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Hello Flickr fans! Excited for my Los Angeles Landscape gallery show in December! Taking a break from finishing the HDR landscapes and finishing some goddesses for my 45surf surfline instead. :) The gallery artist statement will begin with something like:
"In every photograph you can see both where the photographer was standing and what they were thinking. So it is that this collection tells the story of my epic journey as no words ever could. And more importantly, I hope that it serves to guide and inspire you along a hero's journey of your own making, owning all the glorious rewards of the risks of your own taking." --Johnny Ranger McCoy
Back to the goddesses for the moment:
Canon 5D Mark II Photos of Pretty Brunette Swimsuit Bikini Model Goddess with Blue Eyes! 24-105mm F/4 USM Lens ! She was tall, thin, fit--very, very fit--with amazing rock-hard abs and a toned, tall body! Long, long legs--long as the day! A classic socal California Beach Babe!
The epic goddess was having fun getting wet in the water, with the waves rolling in and out as Poseidon reached out to grab the beautiful goddess! But he failed to drag her back into the sea! Kneeling and lying in the sand in a pink bikini.
Epic video of the epic goddess, shot as the same time as the stills as is Johnny Ranger McCoy's lone-cowboy trademark technique:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6sKSuP-Jek
www.youtube.com/watch?v=zP_119wiMn4
www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvA0qd2Qcrs
www.youtube.com/watch?v=95DdieFgi7Q
www.youtube.com/watch?v=1o6PBHPYsuI
Join Johnny Ranger McCoy's Hero's Journey Mythology Goddesses facebook! www.facebook.com/45surfHerosJourneyMythology
Subscribe to Johnny's youtube for epic goddess videos! www.youtube.com/user/bikiniswimsuitmodels
Twitter: twitter.com/45surf
Follow me on facebook! facebook.com/elliot.mcgucken
All the Best on Your Epic Hero's Journey from Johnny Ranger McCoy & the HJM Goddesses! :)
Winter paddling has it share of challenges - water so cold it drips off paddles like syrup, sudden weather changes, and so forth. But the rewards can be incredible. This day on Cultus Lake, we were the only boats on the lake for the entire 4 hours we were out. The light was interesting, and the mist hanging on the mountain slopes was pretty lovely.
To find the universal elements enough; to find the air and the water exhilarating; to be refreshed by a morning walk or an evening saunter... to be thrilled by the stars at night; to be elated over a bird's nest or a wildflower in spring - these are some of the rewards of the simple life. ~John Burroughs
++++++++++
i feel this way often. i appreciate things like... a cool breeze... the sun... gorgeous clouds... how a vine twists around a fence to grow higher...even bugs... and after shooting a wedding for 10 hours, walking to my car i noticed this shot. the clouds were covering most of the stars, but you could see one here and there through them... and the lamp poles in the parking lot...all of them with only one bulb on. simple. but rewarding.
better on black
hss!
Thanks for following the September #conservationlands15 Social Media Takeover! The Day Ends with the Steens Mountain Wilderness in Oregon – a Must for Your Bucket List.
Steens Mountain rises as a sentinel in southeast Oregon’s high desert. Its broad summit plateau is topped by the state’s 8th-highest peak at 9,734 feet. “The Steens,” as locals know it, includes some of the wildest and most remote land left in Oregon. The 170,200-acre Steens Mountain Wilderness makes up the heart of the area and offers outstanding hiking, backpacking and horseback riding opportunities.
The Little Blitzen Gorge is one of several scenic trails in the wilderness. It climbs gradually for 8.5 miles along a stream to the headwall of the gorge, with the last mile becoming a cross-country adventure. Along the way, you’ll pass through wildflower meadows, massive cottonwood and aspen groves, and seasonal waterfalls dropping from the steep sides of the U-shaped gorge. Many existing campsites are available for overnight stays. Anglers that fish here and on the other streams flowing through the Steens’ deep gorges are rewarded with redband trout up to 18 inches in length.
The 52-mile Steens Mountain Backcountry Byway provides access along the wilderness boundary and spectacular views into the heart of the area, while the surrounding Steens Mountain Cooperative Protection and Management Area includes numerous overlooks and four developed campgrounds.
Each season offers its own rewards to area visitors. During early summer, wildflowers carpet area meadows; in the fall, aspen groves display their fiery yellow and orange leaves. While the higher elevations of the backcountry byway are usually not accessible until late June or early July depending on snowpack, the use season is longer at the lower elevations. Check with the BLM Burns District Office for current conditions.
Photos by Bob Wick, BLM
I received a set of three two-sided mini posters of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, from Disney Movie Rewards on February 17, 2016. They feature a group shot of all the main characters, and closeups of Rey, Leia, Han, Finn and Kylo. They measure 19" H x 13" W, and are nicely printed on stiff poster paper. They were shipped flat, and arrived in perfect condition. Here are my photos of the posters. They are still available from the DMR site for 650 points.
Ok... I can't get a moon shot right to save my life. There, I admit it.
Moving right along.... the rewards to running in the dark are many. One morning last week, I got to see the moon rise, and it was fabulous and then later in the week, I saw this sliver of a moon at night. If I hadn't been running, I would have missed it because there is no way I would have been out there. (The real thing looked far more impressive than this photo.)
Other good things about running in the dark....
The night sky. Stars. Say no more! it's awesome!
You can wear pajamas if you want! I haven't yet, but I have thought about it. There's no one else out there... no one can see you. No one cares anyway, but my pajamas are warm...it could happen.
There's no one else around so you never have to interrupt your run to talk to someone...or even worse.... give directions. UGh.
It's quiet and it smells good.... fireplaces are going in the evening.
I get to use my favorite flashlight. (Flashlights are also one of my favorite things. I have no explanation for this.)
No one can see the pained expression on my face. Afterall, I never said I'm enjoying this. I still hate running.
But I think I'm getting better. And Dayna sends me encouraging text messages because she can't believe I'm still doing this either. So, that makes it all worthwhile. Kind of.
This may all be history when I get up tomorrow and it's 10F with a subzero windchill. I can hardly wait.
Located at a height of over 4000 metres and along the famous Karakoram Highway (KKH) and near the Kunjrab Pass, Khunjrab National Park is Pakistan's third largest National Park. The park is adjacent to Taxkorgan Natural Reserve in China. This park was established in 1975 on the recommendation of renowned wildlife biologist Dr. George Schaller, since the population of Marco Polo Sheep was declining at an alarming rate. In fact the construction of the Karakoram Highway provided an easy access to the hunters to the wildlife in the area. The Marco Polo Sheep’s trophy sells for as much as $60,000 and this rare animal was hunted to near extinction. Also, the building of the highway has disturbed the wildlife in the area and many animals have migrated across the border to China and Afghanistan.
Khunjerab National Park consists of three different valleys: Khunjerab (through which the Karakoram Highway passes), Ghujerab and the remote Shimshal valley. As local communities had traditionally used the entire area for grazing domestic livestock in summer, Dr. Schaller recommended a 12 kilometre portion of the park to be closed for grazing in order to provide protection to Marco Polo sheep against disturbance and food competition. This portion of the park was declared the core zone of the park. However, imposing a ban on grazing of livestock without compensation or concessions to grazing for the local communities created serious conflicts between the park management and the local people.
Now with the emergence of this park, the number of this species is very slowly increasing. Marco Polo Sheep is recognized by the very long outward curving horns, developed in the mature males. An aged ram is is very impressive and majestic, mainly because of massive spiraling horns which can span a man's outstretched arms and almost twice the height and size of most other wild or domestic sheep. The Marco Polo sheep is an inhabitant of very high mountains subject to severely cold winds and climatic conditions throughout the year. Currently, its population is confined to northwestern part of Hunza district along the Chinese border. Here, between spring and autumn, it occupies two separate valleys in the northwest section of Khunjrab National Park, and also inhabits the Kilik-Mintaka border area, just west of the National Park. Marco Polo sheep is probably the most endangered of Pakistan's wild sheep and goats, and unless action is taken immediately they will probably become extinct. Kilik/Mintaka Game Reserve along the border with China, east of the KKH and the Khunjerab National Park has been specially created to provide 65,000 hectares for preservation of Marco Polo sheep habitat.
The the total remaining population of Snow Leopard is estimated around 7,000-10,000 worldwide, of which around 300 are found in Pakistan. Anyone who can venture up to Nagar Valley, 65 kilometres north of Gilgit, one has a fair chance of siting the big cat, preferably at dawn or dusk. The Baltistan Wildlife Sanctuary covering 415 square kilometres in Baltistan, contiguous with the Astor Wildlife Sanctuary to its south and east and south of the Indus River, is basically established to protect the Snow Leopard besides Brown Bear, Lynx, Tibetan wolf, Tibetan fox, Markhor, Blue sheep and Asiatic ibex. Recently, an animal husbandry program in Chitral has been established which combines science to provide a new approach to save snow leopards. Snow Leopard is also found in Khunjrab National Park
Other wild life that is found in the park include the Himalayan Ibex, Brown Bear, Tibetan Red Fox, Tibetan Wolf, Blue Sheep, Tibetan Wild Donkey, Ermine, Alpine Weasel, Stone Martin, Golden Marmot, Large-eared Pika, Cape Hare and many other small mammals. Most of these animals are considered to be in the threatened species category.
Beside the mammals, a wide variety of birds is also found in the park area, which include Golden Eagle, Lammegier, Himalayan Griffon and Eurasian Black Vultures, Marsh Harrier, Eurasian Sparrow Hawk, Eurasian and Lesser Kestrel, Saker and Peregrin Falcon, Himalayan Snow Cock, Snow Partridge, Grey Heron, Hill and Snow Pigeon, Northern Eagle Owl, Eurasian Cuckoo, Common Swallow, Magpie, Alpine Cough and Raven.
With the establishment of the park and laying down strict rules for the locals as well as the hunters, visitors can view plenty of wildlife from the main KKH. Ibex can easily be seen grazing on distant ridges, Golden Marmots play alongside the road and sometimes even a brown bear can be spotted. A four-day trek to the Karchanai Nullah rewards visitors with a close-up view of a herd of Marco Polo sheep. According to estimates supplied by members of the KVO, there are now around 1000 Ibex, 300 Blue Sheep, 60 Marco Polo Sheep, and a handful of brown bears and Snow Leopards (which have been spotted) living in the park. Since these animals tend to migrate across the border, these numbers are not accurate.
The Khunjerab National Park has the potential to develop into one of the world’s foremost national parks. According to WWF officials, a plan is now afoot to turn it into an ‘International Peace Park’ with conserved areas on both sides of the border. Negotiations with the Chinese are underway. If this plan can be realized, it would mean one ecological park with open boundaries for the wildlife – a truly spectacular habitat on top of the world.
Source: www.pakistanpaedia.com/parks/khunjrab/national_parks_of_p...
Now a days you do not have to have a party at your house you can have a virtual party! I specialize in Jamberry Facebook parties!! If you want to host a party please contact me at emehlick@gmail.com
(Loyalty Cards - February 2021 - Day 4)
Here's my old Borders Rewards card. It was issued in the mid-2000s if memory serves.
British Columbia residents who are making an effort to lead healthier lifestyles can now be rewarded with loyalty points such as Aeroplan, PetroPoints, Scene and MoreRewards, thanks to an innovative new mobile app called Carrot Rewards.
Learn more: news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2016HLTH0013-000326
littl3m3rmaidd.tumblr.com
( I do post all my photos on my Tumblr, under my "My Photos" tab, so reblog them from there! Don't steal!)
... along the way, Palo and I have met so many amazingly creative people and we thank everyone who has viewed and commented along the way. However, with 9 days to go, I wanted to acknowledge and thank 9 very special friendships -
mollybob you first suggested to Palo to pick up a camera and join Flickr ... we dedicate this daily shot to you ... thank you.
ron you have taught us so much about story telling through the adventures of Ingmar. You have opened my rusty heart to listen to the true value of the message behind the words. At times your words have left a far greater impact than you can imagine ... we dedicate this daily shot to you ... thank you.
pauline your caring nature and support has motivated us to stay true to our creativity ... we know your affinity for flowers and dedicate this daily shot to you ... thank you.
nate you are a magical lego legend that leaves the most thoughtful and considerate comments comments everyday ... we dedicate this daily shot to you ... thank you.
malinda you may not be active on Flickr at this time, but you and Zoro welcomed us and wished us well on the very first day of this journey ... we miss you and dedicate this daily shot to you ... thank you.
mark we appreciated your wicked wit and for challenging Palo and I take the twists and turns in our 365 to make it interesting ... we dedicate this daily shot to you ... thank you.
jan your remarkable generosity and whacky humour (and this just oozes through Mr P) brings a smile to my face every single day ... we dedicate this daily shot to you ... thank you.
barbara you are so inspirational ... your playfulness and laughter brings so much joy ... you are one of the best toy photographers on Flickr, it is an honour to know you ... we dedicate this daily shot to you ... thank you.
marty it feels as though you are part of this tiny-palo family ... your loyal and heartfelt support has been there every step of the way. You may hold the record for favouriting the most tiny photos ever, but we still want to dedicate this daily shot to you ... thank you.
357365 Toy Project
357365 One Object 365 Project
At the end of April, Amtrak unveiled four new wrap jobs on their ACS-64 locomotives as part of a promotion for a rewards program with certain Broadway shows, including the new "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" show.. These wraps did not last long at and I only got 3/4 of them before they vanished.
My first catch of one of these new Harry Potter wrap jobs would be this shot of Amtrak Train 196 rushing through Levittown, led by ACS-64 634. These engines were DARK. Combined with the gloomy weather we had had, the speed and the rapidly approaching sunset, I wasn't too thrilled with this one, but it was the first catch.
I mentioned that I needed bubble wrap and my true love returned home with this. He was very proud that he'd gotten the buy-two-get-one-free deal.
Canon 5D Mark II Photos Tan Blond Swimsuit Bikini Model Goddess! 24-105mm F/4 USM L Lens !
"Beauty will save the world." --Dostoevsky
Hello Flickr fans! Excited for my Los Angeles Landscape gallery show in December! Taking a break from finishing the HDR landscapes and finishing some goddesses for my 45surf surfline instead. :) The gallery artist statement will begin with something like:
"In every photograph you can see both where the photographer was standing and what they were thinking. So it is that this collection tells the story of my epic journey as no words ever could. And more importantly, I hope that it serves to guide and inspire you along a hero's journey of your own making, owning all the glorious rewards of the risks of your own taking." --Johnny Ranger McCoy
Back to the goddesses for the moment:
Canon 5D Mark II Photos of Pretty Blonde Swimsuit Bikini Model Goddess with Blue Eyes! 24-105mm F/4 USM Lens ! She was tall, thin, fit--very, very fit--with amazing rock-hard abs and a toned, tall body! Long, long legs--long as the day! A classic socal California Beach Babe!
Epic video of the epic goddess, shot as the same time as the stills as is Johnny Ranger McCoy's lone-cowboy trademark technique:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Y5lQiNQncA
www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OfcQ9KCy1Y
Join Johnny Ranger McCoy's Hero's Journey Mythology Goddesses facebook! www.facebook.com/45surfHerosJourneyMythology
Subscribe to Johnny's youtube for epic goddess videos! www.youtube.com/user/bikiniswimsuitmodels
Twitter: twitter.com/45surf
Follow me on facebook! facebook.com/elliot.mcgucken
All the Best on Your Epic Hero's Journey from Johnny Ranger McCoy & the HJM Goddesses! :)
Gorgeous Brazilian Swimsuit Bikini Model Goddess!
Beautiful swimsuit bikini model goddess with long, curly / wavy brown hair.
Canon 5D Mark II photos with 24-105mm USM L Lens
Here's some epic video of the supreme goddess from the shoot!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1iicSeHs3o
www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Q3rubTnKpc
www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWhZrqrYhiA
Enjoy in full HD! :)
"Beauty will save the world." --Dostoevsky
Hello Flickr fans! Excited for my Los Angeles Landscape gallery show in December! Taking a break from finishing the HDR landscapes and finishing some goddesses for my 45surf surfline instead. :) The gallery artist statement will begin with something like:
"In every photograph you can see both where the photographer was standing and what they were thinking. So it is that this collection tells the story of my epic journey as no words ever could. And more importantly, I hope that it serves to guide and inspire you along a hero's journey of your own making, owning all the glorious rewards of the risks of your own taking." --Johnny Ranger McCoy
Back to the goddesses for the moment:
Canon 5D Mark II Photos of Pretty Blonde Swimsuit Bikini Model Goddess! 24-105mm F/4 USM Lens ! She was tall, thin, fit--very, very fit--with amazing rock-hard abs and a toned, tall body! A classic socal California Beach Babe!
Join Johnny Ranger McCoy's Hero's Journey Mythology Goddesses facebook! www.facebook.com/45surfHerosJourneyMythology
Subscribe to Johnny's youtube for epic goddess videos! www.youtube.com/user/bikiniswimsuitmodels
Twitter: twitter.com/45surf
Follow me on facebook! facebook.com/elliot.mcgucken
All the Best on Your Epic Hero's Journey from Johnny Ranger McCoy & the HJM Goddesses! :)
I received a set of three two-sided mini posters of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, from Disney Movie Rewards on February 17, 2016. They feature a group shot of all the main characters, and closeups of Rey, Leia, Han, Finn and Kylo. They measure 19" H x 13" W, and are nicely printed on stiff poster paper. They were shipped flat, and arrived in perfect condition. Here are my photos of the posters. They are still available from the DMR site for 650 points.
British Columbia residents who are making an effort to lead healthier lifestyles can now be rewarded with loyalty points such as Aeroplan, PetroPoints, Scene and MoreRewards, thanks to an innovative new mobile app called Carrot Rewards.
Learn more: news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2016HLTH0013-000326
Jainism (/ˈdʒeɪnɪzəm/ or /ˈdʒaɪnɪzəm/), traditionally known as Jina Sashana or Jain dharma (Sanskrit: जैन धर्म), is an Indian religion that prescribes a path of nonviolence towards all living beings. Practitioners believe that nonviolence and self-control are the means by which they can obtain liberation from the cycle of births and deaths.
The word "Jain" is derived from the Sanskrit word Jina (meaning victor). A human being who has conquered all inner passions like attachment, desire, anger, pride, greed, etc. and therefore, possesses pure infinite knowledge (Kevala Jnana) is called Jina. Followers of the path practised and preached by Jinas are known as Jains.
Jainism is one of the oldest religions in the world. It has also been regarded as one of the most scientific of all religions. Jains trace their history through a succession of twenty-four teachers and revivers of Jain teachings known as tirthankaras with Rishabha as the first and Mahāvīra as the last of the current era.
DOCTRINE
NON-VIOLENCE (AHIMSA)
The principle of ahimsa is the most fundamental and well known aspect of Jain religious practice. The everyday implementation of ahimsa is more comprehensive than in other religions and is the hallmark for Jain identity. Non-violence is practiced first and foremost during interactions with other human beings, and Jains believe in avoiding harm to others through actions, speech and thoughts.
In addition to other humans, Jains extend the practice of nonviolence towards all living beings. As this ideal cannot be completely implemented in practice, Jains recognize a hierarchy of life, which gives more protection to humans followed by animals followed by insects followed by plants. For this reason, vegetarianism is a hallmark of Jain practice, with the majority of Jains practicing lacto-vegetarianism. If there is violence against animals during the production of dairy products, veganism is also encouraged (see Jain vegetarianism). After humans and animals, insects are the next living being offered protection in Jain practice with avoidance of intentional harm to insects emphasized. For example, insects in the home are often escorted out instead of killed. Intentional harm and the absence of compassion make an action more violent per Jainism.
After nonviolence towards humans, animals and insects, Jains make efforts not to injure plants any more than necessary. Although they admit that plants must be destroyed for the sake of food, they accept such violence only inasmuch as it is indispensable for human survival. Strict Jains, including Jain monks and nuns, do not eat root vegetables such as potatoes, onions and garlic, because tiny organisms are injured when the plant is pulled up, and also because a bulb or tuber's ability to sprout is seen as characteristic of a living being.
Jainism has a very elaborate framework on types of life and includes life-forms that may be invisible. Per Jainism, the intent and emotions behind the violence are more important than the action itself. For example, if a person kills another living being out of carelessness and then regrets later, the karma bandhan (bondage of karma) is less versus when the person kills the same living being with anger, revenge, etc. The emotions (bhava) determine the bondage of karmas. A soldier acting in self defense is a different type of violence versus someone killing another person out of hatred or revenge.
Violence or war in self-defense may be justified, but this must only be used as a last resort after peaceful measures have been thoroughly exhausted. Mahatma Gandhi notably practiced and preached ahimsa.
NON ABSOLUTISM
The second main principle of Jainism is non-absolutism (anēkāntavāda). For Jains, non-absolutism means maintaining open-mindedness. This includes the recognition of all perspectives and a humble respect for differences in beliefs. Jainism encourages its adherents to consider the views and beliefs of their rivals and opposing parties. The principle of anekāntavāda influenced Mahatma Gandhi to adopt principles of religious tolerance and ahiṃsā.
Anekāntavāda emphasizes the principles of pluralism (multiplicity of viewpoints) and the notion that truth and reality are perceived differently from diverse points of view, no single one of which is complete.
Jains illustrate this theory through the parable of the blind men and an elephant. In this story, each blind man feels a different part of an elephant: its trunk, leg, ear, and so on. All of them claim to understand and explain the true appearance of the elephant but, due to their limited perspectives, can only partly succeed. The concept of anēkāntavāda extends to and is further explained by Syādvāda (below).
Non-possessiveness
The third main principle in Jainism is non-possessiveness (aparigraha). This is the concept of greedlessness or non-grasping and includes non-materialism. Jainism emphasizes taking no more than is truly necessary. While ownership of objects is allowed, non-attachment to possessions is taught. Followers should minimize the tendency to hoard unnecessary material possessions and limit attachment to current possessions. Further, wealth and possessions should be shared and donated whenever possible. Jainism believes that unchecked attachment to possessions can lead to direct harm to oneself and others.
Five main vows
Jainism encourages spiritual development through cultivation of personal wisdom and through reliance on self-control through vows. Jains accept different levels of compliance for strict followers and laymen. Followers of this religion undertake five major vows:
1. Ahimsa: Ahimsa means nonviolence. The first major vow taken by followers is to cause no harm to living beings. It involves minimizing intentional and unintentional harm to other living creatures by actions, speech or thoughts.
2. Satya: Satya means truth. This vow is to always speak the truth. Given that non-violence has priority, other principles yield to it whenever they conflict: in a situation where speaking truth could lead to violence, silence may be observed.
3. Asteya: Asteya means not stealing. Jains should not take anything that is not willingly offered. Attempting to extort material wealth from others or to exploit the weak is considered theft. Fair value should be given for all goods and services purchased.
4. Brahmacharya: Brahmacharya means chastity for laymen and celibacy for Jain monks and nuns. This requires the exercise of control over the senses to control indulgence in sexual activity.
5. Aparigraha: Aparigraha means non-possessiveness. This includes non-materialism and non-attachment to objects, places and people. Jain monks and nuns completely renounce property and social relations.
Monks and nuns are obligated to practice the five cardinal principles of non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, celibacy, and non-possessiveness very strictly, while laymen are encouraged to observe them within their current practical limitations.
Additionally, Jainism identifies four passions of the mind: Anger, pride (ego), deceitfulness, greed. It recommends conquering anger by forgiveness, pride by humility, deceitfulness by straight-forwardness and greed by contentment.
GOD
Jainism rejects the idea of a creator or destroyer god and postulates that the universe is eternal. Jainism believes every soul has the potential for salvation and to become god. In Jainism, perfect souls with body are called Arihantas (victors) and perfect souls without the body are called Siddhas (liberated souls). Tirthankara is an Arihanta who help others in achieving liberation. Jainism has been described as a transtheistic religion , as it does not teach the dependency on any supreme being for enlightenment. The Tirthankara is a guide and teacher who points the way to enlightenment, but the struggle for enlightenment is one's own.
- Arihanta (Jina)- A human being who conquers all inner passions and possesses infinite knowledge (Kevala Jnana). They are also known as Kevalins (omniscient beings). There are two kinds of Arihantas -
1. Sāmānya (Ordinary victors) - Kevalins who are concerned with their own salvation.
2. Tirthankara - Tīrthaṅkara literally means a 'ford-maker', or a founder of salvation teaching. They propagate and revitalize the Jain faith and become role-models for those seeking spiritual guidance. They reorganise the fourfold order (chaturvidha sangha) that consists of monks (śramana), nuns (śramani), male followers (srāvaka) and female followers (śravaika). Jains believe that exactly twenty-four tirthankaras are born in each half cycle of time (Jain cosmology). The last tirthankara, Mahavira and his predecessor Parsvanatha are historical figures whose existence is recorded.
Siddhas (the liberated beings), although they are formless, this is how they are depicted in Jain temples
- Siddha- Siddhas are Arihantas who attain salvation (moksha) and dwell in Siddhashila with infinite bliss, infinite perception, infinite knowledge and infinite energy.
PRACTICES
MONASTICISM
In Jainism, monasticism is encouraged and respected. Jain monks and nuns live extremely austere and ascetic lifestyles. They follow the five main vows of Jainism absolutely. Jain monks and nuns have neither a permanent home nor possessions. They do not use vehicles and always travel barefoot from one place to another, irrespective of the distance. They wander from place to place except during the months of Chaturmas. They do not use telephones or electricity. They do not prepare food and live only on what people offer them. Jain monks and nuns also usually keep a cloth for ritual mouth-covering to avoid inadvertently harming micro-organisms in the air. Most will carry a broomlike object (Rayoharan), made from dense, thick thread strands, to sweep the ground ahead of them, or before sitting down, to avoid inadvertently crushing small insects.
The monks of Jainism, whose presence is not needed for most Jain rituals, should not be confused with priests. However, some sects of Jainism often employ a pujari, who need not be a Jain, to perform special daily rituals and other priestly duties at the temple.
PRAYERS
Jains pray to these passionless gods not for any favors, material goods or rewards but rather pray to the qualities of the god with the objective of destroying their own karmas and achieving liberation. This is best understood by the term vandetadgunalabhdhaye – i.e. "we pray to the attributes of such Gods to acquire such attributes".
NAVKAR MANTRA
The Navkār mantra is the fundamental prayer of Jainism and may be recited at any time. In this mantra, Jains worship the qualities (Gunas) of the spiritually supreme in order to attain Godhood. The prayer does not name any one particular person. In Jainism, the purpose of worship or prayer is to break the barriers of worldly attachments and desires and to assist in the liberation of the soul.
FASTING
Most Jains fast throughout the year, particularly during festivals (fasting in Jainism). This takes on various forms and may be practiced based on one's ability. Some examples include: eating only one or two meals per day, drinking only water all day, not eating after sunset, not eating processed foods, eating food without sugar/oil/salt. Two purposes of fasting are to exercise self-control and to clear the mind to devote more mental energy to prayer.
MEDITATION
Jains have developed a type of meditation called samayika, a term derived from the word samaya. The goal of Samayika is to achieve a feeling of perfect calmness and to understand the unchanging truth of the self. Such meditation is based on contemplation of the universe and the reincarnation of self. Samayika is particularly important during the Paryushana religious festival. It is believed that meditation will assist in managing and balancing one's passions. Great emphasis is placed on the internal control of thoughts, as they influence behavior, actions and goals.
Jains follow six duties known as avashyakas: samyika (practising serenity), chaturvimshati (praising the tirthankara), vandan (respecting teachers and monks), pratikramana (introspection), kayotsarga (stillness), and pratyakhyana (renunciation).
PHILOSOPHY
SOUL AND KARMA
According to Jains, souls are intrinsically pure and possess the qualities of infinite knowledge, infinite perception, infinite bliss and infinite energy in their ideal state. In reality, however, these qualities are found to be obstructed due to the soul's association with a substance called karma. The ultimate goal in Jainism is to obtain moksha, which means liberation or salvation of the soul completely freeing it from karmic bondage.
The relationship between the soul and karma is explained by the analogy of gold. Gold is always found mixed with impurities in its natural state. Similarly, the ideal, pure state of the soul is always mixed with the impurities of karma. Just like gold, purification of the soul may be achieved if the proper methods of refining are applied. The Jain karmic theory is used to attach responsibility to individual action and is cited to explain inequalities, sufferings and pain.
THREE GEMS
The following three gems of Jainism lay down the path to achieve liberation of the soul (moksha).
1. Right View (Samyak Darshana) - Having the right perception and seeking the truth while avoiding preconceptions that get in the way of seeing things clearly.
2, Right Knowledge (Samyak Gyana) - Having the right knowledge of Jain principles.
3. Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra) - Applying Jain principles to your life.
TATTVA
Jain metaphysics is based on seven or nine fundamentals which are known as tattva, which attempt to explain the nature of the human predicament and to provide solutions for the ultimate goal of liberation of the soul (moksha):
1. Jīva: The essence of living beings is called jiva, a substance which is different from the body that houses it. Consciousness, knowledge and perception are its fundamental attributes.
2. Ajīva: Non-living entities that consist of matter, space and time.
3. Asrava: The interaction between jīva and ajīva causes the influx of karma (a particular form of ajiva) into the soul.
4. Bandha: The karma masks the jiva and restricts it from having its true potential of perfect knowledge and perception.
5. Saṃvara: Through right conduct, it is possible to stop the influx of additional karma.
6. Nirjarā: By performing asceticism, it is possible to discard the existing karma.
7. Mokṣa: The liberated jiva which has removed its karma and is said to have the pure, intrinsic quality of perfect knowledge and perception.
Some authors add two additional categories: the meritorious (puńya) and demeritorious (pāpa) acts related to karma.
SYATVADA
Syādvāda is the doctrine extending from non-absolutism (anēkāntavāda). This recommends the expression of anekānta by prefixing the epithet Syād to every phrase or expression. The Sanskrit etymological root of the term syād is "perhaps" or "maybe", but in the context of syādvāda it means "in some ways" or "from some perspective." As reality is complex, no single proposition can express its full nature. The term syāt- should therefore be prefixed to each proposition, giving it a conditional point of view and thus removing dogmatism from the statement. There are seven conditioned propositions (saptibhaṅgī) in syādvāda as follows:
1. syād-asti—in some ways, it is;
2. syād-nāsti—in some ways, it is not;
3. syād-asti-nāsti—in some ways, it is, and it is not;
4. syād-asti-avaktavyaḥ—in some ways, it is, and it is indescribable;
5. syād-nāsti-avaktavyaḥ—in some ways, it is not, and it is indescribable;
6. syād-asti-nāsti-avaktavyaḥ—in some ways, it is, it is not, and it is indescribable;
7. syād-avaktavyaḥ—in some ways, it is indescribable.
Each of these seven propositions examines the complex and multifaceted nature of reality from a relative point of view of time, space, substance and mode. To ignore the complexity of reality is to commit the fallacy of dogmatism.
Nayavāda is the theory of partial standpoints or viewpoints. Nayavāda is a compound of two Sanskrit words: naya ("partial viewpoint") and vada ("school of thought or debate"). It is used to arrive at a certain inference from a point of view. Every object has infinite aspects, but when we describe one in practice, we speak only of relevant aspects and ignore the irrelevant. Nayavāda holds that philosophical disputes arise out of confusion of standpoints, and the standpoints we adopt are "the outcome of purposes that we may pursue"— although we may not realize it. While operating within the limits of language and perceiving the complex nature of reality, Māhavīra used the language of nayas. Naya, being a partial expression of truth, enables us to comprehend reality part by part.
Non-absolutism (anēkāntavāda) is more formally stated by observing that objects are infinite in their qualities and modes of existence, so they cannot be completely grasped in all aspects and manifestations by finite human perception. Only Kevalins (omniscient beings) can comprehend objects in all aspects and manifestations; others are only capable of partial knowledge. Accordingly, no single, specific, human view can claim to represent absolute truth.
HISTORY
ORIGINS
The origins of Jainism are obscure. Jainism is a philosophy of eternity,. According to Jain time cycle, in each half of the time cycle, twenty-four great humans rise to the level of tirthankaras and show humans the true path to salvation. Therefore, they are also called human spiritual guides. Parshvanatha, predecessor of Mahāvīra and the twenty-third tirthankara was a historical figure. He lived somewhere in the 9th–7th century BC. Followers of Pārśva are mentioned in the canonical books; and a legend in the Uttarādhyayana sūtra relates a meeting between a disciple of Pārśva and a disciple of Mahāvīra which brought about the union of the old and the new Jain teachings.
During the 5th or 6th century BC, Vardhamana Mahāvīra became one of the most influential teachers of Jainism. Jains revere him as twenty-forth tirthankara and regard him as the last of the great tīrthankaras of this era. He appears in the tradition as one who, from the beginning, had followed a religion established long ago.
UNIVERSAL HISTORY
According to Jain legends, sixty-three illustrious beings called Salakapurusas have appeared on earth. The Jain universal history is a compilation of the deeds of these illustrious persons. They comprise twenty-four tīrthaṅkaras, twelve chakravartins, nine baladevas, nine vāsudevas and nine prativāsudevas.
A chakravarti is an emperor of the world and lord of the material realm. Though he possesses worldly power, he often finds his ambitions dwarfed by the vastness of the cosmos. Jain puranas give a list of twelve chakravartins. They are golden in complexion. One of the greatest chakravartin mentioned in Jain scriptures is Bharata. Traditions say that India came to be known as Bharatavarsha in his memory.
There are nine sets of baladeva, vāsudeva and prativāsudeva. Certain Digambara texts refer to them as balabhadra, narayana and pratinarayana, respectively. The origin of this list of brothers can be traced to the Jinacaritra by Bhadrabahu (c. 3rd–4th century BCE). Baladeva are non-violent heroes, vasudeva are violent heroes and prativāsudeva can be described as villains. According to the legends, the vasudeva ultimately kill the prativasudeva. Of the nine baladeva, eight attain liberation and the last goes to heaven. The vasudeva go to hell on account of their violent exploits, even if these were intended to uphold righteousness.
ROYAL PATRONAGE
The ancient city Pithunda, capital of Kalinga (modern Odisha), is described in the Jain text Uttaradhyana Sutra as an important centre at the time of Mahāvīra, and was frequented by merchants from Champa. Rishabha, the first tirthankara, was revered and worshiped in Pithunda and is known as the Kalinga Jina. Mahapadma Nanda (c. 450–362 BCE) conquered Kalinga and took a statue of Rishabha from Pithunda to his capital in Magadha. Jainism is said to have flourished under the Nanda Empire.
The Maurya Empire came to power after the downfall of the Nanda. The first Mauryan emperor, Chandragupta Maurya (c. 322–298 BCE), became a Jain in the latter part of his life. He was a disciple of Bhadrabahu, a Jain acharya who was responsible for propagation of Jainism in South India. The Mauryan king Ashoka was converted to Buddhism and his pro-Buddhist policy subjugated the Jains of Kalinga. Ashoka's grandson Samprati (c. 224–215 BCE) is said to have converted to Jainism by a Jain monk named Suhasti. He is known to have erected many Jain temples. He ruled a place called Ujjain.
In the 1st century BCE, Emperor Kharavela of the Mahameghavahana dynasty of Kalinga conquered Magadha. He retrieved Rishabha's statue and installed it in Udaygiri, near his capital Shishupalgadh. Kharavela was responsible for the propagation of Jainism across the Indian subcontinent.
Xuanzang (629–645 CE), a Chinese traveller, notes that there were numerous Jains present in Kalinga during his time. The Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves near Bhubaneswar, Odisha are the only surviving stone Jain monuments in Orissa.
King Vanaraja (c. 720–780 CE) of the Chawda dynasty in northern Gujarat was raised by a Jain monk Silunga Suri. He supported Jainism during his rule. The king of kannauj Ama (c. 8th century CE) was converted to Jainism by Bappabhatti, a disciple of famous Jain monk Siddhasena Divakara. Bappabhatti also converted Vakpati, the friend of Ama who authored a famous prakrit epic named Gaudavaho.
TAMIL NADU
Jainism flourished in Tamil Nadu at least as early as the Sangam period. Tamil Jain tradition places their origins are much earlier. The Ramayana mentions that Rama paid homage to Jaina monks living in South India on his way to Sri Lanka.
DECLINE
Once a major religion, Jainism declined due to a number of factors, including proselytising by other religious groups, persecution, withdrawal of royal patronage, sectarian fragmentation and the absence of central leadership. Since the time of Mahavira, Jainism faced rivalry with Buddhism and the various Hindu sects. The Jains suffered isolated violent persecutions by these groups, but the main factor responsible for the decline of their religion was the success of Hindu reformist movements. Around the 7th century, Shaivism saw considerable growth at the expense of Jainism due to the efforts of the Shaivite poets like Sambandar and Appar. Around the 8th century CE, the Hindu philosophers Kumārila Bhaṭṭa and Adi Shankara tried to restore the orthodox Vedic religion.
Royal patronage has been a key factor in the growth as well as decline of Jainism. The Pallava king Mahendravarman I (600–630 CE) converted from Jainism to Shaivism under the influence of Appar. His work Mattavilasa Prahasana ridicules certain Shaiva sects and the Buddhists and also expresses contempt towards Jain ascetics. Sambandar converted the contemporary Pandya king back to Shaivism. During the 11th century Brahmana Basava, a minister to the Jain king Bijjala, succeeded in converting numerous Jains to the Lingayat Shaivite sect. The Lingayats destroyed various temples belonging to Jains and adapted them to their use. The Hoysala king Vishnuvardhana (c. 1108–1152 CE) became a follower of the Vaishnava sect under the influence of Ramanuja, after which Vaishnavism grew rapidly in the present-day Karnataka. As the Hindu sects grew, the Jains compromised by following Hindu rituals and customs and invoking Hindu deities in Jain literature.
There are several legends about the mass massacre of Jains in the ancient times. The Buddhist king Ashoka (304-232 BCE) is said to have ordered killings of 18,000 Jains or Ajivikas after someone drew a picture of Buddha bowing at the feet of Mahavira. The Shaivite king Koon Pandiyan, who briefly converted to Jainism, is said to have ordered a massacre of 8,000 Jains after his re-conversion to Shaivism. However, these legends are not found in the Jain texts, and appear to be fabricated propaganda by Buddhists and Shaivites. Such stories of destruction of one sect by another sect were common at the time, and were used as a way to prove the superiority of one sect over the other. There are stories about a Jain king of Kanchi persecuting the Buddhists in a similar way. Another such legend about Vishnuvardhana ordering the Jains to be crushed in an oil mill doesn't appear to be historically true.
The decline of Jainism continued after the Muslim conquests on the Indian subcontinent. The Muslims rulers, such as Mahmud Ghazni (1001), Mohammad Ghori (1175) and Ala-ud-din Muhammed Shah Khilji (1298) further oppressed the Jain community. They vandalised idols and destroyed temples or converted them into mosques. They also burned the Jain books and killed Jains. Some conversions were peaceful, however; Pir Mahabir Khamdayat (c. 13th century CE) is well known for his peaceful propagation of Islam. The Jains also enjoyed amicable relations with the rulers of the tributary Hindu kingdoms during this period; however, their number and influence had diminished significantly due to their rivalry with the Shaivite and the Vaisnavite sects.
For long periods of time, Jainism was widely adopted in the Indian subcontinent. The religion has been in decline since the 8th century AD due to the growth of, and oppression by other religions.
COSMOLOGY
Jain beliefs postulate that the universe was never created, nor will it ever cease to exist. It is independent and self-sufficient, and does not require any superior power to govern it. Elaborate description of the shape and function of the physical and metaphysical universe, and its constituents, is provided in the canonical Jain texts, in commentaries and in the writings of the Jain philosopher-monks. The early Jains contemplated the nature of the earth and universe and developed detailed hypotheses concerning various aspects of astronomy and cosmology.
According to the Jain texts, the universe is divided into three parts, the upper, middle, and lower worlds, called respectively urdhva loka, madhya loka, and adho loka. It is made up of six constituents: Jīva, the living entity; Pudgala, matter; Dharma tattva, the substance responsible for motion; Adharma tattva, the substance responsible for rest; Akāśa, space; and Kāla, time.
WHEEL OF TIME
According to Jainism, time is beginningless and eternal; the cosmic wheel of time, called kālachakra, rotates ceaselessly. It is divided into halves, called utsarpiṇī and avasarpiṇī. Utsarpiṇī is a period of progressive prosperity, where happiness increases, while avasarpiṇī is a period of increasing sorrow and immorality. According to Jain cosmology, currently we are in the 5th ara, Duḥṣama (read as Dukhma). As of 2015, exactly 2,539 years have elapsed and 18,461 years are still left. It is an age of sorrow and misery. The maximum age a person can live to in this ara is not more than 200 years. The average height of people in this ara is six feet tall. No liberation is possible, although people practice religion in lax and diluted form. At the end of this ara, even the Jain religion will disappear, only to appear again with the advent of 1st Tirthankara in the next cycle.
JAIN COMMUNITY
DEMOGRAPHICS
The majority of Jains currently reside in India. With 5 million followers, Jainism is relatively small compared to major world religions. Jains live throughout India, with the largest populations concentrated in the states of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat. Karnataka and Tamil Nadu also have significant Jain populations. Outside India, large Jain communities can be found in the United States and Europe. Several Jain temples have been built in both of these places. Smaller Jain communities also exist in Kenya and Canada.
Jains developed a system of philosophy and ethics that had a great impact on Indian culture. They have contributed to the culture and language in the Indian states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra,
FESTIVALS
Paryushana is the most important annual event for Jains, and is usually celebrated in August or September. It lasts 8–10 days and is a time when lay people increase their level of spiritual intensity often using fasting, study and prayer/meditation to help. The five main vows are emphasized during this time. There are no set rules, and followers are encouraged to practice according to their ability and desires. The last day involves a focused prayer/meditation session known as Samvatsari Pratikramana. At the conclusion of the festival, followers request forgiveness from others for any offenses committed during the last year. Forgiveness is asked by saying "Micchami Dukkadam" to others, which means "If I have caused you offence in any way, knowingly or unknowingly, in thought, word or action, then I seek your forgiveness." The literal meaning of Paryushana is "abiding" or "coming together."
Mahāvīra Jayanti, the Janam (birth) of Mahāvīra, the last tirthankara, is usually celebrated in late March or early April based on the lunar calendar.
Diwali is a festival that marks the anniversary of attainment of Nirvana of Lord Mahavira, the last of the Jain Tirthankar of this era. It is celebrated at the same time as the Hindu festival of Diwali. Diwali is celebrated in an atmosphere of austerity, simplicity, serenity, equity, calmness, charity, philanthropy and environment-consciousness. Jain temples, homes, offices, shops are decorated with lights and diyas. The lights are symbolic of knowledge or removal of ignorance. Sweets are often distributed to each other. The new Jain year starts right after Diwali.
RITUALS
There are many Jain rituals including ones involving idol worshiping, depending on the sect. One example related to the five life events of tirthankara called the Panch Kalyanaka are rituals such as the panch kalyanaka pratishtha, panch kalyanaka puja, and snatra puja.
ART AND ARCHITECTURE
Jainism has contributed significantly to Indian art and architecture. Jains mainly depict tirthankara or other important people in a seated or standing meditative posture. Yakshas and yakshinis, attendant spirits who guard the tirthankara, are usually shown with them. Figures on various seals from the Indus Valley Civilisation bear similarity to Jain images, nude and in a meditative posture. The earliest known Jain image is in the Patna museum. It is approximately dated to the 3rd century BCE. Bronze images of Pārśva, can be seen in the Prince of Wales Museum, Mumbai, and in the Patna museum; these are dated to the 2nd century BCE. A sandalwood sculpture of Mahāvīra was carved during his lifetime, according to tradition. Later the practice of making images of wood was abandoned, other materials being substituted.
Remnants of ancient Jain temples and cave temples can be found all around India. Notable among these are the Jain caves at Udaigiri Hills near Bhelsa(Vidisha) in Madhya Pradesh and Ellora in Maharashtra, and the Jain temples at Dilwara near Mount Abu, Rajasthan. The Jain tower in Chittor, Rajasthan is a good example of Jain architecture. Decorated manuscripts are preserved in Jain libraries, containing diagrams from Jain cosmology. Most of the paintings and illustrations depict historical events, known as Panch Kalyanaka, from the life of the tirthankara. Rishabha, the first tirthankara, is usually depicted in either the lotus position or kayotsarga, the standing position. He is distinguished from other tirthankara by the long locks of hair falling to his shoulders. Bull images also appear in his sculptures. In paintings, incidents of his life, like his marriage and Indra's marking his forehead, are depicted. Other paintings show him presenting a pottery bowl to his followers; he is also seen painting a house, weaving, and being visited by his mother Marudevi. Each of the twenty-four tirthankara is associated with distinctive emblems, which are listed in such texts as Tiloyapannati, Kahavaali and Pravacanasaarodhara.
There are 26 caves, 200 stone beds, 60 inscriptions and over 100 sculptures in and around Madurai. It was in Madurai that Acharya Bhutapali wrote the Shatkhandagama. This is also the site where Jain ascetics of yesteryear wrote great epics and books on grammar in Tamil.
The Sittanavasal cave temple is regarded as one of the finest examples of Jain art. It is the oldest and most famous Jain centre in the region. It possesses both an early Jain cave shelter, and a medieval rock-cut temple with excellent fresco paintings of par excellence comparable to Ajantha paintings; the steep hill contains an isolated but spacious cavern. Locally, this cavern is known as Eladipattam, a name that is derived from the seven holes cut into the rock that serve as steps leading to the shelter. Within the cave there are seventeen stone beds aligned into rows, and each of these has a raised portion that could have served as a pillow-loft. The largest stone bed has a distinct Tamil- Bramhi inscription assignable to the 2nd century B.C., and some inscriptions belonging to 8th century B.C. are also found on the nearby beds. The Sittannavasal cavern continued to be the "Holy Sramana Abode" until the seventh and eighth centuries. Inscriptions over the remaining stone beds name mendicants such as Tol kunrattu Kadavulan, Tirunilan, Tiruppuranan, Tittaicharanan, Sri Purrnacandran, Thiruchatthan, Ilangowthaman, sri Ulagathithan and Nityakaran Pattakali as monks.
The 8th century Kazhugumalai temple marks the revival of Jainism in South India.
A monolithic, 18 m statue of Bahubali referred to as "Gommateshvara", built by the Ganga minister and commander Chavundaraya, is situated on a hilltop in Shravanabelagola in the Hassan district of Karnataka state. This statue was voted by Indians the first of the Times of India's list of seven wonders of India.
A large number of ayagapata, votive tablets for offerings and the worship of tirthankara, were found at Mathura.[
RECEPTION
NEGATIVE
Like all religions, Jainism is criticized and praised for some of its practices and beliefs. A holy fast to death in Jainism called sallekhana is a particular area of controversy. When a person feels that all his or her duties have been fulfilled, he or she may decide to gradually cease eating and drinking. This form of death (santhara) has been the center of controversy with some petitioning to make it illegal. Many Jains, on the other hand, see santhara as spiritual detachment requiring a great deal of spiritual accomplishment and maturity and a declaration that a person is finished with this world and has chosen to leave. Jains believe this allows one to achieve death with dignity and dispassion along with a great reduction of negative karma.
POSITIVE
Mahatma Gandhi was greatly influenced by Jainism. Jain principles that he adopted in his life were asceticism, compassion for all forms of life, the importance of vows for self-discipline, vegetarianism, fasting for self-purification, and mutual tolerance among people of different creeds.
Swami Vivekananda appreciated the role of Jainism in the development of Indian religious philosophy. In his words, he asks:
“ What could have saved Indian society from the ponderous burden of omnifarious ritualistic ceremonialism, with its animal and other sacrifices, which all but crushed the very life of it, except the Jain revolution which took its strong stand exclusively on chaste morals and philosophical truths?
WIKIPEDIA
Black. Size 9.5. Ordered today at 3:44pm. I have been waiting like a good girl to have money, and at 3:25 my freelance check cleared! At 3:35 I saw that the black ones had come back into stock in my size, and at 3:40 the logo I have been struggling with for over a week, had been viewed and approved! soooo:
I AM ALLOWED TO BUY BOOTS!
:)
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The Disney Movie Rewards Tinker Bell alphabet block trinket box, from various angles. It is in the KidKraft Snowflake Mansion. Tinker Bell is sitting on the block and laughing. The letters on the block spell TINK. It is 4'' W x 4'' D x 7'' H. I got it used but in excellent condition for a very good price. I think she is the best looking and most accurate Tinker Bell figure that I own.
Since I have been home shooting again, I have been hesitant about how much of my face that I want to show in self portraits. I find that faces often add so much identity to a character that I am portraying. While I find a representation of myself in many of my self portraits, I also want to leave room for the viewer to add their own identity, so as to better understand the story I am trying to tell. For this shoot, however, I decided to bend my own rules. It was interesting for me to then see the changes that have occurred in my face since my last portrait with a focus on my face.
I did not plan this shoot ahead of time, like I usually do. I was with my mom at her office and she had to turn the water off in a well pit. She asked me to go take the lid off and I immediately begged her to let me drop down there and do a shoot. The shovel was my only prop and the slip I was wearing my only costume, but I don't think the idea of digging one's own grave is a bad concept for me.
Kiev 4A
Jupiter 12 Red π - 35mm f/2.8
Kodak Tri-X 400
Kodak HC-110 Dil B (1+31)
7 min 30 sec 20°C
Scan from negative film
I just got my Olaf Pull-Apart Plush, from Disney Movie Rewards. He is the smallest of my Olaf plushes, at 8 1/2'' to the top of his head, or 10 1/2'' to the top of his hair. He cost $9.95. I ordered him a month ago (April 12) and got him today (May 16). He has a total of six removable pieces, held together with Velcro. Namely his head, his nose, his upper body, his arms, and his lower body (including his legs). He is very soft, and has the same design as the other Disney Olaf plush dolls. The Velcro works pretty well to keep his various parts together, but it takes a bit of patience and trial and error to get all the parts close to their original positions. But I suppose being a snowman, it isn't necessary to get him exactly aligned. His body is much smaller than the similarly sized Small Olaf plush by the Disney Store, so he is much lighter. He is very stable sitting down, in his normal position. The Velcro fasteners allow his different parts to be posed as if they had rotating joints, so he is as posable as a plastic doll, except for his feet/legs, which have fixed positions in front of his lower body. It will be lots of fun to pose this plush with other members of my Frozen collection, especially to reproduce scenes from the movie.
We spent a few days up in north Norfolk and although the first day was disappointing with drizzle and rain thing improved and I got clicking away at the wildlife we saw
The ruffs provided excellent subjects but as usual they were never still but patience brought her usual rewards as I hope you can see from these images/
I know I'd walk with an extra spring in my step were I able to don this outfit and use golden service items for Sunday Mass.
People being what they are, it wouldn't surprise me if the sumptuousness of one's finery were in direct proportion to one's power and importance within the Church's earthly hierarchy.