今回は酒吞童子と茨木童子をイメージしたメイクを作ってみました。最強の鬼として有名な酒吞童子。茨木童子との関係は家来だったり師弟だったり夫婦だったり様々な説があるようです。

二人にもこんな時間があったかも‥？ｗ🌸👹👹🍶🌸

This time, I created a makeup inspired by Shuten-douji and Ibaraki-douji. Shuten-douji is famous as the strongest demon. There are various theories about his relationship with Ibaraki-doji, such as retainer, master and disciple, or husband and wife.

Perhaps the two of them had such a time back then.

skin and makeup : violetta.

Hair : booN

clothing : ::GB::

osake : andika

Thanks for the photo help, AN! ;)

Excerpt from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shukkei-en:

Shukkei-en (縮景園) is a historic Japanese garden in the city of Hiroshima, Japan. The Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum is located adjacent to the garden.

Construction began in 1620 during the Edo period at the order of Asano Nagaakira, daimyō of the Hiroshima han. Shukkei-en was constructed by Ueda Sōko, who served lord Asano as chief retainer (karō) of the domain and as a tea master.

Since the Meiji period, the garden served as the villa of the Asano family. When under Emperor Meiji the Imperial General Headquarters were relocated to Hiroshima, the emperor briefly lodged at the villa. The gardens were opened to the public, and in 1940 the Asano family donated them to Hiroshima Prefecture. Being a short walk from ground zero of the nuclear attack on Hiroshima, Shukkei-en suffered extensive damage, and then became a refuge for victims of the war. After renovations, it reopened in 1951.

Excerpt from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikk%C5%8D_T%C5%8Dsh%C5%8D-g%C5%AB:

Nikkō Tōshō-gū (日光東照宮) is a Tōshō-gū Shinto shrine located in Nikkō, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan.

Together with Futarasan Shrine and Rinnō-ji, it forms the Shrines and Temples of Nikkō UNESCO World Heritage Site, with 42 structures of the shrine included in the nomination. Five of them are designated as National Treasures of Japan, and three more as Important Cultural Properties.

Tōshō-gū is dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. It was initially built in 1617, during the Edo period, while Ieyasu's son Hidetada was shōgun. It was enlarged during the time of the third shōgun, Iemitsu. Ieyasu is enshrined there, where his remains are also entombed. This shrine was built by Tokugawa retainer Tōdō Takatora.

During the Edo period, the Tokugawa shogunate carried out stately processions from Edo to the Nikkō Tōshō-gū along the Nikkō Kaidō. The shrine's annual spring and autumn festivals reenact these occasions, and are known as "processions of a thousand warriors". Cedar trees line the roadway, termed the Cedar Avenue of Nikkō.

Five structures at Nikkō Tōshō-gū are categorized as National Treasures of Japan, and three more as Important Cultural Properties. Additionally, two swords in the possession of the shrine are National Treasures, and many other objects are Important Cultural Properties. Famous buildings at the Tōshō-gū include the richly decorated Yōmeimon (陽明門), a gate that is also known as "higurashi-no-mon". The latter name means that one could look at it until sundown, and not tire of seeing it. Carvings in deep relief, painted in rich colors, decorate the surface of the structure. The next gate is the karamon decorated with white ornaments. Located nearby is a woodcarving of a sleepy cat, "Nemuri-neko", attributed to Hidari Jingorō.

The stable of the shrine's sacred horses bears a carving of the three wise monkeys, who hear, speak and see no evil, a traditional symbol in Japanese culture that is derived from a quote in the Analects.

The original five-storey pagoda was donated by a daimyō in 1650, but it was burned down during a fire, and was rebuilt in 1818. Each storey represents an element–earth, water, fire, wind and aether (or void)–in ascending order. Inside the pagoda, a central shinbashira pillar hangs from chains[3] to minimize damage from earthquakes.

Hundreds of stone steps lead through the cryptomeria forest up to the grave of Ieyasu. A torii at the top bears calligraphy attributed to Emperor Go-Mizunoo. A bronze urn contains the remains of Tokugawa Ieyasu.

In 2008, Yuri Kawasaki became the first female Shinto priest ever to serve at Nikkō Tōshō-gū.

Excerpt from the plaque:

Hyakunin-bansho Guardhouse

A bansho was a guardhouse. This was the biggest guardhouse set up in front of the Ote-san-no-mon gate leading to Honmaru (inner citadel) and Ninomaru (second citadel), for inspection of visitors who entered from Ote-mon gate (main entrance) in the Edo Period. One hundred samurai guardsmen, chosen from among the Kinsmen and loyal retainers of each of the four main branches of the Tokugawa clan, had their quarters there and worked in shifts day and night.

OK! I’ve been dreading doing this since being tagged by Tomi and Andes….I will have my revenge…be assured.

16 Very Specific Things About Me--------UPDATED 1/2011

1) My favorite book of all time is the Webster’s Lexicon Dictionary of the English Language, has been since 7th grade. I have a real love affair with language and words. A very sweet librarian let me actually get away with the outright theft of a very good dictionary in the 8th grade. ( “poor kid…he’s not going to be very popular….“) I still have it.

2) I play the flute (badly), occasionally now. I do not own a single music CD, tape or record….and have never in my life downloaded, purchased (or stolen) any. …but I really like almost all genres of music and like to sing and whistle when I’m alone. I do both pretty well . Silence is good, too! This has changed! I now own some CD's......yay!

3) One of the things that perpetually bothers me most about myself is how I wake up each day KNOWING how naturally selfish and egotistical I am. At least today, after a very late start, I’m beginning to understand the joy and wisdom that comes from actively FORCING myself to do SOMETHING nice for somebody else everyday. I regularly fail at this endeavor, but am also learning not to beat myself up about it. I like myself.

4) I’ve always struggled with the ‘big’ unanswerable questions, a lot. I believe there are many contributing factors to this all-too-human dilemma. 1) I strongly identify with both of my parents’ diametrically opposed views on spirituality. My mom was a catholic, while my dad was “U.S. Navy, Retired”. To be married within the church, was contingent upon his agreement to raise any children (6, I’m #2) produced by this union, within the church. He agreed, and honored his word, but could not help infusing in his children a strong belief in, appreciation for, and a nearly infinite commitment to the wisdom of, well, let’s call it ‘the scientific method”. I grew up eagerly awaiting the next copy of National Geographic and later Scientific American. What is currently the result , (for me), of this ‘experiment’, is that I identify best with the tenets of Zen Buddhism, Deism, and Agnosticism. (Deism holds a slight lead) However, only firmly enough to discuss them intellectually and not with any ‘bedrock’ conviction. I respect sincere spiritual questing, the endplace, of such, is not important to me. Today, for me, “I don’t know” is the only perfectly accurate response to life’s big unanswerables. As a simple day-to-day guide, however, the golden rule serves well.

5) My left foot is fine, but have seven toes on my right. I keep meaning to do something about this. OK... this is a lie, couldn' t help myself. Here's a truth for 'ya. While I love to flirt, I have been celibate for a long time...I'd tell ya', but won't!

6) After many years of being an angry person, for unknown reasons, I realize now that being angry is not a reaction, it is always a choice….and that choosing it is, for me, always completely fruitless and unwise. I have not been angry in over 5 years, ever. It is my greatest gift to myself and those I share my life with. I am working on cynicism, trying not to eliminate my sense of humor in the process.

7) I have three wonderful children whom are the source of my only shameless pride: My beautiful Emily, 25, just graduated from University at 23 with her teaching credential to teach high school biology, YAAAY! EMILY! (UPDATE/2011 And is now teaching her second year at Franklin High School in Stockton, CA.) Nicholas, 22, who is in his third year of college and up to his neck in higher mathematics, engineering, motorcycles and his sweet girlfriend, not in that order, I’m sure, GO NICK!, and Hannah, almost 21, who just wants to be beautiful the rest of her life, has been working towards becoming a pharmacist….WAY TO GO! HANNAH! I was divorced, amicably, from my wife of 24 years, almost four years ago. We actually get along much better now than we ever did when married. I have my doubts as to whether I’m good ‘partner material’ for anyone.

8) While I sincerely like people, I am a loner…..a couple hours, tops, is about all I can seem to comfortably stand in any one day.

9) Though I wore braces for 4 years when young, I, in my infinite youthful wisdom, did not see the sense in wearing my ‘retainer’, and today have a gap between my two front teeth wide enough for an M&M to pass, the skinny way.

10) I am a complete slob….and a collector of things, both ugly and worthless, rare and beautiful.

(UPDATE 1/2011......slightly less of a slob ;^)

11) I smoke like a chimney, and my blood is always at least 50% coffee, I am now a tee-totaller, and no longer use any illicit drugs, (over 5 years now, 6 years in March) though for 34 years was a chronic pothead. (maybe ties into #6?…ya ’ think?)

12) I have pretty bad hearing and should’ve gotten a hearing aid years ago….Huh? What was that?

13) I eat only when hungry, and can eat as much of whatever I want…and remain a constant 165 lbs.

I usually don’t mention this….for some reason most people do not seem to find this interesting, in any way, whatsoever.

I sleep only and freely when tired, usually waking around 1 PM and going to bed around dawn, though for weeks at a time, I have absolutely no set schedule. If I get tired three times a day, I sleep three times day. I can also stay up easily for 30 hours, and do, at least once a month.

14) I work and live by myself and three cats, in my 1925, 1050 square ft. house, which I bought 2 1/2 years ago. About 80% of my commission work is received from small mom & pop jewelry stores whom I hand-pick to work with. These stores are hard to find. The rest of my commissions are from a small group of loyal patrons. I’m working towards a new business model which includes my own designs for sale on sites like Etsy. Commissions are great….but often are sterile in design.

15) I ride a bicycle almost exclusively for local transportation. My only gas-burner is my beloved 1970 Yellow K5 Blazer, which I have owned since 1980. It is a ‘beater’, but I’m attached to it.

16) I do not fear death…..just running out of time. (I'll be 53 next April, 2011)

CSX NF&G mine run R20214 slowly passes downgrade, utilizing assistance from retainers set for the steep grade between Duo and Anjean. The 2 engines have 75 loads of coal from the Clearco Prep Plant owned and operated by South Fork Coal Company. Greenbrier Smokeless, whose tipple is in the background was once a big time loader on the former Rupert Sub but has sat idled since 2019 when mining operations stopped. A combination of management and contractors continued to sporadically load remaining coal from of the pile off into the fall of 2022. There’s a healthy pile of coal still visible beneath the stacker tubes across the street. Perhaps there is hope for the loader reopening sometime in the future.!

I have long wanted to get a train on this rugged piece of railroad and finally managed it earlier this year. The emphasis on that things move "slow" here was an understatement. It took the railroad almost 5 full days to get the 75 cars up from the yard at Meadow Creek, WV, to the mine, loaded and returned. Seeing the big cuts railroads have made in recent years it really is remarkable they continue to load trains on the former C&O Rupert Sub.

Built for Sir Robert Shirley between 1653 and 1655 in Gothic style, the Chapel of Holy Trinity is the estate church at Staunton Harold, where the Shirleys, their retainers and estate workers lived for generations. It is one of the few churches built between the outbreak of the English Civil War and the Restoration period.

Over the past few years, the National Trust has undertaken essential building and repair works at the church to ensure this place of reflection can be enjoyed for many years to come.

looking North towards SF here...

there is a fisherman, close to the surf close in, couple of people walking in the distance, and the fishing pier can be seen further back... the retainer rocks the right tie in to the photo I posted earlier which I will add in the comments...

other than enlarging the photo, you can further enlarge it by stretching it like on iPhone images...

please see large :)

Sun-rays sneaking through a congested sky.

Cyclists ride right on by, seemingly oblivious to the beauty of the filtered light as it breaks through the cloud work.

Fraser River

BC

Canada

Excerpt from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikk%C5%8D_T%C5%8Dsh%C5%8D-g%C5%AB:

Nikkō Tōshō-gū (日光東照宮) is a Tōshō-gū Shinto shrine located in Nikkō, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan.

Together with Futarasan Shrine and Rinnō-ji, it forms the Shrines and Temples of Nikkō UNESCO World Heritage Site, with 42 structures of the shrine included in the nomination. Five of them are designated as National Treasures of Japan, and three more as Important Cultural Properties.

Tōshō-gū is dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. It was initially built in 1617, during the Edo period, while Ieyasu's son Hidetada was shōgun. It was enlarged during the time of the third shōgun, Iemitsu. Ieyasu is enshrined there, where his remains are also entombed. This shrine was built by Tokugawa retainer Tōdō Takatora.

During the Edo period, the Tokugawa shogunate carried out stately processions from Edo to the Nikkō Tōshō-gū along the Nikkō Kaidō. The shrine's annual spring and autumn festivals reenact these occasions, and are known as "processions of a thousand warriors". Cedar trees line the roadway, termed the Cedar Avenue of Nikkō.

Five structures at Nikkō Tōshō-gū are categorized as National Treasures of Japan, and three more as Important Cultural Properties. Additionally, two swords in the possession of the shrine are National Treasures, and many other objects are Important Cultural Properties. Famous buildings at the Tōshō-gū include the richly decorated Yōmeimon (陽明門), a gate that is also known as "higurashi-no-mon". The latter name means that one could look at it until sundown, and not tire of seeing it. Carvings in deep relief, painted in rich colors, decorate the surface of the structure. The next gate is the karamon decorated with white ornaments. Located nearby is a woodcarving of a sleepy cat, "Nemuri-neko", attributed to Hidari Jingorō.

The stable of the shrine's sacred horses bears a carving of the three wise monkeys, who hear, speak and see no evil, a traditional symbol in Japanese culture that is derived from a quote in the Analects.

The original five-storey pagoda was donated by a daimyō in 1650, but it was burned down during a fire, and was rebuilt in 1818. Each storey represents an element–earth, water, fire, wind and aether (or void)–in ascending order. Inside the pagoda, a central shinbashira pillar hangs from chains[3] to minimize damage from earthquakes.

Hundreds of stone steps lead through the cryptomeria forest up to the grave of Ieyasu. A torii at the top bears calligraphy attributed to Emperor Go-Mizunoo. A bronze urn contains the remains of Tokugawa Ieyasu.

In 2008, Yuri Kawasaki became the first female Shinto priest ever to serve at Nikkō Tōshō-gū.

I got my braces off today...they tell you to keep your retainers away from extreme heat, restaurant napkins and pets.....

but I still have to wear retainers.

Explore #131

A loaded & heavy grain train arrives at the Nuevo Carnero Yard after going down the steep 3.7% EA Line; the yard crew will help them remove the retainers from all the hoppers so they can be set-off before proceeding to the Tehuacan yard as light power.

Nuevo Carnero, Puebla.

the newest puppy in not my family but my uncle's family. Shibas are over running our family tree, not like that's a bad thing. ;) Oh, and her name is Luxe and yes...her ears are like that!

well, to sum up my first few days of senior high school...it was plenty awkward and full of surprises. The most embarrassing part was probably when I was called upon to discuss a quote on the board and I totally blanked out for 10 seconds...just total silence in the class waiting for me to respond. I am not the best public speaker and on top of that, I had my retainer on so I was lisping pretty badly. welcome back to high school they said. senior year will be great...they said.

in high school, I just feel like an awkward person. Just call me the typical wallflower.

facebook

Nikkō Tōshō-gū is a Tōshō-gū Shinto shrine located in Nikkō, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan.

Together with Futarasan Shrine and Rinnō-ji, it forms the Shrines and Temples of Nikkō UNESCO World Heritage Site, with 42 structures of the shrine included in the nomination. Five of them are designated as National Treasures of Japan, and three more as Important Cultural Properties.

It was initially built in 1617, during the Edo period, while Ieyasu's son Hidetada was shōgun. It was enlarged during the time of the third shōgun, Iemitsu. Ieyasu is enshrined there, where his remains are also entombed. This shrine was built by Tokugawa retainer Tōdō Takatora.

During the Edo period, the Tokugawa shogunate carried out stately processions from Edo to the Nikkō Tōshō-gū along the Nikkō Kaidō. The shrine's annual spring and autumn festivals reenact these occasions, and are known as "processions of a thousand warriors". Also part of the beauty is the row of majestic trees lining the roadway, termed the Cedar Avenue of Nikkō.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikkō_Tōshō-gū

I got my septum pierced on April 11th. Since then, I've been wearing a retainer in it (sort of like a staple) so that no one knows. The intention was to wear that until it healed and then change it out with a pincher (kind of like a broken circle, or a C shape) but my piercer never ordered the jewelry for me no matter how many times I asked. Finally, on a trip home to Seattle this August, I got my old piercer at Slave to the Needle to order one for me and it just arrived today.

Finally finally finally I can see myself with my septum ring as it was meant to look. I love it. And that's why I took an absurd number of photos of myself right after I put it in. Deal with it.

Neckbrace? Butt-ugly retainer? Yeah, that's a sucky prom... or an even worse after school special.

Excerpt from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shukkei-en:

Shukkei-en (縮景園) is a historic Japanese garden in the city of Hiroshima, Japan. The Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum is located adjacent to the garden.

Construction began in 1620 during the Edo period at the order of Asano Nagaakira, daimyō of the Hiroshima han. Shukkei-en was constructed by Ueda Sōko, who served lord Asano as chief retainer (karō) of the domain and as a tea master.

Since the Meiji period, the garden served as the villa of the Asano family. When under Emperor Meiji the Imperial General Headquarters were relocated to Hiroshima, the emperor briefly lodged at the villa. The gardens were opened to the public, and in 1940 the Asano family donated them to Hiroshima Prefecture. Being a short walk from ground zero of the nuclear attack on Hiroshima, Shukkei-en suffered extensive damage, and then became a refuge for victims of the war. After renovations, it reopened in 1951.

A detail from a suit of retainer armour of a Kamon (Heraldic badge) in the form of the Japanese character KI, meaning 'Tree'. The KImura, Aoki, and Tagaki clans all used this mon,thus making it difficult to accurately determine the family heritage of this armour.JAPAN 1850.

Japanese traditional formal attire generally displays the mon of the wearer. Commoners without mon often used those of their patron or the organization they belonged to. In cases when none of those were available, they sometimes used one of the few mon which were seen as "vulgar", or invented or adapted whatever mon they wished, passing it on to their descendants. It was not uncommon for shops, and therefore shop-owners, to develop mon to identify themselves.

© ALL RIGHT RESERVED©

All material in my gallery MAY NOT be reproduced, copied, edited, published, transmitted or uploaded in any way without my permission.

Old John, the folly atop the hill in Bradgate Park, Leicester.

Built in 1786, in memory of an estate keeper who died in a fire, the folly was originally built as a viewing tower for horse-racing. The arch which gives the tower it's mug-like shape was build later in memory of a beer-loving family retainer.

Taken with a Pentax Optio S, on a walk with the NTUchaplaincy.

More of my photos can be found here..

Wanted to try something a little out of my comfort zone and play with some shadows! I think it turned out pretty well and I'm thrilled with all the new skills I'm learning on SL!

Credits ♥︎

Sponsored:

Palette: Foodie Tee Fatpack NEW @ ACCESS

BERAS: Kris Static Pose Set @ Mainstore

Rest of Credits:

LeLUTKA: Avalon Head 3.0 NEW @ Skin Fair

Glam Affair: Selly Skin NEW @ Kustom9

M.BIRDIE: Lozo Look - Skirt 2 & Eye Retainers 1 NEW @ Kustom9

hive: Pink Drink on the go NEW @ Kustom9

Stealthic: Clarity Hairstyle @ Mainstore

BREATHE: Takeko Wedges - Powder Pink NEW @ C88

cheezu: daily wool beret @ Mainstore

Kibitz: Joelyn's Choker @ Mainstore

Location:

New York City ~ Visit HERE! ♥︎

For taxi links to stores & events, visit my blog ♥︎

Okazaki Castle was originally constructed as a wooden fort in 1455 by the shugo-dai (deputy military governor) of Mikawa, Saigō Tsugiyori ,on a different spot from where the current castle keep stands today. Eventually, Mikawa fell into the hands of the Matsudaira clan, and Ieyasu's grandfather, Matsudaira Kiyoyasu, rebuilt the castle in it's current location. After Ieyasu's father, Hirotada was killed, young Ieyasu became a hostage of the Imagawa clan and they took control of Okazaki Castle. After the battle of Okehazama in 1560, Ieyasu regained his freedom and possession of his family's castle until 1590, when Ieyasu was granted the 5 provinces of the Kanto region by Toyotomi Hideyoshi.

Following Ieyasu's move to Edo, Okazaki was given in fief to Tanaka Yoshimasa, an ally of Hideyoshi. However, after the establishment of the Tokugawa shogunate in 1603, the castle and 50,000 koku (unit of wealth measured in rice) domain of Okazaki was awarded to the Honda Yasushige, who was a direct retainer of the Tokugawa. The Honda clan held the castle for 44 years until it was handed to the Mizuno clan for a 117 year duration. After that, one of the Matsudaira clans held it for 8 years until the castle was again awarded it to the Honda clan, who held it for the remaining 102 years of the feudal system in Japan.

Tanaka added the moats, established the castle town, and built a road with many turns in it for defensive purposes. Honda Yasushige extended the road, which became part of the Tōkaidō, and his successor, Yasunori, built the castle's 3 story tenshu (keep) and added a basement.

When the feudal era officially came to an end in the 1870s, the Meiji government ordered the castle destroyed as it was a symbol of feudal power. However, in 1959, Okazaki Castle was reborn in the form of concrete.

So yeah, I got my Dahlias done about...3 weeks ago and then I got my job at Walmart and lost my other job..walmart wouldn't let me use retainers and they closed up, so...I'm sad once again, but they were crooked anyways :/

You like to play house

You like to make out

When I put in my retainer

You still lay me down

Put on a vinyl

You look delightful

There's no need to hit the town

When we play house

Baby let's play play play house

~Devon Cole

youtu.be/2Xm5wMeqm_Q?si=1z0M9AeRlyEzLftu

On either bank of the River Leach in the English Cotswolds are two Norman churches. A medieval footbridge, a Clapper Bridge, and a 19th Century stone bridge spans the divide with the settlement of Eastleach Martin on the east and the village of Eastleach Turville on the west side of the river.

One of two Eastleach churches that face each other on opposite banks of the River Leach in the heart of the Gloucestershire Cotswolds, St Andrew's is a lovely country church dating to the early 12th century and on the west side of the river in the village of Eastleach Turville.

An apocryphal tale suggests that the churches were built by two sisters who argued, and each put up their own church. Unfortunately, the truth is less dramatic. The estates of Eastleach Martin and Eastleach Turville were always separate, and each church was built by the lord of the manor for use by his family and retainers.

The most striking exterior feature of Eastleach church is the saddleback west tower, built in the late 13th or early 14th century, with finely shaped windows. In the churchyard is the base of a medieval cross.

...but it stays for the faves. No rebloggin', please.

Originally:

[60/365] What (used to be) In My Bag

(8/17/2008)

I've always loved the idea of those photos where all of the contents of your bag are presented. I just decided that mine should be taped to my wall, because I'm cool like that.

Visit to Minster Lovell.

A bit of a salvage job. The original picture was a disaster and no amount of photo-shopping could get the building clearly defined from the background. I transferred it to my iPad and had a bit more success using the Enlight app.

I opted for this version because it looked old and bleak. Also using black and white disguises the bright red dog pooh bin which is in there somewhere.

This early 19th Century ballad by Thomas Haynes Bayley is based on a legend of this house....

The mistletoe hung in the castle hall;

The holly branch shone on the old oak wall.

The Baron's retainers were blithe and gay,

Keeping the Christmas holiday.

The Baron beheld with a father's pride

His beautiful child, Lord Lovell's bride.

And she, with her bright eyes seemed to be

The star of that goodly company.

Oh, the mistletoe bough.

"I'm weary of dancing, now," she cried;

"Here, tarry a moment, I'll hide, I'll hide,

And, Lovell, be sure you're the first to trace

The clue to my secret hiding place."

Away she ran, and her friends began

Each tower to search and each nook to scan.

And young Lovell cried, "Oh, where do you hide?

I'm lonesome without you, my own fair bride."

Oh, the mistletoe bough.

They sought her that night, they sought her next day,

They sought her in vain when a week passed away.

In the highest, the lowest, the loneliest spot,

Young Lovell sought wildly, but found her not.

The years passed by and their grief at last

Was told as a sorrowful tale long past.

When Lovell appeared, all the children cried,

"See the old man weeps for his fairy bride."

Oh, the mistletoe bough.

At length, an old chest that had long laid hid

Was found in the castle; they raised the lid.

A skeleton form lay mouldering there

In the bridal wreath of that lady fair.

How sad the day when in sportive jest

She hid from her lord in the old oak chest,

It closed with a spring and a dreadful doom,

And the bride lay clasped in a living tomb.

Oh, the mistletoe bough

Lots of yummy bugs under those wet leaves.

Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus)

Garland, Tx

My photos can also be found at kapturedbykala.com

Happō-en, located in the Shirokane area of Minato-ku, Tokyo, is a beautiful place known more for hosting an endless stream of weddings and formal banquets. Happō-en has a history dating to the early 1600s, when it was the villa for Okubo Hikozaemon, a trusted confidant and retainer of Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, who unified Japan, as well as his two successors. Afterwards, the villa served as a residence for the Shimazu clan from the domain of Satsuma in Kyushu and then served as a villa for Saigō Takamori for a period of time. Happō-en means “eight gardens” in Japanese and its main garden is truly a delight, especially in early April, when the cherry trees are in bloom.

This is where the 47 Rōnin of Akō, along with their lord, Asano Naganori, are interred. Sengaku-ji is located in the Takanawa are of Minato-ku, Tokyo, near Shinagawa Station.

Ōishi Kuranosuke was the chief retainer of the Asano clan during the turmoil associated with the 47 Rōnin incident, in which the feudal lord, Asano Naganori, attacked and wounded Kira Yoshinaka within Edo Castle. As drawing a weapon within the shogun's castle was a capital offence, Asano was sentenced to commit seppuku the same day.

As a result of Asano's impulsive behavior, the Shogunate disbanded the Asano clan and seized their lands. Ōishi and 46 other former Asano retainers waited and unleashed their misguided revenge on Kira, attacking his home in the dead of night in December 1703, killing his body guards as well as taking his head and placing it in front of Asano's tomb in Sengaku-ji Temple in Takanawa, Tokyo.

All the Akō rōnin were sentenced to death by seppuku (harakiri). Actually, recent scholarship is saying that the rōnin may have not been allowed the honor of death by seppuku, but were actually beheaded like common criminals. The promise of the right of death by seppuku may have been a sugar-coated lie told by the shogunate to help the public more easily swallow the death sentence imposed on the Akō rōnin.

Anyway, the loyalty that these guys showed to their foolish lord by committing what can only be described as what me and some of my friends refer to as a feudal "drive-by"- Japanese style, has been lauded by the Japanese public ever since. The facts behind the actual events have been buried in the countless puppet and kabuki plays as well as movies that have been made about this.

I'm not a terribly big fan of Asano Naganori, nor do I think the Akō rōnin were particularly "brave" by carrying out a night attack after a party and fighting a small group of drunk bodyguards and taking the head of a feeble old man. But, this perspective is from modern, western eyes. In reality, night attacks of this nature have always been a staple of samurai warfare, being documented since the Heian period. As much as I don't partake in the 47 Rōnin Kool Aid drinking parties, I do admit to enjoying watching a good fictional film or kabuki play about these guys.

CSX mine run R202 has 60 loads of fresh coal from Clearco Mine making the steep descent towards the New River mainline at Meadow Creek, WV. Along with setting retainers on 30% of the train and using two horseshoes in an attempt to ease the gradient its still a stiff slope that reaches 3.8% in places.

When I rode bikes I always had a spare chain link in the toolkit because I was caught out once. When fitting the spring retainer the closed end must point in the direction of drive, but I'm sure some will know that already!

As you can tell from the condition of the link I haven't been using it for quite a while!

The link is 29mm long and 15mm wide and high, and was composed of three stacked images merged in photoshop, but looking at it here I should have taken a few more shots particularly for the bottom edge which is a little soft! Will do better the next time!

A trio of Ferrosur B23-7's get a quick rest in the middle of switching the Nuevo Carnero yard as they wait for the arrival of a loaded unit grain train that would soon block the entire yard.

The yard crew will help them set off retainers on all the hoppers and setting off the DPU's so the road crew can proceed light power to the Tehuacan yard.

Nuevo Carnero, Puebla

Architect : - (設計：－).

Completed : 1597 (竣工：1597年).

Height : 190ft (高さ：58m).

Location : 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka City, Osaka, Japan (所在地：日本国大阪府大阪市中央区大阪城1-1).

Hideyoshi Toyotomi's retainers was constructed a big castle Osaka-jo. It is held many events in now. It is popular one, 3D projection mappings.

The thunderstorms have blown out to the east and it's sunshine and lollipops for the rest of the trip to Alamosa.

Most of the trip from Ft. Garland over LaVeta Pass and onto Walsenburg is in the 10mph range but from Ft. Garland to Alamosa the Turn can blaze along in the 25mph range. Sierra to Occidental is almost 18 miles and requires about 2 hours running time. Retainers are still used on the pass and the Turn usually knocks them off at Laveta going east.

Tōshō-gū is dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. It was initially built in 1617, during the Edo period, while Ieyasu's son Hidetada was shōgun. It was enlarged during the time of the third shōgun, Iemitsu. Ieyasu is enshrined there, where his remains are also entombed. This shrine was built by Tokugawa retainer Tōdō Takatora.

The shrine is an UNESCO world heritage site.

Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikkō_Tōshō-gū

We gained elevation for this shot across the field as we approached LaVeta on County Road 430. On both days that we photographed this train it stopped here, backed up about a train length, stopped for a minute or two, and then proceeded forward at its usual 10 mph pace. We suspect it had something to do with releasing the brakes or retainers. Any railroaders out there have an explanation?

With retainers set, a pair of CN SD40-2Ws leads U736 down the grade and towards Two Harbors on the evening of July 7, 2015. While the SD40-2Ws are old, the real relics here are the Missabe ore cars trailing behind carrying BFT (Blast Furnace Trim) from Minntac. While the SDs are about 35 years old, they have nothing on the ancient ore cars that are almost twice their age.

These ore cars have to be the oldest cars serving on a Class I in revenue service. I didn't think CN was still using these, but this train was all old DM&IR regular ore cars, most with build dates of 1948, making the cars 67 years old. Amazing to think they were pulled by Missabe steam engines for over a decade when they were delivered, but still survive running revenue miles for successor CN on the original tracks they plied. Quite the bit of rolling Minnesota rail history.

CN 5317 and CN 5362, on U736, pulling 65 cars, at MP6, Stewart, MN.

Excerpt from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shukkei-en:

Shukkei-en (縮景園) is a historic Japanese garden in the city of Hiroshima, Japan. The Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum is located adjacent to the garden.

Construction began in 1620 during the Edo period at the order of Asano Nagaakira, daimyō of the Hiroshima han. Shukkei-en was constructed by Ueda Sōko, who served lord Asano as chief retainer (karō) of the domain and as a tea master.

Since the Meiji period, the garden served as the villa of the Asano family. When under Emperor Meiji the Imperial General Headquarters were relocated to Hiroshima, the emperor briefly lodged at the villa. The gardens were opened to the public, and in 1940 the Asano family donated them to Hiroshima Prefecture. Being a short walk from ground zero of the nuclear attack on Hiroshima, Shukkei-en suffered extensive damage, and then became a refuge for victims of the war. After renovations, it reopened in 1951.

After spending a couple of days in Fez, we travelled by fast double-deck electric train to Marrakesh. We checked into a rabbit warren of a hotel where not even the lifts (elevators) worked, and I roamed the corridors to find my room. In the event of a fire, all the guests would have perished for lack of fire escapes and exit signs. On the upside, the hotel was a short walk from the market.

We went to the market a little before sunset and took in the sights, sounds and smells of the place. This was a vibrant and exciting place; at that time of day every kind of food was for sale, and pop up restaurants were everywhere, Young men armed with a menu and well rehearsed lines touted for business from the passing throng.

Our guide, very likely on a retainer, shepherded us to a place where we ate a sumptuous meal, but without dessert. I was seated at the end of our trestle table, and closest to the square. Over the course of our meal, I videoed the passing parade.

After we'd eaten, I went exploring with my travelling companion, and our feet took us to an ice cream parlour where dessert and indulgence were served in equal measure.

Day 12, Press L to view large.

We are inveterate pickers-up (and retainers) of interesting looking pebbles and 'things' ie seashells, pine-cones, conkers, there's a crab shell here and a whittled wine cork souvenir from a cruise etc etc

After stopping to set retainers on their train of loaded LPG tanks, T59 begins the trek down Balsam Mountain

On the morning of Sunday, September 5th, 2021, DMIR402 leads a trio of EMDs hauling a heavy taconite train south past Hermantown, Minnesota on its final leg of the journey to Proctor Yard. DMIR402 is one of the many SD45T-2s that currently reside on the former Duluth Missabe & Iron Range Railway “Iron Range.” Although control of the Duluth Missabe & Iron Range was acquired by Canadian National in 2004, they kept a number of SD40-3 “tunnel motor” units for use in the area as they already had straight air equipped, which was a secondary braking system used due to the weight of the ore trains mainly up and down Proctor Hill. With straight air, you can recharge the reservoirs on the automatic system, yet keep a set on the train, which can be adjusted, making coming down big hills with heavy trains easier and safer than turning retainer valves. Now, Canadian National is rumored to replace the older power on the “Iron Range” using newly rebuilt AC44C6Ms, meaning all of the C40-8s will be sent off to storage/scrap will most of the EMDs will be displaced. Although no AC44C6M is straight air equipped as of now, things may change in the near future. Additionally, Canadian National is replacing most of their older ore cars which were built in the 1940s and 1950s. Soon, this scene of an EMD trio hauling older ore cars such as the U-30 and U-31 class cars will be gone.

location : Rakuhoku Renge-ji temple Kyoto city,Kyoto prefecture,Japan

京都　洛北 蓮華寺

Rakuhoku Renge-ji temple :

This temple belongs to the Tendai sect of Buddhism cowned with the mountain name of Kinyozan.

Shigenao imaeda( 今枝重直),a retainer of the Maeda Clan in Kaga,present Ishikawa pref.,entered the priesthood around period from 1661 to 1673. He built a residence here and spent his later years associating with such people as Jozan Ishikawa 石川丈山and Tanyu Kano狩野探幽.His groundson Chikayoshi今枝民部近義,who admire the virtuous Shigenao, transfered a temple from Hachijo-Shiokoji(元西八条塩小路附近)to this place in order to pray for the repose of his grandfather.　He made it as a sub-temple of the Enryakuji Jitsuzobo Temple延暦寺実蔵坊.

The principal statue enshrined in main hall is of Shakamuni Tothagata.Unique Rengeji temple-style tone lanterns with hexagonal shades and a monument commemorating Shigenao inscribed Tehsho-style calligraphy written by Jozan Ishikawa on top and passage composed by Jun-an Kinoshita are found on the grounds beautifully covered with moss.

The garden woth crane stone and turtle islands in the lake,an excellent example from Edo period(1603-1867)　　-Kyoto city

以下パンフレットより抜粋

蓮華寺は、元西八条塩小路附近（今の京都駅附近）にあった浄土教系の古寺で、応仁の乱後荒廃していたのを１６６２年（寛文2年）加賀前田家の老臣今枝民部近義が祖父今枝重直の菩提の為に、この地に移し再興したものである。(蓮華寺造営記、帰命山寺記）

再興の際に、石川丈山、狩野探幽、木下順庵、黄檗の隠元禅師木庵禅師等の著名文化人が協力している。（諸堂の様式碑文、什物等）

尚、本堂、鐘楼堂、井戸屋形、庭園は創建当時のままであり、小規模であるあがいずれも文人の残した貴重な文化遺産である。

Canon EOS M5/ EF-M22mm f/2 STM/ƒ/8.0 22.0 mm 1/15sec ISO200/handheld/ manual exposure/auto white balance /manual focus

This temple has an explicit no-tripod policy, so tripods, including monopods, are usually prohibited.

The firts Kakegawa Castle was built by Asahina Yasuhiro in the Bunmei era [1469-1487] , a retainer of the warlord Imagawa Yoshitada to consolidate his holdings over Totomi Province .The castle remained in the hands of the succeeting generations of the Asahina clan .Afther the defeat of the Imagawa clan at the Battle of Okehazama , the former Imagawa territories were divided between Takeda Shingen of Kai and Tokugawa Leyasu of Mikawa.Kakegawa Castle was surrendered to Tokugawa forces in 1568 by Asahina Yasutomo without resistance .The surrounding area remained a territory contested between the Tokugawa and Takeda for many years ,however ,Kakegawa Castle remained in Tokugawa hands until the fall of the Takeda clan .

Tōshō-gū is dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. It was initially built in 1617, during the Edo period, while Ieyasu's son Hidetada was shōgun. It was enlarged during the time of the third shōgun, Iemitsu. Ieyasu is enshrined there, where his remains are also entombed. This shrine was built by Tokugawa retainer Tōdō Takatora.

The shrine is an UNESCO world heritage site.

Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikkō_Tōshō-gū

Tōshō-gū is dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. It was initially built in 1617, during the Edo period, while Ieyasu's son Hidetada was shōgun. It was enlarged during the time of the third shōgun, Iemitsu. Ieyasu is enshrined there, where his remains are also entombed. This shrine was built by Tokugawa retainer Tōdō Takatora.

The shrine is an UNESCO world heritage site.

Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikkō_Tōshō-gū