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Independently of doctrinal atheism and cultural particularities, modern man moves through the world as if Existence were nothing or as if he had invented it; it is for him a commonplace thing like the dust beneath his feet (more especially as he is no longer aware of the Principle at once transcendent and immanent) and he makes use of it with assurance and inadvertence in a life that has lost its sacredness and thus become meaningless. Everything is conceived through a web of contingencies, relationships, prejudices; no phenomenon is any longer considered in itself, in its being, and grasped at its root; the contingent has usurped the rank of the absolute; man scarcely reasons any more except in terms of his imagination, which is falsified by ideologies on the one hand and by his artificial surroundings on the other. Now eschatological doctrines, however exaggerated they may appear to the sensibilities of those whose only gospel is their materialism and dissipation and whose life is nothing but a flight before God, provide the true measure for the cosmic situation of man; what the Revelations ask of us and what Heaven imposes or inflicts on us is what we are in reality, regardless of our own opinion; we know it in our heart of hearts, if only we can detach ourselves a little from the monstrous accumulation of false images that have become entrenched in our mind. What we need is to become once again capable of grasping the value of Existence and, amid the multitude of phenomena, the meaning of man; we must once again find the measure of the real. Our reactions to eschatological doctrines (or to the one that concerns us most) are the measure of our understanding of man.
There is something in man which is able to conceive the Absolute and even attain to it and which therefore is absolute. This being the case, one can assess the extent of the aberration of those for whom it seems perfectly natural to have the right or chance to be man, but who wish to be so without participating in the integral nature of man and the attitudes it implies. Needless to say, the paradoxical possibility of denying itself is also a part of this nature (for to be man is to be free in a “relatively absolute” sense) much in the same way as to accept error or throw oneself into an abyss is a human possibility.
We have already said that “unbelievers” no longer have the sense of either nothingness or existence, that they no longer know the value of existence and never look at it in relation to the nothingness from which it is miraculously detached. Miracles in the usual sense of the word are in effect only particular variants of the initial (and everywhere present) miracle that is the fact of existence; the miraculous and divine are everywhere; it is the human outlook that is absent.
Fundamentally there are only three miracles: existence, life, intelligence; with intelligence, the curve springing from God closes on itself like a ring that in reality has never been parted from the Infinite.
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Frithjof Schuon: Light on the Ancient Worlds
Forty minutes after the sun fell beneath the waves, the lights of Dubrovnik and a departing cruise liner winked into shimmering existence.
When out in the wilderness, getting to a good spot for the sunset is difficult because you usually need to walk there and ensure that you're carrying enough water and food to make the journey there and back. Being in a busy city presents its own challenges -- although food is easily obtained, you can't simply walk where you want to go. You need to navigate the (often rush hour) road networks so as not to trespass and hope that the spot you pick on a road map doesn't have an obscured view.
This evening we sped off an hour before sunset to try and get enough altitude for an overview of Dubrovnik. We didn't get there in time for the sunset, but we found this spot in time for dusk. It wasn't the safest place, with several people and dogs eyeing us as we hastily found parking and ran down the road and up refuse heaps and concrete blocks to get the view we wanted without distractions in the foreground.
I didn't have my tripod (I know, schoolboy error!) I had to take this handheld. I took several frames and this was the least blurry.
Dubrovnik, Croatia, 2012
Canon EOS 5D Mark II with Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM
"What is the most uncommon thing you have ever felt while the sunrise?
-When you are not falling, not floating and nothing is sticking you. How would you feel?
How did you feel?
-Scared and curious.
Is not that normal?
-No. For me, if I felt like flying that would have been normal.
But where are your wings?
-Finally, you have asked the right question."
"A Solitary Existence". Edmonds Waterfront, Washington, USA
February 3rd, 2010 © 2009 Doug van Kampen, All Rights Reserved
So in between me nearly getting sucked into the path of a moving locomotive and shooting macros of driftwood, this women comes waltzing past me with a surfboard in hand and goes splooshing into Puget Sound. She paddled until she was completely out of sight and ended up coming back about an hour later, right when the light was just getting to that point where you look at it and want the moment to last forever.
Please note: The only other moments I've really wanted to last forever are ranked as such....
1. Marrying Corrieblueeyes
2. The birth of my children; not the labor part for my wife's sake!
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10. The light in this image... :)
The empty one's I have yet to fill, there is still so much to do in this life and God isn't done with me by a long shot.
"Great glass is nice, but even with crappy glass, you can capture moments that will last generations." -Tom van Kampen
(a quote from a conversation I had in the darkroom with my pop back when I was in high school)
Mirit Ben-Nun believes and feels that art is a vital and necessary function for human existence, it is what enriches the human race.
For Mirit it is her everyday language and her wish is that it reaches the one who observes her works of art and allows her to communicate her most positive aspects of creativity, worshiping the highest values of which humanity prides itself.
The artist is impregnated with the concept that there is no art without man, but perhaps neither is man without art. It is a kind of soul breathing.
Dora Woda
I bought a Fossil from Rubifalls, Chattanooga, Tennessee. The astonishing part of the Fossil for me is that it's witnessed thousands of years in this world and still same....wow.
Place : KuaKata sea beach.
Camera : D90, 18-105mm VR.
Date : 30 Apr, 2010.
Please don't use this image anywhere without my permission.
© All rights reserved by Kazi Arefin [arefin.kazi@ovi.com | # +8801617-144-388]
Thanks in advance 4 checking my Photostream...:)
it's very seldom for me to see a leaf thats turned red here in manila. i found this in the parking lot of a restaurant the other day. i had to just pick it up and bring home for it's first photo op. this is the top side of the leaf and the inside is the one posted in the comment box. have a great start of the week!
Ski Valley Arizona .. 8500' up in the mountains today, it was snowing with fog. The forest caught fire in 2006.. This is what remains....
Fits my mood right about now
Title:
Society’s Shrew
******************************************************************************
The study below was uncovered through research for the following Doctorial dissertation:
Light to the shadows of their mind:
Criminal tactics and strategies
Criminology Department Dept.
Chatwick University
Case Study 14 :
Name: Seth circa 192…
Subject: A rather unprincipled & deviously unscrupulous scoundrel
From Seth’s Journal:
Headed as:
Societies Shrew
October 11, 192
It is truly amazing what people will talk about on a train. And I could not say the number of times I had collected a tidy sum by just keeping my ears open to such talk. The following remarkable account centered on a couple named Caboyt is my case in point.
I was traveling between cities, after finishing a weeks’ worth of “business”, successfully making a handsome “little” profit on the jewels I collected from several unsuspecting wealthy women.
I had spotted a young couple sitting alone at small table in the dining car. Taking a seat in the nearby bar I had taken the opportunity to observe them. They were newlyweds. I could tell by the way they had acted, and by the shiny new gold rings they sported. She was a very attractive long haired brunette, wearing a long flowing skirt and a high-necked satiny blouse with long sleeves. He was wearing a fitted suit, and by his expression, was ignorant of anything else but his bride’s existence. I too noticed her existence. Especially the existence of the solid gold necklace set with tiny rubies and diamonds she wearing, loosely hanging down from around her throat. When she talked, her hands made little motions, and it was a pleasure to watch her rings sparkle from fingers as she did so. When they left the dining car I stayed at the bar, quickly forgetting about the pair. I enjoyed a few drinks while anticipating the new opportunities that should be plentiful at my next stop.
Late that evening the newlyweds were abruptly placed back into my thoughts. As I made my way back to my car I saw them in their seats, sleeping soundly. Her head was on his shoulders, an arm curled around him. The head of her husband was back on the seat snoring. I noticed her necklace hanging provokingly down, flickering in the passing lights that lit up the car in ten second intervals. The back two rows of seats were vacant, so I slipped into the seat directly behind them. I slowly moved my fingers up behind her seat, dipping down I felt through her ultra-soft hair until my fingers felt the cold hardness of her necklace. I could feel the slippery sleekness of her blouse, and I will admit I did perk up in doing so. Ever so slowly I pulled it out, exposing its gold chain. Then I slipped it around, silently thanking her for the slickness of the high necked pretty blouse that made my attempt so easy. Finally I expose the clasp, and leaving it hanging sat back for a minute to let them settle. I watched it there, as the flicking lights lit it up, my hunger increasing in a prickling sensation I knew and loved so well, the thrill of the hunt. When I could contain myself no longer I reached up again and undid the clasp, then I began the delicate operation of slipping it from her throat. It took almost fifteen exhilarating minutes as I worked it free, exposing it’s; length over the seat ever longer. Then it came loose, and with a swish curled up into my palm. As the last of it slipped away my victim stirred a little, sighing in her sleep, she cuddled in even more. I waited a few more minutes, all was calm around me.
I eyed the sleeping couple. Following her arm that lay around her husband’s shoulder I could see her hand. A glittery ruby ring sparkled merrily in the passing lights. The ring was definitely not as valuable as the necklace in hand, but the allure of acquiring it overwhelmed me. Now slipping a ring from a ladies finger is of course, no great trick. If she happens to be sleeping soundly, like this one, its rather as easy as taking it from a baby.
******************
(Which for the record I have never done, preferring my victims to be of a mature age. A mantra from which I have only strayed from once, for every rule commands an exception!
The exception for this rule was a matching set of sparklers; dangling cascading earrings, wide “lace” style necklace, bracelet and a brace of rings, all of it small and dainty, all of it quality diamond ,and best of all, invitingly obtainable.
Because the young miss laden down with those petite diamonds was all of fourteen years of age. And, as for the glossy taffeta gown that clung charmingly to her girlish figure? It cried out to even the most novice of us pickpockets to use its sleekness to execute a nimble “slip up and flick” maneuver to relieve this little squirming princess of some piece of her jewelry.
It had definitely been worth the Crown I had expended to the well-dressed young lad with a solid gold pocket watch hanging from his vest, to spend at the penny arcade, located in the bazaar across the street…. It successfully lured him temporarily away from the richly attired kid sister wearing the diamonds in question. He had been keeping an eye over her, a job for which I could tell he had been grudgingly delegated with, and which he happily abandoned; leaving the diamond laden impish young sister vulnerably exposed to the harsher realities of life.
I used the procured opening to cross the young sister’s path and with a perfectly timed ploy caught her in mid stride, the fingers of my right hand grabbing her by the gown’s sleek midriff causing her to totter over my arm. The fingers of my left moved in at the same moment.
The gown had indeed tingled quite pleasantly underneath my left hands fingers as they glided up along her taffeta slick back to lift up and break open the clasp of the silver chain, from which hung the dangling diamonds dripping down along her gown’s full neckline; As I gently plucked and straighten her gown with my right hand, my Left hand delicately began to pull away the necklace. I asked the young miss her where she was off to in such a hurry. She told me, in quick nervous breaths, that she was looking for her brother. As I listened intently, my left hand tugged, then slipped free her necklace, spiriting it away from her heaving chest with a muted swish. I watched it disappear, flickering its protest, as I held its pretty mistress’s attention. I pocketed it as she followed my pointing finger to the bazaar across the street where I explained her brother had gone.
I watched as she happily scurried away from me, blissfully naive that her necklace no longer was merrily bouncing along her chest as she moved. It was just then a rather full bosomed lady passed me by, nose in the air, a ruby brooch precariously perched in the cleavage of her low cut rustling gown. I followed, my mind calculating the risk.
***************************
As the train gently rocked back and forth I kept my eyes focused on the sleeping woman’s ring, first I licked my lips, then my fingers. Reaching up I gently slipped my fingers along hers, moistening them. Then I felt for her ring, and slightly lifter her finger, carefully worked the jewel off by rocking it back and forth between my fingertips. Once I had it over her knuckle, I stopped to catch my breath and look around, all was still quiet. I easily pulled it off the rest of the way, than lay back and closed my eyes. Soon both of them were snoring regularly. I than arose, stowing away the necklace securely, and walked silently amongst the other sleeping passengers. Unnoticed by anyone, I regained my car, took my seat, and laying back I closed my eyes, and happy with myself, fell into a deep sleep.
October 12, 192
The next morning I awoke to a bright sunrise, refreshed and satisfied with the previous evening’s effort. I now settled back comfortably and watched the scenery. There appeared to be no noticeable commotion at my end of the train over my nighttime activities. But it is the reason I stayed glued to my seat for the rest of my journey, and the reason I would make a rather informal acquaintance with Sophia and Arthur Caboyt.
The seat in front of me was occupied by a priest traveling with his rather ancient mother. Nothing that they were discussing had captured my interest the day before. The priest was spending the morning reading his bible, his mother snoozing, so it appeared neither would be saying anything to peak my interest this morning. So I closed my eyes, placed a thought in my head, and started dozing…….
***********
She was a beauty, a ravishing brunette clad in a long purple satiny number. Her jewels were all sapphires, sparkling as she walked somewhat unsteadily up the path leading her away from the sanctity of the castle keep. I was following with curiosity, having seen her slip out the back way, looking for the entire world like a child sneaking out on her parents. She reached the top of the hill where it opened into a small glen. Off to the side lay a dark lake of calm water. As she stood by a cement bench on the bank of the lake the moon peeked out through the clouds, placing her in a pool of light. A pair of white swans swam over in curiosity. She bent down and lifted out her gloved hand to them, her rings and bracelet glistening radiantly.
She was not yet aware of being followed……
******************************
I must have fallen asleep, for next thing I knew I was rudely awakened as the train was ratcheting to a stop, whistle blowing. When the train finely halted, The priest and his mother departed. I still was going on for a distance so I kept my seat. I bid them a silent adieu; nothing about them had held my interest in any shape or form.
But the newcomers who took their seat turned out to be a whole other story.
A rather stern faced husband had escorted his chattering wife and basically maneuvered her into the seat. She was clad in a long silky, rather form fitting dress. She was wearing a nice display of glistening white pearls, and her fingers were home to several sparkly rings. By the way the pair carried themselves; I had no doubts the fair maidens jewels were the real McCoy. As I watched the diamond clasp of her pearl necklace from behind I again closed my eyes, once more reminiscing about the train ride on my first leg of the journey.
But this couple did not appear to be of the snatch and slip into the shadows type of prey to me. I opened my eyes, wide awake, my interest peaking as the wife’s shrill voice penetrated into me. No, I smelled real opportunity being handed to me by fate. Let me explain. In my line of business I had become a quick study of a person’s character. His was obviously that of an important ( in his mind) president( probably a bank) used to controlling all aspects of his life, including his wife. She was a quarrelsome chatterbox who was as opinionated as they come. My guess is that that he only had married her for her money, why else would he have put up with her? His name was Arthur, Hers was Sophia, and the last name was Caboyt, which perked my interest even more. Caboyt being a well-known name of a wealthy family from the large city where I had grew up as a child. The couple was attending a Charity Ball at some rather ritzy sounding establishment in a City four stops before mine. The more I heard, the more I smelled money to be made. So it was without a thought that I rose a minute after they did, and got off on the same stop, forgoing the rest of my travel plans. I quickly stashed my luggage in a locker and got out onto the street in time to see them getting into a hotel taxi.
I went in, collected my bags and hired a taxi to take me to an inexpensive hotel that he recommended. I checked in, prepaying for three nights to cover my tracks, threw my luggage on the bed. I looked in my stage case, and selected a reddish wig and matching moustache, trying them on for effect. Adding a pair of black, horn rimmed eye glasses completed the disguise
I grabbed another taxi had him drive me to the hotel they were staying at. Paying him off ,I crossed the street and positioned myself in a park. It was now early evening, the sun just dipping below the tall buildings.
I studied the situation from the park while sitting on a bench. It was older, with balconies extending outside each of the rooms. The balconies were cement rimmed, with low rails. If I could get a room above or below theirs, It would be a short, easy rope climb to their balcony. I went inside and inquired about available rooms for the next evening, the evening of the ball. As the clerk leafed through his book I studied the registry and soon located Sarah and Henry Caboyt’s listing. It was better than I had hoped. They couple were in room 311. 313, 413 and 213 were taken for the weekend but 315, right next door was available. Containing my excitement I took it, prepaying for two nights, giving the clerk a false ID . I explained that my luggage had been delayed, and that when it came I would just take it up myself.
I returned to the other hotel, and dressed and went out for dinner, forming my plans as I ate. Returning I packed a small valise, put on evening attire, and snuck out via a back stairway that led to a now shadowed alley.
Walking out I went up the street bus stop and hailed a taxi. He gave me a suspicious look as I gave him the name of a fancy hotel that was a couple of blocks away from where the Cabot’s, and I, were staying: but I put on my bigwig demeanor and ignored him. He let me off and as I made sure he drove off, went up the block and entered my new hotel, heading straight for the elevator, not even gaining a second glance from the well trained operator. I went into my room, whistling at the fancy digs, before setting up the groundwork for my little operation.
That evening I sleep soundly, almost falling deeply again into a dream.
***********************************************
I found myself in her room once again. There were two of them. Identical twin sisters who occupied adjoining rooms in the old keep of the ancient stronghold that had been turned into a posh resort for the ultra-rich.
They had both been attending the extravagant ball being held in the old main chamber of the castle. But one had been ill and left early, planning to take a strong sleeping draught to fight her ailment.
Making sure the remaining sister was still going strong at the ball, I melted away into the shadows, breaking into her room before the twelve strokes of midnight had sounded in the large grandfather clock at the end of the hall. It took no effort on my part; she had conveniently left her velvet jewel pouch on the nightstand. I quickly scooped out its contents in a couple of shimmering handfuls. It was going to be a good night I told myself happily.
I went to the door that joined the room where her twin was sleeping. I cautiously opened it, and then slipped inside.
She looked so beautifully innocent as she slept, her brown satin pajamas shimmering in the light of the full moon streaming through an open stone cased window. After a bit of searching I found her jewel case tucked under the pillow she was laying on. I had discovered it while sliding my hand underneath, and I now began to work the calfskin leather case free. As I did I saw something glimmer faintly in the moonlight? Looking closer I realized she had no removed the pendent she had been wearing around her neck. It was on a gold chain, a ruby surrounded by small diamonds. I freed her jewel case and quickly emptied its contents, only one brightly glistening handful, which joined her sister’s collection in my satchel. I then pulled back her hair and felt for the clasp of her necklace. Locating it I slid it into my view and unclasped it. Picking up one end I lifted it from her throat, and gently pulled the other end from beneath her. It went perfectly; she never stirred as I took it from her. One a whim I peeled back ever so gently the long sleeves of her pajamas, . One her left wrist she still wore a ruby and diamond bracelet. Lifting her wrist up enough so my fingers could reach I undid the clasp and pulled it free, hanging like a wide sparkling snake.
I listened at her door, all was quite. I stole away, sneaking down the old servants back stairway. It was as I was edging around the building to make a bolt for the woods and my escape, that I saw her. The twin, who had stayed at the ball while her sister slept, was now lurking outside. She had no idea she was being watched. I eyed her sapphire jewelry sparkling along her pretty satin gown. I could tell she was up to something, as she hesitated, then assuming no one was around, headed off onto the path leading to a small lake. I followed without a second’s hesitation……..
************************************************
October 13, 192
The next morning I arose late, refreshed and ready for whatever exploits the day would hold for me.
After checking out my surroundings, including the balcony, I took a long hot shower and stretched out, waiting like a lion in the brush. Late afternoon I made my way down to the lobby with a book and nestled in a shadowy corner to wait. My plan was to watch them leave, follow them to gauge how long it would take them to return, head back, enter their room via the balcony and pilfer the room of its valuables and exit stage right, before they returned. I was banking on a fat jewel case. The rooms had no safes.
I sat, I observing my fellow guests coming and going about their personal business. Soon I noticed more and more of them in evening dress, heading out for a night on the town, which was a treat in and of its self. I did perk up when a lady clad in a long black velvet dress, matching gloves and pearls, walked down the stairs. As a pearl hanger, she would have been a tempting target. Pearls were always easy to pawn, and hers were a rather nice set. She seemed to be the easily distractible type, and easily distractible types who wore expensive jewels had always been my specialty. But I already had my mind set on Sophia Caboyt’s jewels that evening, So I let her slip away, watching her long gown swish about her pleasant figure.. Bird in the hand I thought, wistfully hoping that would prove to be the case.
An hour later I was rewarded as Sophia and Arthur came down. The couple was dressed to the nines for the evening, he was in a tux, she was in a long flowing glossy gown and gloves. She was dripping in diamonds, a full set. My heart sank, I wanted those diamonds, Quickly as I watched them I revised my plan. She was wearing a small fortune. I was sure that whatever was left in their room was probably not worth nearly as much, even the pearls.
I than sat and pretended to read my book for about another two hours while my mind went over several new plans of action. Accepting one of them as feasible, I rose and headed back up to my room. Lost my disguise, packed my valise for a hasty exit, put on my mask and gloves, turned out the lights, carefully opened my balcony door, and from a vantage point where I could see their room, I waited for their return. Breaking into a room with sleeping occupants was something I would rather not do, but oh, well, I would have to creep a little more carefully. Hopefully they would return home tipsy and sleep deeply.
Three and one half hours later the lights went on in their room. The balcony door was opened and Sophia came sweeping out, her jewelry blazing in the street lamps light from below. I watched with growing anticipation as she leaned out and looked onto the view below, her necklace and long earrings swaying out over the void, careful I thought, don’t let the pretty things fall. Her husband voice came out of the room inside, calling to her in an angry tone. “Sophia, I don’t believe it, they gave me the wrong top coat.” She sighed, gathering air, Are you sure she snapped, yes he said, my gloves are not in the pocket. She turned and went to the door, Go back tomorrow she decreed. I am going back now, he rebelled, and giving them a piece of my mind, I tipped that idiot 5 shillings. I heard the door slam. As it did, she had continued telling him not to go.
He had left and my mind started buzzing. What is he up to? He had no real reason not to wait, unless he was really that much of a hot head. If that was the case, He would easily be gone for an hour, which would give me at least 45 minutes to work with. They didn’t appear to have been drinking, If I stuck with my original plan, when he returned, things would be a lot more sticky, especially if he was in a foul mood and couldn’t sleep.
My window of opportunity, small already, began to shrink even more. I could have just let it go, but no I scolded myself, I would forever be berating myself for letting the chance to make a major coup slip through my fingers. I decided to risk it. Sometimes you just have to roll the dice and see how things lay and hope, luck will travel with it. I quickly reformulated my plan.
I went back and pulled a small derringer and some rope from my valise. She had been wearing a satin sash encircling her waist, held with a brooch. Once she handed me the brooch, I would use the sash to gag her; and my rope to tie her securely to a chair freeing me to search her and her room for valuables. I smiled in wicked anticipation; I have always liked a good old fashioned hold-up. I looked at my watch, still a good 32 minutes to obtain her jewels.
Climbing between the two ledges I slipped onto their balcony, ducking below the side and waited. Nothing stirred. I slinked over to the window and peered inside. No movement. Waiting another eternal minute I decided to enter, Carefully opening the glass door so it let out only the slightest of clicks I entered. I saw a door on the opposite side of the room, slightly ajar I could hear the sound of water running. Sophia was drawing a bath. I couldn’t believe my luck. I wedged myself in a corner and waited. I could see her shadow in the crack of light emitting from the door, and then I heard her slide into the tub. Immediately I was on the move.
I had seen a glistening pile on top of a small table by the bathroom door. I went there first. On the table were spread out in a sparkling array the diamonds she had been wearing earlier. I carefully lifted each magnificent piece and secreted them into my small satchel, one eye on the outer door, and one ear on the occupant of the bath tub. As I made a complete sweep of the table I saw her silvery, shiny jeweled purse off to one side, lying on her satin gloves. I went through it and found a the wad of notes and a heavy gold compact and matching cigarette holder. Putting the items back inside, along with her gloves, I pocketed the shiny purse. Then I noticed her jewel case when I had come in laying on the vanity. I went over and opened it, my eyes rewarded by a satisfying collection of glittery jewels, gold and pearls. I and quickly emptied it of its valuable contents, a set of emerald with diamonds( necklace, earrings, ring and bracelets), several gold chains, two pairs of gold earrings, one set with small diamonds, a thick solid gold bracelet, and a rather nice 3 strand pearl choker, as well as the pearls she had been wearing on the train. I hadn’t seen this much ice lately outside a jewelry store. Closing the case, I slipped it into a drawer out of sight..
I did not see her gown with its sash and brooch. I snuck a peak into the bathroom; I saw a long flowing satin bathrobe, but no red gown visible. I hesitated, for I could see her outline in the tub, she was laying back with her eyes closed, a hand hung down, from which glittered a pair of rings. No, I thought, letting them go. I went to her closet; there was a gold gown, but not the gown she had been wearing. I looked at my watch, 9 minutes left; I was running out of time. I went back to the bed and circled it, keeping a close eye on the two doors. Looking over on the opposite side by the wall I saw something glossy on the floor.. There it was, the little darling had slid off and was hiding on the floor. Lifting it up, I let the smooth material run through my hands, feeling it through the thin gloves I was wearing. I felt nothing hard, laying it across the chair I looked under the bed, saw something silky and pulled at it. It came out like a shiny snake, with a large diamond studded head. There was the prize. I took the sash and the brooch and stuffed them in my pocket. 3 minutes left by my watch.. I went back to the closet and felt along a couple of her things hanging there, hoping to find a clip , or possibly another brooch, one a silky jacket I felt something hard, it turned out to be a gold pin of a humming bird with jeweled wings. I pulled it free. My time was up, and I had plenty,
Turning out the lights I Heading to the door of the balcony fortunately I heard them just as I opened the glass door. I peeked to the balcony next door, on the opposite side of mine. A couple was in the middle of an argument. A quite pretty lady was giving a tuxedo shirted male a piece of her mind. She was a long haired brunette clad in a long silk sheath, gold and black descending stripes. She was lecturing a harried thin gentleman in a white tux shirt, chewing him out in rapid Italian. I was caught between a rock and a hard place. I stepped out in the shadows, closing the door behind me. I did not want to chance having the dejewelled princess or her husband walk into the bedroom and find me there. The minutes ticked by. I was mesmerized by the hand the Italian woman was shaking under his nose. The ladies’ Jeweled rings and bracelets flashing extravagantly in and out of the light. I will admit that after 6 excoriatingly long minutes I started to sweat a little. The show was quite fascinating, but I was expecting company at any time. And three would definitely be a crowd. She was not running out of steam, I felt sorry for the little guy.
Finally the Italian banshee ended her tirade. She ran into the room sobbing, he meekly followed. Just Than I about jumped out of my skin when I head Sophia calling out her husband’s name. Arthur she screeched, are you there yet, I have soap in my eyes. Do I dare, I thought to myself, those magnificent rings flashing back into my mind.
I moved swiftly back into the room, stealthily going to the bathroom door, looked around the door and stole a peak. She was holding her eyes closed, searching in vain for a towel, which had fallen just below her searching hand. The hand where the expensively jeweled rings she had worn into her bath resided. I moved swiftly, rapping on the door. About time she said as I handed her a towel. I took her hand, and kissed her soapy wet fingers. She smirked; don’t try to make up with me Arthur. I let go of her now ring less fingers. Turning I walked out swiftly, closing the door behind me before she had a chance to clear her eyes. Swiftly going back out the balcony door, I flew over the rail into my own balcony, and into the door. I waited for a minute without moving. The coast seemed clear.
I felt safe to turn the lights on. I hid her sash, brooch, jewels, and the silvery jeweled purse in the false bottom of my small valise. I put back on the red wig moustache and glasses and evening clothes. Then snatching up my case, I went to the door after a final inspection of the room. 65 minutes now had ticked by since the husband had left the apartment, leaving his wife and her jewels behind unprotected. It was time to make a hasty exit. As my white gloved hand touched the knob I heard voices in the hall. Damn I thought, she had taking the argument out of the room. Thankfully I heard the door slam. This was becoming a circus I thought, opening door a crack. The hall way was clear. I moved quickly down the corridor turning into another , down with lay my exit down a rear stairwell. I froze in my tracks. Now what I thought!
At the far end of the corridor, just passed my exit, was a wall where a full length painting of the battle of waterloo hung. The lady in velvet and pearls that I had been scrutinizing earlier in the evening sashaying through the lobby, was standing with her back to me mesmerized by the painting, her hands clasped behind her while she swayed to and fro studying it.. She was so enthralled by it that I probably could have walked right up to her and slipped the pearls from her throat and wrist without her even noticing me. Why not, I asked myself rhetorically. Setting the valise by the exit, I began removing my gloves as I walked up to her on the balls of my feet, silent as a cat. Pretty is it not I asked in her ear, she started, backing into me. I caught her as she twittered nervously. Sorry I said, steadying her. She blushed as she turned to me, giving me full view of the pearls around her throat. I kissed her hand, asking for her apologies as I turned and left her standing there. I heard the swish of her dress. I had been right about her being vulnerably captivated by the painting. The proof was in the pudding, or in this case the triple string pearl bracelet I had slipped away from her gloved wrist as she had bumped against me
I started down the stairs leading down to the lobby silently thanking whatever distraction it was that was holding Arthur up from returning home. Then, I saw him. I was coming down to the bottom of stairs I saw Arthur cutting through the lobby. I walked past him nodding as he passed raising my valise in salutation. He nodded back passing me without another look. He had a smile on his face, so he had received satisfaction from something. I too had a smirk on mine, garnering some satisfaction that he was totally unaware that a small fortune in his wife’s jewels was walking out the door right under his nose.
I left, holding my valise and headed down the street. I hailed a taxi, had him drop me off at the bus station, then went into my hotel and packed, before falling again into sound , pleasantly dream filled , sleep.
October 14, 192
I arose early the next day, leaving by the same back door to the alleyway.
Flagging a taxi I had him drive me to the shopping area by the train station.
I meandered around a bit and then, sure I was not being watched, made my way to the train station.
I than caught the next train heading to my original destination. After a long, leisurely meal, and a couple well-earned drinks at the bar I headed back to my seat. This time there were no brides with shiny necklaces, or Caboyt’s with their pompous arrogance and fancy jewels to entertain me. So I found one of my own making. As the train rumbled into the night I snuggled down and replayed the whole adventure, savoring every aspect until I fell into dream filled sleep.
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She must have imbibed more than I thought, for she walked to the bench, and taken a careful look around, began to undress. Watching the swans, she started by removing her jewelry, placing them in a pile that glistened in the moon’s light. She then stepped behind some bushes, and I observed her laying her gloves, gown and some silky nickers over a tree limb. I began to move back and cut along the woods to where she had undressed. A soft, subtle splash of water let me know she had entered the pool. Reaching her things hanging on the tree limb I looked out, she was in up to her chest, back to me, still watching the swans that had moved off a small distance when she had entered. I carefully pulled her clothes off the limb, then hid them behind a tree, , feeling the hardness of her broach, I unfastened from her gown. Then on all fours, keeping below the bench, I carefully crawled forward, inching ever closer to the glistening pile of rich jewels that beckoned me…..
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bringing water from below to above. One, self replicating.
The other ceases to duplicate the moment thoughts about it disappear.
What are we to make of the difference between things that manifest without thought, and those that manifest only with thought?
One could answer: "Thought itself is a thoughtless manifestation, i.e., thought grows into existence through no effort of its own."
To put it more clearly, a mind that thinks, grows into existence before it can think.
Would this be right?
The Antelope Valley is known for its wildflowers and Joshua Trees. Unfortunately, the two rarely grow in the same place. The Poppies tend to be on the west side of the region and the Joshua Trees in the east and center. However, that they do flourish together in a few places is documented in this image.
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
A Ditch Jewel (Brachythemis Contaminata), male dragonfly enjoying its existence perched comfortably above a pond !!!
Shot with Tamron 500mm mirror lens in Osmania university, Hyderabad, AP, India.
பூட்டிவைத்து வஞ்சப் பொறிவழியே என்றனைநீ
ஆட்டுகின்ற தேதோ அறியேன் பராபரமே !!!
தாயுமானவர் பராபரக்கண்ணி
Christopher Evgeniou 23rd September 2005 - 17th September 2023 🚳 My 17 year old Motorcycle Warrior 😭
My little big guy wanted to grow up fast, turned into a man overnight and paid the ultimate price 😭
My eldest boy Christopher who would have turned 18 yesterday Saturday 23rd September 2023 died at the scene of a horrific motorcycle accident at the corner of Forest Road and Roach Street in the Sydney suburb of Arncliffe whilst attempting to be resuscitated despite his injuries and best efforts to no avail 19:28 Sunday 17th September 2023 😭
Investigation is underway with the coroner to determine findings (accident investigation, cause of death and toxicology report) but we know after identifying Christopher’s body at the Coroner, Christopher’s body sustained violent high speed direct impact injuries both internal and external which are horrific at the least.... Christopher would have faced a poor quality of life and outcome if he survived but no matter what and unconditionally, I would have looked after and cared for my boy 😭 Christopher's body is yet to be released by the coroner
Christopher acquired his motorcycle license two weeks prior to his motorcycle accident, Christopher had never ridden motorcycles before.... We tried to brainwash Christopher into not buying a motorcycle but he was determined and would have gone down that path with or without my support so in light of his decision to buy a motorcycle commuting back and forth for work I took him shopping gifting him $700 for a helmet and gloves one week after acquiring his motorcycle license as an early birthday gift then we had lunch out spending the rest of day together…. Additionally I gave Christopher $3k towards the purchase of motorcycle which he would contribute $1.5k of savings…. Christopher went to buy a 2013 HONDA CB500F the following week 16:00 Sunday 17th September 2023 and on the way home lost control without any interference of another vehicle and violently slammed into a tree taking full brunt at 87kmh whilst in a 60kmh zone at 19:28 😭 It was a big motorcycle, I would have been afraid to ride it! Christopher had the motorcycle in his possession for less than four hours and never made it home down the driveway to show me in his enthusiasm 😭 You can’t imagine my guilt and feeling responsible regardless.... I can take it and own it! I will live with it and carry that shit on my back for the rest of my existence along with everything else accumulated thus far in my timeline and journey! 😐
All I wanted to do is support Christopher's effort and enthusiasm, he was making great strides, I wanted him to be happy and I contributed in killing him 😭 We discussed all week how I wanted to go with him to inspect and buy the motorcycle but insisted every time ‘no dad, my friend rides bikes’ and so they would go together.... I wanted to respect his decision and give him space to learn, be independent and grow not stepping on his toes so to speak but rather support him…. Christopher enthusiastically asked me the night before, when he comes home with the bike if I wanted to come downstairs to look at it with him and I said 'Christopher, its going to be dark by the time you get home but I'll wait for you downstairs on Monday to have a look when you get back from work' 😭 I am plagued and hunted by that conversation everyday! I knew Christopher was high risk, OMG what have I done, I can’t grasp and fathom it, I'm a fucking idiot and totally out of my mind supporting the idea of a motorcycle when I could have brought 10 cars for him! I am part of the chain of events that killed my lovely boy 😭
Christopher started his carpentry trade apprenticeship working 6 days per week a few months ago and was starting TAFE in October with officially being backdated…. Christopher would contribute 10% of earnings towards the household, would wake up for work on his own, clean up, wash and pick up after himself, was very pleasant to be around and was a fine young man to be proud of…. I am gutted and numb, how could this be a reality!
We talked for months about going out for lobster September 23rd to celebrate Christopher’s 18th birthday then have a few drinks at the bar, sadly we never made it for lobster and drinks 😭 Instead, Christopher’s friends and us 6 days after his death celebrated his 18th birthday roadside last night at the site of his accident which has turned into a shrine both day and night, setup a table with steamed dumplings and dim sims, Greek spanakopita (spinach and cheese pita) also spinach and cheese filled triangle puff pastries, mini meat pies and sausage rolls, custard layered sponge birthday cake with fruit and berries on top, baked his favorite homemade banana cake, icebox with beers and water also his favorite drink Galliano Sambuca…. Christopher’s inner circle of five all got the number 17 tattooed on their hand and they also ordered t-shirts to be made which were worn on the night
Christopher and I planned for so much, I use to make weekly BBQ smoked meats cooked low and slow with indirect charcoal, his favorite being pork ribs with honey, I would ask him every week what meat he wanted for the following week.... We were going to renovate, design and build an outdoors BBQ charcoal pit also wood fired oven, work on cars and bikes then develop a knockdown rebuild property turning into a duplex site or ideally terraces.... I told Christopher to keep his head down and keep doing what he was doing grinding out the routine because I was so proud of him and his progress, I told him that every day when he would come through the door after work.... I would buzz him up through the intercom and run to the door opening it to greet him then eager to warm up his food and serve him dinner, try to engage with 'how was your day and what were you working on?'…. I told Christopher we would go to Japan and South Korea for culture and street food next year also to Laos, Thailand and Vietnam another time.... I gave Christopher my old school custom lifted and locked 1995 Solid Axle LN106 Toyota Hilux yeah it was defected by police for illegal lift modifications and unregistered as a result which needed full pit inspection to pass for registration but it was going to be his (our) long term project and we were going to work on it together to restore and get it back on the road…. Christopher asked me to help him work on his bike when he got it and I said ‘yeah Christopher for sure’ 😭 I never got a chance to hear Christopher and the bike come down the driveway 😭
Christopher just started to get a taste for life - Girls, mateship, travel, work, money, responsibility, experimentation, vices, planning and decision making, independence and what a supporting family really meant in the real world outside of school as an adult and had the whole world in his palms 😭 Remember when you were 17? Christopher literally thought he turned into a man overnight and paid the ultimate price but in reality, Christopher was just a kid, my kid and I let him slip right through my fucking fingers and hands 😭
I must add and make no mistake, it was not all a bed of roses, strawberry cream, champagne, pot of gold at the end of a rainbow and certainly no fucking fairy tales! We had some tough times with Christopher after the last Sydney COVID lockdowns ended late 2021 after he was coerced like everyone one else in the population by our State Government into being jabbed twice with their vaccine poisons as this was in their own words 'the only path out of lockdown'.... Christopher started to smoke weed and drink alcohol also vape, skip school, not go to school, abruptly stopped doing homework and assignments, up until 4am on his phone, wake up at 2pm, became very aggressive and abusive, habitual lying, stealing money, street and park brawls, police coming to the house.... Christopher became an angry young man and we could not even talk to him without a supernova response.... Seems I was the source focus and cause to all his grievances.... Christopher's behavior increasingly exacerbated during the course of 2022, he had run away from home a few times then come back.... One time after coming back, Christopher crash tackled and assaulted me, ground and pounded on me whilst I was on the ground and stood over me like a UFC fighter, he meant it with hatred in his heart and had the eye of the tiger in his stare.... I cant even remember what was said for it to flare up and end up in a fight.... I know it sounds cowardly but Christopher was bigger, stronger, faster, unpredictable and extremely erratic…. I'm no push over, I grew up in tough migrant neighborhoods with hardship where violence, drugs and crime was normal along with the smell of death and misery filled the air so I've been around the block more than a few times and done it all, seen a lot in my time, more than most, self made and still going around the fucking block but I must admit and without shame, I was afraid of Christopher in my own home 😑 We didn’t know what to do but the fear of living in your home with your child like that was horrible…. I went away on a prospecting trip October 2022 for three weeks to have some respite and me time in the remote bush contemplating how to move forward, during this time things flared up at home and Christopher rampaged through the house destroying everything in his path, packed his bag and left again…. I cut my trip short to get back and try to deal with the aftermath…. Christopher’s behavior was out of control and I thought my boy would end up in the red light districts with needles in his arms overdosing in gutters, in/out of jail and mental health institutions or dead…. A week later Christopher returns, ends up at the door downstairs after moving from place to place sleeping on sofas and I tell him to put his bags down outside, to not bring his belongings in the house because we will go upstairs and talk in a civilized manner engaging and exchanging first and after hearing me out either he will agree to stay bringing his stuff up or he can take his stuff and go but he was to decide that and not us…. My terms were simple – No abusive behavior either verbally or physically, no slamming of doors or windows, no breaking of personal or household items, no drug use, phone off on or before 11pm and out of reach, finish school or find a job in a trade, respect and work around other people’s needs in the household, open communication so airing grievances and concerns, negotiation, when working contribute to the household also pay for personal and household items smashed in last rampage…. We never made it upstairs to talk, Christopher violently lashed out and came at me downstairs even before I got a chance to finish talking so my spouse and younger boy Constantine (16) intervened…. My spouse then drove Christopher to his grandmothers place where he stayed for a few months till they could no longer tolerate and support his behavior so Christopher voluntarily left before they kicked him out, went to stay at his mates place and that’s where he lived for the next five months till second week of May 2023 where I would take everyone out for dinner once per week including Christopher to figure out how to reintegrate him coming home and even if this proposal was possible…. We did that for six weeks once per week and I could not have asked for a better outcome, not for me or us but for Christopher whom made a complete turnaround, he was a changed man…. At Christopher's friend’s family house he would pay $100 per week in board, supply groceries along with toiletries and personal grooming items also cook his own meals and do his own laundry..... Christopher found a job in the early stages of moving into his friends family home, albeit unreliable work but was enough to pay his way week by week…. We monitored his progress behind the scenes through back channels trying to figure it all out with the good, the bad and the ugly.... That time away into the real world opened up his eyes to the reality of life outside of school and home changing his mindset perspective becoming reciprocal.... I was so proud of Christopher and his achievements moving forward…. As hard as it was for me as a parent, I supported him being away because it seems he was in a better frame of mind and became a better person being in the real world rather than at home with us and if that is what it took then so be it.... I was all for it, to sacrifice my needs to my child for his greater good, all the power to him.... Then when Christopher came home he was thin and malnourished but we nurtured him to good health and he continued to evolve, improve and positively progress, he was clearly not the same Christopher who left and we had also changed in the process…. Sadly, we only had Christopher at home for 10 weeks before he died 😭 and they were some of the best times I have had relating to Christopher as a man and mate, not a child I was raising.... What a privilege, honor and absolute pleasure! I didn't care that he drank and smoked weed explaining to him as long as it didn't interfere with his work, family, friends and relationships.... Young men will drink and smoke, that's what they do socially and I'm not a fucking fool, ignorant or arrogant as I too was a young man once upon a time.... What a waste of a young life with so much potential who barely touched and scratched the surface 😭
We have never been parents, the kids have never been kids, there are no rehearsals OR scripts OR 101 how to and guidebooks OR rules OR time on/off/out OR magic solutions OR money trees nor respawn only examples from our parents and what character traits along with values they possessed to display but that was all in a different time and generation so everything is trial and error but at the same time constantly challenging and changing dynamic settings/environments making the best decisions possible weighing up all the available information at hand in any given situation with so many directions to go in with variables
So now, once the Coroner releases Christopher’s body to our funeral director, I will inspect his body in full detail as I want to dress him then we will have a formal viewing another evening then when it is time for cremation, on the day Christopher will be driven past our home in the hearse also around where my mom Angeliki lived as they were very close right up to Angeliki’s death 31st October 2019, a few weeks before this SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) shit hit the fan in Wuhan, then the long slow drive to Macquarie Park Cemetery and Crematorium where we will have a 1.5 hour service at the Lotus Pavilion outdoor undercover Chapel attended by a Chinese Buddhist Monk whom will send Christopher with spiritual chant and prayer then Christopher will be moved to the onsite Crematorium which we will do a Witness Insertion…. We will then collect Christopher’s ashes at a later date in an Urn, transport them to the Chinese Mingyue Lay Buddhist Temple in Bonnyrigg where another ceremony will be conducted again by a Chinese Buddhist Monk onsite in the location where Christopher’s ashes will finally reside and permanently
OMFG NONONONONONONOOOOOOOOOO, Christopher was ONLY 17! My son Christopher was taken away from us by a fucking tree GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR 👿
I was working on this pic for about a week back and forth, would show Christopher my progress at night, particularly when I figured out how to do the blades effects.... I was so excited to show him and he would say ‘yeah dad nice’ so this post is in honor of 🚳 My 17 year old Motorcycle Warrior 😭 RIP my lovely young man after your short existence in turmoil and toil, I LOVE YOU and MISS YOU SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH 😭
If you have made it this far, I respectfully ask that you please share the link 🚳 My 17 year old Motorcycle Warrior 😭 with your friends, family, loved ones and other Flickr members so they can also read the description which for me helps keep the spirit and memory of Christopher alive
Thank you
It is true to say that one goes into solitude to "get at the root of existence"? It would be better simply to say that in solitude one is at the root. He who is alone, and is conscious of what his solitude means, finds himself simply in the ground of life. He is "in Love." He is in love with all, with everyone, with everything.
-Thomas Merton, Monk: a Monastic Tribute, Patrick Hart
A ladybug larvae sharing the space (the centre of a sun-flower) with some aphids !!! Aphids are main food for these larvae !!!
Have a great weekend, friends !!! Spend some time appreciating nature !!!
The lonely existence of a young batboy on a professional baseball team.
(Wilmington Blue Rocks game. June 17, 2006. Frawley Stadium, Wilmington, DE.)
alternativeviewphotography.com/
alternative view photography blogspot
© 2007 John Salisbury All rights reserved
“The whole secret of existence is to have no fear. Never fear what will become of you, depend on no one. Only the moment you reject all help are you freed.”