Theme Rules: Let’s take a journey to the wondrous Eastern Asian country of Japan. Here we can explore a multifaceted culture made up of thousand-year-old traditions as well as rapidly changing modern fads, fashion, and technology. For this theme, you must show us how your doll(s) is inspired by either traditional or modern Japanese culture. Is your doll modeling a couture kimono and kanzashi or a colorful kawaii street style ensemble for a fashion shoot? Is your doll a food critic in search of the Japanese restaurant with the most authentic and delectable sushi and sashimi? Or perhaps your doll(s) prefers Asian-inspired décor such as shoji screens, paper lanterns, and silk wall scrolls to decorate his/her home. More inspiration can be found with meditation areas with Zen gardens, chimes, mini fountains, and Buddha statues! How you approach this theme is entirely up to you. Just be sure to show us a piece of Japanese culture in your photo.

This photo: Another theme where I had lots of ideas, and sometimes the simplest of them all photograph the best. Japanese paper provides the background and "cherry blossom" branches surround Feminine Perspective Agnes, whose makeup has been adjusted in picmonkey for the slightest likeness to a Geisha. Her carefully sculpted original black eyeliner and stark red lips drew me to her for this theme.

In my opinion, the ceiling in development exists only when we limit ourselves and drive ourselves into the framework.

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If the person 💪 ready to overcome your inner barriers, 👎 destructive beliefs, think versatile, 🔎find alternatives 📚 learn and develop, the opportunities for growth will be more than enough...

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Think about the fact that our surrounding world is so multifaceted, it will not be enough to know it for a lifetime...

A lot depends on us, friends! So why not become those who can break through any ceiling?

What do you think about this? I will be glad to hear your comments 😉

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Ph: @safronoviv_photo

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#blackandwhite #flashphotography #gesture #grey #hair #head #sleeve #standing #style #waist #NikonD600 #safronoviv_photo

The idea of a different point of view has always fascinated me, either literally or figuratively. I guess it has to do with uncovering of as much as possible of the variety we experience in the world.

Besides, since when we were born we are taught as the world is, and more notions are added as our education progress. But sometimes we realize that the world 'is' in many different ways, or to put it in another way, the ideas about how the world is described can differ as much as to lead to a clash.

What I really love is how different perspectives can open your mind or at least definitely enrich your experience. I'm not sure I was or will be able to put at good use what I receive from this variety of point of views, but I consider them for sure as a sort of treasure that shines thanks to the multifaceted brilliance of those jewels of thought and experience.

- www.kevin-palmer.com - The solar eclipse was absolutely incredible. There's no way to capture it in 1 picture or 1,000 pictures and there's nothing really to compare it to. During the minutes surrounding totality the light changed so fast and there was so much to observe and photograph that it was overwhelming. It felt like time stood still and yet it was all over in an instant. I listened to the dozens of people around me who also climbed the 10,276' Laramie Peak to observe this eclipse. Cheering and exclamations of "WOW" were an almost involuntary reaction.

This is a composite showing 3 partial phases of the eclipse with a solar filter, as well as 3 of the features that are visible during totality. A group of sunspots was visible before being hidden by the moon. The red fringes on the left are solar prominences. Bigger than any planet, prominences are made up of dynamic loops of hot plasma and will often explode, triggering the aurora when it impacts earth's magnetic field. At the top the sun's corona can be seen. This outer atmosphere of the sun is sculpted by it's magnetic field. The temperature of the corona is up to 450 times hotter than the surface of the sun and no one knows why. At the top right is an effect known as the "diamond ring." It is the moment the first bit of sun emerges from behind the moon. I was surprised by just how suddenly it popped out, with all the brightness of the sun concentrated into a single point.

A dragonfly is an insect belonging to the order Odonata, suborder Anisoptera (from Greek ανισος anisos "uneven" + πτερος pteros, "wings", because the hindwing is broader than the forewing). Adult dragonflies are characterized by large multifaceted eyes, two pairs of strong transparent wings, sometimes with coloured patches, and an elongated body. Dragonflies can be mistaken for the related group, damselflies (Zygoptera), which are similar in structure though usually lighter in build; however, the wings of most dragonflies are held flat and away from the body, while damselflies hold the wings folded at rest, along or above the abdomen. Dragonflies are agile fliers while damselflies have a weaker, fluttery flight. Many dragonflies have brilliant iridescent or metallic colours produced by structural coloration, making them conspicuous in flight. An adult dragonfly eye has nearly 24,000 ommatidia.

Dragonflies are predators, both in their aquatic larval stage, when they are known as nymphs or naiads, and as adults. Several years of their life are spent as a nymph living in freshwater; the adults may be on the wing for just a few days or weeks. They are fast agile fliers, sometimes migrating across oceans, and are often but not always found near water

Thanjavur, Tamilnadu.

The Brihadeshwarar temple was built to grace the throne of the Chola empire by the Tamil emperor Arulmozhivarman, popularly called Rajaraja Chola I, (Tamil: இராசராச சோழன், Rājarāja Cholan) in compliance to a command given to him in a dream. One of the first great Tamil Chola building projects, the temple's foundations were laid out in 1002 CE. An axial and symmetrical geometry rules the temple layout. Temples from this period and the following two centuries are an expression of the Tamilars (Chola) wealth, power and artistic expertise. The emergence of such features as the multifaceted columns with projecting square capitals signal the arrival of the new Chola style.

Intended to display the emperor's vision of his power and his relationship to the universal order, the temple was the site of the major royal ceremonies such as anointing the emperor and linking him with its deity, Shiva, and the daily rituals of the deities were mirrored by those of the king. It is an architectural example showcasing the pure form of the Dravida type of temple architecture and representative of the Chola Empire ideology and the Tamil civilisation in Southern India. The temple "testify to the brilliant achievements of the Chola in architecture, sculpture, painting and bronze casting."

Construction

Statue of Rajaraja Chola Chola I who consecrated the temple

The architect and engineer of the temple was Kunjara Mallan Raja Raja Perunthachan as stated in inscriptions found at the temple. The temple was built per ancient texts called Vaastu Shastras and Agamas. The temple was built using a measure of 1 3/8-inch called an angula (24 units equalling 33 inches called a hasta, muzam, or kishku). This is the same measure found in ancient Lothal and other sites in the Indus Valley dating back 4000 – 6000 years. This same measure is used to build structures compliant with the Vaastu Shastras and Agamas today. While some builders use a different measure this is considered a standard due to its antiquity.

The solid base of the temple raises about 5 metres (16 feet), above which stone deities and representatives of Shiva dance. The big Nandi (bull), weighing about 20 tonnes is made of a single stone and is about 2 m in height, 6 m in length and 2.5 m in width. The presiding deity of lingam is 3.7m tall. The prakaram (outer precincts of the temple) measures 240m by 125m. The outer wall of the upper storey is carved with 108 dance karanas – postures of Bharathanatyam, the classical dance of Tamil Nadu. The shrine of Goddess was added by Pandyas during the 13th century, Subramanya Shrine by Vijayanagara rulers and the Vinayaka shrine was renovated by Maratha rulers. There were significant additions from the Thanjavur Nayaks.

A dragonfly is an insect belonging to the order Odonata, the suborder Epiprocta or, in the strict sense, the infraorder Anisoptera. It is characterized by large multifaceted eyes, two pairs of strong transparent wings, and an elongated bod

Maxime Lalanne’s (1827-1886) highly refined etchings, with their subtle use of line and delicate sense of shading, exemplify the scope and depth of a medium that underwent a significant revival in the mid-nineteenth century. Inspired by the highly detailed prints of earlier practitioners such as Rembrandt van Rijn (1606–1669), artists like Lalanne sought to reassert the medium’s dominance as a fine art over its more mundane uses as a method for reproduction. Working alongside the publisher Alfred Cadart, Lalanne diligently worked to raise the profile of printmaking. As a founding member of the Société des Aquafortistes, he was a central figure of the etching revival, serving simultaneously as a fine artist, an intrepid entrepreneur, and a teacher.

Defining Lines explores Lalanne’s legacy and considers the multifaceted roles that he played between his first salon appearance in 1852 and his death in 1886. The first section reflects on Lalanne as an artist. Included are compositions in charcoal and graphite executed throughout his lifetime, as well as early lithographs, and a selection of prints he exhibited to acclaim at the national salon. This includes Paris, vu prise du Pont de la Concorde, for which he won a gold medal in 1866. The second section examines work Lalanne produced with the printer and publisher Alfred Cadart, a key figure in the etching revival, as well images he supplied for outside publications such as the Gazette des beaux arts. The final section of the exhibition explores imagery from the artist’s published treatises and considers his working methods through graphite studies, unfinished etchings, and a comparison of multiple print states.

L’any 1982 l’artista polifacètic (pintor, dibuixant, escultor, escenògraf…) Lluís Mateu i Riera plasmà a la Plaça de la Vila un dels seus dos grups escultòrics més destacats, tres obres escultòriques erigides en memòria de les llúdrigues, un animal antigament molt abundant al Parc de les Deveses i extingit a mitjans segle XX, el qual ha retornat recentment gràcies a mesures de conservació.

Aquestes tres figures d’extrema simplicitat, d’un naturalisme quasi simbòlic, han aportat el nom popular de Plaça de les Llúdrigues a la Plaça de la Vila.

Salt (el Gironès) CAT.

www.festacatalunya.cat/articles-mostra-8126-cat-plaa_de_l...

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The Otters of Salt.

In 1982 the multifaceted artist (painter, draftsman, sculptor, scenographer...) Lluís Mateu i Riera created one of his two most outstanding sculptural groups in Plaça de la Vila, three sculptural works erected in memory of otters, an animal formerly very abundant in the Parc de les Deveses and extinct in the mid-20th century, which has recently returned thanks to conservation measures.

These three figures of extreme simplicity, of an almost symbolic naturalism, have contributed the popular name of Plaça de les Llúdrigues to Plaça de la Vila.

Salt (the Gironès) CAT.

www.festacatalunya.cat/articles-mostra-8126-cat-plaa_de_l. ..

SCULPTURE: ‘REEFlection’ by Amelia Batchelor

REEFlection is a series of sculptural elements made from ordinary, everyday plastic items. Amelia’s work provides the speculation of textures, shapes, and colors which have been manipulated and exploited to imitate living reef formations and their inhabitants. It is more urgent than ever to bring attention and awareness to the environmental plastic crisis that faces our world. Amelia’s aim for this multifaceted sculpture is to be a discussion piece in this crucial time of earth’s struggle for change in human behavior.

80/365

A dragonfly is an insect belonging to the order Odonata, infraorder Anisoptera (from Greek ἄνισος anisos, "uneven" and πτερόν pteron, "wing", because the hindwing is broader than the forewing). Adult dragonflies are characterized by large, multifaceted eyes, two pairs of strong, transparent wings, sometimes with coloured patches, and an elongated body. Dragonflies can be mistaken for the related group, damselflies (Zygoptera), which are similar in structure, though usually lighter in build; however, the wings of most dragonflies are held flat and away from the body, while damselflies hold the wings folded at rest, along or above the abdomen. Dragonflies are agile fliers, while damselflies have a weaker, fluttery flight. Many dragonflies have brilliant iridescent or metallic colours produced by structural coloration, making them conspicuous in flight. An adult dragonfly's compound eyes have nearly 24,000 ommatidia each.

Fossils of very large dragonfly ancestors in the Protodonata are found from 325 million years ago (Mya) in Upper Carboniferous rocks; these had wingspans up to about 750 mm (30 in). About 3000 species of Anisoptera are in the world today. Most are tropical, with fewer species in temperate regions.

Dragonflies are predators, both in their aquatic larval stage, when they are known as nymphs or naiads, and as adults. Several years of their lives are spent as nymphs living in fresh water; the adults may be on the wing for just a few days or weeks. They are fast, agile fliers, sometimes migrating across oceans, and are often found near water. They have a uniquely complex mode of reproduction involving indirect insemination, delayed fertilization, and sperm competition. During mating, the male grasps the female at the back of the head or on the prothorax, and the female curls her abdomen under her body to pick up sperm from the male's secondary genitalia at the front of his abdomen, forming the "heart" or "wheel" posture.

Loss of wetland habitat threatens dragonfly populations around the world. Dragonflies are represented in human culture on artifacts such as pottery, rock paintings, and Art Nouveau jewellery. They are used in traditional medicine in Japan and China, and caught for food in Indonesia. They are symbols of courage, strength, and happiness in Japan, but seen as sinister in European folklore. Their bright colours and agile flight are admired in the poetry of Alfred, Lord Tennyson and the prose of H. E. Bates.

On Explore - April 13, 2024 - Thanks to all my Flickr friends!

This morning, amidst light clouds and a moderate breeze, with the temperature at 15 degrees Celsius, the ladybugs were stirred into activity. They can now be spotted in parks and on the roses and other flowers in our gardens. Photographing ladybugs under direct sunlight has always posed a challenge for me. No matter what angle I shoot from, there's always the issue of light reflection and glare on their upper wings. However, today proved to be my lucky day; the UV filter on my 105mm macro lens proved sufficient.

The 7-Spotted Ladybug (Coccinella septempunctata) is a fascinating insect. Here's some information:

Appearance: As the name suggests, the 7-Spotted Ladybug typically has seven black spots on its red or orange elytra (wing covers). However, the number of spots can vary, and some individuals may have fewer or more spots.

Habitat: These ladybugs are commonly found in various habitats, including gardens, meadows, forests, and agricultural fields. They are distributed across Europe, Asia, and North America.

Diet: 7-Spotted Ladybugs primarily feed on aphids and other small insects. They are considered beneficial insects in agriculture and gardening because they help control pest populations.

Life Cycle: Like other ladybugs, the 7-Spotted Ladybug undergoes complete metamorphosis, consisting of four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The larvae resemble small, spiny black and orange caterpillars and are also voracious predators of aphids.

Behavior: Ladybugs, including the 7-Spotted variety, are known for their ability to secrete a yellow fluid from their joints when threatened, which has a foul odor and can deter predators.

Ecological Importance: Due to their role in controlling aphid populations, 7-Spotted Ladybugs are considered beneficial insects in ecosystems and agriculture. They are often used in biological pest control methods as a natural alternative to chemical pesticides.

Overall, the 7-Spotted Ladybug is not only visually appealing but also serves an important ecological function in maintaining the balance of insect populations in various ecosystems.

Ladybugs, like many other insects, go through a period of dormancy during the winter months, known as hibernation. During hibernation, ladybugs typically seek out sheltered spots such as under leaf litter, in tree bark crevices, or inside buildings to protect themselves from the cold temperatures. They enter a state of reduced metabolic activity, conserving energy until warmer weather returns.

Ladybugs hibernate in groups, which provides them with added protection and warmth. They release a chemical signal that attracts other ladybugs to gather in clusters, known as aggregations. These aggregations can sometimes be quite large, with thousands of ladybugs huddled together.

As the weather begins to warm up in spring, ladybugs become more active and start to emerge from their hibernation sites. They begin searching for food and mates to start the reproductive cycle anew. This emergence from hibernation is often observed by people who may find ladybugs crawling out of their winter hiding spots and venturing into the open once again.

Ladybug populations in the UK can vary depending on factors such as habitat, climate, and food availability. While specific population numbers may not be readily available, ladybugs are common and widespread throughout the UK, with numerous species found across various habitats including gardens, parks, woodlands, and agricultural fields.

Ladybugs play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance and supporting biodiversity. Some of the benefits they provide in natural life include:

Controlling nature's pests: Ladybugs are voracious predators of aphids, scale insects, mites, and other garden pests. By feeding on these pests, ladybugs help to keep their populations in check, reducing the need for chemical pesticides in agriculture and gardening.

Pollination: While ladybugs are primarily known as predators, some species also feed on pollen and nectar. As they move from flower to flower in search of food, they inadvertently aid in pollination, facilitating the reproduction of flowering plants.

Indicator Species: Changes in ladybug populations can serve as indicators of environmental health. Monitoring ladybug populations can help scientists assess the impact of habitat loss, climate change, and pollution on ecosystems.

Food Source for Predators: Ladybugs serve as an important food source for various predators, including birds, spiders, and other insects. Their presence contributes to the food web and supports the survival of higher trophic levels in ecosystems.

Aesthetic Value: Ladybugs are beloved by many people for their bright colors, distinctive markings, and gentle demeanor. Their presence adds beauty and charm to gardens and natural landscapes, enhancing the overall aesthetic value of these environments.

Overall, ladybugs play multifaceted roles in ecosystems, from providing valuable ecosystem services to captivating human observers with their fascinating behavior and appearance. Protecting and conserving ladybug populations is essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems and promoting sustainable agriculture and gardening practices.

Acer palmatum - Japanese Maple Tree - The Japanese maple is an incredibly beautiful tree. The leaves take on the classic lobed shape of maples with fresh green foliage through the spring and summer. Pretty, small, red flowers make for lovely displays in the spring. The leaves then mature into stunning bright red for the autumn, accompanied by red or green fruit for added autumn interest. These colours look truly stunning in the autumn sun.

This is a very versatile tree and will grow happily in any soil type as long as it is well-drained and kept moist. Adding to its versatility, it will grow well in full sun or partial shade. However, you should make sure it’s put in a sheltered position. This is a deciduous tree, so its red autumn leaves will fall in the winter making way for the new green growth in the spring.

I've captured some memorable moments with my camera, and I genuinely hope you'll experience the same joy in viewing these images as I did in capturing them.

Thank you immensely for visiting my gallery, whether you leave comments, add favorites, or simply take a moment to look around. Your support means a lot to me, and I wish you the best of luck and beautiful light in all your endeavors.

© All rights reserved by R.Ertug. Please refrain from using this image without my explicit written permission. If you're interested in purchasing or using it, feel free to contact me via Flickr mail.

Your comments and critiques are highly valued.

Thanks for taking the time to stop by and explore :)

From Wikipedia:

A dragonfly is a type of insect belonging to the order Odonata, the suborder Epiprocta or, in the strict sense, the infraorder Anisoptera. It is characterized by large multifaceted eyes, two pairs of strong transparent wings, and an elongated body... Dragonflies are valuable predators that eat mosquitoes, and other small insects like flies, bees, ants and butterflies. They are usually found around lakes, ponds, streams and wetlands because their larvae, known as "nymphs", are aquatic.

View On Black

Red Dragonfly

It is characterized by large multifaceted eyes, two pairs of strong transparent wings, and an elongated body. Dragonflies can sometimes be mistaken for damselflies, which are morphologically similar; however, adults can be differentiated by the fact that the wings of most dragonflies are held away from, and perpendicular to, the body when at rest. Dragonflies possess six legs (like any other insect), but most of them cannot walk well. Dragonflies are among the fastest flying insects in the world.

Nikon D5100

Shutter Speed-1/200,

iso 160, 45mm, F 5.6.

Location: Batanagar.

CLICK on image to look close.

It does not seem fair that such a beautiful little weed has so many ugly names. Even the botanical name is ugly: Jacobaea vulgaris. Below, are the equally ugly common names, from

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacobaea_vulgaris

"ragwort, common ragwort, stinking willie, tansy ragwort, benweed, St. James-wort, stinking nanny/ninny/willy, staggerwort, dog standard, cankerwort, stammerwort."

For reasons given below, I think we should call it "Nectar Weed."

It seems that the ugly names are because it is toxic to cattle. On the other hand,

" ...it provides a great deal of nectar for pollinators. It was rated in the top 10 for most nectar production (nectar per unit cover per year) in a UK plants survey..."

For more on its multifaceted ecological importance, see:

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacobaea_vulgaris#Ecological_import...

Location: Front garden of a neighbor, who purposely reserves part of it for a patch of weeds, Riehen BS Switzerland.

In my album: Dan's Weed World

Closeup of the taillight of a 2004 Toyota Prius

Reprocessed photo from the archives

PRESENTATION OF THE OUTFIT:

For this challenge, Memole takes inspiration from Zoe Saldana, a famous movie star, model and dancer who recently had her star on the Walk of Fame. Very strong and determined, Memole began her career studying dance and acting, also participating in commercials and working as a model for well-known fashion magazines. Later, given her skills, she is contacted by famous directors and begins to act in very important movies. Fashion is still her great passion, and she gives numerous interviews in which she explains how each form of art is the expression of one's personality and needs and how important it is to put "the heart", a word she loves, in everything you do. Tonight Memole decides to wear an elegant ivory dress, composed of a close-fitting top, embroidered and embellished with particular inlays and a wide silk skirt, composed of veils and chiffon. Final touch, a bow tie around the neck, which makes her sophisticated and unconventional. She has deserved her "star" and she continues to prove it every day, being a talented woman, dynamic and creative, multifaceted and with a thousand resources.

Kadokawa Culture Museum

A cultural complex built on the concept of fusing together a library, an art museum, and a natural history museum. Built under the supervision of Seigow Matsuoka, the 5-storey complex aspires to be a hub for sharing all genres of art - from mainstream culture to pop culture - in a multifaceted manner.

Please enjoy!

This picture was taken in the Garden of Monet, Giverny, France.

A dragonfly is an insect belonging to the order Odonata, infraorder Anisoptera Adult dragonflies are characterized by large, multifaceted eyes, two pairs of strong, transparent wings, sometimes with coloured patches, and an elongated body. Dragonflies can be mistaken for the related group, damselflies (Zygoptera), which ...

Sonicwear – Blue Conical Hand and Spherical Hand, 2022

South Korean artist Haegue Yang (born 1971, Seoul) is one of the leading artists of her generation. Leap Year showcases her multifaceted work, which spans thirty years and encompasses various media, including installations, sculptures, video, text, and sound. She transforms everyday objects, such as aluminum blinds, drying racks, and metal bells, into works of art that stimulate the senses.

Kunsthal Rotterdam: Haegue Yang - Leap Year, March 1 – August 24, 2025.

As a tribute to one of Belgium's greatest living artists, an exhibition featuring a selection of Alechinsky's works on paper was mounted in 2022, featuring some 270 works donated to the Royal Museums in the past, as well as a number of works from more recent exceptional donations.

The exhibition reveals how Alechinsky, with a keen sense of technical experimentation, explores his own imagination. In this way, he elevates the act of drawing - and thus the drawing itself - to the core of his rich and multifaceted oeuvre.

Saint John's Hospital was once the most important medieval urban institution for the sick, poor and needy in the city of Bruges. Since 1977, the medieval infirmaries have been converted into a museum. This museum tells the story of the building, the care of the sick and the cloistered community through artefacts and works of art, first and foremost the works of Hans Memling.This visit shows the temporary retrospective exhibition by Otobong Nkanga linked to old works of art including Memling

Otobong Nkanga (1974 - Kano, Nigeria) is a visual artist and performance artist. She lives and works in Antwerp. Nkanga focuses on concepts such as identity, raw materials as symbols of territory, power and conflict, exploitation of landscape, people and labor, globalization and transformation. Her oeuvre is a multifaceted palette that includes drawings, performances, sculptures and other media.

contemporaries

The Feeders

www.fabiolajeanlouis.squarespace.com

When you have something special, protect it. Sometimes, you may even have to fight for it because, no matter what, the feeders will come...

The shoot & process:

During one of our hang outs in the woods, my brother played around with different movements to express what he was feeling. The movements started out as silly, then progressed to more telling expressions. What struck me about it was the gaze in his eyes, as well as the multifaceted suggestions of his position. In one way, it seemed as though he was protecting something very dear to him. In other ways, I saw fear, paranoia, and madness...I began to imagine that, perhaps there was something sinister in the forest behind him. It was chasing him and maybe wanted that THING (whatever it is) from him...It wanted to feed on the elements that make him precious. With those thoughts in mind, I approached this piece with the natural darkness it had...something I enjoyed and loved very much. Oh the possibilities of the story...

Even in the magical world - the light cannot exist without darkness and, darkness cannot live without the light. It is balance.

Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism, is known as the "Destroyer" within the Trimurti, which also includes Brahma the Creator and Vishnu the Preserver. He is a complex and multifaceted god, representing the cycle of creation, preservation, destruction, and regeneration. Shiva is often depicted with a third eye, symbolizing wisdom and insight, a crescent moon in his hair, representing time and cycles, and the river Ganga flowing from his matted locks, indicating purification and sustenance.

He is also depicted in the form of the Nataraja, the cosmic dancer who performs the dance of creation and destruction. Worshipped widely across India.

His importance in Hindu culture extends beyond mythology and religious practices; Shiva's presence is felt in art, music, and literature, symbolizing transformation and the interconnectedness of life and death. His festivals, such as Maha Shivaratri, are celebrated with great fervor, marking his role as a pivotal figure in Hindu devotion and spirituality.

4400+ Views! Where do dragonflies come from? This dragonfly is still clinging to its larval skin from which it just emerged. Very interesting yet creepy! Taken near Two Inlets Lake in Northern Minnesota.

More about the process from Wikipedia:

The larval stage of large dragonflies may last as long as five years. In smaller species, this stage may last between two months and three years. When the larva is ready to metamorphose into an adult, it climbs up a reed or other emergent plant. Exposure to air causes the larvae to begin breathing. The skin splits at a weak spot behind the head and the adult dragonfly crawls out of its old larval skin, pumps up its wings, and flies off to feed on midges and flies. The adult stage of larger species of dragonfly can last as long as five or six months. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragonfly

Dragonflies -

A dragonfly is an insect belonging to the order Odonata, infra-order Anisoptera (from Greek ἄνισος anisos "uneven" and πτερόν pteron, "wing", because the hindwing is broader than the forewing).

Adult dragonflies are characterized by large, multifaceted eyes, two pairs of strong, transparent wings, sometimes with colored patches, and an elongated body.

Dragonflies can be mistaken for the related group, damselflies (Zygoptera), which are similar in structure, though usually lighter in build; however, the wings of most dragonflies are held flat and away from the body, while damselflies hold the wings folded at rest, along or above the abdomen.

Dragonflies are agile fliers, while damselflies have a weaker, fluttery flight. Many dragonflies have brilliant iridescent or metallic colors produced by structural coloration, making them conspicuous in flight. An adult dragonfly’s compound eyes have nearly 24,000 ommatidia each.

Fossils of very large dragonfly ancestors in the Protodonata are found from 325 million years ago (Mya) in Upper Carboniferous rocks; these had wingspans up to about 750 mm (30 in). About 3000 species of Anisoptera are in the world today. Most are tropical, with fewer species in temperate regions.

Dragonflies are predators, both in their aquatic larval stage, when they are known as nymphs or naiads, and as adults. Several years of their lives are spent as nymphs living in fresh water; the adults may be on the wing for just a few days or weeks. They are fast, agile fliers, sometimes migrating across oceans, and are often found near water.

They have a uniquely complex mode of reproduction involving indirect insemination, delayed fertilization, and sperm competition. During mating, the male grasps the female at the back of the head or on the prothorax, and the female curls her abdomen under her body to pick up sperm from the male's secondary genitalia at the front of his abdomen, forming the "heart" or "wheel" posture.

Loss of wetland habitat threatens dragonfly populations around the world. Dragonflies are represented in human culture on artifacts such as pottery, rock paintings, and Art Nouveau jewelry.

They are used in traditional medicine in Japan and China and caught for food in Indonesia. They are symbols of courage, strength, and happiness in Japan, but seen as sinister in European folklore. Their bright colors and agile flight are admired in the poetry of Alfred, Lord Tennyson and the prose of H. E. Bates.

Link -

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragonfly

Marsh driftwood and Florida shrubbery frame the liftoff phase of the Space Shuttle Endeavour as it begins the STS-69 mission. Liftoff from Launch Pad 39A occurred at 11:09:00:52 a.m. (EDT), September 7, 1995. The crew of five NASA astronauts was embarking on an 11-day multifaceted mission featuring two free-flying scientific research spacecraft, a spacewalk and a host of experiments in both the cargo bay and the middeck. Onboard were astronauts David M. Walker, Kenneth D. Cockrell, James S. Voss, James H. Newman and Michael L. Gernhardt.

NASA Media Usage Guidelines

Credit: NASA

Image Number: sts069-s-022

Date: September 7, 1996

Multifaceted reflections from the windows of the Aria Resort/Hotel seem convey the variety of sights and activity along the strip in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Believe it or not, this is a photograph and not a composite image or other composition. While I did do a bit of global levels/contrast and color/white balance adjustments no local adjustments or manipulations were performed. It really did look this way!

Camera Nikon D800

Exposure 0.002 sec (1/640)

Aperture f/7.1

Focal Length 98 mm

ISO Speed 1600

Exposure Bias 0 EV

View the entire Las Vegas Set

View the entire - Shapes and Forms Set.

View the entire Design/Abstract Set

View my - Most Interesting according to Flickr

Taken in our garden. Sitting on the finger of our son Felix...

This was a big one !

A dragonfly is an insect belonging to the order Odonata. It is characterized by large multifaceted eyes, two pairs of strong transparent wings, and an elongated body (look above !!!).

Dragonflies typically eat mosquitoes, midges and other small insects like flies, bees, and butterflies. They are usually found around lakes, ponds, streams, and wetlands because their larvae, known as " nymphs ", are aquatic. Dragonflies do not normally bite or sting humans (though they will bite in order to escape).

In fact, they are valued as a predator that helps control the populations of harmful insects, such as mosquitoes. It is because of this that dragonflies are sometimes called " mosquito hawks " in North America along with the Crane Fly (which, in fact, does not eat mosquitoes).

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Devotees on their way to celebrate Mami Wata (Benin).

The Mami Wata ("Mother Water") is a significant figure in West African Vodoun. She is a prominent water spirit venerated across various African cultures and in the African diaspora.

Mami Wata serves as a multifaceted symbol in African spirituality.

She is revered as a nurturing mother, a provider of wealth, and a healer of ailments.

Conversely, she is also seen as a seductive temptress, embodying risks and challenges.

This duality makes her a powerful figure, representing the unpredictable nature of water and the complexities of life.

During the Voodoo festival, devotees, often dressed in white, gather along the shores of the sea to pay homage to her.

The ceremonies involve singing, dancing, and rituals aimed at honoring the sea goddess.

Website: www.robertopazziphoto.com/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/roberto_pazzi_photo/

A wall of mirrors in the reception area of Brooklands Hotel.

"we photograph in the may" tour with mariburg

Medina-Sidonia

Andalusia

Spain

Medina-Sidonia is an unspoilt, little known ancient hill-top town despite its important history. The town was one of Spain's most important ducal seats in the 15th century; producing an admiral who led the Armada against England.

The village has a fascinating multifaceted character; with medieval walls and tidy narrow cobbled streets flanked by rows of reja-fronted houses.

SCULPTURE: ‘REEFlection’ by Amelia Batchelor

REEFlection is a series of sculptural elements made from ordinary, everyday plastic items. Amelia’s work provides the speculation of textures, shapes, and colors which have been manipulated and exploited to imitate living reef formations and their inhabitants. It is more urgent than ever to bring attention and awareness to the environmental plastic crisis that faces our world. Amelia’s aim for this multifaceted sculpture is to be a discussion piece in this crucial time of earth’s struggle for change in human behavior.

Devotees on their way to celebrate Mami Wata (Benin).

The Mami Wata ("Mother Water") is a significant figure in West African Vodoun. She is a prominent water spirit venerated across various African cultures and in the African diaspora.

Mami Wata serves as a multifaceted symbol in African spirituality.

She is revered as a nurturing mother, a provider of wealth, and a healer of ailments.

Conversely, she is also seen as a seductive temptress, embodying risks and challenges.

This duality makes her a powerful figure, representing the unpredictable nature of water and the complexities of life.

During the Voodoo festival, devotees, often dressed in white, gather along the shores of the sea to pay homage to her.

The ceremonies involve singing, dancing, and rituals aimed at honoring the sea goddess.

Website: www.robertopazziphoto.com/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/roberto_pazzi_photo/

Portrait of a child celebrating the Mami Wata (Benin).

The Mami Wata ("Mother Water") is a prominent water spirit venerated across various African cultures and in the African diaspora. Mami Wata is a significant figure in West African Vodoun.

Mami Wata serves as a multifaceted symbol in African spirituality. She is revered as a nurturing mother, a provider of wealth, and a healer of ailments. Conversely, she is also seen as a seductive temptress, embodying risks and challenges. This duality makes her a powerful figure, representing the unpredictable nature of water and the complexities of life.

During the Voodoo festival, devotees, often dressed in white, gather along the shores of the sea to pay homage to her. The ceremonies involve singing, dancing, and rituals aimed at honoring the sea goddess.

Website: www.robertopazziphoto.com/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/roberto_pazzi_photo/

Subconscious exploration is a project that explores the multifaceted nature of reality and the fine border between reason and phantasm.

With the Museum Brandhorst, the Kunstareal museum complex has gained a significant new addition. In conjunction with the collection of the Pinakothek der Moderne, the multifaceted profile of modern and contemporary art has been expanded in an impressive manner.

The Udo and Anette Brandhorst Collection, with its important work complexes, was opened to the public in May 2009 in a fascinating building designed by Sauerbruch Hutton architects. Both, architecture and works, further emphasize the city’s significant cultural importance.

...taken from the entrance floor of the museum, and a security guard was standing tall in the basement gallery...

Munich, Germany...

This was taken way back in May during a visit to the Royal Horticultural Society’s main garden at Wisley, in their tropical house. I was using a vintage lens, the Flektogon 2.4/35.

I have no idea what it is but if I were a fly I would be very suspicious. To my mind (and multifaceted eyes) these look like lips on their side… er… seen from the inside, as it were. (Come on, use your imagination and go with the story…). And the plant, hanging from its host looks distinctly carnivorous. One contact you’re stuck and doomed to descend slowly into the pit of enzymes below.

Originally I thought of submitting this tomorrow for the Smile on Saturday’s theme of a flower in a portrait orientation image, as it was one of the very few portrait images I have of flora. But smiling on Saturday seems inconsistent with this title and the forced contemplation of the gruesome end that awaits you here.

So I’ll just post it for Friday Flora today, to cheer you up. I just hope you make it through to tomorrow now...

Thank you for taking the time to look. I hope (kind of) that you enjoy the image and that it doesn’t enjoy you. Happy Freitagsblümchen :)

Photographed at Mt. Makiling National Park during the Pinoy Kodakero - Pinoy Macro Photowalk, December 5, 2009

This photo would've been my entry to the macro contest but I was not allowed to participate because I'm too "experienced" in macro like the two other Pinoy Macro Admins. Argh!

A dragonfly is a type of insect belonging to the order Odonata, the suborder Epiprocta or, in the strict sense, the infraorder Anisoptera. It is characterized by large multifaceted eyes, two pairs of strong transparent wings, and an elongated body. Dragonflies are similar to damselflies, but the adults can be differentiated by the fact that the wings of most dragonflies are held away from, and perpendicular to, the body when at rest. Even though dragonflies possess 6 legs like any other insect, they are not capable of walking.

Dragonflies are valuable predators that eat mosquitoes, and other small insects like flies, bees, ants, and butterflies. They are usually found around lakes, ponds, streams and wetlands because their larvae, known as "nymphs", are aquatic.

No credits in this one, but for me and alot of people we lost a hero on the 28th of August. Chadwick Boseman, most know him as T'Challa from the Black Panther movie, I know him also from Da 5 Bloods, Marshall, Get on up, & 42, some of my fave movies he played in. And if you just know him ONLY from Black Panther that's ok, but I highly reccoment you check out some of his other movies as well! He was a multitalented, multifaceted speaker, intelligent, just an awe inspiring man to me..and many people within the black community.

Chadwick Boseman battled colon cancer for 4 years after his diagnosis of the disease in 2016.. only his family knew about it..no one else.. he visited children hospitals of other kids who had cancer, and were terminal, listened to their stories, and wanted to make them proud, because they loved him, and were inspired by him, the same way I was, and still am. I can only imagine, or maybe you can, if you've ever had a love one have cancer, or pass from it, it's not easy..there are some good days, bad days.. and even worst days.. but he never gave up, and he kept fighting til his last breath. My deepest and sincerest condolences to his family and friends closest to him. This year has been rough, but...when one flame goes out.. another takes its place, the marathon continues... R.I.P Chadwick Boseman Gone but NEVER forgotten ✊💖🌈

Doncaster is a fascinating blend of historical influence, industrial legacy, and modern cultural vibrancy. Located in South Yorkshire in the north of England along the scenic River Don, the city’s history stretches back to Roman times when it was known as Danum, a strategic fortification built to monitor important routes during the Roman occupation .

Over the centuries, Doncaster evolved from its early military origins into a pivotal industrial town. Its evolution was closely intertwined with the expansion of the railway network and the growth of horse racing traditions—both of which helped define its modern character. The city is home to iconic landmarks such as the Doncaster Racecourse, renowned for hosting the prestigious St Leger Festival, and historical sites like St George’s Minster and Cusworth Hall that stand as reminders of its rich architectural and cultural heritage.

In recent years, Doncaster has embraced its multifaceted identity by blending the old with the new. Officially conferred city status in November 2022 as part of a royal celebration, it now serves not only as a reminder of aristocratic and industrial traditions but also as a dynamic centre for arts, retail, and community events. Modern attractions and a thriving events calendar ensure that visitors and residents alike can experience its evolving story—from its industrial past to its present-day status as a lively, multicultural urban hub.

Had a wonderful day with the family in the new sculpture park in Oslo. A bit crowded so it was not that easy to get pictures

Here is one of the sculptures. The theme of the park is women sculptures

VENUS DE MILO AUX TIROIRS

From the Master of the Absurd, the Spanish multifaceted artist Salvador Dali, we get an unexpected twist on the iconic classic Venus de Milo. Venus de Milo with drawers is based on a model of the original sculpture in the Louvre.

The Surrealists were inspired by Sigmund Freud’s theories on dream interpretation and the subconscious; Dali compares the subconscious with the secret drawers that can be opened in this work. The location of the drawers is not accidental; the artist also sees the drawers as a symbol for suppressed sexuality. This is subject matter that also appears in Dali’s paintings.