been there?

  • Renée

    I would love a chance to win. Thank you for sharing your wonderful photos.

  • http://www.worthherweight.com Taryn

    I love London too! And yes, they did a great job with the Olympics. I hope I win, I love the enthusiasm that seems to flow out of your pictures!

  • http://downtheeyrieroad.blogspot.com Kathy

    One day I will travel to Great Britain for all there is to see in each unique nook and cranny! Behind the Scenes sounds like just the tools to have and would be a great way to pass the time this coming September, if I am so lucky l-)

  • Lorna

    Isn’t great that so many people love London. It is a very special city and I love to visit. London theatres are the best – and the best store is Liberty’s.
    A chance to win a spot on this course would be amazing.

  • http://sweetpeapath.blogspot.com Sweetpea

    Greetings from the Pacific Northwest of USA, Xanthe!
    You’ve made me miss London sooooo much….lived near there for a couple of years, back in the way beyond. Wish I’d *jumped* there, that would have made for some fun memories ~ and ohhh, anything for a shandy ;>]]

  • Linda F

    Joining you via Kim’s blog, Wonderful images with your fun facts! This behind the scenes class looks so special.. I’ve heard so many great tidbits through the Groupies facebook page – would love to be part of the group.. My fact: My blog…needs, well, everything.

    with thanks for the opportunity to enter,
    -Linda

  • Wendy

    I have “LACI facts”!! She is an adorable miniature schnauzer! Not such a great subject though as she is sooooo afraid of the camera!! When she “hears” the camera turn on (I hear nothing), she runs to her crate/bed to hide!!!
    Would love to visit London one day!!

  • Marion

    I would love t win a spot on Behind The Scenes! I have often thought of starting a blog but where to start??? I have never been to London but grew up in Scotland. Whenever me and my sisters would board a double decker it was race to see who could nab a seat at the very front of the top of the bus! When we three took a trip back there together as grownups and boarded a double decker tour bus in Glasgow, we repeated the childhood race and secured the best seats on the bus!

  • http://carolabartz.blogspot.com/ Carola Bartz

    Lovely photos of a city I love. In the 80′s, when I was still living in Germany, mo then boyfriend lived in London. Whenever possible I flew over to see him. We explored London and I really fell in love with that wonderful city. That relationship (with the boyfriend) lasted for a few years, but my love for London is still ongoing.

  • Jessie

    FACT: I love this blog entry because I’m taking my very first trip to Europe in a week! Wahoo! London will be just one of our several destinations :)

  • http://www.fromthesol.blogspot.com Andrea @ From The Sol

    I have loved London since I was a kid. I had a penpal in grade school from Cardiff and she would send me pictures. She sent me a magazine on Queen Elizabeths Corination, which should tell you how long I have been around. But I have to say that the Olympics sealed the deal for me … I really hope I am able to see London while I am still able to get around. You are lucky to have a reawakening … we have a tendency to take our immediate surroundings for granted. Love your jumping family :) I am going to sign up for the “Behind the Scenes” course and would love it if I was able to get the freebe. Look forward to seeing more of you and your blog …

    Andrea @ From The Sol

  • Louise Geoghegan

    Glad you enjoyed london even if it was in the rain!

  • http://magpiesbeads.blogspot.com/?m=1 magpie

    I wish we yanks would use the word ‘whilst’!
    would love to be a winner as my birthday is next week
    and I didnt know what I wanted but now I do!

  • Cindy W

    My fact. . . first time to be to your website and I’m so glad to be here. Great photos!

  • http://www.glimpseart.com becky

    love your photos ! :)
    hoping to win a behind the scenes session… thanks for the opportunity!

  • http://lindakittmer.blogspot.com Linda Kittmer

    Love your post. All that jumping looks like so much fun! I’d love to visit London some time as it does seem to be a wonderful city filled with so much history.

  • http://www.bprincephotography.com Bonni

    Love your pictures and facts today!

  • Irene

    Came over from Kim’s blog. The London Olympics was amazing! I haven’t been to London in over 20 years now, and I think it’s time to visit again. I’m sure there has been lots of changes in all this time, so it’ll be fun to see all the new things, but revisit old places.

  • http://sylviahouben.blogspot.com Sylvia

    Love your 5 Facts, Xanthe !
    I really enjoyed Behind the Scenes, it’s an amazing course, lots of success with the following session !
    Have a nice weekend,
    Sylvia

  • http://www.soeursdujour.com Kath Stewart

    I am popping over from Kim’s for a second chance! I shared that I am a crier, happy tears, sad tears, I am the bubbler in the family!

    I would love to win the space in the course! I need a blogging boost and am ready to head into September full force. August break of just photos has inspired me again!

    Kath

  • http://www.CoMOPerformanceLab.com Kirsten

    Hi Xanthe! Many thanks to you and Kim for this opportunity. I’ll share one fact – I got to visit London in 1995. I was traveling by myself at the time and I absolutely love the city. Lately I’ve been watching lots of BBC shows: Sherlock (♥) and Doctor Who – and thinking about how I would love to visit London again and just sit around in cafes/pubs and listen to the natives talk. :)
    Best,
    Kirsten

  • http://donaldandcathy.typepad.com/ma_vie_trouvee/ cathy @ ma vie trouvee

    Peeking in from Kim’s blog : ) What a fun post on London – I love visiting this city! I would so enjoy a spot in your class – thanks so much for the chance to win!

  • http://www.markwiedornphoto.com Mark W

    congrats to Britain for a first class Olympics…course looks very interesting

  • http://www.http//simplelifeattheshore.com Angela

    My goodness. London Bridge certainly has an amazing allure, especially with the Olympic rings hanging from it! Love the shot of your daughter jumping with excitement – the first post. Would love to win a spot in your upcoming class. Thank you!

  • http://craftcourtesan.blogspot.com Meg M

    Hi Xanthe!
    I love seeing your London pictures! The real London Bridge is actually in Lake Havasu, Arizona. They numbered the blocks, took it apart, brought it over, and reassembled it there. It’s weird to think that when I visited it a few years ago, I didn’t realize that’s where they would display heads and body parts of traitors! I’ve also been to London and remember seeing the Tower Bridge. Watching the Olympics was exciting and made me reminisce. I would love to go back to England and will someday!
    Thanks for the chance to win!
    ~meg

  • http://lzornesphotography.com Lori_Z

    These are such fun and colorful pictures, the street art is great!

  • http://www.teawithlemonphotography.com Wendy Ramos

    I’d love a chance to win. And, I love London as well. I have family that live there, and when I was 16, I visited them, with a friend, without my parents. It was just a fantastic experience! I can’t believe I haven’t been back – well, except for the airport, but that doesn’t really count does it – although I did buy books there since they weren’t out in the states yet! Have a great weekend!

  • Lynn

    Found you via Kim’s website (and contest!). What a wonderful discovery! Your photos are amazing! I hope to capture lovely London with my camera some day.

  • Rhian

    I love buses too! Whenever I move to a new place, I like to get a day-ticket & surf around town on the double-deckers (top deck, front seat of course) and get a view of my new home from above.

  • http://littlescrapsofmagic.typepad.com/little_scraps_of_magic/ Paula

    Would love to win a spot; I’ve been eyeing this and it’s just not “doable” at this moment. Loving your pics here!

  • http://www.nothingfiner.wordpress.com Kelly N

    Great shots of your day! I miss London so….
    Can;t wait for BTS! :)

  • http://melinda365.com Melinda

    I love London too! My husband and I celebrated our 25th anniversary there in 1996 and would love to return- maybe for our 45th in 2016! I’d love to win a seat in Behind the Scenes- my blog needs HELP!