View allAll Photos Tagged Heartbreakingly
Pathways through the wheat
unmistakeable
I've taken this route so many times I could walk it with my eyes shut
but wait
there are others ahead
and to the sides
that aren't so well defined
they've also been walked through
though the lines aren't so clear and the wheat remains intact
but the echoes remain
some still resonate
with traces that stir feelings
like long forgotten dreams of past times
often heartbreaking
sometimes blissful
journeying ahead
always ahead
until at last
the karmic seeds
are burnt
and dispersed
Dernières photos déposées concernant la série "Escale à Sète" ... Moment toujours déchirant que de quitter de tels lieux pour aller on se sait où ensuite avec la tête dans étoiles ... Merci pour vos nombreux et sympas commentaires sur cette série qui se croisait avec la série consacrée à Joel Bast aussi ...
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Latest Photos submitted for the series "Escale à Sète" Moment ... always heartbreaking than to leave such places to go then we know where to head in the stars ... Thanks for your many nice comments and on this series that crossed with the series about Joel Bast also ...
we live in a strange, complex, heartbreaking time. our edges meet the edges of others. yet we're all doing the best we can with the inner (and outer) resources we have. each day, we can begin anew with kindness, patience, and understanding.
The Canadian Pacific station at Sherbrooke, Quebec certainly has much to be desired. I had a lot of good times at this very spot with trains and the people who ran them before CP sent the line out to pasture and into the hands of the Canadian American Railway/CDAC. A heartbreaking sight to return to.
I have not seen the mountain goat herd in some time - there was a wolf in their area that had a try at an easy meal but was eventually repelled by a goat friendly hawk. I returned today after many weeks without spotting any goats to find one mountain goat moving very slowly and obviously war torn. there is blood on his left horn and blood patches over the fur on his back. I had assumed that he had had another wolf encounter but as some astute readers noted the fur on the right horn is goat fur which means this was a fight for dominance in the herd.
Sadly it appears this one was on the losing side since no other goats were within sight - i assume the winner would be with the herd. It is a very sad depiction of an ostracized member of the herd left alone to fend for himself. It was heartbreaking to watch him slowly wander the slopes. ON the birght side however he knew enough to find sustenance in the mounds of grass between the snow and did not appear to be otherwise injured. I suspect the winner has his own scars and judging by the depth of the blood on this one's horn painful reminders of the encounter.
REGIONE UMBRIA
The towns featured here, Norcia and Castelluccio, suffered a major earthquake on 30 October 2016. It was heartbreaking to learn that the damage to both was extensive, and unfortunately their appearance today is rather different from what is seen in these photographs. Though thankfully there was a limited number of victims, there are still tens of thousands of displaced families and I would like to pay tribute to the amazing work of the Emergency Services and the Italian Red Cross. I would also like to invite all of those who, like me, have enjoyed the cultural and natural wonders of Italy to also take this opportunity to give something back, and make a donation to the Italian Red Cross on www.cri.it/terremoto-centro-italia
Thank you for your generosity.
Crazy Tuesday: In the middle
Such a dreary, rainy day today. I wanted to use the rain to my advantage for this photo idea and have the heart in between the two raindrops (representing the tears shed for the people of Ukraine) but when I clipped it to the branch, the big drops fell. No problem, the heart is still in the middle of the frame so hopefully this image still works for the theme. My heart hurts for those involved with the conflicts going on in this world and I am struggling to understand how people can inflict pain on other human beings. It is truly heartbreaking. 💔
Lorsque sera finie la dépose de cette série sur le Cotentin .. viendra certainement ensuite une nouvelle série consacrée au Tréport, Mers les bains et sa corniche aux falaises déchirantes ...
Dominante à un Jade bleu de Mars.
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When is finished removing the series on the Cotentin .. then certainly come a new series devoted to Tréport, Mers baths and cornice heartbreaking cliffs ...
Dominant in the Campus Jade blue.
It's always too soon to say good-bye! Born 20 years ago in my son's closet (his mother was a stray that we had taken in, not even knowing that she was pregnant), Mr. Purry Furry was a once-in-a-lifetime cat. For all those years, he was a constant part of my life - now he is gone. He died quickly with no warning signs of a sudden cardiovascular event. I have been missing his little cat face terribly these past few weeks. Always polite, he saved me from the heartbreaking decision to end his life to save him suffering - he was active to the end. I will miss his constant companionship and know that I will never have another cat exactly like him - my little buddy.
"Don't cry because it's over,
Smile because it happened."
~ Ted Geisel (Dr. Seuss)
"If there are no dogs (cats) in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went."
~ Mark Twain
But when back in Djúpalónssandur one is reminded why there was builded rescue chelter in the next cove
There are all over the sand now the iron pieces from the British trawler, The Epine GY7, which was wrecked east of Dritvík cove on the night of 13th March 1948. Fourteen men lost their lives and five were saved by the Icelandic rescue team in the neighbouring villages, which managed, after two long and cold hours, to get a line to the trawler.
There was a blizzard on this cold winter night in March and the fishermen were losing their grip and had started falling into the cold sea. One of them fell overboard and washed up on the beach where the rescue team managed to save him. Three others were already dead and their bodies washed up on the beach. Many of the fishermen were never found.
The skipper, Alfred Loftis, clinging to the ship, shouted to the rescue team: "I do not mind what happens to me as long as the boys are all right. Look after the boys!". Shortly after he was gone, swept away by a big wave.
It is just heartbreaking thinking about the fate of these English fishermen.
The iron remains, which washed up on the beach, are protected and should not be touched. They are kept here in memory of these brave fishermen from England, so let's respect them and leave them in peace.
(guidetoiceland.is/connect-with-locals/regina/djupalonssan...)
There have been other shipwrecks in this area. and in a way these iron peaces have become a monument for all the fishermen that have fighted for their lifes in the fishing stations in Snæfellsnes
...ending India's run for the cricket world cup 2019 ..but not without some beautiful moments through the tournament
It was a heartbreaking match today. There was little hope when the score read 5/3 right at the start of the innings. Dhoni and Jadeja built some hope but in the end the team that played better won, ending India's dream run for the world cup 2019. I wish NZ all the best for the finals and I am supporting them for the finals.
Editing : Boost
The Rabbit population in our area was almost wiped out with an outbreak of Myxomatosis this winter which was heartbreaking to see. Thankfully there were a few that survived and it was lovely to see this young one out enjoying some lovely warm sunshine early yesterday evening
commemorating
25.4.1915
the beginning of the ordeal of the Armenian people
also
tribute to
ANTONIA ARSLAN
italian-armenian authoress
who wrote down the story of the extinction of her family in a heartbreaking novel
"la masseria delle allodole"
I was starting to think that Spider season for me was over, after two occasions in Berlin of exceptionally heavy rainfall, which caused dozens of dead rats and other creatures that got drowned, floating down the city rivers, as with the Spiders had all but disappeared leaving only tatty webs. Which was a touch heartbreaking. However, the other night I popped out on a last minute decision to make the best of the continuing warm evenings and bingo, the Spiders have re-appeared.
This I shot within a street lamp, which as you can see and with other photos, gives off these lovely dark and atmospheric green hues. It was riddled with captured prey and the Spiders dwelling within it were more busying themselves with repairs to their damaged domains, until this young male made an appearance in all his glory.
So far so good, I hope everyone's week is going well and so as always, thank you! :)
In the early hours, the morning mist plays with the rising sun again and again for heartbreaking moments.
One of my Dad’s five Farmall Tractors, which we are now selling. This one, a Farmall H, was sold to a young man with visions of his own farm. He helped my dad restore this one. It looked quite grand leaving the property, but it was heartbreaking all the same.
I am absent but at the bottom of this absence
There is waiting for myself
And this waiting is another mode of presence
waiting for my return
I am in other objects
I'm on a trip giving a little of my life
To certain trees and certain stones
who have waited many years
They got tired of waiting for me and sat down
I am not and I am
I am absent and I am present on standby
They would want my language to express themselves
And I would like theirs to express them
Here is the mistake, the atrocious mistake
heartbreaking pitiful
I'm getting into these plants
I'm leaving my clothes
My meats are falling
And my skeleton is covered with bark
I am becoming a tree
How many times have I turned into other things...
It is painful and full of tenderness
I could give a shout but the transubstantiation would be frightened
We must be silent, wait in silence
by Vicente Huidobro
Frogmore, Frogmore (233, 55, 26) - Moderado
Life has a way of making it's own plans. sometimes heartbreaking and sometime joyous. hold on for the ride.
That evening, this champagne had an exquisite flavor of pleasure and well-being for me and my husband.
He had been exceptionally allowed to come out the hospital for the end of the year. The next day, his return to these asepticized places had been heartbreaking. he'll come out very weakened a few days later.
For the theme "Glass" of the Group "Looking close on Friday"
For the theme "object/backlight" of the Group "Challenge sur Flickr"
To the gardens for solace after another week of heartbreaking violence around the world. Killing of innocents that's impossible to understand.
Here where, in the midst of this Summer's drought, we finally had a half hour of pouring, windy, wild, thunderous rain early last evening - and then a perfect clear-sky, Summer sunset. A life-giving respite for everything growing. And that lovely sweet smelling air.
Hold your loved ones close and have a great weekend, my friends. ♡
I chose to use this photo of a Red-tailed Hawk because they are symbols of power, courage and strength and I hope my dad is now flying as free as this hawk.
My dad Arne died today Feb 23, 2023 which would of been my mother's bday making it even harder. My mom passed away just over a year ago. To lose my dad this close to my mom has been grief upon grief. It is unimaginable pain to have no parents left. No one is alive now who knew me from the day I was born. I still need my dad and his loss has come as a complete shock. Everything happened so fast, it seems like a dream. He was my rock and my protector. He was the kindest most gentle soul.
My dad got pneumonia that was resistant to antibiotics despite the doctors trying two different kinds of broad spectrum IV antibiotics. The infection could not be controlled and despite a picc line in to administer meds to his heart, his kidneys, heart and lungs shut down. His infection in his chest was so bad it caused irreversible pulmonary fibrosis. He grew weaker and needed high flow oxygen ventilation to survive. This man never got COVID and was rarely sick and now was fighting for his life. Despite IV steroids he continued to grow weaker and slipped into a coma. Before that he spoke to me and was so grateful my sister and I came to visit him daily. He thanked and kissed me and told me he loved me every day. When the doctors asked me if it was ok to pull his ventilation when he went into a coma it was a very hard decision, despite it being the right choice. I knew my dad did not want to live in a vegetative state. However, it is not a decision I would ever wish on my worst enemy because it is still taking away a life prolonging element. My sister and I held our dad's hands as he passed away in palliative care early this morning. He passed peacefully and quickly. I miss him so. I miss his laugh, his hugs, his kisses and his warmth. I miss his guidance, strength and beautiful presence. I miss his voice and am truly heart broken I won't ever hear him or see him ever again. I hope that since he chose to pass on my mother's birthday he is now with her and is at peace. The peace this gentle, extraordinary and kind man truly deserves who did so much for me and who loved me every single day of his life. When we told his 4 year old grandson that he passed he cried and cried. It was so heartbreaking.
I am so grateful I had such a loving and kind dad. My dad actually is the one who got me into birding at five years old and bought me my first field guide. I will be lost without him but hope he knows how much I love him and how proud I was to call him my dad. Losing a parent is so hard and navigating life without both when you are young is not easy, so I hope I can find the strength to continue on and make them proud. I am not looking forward to all the things one must do once they pass away. So for now I will just take it day by day and plan his funeral and grieve the loss of a wonderful man who taught me how to love and respect nature and how to treat others with dignity and respect. Thank you Dad for loving me and giving me such a good life. Thank you for giving me an example to live by and for inspiring me with your strength and resilience to adversity and for never complaining even when you were suffering. You made me proud dad and I hope I will do the same for you.
Thank you to the amazing staff and Internal Medicine and Respirology team at St. Paul's hospital and the Palliative Care Team and all the nurses and doctors that cared for him from the moment he walked in until his final day on earth today.
Rest in peace dad I will never forget you and I love you always, now and forever.
In the crypt of the St. Nicholas Basilica in Bari (Puglia-Italy)
It is said that a liquid forms in the tomb of the Saint, the so called Santa Manna.
Miraculous properties are attributed to this fluid, making it one of the most important places of pilgrimage in Italy.
It is heartbreaking to see how the serious sick people beg for healing....
Hearts & prayers go to all the innocent children & teachers killed in the horrific Texas school shooting! Dedicating this to all the families that are now dealing with their unthinkable loss & sorrow!
What is the world coming to!!
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Dati Tecnici
a) Leica M8 + Carl Zeiss Biogon ZM 25 mm f.2,8T* (+ Filtro Leica UV/IR);
b) Tempo Finale 1/30s apertura a f.3,2 (a mano libera);
c) Utilizzato il Magnifier 1,25x per effettuare una messa a fuoco più precisa;
d) Impostazione Asa/Iso 160;
e) Lettura Esposimetrica esterna rilevata sulla media ponderata al cento;
f) Lettura Esposimetrica impostata in M (manuale) esterna effettuata con Sekonic DualSpot F-L-778 Angolo 1° (effettuate 4 misurazioni con metodo del Sistema Zonale di “Ansel Adams”) a luce riflessa e 1 lettura di equiparazione e bilanciamento con Esposimetro esterno Gossen Lunalite lettura a luce riflessa (con calotta inserita);
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e) Esposizioni:
1)......la prima sulla superficie della tenda posta subito dopo il vetro dell’infisso (in particolare quella parte ricamata più chiara in corrispondenza del bordo superiore della sedia) ;
2)......la seconda (doppia) sia sulla guancia destra della ragazza e per equiparazione sulla guancia destra della bambola (il valore era molto simile la variazione era di 1/3 di stop) questa lo posta sulla Zona V del grigio medio al 18% aumentato di 1/ del valore;
3)......la terza sul tessuto della spalla desta della ragazza in primo piano. Questa parte di superfice era molto importante per la trama ricca di particolari e di zone chiare e scure;
4)......la quarta sui capelli della ragazza, in particolare il riflesso, ovvero la porzione illuminata della luce proveniente dal balcone che si trova a destra. (In questa porzione, dopo alcune letture di verifica, ho dato un valore n+2,5 rispetto al valore letto in quanto la luminanza della luce era filtrata da una tenda di colore Panna con striature marroni pertanto loa luce oltre alla filtratura veniva assorbita e diffusa, il cielo non era particolarmente limpido ma parzialmente nuvoloso e pertanto avevamo una temperatura cromatica di quasi 6000°K);
5)......La media ottenuta dalle letture precedenti è stata confrontata con il valore t/d (tempo/diaframma) ottenuto dalla settima lettura effettuata con misurazione a luce riflessa sulla calotta superiore dell’esposimetro Gossen Lunalite posto parallelamente alla figura e con la calotta rivolta perpendicolarmente verso l’ottica di ripresa (l’esposimetro è stato posto fra il braccio sinistro della ragazza e la guancia della bambola);
La luminanza è stata posta sulla zona V del Grigio Medio al 18% sovraesponendo intenzionalmente di 1+1/3 diaframmi. Ho intenzionalmente imposto e compresso o contratto la scala di n-1,5 per avere una maggiore corposità dei neri cercando di non aumentare il contrasto. Il totale è stato sovraesposto di n+1/3 per evitare che l’esposizione finale impostata non penalizzasse le alte luminanze delle “zone VI/VII” (disegni della stoffa del letto e della sedia nonché della trama della tenda) che sarebbero risultate con poco dettaglio (visto che la luce che arrivava in quelle parti in penombra e pre-penombra aveva una “temperatura cromatica di 2700°k”) o le basse luci (le luci in forte ombra quelle in ombra o parzialmente illuminate erano troppo basse stimate fra 1250°K"/1900°K"/. Poi c’era il fattore “caduta della luce” visto che la stanza non aveva altre fonti di illuminazione ne diretta né per riflessione (non vi erano pareti chiare vicino) tale fattore era proporzionale alla distanza dall’asse ottico di ripresa quindi in quelle zono la caduta variava dal 22% al 45%.
f) Impostazione nel corpo camera Leica M8: ISO/ASA 160, DR (auto), WB (Bilanciamento del Bianco (auto), Saturazione Colore (Stadard), Nitidezza (Medio-Alto), Contrasto (Standard) Riduzione disturbo (0), Qualità Immagine (DNG), Dimensione Immagine compresso (3:2 – 10MB);
g) Tecnica di ripresa esposimetrica con il sistema dell”Esposizione a Destra;
h) Prima Post-Produzione per la correzione del bilanciamento cromatico/tonale delle varie aree e zone di colore per compensare la caduta di luce con Nikon Capture NX 2;
i) Seconda Post-Produzione con Adobe Photoshop CC2015 per il bilanciamento delle zone d’ombra;
l) Post-Produzione di completamento con Nikon Capture NX2 e CorelPhoto-Paint X7 64bit per il completamento e la sistemazione finale del "Sistema Zonale"..
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Mio breve Curriculum Vitae su LinkedIn: - My Brief Curriculum Vitae on LinkedIn:
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Visualizza il profilo di Luigi Mirto/ArchiMlFotoWord
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Tutti i diritti riservati ©2016 da ArchiMlFotoWord/Luigi Mirto/Photography
Nessuna immagine o parte di essa può essere riprodotta o trasmessa in qualsiasi forma e con qualsiasi mezzo senza preventiva autorizzazione.
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All rights reserved ©2016 by ArchiMlFotoWord/Luigi Mirto/Photography
No images or part thereof may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means
Without prior permission
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Luigi Mirto/ArchiMlFotoWord's most interesting photos on Flickriver
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Dedicata ad un bimba di nome Giada - Dedicated to a girl named Jade
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Questa parole sono dedicate ad una piccola bimba di nome Giada che ha avuto la sfortuna, assieme alla madre inconsapevole, di avere avuto in casa l’uomo “compagno della madre” che in assenza di quest’ultima abusava della bimba. Dai racconti delle suore tutrici e dai neuropsichiatri che attualmente la stanno aiutando a risollevarsi dal tremendo trauma psicologico e fisico. L’uomo è tato condannato.
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This words are devoted to a little girl named Jade who has had the misfortune, together with the unwitting mother to have had in the house man "boyfriend of the mother" that in the absence of the latter abused the child. From the stories of trustees nuns and neuro psychiatrists that currently are helping to recover from the tremendous psychological and physical trauma. Man is drawn condemned.
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Enya - So I Could Find My Way - Così ho trovato la mia strada
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Così, ho trovato la mia strada
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Nei falsi silenzi
delle cupe ombre,
un pallido visino,
nel muto pianto
avvolto,…nasconde
una piccola anima
dolorante.
Si sentono, sparsi
nel profondo silenzio,
eterni lamenti
che implorano
aiuto struggenti
… in sospiri frammenti.
Non è un bel giorno
come spesso tant’altri,
c’è il mostro che
mi cerca,…”vuole”
a dir di lui giocare
nervosamente attende.
Della mamma…
premuroso compagno
e agli occhi della gente.
La mia bambola,
compagna muta di tristi avventure
è lei che m’aiuta,
in quelle orrende disavventure,
a volte di pochi momenti,
ma spesso di ore infinite.
Mie grida occultate da
quella pesante mano invadente
bagnata dal mio pianto,
lacrime d'odio e dolore
irrompono le mie tenebre,
imploro a Lui negazione
di quei terribili giochi
osceni momenti,
ma al ricordo
di pacate e sue dolci parole
seguivano gravi voci,
minacce e suadenti menzogne.
Convulsi spasmi di pianto
e dolore, conducono
implacabili, l'anima a vani pensieri.
E’ Il gridare d'una sola notte?
no! .è un lamento costante
…..perenne.
False dolci parole di conforto
rantolano morenti
tra crudele realtà, vivono
sofferenti e contorti tormenti,
dell'anima mia affranta
deluse speranze,
illuse e tradite.
Senti il cuore impigliato e
squarciato da acuminati rovi
di false promesse...
Così, ho trovato la mia strada
apro d’un tratto
quell’uscio senza freni
vado via nell’immenso vuoto
chiudo gli occhi e nell’abbraccio
futuro della mamma mia
volo libera nell’aria
per andar a giocar con gli angeli.
……………………….…Luigi Mirto
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So I Could Find My Way
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In the false silences
of the dark shadows,
a pale little face,
wrapped in silent tears,
hides
a small,
painful soul.
Scattered
in the deep silence,
eternal moans
are heard, begging for
help, heartbreaking
... in fragmented sighs.
It's not a beautiful day
like so many others,
there's a monster
looking for me,..."he wants,"
as they say, to play
he nervously waits.
My mother's...
attentive companion
and in the eyes of the people.
My doll,
mute companion of sad adventures,
it's she who helps me,
in those horrendous misadventures,
sometimes for a few moments,
but often for endless hours.
My cries, hidden by
that heavy, invading hand
wet with my tears,
tears of hatred and pain
break through my darkness,
I implore Him to deny
those terrible games,
obscene moments,
but the memory
of His calm and sweet words
were followed by grave voices,
threats, and persuasive lies.
Convulsive spasms of tears
and pain, implacably lead
the soul to vain thoughts.
Is it the cry of a single night?
No! It is a constant lament
…perennial.
False, sweet words of comfort
rattle, dying
amid cruel reality, live
suffering and twisted torments,
of my broken soul
disappointed hopes,
deluded and betrayed.
You feel your heart entangled and
torn by sharp brambles
of false promises...
So, I've found my way
I suddenly open
that door without restraints
I go away into the immense void
I close my eyes and in the embrace
of my mother's future
I fly free in the air
to go and play with the angels.
……………………….…Luigi Mirto
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Enya - If I Could Be Where You Are - Se potessi essere dove sei tu
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Non potendo esporre la foto dell’adolescente ho inserito un’altra immagine di un’altra una bimba che per scena e costumi si avvicina molto alle parole scritte……..
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Not being able to expose the adolescent photos I put another picture of another girl who for a scene and costume is very close to written words .....
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The lead singer of South African group Seether,Shaun Morgan Welgemoed,wrote this song for his brother,after an attempted suicide,in a bid to make him feel better and more positive.Tragically,before he could play this song for his brother-his brother did commit suicide.This song gives me gooseflesh,from the emotion displayed by Shaun while performing the song,and the knowledge of the heartbreaking tragedy.The music video is well worth a look,but it does affect one very much,understandably,knowing the background.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=qP6JDLQF23g
Life is amazing. And then it's awful. And then it's amazing again. And in between the amazing and awful it's ordinary and mundane and routine. Breathe in the amazing, hold on through the awful, and relax and exhale during the ordinary. That's just living heartbreaking, soul-healing, amazing, awful, ordinary life. And it's breathtakingly beautiful.
LITTLE BEE: *Sits in pretty pink prunus blossom tree and sobs, and sobs and sobs.*
VOICE ONE NEARBY: *Quietly.* “Bumble? Bumble!”
VOICE TWO NEABY: *Equally quietly.* “What is it, Little Ladybird?”
LITTLE LADYBIRD: “I hear crying, Bumble. Do you hear it too?”
BUMBLE: “I do declare, Little Ladybird. I wonder who would be crying on such a beautiful day?”
LITTLE LADYBIRD: “I think it is coming from within that prunus tree over there, Bumble. I can see the blossoms trembling.”
BUMBLE: “Well, why don’t you fly up and see who it is, Little Ladybird.”
LITTLE LADYBIRD: “Oh! Do I have to, Bumble? Couldn’t you just climb the tree and find out for yourself?”
BUMBLE: “Yes you do, Little Ladybird!” *Shocked.* “We bears, even little ladybird bears like you, and flower bears like me, have a responsibility to comfort anyone who is unhappy or crying.”
LITTLE LADYBIRD: “Yes I know Bumble, but you also know that I am shy and scare easily. What if it is a monster in that tree? What if it is a ladybird bear eating monster, Bumble?” *Trembles.* “I’m scared.”
BUMBLE: “Oh you don’t need to be scared, Little Ladybird. There are no such things as ladybird bear eating monsters.”
LITTLE LADYBIRD: “But how do you know, Bumble? Have you ever met a monster before, even a non ladybird bear eating one?”
BUMBLE: “Well no, Little Ladybird, but if it is perchance one, you can fly away quickly. Listen to that sobbing. It is so heartbreakingly sad. We cannot just go by and ignore it. It is our duty to help.”
LITTLE LADYBIRD: “Alright Bumble. I’ll try and be brave.”
BUMBLE: “Good girl, Little Ladybird. You can do it.”
LITTLE LADYBIRD: “Flies up quietly into the prunus tree and peers through the blossoms and sees Little Bee crying in the fork of the tree. She flies back to Bumble on the ground below.*
BUMBLE: “Well done, Little Ladybird. I know you are shy and easily scared. That was very brave of you.”
LITTLE LADYBIRD: “Thank you, Bumble.”
BUMBLE: “Well, what did you see? Who is crying in the tree, Little Ladybird?”
LITTLE LADYBIRD: “Well, you were right, it wasn’t a ladybird bear eating monster in the tree, Bumble. It was a little bee bear who is sobbing and sobbing and sobbing like his poor little heart is broken.”
BUMBLE: “Then we must help him, Little Ladybird!” *Walks up to tree and calls from below.* “Hullo! Hullo up there! Hullo?”
LITTLE BEE: *Sobs and sobs, then snuffles. “Hul… hullo?”
BUMBLE: “Hullo there, little bee bear. What troubles you so that you are crying?”
LITTLE BEE: “Who…” *Sniffs and snuffles.* “Who are you?” *Opens eyes wide as he spies a friendly looking golden mohair bear beneath the tree.*
BUMBLE: “I am Bumble, and this is my friend and ward, Little Ladybird.” *Points paw to Little Ladybird as she flies and lands in the tree on a branch next to Little Bee.*
LITTLE LADYBIRD: *Waves paw at Little Bee, smiles shyly, then blushes pink beneath black and white mohair plush.*
BUMBLE: “Little Ladybird is a little bit shy. Who are you, little bee bear?”
LITTLE BEE: *Sniffles and wipes tears from eyes.* “I am…” *Gulps.* “Little Bee.”
BUMBLE: “Well, how do you do, Little Bee.” *Smiles in a friendly way.* “Good, well now we have the formalities out of the way, why are you crying Little Bee?”
LITTLE BEE: “Well, I am new here to this place, and… and…” *Tears well in eyes.* “And I became lost. I’m looking for Daddy Jesse’s garden. Do you know Daddy Jesse? He is very nice. He looks after a big bear family and makes them cakes and throws tea parties for them, and… and…” *Gulps back tears.* “And he gives them big cuddles and lots of soft kisses. I need to get unlost, so that I can play in his garden with the other bears at Daddy Jesse’s house, like Paddy and Scout and Rosie.”
LITTLE LADYBIRD: *Quietly.* “Oh Bumble. He sounds like a very nice Daddy, just like the kind we are looking for.”
BUMBLE: “I’m afraid we don’t know Daddy Jesse, but I think Little Ladybird and I would like to meet him.”
LITTLE BEE: “Why…” *Snuffles.* “Why would you like to meet Daddy Jesse, Bumble?”
BUMBLE: “Well, you see, Little Ladybird and I are looking for a new home, Little Bee.”
LITTLE BEE: “Why Bumble? Why Little Ladybird? What is wrong with your house?”
LITTLE LADYBIRD: *Looks sad and shakes her head.*
BUMBLE: “Unfortunately, Little Bee, Little Ladybird and I recently lost our home, which was in a beautiful old oak tree in the middle of a garden of an old house. One day some awful noisy… things.”
LITTLE LADYBIRD: “They were monsters, Bumble.” *Trembles with fear.* “They were big, noisy monsters made of metal, with big, sharp teeth.” *Trembles more.*
BUMBLE: “Well, the monsters or whatever they were, attacked our tree and tore it out of the ground, and they built a big, ugly house of grey boxes on top of where our home was. So,” *Sighs.* “Now we are looking for a new home.”
LITTLE BEE: *Puts paw to mouth.* “Oh that is awful for you, Bumble and Little Ladybird!” *Gasps.*
LITTLE LADUBIRD: “I know, Little Bee! I was scared. I had to fly away, and Bumble ran through the undergrowth to get away.”
BUMBLE: “Perhaps, Little Ladybird and I could help you find your very nice and kind sounding Daddy Jesse and his garden, Little Bee?”
LITTLE BEE: “Oh!” *Gasps and smiles. “Oh would you? Could you?”
BUMBLE: “Yes of course we can, Little Bee! We are bears after all, so we must help everybody and everbear in distress.”
LITTLE BEE: “Claps paws in delight.*
LITTLE LADYBIRD: *Shyly.* “And… and maybe your Daddy could give us a new home in his pretty garden.”
LITTLE BEE: “Oh I’m sure he would! He always says that there is always room for one more bear! Even though there are two of you, I’m sure he could find somewhere lovely for you to stay at his house.”
BUMBLE: “Then let us see if we can’t find him together, Little Bee: you, me and Little Ladybird.”
LITTLE BEE: “Oh thank you, Bumble and Little Ladybird! I feel better already!”
LITTLE LADYBIRD: *Smiles shyly.* “That’s good, Little Bee.”
BUMBLE: “Which way did you think you came from, Little Bee?”
LITTLE BEE: “Over there somewhere, Bumble, somewhere beyond the park and the meandering brook.”
BUMBLE: “Then that is the way I will walk, and you will fly. We can stop and rest along the way when you feel tired.”
LITTLE LADYBIRD: *Shyly.* “I get tired quite a lot, because I am only a little girl ladybird bear, you see, Little Bee.”
LITTLE BEE: “Maybe… maybe we can hold each other’s paws for reassurance and strength, Little Ladybird.”
LITTLE LADYBIRD: *Looks down thoughtfully at her black mohair paw.* “Well, I…”
BUMBLE: “I think that is a very lovely idea, don’t you, Little Ladybird?” *Looks seriously at Little Ladybird.*
LITTLE LADYBIRD: “Oh! Oh, alright Little Bee. Thank you.”
BUMBLE: “Good! Let’s go! The first thing I need to work out is how to get over the babbling brook!”
LITTLE BEE: *Offers paw to Little Ladybird.*
BUMBLE, LITTLE LADYBIRD and LITTLE BEE: *Begin the journey looking for Daddy Jesse and his garden together.*
TO BE CONTINUED...
Lovingly handmade in Merrythought’s historic British factory in Ironbridge, Shropshire, Little Bee's creation has been inspired by the English country garden. Crafted from the finest yellow and black short mohair plush, Little Bee, a bee bear, features a striking Bumble Bee striped body and pure wool felt wings, with an endearing pair of 'antennae' to finish him off. Little Bee is number 3 of a limited edition of 300 issued worldwide.
Lovingly handmade in Merrythought’s historic British factory in Ironbridge, Shropshire, Little Ladybird’s creation has been inspired by the English country garden. Crafted from the finest black and white short mohair and featuring a pure wool felt ladybird ‘shell’ adorned with embroidered spots, she a pair of ‘antennae’ to finish her off. Little Ladybird is number 3 of a limited edition of 300 issued worldwide.
Lovingly handmade in Merrythought’s historic British factory in Ironbridge, Shropshire, Bumble’s creation has been inspired by the English country garden. Crafted from the finest honey-gold coloured mohair plush and wool felt, Bumble wears a removable pure wool felt ‘petal’ effect collar, secured with a forest green satin ribbon and features delicate Bumble Bee and Ladybird embroidery, which is repeated on his paws. Bumble is number 3 of a limited edition of 300 issued worldwide.
as our country erupts around more (heartbreaking, painful) racial injustice, my heart aches. while fully aware of the horrors in this world, i turn again and again to nature. i dig in the dirt, plant seeds, and notice beauty. i watch light, as it always accompanies even the deepest darkness. this flower reminds me to shine, to blossom, and to love, love, love.
Circling the base of the colossal Cerro Paine Grande (3,050 meters / 10,006 feet), Patagonia's undisputed king, a hollowness gnawed at me. The iconic, two-pronged silhouette of Cerros Norte (2,400 meters / 7,874 feet) and Principal (2,600 meters / 8,530 feet) loomed in the distance, a stark contrast to the desolate landscape around me.
This was supposed to be a postcard moment – the majestic Cerro Paine Grande reflected in the serenity of Sköttsberg Lagoon, a place I'd left you yearning to see. Yet, the reality was a crushing blow.
My shame was a heavy weight. For three days on the W Trail, I'd been a silent witness to a heartbreaking crime – the park ablaze. Photos captured the devastation, but shame kept them buried. The park's rules are clear, yet respect for this natural treasure seemed tragically absent.
The fires weren't a recent tragedy. In 1985, a tourist's carelessness ignited a blaze that devoured 150 square kilometers (58 square miles) around Lake Pehoé, precisely where I stood – that's an area roughly 93 miles (150 kilometers) long and 36 miles (58 kilometers) wide. Years later, another fire, sparked by a Czech backpacker, raged for ten days, scorching 155 square kilometers (60 square miles) and swallowing 2 square kilometers (0.77 square miles) of native forest – that's an area of about 96 miles (155 kilometers) long and 37 miles (60 kilometers) wide, consuming an additional 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) of precious forest. The Czech government's remorseful million-dollar donation for reforestation offered a glimmer of hope.
Then came 2011, with an Israeli backpacker accused of starting a fire. Though charges were dropped, the flames consumed 176 square kilometers (68 square miles), charring 36 square kilometers (14 square miles) of precious forest. Lake Pehoé and areas bordering Lake Sarmiento bore the brunt of this devastation – an area roughly 108 miles (176 kilometers) long and 42 miles (68 kilometers) wide, blackening 22 miles (36 kilometers) of forest.
A flicker of relief came in 2019 when a cigarette butt, a potential disaster, was quickly extinguished. But these recent events were mere blips compared to the 12,800-year history of wildfires in the region, a chilling reminder of nature's raw power.
Yet, amidst the scars, the indomitable spirit of Patagonia lingered. The Italian Trail stretched before me, leading 7.6 kilometers (4.7 miles) to Refugio & Camping Paine Grande, my destination for the night. The remaining 23 kilometers (14 miles) of the W Trail beckoned, but a heavy heart would accompany my weary legs.
I'm standing on the earthen dam of the small lake was built in 1934 by Company 584, one of African-American companies of the Civilian Conservation Corps. A beautiful hike up the Nellie Sutton Hollow to reach this remote lake. The area a few miles north of this lake has poverty at a heartbreaking level. I'm still shaken by the conditions some people survive in, Appalachian Poverty at it lowest level.
For all the victims of fires worldwide. We have to do something about the global warming and not let greed get in the way! It's heartbreaking to see nature burning so badly.
Heartbreaking news re. the horrific deadly terror attack in Spain.
Cleome hassleriana (Spider Flower) growing wild on the hillsides here on Bluebird Estates.
Cleome, or spider flower, is an annual known for its exceedingly long seedpods. They develop below the flowers as bloom progresses upward on the stalk to give the plants a spidery look, as do the projecting stamens of the flowers.
Cleome flowers, with many opening at once, grow in airy racemes, or clusters of flowers, six to eight inches in diameter. Cleome flowers come in white, pink, or lavender. They perch atop stems that grow up to six feet high. Home & Garden
PS Thanks, Steve, for the identification!
Apalachicola, FL. The photos emerging after Hurricane Michael are heartbreaking. Grateful we had the opportunity to preserve the beauty when we could.
I hope the floods soon go down in Worchester and other areas. :-))
It is heartbreaking to see so many areas in England that have been flooded!!
I’ve felt ‘benched’, out of the game, due to the horrible weather, with devastating flooding from Hurricane Helene. We lost our phone and internet service last Friday, Sept 27. Our phone service returned yesterday, internet this AM. My family and friends, are doing okay, but, so many in our area have had catastrophic loss of family members, pets, homes, vehicles, and businesses. Just this morning I’m able to see for the first time, via drone footage online, the devastating damages and it’s heartbreaking.
Processed with Midjourney, Photoshop, and Topaz.
Stay Just Like This
I rarely write anything here, because I'm uncomfortable with public speaking. But if it's just this one thing that I say, then maybe it's okay. To my two closest friends, as we grow up I only hope that time passes slowly. Learning to handle all the changes that come along can be tiring and sometimes heartbreaking as we find ourselves drifting from each other. But we can enjoy what we have now - spending time together making our memories, as the seasons get colder. I hope we can stay like this together even if just a little longer. ˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶ ♡
Heartbreaking to see the virtual destruction of the lovely little town of Lytton. I have spent many happy hours railfanning in this area over the years using the town as a base. Hope it can be rebuilt better than before. I would love to return one day.
Good luck to all the people of Lytton BC
REGIONE UMBRIA
The towns featured here, Norcia and Castelluccio, suffered a major earthquake on 30 October 2016. It was heartbreaking to learn that the damage to both was extensive, and unfortunately their appearance today is rather different from what is seen in these photographs. Though thankfully there was a limited number of victims, there are still tens of thousands of displaced families and I would like to pay tribute to the amazing work of the Emergency Services and the Italian Red Cross. I would also like to invite all of those who, like me, have enjoyed the cultural and natural wonders of Italy to also take this opportunity to give something back, and make a donation to the Italian Red Cross on www.cri.it/terremoto-centro-italia
Thank you for your generosity.
You never know what awaits you on the other side of the hill. Whether it will be tolerable, maybe a little ok, or filled with heartbreaking terror, devastating sadness, intense pain, disturbing physical reminders, or a mixture of all of these. And even in the face of intense fear combined with the possibility of growth and healing, you can experience a beautiful victory when you fight to return to this conflicted place over and over again, take the courageous steps to climb into the unknown, never knowing what awaits you on the other side of the hill.
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This is one of many photos I’ve taken from the passenger seat as we drive twice each week to my neurofeedback appointments. This practice of seeing, appreciating and capturing my surroundings from the moving car can sometimes be very helpful for me.
“We are rarely aware of the tangent of the beyond at the whirling wheel of experience.… What is extraordinary appears to us as habit, the dawn a daily routine of nature. But time and again we awake. In the midst of walking in the never-ending procession of days and nights, we are suddenly filled with a solemn terror, with a feeling of our wisdom being inferior to dust. We cannot endure the heartbreaking splendor of sunsets.”
-Abraham Joshua Heschel, Man is Not Alone: A Philosophy of Religion (New York: Farrar, Straus and Young, 1951), 35.