Outdoor Style - Water Sport

Life Is Adventure  - Kayaking

Aysgarth Lower Fall

Went back to Aysgarth National Park last weekend July 17th for short route hiking from Askrigg to  Bolton Castle alongside 3 of Aysgarth waterfalls (Upper, Middle & Lower Fall) . 15 minutes after we arrived at Lower Fall a group of 10 was leaving, left us alone on the river bank. I walked toward waterfall until I found a good viewpoint to place the tripod , then sat on edge of limestone enjoying the wilderness surrounding area before I took pictures of waterfall and wild life. 

An hour had passed, here we are, after all quiet times, we went back to engage with human civilization again. Couple of families and their children arrived. Also, on top edge of waterfall a group of people also joint the crowd. So, I had to point out my camera to opposite direction hope they will leave soon.

Adventure life full of surprise, it allowing the unexpected to happen. While I was hoping they would leave soon, a red thing had been sliding on top of waterfalls, my camera wasn't preparing to catch the events, a situation left me no choice. But I am happy with the result, more important is I catched the moment in a right time.

Pyranha & Waka

A red sliding thing actually a whitewater kayak. That day I was in a right time & in a right moment. Two brave young lads have challenged their human spirit, we all know the human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it. When you are young, rather than being soaked alone is cold, being soaked with best friend is an adventure. “The bold adventurer succeeds the best.” ~ Ovid

Wishing them both succeed their goal, after all effort they have done, come on Guys; "Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go."

The Collection of the photo shoot of that day  "Kayaking at Aysgarth Falls July 17th, 2016 can be seen at MATAhari Photographic Gallery. Explore the album.....

River Ure, Aysgarth, Wensleydale - North Yorkshire

Nowadays, people resort to all kinds of activities in order to calm themselves after a stressful event or some people just want to challenge their adrenalin. Kayaking is one of a great adventure way to spend a time. It is great for exercise and it is a great way to view the world that not everyone can see. You can explore white waters and lazy rivers alike. Thing is, before you start paddling keep in mind it needs to do it safely. For safety reason Personal Floatation Devices (PFD's), Buoyancy Aids or life jacket are ones of the most important things for you to have on board. Without it, an adventure could become very dangerous or deadly.

Kayaking during mild temperature between summer and winter. Mild spring and autumn weather also means you need to wear certain articles of clothing to ensure you are comfortable in your kayak. 

       Kayaking Clothes 2016 for Men, 

1. Drysuit - Palm Atom Dry-Top.                                 A. Jackson Kayak Zen Whitewater Kayak
2. Wetsuit - The Yak Step In Long John                       B.  Werner-desperado-paddle-2
3. Buoyancy Aid PFD - Nookie Rivermonster XT 
4. WRSI Current Pro Helmet
5. NRS Freestyle Wetshoes
6. HN Sports Floating Sunglasses 

Life Style - Eid ul Fitr Celebration

Ramadhan Plus Seven Days

Without family & relatives to share the joy of Eid ul Fitr Celebration, I did my own style of celebration. Around 11.00 am Salat al Eid finished, everybody shake hand and have been greeting one to another "Eid Mubarak". It took us 30 minutes to escape from the carpark of Springfield Park where the congregation took place.

We went back home to collect a picnic basket which I had filled with cookies & cake I baked last night and then we were back on the road to Aysgarth Falls to have a picnic near the bank of river Ure.

As we walked into the river bank, we were greeted by a wonderful sound of water while birds were flying around. I love the sounds and the power of pounding water, whether it is the waves of the river flow or waterfall, "the sound says what I think".

"What a lovely day after the last four days water has downpours from the sky, today we have a bright sunshine" I said at the same time my bare feet slipped into the river.

I gave my heart to the mountains the minute I stood beside this river with its spray in my face and watched it thunder into foam, smooth to green glass over sunken rocks, shatter to foam again. It seems a magical thing. A magic, moving, I was fascinated by how it sped by and yet was always there; its roar shook both the earth and me.

 Click on a picture to see a large size.of full collection

After salat al Eid  Shawwal 1st, 1437 H at Springfield Park, Rochdale - Great Manchester.


Waterfall - The Sound of Nature - Aysgarth Falls

Life Style - Ramadhan

The Spirit of Ramadhan

The month of Ramadhan is knocking on my door, I know some of you like myself have fasting during this blessing month when the new moon is visible. This time, the month of Ramadhan clashes with the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, our fasting is getting longer then the average fasting hours "19 to 21 hours a day".

A photograph: from MATAhari gallery

On this occasion , I would like to take the time to wish you a Happy and Blessing Ramadan. May Almighty Allah bless your soul and your family and grant you success in this world and hereafter, ameen.

Please make "dua" (prayers) for you & I and all other people in this world who are suffering in so many different ways. It's in our faith that we pray for all Humanity as we are all Allah's creation. May Allah give us the strength to tolerate the long fasting, and inshaAllah we will make our days productive in life.

Also my thanks to you too; beautiful people with beautiful hearts from different faiths who have respect and have tolerance & caring toward others. Ramadhan Mubarak to you all.

I leave you with some photographs I took on May 1st, 2016 when I did cross country walk (hiking) at Ribbelhead - Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Ribblehead  Viaduct - Yorkshire Dales National Park, May 1st, 2016.

104 feets (34 m) high

Sunset on the valley

Check out what is New in photographic gallery ~ Click here MATAhari ~

Next post : Camera 

& 

Walking Boots

Ribblehead valley is a place  where mini series film Jericho took place. It is set in the fictional town of Jericho, a shanty town in the Yorkshire Dales that springs up around the construction of a railway viaduct in the 1870s. The series re-imagines the story of the building of the Ribblehead Viaduct, which is renamed the Culverdale Viaduct in the show. 

Fashion - New Collection

Black & Succulent 

Arrived at Copthrone Tara Hotel - Kensington, London just before midnight after 4 hours journey from the North West. I checked everything I need for tomorrow before went to bed.

Usually I have stayed around Canary Wharf area when down in London, this time Kensington area was more convenient because the hotel was close to the exhibition location, minutes from High Street Kensington station, also the luxurious Copthorne Tara Hotel is perfect for exploring the capital in style.

London Sky before Sunrise.

When I stare up into the peaceful night, the sky was seen as vast and empty The blue night sky free from the stars light, while the City of London night filled with glittering  colourful lights endless over the horizon. Standing in front of 10th Floor  room window look up into peaceful city night sky was mesmerizing, I kept the curtain open while I was doing my work or lying down on bed waiting for ray of morning sunlight as a morning call.

This eye felt so heavy and really need a rest, before I close my eye I keep in mind morning pray "Fajr" come early on Spring, also I would like to catch the glimpse of sunrise with my friend Nikon D600. Check out MATAhari Photographic Diary to see collection of my photo shoots.

Good morning Britain.                                              Click on picture to see a Sunset Gallery

The London Eye seen from Victoria Tower Garden, Westminster.

After long hours at exhibition I am glad it was finish mid-afternoon, we take a small walk to Victoria Tower Garden next to House of Parliament in Westminster and enjoying a hot cup of cappuccinos at the same time take a pleasure of the atmosphere along the river Thames.

Inspiration

Westminster Abbey.

Material: Black Duchess Satin & Black chiffon fabrics.

Almost 5 o'clock remains me of childhood lullaby; Heigh-ho, Heigh-ho.. It's home from work we go. Heigh-ho, Heigh-ho..

Room 1015, Copthrone Tara Hotel -Millenium. Kensington.

 

Black succulent in Kensington Palace gardens.

NEXT POST

I will be in Kensington Palace Gardens.

Design Inspiration - Culture

Culture Collide

Morocco has long been an exciting and interested destination for the world traveller and as an  inspiration by the artists. A myriad of colours, fragrances and spices greets you in Morocco.

But it isn't only about colours and spices, the reality is there is something elating about Morocco. It is a place "where the sun sets", they called the land"al bilad al Maghreb" by the Arab when they first arrived in the 7th century. The place where two worlds meet: African, European and Berber meet; where rich African culture blends with colourful Arabian culture; Muslim & Jewish meet Christianity; also two oceans, the Atlantic touches the Mediterranean at the strait of Gibraltar. In my own word, Morocco is a place where cultures collide by following law of nature.

Before I say anything else, let me just mention the 14th century legendary a young Medieval Muslim Moroccan traveller Muhammad Ibn Batutta once wrote: “Travelling gives you a home in a thousand strange places, then leaves you a stranger in your own land”.  He started his journey from his home town of Tangier to the valley of Makkah, journey which took him 33 years. Over a period of his extensive travels, Ibn Battuta visited most of the known Islamic world as well as many non-Muslim lands. His journeys included trips to North Africa, the Horn of Africa, West Africa and Eastern Europe, and to the Middle East, South Asia, Central Asia, Southeast Asia and China. I eagerly  want to walk in his footstep journey. Alas... something hard to belief it will come true.

Looking for inspiration, How could I ignore the exotic traditions of a rich culture which live on in the dress, food, customs, festivities and indeed the way in which guests are received. They are ancient history and hospitality blended harmoniously.

There are some sketches I drew which inspired by essences of Morocco.

Shades of Blue

 

Designs 1 & 2 of  the Shades of Blue collection

Inspiration 

Chefchaouen is a city in northwest Morocco, situated in the Rif Mountains, just inland from Tangier and Tetouan. It is the chief town of the province of the same name, and is noted for its buildings in shades of blue. 

 Night light of blue city - Chefchaouen, Morocco

Berber Imilchil Marriage Festival

Tannery process in Fez city

I will post others Shades of Blue sketching collection on the next posting,  meet me at

or jump on the bandwagon of site at http://ewilsahanson.wix.com/edrimahanson

Fashion - Warm & Chic

Warm & Chic  From Morning To Foggy Night

"It’s a messy season the beginning of that terrible period when the sun is low in the sky", that’s what some people say. Like or dislike, I am in denial of my feelings if I do agree with them. For me autumn is complex. It’s hot and it’s cold, it’s wet & breeze, it’s a wild mix of colours, and even when its leaves dry out and wither, it’s still beautiful. ‘Autumn is strong and intricate,’ When I was in the wood breathing in fresh air as crisp and sweet as an apple peace and quite filled my brain and I felt free, of course sometimes the mood of autumn can bring my feelings down when at home by myself. However I still love autumn, I was born in spring but I would like to say, that I am daughter of autumn.

On a windy and foggy wild afternoon just as the sun was about to set we walked in the wood around a reservoir after spent the morning time in farmer's market. It was  last chance for local farmer to do their trade this year. Most women dress casually; jacket, parka and warmer dominate the style of the day, looks like knee high and riding boots as part of trend at this time. It is quite enjoyable to see boots covered with mud in this farmer 's market rather than seeing glossy high heel boots in city centre.

Warm and Chic are two qualities we look for in cold-weather: To walk in the wood and spend weekend at farmers' market. I choose a pair of skinny jeans, goes with a bluish-grey sweaterdress and layering with Parka and chiffon scarves. Come together with the perfect pair of  riding knee-high boots.

Just as important as owning a warm winter jacket, having the best winter shoes means optimal foot protection against colder weather. And if you're heading out for a day on the town, Albion backpack or Talbot tote are the standout pieces you need. You don't have to agree with me before you try on...

Essential Pieces Should Have For A Well Rounded Autumn To Winter

Jacket: PARKA London - Unisex Albion backpack & Talbot tote: PARKA London - Equestrian style quilted leather knee boots: Dune-House of Fraser - Gold Mottled Chiffon Map Scarf: Topshop - Heart Cable Scarf: John Lewis

Step by  step took us deeper and deeper  into the heart of  the colourful woods. It's foggy all days, we tried to capture scenery in this  limited light, it was a challenge. The results some are very interesting pictures, some are just ok. I like being able to capture moments and turn them into tangible memories. Also, I love being able to tell a story through a photograph.

The sky began to darken, the wind blew and blew and shook the branches , nothing we can hear apart from our own footsteps and sound of crickets. It is time to go back home before we get lost in the foggy night. We are far enough from summer to have lost the heat and not close enough to winter to have that bite of cold.

A foggy night in Queens Park Road - Heywood, Great Manchester