Friday 29 January 2016

Hand lettering, and a trip to the alps

I've always liked drawing words and adding them to my sketches. A few years ago, I even took some calligraphy classes. Yet, handlettering is, in many ways, new to me, and something I want to explore more.

Above my new mantra, to remind me to not allow expectation, and the ensuing frustration, to take over.  I've started to take my sketchbook to work again, and to try and sketch in my lunch breaks as much as possible. There's only one weapon to fight the deadly pair - practice.


I'm enjoying a week's holiday this week. Since N had to work over Christmas and New Year, and we couldn't spend the holidays together, he came over this week for my birthday. We're taking it easy, relax and just go to the city or for walks. But on Wednesday, we set the alarm clock and got up early to spend the day in the mountains. We headed to the Berner Oberland, first to the picturesque village of Wengen, with its lovely wooden chalets and a view of the highest of the majestic trio, the Jungfrau.

 

Then we took the train up to the Kleine Scheidegg. Even up here, at 2,061m altitude, it was warm, especially in the sun, but at least there was plenty of snow. We spent some time lying in deck chairs, sipping tea and enjoying the sun. It was just absolutely perfect. From here, you can take the train to go up to the Jungfraujoch, also called Top of Europe, at 3,466m (we're saving that trip for another time).


There is no doubt that a trip up to the Jungfraujoch is an absolute highlight for many people, and I still rememer the ice caves up there from when I was a child, over 30 years ago.


But the most impressive view must be the infamous Eiger north face. That 1,800m almost vertical wall of rock and ice, one of the most dangerous and difficult ascents, which has attracted, fascinated and challenged many climbers, and claimed the lives of at least 64 of them since the first attempts of ascent in the mid 1930. I have to say, it's a complete mistery to me how anyone would even consider the thought of trying and climb up that mountain face! I much rather enjoy the view from the bottom.


We then took the train down the other side, to Grindelwald and walked around there for a bit before, tired but happy, taking the long journey back home. One of my intentions for this year is to take the occasional trip up to the mountains, something I haven't done for far too long. And this trip certainly was a good strat. Mountains are just good for my soul.


A day spent high up in the mountains and the snow - me, I can't think of a better way to spend my birthday.

Eiger (3,970m), Mönch (4,107m) and Jungfrau (4,158m)

22 comments:

  1. Looks like you had a great time, the photos are beautiful. Have fun with the lettering,happy PPF, hugs, Valerie

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  2. Great letering and inteesting photos. You seem to had a wonderful birtdaytime. Congrats and have a happy PPF xx

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  3. Wunderschöneshand lettering. Ich habe diesen Trip auch schon 2x gemacht, bi zur Jungfraujoch-Spitze und beide Ausflüge waren atemberaubend. I miss the alps! Happy PPF! Stephanie

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  4. Your lettering is lovely, you should definitely keep doing more. As for those photos - wow, it is so stunning where you live. Such picturesque beautiful places and I totally agree with you on the mountain climbing. we watched a movie on Everest based on a disaster in the 90s when a lot of people died and it just baffled me how anyone would be compelled to spend thousands of pounds to climb a mountain where there is a very good chance you will die!

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  5. Happy birthday...The trip looks beautiful. The places you showed are breathtaking. Cheers to new adventures...

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  6. Happy Birthday...Fabulous photos and I love your lettering gorgeous work!!Great quotes too!! My daughter wants to spend her 30th birthday in snow this year too!! I will be making my wishing come true too!! Great post!

    Hugs Giggles

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  7. super Kalligraphie und Fotos!
    Schönes Wochenende!
    Lg Susi

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  8. I love your lettering! There are some really nice ones in there. And the quotes are very true too. It looks like you had an amazing birthday, the mountains are beautiful ..... Congratulations!

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  9. those photos are extraordinary... not just because I sit here bathed in sweat as we swelter through an endless summer... but because the colours look so crisp and clear... and your lettering is amazing... i need to work on mine... xx

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  10. I love your lettering as is. And your day in the mountains looks like much fun. Happy belated Birthday.

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  11. How gorgeous are those photos from your little journey. It really feels like winter there, but in a good way. White snow, no traffic jams...kind in a fairy tale way but obviously it is real. I love your lettering this week too. Hope its a good weekend!

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  12. I just love your text!! I wish I was good at drawing text but I am actually rubbish with font! Stunning photo's too :0)

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  13. Your quotes are amazing!! Well done! Sounds like you had a fabulous time in the mountains. Happy PPF.

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  14. your lettering is fantastic-wow!! What a gorgeous place to celebrate your birthday-those scenes are breathtaking! (and that's coming from someone who doesn't like winter or snow) Happy belated birthday and happy PPF!

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  15. Happy birthday! What a beautiful place to spend it. Gorgeous.
    Love your lettering!! That is something I want to try this year--on my goal list.
    Have a wonderful weekend. :)

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  16. Such beautiful photos...and a great way to celebrate your birthday. Your lettering pieces are fantastic! Happy PPF!

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  17. You certainly did have a wonderful and memorable birthday!
    Thank you for sharing your beautiful photos.
    Hope you are still celebrating.
    Your lettering is beautiful and very special.
    Happy PPF
    oxo Patty #47

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  18. Happy Belated Birthday! :) Lovely writing and beautiful photos! Truly wonderful! Happy PPF!

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  19. very nice; photos and art

    Happy PPF

    much love...

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  20. Oohhh the lettering is wonderful! I just acquired a set of Tomboy brush pens--great for lettering, and a box (!!) of antique nibs...now I just need to get the pen part! Can't wait--looking forward to more of your lettering. xo

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  21. Your lettering is beautiful. Those photos are amazing. Thank you for sharing.

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  22. Some day we have to think of the best way to spend my birthday. And not Monkey World!

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