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The St. Gabriel the Archangel Church is located in Stepantsminda, a picturesque village in northern Georgia, at the foot of the imposing Mount Kazbek. The church is not only a historical monument, but also a very active place of worship for the locals, providing a spiritual refuge for the faithful who gather here for services, prayers and religious celebrations. The church features traditional Georgian Orthodox architecture, with stone walls and a red roof, typical of many churches in the region. The small cemetery next to it adds to the historical and spiritual significance of the place, where generations of locals have found their final resting place. Stepantsminda is located at an altitude of approximately 1,750 metres and is surrounded by rugged mountain peaks and vast valleys. The village is an important junction on the Georgian Military Highway, the historic trade route connecting Georgia with Russia. Despite its increasing popularity among travellers, Stepantsminda has managed to retain its authentic and peaceful character. The area is also popular with hikers and mountaineers looking for adventurous routes in the Caucasus.

In the shadow of the imposing Greater Caucasus, the St. Gabriel the Archangel Church in Stepantsminda stands as both a religious center and a symbol of the community’s resilience and faith. Pilgrims and travelers visiting the region are often moved by its serene atmosphere and the deep devotion of the local people.

De St. Gabriel the Archangel Church ligt in Stepantsminda, een schilderachtig dorp in het noorden van Georgië, aan de voet van de imposante Kazbek-berg. De kerk is niet alleen een historisch monument, maar ook een zeer actieve gebedsplaats voor de lokale bevolking en biedt een spiritueel toevluchtsoord voor gelovigen die hier samenkomen voor diensten, gebeden en religieuze vieringen. De kerk heeft een traditionele Georgisch-orthodoxe architectuur, met stenen muren en een rood dak, wat typerend is voor veel kerken in de regio. Het kleine kerkhof ernaast draagt bij aan de historische en spirituele betekenis van de plek, waar generaties van lokale inwoners hun laatste rustplaats hebben gevonden. Stepantsminda ligt op ongeveer 1.750 meter hoogte en wordt omringd door ruige bergtoppen en uitgestrekte valleien. Het dorp is een belangrijk knooppunt op de Georgian Military Highway, de historische handelsroute die Georgië met Rusland verbindt. Ondanks de toegenomen populariteit onder reizigers, heeft Stepantsminda zijn authentieke en rustige karakter weten te behouden. Het gebied is ook geliefd bij wandelaars en bergbeklimmers die op zoek zijn naar avontuurlijke routes in de Kaukasus.

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architecture frozen music. ~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Enjoying the music at the Basilica, Montserrat, Spain.

The Basilica is the name for the church at Montserrat. For most people it is essential to a visit to Montserrat for three main reasons. Firstly, it is, in itself, a Gothic building of architectural significance. Secondly, it is the home of Montserrat's masses and choral concerts. Thirdly, it houses what is arguably Montserrat's most important feature - the statue of the Black Madonna.

The monastery is 48 kilometres (30 mi) northwest of Barcelona, and can be reached by road, train or cable car. The abbey's train station, operated by FGC, is the terminus of a rack railway connecting with Monistrol, and two funiculars, one connecting with Santa Cova (a shrine and chapel lower down the mountain) and the other connecting with the upper slopes of the mountain. At 1,236 metres (4,055 ft) above the valley floor, Montserrat is the highest point of the Catalan lowlands, and stands central to the most populated part of Catalonia. Montserrat's highest point, Sant Jeroni, can be reached by footpaths leading from the monastery. From Sant Jeroni, almost all of Catalonia can be seen, and on a clear day the island of Mallorca is visible.

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There is some strength and significance of the circle, or perhaps the ring. It's a shape we're all familiar with and often occurs naturally in nature. The significance to each of us is unique, some might feel a part of the circle, or may have recently given a significant ring to someone. I wasn't expecting to get a ring this night around the moon in such fashion, and this was a complex shot for me. One of my first manual blends as photoshop was unable to correct for the distortion, but I knew when I saw this ring I wanted the panoramic view of the ring in the sky, and the canyon below to join. Obviously it's no spectacular colors, or mind bending sunset, but to me it signifies that beauty in nature often comes together at unexpected times. Simply being allows us to be part of this circle.

Cardiff Castle (Welsh: Castell Caerdydd) is a medieval castle and Victorian Gothic revival mansion located in the city centre of Cardiff.. The original motte and bailey castle was built in the late 11th century by Norman invaders on top of a 3rd-century Roman fort. The castle was commissioned either by William the Conqueror or by Robert Fitzhamon, and formed the heart of the medieval town of Cardiff and the Marcher Lord territory of Glamorgan. In the 12th century the castle began to be rebuilt in stone, probably by Robert of Gloucester, with a shell keep and substantial defensive walls being erected. Further work was conducted by the 6th Earl of Gloucester in the second half of the 13th century. Cardiff Castle was repeatedly involved in the conflicts between the Anglo-Normans and the Welsh, being attacked several times in the 12th century, and stormed in 1404 during the revolt of Owain Glyndŵr.

After being held by the de Clare and Despenser families for several centuries, the castle was acquired by The 13th Earl of Warwick and Comte de Aumale in 1423. Lord Warwick conducted extensive work on the castle, founding the main range on the west side of the castle, dominated by a tall octagonal tower. Following the Wars of the Roses, the status of the castle as a Marcher territory was revoked and its military significance began to decline. The Herbert family took over the property in 1550, remodelling parts of the main range and carrying out construction work in the outer bailey, then occupied by Cardiff's Shire Hall and other buildings. During the English Civil War Cardiff Castle was initially taken by a Parliamentary force, but was regained by Royalist supporters in 1645. When fighting broke out again in 1648, a Royalist army attacked Cardiff in a bid to regain the castle, leading to the Battle of St Fagans just outside the city. Cardiff Castle escaped potential destruction by Parliament after the war and was instead garrisoned, probably to protect against a possible Scottish invasion.

In the mid-18th century, Cardiff Castle passed into the hands of the Stuart dynasty, Marquesses of Bute. John, 1st Marquess of Bute, employed Capability Brown and Henry Holland to renovate the main range, turning it into a Georgian mansion, and to landscape the castle grounds, demolishing many of the older medieval buildings and walls. During the first half of the 19th century the family became extremely wealthy as a result of the growth of the coal industry in Glamorgan. However, it was the 3rd Marquess of Bute who truly transformed the castle, using his vast wealth to back an extensive programme of renovations under William Burges. Burges remodelled the castle in a Gothic revival style, lavishing money and attention on the main range. The resulting interior designs are considered to be amongst "the most magnificent that the gothic revival ever achieved". The grounds were re-landscaped and, following the discovery of the old Roman remains, reconstructed walls and a gatehouse in a Roman style were incorporated into the castle design. Extensive landscaped parks were built around the outside of the castle.

In the early 20th century, the 4th Marquess of Bute inherited the castle and construction work continued into the 1920s. The Bute lands and commercial interests around Cardiff were sold off or nationalised until, by the time of the Second World War, little was left except the castle. During the war, extensive air raid shelters were built in the castle walls; they could hold up to 1,800 people. When the 4th Marquess died in 1947, the castle was given to the City of Cardiff.

Today the castle is run as a tourist attraction, with the grounds housing the "Firing Line" regimental museum and interpretation centre. The castle has also served as a venue for events, including musical performances and festivals.

Click here for more photographs of Cardiff Castle: www.jhluxton.com/Wales/Cardiff-Caerdydd/Cardiff-Castle

Pavilion No. 1 (Main) has a total height of 65 meters, the height of its gilded spire is 25 meters.

The Expocenter complex includes 180 buildings and structures. 20 buildings have the status of architectural and urban monuments of local significance of Ukraine – the entrance propylaea, the main pavilion and numerous other pavilions.

Þingvellir is a site of historical, cultural, and geological significance, and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Iceland. The park lies in a rift valley that marks the crest of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and the boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. To its south lies Þingvallavatn, the largest natural lake in Iceland.

The name Þingvellir is derived from the Old Norse Þingvǫllr meaning assembly fields. The site takes its name from Alþing (Althing), the national parliament of Iceland, which was founded at Þingvellir in 930 and held its sessions there until 1798.

Although I did not have the courage to swim between the tectonic plates, I did stop by for a while to cook some dinner and enjoy a beautiful sunset enroute to Gulfoss. I have not travelled anywhere the past few years barring a few places in the US which I hope to post one of these days...

Hope everyone is doing good! Thanks for viewing and have a great week ahead :)

Many farm sites still have old barns and silos that dance slowly around the century mark. Young farmers, hobby farmers and others have little or no use for them and to rehab them is prohibitively costly. I find aging has brought unique challenges and one of the big ones was when it came time to transition from the role of an active breadwinner to that of a spectator that few notice.

"The significance of being under water / is determined under water"

(neither image nor text has any bearing outside the direct context)

Cultural significance

The ancient Egyptians revered the Nile water lilies, which were known as lotuses. The lotus motif is a frequent feature of temple column architecture. In Egypt, the lotus, rising from the bottom mud to unfold its petals to the sun, suggested the glory of the sun's own emergence from the primeval slime. It was a metaphor of creation. It was a symbol of the fertility gods and goddesses as well as a symbol of the upper Nile as the giver of life.

If you're going to Photokina in Germany next week, stop by the Lensbaby booth and check out my photo. I'm told this photo will be printed around 5ft wide. Heck, just stop by their booth anyways. They have some fun lenses.

Thanks, Lensbaby!

Image taken with the Lensbaby Twist 60 Optic.

...

Carnation, WA

Tumblr | www.johnwestrock.com | Prints

There is a story behind this image that is of significance to me.

A part of the Visual Design workshop that is put on by Freeman Patterson and Andre Gallant is an assignment given on Thursday afternoon that is specifically tailored for each participating individual. My assignment, based on a conversation at table with Freeman during the first group meal together on Sunday evening, was 'retirement.' At that meal, on the subject of retirement, he had said two things to me: "Brian, don't overthink it, and follow your heart!"

So, of course, the first thing I did when given the project was start to overthink it. I spent an hour making notes and jotting down ideas (15 to 20 photos had to be made and presented in a slideshow the next day).

Heather and RonM (the workshop newbie in the group) both brought me up short with something along the line of, "Brian, don't worry about it. You're retired, do whatever you like!"

So I did. Heather had found some places she knew I'd enjoy photographing, scouting around the area while I was attending the workshop. So we went and I shot Thursday evening and Friday morning. Had a wonderful time and met a generous man named Jim Day who let us explore his property and photograph old cars and trucks returning to nature in the woods on his place. I'll have a little more to tell you about him later, when I put the slideshow together for uploading to Flickr.

I hope you enjoy this photograph as much as I enjoyed making it.

The Great Ocean Walk is a walking trail on Victoria's southwest coast in Australia, traversing several areas of historical and cultural significance. The track makes extensive usage of eco-friendly facilities; with Parks Victoria and tour guide operators attempting to raise environmental awareness. The trail meanders along high cliff tops and sandy beaches.

The Great Ocean Walk is a walking track located 200 kilometres south-west of Melbourne. It stretches 104 kilometres from Apollo Bay to Glenample Homestead, located near The Twelve Apostles, Victoria. The walk passes through the Otway National Park, with Parks Victoria providing seven hike-in camp-sites spaced at intervals of 10 km to 15 km along the track. Guided tours are offered by several operators, with the walk estimated to take about eight days to complete. All walkers are required to register with Parks Victoria, and must book for use of camp-sites.

The track hugs coastline which is not always visible from the Great Ocean Road; and traverses an area that hosts koalas, wallabies, echidnas, reptiles, bird species, snakes (including tiger, brown, and copperhead), ants, bees, European wasps and leeches. From June through September, whales can be spotted along the coastline. The track passes through several named areas; including Elliot Ridge, Blanket Bay, Cape Otway, Aire River, Johanna Beach, Ryans Den and Devils Kitchen.

The difficulty of the track increases along the walk; with the section between Apollo Bay and Cape Otway suitable for beginners, becoming more challenging when reaching the rugged terrain through Ryans Den. Also, travellers need to note that sections of track can be dangerous or impassable at high tide.

I have no idea about the significance of the red long handles but they were there and I photographed them at the historic San Elizario jail during Billy The Kid Day.

Three more pictures below.

This picture is S.O.O.P!

Straight Out Of Photoshop CS5 - Because I care.

If I took your picture and gave you a little card, please contact me and I will get the image to you. No charge.

If you have to use this picture to decorate your hovel, or to hide some holes in your walls then don't forget who created it.

If you use any of my images commercially without permission, pray our trails never cross.

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Excerpt from Wikipedia:

Majorie Castle is a castle in the municipality of Sion in the Canton of Valais, Switzerland. It is a Swiss heritage site of national significance.

The castle is composed of two main buildings: the Majorie and the Vidomnat. The Majorie is a high tower dominating the site and protected by imposing terraced walls. The Vidomnat, located below and westward of the Majorie tower, is made up of two three-storey square towers, which were probably conjoined after their construction.

The existence of the Vidomnat is mentioned as early as 1179. The presence of the Majorie tower is attested as of 1221, when its St Michel's Chapel is mentioned for the first time. The Majorie is then called the Tour de Sion (Sion Tower). On 15 January 1373, the castle was bought by Bishop Guichard Tavelli, and served from then on as the official residence for the Prince-bishops of Sion. The castle then became the Prince-bishops’ seat of power. They preferred it to the more austere Tourbillon Castle, which was less accessible. The Majorie tower probably contained reception rooms, and the buildings that served as bishops’ habitation have not been preserved. In 1529, a fire destroyed the castle. It was rebuilt in 1536 under Bishop Adrian I of Riedmatten.

During the 17th century, political power over Valais was shared between the bishops and the cantonal Diet, but the Diet met in the Majorie Castle. A fire broke out again in 1788 and destroyed the archives of the Diocese of Sion. Despite several reconstruction projects, the castle was left as it was, and the bishops eventually built their palace near the Sion Cathedral in 1839-1840. The State of Valais then bought the Majorie Castle and installed barracks there.

The Majorie Castle has been housing the Valais Museum of Fine Arts since 1947. The Grange-à-l'Évêque (Bishop's Barn), the former stables of the castle, has been home to the Valais Nature Museum since 2013.

..... no matter how you arrive Brooklyn welcomes all!

The Williamsburg Bridge was completed in 1903, a year of no special significance to my family. Born in 1881, my grandmother already had 5 children by the time she became a Polish immigrant. To celebrate her new country and fulfill her social responsibility she, along with her second husband, gave the USA seven more children by 1926.

And Brooklyn did welcome them. My grandfather was a member of several Russian and Polish organizations founded in the East New York section. With organizational aid he opened a menswear factory which clothed a large percentage of the Russian/Polish population in East New York.

I remember being taken to grandpa's factory when I was three to see potatoes being boiled in large pots, hard boiled eggs linning the counter, and the smell of onions and strong, black coffee filling the air. For many years I thought my grandpa made potato salad for a living, not realizing that the wokers were preparing lunch!

This is the only memory I have of my grandpa. He died of lukemia at age 63. With the money provided by the sale of his business the entire family moved into a three story, Victorian house in the Richmond Hill Section of Queens. I was 5 years old. And, yes, grandpa was much younger than grandma. My grandma was Brooklyn's first cougar!

Williamsburg Bridge

Although Sacramento is known for its historic gold rush significance, start of the Central Pacific, and being the capital of California, for railfans it means a lot more than that. As mentioned, the Central Pacific originated in Sacramento, however, many other notable pieces of railroad history included Southern Pacific's large and famous Sacramento Shops which laid next to downtown, SP also had their Roseville Yard to the east, the Western Pacific's Jeffery Car Shops were located in South Sacramento, Sacramento Northern had a massive presence, as well as many other things. However, as time went on many lines would be abandoned and facilities would shut down. This would leave the WP's shops looking like an abandoned lot, the SN was torn out, and SP's once bustling shops became eerily quiet, with the California State Railroad Museum taking over some of the buildings to store equipment. However, next to SP's shops was the station which was still open due to the creation of Amtrak saving passenger rail in the United States. However, eventually it was time for a makeover.

In the early 2010s the original right of way was torn out to be rerouted through an open field between the original platform and the shops. This new design cut out the very sharp s-curve as well as rerouting the mainline around the station platforms, therefore making it easier for freight traffic to navigate through the area. This also meant that Amtrak had their own area to hold their trains and a new and improved platform to replace the aging one from the 1920s. Interestingly, the original platforms were not demolished but rather one was taken over by light rail, and the other was just left abandoned.

Seen in this photo, Amtrak 11 storms out of Sacramento in the early morning with the remains of the SP all around. On the left is where the SP's Sacramento Shops would have once been, and in the background behind the power is the original platforms, with the old right of way no longer traceable.

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cozumel, mexico

Bai Harir ni Vav, with its architectural beauty, is a historical stepwell with rich cultural significance. Built in 1499 under the supervision of Sultan Begada’s harem, this architectural marvel offers a glimpse into the past with its intricate carvings and ancient inscriptions. Bai Harir ni Vav features five levels of carved stone columns leading down to two small wells, often dry in modern times. The structure remains cool even on the hottest days, providing a serene and somewhat eerie atmosphere.

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he value and the significance of Marksburg Castle can be found in particular in its complete preservation as a medieval fortress. The impressive stronghold with most buildings dating back to the 13th to 15th century consists of wall rings containing keep, residential buildings, baileys and bastions all on top of a hill above the small romantic town of Braubach, and with its interesting, typical interior rooms such as castle kitchen, great hall, bedchamber, chapel, armoury, wine cellar and battlements it allows us to travel back into the Middle Ages.

Three novice monks on the walls of hsinbyume Pagoda, Mingun, Myanmar.

The famous white temple in Mandalay is the ＂Hsinbyume Pagoda＂ or ＂Myatheindan Pagoda.＂ It＇s an iconic Buddhist temple with unique whitewashed architecture resembling the mythical Mount Meru. Commissioned by King Bagyidaw in 1816 in memory of his wife, Princess Hsinbyume, the temple symbolizes the seven mountain ranges encircling Mount Meru. Its design represents Buddhist cosmology and is adorned with intricate details, reflecting Mandalay＇s rich cultural heritage and spiritual significance.

The Leon County Courthouse and Jails have both architectural and historical significance. The plan of the Leon County Courthouse is unusual in Texas. Built on a scale that characterized the earlier antebellum temples of justice of the Lone Star State, the construction of the courthouse is similar to other Texas county governmental buildings dating from the 1880's. The plan is rectangular, built on a foundation of bricks with a single corridor extending lengthwise through the ground story. On either side are three offices. A single stair in the corridor provides access to a landing on the north side of the second story. On either side of this landing is a small jury room; the courtroom occupies most of the second-story space.

After the previous courthouse burned in 1885, plans and specifications of Wm. Johnson were accepted and invitations for bids were published. The contract was awarded to P.J. Gillen, a contractor from Mississippi, for $11,750. Construction was completed in 1886 and it has continued to serve Leon County for nearly 140 years. And, for its contributions and service to the county and unique architecture, the Leon County Courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) on December 12, 1977. All of the information above was found on the original documents submitted for listing consideration and can be viewed here:

catalog.archives.gov/id/40972831

Three bracketed photos were taken with a handheld Nikon D7200 and combined with Photomatix Pro to create this HDR image. Additional adjustments were made in Photoshop CS6.

"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~Jeremiah 29:11

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shot by KHWD on a day trip from Tongatapu island in the Tongan islands where we were staying, so remote, so beautiful

want to see more images or read the blog?

www.holiday2007-8.co.uk/TONGA

ʻAtatā Island is a small island located near the northwest coast of Tongatapu, the main island of Tonga, and close to the capital city, Nukuʻalofa1. Here are some key points about ʻAtatā Island:

Geography and Location

Location: Near Tongatapu, Tonga.

Coordinates: Approximately 21.050°S, 175.251°W

History and Recent Events

Population: Before the 2022 Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha’apai eruption and tsunami, the island had a population of 1061.

2022 Eruption and Tsunami: The island was severely affected by the eruption and tsunami, leading to its complete evacuation. The island suffered catastrophic damage, with most buildings destroyed, except for the chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The residents were permanently resettled near the village of Masilamea on Tongatapu.

Tourism and Activities

Activities: Despite the recent events, ʻAtatā Island was known for its beautiful beaches, snorkeling, diving, and fishing opportunities.

Resorts and Day Trips: There was a resort on the island, and day trips from Nukuʻalofa were popular, including lunch and snorkeling trips.

Cultural Significance

Local Community: The island had a small, close-knit community that relied on the natural resources and tourism for their livelihood

I’m not sure that we understand the significance of this error: the human being, reduced to his biological and sociological antecedents, becomes a puppet, a marionette in the hands of “superhuman forces.” And thus there is no more “I.” The “I” is like a stone that is swept away by the current of these forces. The “I” as a personal, autonomous reality, with a capacity for freedom, able to act as a subject in history and circumstances, is no more, because everything is unloaded on antecedents of every type: psychological, social, or biological. Polito calls it the “opiate of de-responsibilization.” Without the “I,” without freedom—because everything is determined by these factors—what responsibility is possible in the face of reality’s provocations?

--Disarming Beauty ESSAYS ON FAITH, TRUTH, AND FREEDOM, JULIÁN CARRÓN Foreword by Javier Prades

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youtu.be/Stki4t8g9MU

-Welcome To The Machine - Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater)

The archway corridor inside the Santa Maria de Montserrat, which is an abbey of the Order of Saint Benedict located on the mountain of Montserrat in Monistrol de Montserrat, Catalonia, Spain.

Akaroa’s Main Wharf has high historical and social significance for its on-going role over 125

years as a major economic portal for the town. Until well into the twentieth century, the majority

of goods and people arrived in and departed from the town by sea. Latterly the wharf has

supported Akaroa’s commercial fishing and tourism industries.

Excerpt from Wikipedia:

Spiez Castle (German: Schloss Spiez) is a castle in the municipality of Spiez of the Swiss canton of Bern. It is a Swiss heritage site of national significance.

According to Elogius Kiburger, the author of the Strättliger Chronicle, in 933 the King of Burgundy, Rudolph II, built the Castle. Shortly thereafter, the Freiherr von Strättligen settled in the castle. Portions of the current castle shield walls and main tower were built during the 12th century and by the 13th century the town of Spiez existed outside the castle walls. By 1280 the castle was listed as an Imperial fief under Vogt Richard de Corbières. In 1289 the Freiherr von Strättligen was co-owner of the castle along with a succession of other noble families. In 1308 King Albert I of Habsburg was murdered at Windisch on the Reuss, by his nephew Duke John Parricida. As part of their retaliation for the murder, the Habsburgs withdrew half of the Spiez fief from Thüring von Brandis and granted the whole fief to Johannes von Strättligen. Thirty years later, in 1338, Johannes sold the castle, town, church and surrounding villages to Johann II von Bubenberg who was the Schultheiss of Bern. By 1340, the Bubenberg-appointed vogt took orders from Bern, but was obligated to raise troops for the Habsburgs. As Bern was de facto independent from their former overlords, the Habsburgs, this created an unstable situation which remained for over 40 years. After the Bernese and Swiss Confederation victory over the Habsburgs in the Battle of Sempach in 1386, the Habsburgs gave up their land claims west of the Aare, which included Spiez.

The castle and surrounding land remained with the Bubenberg family until their extinction in 1506, when it was acquired by Ludwig von Diesbach. Von Diesbach held it for ten years before Ludwig von Erlach acquired the castle and lands. The von Erlach family ruled the town and villages until the 1798 French invasion. After the invasion and the creation of the Helvetic Republic, the von Erlach family lost their land rights and jurisdiction over the village, but retained ownership of the castle until 1875.

The old castle was expanded in several stages during the Late Middle Ages but little is known about the specific dates or what was changed. In 1600 the great hall and the northern buildings were expanded and renovated. During the 17th and 18th centuries the south "New Castle" was built and then expanded and redecorated in the late Baroque style. The castle was surrounded with gardens, vineyards and forests. After 1875, the castle passed through several owners until a foundation bought the castle and associated church. The gardens are now open to the public and the castle rooms are used for conferences, concerts, exhibitions and other events.

The massive square keep was built around 1200. The lower walls are about 3 m (9.8 ft) thick though they become thinner higher up. At the bottom it is 11.3 m × 11.2 m (37 ft × 37 ft). The tower increased in height several times over the following centuries before the final construction phase in 1600. In this final phase the tower was raised and crowned with hipped roof that brought its total height to 39 meters (128 ft).

The keep was originally surrounded by several free standing wooden buildings. Over the following centuries these buildings were replaced with a stone curtain wall and a ring of two concentric ditches. A gatehouse was built adjacent to the keep, which opened toward the west.

Around 1300 a residence wing was added north of the keep. It was probably lower at that time than it is today and was connected to the keep by a wooden gallery. During the second half of the 13th century a number of tournaments must have been held around the castle because the visiting knights carved graffiti into the plaster of the main chimney. In the 14th century an additional north wing was added onto the residence wing.

From the 15th to the 18th century, the castle was gradually renovated to its present appearance. The gallery was expanded and another story was added to the residence hall. The Trüel was added to the north-west side of the keep in the 16th century. Then, in the 17th and 18th centuries, the Baroque "New Castle" was built on the south side of the gatehouse.

Discover profound significance in simplicity, and nurture the sense of awe in the mundane.

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The Jvari Monastery (Georgian: ჯვარი, meaning cross) is one of the most iconic and historic sites in Georgia. Located near Mtskheta, the monastery is one of the most important religious and cultural sites in the country. Built in the 6th century, the monastery is known as one of the earliest examples of Georgian Christian architecture. It was built on the site where, according to tradition, Saint Nino, who brought Christianity to Georgia, erected a large wooden cross. Together with other historical monuments in Mtskheta, the Jvari Monastery has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1994. The monastery is located on a hilltop with a beautiful view of the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari Kura rivers and the historic town of Mtskheta. The building is an example of a tetraconch central dome structure with four apses. Despite its simple design, it is considered a masterpiece of medieval architecture. The Jvari Pass begins at the monastery. The pass is located at an altitude of approximately 2,379 meters above sea level and offers spectacular views of the Caucasus. It is an important passage through the Caucasus Mountains to Russia. The area is particularly known for its rugged roads, and in winter the pass can be difficult to navigate due to heavy snowfall. The route offers breathtaking views of mountain peaks, valleys and rivers. The Georgian Military Road was originally used as a trade and military route. Today it is a busy road for freight transport to Russia.

The Jvari Monastery is located in Georgia, on a hilltop near the town of Mtskheta, about 20 kilometers north of the capital, Tbilisi. The ruins next to the Jvari Monastery are part of an old defensive structure and watchtower. The Jvari Monastery is located at a strategic point above Mtskheta, where the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers meet. In many cases, these ruins are remnants from the same or slightly later period, when they supplemented the religious sites with military protection against potential invaders. This location offers breathtaking panoramic views and holds deep historical and religious significance. Mtskheta, one of Georgia's oldest cities, was once the capital of the ancient kingdom of Iberia. The monastery is part of the UNESCO World Heritage List due to its cultural and architectural importance.

Het Jvari-klooster (Georgisch: ჯვარი, wat kruis betekent) is een van de meest iconische en historische locaties in Georgië. Het klooster, gelegen bij Mtskheta, is één van de belangrijkste religieuze en culturele bezienswaardigheden van het land. Het klooster werd gebouwd in de 6e eeuw en staat bekend als een van de vroegste voorbeelden van Georgische christelijke architectuur. Het werd gebouwd op de plek waar volgens de overlevering de heilige Nino, die het christendom naar Georgië bracht, een groot houten kruis oprichtte. Samen met andere historische monumenten in Mtskheta staat het Jvari-klooster sinds 1994 op de UNESCO Werelderfgoedlijst. De ruïne naast het Jvari-klooster is een deel van een oude verdedigingsstructuur en wachttoren. Het Jvari-klooster bevindt zich op een strategisch punt boven Mtskheta, waar de rivieren Aragvi en Mtkvari samenkomen. In veel gevallen zijn deze ruïnes overblijfselen uit dezelfde tijdsperiode of iets later, waarbij ze de religieuze locaties aanvulden met militaire bescherming tegen mogelijke indringers. Het klooster is een voorbeeld van een tetraconch centrale koepelstructuur met vier apsissen. Ondanks zijn eenvoudige ontwerp wordt het beschouwd als een meesterwerk van middeleeuwse architectuur. Bij het klooster begint de Jvari-pas. De pas ligt op ongeveer 2.379 meter boven zeeniveau en biedt spectaculaire uitzichten op de Kaukasus. Het is een belangrijke doorgang door het Kaukasusgebergte naar Rusland. Het gebied is met name bekend om zijn ruige wegen, en in de winter kan de pas moeilijk begaanbaar zijn vanwege zware sneeuwval. De route biedt adembenemende uitzichten op bergtoppen, valleien en rivieren. De Georgische Militaire Weg werd oorspronkelijk gebruikt als een handels- en militaire route. Tegenwoordig is het een drukke weg voor vrachtvervoer richting Rusland.

photo rights reserved by Ben

Kanitha is on her way to the viewpoint of Tergi Valley. From this point, you can admire the stunning valley where the Tergi River (also known as the Terek) carves its path through the mountains. The landscape is breathtaking, with steep rock walls, vast grasslands, and in the distance, the snow-capped peaks of the Greater Caucasus. At the viewpoint in Tergi Valley, there is also a cross, a recognizable symbol that you’ll find in several places throughout the Georgian Caucasus. This cross not only marks a panoramic vantage point but also often holds religious or commemorative significance. Georgia has a deep Orthodox Christian tradition, and crosses like this are often placed on mountain tops, along hiking routes, and near villages as a protective symbol and a sign of faith. It’s the perfect place to rest, enjoy the fresh mountain air, and take some beautiful photos. In the fall, the trees turn golden, and in the winter, snow covers the surroundings, giving each season its own unique charm. Tergi Valley is located near the Larsi Checkpoint, the border crossing between Georgia and Russia. Daily, travelers, trucks, and pilgrims passed through here, following the ancient route through the Darial Gorge. The valley, once a strategic point on the ancient Silk Road, has seen traders, warriors, and monks come and go over the centuries. Despite the proximity to the border, it feels as though time has stood still here.

The Tergi Valley, located near the Larsi Checkpoint, is a remarkable area of natural beauty and historical significance. The valley lies in the Georgian Caucasus, near the border between Georgia and Russia. The Larsi Checkpoint is the main border crossing between the two countries, and it marks a key passage through the Darial Gorge, a dramatic and narrow gap between the mountains that has been a significant route for centuries. Historically, the Tergi Valley was an important location along the ancient Silk Road, which facilitated trade and cultural exchange between Europe and Asia. Throughout the centuries, the valley saw many travelers, from merchants and soldiers to pilgrims and monks, passing through this strategic passageway. Today, the Tergi Valley is a popular destination for hikers, adventurers, and those seeking to explore the unique landscapes and historical sites of the region.

Kanitha is onderweg naar het uitzichtpunt van de Tergi Valley. Vanaf dit punt kun je de indrukwekkende vallei bewonderen, waar de rivier de Tergi (ook bekend als de Terek) zich een weg baant door de bergen. Het landschap is adembenemend, met steile rotswanden, uitgestrekte graslanden en in de verte de besneeuwde toppen van de Grote Kaukasus. Bij het uitzichtpunt in de Tergi Valley staat ook een kruis, een herkenbaar symbool dat je op meerdere plaatsen in de Georgische Kaukasus tegenkomt. Dit kruis markeert niet alleen een panoramisch uitkijkpunt, maar heeft vaak ook een religieuze of herdenkingsbetekenis. Georgië heeft een diepe orthodox-christelijke traditie, en kruisen zoals deze worden vaak geplaatst op bergtoppen, langs wandelroutes en bij dorpen als beschermend symbool en teken van geloof. Het is de ideale plek om even uit te rusten, te genieten van de frisse berglucht en een paar prachtige foto's te maken. In de herfst kleuren de bomen goud, en in de winter bedekt sneeuw de omgeving, waardoor elk seizoen zijn eigen charme heeft. De Tergi Valley ligt vlakbij het Larsi Checkpoint, de grensovergang tussen Georgië en Rusland. Dagelijks passeerden hier reizigers, vrachtwagens en pelgrims die de eeuwenoude route door de Darial-kloof volgden. De vallei, ooit een strategisch punt op de oude Zijderoute, heeft door de eeuwen heen handelaren, strijders en monniken zien komen en gaan. Ondanks de nabijheid van de grens voelt het hier alsof de tijd heeft stilgestaan.

According to Gormley, the significance of the angel was three-fold: first, to signify that beneath the site of its construction, coal miners worked for two centuries; second, to grasp the transition from an industrial to an information age, and third, to serve as a focus for our evolving hopes and fears.......

The work is made of Corten steel, weighs 200 tonnes and has 500 tonnes of concrete foundations. The mound near the A1 motorway which was the designated site of the sculpture was made after the closure of the Lower Tyne Colliery, out of the destroyed remains of the pithead baths. It is a tumulus marking the end of the era of coal mining in Britain

The significance of man-made standing stones is largely debated as they date all the way back to the stone age, though it's widely believed that they were placed in order to memorialize a notable event/celebration or to signify religious beliefs. I do not know if the one pictured is a true 'standing stone' or simply natural, but it's fun to speculate....

In the picture, a monkey perches atop the revered Monkey Temple, Swayambhunath, with the sprawling cityscape of Kathmandu in the background. Swayambhunath, located in Kathmandu, holds both religious and cultural significance. Situated on a hill, it provides an awe-inspiring panoramic view of the Kathmandu Valley. With a history spanning over 2,000 years, this ancient site represents a harmonious blend of Buddhism and Hinduism, attracting pilgrims and visitors from around the globe. As a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site, Swayambhunath stands as a testament to Nepal's rich heritage and architectural splendor – Swayambhunath, Kathmandu, Nepal

Samhain Modern Witches

Traditional Celebration of Samhain

Samhain harbored great significance for the Celt people, who believed that at this time of year, the veil between the worlds of the living and the dead was at its thinnest. Consequently, they saw Samhain as an ideal time to honor their deceased ancestors and loved ones. Similar to Día de Los Muertos in Mexico and All Saints' Day in Christian cultures, Samhain saw the Celts gathering around bonfires, sharing food and drink, and telling stories.

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PP work in Adobe PS Elements 2024 Raw filters

Further PP work in Luminar Neo filters. Hybrid creation.

Three beautiful witches with baskets of apples on the altar, red apples, pumpkins, royal spell book, decorations, atmosphere of magic and luxury, golden elements, and orange muted tones

--chaos 50

--ar 3:4 --style raw --v 7 --stylize 500 --profile o9nb3xr

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Update April 02, 2025. Now I only accept group invitation that allows all media types including videos.

The Leon County Courthouse & Jail have both architectural and historical significance. The courthouse & old jail are simple yet dignified expressions with Classical lines; the 1918 jail (seen in the photo above) displays Medieval military architectural elements. All are located on the Centerville public square which has been the center of governmental activities since the founding of the town.

Late in 1885, the courthouse at that time burned and a resolution was introduced to build a new courthouse on the same plan as the old. Several years later the county judge and four county commissioners determined to build a new jail. Facilities for the detention of criminals up to this time had never been satisfactory. The orders which had authorized a new jail in 1873 culminated in the purchase of a store building from V.H. McAnnally for $2,500. This served as a temporary jail which was entirely also unsatisfactory.

Finally in 1893, a contract for the construction of a new jail was awarded to contractors Robb and Wilson for $3,850 and shortly there after the old temporary jail was sold at public auction. Early in 1894 it was completed and a new fence was set up around the building. In 1906, new cells furnished by the Southern Structural Steel Company were installed, and various repairs were made. Since this jail still proved inadequate, a second jail was built near the courthouse and the earlier jail. In 1918, the Southern Structural Steel Company of San Antonio was contracted to build a new jail, according to plans they furnished. The building was completed and accepted that year. The style of the 1918 jail symbolized strength. Incorporated into the design are corner towers and crenellations — representations of Medieval military architectural features.

Although the building is no longer used for detention, it is still sound and serves county functions such as the office of the county surveyor and others. And, for its political & governmental history and its architecture, the jail (along with the county courthouse) were added to the National Register of Historic Places on December 12, 1977. All of the information above was found on the original documents that can be viewed here:

catalog.archives.gov/id/40972831

Three bracketed photos were taken with a handheld Nikon D7200 and combined with Photomatix Pro to create this HDR image. Additional adjustments were made in Photoshop CS6.

"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~Jeremiah 29:11

The best way to view my photostream is through Flickriver with the following link: www.flickriver.com/photos/photojourney57/

Toronto, CANADÀ 2024

The Legislative Assembly of Ontario (also known as the Parliament Building) is the seat of government for the province of Ontario, Canada's most populous province. It is located at the heart of Queen's Park in downtown Toronto.

Architecture and Design: The building was completed in 1893 and is a prominent example of the Richardsonian Romanesque architectural style, characterized by its rough, pink sandstone masonry and semicircular arches. The massive design gives it an air of stability and significance.

Key Location: The building sits in the centre of Queen's Park Crescent, a ring-shaped avenue at the north end of University Avenue. It is situated directly adjacent to the University of Toronto, underscoring the importance of politics and education in the area.

Function: It is where the 124 elected members (Members of Provincial Parliament or MPPs) for the province of Ontario meet to debate and enact legislation.

The Rock Island Railroad Bridge located on the Caney Fork & Western Railroad line has multiple areas of high significance that land it on the HistoricBridges.org list, and combine to make it one of the most significant railroad bridges in the State of Tennessee. First, the bridge's main spans are rare examples of pin-connected Warren trusses. Pratt trusses were far more common than Warren trusses during the pin-connected era. Warren trusses became popular only after the riveted connection was popular. This bridge's Warren truss spans are configured as two larger spans which are arranged so that the bridge bears on short piers at the bottom chord, and two shorter spans which bear on tall piers at the top chord. Another notable detail of the Warren trusses is that a third truss line was added to this bridge at a later date in between the original truss lines which would have strengthened the bridge. The third truss line is of heavier construction, indicating its newer construction, but is riveted and uses pin-connections, indicating this is a very old alteration, such that the alteration itself has historic significance.

As rare as the Warren truss spans are, the bridge's approach spans are even more rare and are pin-connected Kingpost deck truss spans. The Kingpost truss configuration is one of the rarest truss configurations among surviving bridges, and it is usually found on highway bridges and as a pony truss. As such, the railroad deck truss Kingpost spans are doubly rare. Frustratingly, these spans are absolutely buried behind trees and are hard to view and photograph even in the winter. The Kingpost spans did not appear to have a third truss line added like the Warren truss spans.

The bridge was built between 1871 & 1872 and spans approximately 660 feet across Great Falls Lake (created in 1917) on the Caney Fork River. It was originally built for the Memphis & Charleston Railroad on its disconnected branch line from Tullahoma, TN to Sparta, TN. Today the railroad track and land is owned by the Tri-County Railroad authority and operated by the previously mentioned Caney Fork & Western Railroad.

This photo was taken in 2013 during my previous Project 365…please visit my album for this “REMASTERED” Project 365 as I revisit each day of 2013 for additional photos to share!!

Three bracketed photos were taken with a handheld Nikon D7200 and combined with Photomatix Pro to create this HDR image. Additional adjustments were made in Photoshop CS6.

"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~Jeremiah 29:11

The best way to view my photostream is through Flickriver with the link below:

www.flickriver.com/photos/photojourney57/

The Winter Solstice holds a special significance for us. We chose it as our wedding date. Even though Mason isn’t particularly fond of winter, the Solstice brings us great joy. It marks the return of light to the world, and that symbolism holds deep meaning for us.

This year, as we celebrate our anniversary, the Solstice carries even greater significance. Our little family has experienced five losses, and through that grief, we have learned to lean on one another for comfort and strength. As we remember our loved ones, we also look ahead with hope—welcoming a new year and the light that continues to return.

THE CALAS CHRISTMAS PAVILION, MIDWINTER 1 (183, 93, 23)

Forests maintain a profound significance to my emotional triggers. Not only do they remind me of exciting childhood adventures a as kid, den building with my twin brother, climbing trees and hunting dear with bows and arrows, (thankfully my optimism didn’t prevail), but they are fascinating places in their own right to clamber around in, (with or without a camera).

Now as I’ve mentioned elsewere, its challenging to make good images in forests and I don’t wish to repeat myself here, but I suspect my perseverance with the subject matter is related to something profound in me, something that catalyses more personal, deeper feelings.

Now hang on a minute, ‘don’t worry’, I do not wish to use this text as a physiological breakdown of my entire feelings around forests, (I really don’t think you would have the time or interest). But it does seem clear, to me anyway, that really good photography triggers emotions that exist in the psyche of the person viewing. They are not plucked out of thin air and cannot create an emotion that wasn’t there buried somewhere deep in the memory banks. Please don’t misunderstand me here, This doesn’t mean that you have to have seen the same kind of scene to engage with it, but that if you have experienced similar environments you’re more likely to synthesise your experiences and engage on an emotional level.

Let’s take a negative example to clarify this statement. There are many images made in some spectacularly wonderful places around the world, (Antelope Canyon in the USA springs to mind) that personally I can truly respect for their execution, appreciation of form, light, movement and composition, but leave me feeling flat, unemotional. The problem I have with them is that I struggle to engage my own feelings from personal experiences, I cannot secure any kind of synthesis to hang those feelings on. This doesn’t mean that the image is not powerful, just not to me.

On a personal note here and to give you a small incite to my own emotions about this image. It was made on a dawn walk with my son; he was in the mid distance here clambering through the undergrowth with his camera aloft, following his current twitching passion and trying to photograph an elusive tree creeper. He kept shouting back to me, “Dad, can you see it?” and “look a nest” to my reply, “just stand behind that tree for a minute!” I feel so proud that he enjoys this environment and truly hope that the experiences he had on this day (and many more like it) offer him the deep love of this environment.

The Hartsville Historic District located in Trousdale County, Tennessee was nominated and deemed eligible for the National Register of Historic Places under criterion A for its significance to the patterns of Trousdale County's history as a late nineteenth and early twentieth century commercial center and under criterion C as a significant example of late nineteenth and early twentieth century commercial and domestic architecture in Hartsville & Trousdale County. One of the more prominent buildings located on the Northwest corner of West Main Street and Broadway is the old Bank of Hartsville built in 1901. It is a Neo-Classical two-story two-part commercial block brick building with stone pedimented door surround, tripartite windows on first floor, one-over-one double hung sash windows on second floor, and a decorative cornice and parapet. Unfortunately, at the time of my photograph, it appears that the structure was not in use. Hopefully it has been restored and/or repurposed so this great piece of history and architecture can be preserved for many, many years to come.

The Hartsville Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) on June 24, 1993. All the information above was found on the original documents submitted for listing consideration and can be viewed here:

npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/AssetDetail?assetID=9ca39881-5983-...

Three bracketed photos were taken with a handheld Nikon D7200 and combined with Photomatix Pro to create this HDR image. Additional adjustments were made in Photoshop CS6.

"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~Jeremiah 29:11

The best way to view my photostream is through Flickriver with the link below:

www.flickriver.com/photos/photojourney57/

The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance.

~ Aristotle ~

Fijn weekend!

Happy Weekend!

Explore: Highest position: 408 on Monday, September 15, 2014

Significance = Relavance x Awareness

The Royse City Lodge #663 A.F. & A.M. (constructed circa 1925) is the most substantial and intact property in the central business district of Royse City. Designed by W.A. Kimzey, believed to be from Greenville, Texas, and constructed by J.E. Harris of Royse City, the Lodge is a handsome 2-story building that borrows architectural elements from the Mission Revival style. The property is one of the few architect designed buildings in the community and is recognized locally as a significant architectural element in the context of Royse City. The property initially served only fraternal activities of the local Masonic Lodge, but in 1936 officials of Royse City leased the first floor for the first city hall and fire & police station. Royse City purchased the first floor in 1941 and continues to use the building for those purposes.

The history of the Lodge and the City are intertwined since the very early days. At least three mayors, Newt Burton (1938-1944), Roy Cookston (1944-1950), and R.M. James (1954-1957) were members of the Lodge. Many of the towns Aldermen also have been Lodge members. The Lodge building also has a long and respected history in Royse City, Texas. Every citizen of Royse City has utilized the building for some purpose, either fraternal or political. Many of the other buildings were destroyed in a devastating fire in the 1930's and this building, in its dual role, has continued to serve the needs of every citizen of Royse City for a century. No other building has greater significance to the community or has been occupied by the original owners since its construction.

On October 28, 1994, the Royse City Masonic Lodge was recognized as eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) under criterion C for its architecture and criterion A for its social history & continued use by residents for government & political purposes at a local level. All of the information above was found on the original documents that can be viewed here:

catalog.archives.gov/id/40973278

Three bracketed photos were taken with a handheld Nikon D7200 and combined with Photomatix Pro to create this HDR image. Additional adjustments were made in Photoshop CS6.

"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~Jeremiah 29:11

The best way to view my photostream is through Flickriver with the following link: www.flickriver.com/photos/photojourney57/

Created with Bryce