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Last weekend, Chaney and I were thrilled to still find more Question Mark caterpillars in the Upper Delta!
A Deep Hug and Hearfelt thank you to my Friend Emma for playing along
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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
Please NOTE and RESPECT the copyright.
©lella sodré photoworks - All rights reserved.
Como todos me chamam de maníaca porque adoro empilhar coisas, estes dias descobri que existem até competições para empilhar as coisas mais inusitadas.
Convenhamos, isso exige uma certa habilidade....rsrrrs...........e paciência. O resultado é sempre bacana ou divertido( quando aquilo tudo despenca).
A "small" santa Gnome. Few pieces have been painted.
Please leave a coment if you like it or if you got questions.
"We count only blue cars
Skip the cracks, in the street
And ask many questions
Like children often do..."
More pics in blog [mid & back] <3
Skin: LUMAE - Rhae Skin [T1] NEW!!!
Head: LeLUTKA - Avalon Head
Body: eBODY - Reborn
Boobs: eBODY REBORN - Juicy Boobs
Hair: no.match_ - No Engine [@ Uber]
Bodysuit: .:Beauty of Darkness:. CG-001 Bodysuit,
Tattoo: THIS IS WRONG - Electroclub shine+tattoo
Weapon: [REKT x TREVOR] - Swordmaster Kabuto [Check this video to see the different animations, options] NEW!!!
Boots: Diaboli Design - Solid Boots
Pose: Ana Poses - Moon
old watch illuminated with a flashlight.
Find me
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I've always been asked what is my most complicated model. That's the incorrect question. Complex in what? In folding? If your model is complex in folding, then you probably did a bad origami model. Complex in consumed time? Well, again it might be better to design easier thing that would look the same. Complex to design? I've seen people spending hours to design something that came out over-complicated and time-consuming. At the same time some easy models are awesome...
I would change this question to the one "what model are you proud of?". It is valid question. It is not complex in folding (may be a bit complex in assembly if you do not crease well, but, well, crease well!), not to much time consuming and did not take me long to design it. But I am proud of this model ;)
The cat is thinking about philosophy, for sure!
I re-folded this model specially for the exhibition in Chi Mei museum. It is on display there right now.
berniepeyton.com/origami-universe-comprehensive-origami-e...
tutorial for this model can be found at youtube
Here's WIP of a tank I'm working on.
If I were to make instructions for some of my builds, would you guys be interested?
It's at times when you're searching for something but don't know what it is, looking for an answer to all your questions and wondering what life is really all about, that when you just take a drive the road you've never been down and get completely lost in your self and the world around you and don't plan or expect to end up somewhere that you end up being reminded that the world can make a difference and give you pleasure, and put a smile on your face... you just have to see it from a different perspective, capture it, then that moment can never be forgotten. 😊
Never forget your camera!! 📷
Dad, I ask you again, does this fur coat make my ass look fat?
________________________________________________
Abandoned (Kemp) road, Ottawa, Ontario
350. Clancy, 5yrs 42wks
Clancy's YEARBOOK 6: www.flickr.com/photos/130722340@N04/albums/72157690680496806
MONOCHROME Clancy: www.flickr.com/photos/130722340@N04/albums/72157655760302498
The June issue of my journal, The Question Mark, explores this question at questioning.org/Jun2023/home.html
The photo above, probably taken by my father, showed the home where I spent my early days, enjoying swimming, fishing and water skiing on the waters of Greenwich Cove.
I no longer think of this as home, as I have wandered hither and yon with my three cats, and have come to understand how we might create home wherever we live.
And sometimes, when romance is especially warm, we might feel most at home in our lover's arms, as expressed in the poem below.
Next to you
Lying next to you
I melt
Softened by your heat
I am butter soaking into toast
I am man loving woman
I am sun sinking into ocean
A sky ablaze with rose-tinted light
Waking next to you
I linger
Savoring your touch
Your scent
Your gentle breathing
In and out
At home in my arms
Sleeping the deep sleep
Living next to you
My palette is more vivid
My palate more complex
Life is shining and exuberant
Time slowed
Rhythm quickened
Pulse intense
Writing next to you
My words flow like a swollen river
Poem after poem after poem
As love and passion press me like a lemon
And juice pours out
Lyrically
While I surrender
Thankfully
© Jamie McKenzie, all rights reserved
You will find more of my poems and songs here
and in The Storm in Its Passing and Flights of Fancy.
My songs are at
"In winter why do we try to keep the house as warm as it is in summer
when we complained about the heat?" LOL
~unknown
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Whatever the weather hope you're all having a good Sunday!"
~Mary Lou
charcoal, ink, oil, pencil, collage & sawn up painting mounted on board // irreg. max h. 34X 36" // // original text here: bit.ly/39s3Mdw
The Question Block from Super Mario Bros. for Nintendo. It's the same all around except the bottom and also completely hollow. Made for the GamerLUG display for Brickworld Chicago 2017.
Wild sky with mammatus clouds forming over natural arch in Joshua Tree National Park, California.
Did you know we had a tornado touch down in Riverside County?
We had some wild skies in Joshua Tree during our night photo workshop over the weekend. I'd never seen the park so crowded in the summer time. All campsites were full by suns
et! It wasn't too hot in the late afternoon, the monsoon cooled down the higher elevations and it was perfect for sleeping with out a sleeping bag! We caught some great meteors too!!
We watched these mammatus clouds form under the giant anvil or cumulonimbus cloud. Which one is it, you tell me? We see something interesting and we shoot it now and ask questions later!!
Check out the new California Landscape Photographer group here on Flickr
www.flickr.com/groups/californialandscapephotographer
Check it out and post some photos!!
©This photograph is copyrighted and is not permitted for free use.
• You never see the same thing twice! Except Halley's comet if you're lucky.
• Don't let your viewfinder or lcd limit how you see! We don't walk around in 2x3 vision.
Visit my profile page for Services, Resources, and Workshops
under the skies that transcend billions of universes,
the outsized elephant-room of questions & secrets;
deepak ` the lightwriter's canvas broach in open.
we read our dread, Who if I cried out would hear me?
mind the stillness-mat viz; feelings get encroached; at
first, you praise their dress, then you get ash-dressed.
'ours' keeps breaking - ourselves, within our perimeter.
bully / pulpit alters us; diminishes sickle consciousness.
betwixt the micro spaces of conversation / correctness,
a certain static silence had enshrined in - just all over.
harbinger of tenuous assumptions kept on ossifying
into the experiments with musts, doubts, turncoats.
approvers bare intimacy that bears inching eyes;
and when one is completely inside one's perfidy,
a cover-up mindset suborns a hushed horizon —
pretends - the decisions had been difficult. 'yes'
— deserts us in a forgetting curve that reminds us,
of sti-ff-ness between us, culturing the same sky.
take over air consternates us-sets dreams on fire.
formless hubris viz debris, give themselves to gust
to be e'er scattered betwixt this/that; bedraggled.
zeroing in, insecurity at the heart of human constructs
the displaced shoes let you see, the surface of yore.
a long haul to dig and find, the great heart of our past.
no spin here, to foresee, real ground under our feet.
unchopping a tree, perched on wasteland, silences..
a thousand mile stare, ensouls thousand silhouettes:
anagram—breathy.ed each other to the bridging truth;
and learnedness, endlessly multiplied with curtain call.
where e g /oquence isolates honest assessment, not
being one of their chiliad/st.ic quarters isn't isolation.
not a diminishment, if being exercised more fully -
- truth's episodic memory is tender and unwavering;
ongoing procedure of days - = - simply transformative,
to rain align, all the absorbed moments of illumination.
bathed in light, friendships bear holistic temperament
alert, alert, alter! “after the game is before the game”.
tales shine in via our window of thousand caresses,
where you are sewing a blouse that feeds the spine.
tender paws & sky-ball inside, dashing out of a conch;
over tears-coasts, the white expanse, so kind & clear.
coconut chirping an intrinsic and glorious awakening.
rose dew here, and trouble talk lies beyond the map.
the truth is made real through servitude in affection.
psithurism of intimate revelations recalls clutched keys;
the key did turn. everywhere you turn is full of wonder.
awed to see - the shift inside, shifts deep garden state!
how did a blackbird of the milky way land up here,
that joy glistens in the kaleidoscopic, tent•i•er eyes.
how else to truly trace this landscape of provenance,
a cat following a radiant butterfly to the ringing bells.
※
India ▪ that is Bhāratam
a quiet 'photo meditation' and a poem
to read in the quiet of your days.
and share as we gather around what we love.
© Think Through The — Magic Box Photographie [◎]
* The italicized line is by Rainer Maria Rilke.
Ci eravamo abituati male?
O peggio ancora, ce ne eravamo dimenticati?
Credo che stavolta ci faranno diventare matti a tutti quanti!
Ci vogliono far correre tutte le feste.....quali feste?
Quelle che ci hanno fatto, che ci fanno e che ci faranno in futuro?
pretendono che consumiamo come un popolo bue, che non ic lamentiamo, che ringraziamo della loro disponibilità, della loro magnanimità, delle loro belle ville, dei loro yacht, delle loro auto blu, dei loro bei discorsi, delle promesse, della capacità di risolvere le crisi.
Questo che vedete è uno spaccato del palazzo di giustizia della mia città, storto, piegato, annichilito da tanta arroganza, da tanta impunità, e sottratto alla sua funzione principale:
giudicare i colpevoli!
Ci vorrebbero schiene dritte e mani pesanti, ma non abbiamo disponibili nè l'una nè l'altra, abbiamo un Sistema, come si definisce anche la Camorra, ripiegato su se stesso, abbiamo servi di servitori inutili, abbiamo il mondo contro, la Real Casa contro il popolino, e non abbiamo nemmeno un Pasquino dalla nostra parte!
Tra poco è Natale....e già mi ha rotto spero passi in fretta......hola!
The Cosmic Question Mark (NGC 7822) is a nebula located in the constellation Cepheus, which is approximately 2,900 light years away. The nebula is home to one of the hottest stars known. The star is known as BD+66 1673. This star is one of the primary sources illuminating the nebula.
The nebula gets its name because it resembles a question mark in its entirety. I didn’t plan very well and didn’t shoot another couple mosaic panels to capture the entire nebula! The other two panels will be another project in the winter as this was a little bit of a pain to capture.
Image Detail:
- 22 hours of total integration time (300 seconds, gain 100, camera cooled to 14 degrees)
- 11 hours of HA/OIII narrowband data for each panel
Equipment:
- SVBONY SV503 80ED
- SVBONY SV220 HA/OIII dual narrowband filter
- SVBONY SV226 filter drawer
- Sky Watcher Star Adventurer GTi
- ZWO ASI 2600MC Pro
- ZWO ASIAIR Mini
- ZWO EAF
- ZWO 120MM guide camera
- ZWO guide scope
Software:
- PixInsight
- Adobe Photoshop
- RC Astro Blur Xterminator
- RC Astro Noise Xterminator
- RC Astro Star Xterminator
2ndSundayofLent022821-Without Words
Have you ever been overwhelmed by being somewhere, or by experiencing something that has left you speechless? Who has not been in Awe before the mighty ocean? Who has not experienced wonder before the explosion of autumn colors in our Rocky Mountains? Who has not fallen silent in the presence of a newborn? Even ordinary events such as the big snowstorm on Ash Wednesday, leaves us in shock. Have you ever listened to some music that lifts you to another place in your mind? These events and many other like events mark themselves in our memory, as something extraordinary! What defines these experiences is our inability to communicate fully with words what has happened with in ourselves.
In our gospel reading, we have Jesus leading Peter, James, and John to such an “awe ha” moment. They go up a mountain and according to the Gospel of Luke-Jesus’ purpose was to pray. His three disciples faithfully follow him. What happened next would surely leave Peter, James, and John speechless. According to Luke when they arrived at their climbing destination Jesus started to pray. What did the disciples do? Luke again fills in some specific details-they went to sleep; however, they were soon awakened! What they witnessed were two men, Moses, and Elijah, in conversation with Jesus. Jesus was transfigured…his garments were glistening and intensely white! The Gospel of Mark says that Jesus’ face shone like the sun…and his garments were white as light! If that wasn’t overwhelming enough, a cloud came, casting a shadow over them…and from the cloud a voice saying…”This is my beloved Son, Listen to him.” Who among us, would not be moved to wonder and awe at such an experience?
I can remember, a year ago, my wife and I were at St. Peter’s in Rome! Not only where we going to participate in a Mass, I was going to be one of the deacons serving at the altar. Never, before, have I experienced a church celebration in such a place. Before it started, I was terrified! All my senses were engaged with what I was experiencing…there in that ancient place. It left me speechless! However, on further reflection, it occurred to me, that I had missed the biggest wonder of all and that is the event of the changing of the bread and wine, into the body and blood of Jesus. Jesus had come to me and I missed him. Was I sleeping? No, I was preoccupied with everything else.
If we are not experiencing these extraordinary feelings of awe and wonder in our Mass experience , we must ask ourselves why? What are we missing? Think about it! What does our Church teach us about what is happening at this very altar? For certain we can feel grateful for God’s great creation and it should leave us with inexpressible gratitude for the many gifts the surround us and support us. But every Sunday, here we stand, ready to receive literally the Body of Christ-HIS greatest and most intimate gift. We may understand this perfectly in our heads, but do we feel it deeply in our hearts. Other Christian churches have reduced this glorious event of ours to a mere symbol. Are we approaching this event as though it is a mere symbol?
Lent is a significant time for us to answer the question, that I asked a moment ago. Are we experiencing Jesus, in this most intimate encounter, we formerly call the “Liturgy of the Eucharist?”
It starts here! Dr. Timothy O’Malley, in his book “Bored Again Catholic-How the Mass Could Save Your Life,” explains this encounter beautifully. (And I quote)
The Mass is a sacrifice insofar as it is a real commemoration of Christ’s Passion. The Mass recalls the past and makes it present. “This presence is possible because the sacrifice in question has never ended. His sacrifice of love continues even now, as the sacrifice of the cross passes over into the drama of the altar.”
He continues…
“At Mass, I slowly began to pay attention during the Eucharistic offering not to the priest’s face at the altar or even his gestures. Not to the families gathered before me. But the large crucifix above the altar. As I learned to see the Eucharistic Prayer as a real encounter with Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, I found myself better able to bear my sorrows.”
Timothy concludes by saying...
“After an entire Lenten season of participating in Sunday Mass in this way, I found that I had been transformed by the language of sacrifice in the Eucharistic Prayer. Christ was presenting to me at every Mass the totality of love. He was giving me love in the midst of suffering, in the midst of sorrow. I could receive it. I could become it.” (end quote)
Each week we gather, and in a similar way are being led up to the mountain, like Peter, James, and John by the Holy Spirit-the image that comes to mind is a shepherd gathering his sheep. Unlike the Apostles who unexpectedly witnessed the glorious transfiguration, we know what is going to take place and we are speechless.
-rc
I ask a lot of questions to myself believing that the kind of questions you ask determine somehow the kind of life you lead. Perhaps it can be also true for my photographic work.
QTM n˚ 1 │ Is there a consistency in my work?
From Dollar Lake looking south, immediately, our decision to continue on our trek was questioned.
"Aaaaaah, it's just a little shower"
Ok, so at least 2 characters (or so remaining) for Paradox Force/Grey Cop series. Looking for character building and matches, along with some powers/personalities/backstories etc.
The top left is unrelated to these 2, the face (left 1) is a new face for Grey Cop, while the Hydra agent's (left 2) is a torso for a supporting character for the series.
So down below the grey, slightly orange, armored torso, has 2 faces. The bearded one and a Hydra agent's face. Also missing the legs/hips. Which face is suitable for him? The bearded one is quite good in my opinion, but I was considering him for Rick Flagg, while the Hydra agent is also a good choice. This guy I came up with is a doctor, somewhat (Irish?), and also he used to be a prisoner until our heroes came to look for him, couldn't think after that.
The second one is a white torso, some black pants, pretty simple, though I could think of changing his pants for something high-tech, still in the same color. He'll be the one that uses power gauntlets. Got the brown hair and the Star Wars face for him, he kind of looks like Coulson to me, so (coincidence?!). The face on the right has 2 hair options, either a black hair or a slick brown hair also from the Hydra agent. The story of this guy is that he's an agent once, but works on his own, is good at tech and stuff, secretly good at knives. His identity is pretty mysterious as no one knows his first name, but only his last, so needing options here.
I've tried many combos, but some work and some don't, still in between the line of making and finalising the product.
Comment below for suggestions, just come up with what you can.
I've got to get to you first
Before they do
It's just a question of time
Before they lay their hands on you
And make you just like the rest
I've got to get to you first
It's just a question of time
Secondlife Music VideoBy Request : Lacy Hart
Director/editor : Dylan Sinatra
Filming partially in -Energy Club-QClub-Green Story
One for the experts , Mr. Hugh Beck Collection , he is querying the location.Any suggestions please , Its dated 29.9.34. *He suggests it may ? be Route 43.
It'll happen to me at work. I'll see someone pass by, just start wondering what their life is like. That lady in the costume department...why did she bring her dog to work?
People in the car next to me, while I'm driving. Why is that guy wearing a mask inside his car?
Folks on the street, having an argument. Maybe getting into a fight. At the supermarket, why all that alcohol on a sunday afternoon?
the curiosity is nonstop, whether I like it or not. Incessant, really. And so far, only photography helps soothe that curiosity. Every once in awhile, I'm able to reach out, get those questions answered by asking to take someone's picture.
It's that curiosity that drives every single click of the shutter.