View allAll Photos Tagged Refinement
The ornate facades, elegant towers and colourful stained glass windows give each building a unique character and transport us back to a time of refinement and artistic detail. Walking through Ålesund is like turning the pages of an architectural history, where every stone and every curve tells a story of rebirth and timeless beauty.
Utah Railway's RUT611 local, the Provo to Ogden turn, navigates the Jordan Narrows on former Rio Grande rails the afternoon of Sept. 26, 2007. In the background is Point of the Mountain, a massive sandbar that features some of the 'cleanest' sand in the United States, meaning it requires very little refinement or processing to be commercially useable.
When someone is inspired to create a Poem, he/she is uplifted!!
When someone is uplifted, he/she is temporarily found in a very original, private, personal world of Beauty (or not…), inspiration, and refinement, extreme pleasure (or not…). He/she feels strong emotions and sensations, while creating his/her poem; a huge creativity!!
Poetry in Nature is the creation of Mother Nature’s upliftment!! Which creates enchantment, creativity and inspiration in certain humans..
Lake Genval in Autumn is a Pure Poetry!
When someone is inspired to create a Poem, he/she is uplifted!!
When someone is uplifted, he/she is temporarily found in a very original, private, personal world of Beauty (or not…), inspiration, and refinement, extreme pleasure (or not…). He/she feels strong emotions and sensations, while creating his/her poem; a huge creativity!!
Poetry in Nature is the creation of Mother Nature’s upliftment!! Which creates enchantment, creativity and inspiration in certain humans..
Lake Genval in Autumn is a Pure Poetry!
17 июня 2012 года, в неделю 2-ю по Пятидесятнице, Всех святых, в земле Российской просиявших, Святейший Патриарх Московский и всея Руси Кирилл совершил чин великого освящения соборного храма святого благоверного князя Игоря Черниговского в подмосковном Переделкине и первую Божественную литургию в новоосвященном храме. Идею создать церковь с яркими куполами необычной формы и фактуры питерские умельцы из "Гильдии мастеров" позаимствовали у московского Храма Василия Блаженного, что на Красной площади.Авторы нынешнего проекта фарфоровых куполов более полугода бились над, казалось бы, неразрешимой задачей - как создать необычные праздничные маковки церкви, которые бы не только не были похожи на другие, но и были долговечны.
Главный купол храма высотой примерно с трехэтажный дом и почти десятиметрового диаметра. Основной его цвет ярко-синий. Однако, гамма не будет однотонной - предусмотрены и другие краски."Купол слагается из 24 округлых долек кобальтового цвета, а каждая из них разделена между собой фарфоровыми валиками, которые покрыты специальным керамическим золотом. Это 12-процентный раствор золота в растительных маслах. Он наносится, как краска, кисточкой, а потом его обжигают до 850 градусов. После этого золото как бы прикипает к фарфоровой поверхности и становится не подверженным никаким погодным воздействиям".
................................................................................................On June 17, 2012, in the 2nd week of Pentecost, All Saints who have shone forth in the land of Russia, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia performed the rite of the great consecration of the cathedral church of the Holy Prince Igor of Chernigov in Peredelkin near Moscow and the first Divine Liturgy in the newly consecrated church.
St. Petersburg craftsmen from the Guild of Masters borrowed the idea to create a church with bright domes of unusual shape and texture from the Moscow St. Basil's Cathedral on Red Square.The authors of the current project of porcelain domes have been struggling for more than six months over a seemingly unsolvable task - how to create unusual festive church tops that would not only be unlike others, but also be durable.
The main dome of the temple is about the height of a three-story house and almost ten meters in diameter. Its main color is bright blue. However, the range will not be monotonous - other colors are provided."The dome consists of 24 rounded lobules of cobalt color, and each of them is divided among themselves by porcelain rollers, which are covered with special ceramic gold. This is a 12% solution of gold in vegetable oils. It is applied like paint with a brush, and then it is burned to 850 degrees. After that, the gold seems to stick to the porcelain surface and becomes unaffected by any weather influences."
Portrait of a spectacular tree-dwelling mini dinosaur. I was stoked when I spotted this magnificent adult female Boyd's Forest Dragon (Lophosaurus boydii) one late afternoon in the riparian rain forest along the Mossman Gorge in the wet tropics of northern Queensland.
A wonderful symphony of colour, light and bokeh rendering from the classic, German-made Pentacon lens. Image taken on a Canon EOS 5D Mark III DSLR coupled to a vintage M42 Pentacon 30/3.5 lens from the early 1970's and made in the then German Democratic Republic. A 9mm M42 extension tube attached and a third party M42 to EOS adapter incorporated. Image shot fully open @ f. 3.5 and hand-held, with a touch of fill-flash. Apart from RAW conversion and the most basic of editing, image shot as is.
This is the art of portraiture with painterly bokeh rendering using classic vintage lenses at their widest apertures.
A lot of the vintage lenses that I still use, were used on my analog cameras when I was younger. They are quality lenses, and I wanted to use them on my digital bodies not only because of their performance, but also to recycle them as opposed to buying new items that lead to further pollution.
I also still buy many other classic vintage lenses (like this one) for their attributes, like bokeh rendering and lens flare capabilities, or the overall vintage feel that they bring to an image. These older lenses satisfy my artistic refinements in making certain images and these refinements are getting progressively more demanding as I get older!
She had expressed herself, as women will,
in a smug broadside of pastel shades.
Nothing clashed because nothing had the strength to clash; everything murmured of safety among the hues;
all was refinement.”
― Mervyn Peake, Gormenghast
Own image 1487: Red-Cheeked Cordon Bleu from Africa
Fannie Bay sunset in Darwin. 02/02/2017.
I have posted this shot before but I added some subtle refinements in Capture One 20.
A three shot panorama of typical wet season sunset in the Top End.
Looking into the past….
This old window is a part of Walmer Castle, which is located near England’s White Cliffs of Dover. “Built in 1540 as part of Henry VIII’s chain of coastal defences, centuries of domestic refinements have transformed Walmer Castle from a fortress to an elegant stately home with beautiful gardens, now owned and managed by English Heritage. It is the official residence of the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports and has been home to an incredible range of people, including Winston Churchill and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother.“
AVISTAR ♛ France’s style is inspired by macarons.
Macarons are small cakes, round in shape, made from almonds, sugar and egg whites, soft on the inside and crispy on the outside. The most famous Macarons are the “Parisien macarons”, a symbol of French refinement.
"I love to eat macarons because I love their beautiful colors and especially their good taste."
Credits:
Top : MOGUL (Heidi Puff Top) - Hot Pink
Skirt : BAIASTICE (Farly skirt) - Blue
Stockings : VANNIES (Stockings mademoiselle)
Pumps : REIGN (Glitteratii heels)
Bow : WHITE CANVAS (Sweetheart bow)
Hair : TRUTH (Friday)
Head piece : YUMMY (Macaron fascinators - Strawberry)
Earrings : FUNKEH MONKEH (Kawaii macaron earrings)
Macarons tower in right hand : UNICORN ( Macarons tower)
Macaron in left hand : UNICORN
Balloons : TARTE (Latex heart balloons)
Custom:
She adds macarons by XO to her skirt, a bow by White Canvas, which she recolored and resized, and balloons by Tarte.
Pose :
ProPose
Location:
French Bakery
✨Glitzz Store
[Glitzz] Bali Bikini
Exclusive at Summerfest '23 (June 17th - July 09th)
A bikini with luxurious details in crystals and a bold opening at the top bringing refinement and sensuality to your hot summer days
========== DETAILS ==========
Sold in a new pack format.
available in 25 colors and divided into 5 packs of 5 colors each pack or fatpack option.
Mix and Match in between packs.
========== SIZES ==========
Maitreya Lara
Maitreya Petite
Inithium Kupra
Legacy Body
Legacy Perky
eBODY Reborn shit
★ Fatpack and Mini pack ★
★ Original Mesh ★
★ Try Demo ★
💜[Glitzz] Secilia Chocker ADFK
✨ Sinchi
Pink Lemonade + Heart Glasses
Available at SINCHI Store
💗🍭
Come check Barbie! 🏃♂️🏃♂️🏃♂️
✨-RawR
💎RAWR! Purgatory Bracelets (add me)
Fameshed Exclusive
► █░▓ YET ANOTHER of those mythical places in Dalmatia that bear mythical traces of some very real things from the past. The ruins of this medieval tower treasure a rich story and a legend which has been - just as the ruin itself - heavily neglected in the blindly self-centered communist times. The last three decades have obviously brought scarce improvement. Instead of a thorough restoration treatment, or at least some attention by the authorities, the tower has gotten close competition of a pesky cell phone network antenna and its installation.
This is a land where heaven obviously opens up and talks to the ground. And I have witnessed it. More than a year after this visit, it haunts me in my dreams.
Underexposed ⅔ of a stop. Developed from raw in Affinity Photo 1.10.6 applying Haze Removal filter. This filter does work miracles on the more distant objects and details affected by perspective hue, but it also colors grey clouds and grey sky into blue, which is wrong. The clouds here were rather grayish as it rained a lot that day. In-between the rainy periods I caught this site from the local road. The rainbow starting from (or ending at) the top of this remarkable hill bears a popular belief of marking the spot where a treasure has been buried.
Back in the car, just a minute later the impressive rainbow closed the whole circle over sky. But Zečevo hill was already behind us.
-Oddly, the s.o.o.c. jpeg is much sharper but lacks refinement so I chose the raw file for this edit. I refrained from too much sharpening of this raw edit as it gives a cheap effect. The Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8 pro kit zoom is consistently sharp with nice colors, reliable performance at all focal lengths, a relief indeed after all other kit zooms I have used. Except for Pana Leica 12-60mm which I have barely used. I do miss 60mm a lot. Also I have now attention for the 75mm angle of view because of the remarkable Oly prime, and I know now I need it much more often than I expected to.
ꒌ КУЛА ЗЕЧЕВО, запостављени остаци средњевековне народне прошлости у чудесном крају Буковице, Далматинска Загора. Ту је по предању страдао Вук Мандушић. Чак и дуга показује где је „закопано благо“. Aли уместо заштићеног и обновљеног археолошког бисера много реалнијег од наводних краљева, никла је антена за мобилну телефонију.
Кишни почетак децембра је рај за фотографију у Буковици. Ниски облаци су производ мешања морског и континенталног ваздуха. Али призори се мењају веома брзо. Ово је снимљено са пута Ђеврске - Кистање. Убрзо после тога дуга је затворила цео полукруг на небу, али кула Зечево већ је остала иза нас...
~SHORTCUTS~ Press [F11] and [L] key to engage Full Screen (Light box) mode with black background - press the same key or [Esc] to return. Press [F] to "Like" (Fave), press [C] to comment.
File name: P1003048-edit_kula-Zečevo•Đevrske_mh©2022-12-06_№4-from-RAW
Se il vino è la poesia della terra, la grappa è la sua anima. (Mario Soldati)
From the wastes of vinification of a noble product like wine, the leftover skin, pulp and stems of grapes were distilled, with great imagination and genius by Italian sharecroppers at the end of the 19th century, and a poor alcoholic drink was born and named "Grappa,” which over time assumed nobility, refinement and a symphony of aromas: The "Grappa!" My “Macro Mondays-Label” image for the theme of this week!
Full details and links to mainstores, market place and events on my Blog
rachelswallows.blogspot.com/2021/12/baby-its-cold-outside...
REBANE
Carmen Body
Sizes Reborn, Kal, Kupra & Kuprs, Legacy Original & Perky, Maitreya
(BOM fishnet bodystocking from Core by Rachel Swallows)
1 HUNDRED
Warmth Mini
Sizes Freya, Hourglass, Kupra, Legacy, Maitreya, Perky, Petite, Reborn.
XPOSED
Tatiana and Bella Pose Packs
Poses for curvy girls, each set with 5 poses plus mirrored versions.
All @ The BIGGIRL Event
FAGA HAIR
Abundant Hairstyle
Curly shoulder length middle parting style
Radiant Hairstyle
Side parting, longer length full bodied style
Basic back includes 2 Head Sizes and 4 Chest Sizes
Materials/Full Bright/Glow/135 Colours
Style Pack includes 4 styles and customizable colour change for Accessories.
Both @ The December Round of Access
TANTRUM
Alexa Tippy Toe Heels @ eBody Event
Gorgeous platform heels with a tiptoe effect.
Comes in two basic packs and fatpack with bonus colors.
Sizes: Belleza, Reborn, Inithium, Legacy & Maitreya
XPLICIT
Decorated Fireplace on Market Place and in the Mainstore
Every room needs a focal point and a marble fireplace is the ultimate luxury and refinement. Xplicit Fireplace will sit perfectly in any home. It is the statement of style which can be quiet opulence, classic beauty or lavish indulgence.
Rishton is one of the most famous and oldest centers of ceramics in Uzbekistan. Legend claims that the art is over 800 years old, passed down from generation to generation.
A fine quality reddish-yellow clay deposit 1-1.5 meters deep and 0.5-1.5 meters thick underlies almost the whole Rishton area. The clay can be used without refinement or addition of other types of clay from other regions. Besides clay, the potters of Rishton extracted various dyes, quartz sand, and fire clay from the surrounding the mountains.
The history of producing ceramics here goes back to the seventh century. In the late 19th – early 20th centuries, almost all the population of Rishton were potters. Its clay is suitable for making the whole variety of ceramic goods and the repertoire of ornamental patterns in the Rishton ceramics is one of the richest. Today, over 2000 craftsmen use both traditional techniques and modern machinery to produce over 5 million items per year. The traditional design has a blue-green glaze, called “iskor”. In the 1960s, this technique had almost died out, but has now recovered, thanks to the efforts of the artisans themselves.
Main languages spoken in this area are Tajik and Uzbek.
1932 Packard Twin Six Sport Phaeton
Amidst the backdrop of the economic turmoil that marked the onset of the 1930s, several prominent American luxury car manufacturers grappled with the idea of introducing more affordable models to bolster their financial stability. In 1927, Cadillac had ventured into the mid-priced segment with the LaSalle, but over at its rival, Packard, discussions on offering an entry-level model were fraught with debate. The board of directors expressed concerns about the potential risk of diluting the prestigious Packard name or alienating their loyal, high-end clientele who cherished the brand's exclusivity. Simultaneously, dealers were clamoring for a broader product range to cater to a wider audience. The introduction of the mid-priced "Shovelnose" 900 in 1932 laid bare the complex relationship between the board and dealers. Within a single model year, the 900 was discontinued, underscoring the internal tensions.
Nonetheless, Packard remained steadfast in its commitment to serving its traditional clientele, offering a range of flagship models that exuded the same opulence and grandeur as ever. In 1932, in response to Cadillac's foray into the multi-cylinder realm, Packard revived its iconic Twin-Six model, which had been absent for nine years. The revived Twin-Six featured a remarkable 67-degree L-head V12 engine, delivering a robust 160 horsepower and 322 lb/ft of torque. While not as technologically advanced as Cadillac's overhead-valve Sixteen, the Packard Twin Six matched its power with unparalleled refinement and dependability. Accompanying this formidable V12 engine was a novel X-braced chassis, equipped with four-wheel vacuum-assisted brakes, a synchronized gearbox, and Packard's meticulous engineering of steering and suspension.
Few would contest the Packard Twin Six's standing as one of the finest production cars of its era. Prices ranged from $3,650 to over $7,000 for long-wheelbase models with Packard's renowned Individual Custom coachwork. In a prelude to the challenging economic climate of the coming years, only 549 fortunate individuals chose to invest in a Twin-Six. Today, just as when it was newly introduced, the Packard Twin Six ranks among the most coveted automobiles of the Classic Era, celebrated for its exquisite style and exceptional performance.
Raymond Dietrich’s reputation was beyond reproach among stylists of the late 1920s and early 1930s, and his designs provided welcome new ideas and concepts for Packard’s own coachwork. With the 9th series, Dietrich performed some of his best work; beautiful, elegant machines that made the best of Packard’s fabulous new chassis that was larger, more powerful and faster than any standard model that preceded it. In particular, the “Individual Custom by Dietrich” bodies, which were custom tailored for the flagship senior Packard Chassis (9th, 10th and 11th series) truly reflected the masterful talent of Dietrich. Though they could be purchased directly from a Packard dealer, they were hugely expensive, representing the most costly models available aside from true one-off custom coachwork. Each body was custom-tailored to the buyer’s wishes and in many ways they were the last truly custom Dietrich bodies, as later production cars wearing the Dietrich name simply borrowed styling cues from earlier Individual Customs. Even after Dietrich’s ouster from the firm that bore his name, his influence was felt on Packard’s design catalog for many years to come, and Dietrich-bodied Packards continue to draw attention from collectors and enthusiasts for their impeccable, breathtaking style.
Hyman Ltd
The camellia flower speaks to the heart and expresses positive feelings: desire and passion, refinement and excellence, faithfulness and longevity. The camellia flower’s message is one of love and positive thoughts.
(In Victorian England the camellia bloom sent the secret message that the recipient was adorable:)
21:52 Close your eyes, turn your eyeballs around. Photograph
what you see.
Now experimenting with differing atmospheres and color combinations can happen by adjusting exposure and white balance.
This hotel used to be a symphony of luxury and refinement...
A little late to the game, I think.
This photo was shoot with Kentmere Pan 200 (a little late to the game... again). Like a lot of reviewers out there, I was asking the same question when this film was introduced. Is a 200 speed film what the film community needs right now? Second, I have never seen a good 200 speed B&W film (thrash... is the first word that comes to mind). Based on the other 200 speed films, I had absolutely no plan spending even a dime this film. A few weeks later I saw the results peoples was getting with new Kentmere 200. Oh wow, this film looks frikkin' good!!!!
Here is some folks that made some superb phots with this film; Alex Luyckx, Alex Doran, Bjørn Joachimsen, Kyle McDougall etc.
The contrast and the glow with this film is was really caught my interrest. I only shoot a couple of rolls so far.
Developed this with/in Ornano Gradual ST-20. This developer "behaves" like Ilford DD-X in a lot of ways. But to my eyes, the picture comes out a bit softer. Slightly less texture but finer grain. Ok, now I'm on the point were I have no clue what I talking about, so I'm just gonna shuuut up!
Wishart, Saskatchewan, Canada
Mamiya 7ii
Kentmere Pan 200 @ISO200
120 film/medium format
Dev; Ornano Gradual ST-20
Developed and scanned at home
© All Rights Reserved. Please do not use this image on websites, blogs or other media without my prior permission.
In his narrative of time, Vico posited three ages: the Age of the Gods (theocratic), the Age of the Heroes (aristocratic), and the Age of Humans (democratic). All societies passed through these repeating stages of cultural development. In the first age, powerful gods are revered among tribal peoples, who experience nature as living and who invoke nature with imaginative, ceremonial language. Aristocratic families dominate the second age of heroes with symbolic and heraldic languages. In the third age, reason predominates with languages that are discursive, analytical, and legal. Each age ends with a “barbarism of reflection,” in which the distinct religion, language, politics, and jurisprudence of the age becomes an over-refinement that corrupts societies and eventually causes their collapse. 2 Thomas saw contemporary parallels to this periodic decline in the modern overemphasis on reason and the diminishment of poetic intuition.
...Vico observed that both non-Christian and later Christian communities transmitted the poetic wisdom of their founding achievements. Thus, the “ages” for Vico were not simply linear progressions that left earlier ages behind; each stage contained vestiges of prior periods, even as it was dominated by its own character in the course of history. This idea of cumulative cultural accretion provided Thomas with the insight that earlier intimacies with the natural world could be recovered by later ages.
-THOMAS BERRY, A Biography, MARY EVELYN TUCKER, JOHN GRIM, AND ANDREW ANGYAL
note:Western philosopher of history Giambattista Vico (1668–1744)
The 1812 Wickham House
A dialogue-based guided tour of the 1812 Wickham House, a National Historic Landmark, encourages guests to explore aspects of life in the early 19th century. The Wickham House was purchased by Mann Valentine Jr. and in 1898 became the first home of the Valentine Museum. In the public first-floor rooms, nationally-recognized neo-classical interiors helped the Wickham family and their enslaved servants present a lifestyle of taste and refinement. The Wickham House cellars opened in April 2017 with new hands-on history interactive chests exploring everyday life above and below stairs as well as a short film, Shared Spaces: Separate 209
Inspiration: Sweetest Devotion - Adele
Backdrop: Garden Sunrise (creator and link unavailable at time of posting)
Pose: Unknown - Additional Refinement in Black Dragon
Model: Sami
Windlight: [Tarnix] Ultrabright Day
Messin' around in Black Dragon while Sami was amidst her own maternity shoot. Thank you for letting me tag along to hone my skills!
Just 400,000 m² in size, the history Mozia is very ancient: as a shipping centre and staging post, and due to its presence near the coast of important trade city, it was one of the most important Phoenician and Carthaginian settlements in the Mediterranean area. The Phoenicians transformed the inhospitable island, which they called Motya, into one of the most affluent cities of its time, naturally defended by the lagoon as well as high defensive walls. Ancient windmills and salt pans were used for evaporation, salt grinding and refinement, and to maintain the condition of the lagoon and island itself. Recently the mills and salt pans (called the Ettore Infersa) have been restored by the owners and opened to the public.
In the 6th century BC, due to the struggles between ancient Greece and Carthage over Sicily, Motia sided with the Phoenicians and Carthaginians against the Greeks. The ancient settlement at Motia, founded in the 8th century BC, was destroyed by the Syracuse tyrant Dionysius the Elder in 379 BC.
During the Middle Ages, Basilican monks settled on the island and renamed it San Pantaleo, and in 1888 was rediscovered by Joseph Whitaker.
Seen in Austria's main industrial city, Linz-an-der-Donau i.e. Linz on the Danube, in the province of Upper Austria. While walking to my hotel in the evening, I glimpsed this windowed facade glowing in the light of the setting sun. Luckily I had my 55-300 telezoom attached to my belt! Just a stone's throw behind me was the (Blue???!!!) Danube River.
HD PENTAX-DA 55-300mm Telezoom
PENTAX K-1
Perspective and colour/contrast refinements in SILKY PIX Developer Studio Pro 9
When someone is inspired to create a Poem, he/she is uplifted!!
When someone is uplifted, he/she is temporarily found in a very original, private, personal world of Beauty (or not…), inspiration, and refinement, extreme pleasure (or not…). He/she feels strong emotions and sensations, while creating his/her poem; a huge creativity!!
Poetry in Nature is the creation of Mother Nature’s upliftment!! Which creates enchantment, creativity and inspiration in certain humans..
Lake Genval in Autumn is a Pure Poetry!
Adorning myself in the Irene Outfit by Just BECAUSE, I feel as though history and modern artistry have conspired to embrace my form in elegance. The silhouette is long and flowing, a column of femininity that lengthens my body with grace, while the corseted midsection—delicate, daring, and irresistibly alluring—cinches me into a shape both sensual and timeless. The off-shoulder neckline whispers of romance, a design detail once celebrated by couturiers such as Dior and Valentino, now reimagined for today’s modern muse.
The cut of the Irene is deliberate yet fluid: its bodice clings softly before surrendering to a languid skirt that falls like liquid silk to the floor. Each seam is a promise of refinement, each curve a devotion to the woman within. The delicate corset overlay, at times sheer and flirtatious with intricate patterning, creates a harmony of structure and softness—an ode to the golden age of fashion when the female form was sculpted yet free.
This creation is not just a dress but a versatile ensemble, for the Irene Outfit offers a Top, Skirt, and Heels, each element elevated by its own HUD. The Top HUD allows playful freedom with colors and finishes, the Skirt HUD provides rich palettes that breathe new moods into the look, while the Heels HUD completes the ensemble with coordinating tones, letting me glide in seamless harmony from daylight into the mystery of evening.
Fitted with care for Maitreya LaraX, Legacy, Perky, Reborn, and Waifu mesh bodies, the Irene embraces every woman uniquely, celebrating curves with a design that flatters and seduces in equal measure.
As I wear it, I feel the whispers of fashion’s great storytellers—Chanel’s devotion to liberated silhouettes, Yves Saint Laurent’s bold romanticism, and Versace’s unapologetic sensuality—woven into the fabric of this modern gown. It is as much a piece of fashion history as it is a contemporary treasure.
Acquire this exquisite creation at the Just BECAUSE Mainstore, where beauty and sophistication live eternally:
🌐 [Just BECAUSE Mainstore]
Life is everything -
it isn't, usually
so we soon realise
illusions shatter
as we each serialise
and run we must
further away
ever closer
towards
the Winter wither
we become the celsius
living proof
of fahrenheits memory
those mercurial days
presently still hungry
is living for want -
of another better life?
the gable end
of some inner refinement?
where darkness does descend
there are days
and there are not -
when numbness does preside
between our two selves
a duologue where we truly reside.
by anglia24
10h00: 19/11/2007
© 2007anglia24
☀
Snow Geese in flight at Bombay Hook NWR, Delaware, earlier this year. It took awhile to get back to this, but I used this image to try out the hi-pass filter in Photoshop Elements (2.5 pixel). I also selected the blue sky and tried to be more exacting in the refinement of the selection while adding Gaussian Blur to reduce the noise in the sky. Then adjusted the histogram for the black tones.
1932 Packard Twin Six Sport Phaeton
Amidst the backdrop of the economic turmoil that marked the onset of the 1930s, several prominent American luxury car manufacturers grappled with the idea of introducing more affordable models to bolster their financial stability. In 1927, Cadillac had ventured into the mid-priced segment with the LaSalle, but over at its rival, Packard, discussions on offering an entry-level model were fraught with debate. The board of directors expressed concerns about the potential risk of diluting the prestigious Packard name or alienating their loyal, high-end clientele who cherished the brand's exclusivity. Simultaneously, dealers were clamoring for a broader product range to cater to a wider audience. The introduction of the mid-priced "Shovelnose" 900 in 1932 laid bare the complex relationship between the board and dealers. Within a single model year, the 900 was discontinued, underscoring the internal tensions.
Nonetheless, Packard remained steadfast in its commitment to serving its traditional clientele, offering a range of flagship models that exuded the same opulence and grandeur as ever. In 1932, in response to Cadillac's foray into the multi-cylinder realm, Packard revived its iconic Twin-Six model, which had been absent for nine years. The revived Twin-Six featured a remarkable 67-degree L-head V12 engine, delivering a robust 160 horsepower and 322 lb/ft of torque. While not as technologically advanced as Cadillac's overhead-valve Sixteen, the Packard Twin Six matched its power with unparalleled refinement and dependability. Accompanying this formidable V12 engine was a novel X-braced chassis, equipped with four-wheel vacuum-assisted brakes, a synchronized gearbox, and Packard's meticulous engineering of steering and suspension.
Few would contest the Packard Twin Six's standing as one of the finest production cars of its era. Prices ranged from $3,650 to over $7,000 for long-wheelbase models with Packard's renowned Individual Custom coachwork. In a prelude to the challenging economic climate of the coming years, only 549 fortunate individuals chose to invest in a Twin-Six. Today, just as when it was newly introduced, the Packard Twin Six ranks among the most coveted automobiles of the Classic Era, celebrated for its exquisite style and exceptional performance.
Raymond Dietrich’s reputation was beyond reproach among stylists of the late 1920s and early 1930s, and his designs provided welcome new ideas and concepts for Packard’s own coachwork. With the 9th series, Dietrich performed some of his best work; beautiful, elegant machines that made the best of Packard’s fabulous new chassis that was larger, more powerful and faster than any standard model that preceded it. In particular, the “Individual Custom by Dietrich” bodies, which were custom tailored for the flagship senior Packard Chassis (9th, 10th and 11th series) truly reflected the masterful talent of Dietrich. Though they could be purchased directly from a Packard dealer, they were hugely expensive, representing the most costly models available aside from true one-off custom coachwork. Each body was custom-tailored to the buyer’s wishes and in many ways they were the last truly custom Dietrich bodies, as later production cars wearing the Dietrich name simply borrowed styling cues from earlier Individual Customs. Even after Dietrich’s ouster from the firm that bore his name, his influence was felt on Packard’s design catalog for many years to come, and Dietrich-bodied Packards continue to draw attention from collectors and enthusiasts for their impeccable, breathtaking style.
Hyman Ltd
Big Boy 4014 is making its break-in run after a year long hiatus in 2020 with UP Train PCYDV 08. They're headed to Denver on the UP Greeley Sub. With all testing complete for today, the train rolls through one of the few curves on this portion of the subdivision in beautiful evening light, and one of the last places the train would see sun today as thunderstorms moved in off the mountains to the west.
With over a year since the 4-8-8-4's most recent run in 2019, the UP Steam Crew has made numerous refinements to the locomotive, and this particular trip was to test those, along with LEAP PTC, which uses a unique system utilizing the trailing diesel locomotive as mother unit to operate the Wabtec I-ETMS on the steam locomotive leader.
This in preparation for "The Big Boy 2021 Tour", departing Cheyenne on August 5 for New Orleans, LA and arriving back on September 7. Included in that excursion is a fundraiser trip in Louisiana benefiting the Union Pacific Museum.
4014 was built by ALCO in November 1941 with a builder number 69585. The engine last ran on July 21, 1959 and was the second to last Big Boy to operate. It then spent 1962-2014 on public display at the Los Angeles Fairplex in Pomona, CA. It was removed from the RailGiants Train Museum in 2014. After a 5 year restoration in Cheyenne, WY at the UP Steam Shop, 4014 made its first runs in 2019, its first in 59 years.
Locomotives: UP 4014, UP 4015
7-8-21
Platteville, CO
✦[Enchantress] LIVY Outfit ✦
There are moments when the quiet of nature becomes my runway—when I recline among woven textures and moss-soft cushions at The Forest, wrapped in light and shadow, breathing in the wild. It is here that I surrender to the elegance of the LIVY Outfit by Enchantress, where couture artistry meets untamed instinct.
The silhouette is a symphony of allure: a sculpted dress that clings to my curves with lace-up side details, a sleek belt that cinches my waist in polished refinement, gloves that glide elegantly up my arms, and boots that climb daringly to my thighs. Every detail is crafted as if nature itself had stitched it from light and desire.
The true enchantment lies in the embroidered lace, available in three exquisite patterns:
✦ Leopard-spotted — feline grace, primal and golden.
✦ Zebra-striped — bold, graphic, a declaration of individuality.
✦ Floral lace — delicate blossoms laced into fabric, romantic as a garden in spring.
Each choice tells its own story: the predator’s prowl, the wanderer’s edge, or the dreamer’s bloom. The embroidery adorns dress, sleeves, and stockings alike, catching light with every movement like secrets whispered across my skin.
The HUD unlocks endless possibilities:
* 20 rich colors × 3 embroidery styles = 60 combinations for dress, gloves, and boots.
* 20 belt shades to refine or contrast.
* 5 gleaming metals for every clasp and ring.
With a touch, I slip from ivory florals into scarlet leopard, then into monochrome zebra boldness—reinventing myself in every moment.
Designed to embrace nearly every body, the LIVY Outfit fits:
* Maitreya, Maitreya Petite, Lara X, Lara X Petite
* Legacy, Legacy Perky, Bombshell
* eBody Reborn and Waifu
* GenX Classic and Curvy
* Inithium Kupra
* KahIene Erika
As I lounge in the dappled forest light, the embroidered lace feels alive—whether floral, feline, or striped, it binds me to the spirit of the wild and the elegance of couture. I am muse, I am mystery, I am untamed.
Step into the untamed elegance of the LIVY Outfit by Enchantress — choose your story: leopard, zebra, or floral, each one unforgettable.
➤ Available InWorld at Enchantress
[Visit Here to Acquire]
It isn’t just Tom Cats that like to Spray a little something in strategic locations to define their territory, Humans do it too with a lot more refinement… and a lot less smelly.
🌸 The Paris Outfit by GAW 🌸
I am Paris—sophistication redefined in an ensemble that blends modern sensuality with the eternal romance of haute couture. From the soft caress of lace whispering along my arms to the sculpted silhouette of my bodice and skirt, this outfit carries the allure of Parisian salons, where elegance is eternal and every detail is poetry in motion.
The cut is strikingly avant-garde: a corset-inspired top adorned with delicate lace embroidery, a rose-kissed trim, and pearl detailing that gleams like morning dew. The skirt frames my curves in structured minimalism, softened by the play of lace and floral motifs. My stockings rise in sheer perfection, crowned with lace garters—a nod to the coquettish glamour of mid-century couture houses. Each accessory—gloves, stockings, and shoes—completes the look with precision, balancing flirtation with refinement. This is not just fashion; this is the artistry of seduction elevated to its highest form.
✨ Accessories Included
* Gloves with lace, pearl, and rose details
* Stockings with lace borders and delicate embroidery
* Shoes with customizable pearls, roses, and soles
* Skirt + Bodice ensemble with rose and pearl embellishments
💎 Compatible Mesh Bodies
Designed to embrace nearly every body in Second Life’s couture world:
* Maitreya + Petite
* Legacy + Perky + Bombshell
* Reborn + Reborn Waifus
* Erika
* Kupra
* LaraX + LaraX Petite
🎨 Two Full Fatpack HUDs
Every element is yours to transform with limitless styling potential.
Fatpack HUD 1 – The Ensemble
* Top: Main color, Trim, Lace, Rose, Pearl, Bordur
* Skirt: Main color, Waist, Detail
* Top Lace Options: extensive palette from neutrals to jewel tones
Fatpack HUD 2 – The Accessories
* Gloves: Lace, Trim, Rose, Pearl
* Shoes: Main, Roses, Pearl, Sole
* Socks: Main, Lace Border
Each HUD delivers dozens of color swatches—from muted pastels to bold, dramatic hues—allowing me to reinvent my look with every outing. Whether delicate and romantic or daringly modern, I decide who I am with a single click.
🌐 Where to Find Me
The Paris Outfit by GAW debuts exclusively at the Swank Designers Choice Creative Event.
✨ [Visit the Event Here]
maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Swank%20Events/128/129/22 ✨
💋 I am Paris. Romantic, coquettish, endlessly reinvented. Step closer, and let me seduce you with couture reimagined—an outfit that transforms not just how I look, but how I am.
Rishton is one of the most famous and oldest centers of ceramics in Uzbekistan. Legend claims that the art is over 800 years old, passed down from generation to generation.
A fine quality reddish-yellow clay deposit 1-1.5 meters deep and 0.5-1.5 meters thick underlies almost the whole Rishton area. The clay can be used without refinement or addition of other types of clay from other regions. Besides clay, the potters of Rishton extracted various dyes, quartz sand, and fire clay from the surrounding the mountains.
The history of producing ceramics here goes back to the seventh century. In the late 19th – early 20th centuries, almost all the population of Rishton were potters. Its clay is suitable for making the whole variety of ceramic goods and the repertoire of ornamental patterns in the Rishton ceramics is one of the richest. Today, over 2000 craftsmen use both traditional techniques and modern machinery to produce over 5 million items per year. The traditional design has a blue-green glaze, called “iskor”. In the 1960s, this technique had almost died out, but has now recovered, thanks to the efforts of the artisans themselves.
Main languages spoken in this area are Tajik and Uzbek.
Sunbeam cars first appeared in 1901 and, from the outset, were involved with racing, competition and land speed record attempts. Bought out by the Rootes brothers, the name Sunbeam was then linked with Talbot until 1954, the year this car was built.
Based on the Hillman but with better performance, Sunbeam was the sportiest of the Rootes Group’s range. The Mk IIA had engine refinements and ventilated holes in the wheels to help cool the enlarged brakes. The flowing lines of the bonnet and wings were aerodynamically designed and wind noise was reduced to a minimum. The standard column mounted gear change was so unreliable that dealers offered customers free conversion to floor change.
Sunbeams were popular as rally and competition cars, with successes in the Monte Carlo and Alpine rallies. In production from 1952 to 1954, only 9,708 of this model were made.
This blue 1954 Sunbeam Talbot 90 Mk. IIA, TYJ341, is on display at Haynes Motor Museum.