My name is Hugh. I live in the city of Swansea, South Wales, in the United Kingdom.
My blog covers a wide range of subjects, the most popular of which are my blogging tips posts.
If you have any questions about blogging or anything else, please contact me by clicking on the 'Contact Hugh' button on the menu bar of my blog.
Click on the 'Meet Hugh' button on the menu bar of my blog to learn more about me and my blog.
As we celebrate this festive season, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to all my wonderful readers. Your support throughout this year has been invaluable, and it means the world to me.
A special shoutout to the following top five commentators on Hugh’s News and Views this year. Click the links to view their latest posts at the time of publication of this post.
These bloggers always leave me genuine, thought-out comments that inspire discussion, and you know how much I enjoy engagement and discussion on any blog.
But a big thank you to all of you for being a part of Hugh’s Views and News. Whether you have left one comment, only read a few of my posts, read them all without commenting, or read them all and commented, know that I appreciate you taking your valuable time to read them.
Wishing you all a joyful and peaceful holiday season filled with warmth and happiness, no matter how you choose to celebrate. Here’s to a prosperous and inspiring New Year ahead!
Warm wishes,
Hugh
I’m taking a little blogging break and will be back on Monday, January 5th, with my first post of 2026.
Last month, I published the first post of my ‘photography-themed’ series. If you missed it, you can read ‘4 Never Before Seen Photos And Why You Need To See Them‘ and join the many readers who have already joined the conversations.
I want to thank everyone who left a comment and those who started conversations about the photos I featured. Honestly, the post’s success exceeded my expectations. I have a dedicated group of readers who love to engage, and for that, I am genuinely grateful.
December 2025
This month, I am not only showcasing five photographs (some of which I appear in), all with a Christmas theme, but I am also highlighting another WordPress gallery block you can use to display your photos and photography.
So, here we go. I’m excited to share five photos, three of which are new to my blog, each one posing a question. Feel free to leave a comment or write your own post with your answers. If you choose to write a post, you’re welcome to link back to mine so other bloggers can join the discussion.
1. When did you first meet Father Christmas?
When was the last time you bumped into Father Christmas?
I have to dig deep into the archives of my memory to recall the first time I encountered Father Christmas. I was six years old, and meeting the man I thought was the ultimate VIP (Very Important Person) was like waiting for the last biscuit in the jar.
It happened in a department store’s Christmas grotto, a place where the air smelled like gingerbread and desperation—not just mine, but also my sister’s, who was so terrified of Father Christmas that she screamed like we were evacuating from a man-eating, zombie, giant snowman! The whole store was probably questioning their Christmas spirit as they listened to her wails echo off the walls, rattling every bauble and piece of tinsel in the store.
However, on Christmas Eve, she had no problem with Father Christmas making his grand entrance into our home, as if he owned the place, and dropping off presents. After all, she was fast asleep, blissfully convinced that if she couldn’t see him, he mustn’t be able to see her!
The above photo was snapped one June while I was on a cruise, proving that you might just find Father Christmas on a beach holiday! So remember to be nice all year long, because you never know when you may be teetering on the edge of his nice list.
Do you have a photo of you with Father Christmas?
2. Have you ever baked a Christmas cake?
Have you ever baked a Christmas cake?
I distinctly recall my grandmother turning into a Christmas cake factory every year. I adored being her little helper, especially during the cake decoration extravaganza a few days before Christmas.
It was quite the spectacle watching her bake the cakes in September, then patiently unwrap them from their greaseproof swaddling every few weeks for a little “brandishing” with brandy. Who knew a cake could get an alcoholic makeover before the Christmas festivities even started?
I would sit there, as she dramatically stabbed the cake bases with a fork and spooned what seemed like an endless supply of brandy into the tiny holes. Of course, she’d also help herself to a few swigs of brandy while waiting for the cakes to soak up what she’s already spooned in. It was like she was giving them a little boozy makeover and joining in the festivities early.
The cake in the above photo was baked by me, but it wasn’t made the traditional way my grandmother prepared her Christmas cakes. I cheated by using a box with all the ready-prepared ingredients for making a Christmas cake. However, the magic of icing and decorating the cake was still present. And, of course, I carried on the tradition of a few glasses of brandy while feeding and decorating it.
If you’re wondering why it’s just a photo of the top of the cake, I decided it was the only part of it I felt I hadn’t cheated at. However, this made me start looking at all the different angles you can take photos, giving them a new dimension.
Do you make your own Christmas cake or do you buy a shop-bought one? And what’s inside your cake? Is it fruit-based, or filled with sponge, jam, and buttercream?
3. What’s your go-to karaoke song?
What’s your go-to song at a party?
Get ready to cringe! I’ve totally lost track of how many Christmas parties I’ve attended over the years—seriously, it’s like my life turned into a never-ending Netflix series focused on festive cheer, and most of them were work parties, where the eggnog flows like water, and the awkward small talk is the real gift! From fancy dress to black tie, I’ve always got into the spirit of Christmas celebrations. And the above photo is no exception.
Taken in the late 1980s, I’m not entirely sure why I decided a bottle of bleach was the ideal choice for a microphone, but let’s chalk it up to a few too many festive glasses of sherry or eggnog that night! My outfit is a glorious testament to the era; I mean, who could resist the charm of penguins proudly dancing on my braces? Clearly, I was ahead of my time in fashion… or maybe just in silliness!
However, I still know the song I was singing when the photo was taken.
This song has become my ‘go-to’ whenever anyone puts a microphone in my hand. So, if you ever meet me, never give me a bottle of bleach or a microphone!
What’s your go-to karaoke song?
4. What’s your favourite Christmas tree ornament?
What’s your favourite Christmas tree ornament?
My favorite Christmas tree ornament is a jolly old Father Christmas in his sleigh, dramatically being yanked along by two reindeer who have clearly lost the plot; they’re now engaged in an epic showdown over who gets the last carrot that all the kids left out, while Father Christmas just sits back, chuckling with a mince pie in one hand and a glass of brandy in the other, thinking, “This is the real Christmas spirit!”
As Father Christmas steers his sleigh joyfully, all those glasses of brandy would probably get him into trouble if he were caught by a traffic officer. However, as he’s flying, rather than driving on roads, hopefully he won’t get into any trouble.
Over the years, I have collected many Christmas tree ornaments. This one is only a few years old and was bought online from a well-known London store. Yes, it was expensive, but the joy it has brought is worth every penny.
Do you have a favourite Christmas tree ornament? Share the details or a photo with us.
5. Is this how Christmas makes you feel?
And finally, is this how Christmas makes you feel?
Does the thought of Christmas make you feel like this?
Whether it’s before or after Christmas, most of us will find ourselves feeling deflated, like a poor reindeer caught napping three days after the big day—let’s just say, even Rudolph looks like he needs a strong cup of cocoa at this point!
The look on its face says it all and reminds me of those confusing days between Christmas and New Year, when the days of the week all blend into one. “Is it Monday or Tuesday? No, it’s Wednesday, isn’t it, or was Wednesday yesterday? Hang on, wasn’t it Thursday yesterday?”
The Slideshow Block
This month, I am displaying and featuring the ‘Slideshow’ block. Here are my five photos, all in the slideshow block.
When was the last time you bumped into Father Christmas?
Have you ever baked a Christmas cake?
What’s your go-to song at a party?
What’s your favourite Christmas tree ornament?
Does the thought of Christmas make you feel like this?
You can select as many photos as you like for your slideshow. Captions you have added to your photos also appear, but unfortunately, and this is something I dislike, the captions cannot be centred.
You can set the slideshow to manual, so readers must click to view the next image, or select an autoplay option. If you choose autoplay, you can also decide how many seconds pass between each photo (I chose 4 seconds).
Another option is to add a transition. You can choose slide or fade for your photos. You can also select the image size: small, medium, large, or extra large. I decided on the ‘Large’ option.
All of these options can be found by clicking on the image and choosing the ‘Block‘ option.
The Slideshow Block options.
Click the following link for more information about the Slideshow Block.
How to make a photographer’s day.
Next time you leave a comment on a photography post, instead of saying ‘Great photo,’ explain what it was about the picture that made you think it was great. Was it the subject, the lighting, the scenery, the angle it was taken from, or the emotion it evoked when you saw it?
It only needs to be a few lines, but the people you leave the comment for will appreciate the feedback much more than when all you say, time after time, is that it’s a great photo.
Do you have a photo of you with Father Christmas? Do you make your own Christmas cake or do you buy a shop-bought one? What’s your go-to karaoke song? Do you have a favourite Christmas tree ornament? How does Christmas make you feel?
When I was eight years old, I did the most despicable thing.
On Christmas Eve 1970, I told my five-year-old sister that there was no such thing as Father Christmas. She was horrified.
Telling her that Father Christmas did not exist was the worst thing I ever did.
My mother was so angry with me. She sent me to my room.
I missed supper. I missed the carol-singers outside our house.
I missed seeing the first snowflakes of what was to be my first white Christmas. And I missed the evening of Christmas Eve, my favourite time of the year.
However, worse was to come.
I cried myself to sleep, blaming Father Christmas for what had happened.
Sometime during the night, I was woken by hands around my throat.
“You evil boy!” boomed the voice. I was too frightened to open my eyes.
“Open your eyes, boy! Do it, or you will never see Christmas again.”
He forced me to open my eyes. I don’t know how he did it, but he somehow did.
I couldn’t believe what I saw.
I was shocked beyond belief. It was Father Christmas who had his hands around my throat.
“You never, never tell anyone ever again that I do not exist. Do you understand me, boy?” I tried nodding my head, despite being in complete shock.
“Good. Now, look deep into my eyes.”
Seconds later, I saw a flock of robins in his eyes and, before I knew it, they were propelled into my eyes.
The screeching sound they made hurt my ears. I could not scream for help to my mother or father because of the tightly gripped hands around my throat. I finally managed to close my eyes, and the screeching robins and hands around my throat disappeared.
Terrified by what had happened, I crawled under my bed. I curled up into a tiny ball and shivered the night away. Sleep did come, but only briefly.
It was the sound of laughter that woke me.
I could hear the muffled voices of my family. It was Christmas morning, and they were already downstairs.
How could they have forgotten to wake me up?
I crawled out from under my bed and made my way past the open door of my bedroom. On the floor, at the top of the stairs, were two empty Christmas stockings. How could they have emptied their stockings without me?
I ran down the stairs and into the lounge, which was lit up with Christmas lights.
“Mum, Dad, Julie…I’m sorry,” I cried, but none of them took any notice of me. “Please forgive me, don’t spoil Christmas.” But it was no good, they just ignored me.
That’s when I saw the strange boy.
“Oh, that’s lovely, Hugh. Grandma sure knows how to knit Christmas jumpers,” laughed Dad, as he hugged the strange boy.
For the rest of the day, I watched as the boy with my name took my place. Nobody bothered me. Nobody even noticed I was there. It was as if I were a ghost.
I finally went to bed and cried myself to sleep. The whole family had arrived at our house and a Christmas party was in full swing.
The next morning, my mother woke me up.
“Are you feeling better, Hugh?”
“Are you talking to me?” I asked her.
“Of course, I am. Who else goes by your name in this house? Come on, it’s Boxing Day, and we need to get over to Grandma’s house.”
I didn’t ever say anything to anybody about what had happened, and I didn’t see the strange-looking boy with my name again.
Well, I didn’t see him until the following Christmas Day when the whole thing happened again. And it’s happened every Christmas since then.
You see, my place is now taken by a ghost, but only on that one day of the year when I become a ghost.
I’m so happy and thankful that it’s not Christmas every day.
Do you believe in Father Christmas?
This short story was originally published on my blog in December 2019.
Image created by Hugh W. Roberts using Canva.
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Have you noticed that snow is falling on some WordPress blogs? As you read the post, small flakes of snow gently drift down. Meanwhile, on other blogs, like mine, there’s no snow.
WordPress introduced the festive snowfall feature a few years ago. It only works when reading a post via the WordPress website. You won’t see it if you’re reading a post in the WordPress Reader or the Jetpack App unless you click through to the website. This time, it runs until 4th January 2026. But how do you turn the feature on or off? Easy – follow my instructions.
Go to your blog’s dashboard and click Settings – General.
Scroll down the page until you come to ‘Snow.’
You’ll see a box with the words ‘Show falling snow on my site until January 4th.’
Where to turn on/off falling snow on your WordPress blog
If you want snow to fall on your blog, tick the box. If you don’t want snow falling on your blog, untick the box.
Click the ‘Save Changes‘ box at the bottom of the page.
Ensure the changes are effective by opening one of your posts on the WordPress website.
I’m not a lover of anything moving onscreen while I’m reading, as I find it distracting. However, I know that many bloggers love the idea of gently drifting snowflakes while they read blog posts during the festive season.
The choice is yours. And now you know how to switch on or turn off snow falling on your blog.
For the above instructions, I’m using a desktop computer. The falling snow effect is only controlled through your WordPress.com dashboard, not the Jetpack mobile app.
Is it snowing on your blog? If not, do you want it to snow? Let me know why you like or dislike the idea of snowflakes drifting on WordPress blogs.
The featured image on this blog post is sourced from Pixabay. AI reviewed spelling and grammar errors.
Over the past few years, I’ve published a post around this time of year outlining some jobs all bloggers can do to ensure their blog not only looks good but also functions correctly.
One thing bloggers who never do any blog housekeeping refuse to believe is that many problems on their blogs originate from a lack of maintenance. They’ll blame WordPress, instead of themselves. Continuing to use an outdated theme can also cause issues and create a security risk.
One job all bloggers are recommended to do
One important task I am currently working on in the housekeeping aspect of my blog is reviewing posts and removing any images that I cannot be certain are entirely free to use. But why am I doing this?
The comments sections of both posts offer interesting reading, so I recommend taking a look.
I’m a personal blogger, so this won’t affect me!
Wrong! Just because you are a personal blogger, don’t think you are exempt from being fined for copyright infringement. Downloading and using copyrighted images, photos, song lyrics, and some GIFs in your blog posts is illegal; therefore, nobody should encourage bloggers to download or publish any copyrighted material.
Most of the images I deleted are from flash fiction challenges I used to participate in. However, I have also found some images in other posts where I either failed to give proper attribution to the source or used images from the host blogger that I could not guarantee were free to use when taking part in their link-up.
And don’t forget to delete those images and photos from your media library, too. Not only are they proof that you downloaded them illegally, but deleting them will free up valuable storage space.
Unless you are completely certain that images, photos, song lyrics and GIFs are not copyrighted and free to use, avoid using them. Sure, you might get away with it, but why risk a hefty fine?
Back to why December is the ideal time for some blog housekeeping
I’ve already had the pleasure of seeing bloggers bid farewell to their blogs and followers for the festive season, joyfully extending warm wishes to their readers for a Merry Christmas while eagerly expressing their intention to return promptly in the New Year.
Image created using the WordPress AI image generator.
Some have published their final posts of 2025, while others have happily shared their anticipated dates for a well-earned blogging break.
And who can blame them? Blogging is enjoyable, but all bloggers need a break from the blogging world. I’m taking a blogging break during the last few weeks of December.
For those who do not celebrate Christmas, December still provides a valuable opportunity to focus on blog maintenance and security. This can include reviewing and updating posts, auditing existing content for accuracy and relevance, fixing broken links, and improving website speed and SEO.
Furthermore, it’s an excellent time to review your blog’s design and user experience, making necessary adjustments to improve accessibility and engagement. By investing time in these areas, bloggers can keep a polished, secure platform ready to impress their audience in the upcoming year.
As December rolls in and its days dwindle, you’ll probably witness how much of the blogging world falls into a hush. So why let your blog languish in neglect? This is your golden opportunity to roll up your sleeves and give it the fierce love and attention it deserves, ensuring it runs flawlessly for another year.
Let’s wrap it up!
At least once a year, focus on housekeeping tasks to enhance your blog’s appearance and functionality.
Many blog issues stem from a lack of maintenance; outdated themes can pose security risks.
One essential task is reviewing and removing any images from posts and your blog’s media library that may not be free to use to avoid copyright infringement.
Personal bloggers are not exempt from potential copyright-related legal issues when downloading or using copyrighted materials.
December is an ideal time for blog maintenance as many bloggers take breaks. It’s an opportunity for bloggers to give their blogs the attention they deserve before the New Year.
Are you excited about some upcoming blog housekeeping or maintenance? If so, what fantastic plans do you have in store? Perhaps you’ve already tackled some blog maintenance—if that’s the case, I’d love to hear about the wonderful jobs you accomplished!
The featured image in this post was created using the WordPress AI Image Generator block. AI was also used for checking spelling and grammar mistakes.
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The past three months have been busy outside the world of blogging, so much so that I didn’t get the chance to write and publish monthly round-up posts for September or October.
Did I feel bad? Did I apologise? No. Sometimes life gets in the way of schedules, and my blogging routine was thrown off course, but it happens to everyone, and nobody needs to apologise. From what I saw, my posts from September, October and November continued to receive engagement, and for me, it’s all about interacting with other bloggers, writers, and readers.
Better late than never. Without further ado, here is the monthly round-up for the past three months on Hugh’s Views and News.
WordPress has introduced a new blog recommendation feature that displays recommended blogs on your Gravatar profile, improving visibility. My post details how to add the blogs you love the most.
Here’s a fresh writing challenge that everyone is encouraged to try. Can you write a story using only 101 words (no more, no less) based on a featured image?
How easy do you make it for visitors to share your blog posts and boost the visibility of your blog? Take action: These nine options are easy to find and activate.
This post outlines various scams affecting bloggers, including voicemail scams and email phishing claims that appear to come from WordPress. Don’t become a victim of a scam or fined for downloading copyrighted material.
Let me begin with a new scam that is unrelated to blogging or publishing. It’s a scam that comes via a voicemail message on mobile phones.
I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve had the same call and message saying, ‘Please add my number to WhatsApp.’ Each time, the number the scammer uses is slightly different, but it’s always the voice of the same woman.
Thanks to Apple’s advanced AI, my phone now does a great job at identifying spam calls and sends them straight to voicemail. It doesn’t even ring. The spammers’ numbers then show in my call list, which I mark as ‘Spam – Delete and send details to Apple.’ I should add that since I enabled AI on my phone, the number of spam calls I receive has dropped significantly.
The latest Blogging scams
Recently, I encountered a concerning blogging email scam. It purportedly originated from WordPress, claiming that my payment details were incorrect in my account and included a link for me to click to rectify them.
I immediately recognised the email as fraudulent because the email failed to address me by name. All it said was ‘Dear WordPress User,’ But what alarmed me was that the same scammer went on to also send me the same email through the ‘Contact Hugh‘ form on my blog, neglecting to begin the message with ‘Dear Hugh.’ It’s important to note that I request anyone using the form to begin their message with ‘Dear Hugh,’ as this practice helps identify potential spam, particularly from automated spam bots.
I don’t know how the scammer obtained my email address, but it must have appeared on a list with some connection to WordPress. This is likely how they discovered I had a WordPress blog, although nowhere on my blog do I provide an email address. Anyone wanting to contact me must go via the ‘Contact Hugh’ form.
Although this was an easy scam for me to spot, I still feel bad for any blogger who falls for it. If you are unsure whether an email from WordPress is genuine, always log in to your WordPress account to verify any details. Never click on any uninvited links and never give an email address anywhere on your blog.
Image generated using WordPress AI
However, more concerning was news of a blogging scam that involved using royalty-free platforms, such as Pixabay. Author, writer and blogger Jacqueline Lambert left a comment on my recent post, Where To Legally Source Amazing Images For Your Blog Posts.’ outlining how she was almost scammed by a company after using a royalty-free image from Pixabay on one of her posts.
I strongly encourage you to read Jacqueline’s insightful post ‘Bloggers Beware The Copyright Trolls – Even If You Use Royalty-Free Images‘ to glean valuable lessons from her experience. It is imperative to remain vigilant and not become a target of such scams that specifically seek to exploit bloggers.
I would also like to reiterate that downloading and publishing copyrighted images or photographs on your blog is strictly prohibited. Always verify that such materials are free for use. This also applies to reblogging blog posts from other bloggers that contain images or photos. If you share copyrighted images from another blogger’s post, you could be fined.
A plea to you – yes, you!
Despite my recent post addressing copyright infringement, I continue to observe bloggers (you know who you are) using images and photos in their posts without proper attribution regarding their sources. They probably believe that nobody will come after them for downloading and using copyrighted images, but I know of two bloggers who have been fined for doing so. Never believe that it will never happen to you.
Even if the images and photos are your own, I recommend that you indicate in your post that they are your property. If you don’t believe me, read Jacqueline’s post. As she elaborates, numerous companies are employing image recognition technology to scan the internet for unauthorised use of images and photographs, especially in blogging posts. Some bloggers have even been threatened with legal action and fines for using their own pictures.
The latest publishing scam
My thanks again to Jacqueline, who recently published a guest post by author Peter Barber about a publishing scam he fell for. Titled ‘Publish and Be Damned: How I Got Scammed, Learned My Lesson, and Came Out Fighting‘, Peter details how he fell head-over-heels for a scam many authors will probably encounter at some point in their writing lives. I urge you to read his post and learn from it because it could happen to you.
Are you aware of any current scams related to blogging or publishing? Please share details in the comments section. Have you ever fallen victim to a blogging or publishing scam? If so, what happened?
The featured image on this blog post is sourced from Pixabay. AI reviewed spelling and grammar errors.
I used to publish a substantial amount of photography on my blog, especially in Wordless Wednesday posts, and then it all ceased!
I couldn’t help but notice how they generated little to no engagement. I felt somewhat disheartened by this apparent lack of interest in my photography. After all, how can you respond week after week to the same ‘Great shot’ comments, other than with a ‘Thank you?’ It almost seems as if people are just going through the motions with those kinds of comments without truly engaging with the content.
Can a photography blog post generate meaningful engagement?
It’s something I wasn’t entirely convinced about. I only had to look around the blogosphere and see the same ‘Great photo’ comments on photography posts.
However, some photo challenges seem to spark discussion and engagement, although you’ll sometimes have to sift through the ‘Nice shot’ types of comments. Nevertheless, as I’ve discovered, hosting any kind of blog challenge is hard work, so it’s always a shame when people drop links or short comments and run without recognising the effort the host has put into creating the post. Some of those hosts must feel disheartened when it happens, but the thoughtful and engaging comments they get must make all the difference.
I love photography, so why don’t I showcase mine?
After realising I was missing out on sharing my photography and not wanting to create my own photography challenge, I decided to publish a monthly photography post showcasing four photographs I’ve never featured on my blog before.
Not only that, but at the end of each post, I will display the photos in a separate WordPress photo Gallery block and give a brief explanation of that block’s features.
So, here we go. I’m excited to share with you four never-before-seen photos that I’m delighted to finally unveil on my blog!
1. How old is this tree?
How old was this tree?
What initially caught my eye in this shot were those colourful buildings in the background. But the fallen tree had me asking many more questions.
Can you actually determine a tree’s age by counting the rings in its trunk? Well, this tree got a bit overzealous during a storm and decided to take a nap across a footpath! It turned into the ultimate footpath block, leading to some unfortunate lumberjack shenanigans where it had to be chopped into manageable pieces.
Not only did I ponder the ancient age of this tree—seriously, is it older than me?—but I also found myself wondering about the brave soul who planted it and how many people have swung from its branches or taken leisurely naps beneath its leafy embrace. The rings? Oh, they’ve got secrets, but counting them seemed as feasible as getting my two dogs to sit still long enough for a family photo.
Today, the chunks of trunk are still hanging around, serving as a posh Airbnb for wildlife that need a place to kick back and relax. I’m thrilled parts of it are still there because this tree has decided to become the ultimate retirement home for other species.
2. Do you know this bear?
I’m lost. Have you seen my owner?
This cheeky face practically yanked a grin out of me when it halted my stroll. I simply had to snap a photo—who could resist it? There it was, perched impossibly high, making me ponder not just how it got there, but also who the previous owner was. Was it a child’s hat, a brave toy that escaped the toy box, or maybe even a rogue UFO pilot’s accessory? Hey, a guy can dream about flying a UFO dressed as a Bear, can’t he!?
A few days later, the bear was gone. Someone had either claimed it or rehomed it, although my darker, more creative mind was also insisting that it had fallen off the wall and was now trapped behind it (was that a call for help I could hear?).
Whatever had happened to this smiling bear, I was thankful for the joy it had not only given me when I spotted it, but also for the smiles it must have brought to others who had seen it on their journeys. I hope it was reunited with its owner.
3. Does this sign give you mixed emotions?
This way please
This sign will probably evoke mixed feelings. After all, that first line isn’t pleasant, is it? It evoked a vision of a horror story and film by one of my favourite authors, Stephen King. However, the bottom part of this sign brought to mind a beautiful, tranquil place that could be the name of a location you’d find in a children’s book.
I wondered why there was not a separate sign for the dogs’ graves. After all, who would want to visit a dog’s graveyard, apart from maybe pet owners who had buried their beloved pets there? Bluebell Wood, on the other hand, sounded like a lovely place for a walk, especially during bluebell season in May. I pictured myself sitting in Bluebell Wood, forest-bathing, while recharging my body and mind.
Later, I discovered that the gardens, where the photo was taken, were purchased by William Graham Vivian in 1860, when he acquired Clyne Castle, a nearby dwelling, and began creating the surrounding landscape gardens. He died in 1912, and the many dogs buried in the graveyard were his pet dogs. So, there’s the answer to why the dogs’ graveyard is on the sign.
4. Do you know this dog?
Do you think I look younger than my age?
Talking of dogs, the chap in the above photo turned 14 last month.
For those of you who haven’t read my ‘About‘ page, this is Toby, the older of the two Welsh Cardigan Corgis my partner and I own. I still recall the day we collected him and how, from the moment we met him, our lives took a new turn. It’s one of the best days of our lives.
Toby is a photography subject, like me, in that he usually moves when a picture is taken. However, on this particular day, his 14th birthday, he posed for the camera, and I was thrilled with the result.
Toby’s hobbies include sleeping, walking, and meeting his mates on the beach. He also enjoys having a mad 10 minutes after dinner, when I have to chase him (very slowly) around the dining table while carrying his favourite toy in his mouth. Additionally, he likes to believe he’s in charge of the household.
When I first started blogging in 2013, Toby was a prominent feature on my blog, but over the years, he hasn’t been as interested in appearing. However, he has recently garnered considerable attention on Bluesky, where some of his photos have been shared hundreds of times and generated a lot of engagement. It’s a rare occurrence that he appears on my blog, and I’m very grateful that he agreed to let me share his photo.
The Gallery Block
The first WordPress gallery I am displaying and featuring is the ‘Gallery‘ block. Here are my four photos.
This way pleaseHow old was this tree?I’m lost. Have you seen my owner? Do you think I look younger than my age?
The Gallery block is a straightforward photo gallery that lets you drag and rearrange images to display them in any way you prefer. It’s a useful gallery, and I notice it being used more frequently than any of the other image blocks provided by WordPress.
Notice how the captions I’ve added to my photos appear at the bottom of each one. You don’t need to add captions to photos, but they are a great way to boost engagement from visitors, especially when asking a question.
To find the ‘Gallery‘ block, search for ‘Gallery‘ under the ‘Blocks‘ tab when drafting a post.
The Gallery Block
Click the following link for more information about the Gallery Block.
How to make a photographer’s day.
Next time you leave a comment on a photography post, instead of simply saying ‘Great photo,’ explain what it was about the picture that made you think it was great. Was it the subject, the lighting, the scenery, the angle it was taken from, or the emotion it evoked when you saw it? It only needs to be a few lines, but they will appreciate the feedback much more than when all you say time after time is that it’s a great photo.
How do you usually engage with photography posts? What encourages you to leave a comment other than saying, ‘These are nice photos.’ Are you a photography blogger? If so, does engagement on your posts matter to you?
The featured image in this blog post is taken from Pixabay. AI checked spelling and grammar mistakes.
Just in time for Halloween! Oh, wait! Halloween has come and gone. But fear not, because I have something special that will thrill and chill you—an intriguing tale set against the romantic backdrop of springtime in Paris, France!
Introducing “Springtime in Paris,” a captivating story featured on Marsha Ingrao’s blog as part of her successful Story Chat feature. This isn’t just any story; I’ve been told it’s a rollercoaster of emotions that has generated vibrant engagement from readers who couldn’t get enough of its enigmatic charm! After pouring my heart and soul into this short story for six long months, I hope you will agree that I crafted a narrative that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Will you unravel the mysteries intertwined with the beauty of Paris in spring? If you’re longing for a literary escape to this enchanting city, while the rest of the northern hemisphere is in autumn, click the link below. Can it really be spring in Paris when it’s autumn in London, New York and Munich?
I’m eager to hear your thoughts! Although comments are closed here, feel free to share your reflections and feedback on the original post so they can be included with all the other comments.
So, pack your virtual bags and embark on this unforgettable journey to Paris—don’t forget to bring me back some coffee and croissants, and maybe a little souvenir of the Eiffel Tower. Dive in and enjoy your literary getaway!
Feature image created using WordPress AI image creator.
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Old Tom watched the clock, dread clawing at his insides. At two in the morning on the night the clocks went back, they always returned to torment him—haunting reminders of the mistake he had made when he’d forgotten, one year, to turn the clocks back.
However, one fateful night, an hour after the clocks had gone back, the spectres faded, but the shadows lingered too long, and Tom never opened his eyes again.
The day before the clocks went back, Monica moved into Tom’s old house, blissfully unaware of the terror that lurked within its walls. Exhausted from the move, she resolved to set her clocks back an hour at dawn.
At 2:00 AM, Monica was suddenly jolted awake by the unmistakable creak of her bedroom door slowly opening. A cold sweat trickled down her brow as she froze in place, eyes wide, witnessing the ghostly figure of an old man twisting and writhing, a cruel smile stretching across his face as he glided towards her.
“What are you doing in my house and in my bed?” the ghost thundered, his voice echoing through the almost empty room, making her heart race.
For what seemed like an hour, the ghost tormented her with the same words until the clock struck 2 AM for the second time, and Tom’s malevolent spirit dissipated into the air. Monica’s pulse quickened, doubt lingering in her mind. Was it all a nightmare, or a malevolent invitation?
She blinked, and the chill of reality sunk in. The bedroom door gaped wide open, the darkness beyond beckoning like an abyss. She was sure she had locked it tight, a protective measure against the night.
As a cold autumnal breeze caressed her bare skin, a frantic shiver coursed down her spine. Heart pounding, she inched to the door and tentatively closed it, sealing herself in with the echoes of her terror.
Climbing back into bed, she pulled the covers tightly around her, desperate for warmth—a futile shield against her fear. But soon, sleep reclaimed her, its sweet embrace luring her into a false sense of security.
When the clocks struck 2 AM for the third time, a bone-chilling rustle beneath her bed shattered her dream. Something slithered just out of sight, a dread revelation that all was not right, confirming that her nightmare was merely beginning.
Monica never woke up from the nightmare until the following year, on the night the clocks went back, when, with Tom, she visited the new owner of Tom’s house to check if they’d remembered to put the clocks back.
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