I just did a course at work called the "Executive Leadership Program" ... it was an intense 3 day off site, where we discussed what it means to be a leader, and how we want to change to become the type of leader we admire. It's subtitle was "Courageous Leadership" which was the theme throughout.

It was a very interesting (and needless to say challenging) course, as it helped us understand that we set an example to those around us at each and every moment - and we have the power to decide what example we set each time. There were various tools we were shown, to help us with our objectives to become good leaders, but at the end of the day, we can decide what to do and how to behave. We could walk away and introduce no change, and continue as we were before, or take on board some of our learnings and consciously decide to change. It is in our power. If today was your last day - don't worry about WHAT you'd do - but HOW would you do it? Apparently the most asked question at the end of someone’s life is “Have I loved enough” … and the second most asked question is “Was I loved enough” … it all sounds rather morbid – but the sentiment is fantastic – rather than worry AFTERWARDS whether you did something, think about it now, and ensure you consciously do it now, each and every day.

One of the most striking tools (for me personally) during the 3 days was when we were asked to write our own retirement speech (various courses use a similar tool - might be an epitath or similar). We had to write a retirement speech as if someone else was talking about us in say 30 years time. It had to describe what kind of leader we had been. It was a very powerful picture for me, to write what I really hoped would be said about me, then examine where I was now, and what kinds of things I needed to do to move towards being that leader I desired to be. I think I will re-write it with my new insights now that I have completed my course, and stick it somewhere that I can take a look at from time to time, to remind myself where I'd like to get to.

Of course there were other tools that I also found interesting and look forward to using as I develop as a leader. I won't mention them here, as I might ruin the surprise for my team as I introduce new concepts and tools ... they'll take the mickey out of me initally no doubt, but hopefully will see the value in practising these techniques, and allowing me to develop greater skills in leadership. After all, they'll be amongst those who benefit if I can become a courageous leader!

March 3rd to March 4th saw a total eclipse of the moon. The only light that was reached the moon had been filtered through Earth's atmosphere, which caused the moon to turn a reddish colour.

It was an amazing spectacle to see - I thank both John and Gordon for telling me about it, as I think otherwise I might have missed it. But, with their advance notice, I had time to set up the tripod, take a couple of "practice" shots of the moon, ensure the camera battery was fully charged, check that my SD cards were empty, and chill a decent bottle of wine to enjoy whilst watching the moon go red.

Early, I was not convinced it was going to turn red - I couldn't imagine the phenomenon ... especially when the moon had been a full moon just minutes earlier ...

And as less and less became visible, I had visions of it just disappearing from the sky altogether ...certainly it was hard to imagine a colour change

But then it started to change ... slowly ... and it was an amazing sight.

You could see it so clearly - and the stars all seemed much brighter around it too. It must have been like this for about an hour - moving across the sky pretty quickly - so much so that I kept having to move the tripod.

It was truly amazing sight ...

Then, the hour was up, and light started to fall on the moon directly from the sun again, and the redness started to fade ...

And before we knew it, the white moon had returned ....

It was amazing to see the changes - and as the photo at the top shows, the moon seemed to go through some brilliant colours. It was one time when the UK didn't miss out due to cloud cover ;) or weather issues ;) etc. And a great experience enhanced by the ability to capture some great photos.

If you want to see more ... you can check out the usual place ...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/clare_forster/sets/72157594568053318/

Enjoy.

So on flickr recently, I think I upset a few people, suggesting that (PERSONALLY) I was against the use of software to "adjust" a photo, as I felt that you took the photo that was available at the time. I find myself a bit frustrated at times when reading camera magazines, and they show beautiful pictures that have SO OBVIOUSLY gone through software to "tart" them up to something that can just never be. To me, photography is a talent. I walk down a street, or through a wood, etc, and I "see" photos. I enjoy taking photos, as it represents exactly what I see (I gave up drawing and painting as I just can't quite get it "real" enough). But that's just MY view on the world, and I fully accept other people have other views - and am happy that people disagree with my views.

Anyhow, I will obviously have to "eat my words" now, as I imported a photo I took at Petworth this weekend into Photoshop CS2, and did the effect as demonstrated above. I was really drawn to this particular deer, and this effect really draws you in. I like it. A lot. So, sorry if I upset anyone with my software comment. This photo has changed my views.

Think this could be one for the wall of fame at work ... :)

we rode purple dragons ...

and we came down the big grown-up slide together ...

Mum and Dad watched over both Nicklas and his Auntie Clare

We went on the swings!

We fed ducks, geese and swans

New Best Friends were made over the weekend as well ...

It was an fantastic and fun weekend ... but thoroughly exhausting - and everyone collapsed after to sleep off all the excitement!

Thanks for visiting - Kristine Wouter and Nicklas - please come visit again soon!