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Copyright Susan Ogden
Hello to my favorite group on Flickr! i am sorry i have been a lousy visitor to your photos but things...good things for a change...are happening in my life right now. I need to focus a bit here and see them through, because they are things i have dreamed of for a very long time. I recently have begun to REALLY try hard to make those come true. I seem to be in the right place and at the right time, stars are aligning...reinforcing my idea that i truly was a misplaced southern soul when i was in Jersey. i promise to get back into this, as soon as the dust settles here.
My artistic endeavors are beginning to pay off, and i could not be more excited (or scared!!). i love the thought that people are intrigued and accepting of my art here, and i am getting used to that....now comes the hard part. Stepping out of the teensy tiny comfort zone of being in front of people. I am making slow progress...and it gets a tiny bit easier as i go...but it really does give me pause when i have too much time to anticipate it! I will always be much more comfortable alone, with just with one or two friends or my cats, or books for company. I just need to get to the point that i can self talk myself thru the hopefully limited outings i need to do in front of people!
Thanks in advance for your patience while i make this journey ...i promise i will get back here with the friends and family i have made here...where i am comfortable! (((HUGS)))
The Katsura Imperial Villa (桂離宮 Katsura Rikyū), or Katsura Detached Palace, is a villa with associated gardens and outbuildings in the western suburbs of Kyoto, Japan (in Nishikyō-ku, separate from the Kyoto Imperial Palace). It is one of Japan's most important large-scale cultural treasures.
Its gardens are considered a masterpiece of Japanese gardening, and the buildings are regarded among the greatest achievements of Japanese architecture. The palace includes a shoin ("drawing room"), tea houses, and a strolling garden.
The palace formerly belonged to the princes of the Hachijō-no-miya (八条宮) family. The Imperial Household Agency administers it, and accepts visitors by appointment. (Wikipedia)
This Bugatti Veryon owner parked his 2 million dollar car in front of the Porsche Showcase Venue ;-)
Perfection !~
A few hours ago I just got the worst news of my life, something I have torn the soul. One of my best friends committed suicide.
Still can not believe it and I think it was all a nightmare. Right now I feel a mixture of shame and anger, I am furious at having been their choice. I guess when you outweigh the problems, if you do not see the easy way out. But I keep wondering if I did my best and if I could help in some way, I miss you very much and I keep remembering all the times we spent together, both for good and for bad.
I'm tired to cry, to mourn and to hit the table, now I just have to accept it and resign, even though I have the certainty that this does not end here.
It was a lovely girl full of energy, you could talk to her about anything, he was a tremendously intelligent.
She was not prepared to live in this society, neither in this world as we know it.
I could not stand such injustice and believed in a borderless world, used to say that money was one of the great evils of this world and all these situations would have to be destroyed and replaced by ones that really make this world a place " free "in every way, where love stood out above all in his head was still making his ideal world as a means of escape, he questioned everything I could tell .... But that was not enough and really wanted that world he kept in his head based on ideas and thoughts come true.
From rebellious spirit and endowed with great character, could not take no for an answer, one that does not come from the depths of this infinite universe.
How I miss you dear friend, I hope that when we meet again either in this world, in this physical plane and get my life back, as a new member in my family, as the neighbor across or as you agreed in your Book of life.
With these words I do not want to tie you to me, on the contrary wish to continue your journey and follow evolving. Sure you still have much to learn and to teach those who need it.
With these words I just want to show my love and affection. This is not a goodbye or anything, we could leave it in a "goodbye".
Sorry
Forgive
Thanks
I love you
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Why do I love becoming a woman? A question I often ask myself as well as hearing from others who know of my liking to take ion a female persona. Do I regret being a man that desires to dress as a woman? Where is it all going to end up?
Questions, questions…
I accept we all have our own motivations and aspirations for expressing our desire to dress as women and which can also be a desire to inhabit a female persona. I have my personal feelings, emotional needs and ambitions for my female alter-ego which are not necessarily a reflection of how others feel about their own situation. For me, I have a need to actually pass as a woman and be perceived as being female when I cross-dress. I will admit to frustration over the years through a combination of my lack of skills in the art of male to female transformation, limits imposed by my physicality (being male) and I’m sure well meant advice telling me to forget passing and just enjoy it. To forget passing undermines everything that motivates my female side. When I become Helene I want to be a woman not simply a man dressed up. I dream of having a feminine appearance and emotionally being female rather than male. If this all sounds like serious transexual characteristics and an urgent need to start transition then let me say with utter certainty that is not what I want.
I don’t buy into the simplistic view that if you have a powerful desire to be a woman then the only answer is to transition. Nothing is that straightforward that you can boil it down to a one or the other answer. There exists a huge area of crossover. I genuinely like my male life and like being me. The idea of killing off my male self and only existing as a woman is not something I want. If I were to indulge in being simplistic, I could say I want it all, to be both a man and a woman. However, I know, especially now I am sixty years of age, how my feelings operate in terms of my transgender feelings. I can see now I have real intense moments of wanting to be female and this are all consuming when they occur. I do understand though, that these intense desires being too diminish and I am happy to return to being a man again. I would say that is reasonably creative cut as to why transitioning would not be a happy course of action for me.
I doubt I am alone in having these intense moments of wanting to be female forever but knowing they will at some point ease off. I will admit that it is these feelings that drive me to want to actually look convincingly female and to behave as a female both physically and emotionally when I transform myself from a man into a woman. It’s a fundamental part of my being and needs to be set free now and again.
In recent months my focus and aspirations for my female self has shifted towards passing myself off in a believable way as being a real woman. I find myself observing real women more and more and noting their choices in clothing, footwear and make-up. I also observe what men find attractive in women they encounter My goal is to be accomplished enough to be perceived as being a female and I too want to behave and respond as a female with any social interactions be that shopping, a polite hell, having a coffee in a cafe, visiting a gallery, having a meal and even creating some intrigue and desire with men. In short my aim for the few hours I take on my female persona I want o be able to cease being a man in every way and exist as a female.
Having outlined my feelings and aspirations does that answer any of the questions I began this narrative with? I think it partly addresses them. I do have many regrets about being a man that dresses as a woman. I kind of regret I never accepted this part of myself throughout my life. It caused me a lot of angst and made me a shy not very sociable person. I think I was far more transexual as a teenager and young man than I am now. Once I settled into a career I liked and a relationship that means more to me than my own inner desires and then had a family, everything took on a different level of contentment and also responsibility. My wife and family far outweigh my lifelong desire to become female, I would hate to cause any disruption to that. I do regret my cowardice as a young person not to act on my inner feelings in regard to desiring to be female. I chose the easy option of denial and suppression. Inevitably, I failed in that attempt at self control and had to come out as being transgender at the age of forty one. I do have regrets that certain people I came out to have used it against me, I misjudged their trust. I have regrets I don’t have breasts, a female body and look female, I dream of being feminine. Im not feminine though so this does distress me somewhat and I regret the lack of femininity.
Despite the regrets, they are not enough to crush me as I do enjoy my life, it’s an aspect I can handle, I know it is down to my own inaction that these regrets exist. I try to not let them intrude as I do enjoy my rare moments as a woman and find each opportunity incredibly rewarding and fulfilling.
Recently I was asked by a female friend where all of this was going to end up? It really made me think and I wanted to answer as honestly as I could. At the moment I think in the next few years I will start to spend time out and about as a woman not a man. This is a reflection of where I am going emotionally and also I do have personal ambitions in regard to the challenge of existing as a (part-time) woman. I want to do it well and never be considered as a man when I head out as a woman. I therefore see an increase in this kind of activity and a change in my wardrobe, hair and make-up to reflect this. I did consider what would occur if I were single. I don’t want to be single but it was a hypothetical scenario I felt I should muse over. I believe I would likely spend a lot more time as my female self if I were single but I’m pretty certain I would not transition. I still like my male self so I see such a scenario as being a less inhibited opportunity to fully express myself more freely.
It has taken me pretty much fifty years to accept myself and I don’t feel I’m still quite there yet, there is a lot more self acceptance I need to embrace. I think it’s my fear of damaging my relationship with my wife and family, who all know I have a female alter-ego, that prevents me from pushing things further. Al I can say is I do feel a lot more at ease with my inner female self than I did in past decades.
Photo of Meadow Creek captured off of NF-5480 via Minolta MD Zoom Rokkor-X 35-70mm F/3.5 lens. Wenatchee National Forest. Near Snoqualmie Pass and the King County Line. Cascade Mountain Range. Kittitas County, Washington. Late September 2015.
Exposure Time: 1/4 sec. * ISO Speed: ISO-100 * Aperture: F/16 * Bracketing: None
(#50/365)
These tears are the tears of broken dreams, they shatter beyond repair. So I will cry these tears tonight, knowing that you are gone. Knowing it was my fault... These tears crumble and roll down my cheeks. Giant boulders of sorrow, they tear me completely to shreds. This becomes my final punishment... The pain and the weight, guilt buried itself inside my sorrow. It bursts out as these tears and I accept them. These are the tears of consequence...
So I feel like this is pretty self explanatory, but yah those butterflies were really gross especially that really huge one. Anyways, today was really foggy again just like it was back when I took this forever ago, so it was a pretty great day for shooting.
When it comes to winter, are you a Hocus or a Bunnicula? ((see previous post too!))
//.
Bunnicula.
I can still eat flowers, they are just covered in wet stuff? Challenge accepted! Rates winter 7/10
#doesntloveit #doesnthateit #willeatinit
SN/NC: Pandanus Sp, Pandanaceae Family
Pandanus is a genus of monocots with some 750 accepted species.They are palm-like, dioecious trees and shrubs native to the Old World tropics and subtropics. Common names include pandan (/ˈpændən/), screw palm, and screw pine. They are classified in the order Pandanales, family Pandanaceae.
Often called pandanus palms, these plants are not closely related to palm trees. The species vary in size from small shrubs less than 1 m (3.3 ft) tall, to medium-sized trees 20 m (66 ft) tall, typically with a broad canopy, heavy fruit, and moderate growth rate. The trunk is stout, wide-branching, and ringed with many leaf scars. Mature plants can have branches. Depending on the species, the trunk can be smooth, rough, or warty. The roots form a pyramidal tract to hold the trunk. They commonly have many thick stilt roots near the base, which provide support as the tree grows top-heavy with leaves, fruit, and branches.
These plants grow from sea level to 3,300 m (10,800 ft). Pandanus trees are of cultural, health, and economic importance in the Pacific, second only to the coconut on atolls.
They have a great economic importance in the South Pacific countries like Vietnam, Philippines, Pakistan, India, Sri-Lanka, New Guinea, as raw-material for handicraft, food for animals and ceiling to many houses.
Species with large and medium fruit are edible, notably the many cultivated forms of P. tectorius (P. pulposus) and P. utilis. The fruit is eaten raw or cooked. Small-fruited pandanus may be bitter and astringent. They are also called Karuka nuts (P. julianettii) are an important staple food in New Guinea. Over 45 cultivated varieties are known. Entire households will move, and in some areas will speak a pandanus language at harvest time. The taste is like coconut or walnuts.
Throughout Oceania, almost every part of the plant is used, with various species different from those used in Southeast Asian cooking. Pandanus trees provide materials for housing; clothing and textiles including the manufacture of dilly bags (carrying bags), fine mats or ‘ie toga; sails,food, medication,decorations, fishing, and religious uses.
Pandanus is een geslacht van eenzaadlobbigen met ongeveer 750 geaccepteerde soorten. Het zijn palmachtige, tweehuizige bomen en struiken die inheems zijn in de tropen en subtropen van de Oude Wereld. Veel voorkomende namen zijn pandan (/ p n /), schroefpalm en schroefpijnboom. Ze zijn ingedeeld in de volgorde Pandanales, familie Pandanaceae.Deze planten worden vaak pandanuspalmen genoemd en zijn niet nauw verwant aan palmbomen. De soorten variëren in grootte van kleine struiken van minder dan 1 m hoog tot middelgrote bomen van 20 m hoog, meestal met een brede luifel, zwaar fruit en een matige groeisnelheid. De stam is stevig, breed vertakt en geringd met veel bladlittekens. Volwassen planten kunnen takken hebben. Afhankelijk van de soort kan de stam glad, ruw of wratachtig zijn. De wortels vormen een piramidaal kanaal om de stam vast te houden. Ze hebben gewoonlijk veel dikke steltwortels bij de basis, die ondersteuning bieden als de boom topzwaar wordt met bladeren, fruit en takken.Deze planten groeien van zeeniveau tot 3.300 m (10.800 ft). Pandanusbomen zijn van cultureel, gezondheids- en economisch belang in de Stille Oceaan, na de kokosnoot op atollen.Ze hebben een groot economisch belang in landen in de Stille Zuidzee, zoals Vietnam, de Filippijnen, Pakistan, India, Sri-Lanka, Nieuw-Guinea, als grondstof voor handwerk, voedsel voor dieren en als plafond voor veel huizen.
Pandanus es un género de monocotiledóneas con unas 750 especies aceptadas. Son árboles y arbustos dioicos, parecidos a palmeras, nativos de los trópicos y subtrópicos del Viejo Mundo. Los nombres comunes incluyen pandan (/ ˈpændən /), palma de tornillo y pino de tornillo. Se clasifican en el orden Pandanales, familia Pandanaceae.A menudo llamadas palmas pandanus, estas plantas no están estrechamente relacionadas con las palmeras. Las especies varían en tamaño, desde pequeños arbustos de menos de 1 m (3,3 pies) de altura hasta árboles de tamaño mediano de 20 m (66 pies) de altura, típicamente con un dosel ancho, frutos pesados y una tasa de crecimiento moderada. El tronco es robusto, de amplias ramas y está rodeado de muchas cicatrices en las hojas. Las plantas maduras pueden tener ramas. Dependiendo de la especie, el tronco puede ser liso, rugoso o verrugoso. Las raíces forman un tracto piramidal para sostener el tronco. Por lo general, tienen muchas raíces gruesas en zancos cerca de la base, que brindan apoyo a medida que el árbol crece cargado de hojas, frutas y ramas.Estas plantas crecen desde el nivel del mar hasta los 3.300 m (10.800 pies). Los árboles de Pandanus son de importancia cultural, sanitaria y económica en el Pacífico, solo superados por el coco en los atolones.Tienen una gran importancia económica en los países del Pacífico Sur como Vietnam, Filipinas, Pakistán, India, Sri Lanka, Nueva Guinea, como materia prima para la artesanía, alimento para animales y techo para muchas casas.
Pandanus é um gênero de monocotiledôneas com cerca de 750 espécies aceitas. Elas são árvores e arbustos dióicos semelhantes a palmeiras, nativos dos trópicos e subtrópicos do Velho Mundo. Os nomes comuns incluem pandan (/ ˈpændən /), palmito e pinhão-parafuso. Eles são classificados na ordem Pandanales, família Pandanaceae.Freqüentemente chamadas de palmeiras pandanus, essas plantas não estão intimamente relacionadas às palmeiras. As espécies variam em tamanho, desde pequenos arbustos com menos de 1 m (3,3 pés) de altura até árvores de tamanho médio com 20 m (66 pés) de altura, tipicamente com copa ampla, frutos pesados e taxa de crescimento moderada. O tronco é robusto, com ramificações largas e circundado por muitas cicatrizes de folhas. As plantas maduras podem ter ramos. Dependendo da espécie, o tronco pode ser liso, áspero ou irregulares. As raízes formam um trato piramidal para segurar o tronco. Eles geralmente têm muitas raízes grossas de palafitas perto da base, que fornecem suporte conforme a árvore cresce com folhas, frutos e galhos.Essas plantas crescem do nível do mar até 3.300 m (10.800 pés). As árvores Pandanus são de importância cultural, para a saúde e econômica no Pacífico, perdendo apenas para os coqueiros nos atóis.T êm grande importância econômica nos países do Pacífico Sul como Vietnã, Filipinas, Paquistão, Índia, Sri-Lanka, Nova Guiné, como matéria-prima para artesanato, alimento para animais e teto para muitas casas.
Pandanus est un genre de monocotylédones avec quelque 750 espèces acceptées. Ce sont des arbres et arbustes dioïques ressemblant à des palmiers, originaires des régions tropicales et subtropicales de l'Ancien Monde. Les noms communs incluent pandan (/ ˈpændən /), palmier à vis et pin à vis. Ils sont classés dans l'ordre des Pandanales, de la famille des Pandanacées.Souvent appelées palmiers pandanus, ces plantes ne sont pas étroitement liées aux palmiers. Les espèces varient en taille de petits arbustes de moins de 1 m (3,3 pi) de haut, aux arbres de taille moyenne 20 m (66 pi) de haut, généralement avec un large couvert, des fruits lourds et un taux de croissance modéré. Le tronc est robuste, largement ramifié et entouré de nombreuses cicatrices foliaires. Les plantes matures peuvent avoir des branches. Selon l'espèce, le tronc peut être lisse, rugueux ou verruqueux. Les racines forment un tractus pyramidal pour maintenir le tronc. Ils ont généralement de nombreuses racines épaisses sur échasses près de la base, qui fournissent un soutien lorsque l'arbre pousse sur le dessus avec des feuilles, des fruits et des branches.Ces plantes poussent du niveau de la mer à 3300 m (10800 pi). Les pandanus ont une importance culturelle, sanitaire et économique dans le Pacifique, juste derrière la noix de coco sur les atolls.Ils ont une grande importance économique dans les pays du Pacifique Sud comme le Vietnam, les Philippines, le Pakistan, l'Inde, le Sri Lanka, la Nouvelle-Guinée, comme matière première pour l'artisanat, la nourriture pour les animaux et le plafond de nombreuses maisons.
Pandanus ist eine Gattung von Monokotylen mit etwa 750 akzeptierten Arten. Sie sind palmenartige, zweihäusige Bäume und Sträucher, die in den Tropen und Subtropen der Alten Welt heimisch sind. Gebräuchliche Namen sind Pandan (/ ˈpændən /), Schraubenpalme und Schraubenkiefer. Sie sind in der Reihenfolge Pandanales, Familie Pandanaceae klassifiziert.Diese Pflanzen werden oft als Pandanus-Palmen bezeichnet und sind nicht eng mit Palmen verwandt. Die Arten variieren in der Größe von kleinen Sträuchern mit einer Höhe von weniger als 1 m bis zu mittelgroßen Bäumen mit einer Höhe von 20 m, typischerweise mit einem breiten Baldachin, schweren Früchten und einer moderaten Wachstumsrate. Der Stamm ist kräftig, weit verzweigt und mit vielen Blattnarben besetzt. Reife Pflanzen können Zweige haben. Je nach Art kann der Stamm glatt, rau oder warzig sein. Die Wurzeln bilden einen Pyramidentrakt, um den Stamm zu halten. Sie haben gewöhnlich viele dicke Stelzwurzeln in der Nähe der Basis, die Unterstützung bieten, wenn der Baum kopflastig mit Blättern, Früchten und Zweigen wächst.Diese Pflanzen wachsen vom Meeresspiegel bis auf 3.300 m. Pandanusbäume sind im Pazifik von kultureller, gesundheitlicher und wirtschaftlicher Bedeutung, nach der Kokosnuss auf Atollen an zweiter Stelle.Sie haben eine große wirtschaftliche Bedeutung in den südpazifischen Ländern wie Vietnam, den Philippinen, Pakistan, Indien, Sri Lanka und Neuguinea als Rohstoff für Kunsthandwerk, Tierfutter und Decken für viele Häuser.
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Djumaya Mosque, also known as Ulu Mosque or Muradiye, is a precious architectural monument in the center of Plovdiv that gives an idea of the old settlement of Filibe. It is one of the biggest and the oldest mosques in Bulgaria. It is called Djumaya (from Turkish – Friday), because the service was held in Friday.
It is believed to be built as an imperial mosque by Shihabedin pasha, son of the patron of Plovdiv and beilerbei of Roumelia, during the reign of Murad II (1359 – 85). The building has been restored twice: in 1785 and again in 1818 after being damaged in an earthquake.
The Djumaya Mosque is an extremely solid building with thick stone walls and is covered by solid-coated domes. The architecture of the interior seems monumental. There are four square pillars which support nine huge interior vaults. The walls and the vaults are vividly painted with coloured ornaments and quotations from the Koran. Its 23 meter high minaret decorated with zigzag lines rises from the Northeastern corner of the mosque, while diagonally, in the southeastern corner, there is an ancient sun-dial. The mosque is decorated with murals by Nakshi Mustafa Zelebi, dating from the 19 th century. The interior is marked by a mahfil (pedestal for the singer), a sultan's box and a mimber (pedestal for the imam).
It is said to be one of the three examples of the oldest type of the Ottoman worship buildings still preserved on the entire Balkan Peninsula.
Submitted: 01/09/2017
Accepted: 13/09/2017
Nikon D700 + 50mm f1.4
ISO 200
1/100sec at f4
The model in this picture was Mona.
So that day Serena and Mona gotta do their photography homework with the theme "Colour".
Thank you serena for inviting me so i have someone to shoot to make this picture.
Starts at 4pm till 6pm. It was a fun day. Wendy was the model for their homework. She enjoys taking photos and be a model.
Why this theme? To remind that if you cant accept him/her leaving, you will never move on... For someone who is sad right now, cheer up!
Always reminds me of how beautiful and serene the mountians are. Mornings are amazing as life accepts the blessings of a new day. Simple really.
The grand old ladies of the Southern, the utterly wonderful 4-SUB units. These were the mainstay of suburban services on the Central and South Western divisions of the Southern Railway and BR Southern Region. The last 4-SUB EMUs (class 405) were withdrawn from service in 1983.
Units 4743 (b.1950) and 4293 (b.1948) stand in platforms 11 and 10 at London Victoria.
19.11.81
Agfa CT21
Accept what cannot be changed and transform everything that can be changed. If the world turns, why would you stand still ?
A cherry blossom is a flower of several trees of genus Prunus, particularly the Japanese cherry, Prunus serrulata, which is called sakura after the Japanese.
Currently they are widely distributed, especially in the temperate zone of the Northern Hemisphere including Japan, Nepal, India, Taiwan, Korea, Mainland China, West Siberia, Iran and Afghanistan. Along with the chrysanthemum, the cherry blossom is considered the national flower of Japan.
All varieties of cherry blossom trees produce small, unpalatable fruit or edible cherries. Edible cherries generally come from cultivars of the related species Prunus avium and Prunus cerasus.
"Hanami" is the centuries-old practice of picnicking under a blooming sakura or ume tree. The custom is said to have started during the Nara period (710–794), when it was ume blossoms that people admired in the beginning, but by the Heian period (794–1185) cherry blossoms came to attract more attention, and hanami was synonymous with sakura. From then on, in both waka and haiku, "flowers" (hana) meant "cherry blossoms". The custom was originally limited to the elite of the Imperial Court, but soon spread to samurai society and, by the Edo period, to the common people as well. Tokugawa Yoshimune planted areas of cherry blossom trees to encourage this. Under the sakura trees, people had lunch and drank sake in cheerful feasts.
Woodblock print of Mount Fuji and cherry blossom from Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji by Hiroshige
Every year the Japanese Meteorological Agency and the public track the sakura zensen (cherry blossom front) as it moves northward up the archipelago with the approach of warmer weather via nightly forecasts following the weather segment of news programs. The blossoming begins in Okinawa in January, and typically reaches Kyoto and Tokyo at the end of March or the beginning of April. It proceeds into areas at the higher altitudes and northward, arriving in Hokkaido a few weeks later. Japanese pay close attention to these forecasts and turn out in large numbers at parks, shrines and temples with family and friends to hold flower-viewing parties. Hanami festivals celebrate the beauty of the cherry blossom and for many are a chance to relax and enjoy the beautiful view. The custom of hanami dates back many centuries in Japan. The eighth-century chronicle Nihon Shoki records hanami festivals being held as early as the third century AD.
Most Japanese schools and public buildings have cherry blossom trees outside of them. Since the fiscal and school year both begin in April, in many parts of Honshu, the first day of work or school coincides with the cherry blossom season.
The Japan Cherry Blossom Association developed a list of Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots with at least one location in every prefecture.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival is a spring celebration in Washington, D.C., commemorating the March 27, 1912, gift of Japanese cherry trees from Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo City to the city of Washington. Mayor Ozaki donated the trees in an effort to enhance the growing friendship between the United States and Japan and also celebrate the continued close relationship between the two nations. Large and colorful helium balloons, floats, marching bands from across the country, music and showmanship are parts of the Festival's parade and other events.
The effort to bring cherry blossom trees to Washington, D.C., preceded the official planting by several decades. In 1885, Eliza Ruhamah Scidmore returned from her first trip to Japan and approached the U.S. Army Superintendent of the Office of Public Buildings and Grounds with the idea of planting cherry trees along the reclaimed waterfront of the Potomac River. Scidmore, who would go on to become the first female board member of the National Geographic Society, was rebuffed, though she would continue proposing the idea to every Superintendent for the next 24 years.
The first "Cherry Blossom Festival" was held in 1935 under joint sponsorship by numerous civic groups, becoming an annual event. The cherry trees had by this point become an established part of the nation's capital. In 1938, plans to cut down trees to clear ground for the Jefferson Memorial prompted a group of women to chain themselves together at the site in protest. A compromise was reached where more trees would be planted along the south side of the Basin to frame the Memorial. A Cherry Blossom Pageant was begun in 1940.
On December 11, 1941, four trees were cut down. It is suspected that this was retaliation for the attack on Pearl Harbor by the Empire of Japan four days earlier, though this was never confirmed. In hopes of dissuading people from further attacks upon the trees during the war, they were referred to as "Oriental" flowering cherry trees for the war's duration. Suspended during World War II, the festival resumed in 1947 with the support of the Washington, D.C., Board of Trade and the D.C. Commissioners.
In 1948, the Cherry Blossom Princess and U.S. Cherry Blossom Queen program were started by the National Conference of State Societies. A Princess was selected from each state and federal territory, with a queen chosen to reign over the festival. In 1952, Japan requested help restoring the cherry tree grove at Adachi, Tokyo along the Arakawa River, which was the parent stock of the D.C. trees but had diminished during the war. In response, the National Park Service sent budwood back to Tokyo.
The Japanese ambassador gave a 300-year-old stone lantern to the city of Washington to commemorate the signing of the 1854 Japan-US Treaty of Amity and Friendship by Commodore Matthew C. Perry. For a number of years, the lighting of this lantern formally opened the Festival. Three years later, the president of the pearl company started by Mikimoto Kōkichi donated the Mikimoto Pearl Crown. Containing more than five pounds of gold and 1,585 pearls, the crown is used at the coronation of the Festival Queen at the Grand Ball. The next year, the Mayor of Yokohama gifted a stone pagoda to the City to "symbolize the spirit of friendship between the United States of America manifested in the Treaty of Peace, Amity and Commerce signed at Yokohama on March 31, 1854."
The Japanese gave 3,800 more Yoshino trees in 1965, which were accepted by First Lady Lady Bird Johnson. These trees were grown in the United States and many were planted on the grounds of the Washington Monument. For the occasion, the First Lady and Ryuji Takeuchi, wife of the Japanese ambassador, reenacted the 1912 planting. In 1982, Japanese horticulturalists took cuttings from Yoshino trees in Washington, D.C., to replace cherry trees that had been destroyed in a flood in Japan. From 1986 to 1988, 676 cherry trees were planted using US$101,000 in private funds donated to the National Park Service to restore the trees to the number at the time of the original gift.
In 1994, the Festival was expanded to two weeks to accommodate the many activities that happen during the trees' blooming. Two years later, the Potomac and Arakawa became sister rivers. Cuttings were taken from the documented 1912 trees in 1997 to be used in replacement plantings and thus preserve the genetic heritage of the grove. In 1999, fifty trees of the Usuzumi variety from Motosu, Gifu, were planted in West Potomac Park. According to legend, these trees were first planted by Emperor Keitai in the 6th century and were designated a National Treasure of Japan in 1922. From 2002 to 2006, 400 trees propagated from the surviving 1912 trees were planted to ensure the genetic heritage of the original donation is maintained.
from Wikipedia
I might have cut the grass again but I still love walking on the wild side feeling my toes rubbing against the scented buttercups so followers please enjoy the view. I'm not gay by default but I didn't realise it came as part of the deal if I wanted to get my wish to become a pretty woman. I say I'm sweetly gay as it feels the right thing to do as I see myself as being very much female now and it seems perfectly okay for me to have boyfriends but to be frank I'm not into all the sissy spin-offs etc. as really I only did it to be selfishly me and nothing else. That seems okay too as right from the start people seemed to accept me but it still hurts even now when someone doesn't want to know me or is mean. It's usually men from an older generation who are the least friendly and I saw one of my old bus world acquaintances the other day in town and when I addressed him by name he just stepped back and blanked me saying he was not called Tony. I said he must be another Tony then but he was not having it. But that is life I can't please everyone I guess and stepping naked brushing through the long grass I've got to expect to get stung by the odd nettle or step on the odd thorn.
www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/n/newportwetlands/index.as...
This nature reserve offers a haven for wildlife on the edge of the city, but is a great place for people too with a new RSPB visitor centre, a café, shop and children's play area.
Cetti's warblers and bearded tits can be seen and heard in the reedbeds, and ducks, geese and swans visit the reserve in large numbers during the winter. You'll enjoy spectacular views of the Severn estuary all year round.
Newport Wetlands is a partnership between Natural Resources Wales, Newport City Council and the RSPB.
Opening times
Open every day (closed Christmas Day), 9 am to 5 pm (Coffee Shop open 10 am to 4 pm). On Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, the centre will be open from 10 am to 4 pm and the coffee shop will be open 10 am to 3.30 pm. Please note that the carpark also closes at 5:30pm.
Entrance charges
None
If you are new to birdwatching...
Autumn/winter is the best time of year for birdwatching at Newport Wetlands when migratory wildfowl and wading birds begin to arrive ready for their winter stay.
Information for families
Newport Wetlands visitor centre is ideal for children and families. Guided walks and children's activities are available on the reserve, drinks and a bite to eat can be enjoyed in the coffee shop afterwards, followed by a browse in the retail area. Children will find the outdoor children's activity area with its 4 m high simulation of the East Usk Lighthouse very entertaining. We can offer a variety of fun environmental activity and exploration days for a wide range of local interest groups.
Information for dog owners
Some access for dogs - marked footpaths on perimeter of reserve. For more information, please contact the NRW enquiry line.
Star species
Our star species are some of the most interesting birds you may see on your visit to the reserve.
Bearded tit
You will often hear bearded tits before you see them. Listen for their bell-like 'pinging' calls, then watch them whizzing across the tops of the reeds. They perch up on the stems in calm weather and feed on fallen seeds on the mud at the base of the reeds.
Dunlin
Dunlins can be seen at Newport Wetlands at almost any time. They breed further north, including in the Arctic, but migrating birds pass through in spring and autumn and some also spend winter here. Watch for them probing their beaks into the mud as they feed.
Little egret
These dainty little white herons can be seen throughout the year at Newport. You can see them fishing, stirring up fish fry from the muddy bottom with their feet.
Little grebe
Listen for little grebes 'whinnying' in spring as part of their courtship displays. They are small, round birds, and remarkably buoyant despite their fluffy feathers.
Shoveler
Shovelers are commonest here in winter, but are also a regular breeding bird. Watch them using their beaks like sieves to sift out microscopic aquatic life from the water.
Seasonal highlights
Each season brings a different experience at our nature reserves. In spring, the air is filled with birdsong as they compete to establish territories and attract a mate. In summer, look out for young birds making their first venture into the outside world. Autumn brings large movements of migrating birds - some heading south to a warmer climate, others seeking refuge in the UK from the cold Arctic winter. In winter, look out for large flocks of birds gathering to feed, or flying at dusk to form large roosts to keep warm.
Spring
Spring is the start of the breeding season and is an active and exciting time of year at Newport Wetlands, as birds set about finding their mates and building nests. Breeding waders at the reserve include lapwings and oystercatchers. Bearded tits begin to nest in the reedbeds. During late April and early May, swallows and swifts begin arriving from Africa, and can be seen flying overhead. This is a great time of year to listen out for the distinctive call of the cuckoo and many plants, including orchids, will begin to burst into colourful flower.
Summer
Grass snakes can sometimes be seen soaking up the sun or skimming expertly through the water among the reeds. Around sixteen species of dragonflies, twenty-three species of butterfly and two hundred species of moth are found at Newport Wetlands. After dark is the best time for moth spotting, but visitors are likely to see species like cinnabar moths and scarlet tiger moths during the daytime. The reserve is also home to badgers, moles and wood mice. Otters live here too, but are notoriously shy of humans and can be difficult to spot. Their droppings, or ‘spraint’, are the most commonly spotted clue to their presence.
Autumn
In autumn, the reeds turn from a vibrant lush green to yellowing brown. Groups of goldfinches can be seen flitting around the reserve and are particularly visible along Perry Lane, using their long beaks to extract seeds from the teasels. Autumn is another extremely active season at Newport Wetlands, as migratory wildfowl and wading birds begin to arrive ready for their winter stay. Curlews, redshanks, dunlins and oystercatchers feed on the estuary at low tide using their long, pointy beaks to sift through the nutritious mud for worms and grubs.
Winter
The starling roost at the reserve is a not-to-be-missed wildlife experience. From October onwards, large groups of starlings gather at dusk in great black clouds. At its peak, around 50,000 birds swoop and soar overhead, chattering noisily. After a breathtaking display, the birds drop dramatically into the reedbeds where they settle for the night. Another winter treat at Newport Wetlands is a single bittern, which has been seen here most winters since 2001. Bitterns are rare and extremely secretive, moving silently through the reeds looking for fish. Parts of the reserve provide a winter home for nationally important numbers of black-tailed godwits, shovelers and dunlins.
Facilities
Information centre
Car park
Toilets
Disabled toilets
Baby-changing facilities
Group bookings accepted
Guided walks available
Good for walking
Pushchair friendly
Viewing points
Viewing screens are available.
Nature trails
There are a number of nature trails around the reserve of various lengths with easy accessibility for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
Tearoom
Coffee shop serving triple-certified organic Fairtrade coffee, fairtrade tea, Fairtrade hot chocolate, and a selection of organic cold drinks, sandwiches, baguettes, locally-produced cakes and cookies.
Refreshments available
Hot drinks
Cold drinks
Snacks
Confectionery
Shop
A retail outlet for all your bird food and bird care accessories with a wide selection of binoculars and telescopes. There is also a fantastic selection of gifts and children's items.
The shop stocks:
Binoculars and telescopes
Bird food
Bird feeders
Gifts
Cafe
Our cafe in the visitor centre has large, panoramic windows overlooking the reserve and surrounding countryside. There is a large outdoor decking area providing additional seating with the same relaxing views. We provide organic Fairtrade tea and hot chocolate, and locally-produced cakes and ice cream.
We serve our own exclusive coffee that is grown, imported and roasted by us. It's Fairtrade, organic and certified bird-friendly by the Smithsonian Institute, so now you can help save nature simply by enjoying a great cup of coffee!
We are proud to hold a Level 5 Food Hygiene rating enabling our customers to have full confidence in the food and service that we provide.
Opening hours
10 am to 4 pm daily (closed Christmas Day)
Highlights from our menu
Triple-certified coffee including cappuccinos, lattes and Americanos, all freshly-made
We are known for our Bara Brith, Welsh cakes and hot toasted teacakes
From autumn through to spring we sell steaming tasty soups which are gluten-free
We provide a variety of sandwiches and rolls made with bread from a family baker
Pole-and-line-caught skipjack tuna is used to fill delicious sandwiches or rolls
Good variety of sandwiches and cakes. Coffee excellent
Access to the cafe
The coffee shop is in the visitor centre which has wheelchair-friendly ramps into the centre and out onto the reserve.
Children welcome
There are highchairs for babies and toddlers. We provide children's lunchboxes containing a sandwich, two-finger Kitkat, apple or orange juice and a choice of wildlife face mask.
We use local ingredients
We use Welsh meats, cheeses and free-range organic eggs.
Dietary requirements
We sell vegetarian and vegan food, some wheat-free snacks and soup, and some organic food.
Accessibility
8 August 2013
This is a Summary Access Statement. A full access statement is available to download from this page.
Before you visit
Clear print site leaflet available from reception
Visitor Centre open 9 am to 5 pm daily, except Christmas Day. coffee shop open 10 am to 4 pm
Entry to the reserve is free of charge
Car park open 8.30 am to 5.30 pm daily
Three mobility scooters and two wheelchairs available to hire out free of charge. Telephone for details
Registered assistance dogs welcome (please do not be offended if we ask for evidence of registration)
A dog walking route map is available from the visitor centre. Tethering rings and drinking bowl at the visitor centre entrance
Check events and activities for accessibility,
How to get here
Newport Railway Station (5 miles/8 km). Taxis usually available
Bus stop in the reserve car park, Number 63
Car parking
Free parking, 180 m/197 yds from the visitor centre
10 blue badge spaces
85 parking spaces
Drop-off at visitor centre arranged by telephone 01633 636363
Tarmac surface, path to visitor centre compacted limestone chippings and dust
Visitor centre and shop
Entrance by wooden walkway with a maximum gradient of 1:40. Manually operated doors. Non-slip tiled surface. Low section on service counter. Hearing loop system is installed at the service counter and in the education rooms. Good natural and artificial lighting. Staff can give assistance and read out any literature if required. Binoculars are available for hire (£3.50 for the day).
Nature trails
Four main trails. All level on compacted with one incline using a zig-zag. Floating walkways have been used by wheelchairs, scooters and pushchairs but caution should be taken due to buoyancy.
Viewing facilities
Natural viewing opportunities throughout the reserve. A wheelchair accessible viewing screens overlooking the reedbeds.
Toilets
Unisex accessible toilet along with separate ladies and gents available on ground floor of Visitor Centre. Level step free access. Baby changing table and a second baby facility in ladies toilets.
Catering
Step-free level access. Outside deck viewing area. Tables are well spaced apart. Good natural and overhead lighting. Non slip tiles. Accessible WC in the visitor centre.
Shop
Shop is located in the visitor centre. Level entry step free with no doors. There is step free, level access throughout. Non-slip tiled surface. Ample room. Well lit with daylight and fluorescent lighting. Promotional video usually playing with subtitles. Staff can provide assistance.
Classrooms
Two classrooms available as one room if required. Step-free, level access throughout. Non-slip flooring. Artificial even lighting. Portable hearing loop system available. Two raised ponds nearby.
Picnic area
Four picnic tables with wheelchair access outside visitor centre. Visitors free to bring their own refreshments for picnics.
Help us improve accessibility by sending feedback to the Site Manager.
For more information
Newport Wetlands
E-mail: newport-wetlands@rspb.org.uk
Telephone:01633 636363
How to get here
By bicycle (Sustrans cycle route)
Sustrans National Cycle Network route 4 has a branch to Newport Wetlands using existing roads. The car park has a covered cycle stand. Please note that cycling on the reserve is restricted to a designated route.
By train
The nearest railway station is Newport - which is five miles from the reserve. There is a taxi rank at the station and Newport bus station is just a few minutes walk away. For train times to and from Newport visit www.nationalrail.co.uk or telephone 08457 484950.
By bus
From the Kingsway Bus Station in Newport, the Number 63 bus leaves at 7.30 am, 9 am, 11 am, 1.30 pm, 3 pm, 4.50 pm and 6 pm and stops at the bus stop in the reserve car park. Alternatively, contact Newport Bus 01633 670563.
By road
Join the A48 at either junction 24 or 28 of the M4. Follow the A48 until you come to the Spytty Retail Park roundabout. Exit onto the A4810 Queensway Meadows. At the first roundabout take the third exit onto Meadows Road and follow the brown tourist signs to the reserve.
Our partners
The Newport Wetlands project is funded by the European Union's Objective Two programme supported by the Welsh Assembly Government and secured via the Newport European Partnership, Newport City Council's allocation of the Welsh Assembly Government's Local Regeneration Fund, Newport City Council's Landfill Tax Credit Scheme, the Environment Agency Wales and Visit Wales – the Department of Enterprise, Innovation and Networks.
Natural Resources Wales, Newport City Council and the RSPB would like to thank the communities of Newport and the volunteers who have supported Newport Wetlands.
Newport Wetlands Conference and Meeting Rooms
Set in the tranquil surroundings of a peaceful nature reserve, our excellent conference facilities offer a superb location for a great getaway from the office and provide a wonderful setting for a variety of corporate events. You will receive a warm welcome from the staff at the Visitor Centre, providing a professional and efficient service.
We can provide facilities for the following
Conferences
Board Meetings
Seminars
Training Courses
Presentations
Away days
Rooms can be arranged in boardroom, theatre style or in any other format to suit your event. We also have a range of equipment for hire including a digital projector and smart board facilities.
Your booking fee includes free car parking, access to the Reserve as well as the Visitor Centre, Shop and Café. The Reserve comprises of a series of lagoons and reed beds from reclaimed industrial land, which is now home to a wealth of wildlife.
A tour of the Reserve can be arranged as an unusual and revitalising break during a meeting or away day.
Catering
Fairtrade coffee and tea, biscuits or homemade cakes can be served throughout the day, and we can provide a freshly prepared buffet to suit your dietary requirements including vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options. Buffets include a selection of classic sandwiches, a selection of savoury items, fresh fruit and a selection of freshly baked homemade cakes.
Alternatively, delegates can stroll across to the café themselves and appreciate inspirational views of the reserve from the veranda.
The Lakeside Suite
A purpose built meeting room, which caters for 12 people boardroom style or 25 people theatre style.
The Education Facilities
Set in a tranquil environment, overlooking the waters edge the Education Rooms offers the perfect environment for larger events and conferences. The room can be organised in various styles and caters for up to 80 people theatre style.
For more information or to make a provisional booking, please contact Adrianne Jones using the details below.
For more information
Adrianne Jones
Centre Co-ordinator
E-mail: adrianne.jones@rspb.org.uk
Telephone:01633 636355
Model: Tania d'Anconia
Photographer: Justin Bonaparte
The Truths of Our Faith
I am writing these things to you now, even though I hope to be with you soon, so that if I am delayed, you will know how people must conduct themselves in the household of God. This is the church of the living God, which is the pillar and foundation of the truth.
Without question, this is the great mystery of our faith[f]:
Christ was revealed in a human body
and vindicated by the Spirit.
He was seen by angels
and announced to the nations.
He was believed in throughout the world
and taken to heaven in glory.
[1 Timothy 3:14-16 NLT]
5 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW:
1. Like it or not, we are ALL sinners: As the Scriptures say, “No one is righteous—not even one. No one is truly wise; no one is seeking God. All have turned away; all have become useless. No one does good, not a single one.” (Romans 3:10-12 NLT)
2. The punishment for sin is death: When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned. (Romans 5:12 NLT)
3. Jesus is our only hope: But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. (Romans 5:8 NLT) For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23 NLT)
4. SALVATION is by GRACE through FAITH in JESUS: God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. (Ephesians 2:8-10 NLT)
5. Accept Jesus and receive eternal life: If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9 NLT) But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. (John 1:12 NLT) And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have God’s Son does not have life. (1 John 5:11-12 NLT)
Read the Bible for yourself. Allow the Lord to speak to you through his Word. YOUR ETERNITY IS AT STAKE!
Leipziger Buchmesse 2015
2015-03-13 (Friday)
2015_013
2015#140
MissVanilla (___) 155767 as Mew Zakuro Fujiwara from Tokyo Mew Mew
Thank you for any group invites which I'd be glad to accept. However, if I can't check the content of such groups ("This group is not available to you") I'd rather not add any of my photos. Thanks for your understanding.
Ontario corn availability is in full swing right now as we lead up to Thanksgiving in just three weeks. As usual, our fresh corn is sweet and absolutely delicious. These two cobs will be part of my supper tonight, covered in butter of course.
We're Here is into Black and White Squares today.
*Working Towards a Better World
Human Rights Campaign - Explore: Transgender
www.hrc.org/explore/topic/transgender
I think what you're seeing is a profound recognition on the part of the American people that gays and lesbians and transgender persons are our brothers, our sisters, our children, our cousins, our friends, our co-workers, and that they've got to be treated like every other American. And I think that principle will win out.
Barack Obama
For me, it was never a question of whether or not I was transgender. It was a question of what I'd be able to handle transitioning and having to do it in the public eye. One of the issues that was hard for me to overcome was the fear of that.
Chaz Bono
Nature chooses who will be transgender; individuals don't choose this.
Mercedes Ruehl
Being transgender, like being gay, tall, short, white, black, male, or female, is another part of the human condition that makes each individual unique, and something over which we have no control. We are who we are in the deepest recesses of our minds, hearts and identities.
Linda Thompson
Thank you for your kind visit. Have a wonderful and beautiful day! xo💜💜
Shot with a Minox 35 GT-E
Minox Color-Minotar 35mm f/2.8 lens
Kodak Tri-X 400 film
Shot at EI 400
Developed in the Ego Lab using Rodinal (1:25, 2:50min at 88F, agitating first and each minute)
Scanned with a Coolscan 9000ED
This beautiful storm drain of an unusual shape accepts Darkday's intrusion into the depths. It was a very hot day and it felt great to sneak into this cool storm drain called Dour Acceptor and explore it to the end.
# Today is 18/1/2009 - sunday - another boring weekend as usual.But not really...I've received some good signs which r near to the result I've been waiting for such a long time.But see some aspects,I still stay scared n' confused.Maybe I have to change my attitudes toward this situation asap...Guys,I just wanna say that you CANNOT predict the future even when it's kind of obviously,cause' that's one of crucial spices of life.accept it anw..Haha,how come... !! xxxxxxx
# I gotto do something w/ my laid-back attitude.Damn
# PUSH YOURSELF NOW LAZY !!!
# BE HIGHLY MOTIVATED
For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.
So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.
[1 Corinthians 15:56-58 NLT]
5 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW:
1. Like it or not, we are ALL sinners: As the Scriptures say, “No one is righteous—not even one. No one is truly wise; no one is seeking God. All have turned away; all have become useless. No one does good, not a single one.” (Romans 3:10-12 NLT)
2. The punishment for sin is death: When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned. (Romans 5:12 NLT)
3. Jesus is our only hope: But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. (Romans 5:8 NLT) For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23 NLT)
4. SALVATION is by GRACE through FAITH in JESUS: God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. (Ephesians 2:8-10 NLT)
5. Accept Jesus and receive eternal life: If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9 NLT) But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. (John 1:12 NLT) And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have God’s Son does not have life. (1 John 5:11-12 NLT)
Read the Bible for yourself. Allow the Lord to speak to you through his Word. YOUR ETERNITY IS AT STAKE!
If you would like to have your art distributed to the far corners of the world without having to burn yourself out by packing a million orders or paying for crazy international shipping over and over then have Endless Canvas do it!
All you have to do is mail us a fat pack of stickers and we'll turn it right around to our established fan base.
MAIL STICKERS TO:
RPS Collective
c/o Endless Canvas
2278 Telegraph Ave.
Oakland, CA 94612
United States of America
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Daily Graffiti Photos and Street Art Culture... www.EndlessCanvas.com