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A view across part of Attenborough nature reserve with Ratcliffe on Soar Power Station on the horizon, 8th March 2024.

 

In 1929 large-scale commercial gravel extraction began around Attenborough and would continue for the next ninety years. The extraction formed deep lagoons and as the extraction moved away from the works the gravel was transported by barge through the ever-expanding network of lagoons. In 1965, an application from the Central Electricity Generating Board (CEGB) looked to fill the lagoons with ash from Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station. However, by this time, the pits were already well-known for their wildlife interest and extensively used by local fishermen and birdwatchers, with records starting around 1948. Due to the strength of local feeling the CEGB withdrew their application and the ash was taken to Fletton, Peterborough. Discussions then began with the site’s then owners, Trent Gravels Ltd, about the future for the lagoons and it was agreed to develop the site as a nature reserve in parallel with continued gravel extraction. The opening ceremony as a nature reserve was in 1966 and was performed by David Attenborough. Gravel extraction has now finished, and the works have been demolished, whilst the nature reserve now welcomes around 500,000 visitors per year and is regarded as one of the best sites in the UK to see kingfishers.

 

Ratcliffe on Soar 2116MW power station was built in the mid-1960s and opened in 1968 and is one of the biggest coal fired power stations built in the country. In 1981, the station was burning 5.5 million tonnes of coal a year, consuming 65% of the output of the south Nottinghamshire coalfield. Emissions of sulphur dioxide, which caused acid rain, were greatly reduced in 1993 when a flue gas desulphurisation system using a wet limestone-gypsum process became operational on the four boilers. Emissions of nitrogen oxides which also cause damage to the ozone layer, were reduced in 2004 when Ratcliffe became the first in the United Kingdom to be fitted with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology. One of the last coal fired power stations still in use it is due to close in 2025.

  

A Deep Hug and Hearfelt thank you to my Friend Emma for playing along

 

www.flickr.com/photos/193415394@N05

 

Masquerade Ball

 

“Raffles” Pitch

 

“Cheerio” A J Raffles at your service. Don’t know if any of you have ever heard of me, but I’ve been accused of being a man of many talents, but by no means was that always said as a compliment.

 

Also, I do love playing cricket.

 

Batting in a cricket match produces for me the same flow of adrenaline as that of my secret game: Jewel Thievery.

 

A J Raffles is a fictional character whom I admire for the introduction above. For I am, like him, a professional Jewel Thief.

 

And tonight was no exception as far as any adrenaline flow Raffles would have felt, for I was experiencing what I can imagine was the same exhilaration.

 

This evening I was attending a surprisingly posh masquerade ball being held at a large venue in Wales.

 

It was a very elegant affair, with the many ladies present putting on their most pretty attire and wearing out that evening, their most expensive vault kept baubles.

 

The venue seated about 500 guests with a raised dance floor at one end, next to a fully stocked bar and a large outside balcony overlooking some rose gardens lined by old woods.

 

I had decided to attire myself as said Raffles for a tongue-in-cheek tribute to what I hoped to gain this evening.

 

Mostly to gain some jewels by parting some of the ladies from the lovely ones they were wearing. Which, here tonight, presented a plethora of opportunities.

 

I would try and make it as pleasant as it possibly could be for my chosen female victims as my fingers worked over their exquisitely clad figures while removing their valuable jewels.

 

I find that a few kind words, some attention, and possibly dancing produced a little sugar that helps with the bitter pill I am giving them to swallow

 

This evening I was wearing all black attire of tails, vest, shirt, and tie. Since it was a masquerading affair, I wore a black phantom of the opera half mask. Since this was business as well as pleasure I was wearing no gentlemanly gloves, needing my nimbly flexible fingers to be free.

 

After I entered I made several slow rounds to learn the layout, doing some light mingling along the way.

 

The odd thing about this masquerading ball was that there were no fancy costumes. Everyone was dressed in their best evening out attire, with masks just added.

 

I made a catch right away as I impressed an older matronly lady enough that she called over her 30 something daughter to meet me.

 

It was now my turn to be impressed.

 

The daughter, Celcia, was dressed in a very elegant long-sleeved dress of silver satin. Her jewels were all set with diamonds. Her silver half mask is set in rhinestones.

 

We went off alone to look over the gardens from the balcony.

 

We guess what each other is “masked” as. I told her she must be “Lucy”

“Lucy?” she questioned

 

I laughed lifting her silky hair up and then running my fingers down the side of her long swaying diamond earrings, as I said. “lucy in the sky with diamonds. “

 

“Good guess, but I'm just Cecelia, not anyone else. And you sir, are you an undertaker?”

 

I chuckled. “ Not quite as dark as that, I'm shooting for a Raffles image tonight.”

 

“Well Mr. Raffles, not sure who you are, but it is my pleasure to meet you.”

 

We chatted for a bit more, then Celcia was called back inside by her mother who stood by the balcony entrance.

 

I took her hand, rings flashing. “ the pleasure is all mine dear ‘only Ceclia’l said grinning.

 

She rewarded me for my praise with a clingy hug.

 

I watched her leave with clenched fists, her gown swishing along down her figure quite provocatively. I opened one of my fists and admired the diamond bracelet that lay there. Her now naked wrist was covered up by the silver satin cuffed sleeve of the lovely Cecilia's dress, hiding her loss.

 

£23,000

 

I slipped it inside a hidden pocket of my vest, and patting it, went back inside.

 

The band had started playing and the dance floor was fast filling up.

 

I spied a group of ladies wearing feathery masks who were huddled at one end of the floor, blocking an aisleway, watching the assembling dancing couples. I approached and overheard that they were waiting for their partners to come back from the bar.

 

Since they were blocking my path, I went up and asked if I could cut through. They obligingly parted and as I went in between them one of the ladies tripped against another as I ‘accidentally’ stepped on her satin gowns’ long train as she moved to make way. I caught her and apologized as I held her, my fingers freely feeling along down her figure. I helped her back on her high heels, steadying her. Helping myself at the same time to the leaf-shaped diamond studded clip that was pinned to the side of her chocolate brown gown.

 

The diamond-studded clip soon joined the pocketed diamond bracelet.

 

£18,000

 

My third score that evening almost literally fell into my lap.

 

I had ordered a brandy at the bar figuring to take a brief respite. There were two ladies next to me chatting away. The one immediately next to me kept bumping against me as she laughed at almost everything the other lady was saying.

 

I didn't mine, for her thicke wine-colored silk blouse was a pleasure to feel rubbing up against me. Also, a pleasure to see where the magnificently large rings she was wearing on her fingers as well as the diamonds wrapped around her wrist.

 

Then it happened. The laughing lady’s friend knocked their drinks over. Some of which happily splashed on my arm.

 

As apologies were given and received, with much giggling, I came to the rescue with my silk handkerchief.

 

Lending it to them I allowed them to wipe themselves up. As we chatted, the lady next to me finished with it and handed it back. I took up her fingers as she did, and holding them down lifted and kissed the back of her hand. I also was running my damp handkerchief over her still wet fingers as I did, easily slipping of her largest flashy cocktail ring in the process.

 

£ 9500

 

Then the dancing began in earnest.

 

I was now sitting at a table on the outside balcony, watching the crowded dance floor and the amazing show of the ladies flowing attire, and their flickering jewels, that were being showcased there.

 

Also in my view was a table where a handsome bearded male was enviably sitting alone with not one, but two attractively attired and ornamented lades.

 

One lady was wearing a black satin blouse with a long thicke red velvet skirt. She was wearing rubies and diamonds around her throat and wrists that were just a treat to look at, and covet.

 

The other was fashionably wearing a slick satin high necked gown of deep red that spilled down along her figure in a most scintillating manner. Her jewellery was a winning collection of diamonds worn seemingly everywhere from her figure. Of those, I would award a purple ribbon to the dangling necklace that lay around and fell from her throat that dripped columns of diamonds down the front of her sheer red gown, as the best in the show.

 

I saw the man rise, and pull out the chair of the lady wearing the rubies. He then led her off to the upper dance floor, unknowingly leaving the lady in red vulnerably alone.

 

I saw the remaining lady stand up and with what I imagined to be a whimsical manner, walked to the edge of the balcony.

 

I started to rise.

 

But a gold mask-wearing bloke from another table approached her before I had half risen and began talking to her. I learned then that her name was Emma.

 

What was odd is that the man had been sitting at a table with a lady wearing a sky blue satin dress, black satin jacket, and pearls. She looked very sad watching her gold mask-wearing tablemate talking to Emma.

 

I had dejectedly sat back down, watching with curious interest.

 

The gold masked bloke took Emma by the hand and led her to the dance floor.

 

I saw the lady in sky blue satin, and the pricey pearl slowly rises and follow.

 

As then, did I.

 

The lady in blue was standing in the side of the dancefloor, her posture told me she was both sad and dejected.

 

I went up and stood next to her. Without looking at me the lady in sky blue sleek satin said...

 

“Why are men such idiots?” then she looked at me, and blushed apologetically “I am so sorry.”

 

I held up my hand. “Apology accepted, a dance though would help ease the pain.”

 

She eagerly went with me and taking her warm, soft figure in my arms we joined in.

 

She did not appear to want any conversation from me. I let her hold tightly against me. We danced in silence, both lost in our own respective thoughts.

 

I had decided that a dance would not be enough to ‘ease my pain’ and as she distractedly looked around for the gold masked bloke dancing with Emma, I allowed my hand the move up to her shoulder, then over to the single strand of glistening pearls that lay around her throat.

 

Easily locating, then slipping open, the hinged silver clasp, I gently pulled the slippery smooth necklace away from around her neck and quickly pocketed it.

 

£ 8700

 

I had no sooner done so than I felt her shake, and saw that we were now close to the gold masked male dancing with Emma. One would need a crowbar to separate him from her. I could tell Emma was not enjoying herself.

 

I was watching, with melancholy interest, Emma’s diamonds dripping down from the necklace that lay low along the high neckline of her luxurious red satin gown, just dangling below her breasts.

 

A desiring fire was starting to stir from deep within, my fingers felt like curling. So close and yet so far...

 

I turned my partner around so we were facing away. I started to say something when I felt an unexpected, firm tap on my shoulder.

 

Well, one could imagine where my mind went as I turned my head.

 

Relieved, I saw that it was not one of the rental security men.

 

It was the gold masked table partner of the lady in blue satin I was dancing with.

 

I saw his more recent partner, Emma, the one in red whose dazzling necklace was a stirring lure, standing there in the middle of the dance floor, alone and confused.

 

“Switch partners.” He told me, it was not a question.

 

I looked at mine and she nodded ok.

 

I left her to be grasped up in his arms and went to Emma, the lady in red, who willingly came into mine.

 

“What then, was that all about? I asked smiling.

 

Emma answered with a giggle. “ He was telling her he wanted to see other women. But she is not supposed to he dancing with other men, especially handsome ones like you!”

 

With a shy nod of my head I thanked her, telling her that I thought she looked extraordinarily beautiful this evening.

 

Sweetly smiling she turned her head down with blushing cheeks, thanking me.

 

My hand meanwhile, which had been resting motionless along her shoulder, moved to her throat, my fingers blindly seeking and locating the clasp of her necklace.

 

My partner felt none of that.

 

It was as she nodded after my words of praise that I flicked apart the jewelled chains’ clasp that my fingers had fiddled open.

 

As she looked back up I began to delicately slip the diamond chain up over her shoulder, watching as the diamonds hanging from its’ centre were gliding up effortlessly from along the front of her red satin gown, then up and around the gowns’ slick high neckline, before disappearing from my view.

 

She smiled most fetchingly into my eyes, oblivious to the fact her heavily jeweled diamond necklace had been disappearing over her shoulder.

 

£ 58000

 

The music was ending and I happened to look over by the double oak doors of the main entrance on the opposite side of the mammoth hall.

 

Who did I spy but the lady in the sleek sky blue satin dress and smooth black jacket being led out by the gold mask-wearing bloke who had cut in on us? I saw an opportunity to plant a seed.

 

I pointed it out to Emma. “Wonder where they are off too in such a hurry?”

 

“They do appear to be on a mission,” said Emma watching.

 

“I hope they weren't up to something?” I said suspiciously.

 

“Like what ?” Emma asked watching the couple scurrying out the door.

 

“Oh, nothing. I guess I read too many mystery novels. I answered stealing a look at the now bare neckline of Emma’s gown.

 

The music ended and I walked Emma back to the balcony. Her table was deserted so I took her over and seated her before taking my leave.

 

I began to make another round of the tables inside. On the lookout for fresh prey amongst the beautifully attired female guests.

 

I soon snagged a young damsel who had been deserted by her friends and looked bored. Not boring were the collection of rubies she was wearing with her elaborate maroon taffeta puffy ball gown that would have shamed a princess.

 

I asked and got permission to dance with her. She asked me who I was this evening. When I mentioned Raffle’s name she, unfortunately, caught on to who he was.

 

“Oh a thief, will make sure to lock my rubies up this evening to keep them safe! She giggled touching her handsome ruby and diamond necklace

 

I thought to myself... “Well, they are now.” while saying. “ I was thinking of him being a cricket player, not a thief.”

 

We both laughed over that, but I knew this one was a dead end. I could not wait until the dance was through so I could resume the hunt. I really had thought none of the younger ones would have ever read about AJ Raffles and that it would be my inside joke.

 

We parted after the dance, she headed off happily back to her friends.

 

I was watching her, deciding what to do next, when a soft gloved hand unexpectedly rested on my shoulder.

 

Turning, my eyes took in a young lady in downy soft, flowy peach chiffon over a shiny pink silk number, along with a row of sparkling matched diamonds around her throat. And earrings to match, as well as a thin band of diamonds holding back her freshly washed chestnut coloured hair. She wore a striking blue mask with ostrich feathers.

 

She shyly asked if I was available for the next dance. And I happily told her I was. She put her head down blushing. And I was able to savor her delectably pretty matched diamond stone necklace.

 

I whisked her off to the upper dance floor as the music began.

 

When the inevitable questions came up as to who I was this evening I answered...”The cricket player Raffles, at your service.”

 

She laughed with a Twitter. “Quite pleasant to meet you cricket player Raffles.” then she moved her hand higher up my back and came in a little closer.

 

I followed suit, feeling her hot figure slip in against my own. My fingers at her waist kept moving up until I reached the back of her neck. Carefully undoing her necklace I gave it a slight tug, figuring her soft smooth gown would allow the rest of my trick to work. It did, slipping off easily from around her throat, slithering like a glimmering snake up over her shoulder, out of my sight, and into my waiting hand behind her back.

 

My pretty dance partner felt nothing, as I then pocketed her expensive necklace.

 

£42,000

 

I then calmly began to finish the dance.

 

It was then, as I was looking down at the area below the raised platform of the dance floor, that I spotted something shiny, then a flashing brilliant fire erupted, all coming from one of the tables below the dancing areas raised platform.

 

I maneuvered us in closer for a better peek.

 

I made out a lone female sitting at a side table.

 

It was the vivid deep green of her shiny party dress that then first caught my eye.

 

It was the amazingly brilliant sparklers she was sporting from various points of interest along her delightful figure, especially the fiery necklace she was playing with, that finished the capture.

 

Only real jewels, or a remarkably good set of imitations, would produce that kind of bright gleaming shimmer!

 

I was betting they were real.

 

She was vulnerable, sitting there quite remarkably alone at her side table, drinking slowly from a small goblet of wine. Sitting there wearing in all appearances to be a collection of diamond sparklers that would easily be worth a cool £50 to £75 thousand of what the London ruffians would call “ice”.

 

They would also be rudely calling her “that loaded bird”. But to me, she was a rather fetchingly adorned Lass who needed some company, and perhaps just a wee bit of trimming.

 

The dance ended and I calmly led my partner back to her table before taking my leave. Though trying not to appear in a hurry. I still politely declined her offer to join in a drink at her table.

 

Then with eager anticipation, circled about hoping that the girl I had spotted was still there, and still alone.

 

When I got there I saw to my dismay that the bird had flown the coup. The table was deserted

 

I waited a few long minutes, eyeing around for other opportunities in the area, then my eyes lit up as I saw her coming back, alone.

 

I observed her for a satisfying few long minutes from a shadowy corner. She was younger than anyone I had yet met, but it was impossible to determine how young.

 

And she obviously was bored.

 

Intriguingly I could still not truly tell about the authenticity of her amazing collection of diamonds from my vantage.

 

The set was decidedly quite lovely, consisting of a dangling chain set with I guess were diamond chips and ending with a swaying diamond heart-shaped pendant, matching long earrings, a wide bracelet, and numerous shimmering rings.

 

The earrings were brilliant, falling from her ears in sheets of (synthetic/real ?) diamonds, larger stones were set at the earrings clasp, and they shone like the real thing.

 

They all contributed to making up the shimmer that surrounded her figure like some wickedly glittering halo.

  

She was wearing a black bandits mask, which I felt added to the mystic.

  

This young chick was certainly jeweled up, calling out to be looked into further.

 

I approached her from behind, placing a hand delicately upon a plushly soft shoulder, and daringly gave a greeting as I felt her startled figure flinch.

  

I cheerfully said, “Hello Samantha.”

 

She turned and said apologizing,

 

“I’m not Samantha, wrong girl.”

 

I answered back, disappointed “ No, you certainly are not my friend Samantha.”

 

I then carefully looked her over, up and down… before saying.

 

“Far prettier, if I dare say.”

 

I had ascertained by now that she was quite a bit younger than 20. And that most of her jewelry was quite good imitation’s. Her heart shaped pendent contained real diamonds, but not valuable enough for my attention. The only fly in the ointment was her earrings. They appeared to be worth quite a bit actually.

 

I decided to hold off judgment and went on playing her on. Much like a fly fisherman will play a trout, not sure if he still wants to actually land it.

 

I went on…

“Well stranger, How do you do, Hold anyone up lately?”

 

I had taken her off guard and she did not answer back right away.

 

She gulped., obviously making a decision.

 

She sweetly raised a hand. “How do you do sir, my name is Nancy, and no, despite the mask, I'm not a thief.”

 

Taking her hand I kissed it with much pageantry. “Pleasure is all mine, glad my watch and wallet are safe”. I chuckled merrily, looking down at her thoughtfully.

 

Then, still holding her hand, I boldly asked…” May I sit for a bit, rather tuckered out at the moment?”

 

She nodded her head without hesitation. Her flash earrings swayed with a beckoning motion.

 

I slipped in the seat in front of her, my back to the dance floor. She was looking at me with a curious smile.

 

I smiled back, asking…

 

“So Nancy, what then, does your character do for a living if she is not a thief?”

 

“ I am an amateur detective.”

 

I nodded before asking….

“ Well, that is quite interesting indeed, what kind of cases do you like working on?”

 

She did not know how to answer that and squirmed as I watchers her face turn red, really making the freckles show up on her cheeks.

 

I saved her discomfort by saying…

“ I bet you are really clever at catching thieves. And that is why you are here this evening? Or are you taking the night off?”

 

Taking the cue, She nodded saying in a low voice.

“No thieves here tonight.”

 

I laughed in what I hoped would be a winning manner while answering. “ I guess not, probably no reason for one to be here. So miss Nancy, you've not asked whom I am playing this evening.”

 

”Let me see, an Undertaker ?” ”Nancy,” said teasingly.

 

I chuckled..”Not even close. A.J. Raffles, cricketer, at your command my lady.”

 

She had no idea who A.J.Raffles was, I could see that. And I decided to enlighten her a bit by telling a story.

 

He chuckled. “Never heard of him? Well, Raffles loved to play cricket, as well as several other hobbies. And there is a story behind that, as a lad, that helped him choose his course as an adult. Care to hear it?”

 

She eagerly nodded yes, while taking a sip of wine.

 

I began my tale…

 

“When A.J. Raffles was a lad of ten he attended a wedding where his parents were both best man and maid of honor. A.J sat at a table with an older Great Auntie who paid him no heed.

 

He soon fell in with a group of bored older boys who had been throwing dice in a makeshift crown and anchor board. The game had been broken up by one of the servers and they had all been chased away

 

AJ was huddled in with that group as they watched the dressed-up wedding guests up on the dance floor. They began talking amongst themselves, commenting over the scene before them.

 

Look at dem jools the birds are wearing. Bet they'd be worth a lot. One of the lads said. Another quipped back that too bad those dames weren't their age. Yeah, like that would mean anything. What would you do, lift their jools? Came the teasing retort. Hell yeah, I would say a cocky lad. And someone else said I like to see you do it. AJ was taking all this in, squirming a bit because he had always had a secret desire to somehow make a collection of the pretty jewellery he'd seen ladies wearing. Tonight was no different.

 

“Nancy” smirked “Sounds like my brother.”

 

“There you go then, you know how he felt also “ I answered smiling curiously before continuing...

 

Well as fate would have it, two young teenage girls came walking past, purposefully close. They threw the group of boys a rather coy look while passing.

 

One was dressed in a slick satin high necked gown of deep red with a long rhinestone necklace and earrings. Her companion was wearing a sky blue sleek satin party dress, smooth black jacket, and strands of imitation pearls.

 

No sooner had they passed than the inner circle of boys began to dare and double dare. Money was put up in bets that enticed two of the lads to take up the challenge. That being to come away with the girl’s necklaces.

 

The two lads left, and as the others looked on, went up to the two young lassies and began to converse. The giggling girls finally allowed themselves to be led to the dance floor

 

As they began to dance, more bets were made amongst the remaining lads, with young AJ joining in. Spending his only farthing on blue satin losing her pearls, and doubling that it would be done without her noticing.

 

Both of the dancing boys made several amateur attempts upon their female partner’s jewels.

 

Blue satin, misinterpreting why her partner had his hand high up on her backside, giggled and fled away. Red satin ran off after her friend, but not before the wily lad who had been holding her had given even her a hug, nicking her shimmering necklace off from around the high collar of her slick gown as she struggled free.

 

He came back triumphantly to collect his winnings. Though some argued that seeing her necklace had not been touching skin it was not a real contest. He got his winnings in the end and the group wandered off, the prized necklace being passed around with envy.

 

AJ stayed behind contemplating. he watched as the lads stopped by a table where a young girl sat alone. She was wearing a long bridesmaid's gown of silk dyed in several shades of teal and green. A single string of real pearls hung down from her bare neck. Expensively swinging down elegantly. He knew what the group of lads was discussing in their private huddle. AJ moved off not wishing to see anymore.

 

“Those poor girls, I am glad your character walked away from that instead of embarking on a life of crime, “ said “Nancy” to me.

 

“Yes indeed. “ I answered, looking at my pretty partner. Her shiny emerald green blouse was mesmerizingly beautiful, but not quite as mesmerizing as the hanging rhinestone diamond chain and pendent she still wore due to my hesitation overtaking it.

 

My fingers curled seeking opportunity, cursing that I may have missed it.

 

“Nancy, out of curiosity, if I’m not prying, you mentioned your brother would like my Raffles’s story?”

 

Oh! I could see I hit a pleasant nerve, as she smiled excitedly at me, her hand playing with her pendant as she spoke, a bit hoarsely I noticed.

 

“Yes he would, your Raffle story is similar to a game he likes playing.”

 

“Please tell me more, it sounds like you have fun playing it,” I said, with curious intentions.

 

She giggled. “Well, we play it in the woods. I wear a play dress and play jewelry. My brother plays a thief who tries to rob me of my jewels. Then if he does, he hides and I play the detective trying to find him. I know it sounds rather odd.”

 

That really opened my eyes, and thoughts started to race through my head.

 

“I took her hand. “No, not at all odd, sounds rather exciting.”

 

So they like to play games of jewels stolen. Right up my alley. I thought to myself while eyeballing her necklace.

 

“No,” I said to myself. Not the necklace. If anything the earrings.”

 

But I could not see how It could be done. So I chased the teasingly tempting thought out of my head.

 

A silence ensued for a minute, and as I watched,” Nancy” was looking over my shoulder up at the raised platform of the dance floor behind me, watching something.

 

I turned around, following her eyes.

 

A man with a green cummerbund was dancing with an attractive redhead.

 

She was wearing an elegant eye-catching blue taffeta gown with a scooped neckline, ruffled half sleeves, and knee-length skirt. She was wearing what was probably her best jewels, a sapphire and diamond jewelry set that sparkled deliciously under the ceiling lights of the great banquet hall. The necklace was especially pretty. A heavy gold v shape set with large pear-shaped sapphires interspersed with smaller round diamonds. She wore a deep blue mask that covered her eyes and nose.

 

I turned back, and Nancy” dropped her eyes back onto mine.

I asked thoughtfully…

“I see you are looking at that lady, pretty in blue, with the sparkly sapphire jewels”

 

She guiltily nodded yes,

“If you wait a bit, you will meet them. That’s my mum and father.

 

I complimented her…

“You both are very pretty, if I may be so bold?”

Taking up her hand and I kissed it…

 

“But now, I must be toddling off, taken up too much of your time I’m afraid .”

 

We both stood up to say goodbye.

 

Shen then. Quite cheerfully, held out her hands for a friendly hug.

 

I did so willingly and my fingers securely patted up along her back. it felt very nice and I became aware of a rather pleasant prickling sensation causing a rise in my feelings.

 

“Well “Nancy” I hope you liked my Raffles story.

  

“Nancy” nodded yes, then asked me

“Do you think Raffles regretted not playing the games those boys were up to?”

 

Holding her hand, I patted down along her sleeve reassuringly… as I said

 

“I think Raffles is the type never to regret anything, what do you think?”

 

“Nancy” nodded her head happily satisfied. Her dazzling earrings flickered quite beautifully.

 

I smiled at myself broadly.

 

“Here “Nancy” allow me to get you seated.”

 

She sat. And as I gripped my fingers supportively along her arms as I slid the chair forward.

 

I then again lifted and kissed her hand.

 

“Righto” I nodded and was off.

 

I headed back around to the bar, when whom did I spy? “Nancy’s” mother, standing alone by the bar. I saw some drunken sod bump hard against her from behind, almost causing her to lose balance.

 

A handsome red-headed man was turning away from the bar holding a brandy and she fell against him.

 

It was her husband. The man she has been dancing with.

 

Laughing, the pair moved off.

 

Grabbing a glass of champagne from a passing waiter, I followed them out to the outside balcony. There I took a seat at my table and kept watch.

 

I watched as from another table, where a 40ish lady wearing a wedding ring was sitting alone, rise and began walking towards me.

 

She was resplendent in a long black sleeveless plush velvet gown, wearing long black satin gloves. Her pearl jewelry shone like do many small bright moons. Earrings, triple strand necklace, and a very wide bracelet set with not only valuably real pearls, but expensively with purple amethyst stones also.

 

The bracelet fits snugly around her shiny gloved wrist. And anyone in my profession knows a snug bracelet is a far simpler item to remove than a loose-fitting one.

 

The purple satin half-face mask she wore added much to her winningly pretty look.

 

She gave me the eye as she walked past and I rose to follow.

 

We ended up dancing. Her name, real name(and that of her character from the movie Breakfast at Tiffany's) was Holly.

 

Holly, like “Nancy”, had never heard of the Raffles character either.

 

I left her after we had danced, holding her heart.

 

The hand which she placed had placed over her heart, no longer sporting her expensively wide pearl and amethyst bracelet.

 

£ 23000

 

She then suddenly had to go to the loo and darted off. I looked back at her table and saw a man in a tiger-striped mask was pulling out a chair to sit there.

 

I also figured it was time to scurry off. I had gotten me one more score.

  

I went down the steps leading off the raised dance floor, running right into “Nancy’s” mum swishing her way around at the bottom of the platform

 

“Seize the day-old chap”

 

My thoughts of leaving were put on hold as I looked her pretty, and expensively attired, figure over.

 

I held her up, saying I needed to apologize.

 

She looked into my face, her eyes twinkling like her daughters. Her sapphire and diamond jewellery also twinkling. But unlike her daughter’s, these she was wearing were very real.

 

“Apologize for what?” she asked in all innocence. I could also tell she was a bit tipsy from drink. Which considerably lowered her guard with me.

 

“ I saw that twit rudely bumping against you at the bar earlier, without apologizing. So I am for him.” I said with a neat little bow.

 

“Aren't you just a dear." she gushed, blushing. Just like her daughter, she had freckles also.

 

“Would you husband mind if I offered a dance as a consolation?” I asked with daring.

 

“Oh, I think a quick one would be ok,” she said smiling, accepting my offer.

 

I placed my arm around her glossy taffeta sleek waist and led her to the lower dance area.

 

It was a slow dance, and I took her into my arms with a delightfully delicious feeling of anticipation. Her sleekly taffeta-covered figure was a pleasure to warmly hold in my arms, and her twinkling jewels a pleasure to watch.

 

I, with real curiosity, asked who she was playing at this evening. She replied,” miss Moneypenny” then asked who I was.

 

Not wishing to jinx my good fortune, I lied. “ I am an undertaker, here to collect souls”

 

She laughed looking sassily into my eyes.

 

“Liar”

 

“Ok then, I'm really a bad cricket player.”

 

“Really, bad as in naughty?” she asked pleasantly vexed.

 

This one is fun, I thought to myself. I wondered mischievously if she was the catalyst if her children’s play game ideas had been inherited from her?

 

But I asked no questions along those lines. Instead, I decided to test the water with a story.

 

I then went into a similar story that I had told “Nancy” except to her mother I changed to arena from a wedding reception to a cricket match, and the group of lads was trying to steal kisses, not jewels, from their chosen victims.

 

My partner listened with a deep reflective interest.

 

So intent was she in my tale, that I was able to easily undo her necklaces ‘clasp and watch the shimmering beauty being slipped away by me from up her front, then around her throat, finally to be pulled out of sight behind her back. All skillfully done without the cheerfully happy lady feeling absolutely anything amiss.

 

Just like her daughter I thought. Innocent and as trusting as a lamb before being fleeced for the first time by a mock shepherd.

 

And reflectively, both had been dressed as soft as downy chicks when they had both caught the eye of the same wiley gilded feather plucking fox.

 

These were the thoughts in the back of my mind as I stowed my dance partner's glittering sapphire and diamond necklace away...

 

£6300

 

I finished my story just a few seconds after the music ended. We broke apart only once I had finished.

 

She hugged me and gave me a peck on the cheek for being so nice

 

“Here is a stolen kiss,” she whispered

  

She then, (of course after nicking her necklace) mentioned that her husband was also a cricket player. With his bloody police station’s team!

 

I was stunned. Half wishing she had told me her husband was a “copper” before I had nicked her jewels.

 

Figuring I had now finally worn out my luck, and welcome, I made up an excuse of my own and watched as her shiny evening dress swished and swayed all along with her lovely figure while she made her way back towards the unseen table where I knew her pretty daughter was sitting.

 

“Bloody fool, I had taken the necklace off a copper’s wife...“

 

I murmured this, chastising myself, shaking my head at my folly as I stared off in disbelief.

 

Understandably I think, I then decided I should probably best be on my way home.

 

I had already planned my exit earlier, not knowing when I would be needing it.

 

Deciding to avoid at all costs leaving by the main doors by which I had come in, I had earlier discovered a small set of stone stairs that led off the balcony.

 

The stairs were narrow and hidden from the view of the balcony. A simple rope with an “Off Limits” sign guarded the entrance. They led down to the small patch of woods that lined the rose gardens.

 

On the far end of the woods was a small cemetery, next to which I had discreetly parked my 61 Lotus elite sports car.

 

I made my way to the balcony and looked around. There weren't that many guests left out there. A group of men smoking cigars and drinking brandy stood at one end. I could make out the rather stout form of “Nancy’s” father in with them. His back was to me.

 

In a corner sat Emma with her tablemates. The male was telling a very animated story.

 

A few other tables were occupied, about 1/3 of them. None near the hidden stairway.

 

I made my way there. Reaching it, I again surveyed the area. I could see the 3 people sitting at Emma’s we're laughing. Emma had a hand to her chest. Suddenly a look of alarm crossed her face as she felt around, obviously not finding her diamonds. Her friends were asking what was wrong. I saw her look back at the empty table where the gold masked bloke had sat, the one who had cut in on me as after her deserting Emma on the dance floor.

 

As I disappeared unseen from view I remember thinking I was glad that I had sowed that seed of thought to Emma while we had watched the couple leaving the ballroom.

 

€€€€€€€€€€€

 

I got to the bottom of the stairs and made my way to the wooded path the ran the length of the gardens.

 

Thinking I was alone, made me feel safe to quickly begin to stroll away along the path, throwing the caution I had had all evening to the wind.

 

Suddenly I froze in step.

 

I had caught the unmistakable sight of a lady's sparkly jewels as she was walking through the gardens to the left of my path.

 

I was not out here alone?

 

And I could not believe lady would not be out here alone either.

 

I snuck up, cloaked by the shadows of the trees, to get a better look

 

Shocked I saw it was “Nancy”, out of her, apparently alone.

 

I watched “Nancy” as she moved about. My mind traveled into the realms of speculation.

 

What if my young friend had indeed been wearing jewels worth £75,000?

 

And I find her like this, vulnerably alone.

 

Would I be tempted to break character, and ….

 

I shook my head. I would probably not. Especially now that I knew her father was a policeman of some sort.

 

But someone who did not know her father was a “copper”, and perhaps thought the diamonds she was were real… well they may not feel the same about letting her be.

 

Suddenly a rabbit jumped from the judge, startling both of us. I see her have a gasp, hand shooting up to her chest.

 

As her jewels flickered in a mad frenzy, a thought popped in my head, making me grin with expectations.

 

“Time to give “Nancy” a taste of my games. I thought wickedly. “

 

I snuck up behind her, and placing my hands over her eyes, pulled her soft figure back up against my own.

 

“ Hello, Samantha, fancy meeting you here.”

 

“Raffles!” She blurted with relief…

 

I pulled my hands away, allowing them the liberty to feel through her hair, examining also her earrings, feeling along the hinged clasps to get a feel for what I was about to do...

 

I then stepped back, as she, with a deep sigh of relief, quickly turned around.

  

“Not playing a game alone, are ye Lass?” I asked, looking down into her pretty green eyes.

 

“No.” She said shaking her head, hair flying…

 

I smiled, placing my hands inside my pockets, as I watched her with interest.

 

She giggled while trying to lecture me…” you gave me quite the start sir. “

He placed a finger under my chin, lifting it so I was looking up into his eyes.

 

“Stand still,” I commanded and moved around behind her.

 

“Good thing I didn’t do what first popped into my devious mind...

  

I felt his knuckle go into my back…

 

”Stick ‘ em up miss .”

 

“Good thing you didn’t I would have peed myself... I giggled.

  

“Raffles” chuckled:

“Stay in character miss .” Was what I heard from behind me

  

I raised them up, imagining like I was actually being held up. My heart began to race again with a feeling of delicious danger as I spoke.

 

“What do you want from me?”

  

Raffles, still holding his knuckle into my back …reached out his other hand with an open palm as he spoke.

 

”Put your hands down, I’ve taken a fancy to that bracelet of yours. So please hand it over. “

 

I shivered, saying smartly. “I don’t believe a real thief would say please …”

 

My friend “Raffles” responded.

 

“Would my real victim ask that? Try a different tack.”

 

Trembling again, with delicious delight. I played along.

 

“No sir, not my bracelet, anything but that …”

 

“That’s better, a bit of heartfelt pleading can never heart.

After a second the hand withdrew.

 

Raffles laughed amiably…

 

“Ok miss, keep your bracelet then. “

 

He chuckled from behind, removing his knuckle….

 

“It was only a thought I had when I saw you out here walking alone, remembering the story of the games you play with your brother, did I do ok?”.

 

“Smashing .” I giggled gleefully “Spot on.”

 

She put my hands down to my sides as I placed a hand on her smooth satin-covered shoulder and ran it down her satin blouse’s sleeve as I came back around to face her.

  

“All kidding aside, you really shouldn’t be out here alone “Nancy” someone less inviting as me may have been about. And I don’t mean your brother let’s see you back safe Lass.”

 

I nodded.

 

He lifted my hand and pulled my back to him. Coddling along against his warm figure, Raffles led me back along the path to the stairway.

 

“I’ll be leaving you here “Nancy” I was on my way home.

 

I looked up into his face. “it was fun meeting you, sorry you have to go. “

 

“So am I Lass.”

 

As I looked down in her upturned face I realized by the look in her eyes, that I had her lulled into such a state of complacency that I found myself unable to control any longer my thieving impulse.

 

Police parent or not, those earrings “Nancy” was wearing deserved to be plucked.

 

My fingers began to curl as I pulled her to me, with wicked intent…

 

We for the second time, hugged goodbye, a deeply fulfilling embrace it was by all standards, as well as presenting a perfect opportunity to set myself in position.

 

We broke apart and I tickled my fingers up her smooth satin-clad sides, then lifted her hair high up over her head.

 

I let her hair back down, letting its silken strands spill over my fingers fingers

 

She giggled as it tickled. My fingers reached her dangling, desirable earrings.

I spoke, my eyes locked in hers, my fingers ready…

 

“A Very pretty one you are, and don’t ever let anyone say differently.”

 

I felt her squirm with excitement, her chin up, looking deep within my eyes.

 

I took the opportunity given me to curl my fingers around her old-fashioned hinged clasped earrings. I gently applied pressure to the backside of the hinges and in unison slipped off both danglers from her earlobes. As her shivering figure greatly aided my endeavor.

 

I let my hands drop to my vest pocket as I watched her shoulder-length red hair fall back into place, covering my dirty deed.

 

£2200

 

I had been holding my breath. For this type of maneuver was as tricky as stealing the diamond collar from around the neck of a sleeping Persian cat without waking her. “Nancy”, relishing in my praise, never felt a prick as I had taken them from her ears.

 

Releasing my breath I took a step back complimenting that her hair was much prettier when down.

 

As she looked up at me with those doe wide adult-looking mascara brushed eyes, I felt a flicker of unease over filching her earrings.

 

She suddenly propelled herself again in my arms and gave me a very smothering, very long hug.

 

We broke apart.

 

“Go now, you before I change my mind about playing games.”

 

I let her go with a chuckle, holding my ground as I watched her pretty green satin party dress swishing merrily along with her figure.

 

She started up the stairs, then stopping raised up her hands.

 

I froze, then saw she was merely blowing me a kiss.

 

Pulling my hands from my vest pocket as I deposited her earrings, I pretended to catch her kiss and added it to my collection.

 

“My second this evening,” I said mysteriously…

 

Then turning away, I went off down along the path.

 

Quickly reaching my car, I opened a secret compartment inside the boot, emptied my pockets of the purloined jewels, and stashed them safely away.

 

Then hopping in on the right, I fired the engine to life and drove away in the opposite direction.

  

Addendum

 

Several weeks after securely hiding the over £188,000 in jewels I had gotten away with, I was flabbergasted to read in their local paper that the robbery was believed to have been committed by a gang of thieves. With none of the descriptions given really matched mine...

 

Probably not so shocking was the statement giving the total value of the stolen jewellery, as reported to the insurance agencies from the 0ver 30 females claiming to be victims, coming in to a bit over...

 

£325,000!

 

To Read the story from ‘Nancy Drew’s “ Perspective

Click Below

 

flic.kr/p/2mX6UD5

 

If you look closely at stained glass, you can see all sorts of themes: religion, flowers, art, music and even fruit. When considering the theme of fruit, in ecclesiastical stained glass, a bunch of grapes may signify the sacrament of Holy Communion. Grapes and vines can also represent the church itself. Pomegranates have diverse cultural-religious significance, as a symbol of life and fertility owing to their many seeds but also as a symbol of power (imperial orb), blood and death. Pomegranates already symbolised fertility, beauty and eternal life, in Greek and Persian mythology. The apple of course is the forbidden fruit in the Book of Genesis that Adam and Eve ate from the forbidden tree in the Garden of Eden. With Art Nouveau being the predominant architectural and design influence between 1880 and the start of the Great war in 1914, there was a great interest in portraying both stylised flowers and fruit in stained glass.

 

This year the FFF+ Group have decided to have a weekly challenge called “Snap Happy”. A different theme chosen by a member of the group each week, and the image is to be posted on the Monday of the week.

 

This week the theme, “fruit” was chosen by Gary, Gazman_AU.

 

I thought a collage of some of the examples of fruit themed windows I have photographed in Churches and private houses over the years might be suitable.

 

Top row far left, second and third from left: Detail of the King David window of St John’s Church of England, Heidelberg, designed and manufactured by William Montgomery.

 

Top row right: Detail of the Suffer the Little Children window of Holy Trinity Church of England, Balaclava, attributed to I. A. Gibbs and Howard, London.

 

Middle row left: Detail of a dressing room window of “The Gables”, Malvern, painter and manufacturer unknown.

 

Middle row second from left: Detail of a shop window, corner Brunswick and Bell Streets, Collingwood, painter and manufacturer unknown.

 

Middle row third from left: Detail of a window from the former Sassafras Methodist Church, Sassafras, manufactured by Brooks Robinson and Company.

 

Middle row second from right: Detail of the “Lay of the Last Minstrel” window, “Warwilla” (formerly “Redholme”), St Kilda Road, painted and manufactured by William Montgomery.

 

Middle row right: Detail of the King David window of St John’s Church of England, Heidelberg, designed and manufactured by William Montgomery.

 

Bottom row far left: Detail of an entrance hall window of “The Gables”, Malvern, painter and manufacturer unknown.

 

Bottom row second from left: Detail of the Virgin Mary window of St Ambrose’s Catholic Church, Brunswick, manufactured by Brooks Robinson and Company.

 

Bottom row third from left: Detail of a dining room window of “The Gables”, Malvern, painter and manufacturer unknown.

 

Bottom row second from right: Detail of the “Lay of the Last Minstrel” window, “Warwilla” (formerly “Redholme”), St Kilda Road, painted and manufactured by William Montgomery.

 

Bottom row far left: Detail of an entrance hall window of “The Gables”, Malvern, painter and manufacturer unknown.

 

Built to the specifications of architect George Reilly Cox, Saint John\'s Church of England in Burgundy Street Heidelberg, is a fine example of simple Early English Gothic architecture. The building was completed by April 1851. Comprising of a gabled nave, without aisles, a narthex below the west tower and a sanctuary and vestry at the east end, Saint John\'s Church of England is simple, unpretentious and elegant in its design. The nave and chancel are constructed of handmade bricks laid on a bluestone rubble plinth. The church features lancet windows in Early English Gothic style. It has a square tower surmounted by four pinnacles and crenulations. The roof is slated and contains small gable vents, and the roof drains to galvanised steel quad section eaves gutters. The gable parapets are fitted with galvanised sheet steel cappings. The formal opening of Saint John\'s Church of England took place on the 26th of October 1861. The church was dedicated by Bishop Perry the first Bishop of Melbourne on the 30th of September 1861 and named the Church of Saint John the Evangelist. The roof was completely replaced around 1856 with slate after the original shingles had deteriorated. The interior was plastered and the exterior brickwork was covered with cement. Another renovation took place in 1965 at the cost of $56,000.00. The vestry, choir room, chapel and new entrance porch were added at the original back of the church. Interestingly, the congregation today no longer use the 1965 entrance and have reverted to the original entrance. The choir room now serves as a Sunday school for the children of the congregation, whilst the newer chapel is not generally used at all.

 

William Montgomery (1850 - 1927) was an artist who specialised in stained glass painting and design. He was born in England in 1850, and studied at the School of Art in Newcastle-on-Tyne. In his final year William was awarded one of only three National Art Scholarships that year to study at South Kensington School of Art (now the Royal College of Art). He was employed by the leading London stained glass firm, Clayton and Bell, before joining Franz Mayer and Company in Munich, Germany. Over the next seven years he not only designed windows he also trained others in the English style of glass painting. William arrived in Melbourne, Australia, in 1886 during the Boom Period provided by the Gold Rush. Melbourne was at the time one of the wealthiest cities in the world, and was in the throes of a building boom. He quickly set up his studio at 164 Flinders Street in the heart of Melbourne, bringing with him the latest in European style and design and achieving instant success amongst wealthy patrons. He worked equally for Catholic and Protestant denominations, his windows being found in many churches as well as in mansions, houses and other commercial buildings around the city. This extended to the country beyond as his reputation grew. A painter as well as stained glass window designer William was a founding member of the Victorian Art Society in Albert Street, Eastern Hill. William became President of its Council in 1912, a position he held until 1916. He was a trustee of the National Gallery of Victoria. His commissions included; stained glass windows at Christ Church, Hawthorn: St. John\'s, Heidelberg, St. Ignatius\', Richmond: Christ Church, St Kilda: Geelong Grammar School: the Bathurst Cathedral and private houses "Tay Creggan", Hawthorn (now Strathcona Baptist Girls Grammar), and "Earlsbrae Hall", Essendon (now Lowther Hall Anglican Grammar School). The success of William Montgomery made Melbourne the leading centre of stained glass in the Southern Hemisphere. William Montgomery died in 1927.

 

The first Church of England built on the triangular site in Balaclava bordered by Brighton Road and Dickens Street was opened by Bishop Perry on January 29, 1871. It was a timber building accommodating about three hundred people. It stood where the Parish Hall now stands. Its designer was the architect Francis Maloney White (1819-1888) who lived nearby in William Street. In 1882 the architects Reed and Barnes, soon to become Reed, Henderson and Smart, were commissioned to design a new church. The first service took place on December 6, 1883. Due to the Parish\'s efforts to reduce the large debt that had been incurred in the construction of the church and the vicarage, the building of the spire was delayed. Regrettably this was never to be built. However, it gives Holy Trinity the feeling of an English country parish church.

 

The firm of I. A. Gibbs and Howard was established in England in the 1870s. Isaac Alexander Gibbs (1849 - 1899) was the youngest son of Isaac Alexander Gibbs (senior) and brother of the stained glass artists Alexander and Charles Alexander Gibbs. His partnership with William Wallace Howard (born 1856) was established before 1879 in London. The firm continued after the death of Gibbs under Howard until about 1915.

 

Built in 1902 for local property developer Lawrence Alfred Birchnell and his wife Annie, “The Gables” is considered to be one of the most prominent houses in the Gascoigne Estate. The house was designed by Melbourne architect firm Ussher and Kemp in what was the prevailing style of the time, Queen Anne, which is also known as Federation style (named so after Australian Federation in 1901). Ussher and Kemp were renowned for their beautiful and complex Queen Anne houses and they designed at least six other houses in Finch Street alone. “The Gables” remained a private residence for many years. When Lawrence Birchnell sold it, the house was converted into a rooming house. It remained so throughout the tumultuous 1920s until 1930 when it was sold again. The new owners converted “The Gables” into a reception hall for hire for private functions. The first wedding reception was a breakfast held in the formal dining room in 1930, followed by dancing to Melbourne’s first jukebox in the upstairs rooms. Notorious Melbourne gangster Joseph Theodore Leslie “Squizzy” Taylor was reputed to have thrown a twenty-first birthday party for his girlfriend of the day in the main ballroom (what had originally been the house\'s billiards room). “The Gables” became very famous for its grand birthday parties throughout the 1930s and 1940s. With its easy proximity to the Caulfield Race Course, “The Gables” ran an underground speakeasy and gambling room upstairs and sold beer from the back door during Melbourne’s restrictive era of alcohol not sold after six o\'clock at night. Throughout its history, “The Gables” has been a Melbourne icon, celebrating generation after generation of Melbourne’s wedding receptions, parties and balls. Lovingly restored, the atmosphere and charm of “The Gables” have been retained for the future generations.

 

The former Sassafras Methodist Church, perched on the upper side of the hill, overlooking the Sassafras township had its foundation stone laid on the 18th of October 1902. A plaque records: Sassafra Church - the original of - this block was laid - by - Mrs D Stones - on October 18th 1902 - John Storrie. A Gothic Carpenter church, it is made of wood and is of simple design with simple stained glass windows. The church ceased in the 1970s and was eventually sold. For many years it was “Brother John’s”, a restaurant and wedding venue. Today it is “Dine Divine” a café that specialises in light luncheons and Devonshire cream teas, the latter being quite delicious.

 

Surrounded by modern office and apartment blocks the grand red brick mansion “Warwillah”, built on the corner of Beatrice Street and St Kilda Road, is one of the few remaining examples of a time Melbourne’s St Kilda Road was still a grand boulevard of elegant residences. In March 1875 the government announced that the land on the western side of St Kilda Road would be alienated from parkland and that the land would be sold for residential purposes. Following the subdivision, a gentleman of means named Rudolph D. Benjamin purchased the land on which he planned to build an elegant residence as befitting his station. Designed by well known Melbourne architect John Beswicke, “Redholme” was a sixteen-roomed brick mansion built on Mr. Benjamin’s block in 1896 by the builder James Downie. Although not in the Benjamin family, “Redholme” survived the death taxes that came after the Great War and the Great Depression of 1929. It was still a privately owned home in its entirety in 1939 when it was owned by Mr. and Mrs. C. J. Reddish. Sadly, after the Second World War, “Redholme” changed ownership, usage and even name. From the early 1950s, the red brick building became the “Warwilla Guest House”. The name “Warwilla” is what the house has been known as ever since. “Warwilla” is an unusual mansion as it is an early example of a transition from Modern Gothic to Queen Anne design. The red brick tuckpointed facade is asymmetrical with picturesque massing, but the larger half-timbered gable and cantilevered banked window on the south side is balanced by the octagonal corner tower and ‘candle snuffer’ roof on the north. The Modern Gothic is suggested by the depressed pointed arches to main openings, and engaged colonettes at the porch entrance, whilst the half-timbered gable, octagonal tower with ‘candle snuffer’ roof and Art Nouveau stained glass windows are very much stylistic elements of Queen Anne architecture. These elements were to remain popular for at least another decade. The tall banded brick chimneys (done in the style of Henry Kemp) dominate the terracotta tile roof, as do the decorative finials which include a dragon.

 

In 1869 the foundation stone was laid for Saint Ambrose\'s Church at 287 Sydney Road, Brunswick. The land for the church was donated by Mr. Michael Dawson, a resident of the neighbourhood. In 1873 the church was completed at a cost of £6,000.00. Parishioners Sebastian Danielli and his wife Harriet Bagatti, who had arrived in Brunswick in 1859 after being married in Milan the previous year, suggested the name Saint Ambrose\'s as the name for the church because St Ambrose was a much loved bishop in Milan in the 4th Century. All their children were born in Brunswick and baptised at Saint Ambrose’s. In 1888 Brunswick was proclaimed a town and it had a population of 14,792. In 1890, Saint Ambrose\'s became a parish in its own right, being made independent from the Coburg parish. With the need for a larger church, the present church was extended in 1899 when the transepts, with the sanctuary and the two chapels, the porch and the baptistry were added. The memorial stone was laid near the door of the northern transepts on 19 February, 1899. The parish church building is of a late Gothic style and is one of the finer churches of Melbourne, built in bluestone, with a timber supported ceiling, a 19th century organ and high quality stained glass windows.

 

Brooks, Robinson and Company first opened their doors on Elizabeth Street in Melbourne in 1854 as importers of window and table glass and also specialised in interior decorating supplies. Once established the company moved into glazing and were commonly contracted to do shopfronts around inner Melbourne. In the 1880s they commenced producing stained glass on a small scale. Their first big opportunity occurred in the 1890s when they were engaged to install Melbourne\'s St Paul\'s Cathedral\'s stained-glass windows. Their notoriety grew and as a result their stained glass studio flourished, particularly after the closure of their main competitor, Ferguson and Urie. They dominated the stained glass market in Melbourne in the early 20th Century, and many Australian glass artists of worked in their studio. Their work may be found in the Princess Theatre on Melbourne\'s Spring Street, in St John\'s Church in Toorak, and throughout churches in Melbourne. Brooks, Robinson and Company was taken over by Email Pty Ltd in 1963, and as a result they closed their stained glass studio.

Please forgive me for revisiting this saga so soon. For the thoughts of that witnessed moment in time which planted a seed for a story, still remains, still ticklingly entices my imagination..

And I think most of us know what a bugger an inkling like that can be...!

And the Chatwick in me had a yearning, actually no, a compelling, need to appease, so to tell the same story in a bit different take on the observed actions of the young lad I called the Hugger Mugger… had to be forthcoming post haste …

 

And So we Have.....

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

The Importance of paper mache Princesses

Lucidity of Providence

 

I first noticed the lass whom I came to call the paper mache princess, as she slithered and swished about in the quite devastatingly pretty gown she was so winningly wearing along her youthful, but yet well appointed figure.

 

The gown was dyed the shade of fresh spring lavender, the satiny material, probably soft as a new borne downy chick, freshly shimmering and glistening as she stunningly exhibited it whilst wriggled in from the serving room.

 

My fancy was tickled by this, for my Sister had once worn a very similar dress , and I carried quite pleasant memories of the fun we had had shared that particular evening…..

 

But I only noticed this new lass’s apparel briefly though, for once I had her properly in my sights, her adorning jewels(rhinestone?) totally commanded my full and undivided attention.

 

For, see in my humbled opinion, it was silly for one so obviously saturnine, so quite gullibly young, to be wearing such shimmering sparklers! Though to truthfully admit, I had no real issues along those lines!

 

The sparkling jewels consisted of a thin silver plated necklace, matching dangling earrings and a thin bracelet worn around her satin gloved clad wrist.. , all were set with the fiery brilliance of (rhinestone?) diamonds.

 

Twas a pity someone darkly moody like that would be in possession of jewels so pretty.. She obviously had no inkling or care about em, in my observation of her, she probably could care less that she was wearing them, and probably had whined miserably about putting them on!

A hallowed mockery of all that is truly feminine.

 

An aloof paper mache princess who deserved to look more of a pauper in me own personal opinion...!

 

And that thought, I found to be quite enticingly entertaining on a personal level! Admittedly though, at that time, I was finding a great deal of my surroundings to being quite vexing.

 

But there was also a reason for my interests, for I will have to admit to possessing a bit of a rascally bird like, Magpie keen, interest in all things shiny!

 

And my curiosities had already been at peek height due to several other observations I had made upon my first arrival at the wedding reception: Including one subject in particular!

 

First off, the wedding was definitely upscale, and the wealthy Bride had chosen a rather unique venue for her reception.

 

Located in a rather daringly wrong side of the tracks area. The place was the site of an old brick, eel tinning factory that someone had cunningly restored and was princely offering as a uniquely posh reception venue for those rich enough to pay out the nose for something out of the ordinary. To me it looked like someone had extravagantly decorated up an old slummy red brick alleyway.

 

And as to why I was there..?

Well my friends, that’d be another whole tale in the tellin....

 

So, only tellin one tale at a time then......

 

Anyhows, there I was, dressed up in my best, and starting to do a bit of visually opportunistic prowling about amongst the well heeled guests who were making merry in the venues’ rather dubious surroundings…. When I saw him...

 

Him, the laddie, a young male of about 13, scampering happily about at the reception hall .

 

Something about his mannerisms drew my mind to him, so I discreetly asked around.

 

I soon found out he was the son of a single mother, both the bride’s sister and maid of Honour. So he was pretty much being left to himself, which explained things a bit.

 

The lad was also obviously across the threshold of young puberty: as was witnessed by some of his antics, not only with the touchy teasing of the younger girls present, but also in the way he was treating certain poshly dressed adult females, especially in sneaking up and giving his darling grandmother hugs from behind.

 

She though, thought it was cute and just laughed, and squealed happily, “look another drive by hugging”, or “thanks for the warm hugging honey, just lovely”, encouraging to no end the youth to keep his voyeuristic advances up.

 

But the grandmother was a short lady, his size, and I knew what was going on, even if the silly twit didn’t have a bloody clue.

 

The Lads arms, as he hugged his grandmother’s warm figure before running off, were brushing just under her perk breasts, molded nicely by the tight fitted mother of the bride gown she was attired in.

 

I also knew that , along with copping a titillating feel, he was also enjoying the tingling sensation from the slick thicke material of the lengthy, swishing gown the rather youngish ,stylish grandmother was wearing…

 

I watched, the lad as he performed this trick several times, holding onto the warm sweaty figure of his still perky, grandmother, before I would finally admit to the fact, I was jealous!

 

Jealous, for she was wearing some rather pretty jewelry of diamonds, real ones too judging by the fiery pinpricks of flashes they was giving off. Grandad must have spent a bloody mint on them.. For an Anniversary or an apology? There laid the rub..

And I would have given anything for a closer gawk at the ladies finer points, if one gets my drift, eh ?

Nudge, nudge... as they say...

 

It was while watching the lad yet again going and performing his hugger mugger routine from a bar stool, that my I first laid my eyes on the young paper mache princess in the lavender gown and wearing her own set of diamonds( rhinestone?). I don’t know when she had entered the reception’s proverbial stage, but she was one of the last lot to be leaving the room where the food service was laid out.

 

She was all of 16 years old, probably bitter sweet, and most definitely, caustically, immature!

She was with a second girl, 14 years I would guess, possibly a younger sister, clad in a thin dress of red silk that poured out dancingly below a matching jacket of velvet. She was wearing a glistening set of, faux?, pearls, and a (rhinestone?) brooch on her jacket, the bauble shaped like a colourful humming bird set with coloured gemstones.

 

They both stopped at the doorway, watching the dance floor with a peaking interest .

 

The live band had started up, and a group was upon the floor, swishing and swirling about in a quite pretty display of both colour and glitter that was being caught up in the dim incandescent lighting of the olde re-imagined factory.

 

I allowed my interest to follow this action for a bit, before curiously allowing my eyes to again seek out the pair of lasses.. Sneaking in close by the bar for a better, keener look over as I did so.

 

When I found them I saw that they had been joined by the huggy strap of a lad. He was standing close to them, and I caught him gingerly sliding his hand up behind the paper mache princess , chubby fingers tentatively rubbing along the waistline of the slick lavender gown being worn so winningly by the vixen of a sixteen year old.

 

She giggled and turned to him, her eyes giving an “oh, its you” look to the lad. Oblivious to the look, he started talking the pair up, and I saw them both shake their heads no at whatever he must have been suggesting.

 

Both girls petite earrings’ swaying in the light as their heads moved side to side . The Paper Mache Princess’s inset diamonds of her earrings sparkling madly, while her smaller friends bobbling earrings of Faux pearl gleamed a glistening pure white.

 

The pair turned dismissively back to the dance floor, and he stared them down from behind their glimmery sleek dresses for a few seconds, before he walked away, head bent down like something of an admonished puppy!

 

I felt sorry for the young git, red faced, as he was walking away,.

 

Then I suddenly realized that his course was taking him right past me.

 

Not sure why at the time, but suddenly I wanted to capture this lad’s attention. For I was Bored and feeling peevishly mused to try and do something to quell those copious desires I had been mulling..!

 

So I played it by ear... Something which in my profession that I tend to do a lot of!

 

Now, since, sleight of hand and misdirection are a couple of me talents, I reached into my pocket , thoughtfully fingering one of my ever-present coins of the realm.

 

As the lad , sad head down, sauntered droopily by me, I caught his attention by dropping a penny.

 

He obligingly retrieved it for me, and as he handed it back, I turned down my wrist, then took my hand to his ear, appearing to change the penny into a twenty pee piece… Which I handed the coin to the amazed lad for keeps. Thereby also gaining his full and undivided attention.

 

“Want to see another?” I asked, and he shook his head yes eagerly. I pulled out an also ever-present deck of cards, and had him ruffle them up a bit. Talking it up to him as I did.

 

The simple card trick would allow me to banter and hopefully my words would thus stoke the id of his sexually driven impulses whilst the ego thoughts in the lad’s head where following the cards. With my intents to flaring up the lad’s super – located in the deep recesses of his mind were certain male thoughts are often guiltily , forcibly, kept alone to themselves.

 

The first trick was an easy one that had him picking his own card from a group laid out on the bar. It was as I went through the motions, and watching his focus on the cards, I mentioned how pretty I had thought some of the dresses worn by the girls here were.

 

That opened him up royally...

 

I soon had him chatting away, eating out of my hand as I told him a subtly suggestive story of my youth, centering around the true enough episode where I had danced with my sister who had been wearing a dress very similar to the one worn by the paper mache princess....

 

A tid bit of a description that I knew would send his little pubescent desiring mind whirling .

 

I then, also with casual finesse, asked him quite a few questions about himself, about the reception, and particularly centered around finding out a bit more about the paper mache princess.

 

He readily came out with the fact that the paper mache princess, the one I had truthfully said was dressed like me sister had been , was nothing more than his cousin. He also volunteered tid bits about her that led me to believe that she could be a bit fey, but liked to pretend and daydream.

 

He also chimed in that he liked to play games like hide an seek with her and her friend’s, when she allowed him to!

 

Not playing now I asked? Seeing a light opening up at the end of a certain tunnel of my thoughts.

 

No he said, she said that she did not want to get dirty, her friend either.. Too interested in acting like proper ladies, dancing and watching, he added sadly..

 

“Quite boring.. he also added quite drearily ..”

 

That was all I needed to hear! So, agreeing with the boring part, I drew him close in the confidence of a co-conspirator.

 

Tells you what kiddo, let me explain how we used to play tag games when I was your cousins age.

I bet she will change her mind to play this version with you today! ( Actually, I know she would have no choice but to play his game once we were done with her!)

 

Really, he said, his eyes wandering and latching onto the two swaying young vixens, looking them up and down as I spoke.

 

Certainty ‘Mon garçon’ I said, and began to explain, taking certain inventive liberties with the details to ensure capturing this young man’s burgeoning lusting fantasies !!

 

I explained that as lads we would play tag by having the crooks steal something, then the person who was robbed would chase us like a copper until we either got away, or placed in “prison”

 

Cops and robbers see.. ever hear of the game.?

 

He nodded his head assuredly that of course he knew the game..!

 

I could also see I had grasped a craving interest within him, so I then happily continued on

 

“Now, the girls in our group would sometimes dress up and wear ‘cheap’ play jewelry, like your cousin and her friend over there. “ I lied convincingly.

He turned to watch the pair of proper appearing princess wanna-bees, both with eye appealing resplendence in their gowns, jewels and fine frills..

 

“Then us boys would sneak up and try to distract them, so we could teasingly come away with some of their play jewels without them catching on to what we were on about.

 

Then we would point out their loss after a bit, and the girls would give chase to us trying get them jewels back !”

 

He smiles, liking the idea.

 

I could see he was chewing on my words while still Drooling over the two pretty young lasses and their shiny frocks and ample shimmering jewels.... rather convenient having the real thing in sight when telling my stories I devilishly thought.

 

I had captivated his interest, and could see that he was earnestly watching his cousin ( whose necklace I should mention, was quite invigoratingly rippling small sparkles of fire around her throat as she was swaying to the music.)

 

I began with renewed relish, allowing the seed I had planted to grow, by explaining in detail how to draw his pretty lass of a cousin into the “Game”!

 

Both his and mine!

 

Using as an example, a story on how I had played this same game I was proposing on, while dancing with me own lavender gown wearing sister for reference. Actually it was a true enough story, only the young lass I had played it out on had not been me sister, and the gown, which most definitely had been soft as a new borne downy chick, had been of a shiny ripe peach colour!

 

I explained in simple detail how to approach his cousin, and what words would work best in convincing her that a dance was in order.

 

Then once they were into the dance, I explained in easy detail, the next steps to be taken to ensure his cousin would be a player for the next phase of the game, namely the catchy, touchy, tag part of it.

 

I could see the laddie was doing quite well, grasping the rudimentary idea of it all. And as he shook his head vigorously yes when I asked if ready. I gently pushed his back, propelling his quite noticeably Horney figure loose towards his innocent victim.

 

Go get em tiger....

 

I watched with growing anticipation as the lad moved in, eagerly approached his victim, then again sliding a hand on along her waist, successfully prying and fully capturing his cousins attention away from the dance floor. He started talking affably and I could see her dart a look back to the dancers,then to her 14 year old friend, then finally back to her cousin. Her jewels nicely sparkling in the low lights as she carried out this performance.

 

Then, bless the faux pearl laden pixie, for as I watched, the paper mache princess’s young friend most advantageously helped out our cause. Chirpily chiming in her two cents worth. saying something excitedly as she tugged at the cousins dress whilst pointing to the lad and the dance floor!

 

And ‘Bob’s your uncle!’ a few minutes later the pair of them were on that polished wooden dance floor, looking exceptionally cute as a couple, as they danced to a romantic slow tune whose name has since slipped my mind. The young darlings mimicked the adults around them by embracing closely against one another.

 

I waited and watched with baited breath, so many things could go wrong, and there was no good reason they shouldn’t. I began to think my ideas had been quite folly. Draining my drink, I made my plans for a quick get away to avoid any attention and have to answer rather awkward questions if things went awry.

 

But they didn’t!

 

As he had been directed, he bided his time, no hurry.

 

I watched with baited breath as finally his hand cunningly started the process of snaking up along the back of her sensuous dress, a bit quick perhaps, but maybe his partner was feeling his hormones actively running wild and was responding in kind.

For she had no issues dancing close, and no notice of the shenanigans of the creeping male fingers nimbly reaching up her back. I could see that her own gloved hands were firmly grasping her dance partners waist. The diamonds on her thin bracelet merrily winking back at me!

 

She seemed so happy, her eyes closed shut as she was into what ever fantasies young sixteen year old paper mache princesses, wearing pretty gowns and flashy jewels, have going on!

 

But I was also fairly certain that those fantasies of hers did not dwell any where’s near the reality of what was being played out on her in real life at that moment!

 

I looked around, Nor were any of the adults paying the pair any heed..

 

Even the Sixteen year old’s young Faux pearl wearing pixie of a friend was watching something away from the dance floor, her own fingers idly playing with the shimmery rhinestone brooch on her velvet jacket as she, with no shyness, was ogling a bloke in a tux snogging with one of the bridesmaids in a secluded corner!

 

I perked up, setting my empty glass down, casually picking out a handful of pub nuts from a jar at my elbow, I thought, this trick may actually bloody work!!

 

His fingers finally reached the victim’s primed objective, the one I had suggested, namely the thin gem studded necklace. The pretty jewels that laid flickering around the high, glossy neckline of his victims gown. That fiery necklace had been dangling and moving about with an easy sliding fluidity along down the smooth satin of its’ wearers gown, making it a fairly easy pluck for any amateur’s game!

 

The gem stones were set in a finely woven silvery chain, there should be no telltale snagging, no matter how jerky the chubby fingers were in making the attempt the lift them!

 

Obviously I had been thinking this through as I had been carefully watching my pretty paper mache princess. And just as obviously I was now vicariously living those day dreams through the lads antics!

 

So it was with an unabashed delight, that I watched as his fingers glided along the pretty baubles chain till the necklaces hook in eye clasp was located, and pulled up ever so lightly!

 

He did fumble a bit with the clasp,( his first time after all) but I saw him carefully peeking over her shoulder for a better look, and using one hand he managed to delicately unhook the two ends on his second attempt.

 

The fraternal twin ends lay loose there, glimmering for a few seconds, as they hung freely unclasped down her back. His fingers slipped back over her shoulder and slyly lifted a sparkly end up.

 

He then methodically began to slide the long necklace up along the front of his dance partners rich, lubricious, satin gown! It was easily slipped away, slither inly over her shoulders’ satin sleeve and free fell down behind her back where it dangled for a few precious seconds in his chubby fingers, before the lad secreted the shimmering thing of beauty into his pocket ..

 

I released my breath not realizing I had been holding it.. He had gotten away with it, pretty as one pleases. His fantasizing, gorgeously dressed cousin, hadn’t a bloody clue as to what had just transpired as she and her glittery necklace were naughtily being parted!

 

And just as important, no one else had noticed my little hugger mugger in action either!

 

His victim still had her eyes blissfully closed, and was leaning her head back in what can be best described as dreamy happiness.

 

Her earrings and bracelet sparkled on, as noticeable in their positions, as the place her necklace had been, now was not!

 

Her male partners eyes were wide, and darting around. I was worried that he may end up alarming the girl, so I rose, and managed to catch his gaze, and smiled giving a thumbs up. This made him grin, and settling down a bit, grasped his partner close and twirled on.

 

I smiled, feeling rather excited meself, for watching the lad in action had been like reliving the somewhat similar, long past, incident that I had used as an example, lying to him that I had played the game on me sister!

 

^^^^^^

 

Well , they finally finished the dance, it seemed like an eternity, but it was thrilling to try and catch glimpses of the cousins’ now bare neckline!

 

Finally they broke apart and he walked off with her to the opposite edge of the dance area from where they had started. I held my breath again, but he seemed to inherently realize that as part of the game, he didn’t want her suspicions raised by being quick to leave. God bless his natural budding adult male like deviousness!

 

When he finally left her and came over , he was grinning ear to ear like some Cheshire Cat.

 

“Well done lad, you played that brilliantly! Fun Like I said it would be” I praised and questioned?

 

He nodded , quite pleased with himself, and that pleasure was evident in more places than just his face!!

He most definitely was getting a “titillating feel” for the playing the game. A feeling I could very well understand from me own personal experiences!

 

I turned him around to face his cousin, his back now to me.

 

The young paper mache princess was back to aloofly standing, watching, on the outer rim of the dance floor. As we watched, we saw her young friend returning, regaining a position up alongside her

 

I gripped my hand upon the lads shoulder, speaking into his ear as he conveniently faced away from me..

 

I explained that he needed to go up and do next ..

 

Sneak up and hug his cousin from behind( I could tell he liked that!) , then as you tickle her a bit, say something like “now catch the tickle thief” , and then, see that door just off the loo?

 

He turned his head over to where I was pointing.

 

I knew that the door was an exit, leading upstairs, then outside to a small park.

 

“Break away before she can catch you,, and RUN! through that door, then out into the park .”

 

I turned him back around to face me , I wanted to really drive home the last bit…

 

I was smiling mischievously in his eyes, which brightened up as he warmed up to the ideas I was planting.

 

“Then in the woods you can hide and touch tag as she tries to get her necklace back!”, and I tapped his pocket with my free hand, jingling the contents.

 

“But remember laddie, the trick is not to show her what you took. Make her chase you, and if she finally catches you, make her search you for it, or have her cry Uncle before handing it over!”

 

“And as she is so occupied, try for an earring or bracelet to keep the game on. Or if her friends is close enough then snatch…..”

 

But I stopped, I could see all too well in his wide eyed glazed over look, that he had caught onto the gigs gist, and there was no need to say more with out risking my hugger mugger to become too prematurely excited before playing it out.

 

I looked up over his head to make sure the stage was still set…

 

I suddenly stiffened....

 

Ere now, look lad, I think your game is beginning, she is noticing the loss.

 

We both looked, the young friend of the sixteen-year-old was pointing to the paper mache princess’s bare throat. No need to hear the question.

Then as We both gawked ,the cousins gloved hand shot immediately up to her throat ,fruitlessly feeling around as her face contorted up in a horrifying gasp.

 

“Now lad I said turning him back around so he was facing the dance floor., quickly toddle up behind and give your cousin that hug to start it off! That’s a good lad!”

 

“I guarantee you she is going to play into your game now.” I said, sending the words off after him as he scurried stiffly off.

 

He was definitely carrying off with him a quite “hard” vested interest in the game at hand.

 

He approached the pair, both of whom were now looking about their feet for the missing necklace.

 

I saw him readily grasp, then pull up his Cousin into a slippery hug..

She jumped a bit ,alarmed!

But no blaming the sullen looking lass. Worries about her missing necklace combined with someone unexpectantly grasping her from behind, then feeling something hard being pressed up against her, would cause a bit of inherent distress for any poshly attired damsel!

 

Startled as she was, she stood stiffly in her fast waning shock, as her male cousin whispered into a bejeweled ear, then letting her go, the lad dashed off towards the exit as planned.

 

The two girls looked at each other questioningly, the pixy was holding her faux pearled necklace, the cousin a hand to her bare throat. They then stared at the fleeing cousin, before, in a shimmering, swishing, fluttering, flurry, taking off after the escaping lad.

 

I turned away and watched as he disappeared through the exit door by the loo.

 

The female cousin and her similarity dressed young friend, were following almost upon the lad’s heels, gowns whirling , and they too slipped through the closing door. I, probably for the last time, admired her taunting bracelet, as it flashed and sparkled, while she gripped to hold open the closing exit door..

 

All three had now disappeared from the venue without anyone a noticing.

 

I believe free booze, and the length of drinking time that the adult guests had been imbibing played a rather big part in that the trio of escapees were not paid any heed!

 

Babes in the woods, going beyond the security of the pale. I thought, making my way through the thronging crowd of merry guests .

 

I headed out towards the main exit located on the opposite side of the building from the restrooms.

 

Just before taking my permanent leave I looked around the venue again. The dim lighted red brick lined walls of the old ell tinning factory did indeed resemble an olde alleyway. And one can just imagine the types of mischief that would be going on in olde alleyways!

 

Reaching the outer walk I forced meslf to meander on till I had safely gained some distance, stopping as I came up to a patch of woods.

 

Where, next to an ancient Wytch Elm tree with its grotesquely reaching branches, started a thin path leading off amongst the trees towards the other side of the olde eel tinning factories building..

 

I stood there, and after checking around me, Pulled a chrome flask from a vest pocket.

I took a good long swig of ginger brandy in celebration of the moment!

 

“The path less travelled today mate! .”

 

Replacing the flask, I reached a hand in my suit coats pocket for me pipe and tobacco, .

Feeling as I did the now cold hardness of the quite genuine, quite expensive, diamond necklace that I had so quite easily lifted from the youths jacket pocket ( pickpocketing - another of my skills)

 

As I packed my pipe and then cupped my fingers as I struck a match to get it going, I allowed my mind a quick remembrance….

 

I played out how pretty that young lass had been in her peach satin gown. We both had been around 14 years, socially awkward as youths that age can be.. She had suggested the dancing, and I was amazed at the feel of her in my arms. Never had I felt anything so warm, so incredibly soft. And how sparkling her necklace had been. As we danced, and as I secretly admired her necklace, I remember meself subtly lifting the pretty thing up from her throat. Then it had suddenly unclasped, and I found meself pulling it off from around her throat and stuffing it in a pocket. She had had no clue, and I and me mates had used it’s loss to tease her before giving it back.

 

It had been a most satisfying newly acquired feeling for me at that age.... Which I had gambled would be the same feelings my young hugger mugger lad would also feel.

 

With a wry smile I wondered what my hugger mugger lad’s reaction would be as he would finally was made to give back the necklace. And what the overall reaction of the group would be when instead of the paper mache princess’s pricey diamonds in his pocket, he finds the small bits of pub nuts I had switched out with the necklace.

 

What I would have given to be able to witness that moment in time I thought , as I threw away the match and began puffing smoke from the lit pipe. I imagined what the three youths puzzled, gasping expressions would be like..!

 

Indeed, whose game had they been playing at?

 

I wondered if anybody would ever figure it out, or would it remain a mystery?

 

After a few puffs I looked in the direction of the park.. where I imagined the three were have gleeful adventures, for a bit anyways., and hopefully no further mis adventures...

 

I gave another long , thoughtful pull at me pipe...

Now, Just down that path would be that very park where at that very moment, a young lady clad in sleek lavender satin and sporting the remains of her dazzling collection of expensively brite sparkling diamonds ,was running about willy nilly in the woods.

 

Her eye catching gown and glistening, baiting jewels unsuspectingly openly exposed to the wilds outside, and fully unprotected by any observable means...

Not to mention there is also a spare, herself fetchingly attired in red silk and velvet. Herself wearing spiffen faux pearls and a glistening rhinestone hummingbird brooch!

 

It could very well be like taking away the proverbial candy from silken clad Babes...

 

Hmmm, a rather treasure trove of an opportunity indeed!

 

After a few minutes ponderings, I finally Let out an exasperated puff of smoke, as I regrettably shook my head NO..., no teasing my recently bestowed acte of providence, not by this Bloke.... and certainly not this evening !!

 

One in hand, I scolded meself ..

 

So, let it be Cheerio, I thought nodding down the side path of the woods towards the park in a solemn’ fare thee well’ salute..

 

And walking out into the glooming twilight of the evening, strode down the side walk to disappear into the misty aire..

 

Taking the smoking pipe from me mouth, I began Whistling the tune ...

 

‘Who put “Bella in the Wytch Elm”?

 

After all, who does not like coming up across a mystery?

 

“vade ad victor spolia”

 

Fini

 

A sunrise largely devoid of colour on the southern pier at Blyth - just enough to add a bit of interest

Interests & Pursuits

www.fluidr.com/photos/29469501@N03</

 

www.flickriver.com/photos/29469501%40N03/popular-interest...

 

Streets of St. Petersburg (Russia).

suesayer.weebly.com/

 

 

Special Interest Group plays the Tranzac Club, Toronto ON 26 Apr 2023

#roundandsquare

 

A Slinky is a toy pre-compressed helical spring invented by Richard James.

It can perform a number of tricks, including travelling down a flight of steps end-over-end as it stretches and re-forms itself with the aid of gravity and its own momentum,

In 1943, Richard James, a naval mechanical engineer stationed at the William Cramp and Sons shipyards in Philadelphia, was developing springs that could support and stabilise sensitive instruments aboard ships in rough seas.

James accidentally knocked one of the springs from a shelf, and watched as the spring "stepped" in a series of arcs to a stack of books, to a tabletop, and to the floor, where it re-coiled itself and stood upright.

James's wife Betty later recalled, "He came home and said, 'I think if I got the right property of steel and the right tension; I could make it walk.'"

James experimented with different types of steel wire over the next year, and finally found a spring that would ‘walk’.

Betty was dubious at first, but changed her mind after the toy was fine-tuned and neighbourhood children expressed an excited interest in it.

She dubbed the toy Slinky; meaning "sleek and graceful”.

On COLOURS...

Light and colour can influence how people perceive the area around them. Different light sources affect how the colours of walls and other objects are seen. Specific hues of colours seen under natural sunlight may vary when seen under the light from an incandescent (tungsten) light-bulb: lighter colours may appear to be more orange or "brownish" and darker colours may appear even darker.

Light and the colour of an object can affect how one perceives its positioning. If light or shadow, or the colour of the object, masks an object's true contour (outline of a figure) it can appear to be shaped differently than it really is.

Objects under a uniform light-source will promote better impression of three-dimensional shape.

The colour of an object may affect whether or not it seems to be in motion. In particular, the trajectories of objects under a light source whose intensity varies with space are more difficult to determine than identical objects under a uniform light source.

Carl Jung is most prominently associated with the pioneering stages of colour psychology. Jung was most interested in colours’ properties and meanings, as well as in Art’s potential as a tool for psychotherapy.

Colour has long been used to create feelings of cosiness or spaciousness. However, how people are affected by different colour-stimuli varies from person to person.

There is evidence that colour preference may depend on ambient temperature. People who are cold prefer warm colours like red and yellow while people who are hot prefer cool colours like blue and green.

A few studies have shown that cultural background has a strong influence on colour preference. These studies have shown that people from the same region regardless of race will have the same colour preferences.

I'm ALWAYS fascinated by COLOUR!

Hope this brings a smile again, have a good day and thanks for your visit, so very much appreciated, Magda, (*_*)

 

For more: www.indigo2photography.com

IT IS STRICTLY FORBIDDEN (BY LAW!!!) TO USE ANY OF MY image or TEXT on websites, blogs or any other media without my explicit permission. © All rights reserved

 

After Dark darlins'

ENGLISH:

As a retired photographer, you have plenty of time to explore new areas ....

My interest in macro photography began a little over a year ago.

It started with flowers and insects, but the desire to photograph smaller and smaller objects led to the purchase of lenses intended for microscopes.

4X, 10X and 20X lenses were ordered on Ebay.

 

Then one day I discovered a fruit fly in my kitchen and then I decided that this would be my next project.

Made a culture with banana in a bottle and saw that the flies were tempted to lay eggs in this simple culture.

Eventually I saw that eggs were laid and larvae followed.

Through the bottle I could film eggs and larvae.

Then came the step where larvae became pupae.

 

That was when it started to get a little complicated, when I wanted to film a fly that came out of the pupa .........

The problem was that I could not know when this would happened.

The desire to film this moment was rejected so plan B became timelaps ......

 

Rigged the camera and used Helicon Remote in timelapse mode and set it at 5sec intervals and 3000 exposures.

Nothing happened.....

New attempt with the same failure result.

Tried a third time and wowwww I got something .....

I got 14 exposures ..... but that was only enough for 0.5 sec with video..... In Premiere, I set it to slow motion, but it all got jerky and not quite what I wanted.

Tried a few more times at 1sec interval, but it failed again.

Gave up the "birth" recording and calmed down with what I had captured.

 

It was an exciting project even though it did not quite go my way ......

 

Then it was just a matter of editing and writing a text for the naration.

 

Used www.speechelo.com which provides text to speech.

 

Hope there is someone who is interested in this, even though it may be perceived as a bit strange.

 

I have at least had 14 days with a lot of fun and photographic challenges and you can not ask for more?

.

.

.

.

NORWEGIAN:

Som pensjonert fotograf, har man god tid til å undersøke nye områder....

Min interesse for makrofotografering begynnte for litt over et år siden.

Det beynnte med blomster og insekter, men ønsket om å fotografere mindre og mindre objekter førte til innkjøp av objektiver ment for mikroskoper.

På Ebay ble det bestillt 4X, 10X og 20X objektiver.

Så en dag oppdaget jeg en fruktflue på kjøkkenet og da bestemte jeg meg for at det skulle bli mitt neste prosjekt.

Laget en kultur med banan i en flaske og så at fluene ble fristet til å legge egg i denne enkle kulturen.

Etterhvert så jeg at egg ble lagt og larver fulgte så.

Gjennom flasken kunne jeg filme egg og larver.

Så kom steget hvor larver ble til pupper.

Det var da det begynte å bli litt komplisert, da jeg ønsket å filme en flue som kom ut av the puppen.........

Problemet var at jeg ikke kunne vite når dette skjedde.

Ønsket om å filme dette øyblikket ble forkastet så plan B ble timelaps......

Rigget opp kameraet og brukte Helicon Remote i timelapsmodus og satte det på 5sek intervall og 3000 eksponeringer.

Ingenting skjedde.....

Nytt forsøk med samme fiasko resultat.

Prøvde en tredje gang og wowwww I got something.....

Jeg fikk 14 eksponeringer....., men det var bare nok til 0,5 sek med video. I Premiere satte jeg den til slow motion, men det hele ble da rykkete og ikke helt hva jeg ønsket.

Prøvde et par ganger til med 1sek intervall, men det ble fiasko igjen.

Gav opp "fødsel" opptaket og slo meg til ro med det jeg hadde fått fanget på film.

Det var et spennende prosjek selv om det ikke helt gikk min vei......

 

Så var det bare å redigere og skrive en tekst til the naration.

 

Brukte www.speechelo.com som gir tekst til tale.

 

Håper det er noen som er interessert i dette selv om det kan oppfattes som litt sært.

 

Jeg har i allefall hatt 14 dager med mye gøy og fotografiske utfordringer og mer kan man vel ikke forlange?

Preparations

Trona Pinnacles in Trona California. For those not familiar with this area it is located 30 miles outside of Ridgecrest California off Trona Road (hwy 178). You are not far from Death Valley here as Ballarat is only about 45 minutes up the road. So many remarkable locations in California to keep photographers busy!

Bruce Lee (nom de naissance : Lee Jun-fan ), né dans le quartier de Chinatown à San Francisco aux États-Unis le 27 novembre 1940 et mort d'un œdème cérébral à Hong Kong en Chine le 20 juillet 1973, est un artiste martial, réalisateur, acteur, producteur, scénariste sino-américain et philosophe d'origine chinoise. Parallèlement à sa carrière d'acteur, il a créé son propre art martial, le Jeet Kune Do. Il est considéré comme le plus grand maître d'arts martiaux dans le cinéma mondial du xxe siècle et il a ouvert la voie à d'autres acteurs chinois comme Jackie Chan et Jet Li, ou étrangers comme Jean-Claude Van Damme ainsi que Chuck Norris. Sa mort tragique et prématurée a contribué à le faire entrer dans la légende du cinéma et des arts martiaux.

 

Né Lee Jun Fan, son prénom américain Bruce, lui aurait été donné par une infirmière. Bruce Lee (Li, selon l'orthographe PinYin officielle) est élevé à Hong Kong. Son père, Lee Hoi Chuen était comédien, vedette de l'opéra de Canton, ce qui permet à Lee d'apparaître dans plusieurs films asiatiques durant son enfance.

 

C'est à l'âge de 13 ans, vers 1953 - 1954 après avoir été initié au tai chi chuan que Bruce Lee commence à étudier un art martial chinois, le Wing Chun, dans l'école du célèbre maître Yip Man, auprès de Wong Shun Leung.

 

Pour valider sa nationalité américaine et parce que sa mère voulait l'éloigner des gangs de rues chinois, il entra à l'Edison Technical School, à Seattle, puis poursuivit des études de philosophie à l'université de Washington. C'est là qu'il rencontra sa future femme, Linda Emery, une jeune étudiante, en lui donnant des cours de kung fu. Ils se marièrent à Oakland le 17 août 1964. Bruce et Linda auront deux enfants, Brandon (décédé en 1993) et Shannon.

 

C'est à cette époque que Bruce Lee commence à enseigner sérieusement les arts martiaux, en ouvrant une école. Il enseigne à tous ceux qui veulent apprendre le style qu'il avait appris, le Wing Chun. D'après le témoignage de sa femme, cet enseignement est mal perçu par les autres écoles d'arts martiaux qui jugent que le kung fu ne doit être enseigné qu'à des Chinois. Selon elle, c'est pour cette raison que Bruce Lee a dû relever un défi : combattre le maître Wong Jack Man ; s'il perdait, il devrait fermer son école. Bruce Lee remporte le duel.

 

Bruce Lee essaye de poursuivre une carrière cinématographique entamée dans l'enfance en Chine, mais l'essentiel de ses revenus viennent de l'enseignement.

 

Début 1970, lors d'un exercice de musculation, il se blesse grièvement au dos. Il s'était déjà blessé plusieurs fois à cet endroit entre 1964 et 1970. Il reste alité quelques jours, et pendant six mois il abandonne tout exercice physique et en profite pour mettre par écrit des réflexions et croquis sur sa vision de l'art du combat et sur les relations entre celui-ci et la sagesse orientale. Sa veuve publiera ses écrits sous forme d'un livre, Tao of Jeet Kune Do, en 1975.

___________________________

Bruce Lee (born Lee Jun-fan; 27 November 1940 – 20 July 1973) was a Chinese American, Hong Kong actor, martial arts instructor, philosopher, film director, film producer, screenwriter, and founder of the Jeet Kune Do martial arts movement. He is widely considered by many commentators, critics, media and other martial artists to be the most influential martial artist, and a cultural icon.

 

Lee was born in San Francisco to parents of Hong Kong heritage but was raised in Hong Kong until his late teens. Lee emigrated to the United States at the age of 18 to claim his U.S. citizenship and receive his higher education. It was during this time that he began teaching martial arts, which soon led to film and television roles.

 

His Hong Kong and Hollywood-produced films elevated the traditional Hong Kong martial arts film to a new level of popularity and acclaim, and sparked a major surge of interest in Chinese martial arts in the West in the 1970s. The direction and tone of his films changed and influenced martial arts and martial arts films in Hong Kong and the rest of the world, as well.[10] He is noted for his roles in five feature-length films: Lo Wei's The Big Boss (1971) and Fist of Fury (1972); Way of the Dragon (1972), directed and written by Lee; Warner Brothers' Enter the Dragon (1973), directed by Robert Clouse; and The Game of Death (1978), directed by Robert Clouse.

 

Lee became an iconic figure known throughout the world, particularly among the Chinese, as he portrayed Chinese nationalism in his films. He initially trained in Wing Chun, but he later rejected well-defined martial art styles, favouring instead to use techniques from various sources in the spirit of his personal martial arts philosophy, which he dubbed Jeet Kune Do (The Way of the Intercepting Fist).

 

Clic ! - See it in large on black - Clic !

  

CaméraSony DSLR-A850

Exposition 2

Ouverture f/4.0

Longueur focale 100 mm

Vitesse ISO 100

Détection du degré d'exposition +0.7 EV

  

thanks to all for visits and faves :)

 

[My GETTY Images @] [My MOST FAVE on Flickriver] [My RECENT on Fluidr] [My STREAM on Darckr]

 

Promo ladies at the opening of the new Metro Bank branch in Queen St, Cardiff, Wales

old time memory

It doesn't interest me what you do for a living. I want to know what you ache for, and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart's longing.

It doesn't interest me how old you are. I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool for love, for your dream, for the adventure of being alive.

It doesn't interest me what planets are squaring your moon. I want to know if you have touched the centre of your own sorrow, if you have been opened by life's betrayals or have become shrivelled and closed from fear of further pain! I want to know if you can sit with pain, mine or your own, without moving to hide it or fade it, or fix it.

I want to know if you can be with joy, mine or your own, if you can dance with wildness and let the ecstasy fill you to the tips of your fingers and toes without cautioning us to be careful, to be realistic, to remember the limitations of being human.

It doesn't interest me if the story you are telling me is true. I want to know if you can disappoint another to be true to yourself; if you can bear the accusation of betrayal and not betray your own soul; if you can be faithless and therefore trustworthy.

I want to know if you can see beauty even when it's not pretty, every day, and if you can source your own life from its presence.

I want to know if you can live with failure, yours and mine, and still stand on the edge of the lake and shout to the silver of the full moon, “Yes!”

It doesn't interest me to know where you live or how much money you have. I want to know if you can get up, after the night of grief and despair, weary and bruised to the bone, and do what needs to be done to feed the children.

It doesn't interest me who you know or how you came to be here. I want to know if you will stand in the center of the fire with me and not shrink back.

It doesn't interest me where or what or with whom you have studied. I want to know what sustains you, from the inside, when all else falls away.

I want to know if you can be alone with yourself and if you truly like the company you keep in the empty moments."

 

Oriah Mountain Dreamer

Thanks for visiting! Most photos are of Mei, my wife and muse.

 

Albums of interest:

Most Popular Photos of Mei | | Mei This Year

2000+ photos of Mei (2002-Present)

 

FAQ

The weather interest is the dark cloud with a definite edge. Not visible in the photo, of course, the cloud was static all day and, typical of chinook (fohn), the day was unusually warm.

just lying there

A brown thrasher tilts its head sideways, perhaps to focus its sight and hearing on something (or someone) in particular. I see birds do this often; I guess it's the same sort of thing I see dogs do.

I am not a fan of stealth photography and I really treasure the interaction with the people I photograph. This was however one of those situations that could not be captured with the participation of the subjects. The lady on the left kept looking out the window but was clearly interested in her neighbours reading material. I pre-focused the camera in anticipation of the inevitable and was very happy to get the moment. Both have my fullest respect and I can recognise a bit of myself in both of them; how else would I have been able to anticipate the moment.

Summer SUNRISE ~ Independence Day Week

Vilano Beach ~ Saint Augustine, Florida U.S.A.

Northern Florida ~ Summer 2019 ~ 7/6/19

 

[Professional-model works the grasses, poses,

and the beautiful light at her early sunrise-shoot.]

 

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Johns_County,_Florida

 

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._augustine_florida

 

Group Cover Photo - Flagship Picture Group - 8/4/19

Saint Francis Receiving the Stigmata is a panel painting in tempera by the Italian artist Giotto, painted around 1295–1300 for the Church of Saint Francis in Pisa and it is now in the Musée du Louvre in Paris. It shows an episode from the life of Saint Francis of Assisi, and is 314 cm high (to the top of the triangule) by 162 cm wide. It is signed OPUS IOCTI FLORENTINI ("Work of Florentine Giotto").

In his Le Vite, Giorgio Vasari mentions the work in a transept chapel of the church of San Francesco in Pisa. Despite having been disputed, the work is now generally recognized to be by Giotto, being also signed; it has been dated from shortly before or after the Stories of St. Francis in Assisi, around 1295–1300.

In 1813 it became property of the Louvre (inv. 309), as part of the Napoleonic looting of art in Italy, together with Cimabue's Maestà, also from San Francesco. Jean Baptise Henraux took it, due to the interest of Dominique Vivant Denon, who was particularly passionate about "primitive" Italian paintings. It was put on display in the Louvre in 1814. After the restitution of artworks seized at the time, the great panel was one of the paintings that remained in France.

The work has a rectangular shape in the lower part, ending with a triangular cusp, and has a gold ground. It depicts St. Francis receiving the stigmata during his prayer on Mount Alverno from a flying Christ who appears to him as a seraph. The latter's wounds emit light rays which strike Francis' body. The background is a mix of newer and old elements, the latter including the very generic mountains and the lack of proportions in the landscape elements. The chapels in the mount show the attempt to draw them according to geometrical perspective. Francis' face is characterized by a strong use of chiaroscuro.

The scene was innovative as it abandoned the Italo-Byzantine tradition of inexpressive figures as the center of paintings in favor of a moment of action as the principal subject (compare the works of Bonaventura Berlinghieri and the Master of San Francesco Bardi, or Giotto's own Badia Polyptych).

At the left and right corners, the heraldry of the Ughi or Cinquini family is visible.

anyone interest buy my sheersocks?

Well, they say you should look for foreground interest in landscape type scenes!!

Blue Tit

Лазоревка

PictionID:43813589 - Catalog:17.S_000781 - Title:Lockheed T-33A 52-9667 and McDonnell F-4C 63-7557 123FIS ORANG near Portland 14Jul88 RJF - Filename:17.S_000781.tif - --------Image from the René Francillon Photo Archive. Having had his interest in aviation sparked by being at the receiving end of B-24s bombing occupied France when he was 7-yr old, René Francillon turned aviation into both his vocation and avocation. Most of his professional career was in the United States, working for major aircraft manufacturers and airport planning/design companies. All along, he kept developing a second career as an aviation historian, an activity that led him to author more than 50 books and 400 articles published in the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and elsewhere. Far from “hanging on his spurs,” he plans to remain active as an author well into his eighties.-------PLEASE TAG this image with any information you know about it, so that we can permanently store this data with the original image file in our Digital Asset Management System.--------------SOURCE INSTITUTION: San Diego Air and Space Museum Archive

The purpose of the rally/march was to pressure President Trump to release his tax returns for transparency and to reveal likely conflicts of interest. Many are nervous that he will monetize the presidency.

  

link tutorial:"https://www.youtube.com/c/SigitSaputradigitalimaging

  

hopefully pleasing

 

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Hello, and happy Friday everyone... For those of you on Flickr who have known me and have been friends with me for awhile, maybe aware of my interest in Photography, this is a reminder! When I have time, I love to take my camera out with me on my nature walks, to snap a few shots... That's right, not only do I paint and love to explore with art, but, I also dabble in photography too... Anyway, this is one of the few past photos that I have shared and wanted to let some of my newer friends know that as well... Eventually, I would love to paint a few of the photos I've taken, but, even If I don't paint them. I like to capture natures beauty with my camera, as I know some of you also do. I hope you like it too! FYI: You can see more of my photography, as well as my artwork, by visiting my website at www.danseitzinger.com and/or viewing "My Photography" as well as "My Art" Album, here on Facebook. You can also sign-up through my website... The subscription form is located at the bottom of my homepage. For those who subscribe, they can receive even more information about my art and photography, as well as some valuable information, including hints, tips and tricks to make your art and photos even better! Take care everyone and thank you for your continued support!! :-)

 

Photography by Artist Dan Seitzinger - (c) Copyright DMS Studios, DanMar Creations. www.danseitzinger.com

www.fluidr.com/photos/29469501@N03</

 

www.flickriver.com/photos/29469501%40N03/popular-interest...

The Law of Eaters in the Night: Maybe no one will notice.

Image captured at Pensacola Beach FL near sunset.

i always find it delightful to photograph photographers to add human interest to events

 

Could not resist shooting this photo at the top of Lombard street, San Francisco. Interesting photos are not always from the obvious angle. Try counting the cameras and the smart phones.