Love says…

 

I’m committed to you

I’ll walk this difficult road with you

I’ll give of my time

I’ll be a listening ear

I’ll be there for you no matter what

I’ll pray for you

I’ll let go of my rights

I’ll watch your children so you can have some space

I’ll make you a meal

I’ll pay that bill that you can’t afford to pay

I’ll give you the best of me

I’ll stand up for you

I’ll be honest with you even if it hurts you

I’ll respect you

I’ll honour you

 

…ultimately I will die to my selfishness and give of my life to this world.

 

See a full set of photographs from Vilnius, Lithuania here.

Committed to Ilford HP5+ pushed to 800 using a Leica M6 and 35 mm Summicron v3 lens. Developed using Ars-Imago FD as per the Massive Dev chart and scanned with an Epson V850 using Silverfast. Positive conversion and contrast done with Negative Lab Pro.

My good friend Jim totally committed to capturing 'that' sunrise during an early morning excursion at Blackhall Rocks on the Durham coast. Although the long exposure gives the appearance of calm seas it was anything but, causing us to relocate constantly. The inside of my wellies will testify to that!

Committed to Film Ferrania P30 using a Leica M6 and 50 mm Summicron V3 lens. Developed using Ars-Imago FD as per the Massive Dev chart and scanned with an Epson V850 using Silverfast. Positive conversion and contrast done with Negative Lab Pro.

Committed to Rollei RPX 25 using a Mamiya 645 1000S and 80 mm f1.9 lens. Developed using Ars-Imago FD as per the Massive Dev chart and scanned with an Epson V850 using Silverfast. Positive conversion and contrast done with Negative Lab Pro.

Because of course I haven't committed any sins in this life.

Committed to expired Kodak Portra 160 and Kodak Ektar 100 using a Mamiya 6 with 75 and 50 mm lenses. Developed using a C-41 kit from Ars-Imago and digitised with a digital camera. Positive conversion, colours and contrast done with Negative Lab Pro. Dust cleaning and final tweaks in Photoshop.

the world won't forget

Committed photo for Maura Taurog's model book

Model: Maura Taurog

Photo&Edit: Daniele Eberhardt ]RagDoll[GraphicArt

Committed to Ilford Delta 400 using a Hasselblad 503 CX and 60 mm lens. Developed using Ars-Imago FD as per the Massive Dev chart and scanned with an Epson V850 using Silverfast. Positive conversion and contrast done with Negative Lab Pro.

Qurac, 4:31, god this has gotten out of hand, completely off course from the original description of the mission. It’s been two weeks, two damn weeks since I came to Qurac. Ruhollah Abbas, he’s my target, the corrupt political leader has committed quite a few crimes recently, violations of human rights to be specific. The Deputy Director assigned me to this mission, I was excited, finally a big mission, I’d get to brag about to all the other guys at work, but this…isn’t much to brag about. But hey, I still have my sniper rifle, a couple days into my mission I had been scoping out the area he would be speaking at the next day. Then some guards saw me, the bullets flew at me, and I thought quickly, I shot at them, from a rather close distance too. Only two of the bullets hit my pursuers, now I only have three left in this round, with one in the chamber, worst part is, one of them got a lucky shot, hit my gun, It’s lodged in there and I don’t know if it’ll affect me when I fire later. Once I escaped my pursuers, I had noticed that I had gotten away with some scrapes, and a mark from a bullet that grazed my arm, the wound was bleeding but not too badly. I had trudged back in the sand, for an hour and a half, I’m sure plenty of people have walked that long, and so have I, but it’s different in Qurac, the large, harsh, desert, the sun’s rays were too much after a while, but I had to get medical attention for this wound, so I put the front part of my suit over my head, blocking the sun. Eventually winds picked up slightly, it whipped in my face, pain was all around me, I didn’t want to move, but I had to keep going. Eventually I realized I was too far away from any civilization, they chased me in the wrong direction, and I was screwed, I found a cavern, not too big, I scouted it, and made a makeshift bandage for my wound. Soon I settled down in the cave.

 

The next day I continued going forward. By afternoon everything had been “normal” I had trudged along, looking for land, when I found an unexpected surprise in the ground. I believed that I had seen something in a faraway distance, but to make sure it wasn’t a marriage I sat down, attempting to get a different view on it, I had gotten down and put my right hand on the sand to support myself, in my left I had my sniper rifle, but I felt like relaxing completely, taking advantage of the rest stop, so I threw it to the side, then as I began to put my hand down, I saw a shiny glimmer from the corner of my eye, as my left hand began to rest, I looked around, and I recognized it, a landmine, I had put enough pressure that if I took my hand off of it, no more left arm. I waited for a couple minutes, then took some of my rations out of my shirt’s pocket, and slowly, replaced my hand with it, I swiped my left hand off, and sprinted away from it, then I threw a rock on it, blowing it up, that was one of my closest encounters with death in my career so far. Soon enough I finally found a town, a small one, but good enough, I went to get some food, but I realized most of my money was in the same pack my rations were, I only had the equivalent of $6, with that much I was able to schedule a ride back to the place where Abbas would be speaking. But what happened on the ride there was very unexpected.

“Young man, are you in need of supplies?”

“No, well yes...but I spent the rest of my money on this ride, but thanks.”

“I’ll give you this, as a gift” he bends over, and hands me a bow, and one arrow.

“Use this, for whatever you’re about to do, and if I were you I’d zip that bag up” I then looked over to see that my rifle was sticking out, I quickly stuffed it in farther, while looking quite embarrassed.

“Thanks, but why’d you give me a weapon, you don’t even know me, I could be a criminal.”

“You mentioned our leader before, and once I saw your gun, I put two and two together, so now I’ll help you” I smile, and nod my head, glad that I have another option, even if I shouldn’t have to use this one.

“My son…he fought against him, and was killed, now I want you to help me” emotion surges through me, I feel grateful that I was given this, I feel pain from all those days in the desert, and now, I feel sadness, knowing just how this man has affected all these people, but most of all, I feel determined, with motivation surging through me, enough to get me through this mission.

“Alright, just know this, your son didn’t die for nothing, he’ll be remembered” we talked for a bit more but that didn’t matter. I’d hung around in town for a while, a couple days to be exact, wait for the next public appearance, and about an hour before this big speech today, I made my way to an empty area, the perfect range for my rifle. Now, we’re back where we began.

 

Once he starts to give the speech, I know it’s time, I begin to ready my rifle, I aim at him, one shot to the head will finish him off. I pull the trigger…and nothing happens, shit, my rifle, one of my most efficient weapons in my arsenal, reduced to this. Suddenly heat fills the weapon, and I throw it to the side, an overload causes the gun to blow out it’s insides, with sparks flying from it, my only other option, the bow and arrow. With no scope I have to rely on my eyes, my skill, and my good luck.

 

I really focus on his head as I draw my bow, all these thoughts swirl about, I hope I can be forgiven for all the times I’ve killed while on duty, and let it be known, it was done for my country, I hope this doesn’t cause more problems here, and that his death, stops some of the crimes, hopefully I’ll get out of here, will I die here, can I make it, and the most prominent thing, I’ve gotta make this last resort work, oh god all this stuff building in me, IT’S GOTTA WORK, then…nothing, the tension is released as I hear that sound.

ZIIING

 

I Open my eyes and see it, the arrow flies, and hits him, clean, through the head, he’s done, his criminal actions will be judged throughout time, but he will never go to a real court, for on this day I was judge, jury, and executioner, two weeks finally paid off, and thanks to what I least expected, the last weapon I thought to use in my Arsenal, and I think I’m beginning to like it a lot. I pull out a small capsule, and remove part of it, which shows a single button, I press it and run, now they know I finished the mission, and soon my CIA buddies will come flying in at the LZ, so I got to get there fast. As I run off into the distance, using every bit of energy I have, I know I did the right thing for the people here, for the people of the world, an evil dictator, gone, I don’t care about my ragged clothes, my tired grizzled appearance, right now, I’m in the clear, and I’m on my way home.

__________________________________________________

Well this is my second app for an else worlds character, I put quite a bit of work into it and am pretty proud of it, normally I'd do a DCSG character, since I prefer sticking to source material, but recently i was struck with a bout of inspiration, to write a story about Roy Harper, If i get accepted I would probably make a trilogy of these, and maybe more someday. I hope you enjoy this take on Roy Harper, if you liked it comment below saying what you liked about it, thanks and have a good day.

" My name is Penny Oliver and I am committed to creating artwork that will inspire and reinvigorate you in your practice of medicine.

By interpreting and translating anatomic, histologic and diagnostic images, I seek to create art that is both beautiful to the layperson and meaningful to the medical professional.

Contact me to see how your work and passion can be transformed into a stunning piece of original art. "

 

Diagnosis ART, Custom Paintings for the Medical Professional

Copyright Diagnosis Art - All rights reserved - Blog - Facebook - Linkedin - Twitter

 

by Penny Oliver - all our posts about clear cell adenocarcinoma - cca.

 

Watch DES videos, read more about Diethylstilbestrol - DES Daughters - DES Sons

Veteran Suicide, is the topic for today. This is going to be another long one folks. As you read; I don’t want you to think of me. I’d like you to think of your husband, your wife, your partner, your son, daughter, grandson, grand daughter. The 1%, having the courage, to serve and defend our nation. I will be covering events that happened yesterday, and the impact it has on the mental health of our veterans.

Again, this is not about me. Its how veterans are treated at VA facilities, and some of the civilian medical facilities, we are sent to.

I had an appointment, with an ophthalmologist, early the other morning. I have intermediate vision loss in my right eye, and now problems in my left eye. Very similar, to the description from a woman, who’s child was a victim of Electronic Weapons (also know as the Havana Syndrome). She, a US Citizen, a child of a person interviewed, on 60 Minutes; 2-20-22. I’ve had problems with my right eye, for over two years now. Bouncing from VA Hospitals, VA Clinics; trying to find someone that gives a shit.

I get ready, lock up the motorhome and head for Grand Junction, Colorado, VA. I’m only 30 minutes away, and not rushed. VA, is an abbreviation for the Veteran’s Administration. A place where Veterans, are supposed to receive medical care. I pull off the National Forest Road, onto the main highway. Just, as I come over the hill, not a mile from our camp; there’s a State Trooper. Waiting, to try and catch me speeding. This happens, over and over again, when I have an appointment. I look at my speedometer, and slow it down a bit. I also see a guy just up the road. This minion, sets along the road, waiting to see which direction I take. Its another act to let me know I’m being watched. An attempt of intimation, along with a physiological attack on my mental health. Koda and I, head on down the road to Grand Junction.

As we pull into the parking lot, a man quickly cuts us off, and takes the last spot, close to the entrance door. It’s early, and hardly anyone is in the office. Once I check in; the perps start rolling in. Koda and I are setting in the lobby. These perps start with their over the top; hand in pocket skit. Then, some start the hair flipping shit. I’m talking 5 women, coming and going, flipping their hair as far int the air as they can. Even the staff chime in. Yes, folks, Koda and I are in a medical facility. As the women flip their hair, the men stair directly into Koda’s eyes. One even comes over, looking as threatening as possible. Wearing a big billed cap, big dark glasses, and a large black mask. He sets down right beside us, bends down, looks directly into Koda’s eyes. Koda, laying at my feet. The man asked if he could pet Koda, as he looks sternly into his eyes. I said no, he a Service Dog. I then asked if he wouldn’t stare into his eyes. I told him; dogs can take it as threatening. Koda, didn’t, because he’s used to it. Many VA staff, do it all the time. Even a Patient Advocate, that is supposed to help Veterans. This person is supposed to help veterans; having problems with the VA.

I stood up for myself and my dog, so now the minions are really pissed. They send in more Village Idiots, Sociopaths and Narcissist. Displaying their Perp Colors, fake coughs, arms flailing, American Flag Face Masks, large dark glasses, and stupidly big headphones. I’m talking big, big headphones. Not earbuds.

After seeing the doctor, a nurse has Koda and I, set in the hallway. She then, brigs over the guy with the stupid big headphones. She tells him to set right beside Koda, on my left. Even though, there are seats to my right. Koda, is getting uncomfortable, but continues to lay by my side, unmoved. He starts to whine a bit, as he looks up to me. He’s getting very uncomfortable, I see it in his face. The guy is playing something through his headphones that’s irritating Koda, intensely. I can’t hear it, and I’m not hard on hearing. The ‘Stupid Big Headphone Skit’, is used on us quite often. Especially, when we go to a laundry mat. They use something that makes Koda, extremely anxious and irritated. Many, actually smile, while doing so. This was at a civilian ophthalmologist office. I will say, the doctor was more thorough in the hour and a half, we were there; than the VA has, in over 2 years. This doctor ordered lab work, and an ultra sound. A skit; is what I call these, conspired, and practiced acts, of Gang Stalking/Domestic Terrorism.

I’m still waiting on an MRI read, from over two moths ago, that I got at the Phoinex VA. The Neuro-Ophithmoligest, at Barrow Neurological Institute. Spent less time with me, than I did filling out a little paperwork. He was dismissive and short. After, over two years of dealing with my right eye; I had to demand an MRI. I’m still waiting for a video call, so he can give me the MRI results. I have no confidence in a diagnosis or prognosis, from this guy. Their office Gaslighting me, leaving repeat message; that I have an in office appointment Monday, in Phoenix. This appointment is a video conference call, I set up before heading back to Colorado. I confirmed it two weeks ago. This week, and today, as I write this; they call with prerecorded messages and text. Wanting me to confirm, an in office visit for Monday. I’ve called them many times, left messages, and got ghosted.

So, now we are headed to the Grand Junction, VA, to get my lab work done. The front parking lot is full, so we head to the parking garage. We have the minions, trolling around to see where we park. We find a spot in the garage and park. I gather my things, and Koda the Magnificent. I open the car door, someone just behind us, honks their car horn 6 times. This wasn’t an alarm, this was one of the minions, letting everyone know; we are getting out of the car. It’s also a psychological stimuli, that lets you know, you are being watched. We get it, all the time, and have recorded it.

We walk to the back entrance. There are two VA Police Officers, and a man; standing in front of the door, blocking our way. We get through these guys, I use the hand sanitizer. The guy with the tan blazer, says something about my “furry friend.

A few years back I had surgery, one of many. I was living and working in Yosemite National Park. I was using the Fresno, California, VA. My daughter flew out, to help me with recovery, and spend Fathers Day with me. What a daughter…. While I was in the hospital, she would come to visit daily. When I was able to walk, she would walk with me down the halls of this beautiful hospital. These hallways filled with pictures of dedication, loyalty and sacrifice. Past wars, and their participants. She’s holding my arm, I look at her, looking at the pictures. Wondering if she can absorb, the depth of the sacrifice behind them. We get to the end of the hall and turn around. I see a young man in the hallway. Kooks to be early 20s. My daughter looked a little blushed. She looked directly at me and said; “Dad, that guy has been following me, every time I visit”. No Shit, my daughter was being stalked at the VA Hospital. All, the while; VA Police, watch on their many cameras. VA Police, will try to bait, intimidate and watch Targets, like a hawk. Yes, folks, this shit really happens at our VA facilities. You have to ask yourself; Is this how our CIA and FBI, train their Minions? They recruit KIDS, while they are in High School!

I knew better than to stop, and respond to these guys. I headed for the lab, with my ophthalmologist lab request. I went to the window, to check in. There was also supposed to a lab request, from the Phoenix VA. I was told last week, it was in the system; when speaking to one of the traveling vet coordinators. It wasn’t. I was told I had to go to the ER, and get a doctors authorization, for the new request. I didn’t have a problem with that, because; its to make sure and verify, its a legit request. What I have a problem with; is the Grand Junction VA Staff, and other minions, intently in wait, to attack my mental health, bait me, harass me, and set me up.

We go back down, to the ER. As we walk towards the check in window, a guy standing a distance from it, steps up to the window. He’s stalling, Gaslighting about the Mental Health Ward, He’s giving more minions time to show up. They weren’t expecting me to come right in today. This also gave the staff time enough time, to come up with excuses, for why my other lab request, was not in the system. When I was told by phone, it was.

I finally check in, and we have a seat. There are a few people in the area, but not too crowded. As soon as we do, a guy close to us; leans over and looks directly into Koda’s eyes. Koda looks away. The man continues this, with extremely stern looks. I asked him please not to, said it’s a threatening act to a dog. He knows this, but is baiting for a confrontation. The simple fuck, is finally called away, but is replaced by two others. One not wearing a mask. The VA requires a face mask at this facility, and I believe all. Koda, has been uncomfortable since we walked in. He knows where we are, and what to expect. We got the same treatment last Friday. He still lays patiently, at my side. A woman comes in, sets a large purse on a seat across from us. Then, sits on our side across from it. I start receiving a light Electronic Weapons attack. I don’t know if its coming from her purse. As she sets there smiling, her mask pulled down, so I can see.

A nurse calls us up to the front. As Koda and I squeeze through the minions sent to bait and harass us. We walk pass the purse, the woman so intently sat in a chair. Koda stops and sniffs it. Seriously, he does. He gets attacked with Electronic Weapons, and audio stimuli, too. Koda and I work are way through the now, packed waiting area. The nurse has my records in his hand. As we walk towards him; several nurses rush to cut us off. When we do reach him; he tells me, I’m the wrong patient, have a seat. Koda and I look for a clear path back to our seat; another nurse comes up and start Gaslighting about the Mental Health Ward. I stood up for a while, because of setting all morning at two different facilities. There was a man in an electric wheelchair. He asked about Koda, so we stopped and talked with him for a while.

He asked about service dogs. I told him; as far as I know, the VA does not provide Service dogs. There are many civilian groups that help veterans obtain a service dog. Many times, at no, or low cost to the veteran. That’s the norm, for our Veterans. They have to reach out to civilian organizations, to get their required medical needs. That’s because the VA, and our government wont. Why is that Mr President? You continually bring up your sons military service, while veterans are reaching out to civilian agencies, because the VA WON’T fulfill their needs. How long have you been in politic? Why don’t you add another 800 Billion to the Defense Spending; while veterans kill themselves.

I told the man I am, an Advance Certified Animal Care Specialist, and trained Koda myself. He asked to pet Koda, and I let him. Koda, licked his hand softly and gave him his sweetest look. I showed him a few hand signals, I’ve taught him. We were both lost in the gentle actions of Koda. For a moment; we forgot about the crowded clinic. That didn’t last long; because the minions, can’t have it. Rick is enjoying himself; we have to do something about it. Nurse, after nurse strolling by. Clicking pens, fake coughs, flailing arms, and Mental Health Ward Gaslighting. Then, one brings out the American Flag. Yep, they have to throw that in our face. When all else fails, they use the American Flag. It’s folded, and just a Gaslighting Prop. They pulled that one two years ago, after I complained to the Patient Advocate. Koda, and I handle ourselves like pros, because we are. This is a small VA Hospital, with very limited doctor staff. Nurses, think they control the show, Many times they do. Free Speech, is not so Free; in the United States of America. It can cost you dearly.

An hour later, I finally got the Ophthalmologist request in. We headed back up to the lab. We had the minions rushing ahead of us, to the elevator. Koda and I entered, one man had a clear plastic bag. This bag had the exact items, I left on our kitchen counter this morning. This, another act of Gaslighting. It also, lets a Target Know, they are being watched, or someone has entered their home. It’s another Gaslighting Tactic; used to attack the mental health of a Target, to bait and discredit them.

Then, there are two others. Dressed in their Bright Perp Colors. The man, working his way, as close to Koda as possible. We stood to the back, but when the elevator opened, they wanted us to exit first. We didn’t, and I told the two by the door to go ahead. As they did, I could see the man in the tan blazer. He was the same man, with the two VA Police, when we first came in. He was standing just to the right of the elevator door. As Koda and I step to the door, I said wait. That’s his command to stop and wait. Knowing that at almost every corner, entrance or exit; a minion, is waiting. Koda, stops and waits. As we do, the man in the tan blazer, walks pass us. As he does, he reaches into the elevator, open handed, fingers separated, right at Koda face. The two that stepped out ahead of us, standing there, in their perp colors, to witness; if I act out. I didn’t, and neither did Koda. I told the man “He’s a service dog, you don’t do that to someones service dog”. He smiles and says “I was just saying hi”. I didn’t start a confrontation, and we left for the lab. We are in a medical facility, the staff is not educated enough, to not reach out, at a Service Dog? Give me a fucking break….

We go into this small room so I can get my blood drawn. The smell of sanitizer and alcohol, was overwhelming. It irritated Koda, immensely. He still, just lay at my left side. I ran labs at two veterinary facilities, and at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo; in Colorado. I know what labs and exam rooms smell like. This is a tactic used on Targets. They use the sense of smell to harass and Gaslight Targets. They will use sanitizer, alcohol, auto exhaust, second hand smoke, the smell of gasoline and diesel. You can see them in action, at the Grand Junction Walmart, parking lot. It’s on their cameras.

We finished our labs, and head to the parking garage. Ahead of us, rushes someone from the Hospital. He walks upwind, and lights a cigarette. We get in the car and leave, as the minions come out flipping their hair.

We drive across the street to have lunch. It was literally just across the street. It was a long morning, and our day not even half over. We gather our things, go in. As we enter; there are two young guys setting by the window. Probably in their early twenties, they start fake coughing. There’s a woman ahead of us, she stalling, giving other minions time to show up. Koda and I patiently wait. The guy at the counter disappeared. We are used to this. More minions, come marching in. Yep, its a Stupid Fest; sponsored by the Local Village Idiots Association. I finally get my order in, take my cup, get mobbed at the soft drink fountain. The Coke dispenser didn’t work, I mentioned it to the employee that rushed up there ahead of us. She moved the top of the Coke tap, and said try it. I did, as sprays all over Koda and I.

We have a seat, Koda laying at my left fett, minion after minion, walking by; looking directly down at Koda. Not even giving me a glance; just intently, looking into Koda’s eyes. Koda the Magnificent didn’t even flinch. He was looking at dad, waiting for the delicious morsels, he so well deserved. While we ate, someone blocked the view to our car, with an SUV. It was soon surrounded, by vans, trucks, and SUVs. None of them had an electric car, Mr Transportation Secretary. I don’t know where these Bottom Feeders are getting their gas money from? They don’t seem to be working.

We finished our lunch, headed to the door, as a minion rushes to the bathroom, thinking I may have to pee. They will leave piss all over the floor for Koda to step in. Really, they will. Just ask the Walmart employees in Grand Junction, Colorado, or Buckeye, Arizona. We get in the car, someone has moved my rear view mirror, changed my air conditioning settings (it’s going to be 100 today). Both my back windows were down about an inch. Nothing taken, just shit tampered with. This is the norm, for a Targeted Individual, in the United Sates of America.

Koda and I headed to the River Park. They have several fenced, dog play areas. We got there before noon, not to hot for Koda yet. I took him there often, after I first adopted him. For socialization and other training. There are pictures from two years ago, in our photostream.

When we arrived, there was no one in the three open play areas. I’m thinking great, Koda can be a dog! But, I know what’s coming. He’s looking around, a bit confused, its been two years. He finally realized where he was. He starts skipping across the grass, running, happy as can be. It was short lived; the minions start showing up. First, we had a guy brig in a big pit-bull. Thinking I would be intimidated. I’ve worked with military working dogs for years, pit-bulls are sweethearts; compared. Koda wasn’t intimidated either. His tail wagging, panting, happy to make a new friend. NOT, what they expected. Koda, rushes up to the bruit, as do I, covering his back. I started talking, with the young guy who brought him in. Just basic things, he had questions about his dog, I happily gave him suggestions. His wife (Miss Honey-Pot), setting in the car, joins us. Short-shorts, bending and stretching exposing way to much flesh. I didn’t mind, but didn’t drool over it. It’s Basic Gang Stalking 101.

Then comes in the Red Husky. It was followed by a manly-man. Shaved head, muscles bulging everywhere, tight shirt and pants. Koda rushes to greet the Husky, his happy self. The Husky, a young male, seemed a bit taken. Koda and the Pittie rushing at him. The guy who brought it in, came over to the picnic table. The Perp Couple, still there. The Husky had a Service dog vest, so I asked the guy about him. He told me about a local organization, that trains them and gives them to vets.

Then he tried to repeat some of the same conversation, I had with the guy in the electric wheel chair, this morning. He tried hard, but flubbed it. This is called Street Theater. The guy told me he was a vet with PTSD. I’m not going to question that. I could tell the man was troubled. It showed in his eye contact, facial expressions. I could tell anxiety was setting in. I didn’t fault this man. I didn’t judge him. I’m sure so many have. He told me he was a veteran, I could see he was troubled; that was enough. Some people are recruited into Gang Stalking, even veterans. Often, being offered something that can’t achieve for themselves. Unknowing, of the full picture. Mr President; why don’t you help veterans in need of service dogs? This poor guy tried his best, then went and sat in his truck, with his dog. My heart weighing heavy, knowing this struggling man, has been so wrongly misguided.

As Koda is having a blast; a FedEx Semi pulls into the parking lots. He takes up a ton of parking places. Parking, facing the side of my car. So, he can set in his truck, watch me, and my car. Then a big construction truck pulls in. It has a cherry picker. It parked behind us. This is a small, city parking lot.

I get mobbed, followed, blocked and cut off by FedEx, UPS, and USPS drivers, all the time. No shit folks, many people are afraid to discuss it, but IT IS TRUE. Our Government Agencies; have their minions all over the United States. Spying on, baiting and harassing, Targets. They even have your neighbors spying on you. Some call it the Neighborhood Watch, others call it Gang Stalking. It’s Domestic Terrorism! Just look up he definition if you need to. Educate yourselves, please.

Karen came in, as he was leaving the play area. Her job was to throw balls towards the fence. Close to the outer sidewalk. As she did; local sociopaths, waiting for an opportune moment. They would ride by on a bikes, skates; in their colors. Some, carrying floats for the swimming area (too far away). There’s a parking lot, not full at all. Trying everything to try and get Koda to chase and bark after them. All the while, getting their daily needs, of sociopathic fulfillment. It didn’t work that well. Koda was getting to hot and tired to chase anything. They continued trying, in their bright orange and red colors. Their combined intelligence, far lower, than this amazing dog that has blessed my life. But, they will try and take that away from me. Weekly, daily; sometimes. Koda was getting hot, so it was time for us to leave.

We needed to get a few groceries. I wanted to try a local City Market in Fruita, Colorado. It’s only about 12 miles from our camp. The minions in wait; knowing there are a few things I need. Yep, they really do. I’m sure they did an inventory while I was gone. They tamper with my motorhome, all the time. They like to tamper with my frig in the summer, move things around, sometimes destroy small items. They did this in Yosemite National Park too.

As we pull in; they had the Honey-Pot walking pass me. There were minions waiting to mob and block us at the carts; just like Walmart. Once inside, they started setting up. Using their carts, their bodies; to block me from getting ranch dressing, veggies, salad-mix, bread, butter and water. One woman attempting 4 times, thinking I needed more than I did. I was tempted to ask her to hold my phone, as I start a prerecord, loud, extended fart, on it. But, decided against it. A prank I share with my granddaughters. Yes, I’ve been watching too much YouTube.

We get the same community mobbing show, as we do at Walmart. But, with less intensity; piece of cake. I wanted one, as I walked through the bakery. Koda helps pull my heavy cart, with the water and all. We headed to the checkout. Billy-Bob, was waiting to cut in front of us. The young couple ahead of him, were keeping the cashier occupied by their personal life. Long after they paid. They gave another, time to slip in behind us. Sometimes these people will switch things out; from my cart, or the conveyor. As another keeps me occupied, by harassing Koda. This guy didn’t, he just got smothering close. As we leave, we get blocked at the doors, a bid diesel truck; setting up to accelerate just in front of us, as we step out the doors. As we leave; here comes the Hony-Pot again.

You may ask; who is “they”. “They”, are some of the people you work with. “They”, are some of people working in our VA Hospitals, Clinics. “They”, are some of your neighbors. “They”, may be a relative, someone you may consider as a friend. “They”, are some of the police officers, in your community, your state. “They”, are many, in our government agencies.

Mr President, Mr CIA, FBI, and Homeland Security Directors, as you cower in the Halls of our Nation. Like, the Law Enforcement Officers, in the Halls, of the a Uvalde Texas, Grade School. As teachers and children are slaughtered. How many veterans have have ended their lives today? How many have committed suicide while on your watch? How many can be attributed to the horrific treatment, at VA Facilities; from VA Staff. By the retaliation, mobbing, gaslighting, harassment, dismissal; from VA Staff? How long are you going to pretend that Electronic Weapons; are not being used and tested, on us citizens, on US Soil? How long are you going to pretend Gang Stalking is not real? That this is not Domestic Terrorism! You criticize other Nations on their Human Rights Treatment! You can’t even keep your own houses in order! Look at our History!

There are veterans afraid to speak out. I’ve spoken to some of them. I don’t question their courage, one bit. No one should. So, send you minions my way. The Airplanes, Jets and Helicopters. The Village Idiots, Sociopaths, and Narcissist; that do your bidding. Attack my character, discredit me, destroy my life. My mental health is fine, I can take it; I have for 14 years. There are many that can’t!

And, LEAVE MY DAUGHTER AND DOG ALONE.

Like, many would like you to belive; No, I don't belive everyone is out to get me. Just the Bottom Feeders, trying to destroy our democrocy.

I have spoke to many in the medical field. Gaslighting in our medical facilities (not just veteran), is extremely common. Workplace Mobbing, is at all time highs. Employers, are scratching their heads, wondering why; many don’t want to return to work. It’s the Toxic Work Environment, in the United States. Workplace Mobbing, is rewarded in the United States Workplace. Those that are willing to lie, cheat, steal and ride on the backs of others; are the ones being promoted.

 

The title, The Morning After; is from the following morning of my last post (Contentment). In that post; I wrote the Gunfire ended. I spoke to soon. When I stepped out the next day, putting our solar panels out; the Gunfire started again. When I took Koda out to pee, at 7 am; there was a motorcycle waiting behind the hill. The one in the picture, the right foreground. He comes flying through the dry creek bed, to the left of our motorhome. You see it in the picture. I took it standing 5 foot, to the left of our motorhome. I play fetch with Koda there. In the mornings and some evenings. That's why they do it. The minion on the motorcycle, does a couple loops around the back of the motorhome, too. That day, we had the Loma, Colorado, Village Idiots firing high powered rifles. When we went out to move solar panels, and our morning walk. I solar for 95% of my electrical needs, and move them to get max output. They use the sun, to judge the time of day, and when I will come out. When I took Koda out to pee, for the evening; here comes another motorcycle, doing the same thing. But yes, Mr FBI Director and Local Law Enforcement; its all just a coincidence. As you would like the United States of America, and the world to think.

I need to move in my solar panels folks. Billy-Bob is waiting by the roadside. He wants to see if I bring Koda out, without a leash. Everything I’ve told you is real, and TRUE. Its not based on my feelings; as a VA staff member, tried to tell me today. It’s based on some of the best, military reconnaissance training, in the world. It’s based on 14 years, of documents, videos, pictures and conversations with other Targeted Individual, in the United States. Gang Stalking is real in the United States of America. Don’t let anyone tell you its not, or just a Conspiracy Theory (their normal Scape-Goat). Violence, is not the answer. Neither, is Mobbing someones house, or workplace. Educate yourself, speak out, us online venues, vote. If you look hard enough, you will find the truth. Please do, before it disappears; like so much, in American History. As I tried to upload this, I couldn’t log onto Flickr. Someone had changed my password. I had to reset it. Someone, also locked me out of my VA, online account. This is what happens when you tell the TRUTH, about the United States of America.

 

All photos and content, in my photostream are free to download, copy, print and share. All I ask; is you keep all copyright and logos on them. And, try and share something with someone in need. Even, if its time.

 

Thanks for visiting our photostream.

   

I haven't seen this huge truck for a while. It looks like it's carrying a bomb.

Newcastle Maine

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Committed to Lomography Babylon using a Leica M3 and 50 mm Summicron dual-range lens. Developed using Ars-Imago R9 (rodinal) 1:99 in a semi-stand process for 80 minutes and scanned with an Epson V850 using Silverfast. Positive conversion and contrast done with Negative Lab Pro.

Golfers braving the cold and the fog at Stonebridge Golf Club, Meriden.

Bertel Thorvaldsen (1770-1844) - Nemesis (1834-35). Plaster cast (2006) from the original marble relief. In the collection of the Italian-German Centre for European Dialogue, Villa Vigoni, Loveno di Menaggio (Como), Italy. Shown at the temporary exhibition "Dai Medici ai Rothschild: Mecenati, Collezionisti, Filantropi" at Gallerie d'Italia, Milan, November 2022- March 2023.

 

In Greek mythology, Nemesis was the goddess of just retribution, punishing in particular those who committed hubris, the sin of arrogance towards the gods.

The ocean is life and I have committed my life to the defense of life in the sea and every whale saved, every seal, every turtle, every shark, every fish saved is a triumph.

 

I have always understood that there is nothing easy about challenging the forces intent upon destroying our oceans. Lawsuits and threats, media attacks, personal attacks are always the prices to be paid for intervention. Our opponents are powerful, economically and politically, and they play dirty, and that is to be expected.

 

Every Sea Shepherd activist is a drop of water in an ocean of hope. But what is an ocean? It is a multitude of drops. I see a flood of passion, a tsunami of imagination and an up-swelling of hope.

 

I have seen all that has been accomplished over the years in conservation and animal rights and this gives me great hope for all that we need to and will accomplish in the future.

 

We need not concern ourselves with nay-sayers, with critics, with hate, or with obstacles. We have the power to change the world, each and every one of us and we will save the world from ourselves – of that I am confident.

 

Captain Paul Watson

A short photostory from Baden and surrounds on those wet days of Summer.

  

Committed to expired Ilford HP5 using a Leica M3 and 50 mm Summicron DR. Developed in Ars-Imago FD with a one-stop push and digitised with a digital camera and macro lens. Positive conversion and contrast done with Negative Lab Pro. Dust removal and further contrast adjustment in Photoshop.

Model: Desli (@desliness)

 

While Portra is a much recommended emulsion for those wanting to get the "film look", I've often struggled to get the colours of my scans even close to right. This is at least partially due to my colour vision deficiency and I'm often quite reliant on automatic tools and the judgement of others to get things right.

 

For this set of images I'm testing out a new workflow using Negsets, a set of film profiles for colour negative film conversion in Lightroom. It is not a "one-click magic bullet", but a method that is quite intuitive and easy to use (for me). So far I'm really liking the results that I have been able to get with it.

  

Committed to Kodak Portra 160NC using a Hasselblad 503CX and 60 mm Zeiss lens. Developed using a C41 kit from Ars-Imago and digitised with a digital camera. Positive conversion and contrast done with Negsets, dust removal and sharpening in Photoshop.

Committed to Ferrania P30 using a Leica M6 and 50 mm Summicron V3 lens. Developed using Ars-Imago FD as per the Massive Dev chart and scanned with an Epson V850 using Silverfast. Positive conversion and contrast done with Negative Lab Pro.

I have committed to making 24 projects this year, and the first will be a new pole to help put out campfires when I am camping.

 

The first one I made off an idea and design I came up with while walking- it was a rare gem of an idea that worked perfectly. I have tweaked a couple things with this design and hope it will be perfection.

 

Theme: Crafty Creations

Year Fifteen Of My 365 Project

Committed to Fomapan 200 using a Hasselblad 500C and 100 mm lens with a 56 mm extension ring. Developed using Ars-Imago R9 (rodinal) 1:25 as per the Massive Dev chart (though I think the listed times are too short and will be adding at least a minute to them in the future) and scanned with an Epson V850 using Silverfast. Positive conversion and contrast done with Negative Lab Pro. Dust cleaning, sharpening and final contrast in Photoshop.

Committed to Fomapan Classic 100 film using a Rolleicord Va.

Overdeveloped by half a stop in Ars-imago FD developer.

Scanned with a digital camera and contrast adjusted in LR.

Inspired by Michael Kenna. :-)

The news is a constant stream of atrocities and war crimes committed by Russia in Ukraine. There is no other war in history where so many criminal, murderous, reckless and senseless acts have been so well documented and immediately shared with the world. I often feel like we all have a front-row seat to the most terrifying events in our lives and yet are powerless to do anything to help. This message is a further reminder that we are all not powerless.

 

We can all work together to help. We can create artwork, attend rallies, write to politicians, donate our time or money, and some truly heroic individuals head straight for the war to take up arms or deliver humanitarian aid while risking their own life. I am not that brave, but we are doing everything we can here to help.

 

This week we delivered four car-loads of groceries, supplies, toys, medicine, and general aid to the refugee effort here in Varna, Bulgaria. There are two centres open now, partly due to the main sports complex requiring a scaled back operation as they resume their normal activities. We’ll continue bringing supplies, and we are incredibly grateful to all those that have donated for this effort.

 

This image took a few missteps but finally was completed today. The concept was to get blue and yellow fluorescing ink in the center of a gerbera daisy, which has a very similar resemblance to a small sunflower (and we have some novelty sunflower seeds on order for more images). The first attempt was using highlighter ink, but the blue ink did not fluoresce. The second attempt was using fluorescent tempera paint, but still the blue did not fluoresce. Today we visited a specialty art store and they had what I needed, though it felt odd walking around shining a UV flashlight on their product offerings. The daisy is illuminated with a Convoy S2 UV flashlight after carefully painting the center of the flower with the two colours. Yellow fluorescence tends to be a bit yellow-green, so this needed to be adjusted in editing to properly emulate the Ukrainian colours.

 

“Peace” talks may continue, but Putin has showcased his complete disregard for any agreements, treaties, humanitarian corridors, international law, and more. The longer this war continues, the more I realize that there really is no negotiating with the devil. NATO and other allied nations need to find a way to remove Putin from power without creating an existential threat for Russia, and threading such a needle is damn near impossible. I’m certain that the most brilliant military minds in the world are working on this, but here we still sit, watching in horror of the daily crimes against humanity. I fear we will become numb to this in time, but should not simply be complacent regarding our own safety or the lives of other human beings just like us. Please, write to your politicians about your thoughts. Tell them to take action, whether it be increasingly harsh sanctions or military involvement. We all must do more to stop this brutal genocide.

 

This daisy was bedraggled and bruised, but shining brightly. Just like the heroes in Ukraine. Their hearts are filled with their freedom, and they will fight to their last breath. And like all images in this series, I deliberately enter it into the Public Domain so anyone can use it for any purpose without crediting me or any license required. Just another way to support the cause – and there is always more to do.

Every day at Flickr we are committed to inspiring photography by building world-class tools and beautiful photo displays across devices. Ten years ago we defined online photo sharing as the first major online community to store, organize, tag, and share digital photos. Today, we are excited to provide a stunning new experience for sharing and accessing billions of photos on one of the most dynamic platforms in the market, Apple TV.

 

Our new service for Apple TV brings all your photos to life on the big screen, where you can engage with the Flickr community, explore the world’s most interesting photos, and use our powerful search capabilities to browse billions of photos within the most extraordinary online photo collection.

 

Original photo: www.flickr.com/photos/matthewalmonroth/5479747909/

A Deep Hug and Hearfelt thank you to my Friend Emma for playing along

 

www.flickr.com/photos/193415394@N05

 

Masquerade Ball

 

“Raffles” Pitch

 

“Cheerio” A J Raffles at your service. Don’t know if any of you have ever heard of me, but I’ve been accused of being a man of many talents, but by no means was that always said as a compliment.

 

Also, I do love playing cricket.

 

Batting in a cricket match produces for me the same flow of adrenaline as that of my secret game: Jewel Thievery.

 

A J Raffles is a fictional character whom I admire for the introduction above. For I am, like him, a professional Jewel Thief.

 

And tonight was no exception as far as any adrenaline flow Raffles would have felt, for I was experiencing what I can imagine was the same exhilaration.

 

This evening I was attending a surprisingly posh masquerade ball being held at a large venue in Wales.

 

It was a very elegant affair, with the many ladies present putting on their most pretty attire and wearing out that evening, their most expensive vault kept baubles.

 

The venue seated about 500 guests with a raised dance floor at one end, next to a fully stocked bar and a large outside balcony overlooking some rose gardens lined by old woods.

 

I had decided to attire myself as said Raffles for a tongue-in-cheek tribute to what I hoped to gain this evening.

 

Mostly to gain some jewels by parting some of the ladies from the lovely ones they were wearing. Which, here tonight, presented a plethora of opportunities.

 

I would try and make it as pleasant as it possibly could be for my chosen female victims as my fingers worked over their exquisitely clad figures while removing their valuable jewels.

 

I find that a few kind words, some attention, and possibly dancing produced a little sugar that helps with the bitter pill I am giving them to swallow

 

This evening I was wearing all black attire of tails, vest, shirt, and tie. Since it was a masquerading affair, I wore a black phantom of the opera half mask. Since this was business as well as pleasure I was wearing no gentlemanly gloves, needing my nimbly flexible fingers to be free.

 

After I entered I made several slow rounds to learn the layout, doing some light mingling along the way.

 

The odd thing about this masquerading ball was that there were no fancy costumes. Everyone was dressed in their best evening out attire, with masks just added.

 

I made a catch right away as I impressed an older matronly lady enough that she called over her 30 something daughter to meet me.

 

It was now my turn to be impressed.

 

The daughter, Celcia, was dressed in a very elegant long-sleeved dress of silver satin. Her jewels were all set with diamonds. Her silver half mask is set in rhinestones.

 

We went off alone to look over the gardens from the balcony.

 

We guess what each other is “masked” as. I told her she must be “Lucy”

“Lucy?” she questioned

 

I laughed lifting her silky hair up and then running my fingers down the side of her long swaying diamond earrings, as I said. “lucy in the sky with diamonds. “

 

“Good guess, but I'm just Cecelia, not anyone else. And you sir, are you an undertaker?”

 

I chuckled. “ Not quite as dark as that, I'm shooting for a Raffles image tonight.”

 

“Well Mr. Raffles, not sure who you are, but it is my pleasure to meet you.”

 

We chatted for a bit more, then Celcia was called back inside by her mother who stood by the balcony entrance.

 

I took her hand, rings flashing. “ the pleasure is all mine dear ‘only Ceclia’l said grinning.

 

She rewarded me for my praise with a clingy hug.

 

I watched her leave with clenched fists, her gown swishing along down her figure quite provocatively. I opened one of my fists and admired the diamond bracelet that lay there. Her now naked wrist was covered up by the silver satin cuffed sleeve of the lovely Cecilia's dress, hiding her loss.

 

£23,000

 

I slipped it inside a hidden pocket of my vest, and patting it, went back inside.

 

The band had started playing and the dance floor was fast filling up.

 

I spied a group of ladies wearing feathery masks who were huddled at one end of the floor, blocking an aisleway, watching the assembling dancing couples. I approached and overheard that they were waiting for their partners to come back from the bar.

 

Since they were blocking my path, I went up and asked if I could cut through. They obligingly parted and as I went in between them one of the ladies tripped against another as I ‘accidentally’ stepped on her satin gowns’ long train as she moved to make way. I caught her and apologized as I held her, my fingers freely feeling along down her figure. I helped her back on her high heels, steadying her. Helping myself at the same time to the leaf-shaped diamond studded clip that was pinned to the side of her chocolate brown gown.

 

The diamond-studded clip soon joined the pocketed diamond bracelet.

 

£18,000

 

My third score that evening almost literally fell into my lap.

 

I had ordered a brandy at the bar figuring to take a brief respite. There were two ladies next to me chatting away. The one immediately next to me kept bumping against me as she laughed at almost everything the other lady was saying.

 

I didn't mine, for her thicke wine-colored silk blouse was a pleasure to feel rubbing up against me. Also, a pleasure to see where the magnificently large rings she was wearing on her fingers as well as the diamonds wrapped around her wrist.

 

Then it happened. The laughing lady’s friend knocked their drinks over. Some of which happily splashed on my arm.

 

As apologies were given and received, with much giggling, I came to the rescue with my silk handkerchief.

 

Lending it to them I allowed them to wipe themselves up. As we chatted, the lady next to me finished with it and handed it back. I took up her fingers as she did, and holding them down lifted and kissed the back of her hand. I also was running my damp handkerchief over her still wet fingers as I did, easily slipping of her largest flashy cocktail ring in the process.

 

£ 9500

 

Then the dancing began in earnest.

 

I was now sitting at a table on the outside balcony, watching the crowded dance floor and the amazing show of the ladies flowing attire, and their flickering jewels, that were being showcased there.

 

Also in my view was a table where a handsome bearded male was enviably sitting alone with not one, but two attractively attired and ornamented lades.

 

One lady was wearing a black satin blouse with a long thicke red velvet skirt. She was wearing rubies and diamonds around her throat and wrists that were just a treat to look at, and covet.

 

The other was fashionably wearing a slick satin high necked gown of deep red that spilled down along her figure in a most scintillating manner. Her jewellery was a winning collection of diamonds worn seemingly everywhere from her figure. Of those, I would award a purple ribbon to the dangling necklace that lay around and fell from her throat that dripped columns of diamonds down the front of her sheer red gown, as the best in the show.

 

I saw the man rise, and pull out the chair of the lady wearing the rubies. He then led her off to the upper dance floor, unknowingly leaving the lady in red vulnerably alone.

 

I saw the remaining lady stand up and with what I imagined to be a whimsical manner, walked to the edge of the balcony.

 

I started to rise.

 

But a gold mask-wearing bloke from another table approached her before I had half risen and began talking to her. I learned then that her name was Emma.

 

What was odd is that the man had been sitting at a table with a lady wearing a sky blue satin dress, black satin jacket, and pearls. She looked very sad watching her gold mask-wearing tablemate talking to Emma.

 

I had dejectedly sat back down, watching with curious interest.

 

The gold masked bloke took Emma by the hand and led her to the dance floor.

 

I saw the lady in sky blue satin, and the pricey pearl slowly rises and follow.

 

As then, did I.

 

The lady in blue was standing in the side of the dancefloor, her posture told me she was both sad and dejected.

 

I went up and stood next to her. Without looking at me the lady in sky blue sleek satin said...

 

“Why are men such idiots?” then she looked at me, and blushed apologetically “I am so sorry.”

 

I held up my hand. “Apology accepted, a dance though would help ease the pain.”

 

She eagerly went with me and taking her warm, soft figure in my arms we joined in.

 

She did not appear to want any conversation from me. I let her hold tightly against me. We danced in silence, both lost in our own respective thoughts.

 

I had decided that a dance would not be enough to ‘ease my pain’ and as she distractedly looked around for the gold masked bloke dancing with Emma, I allowed my hand the move up to her shoulder, then over to the single strand of glistening pearls that lay around her throat.

 

Easily locating, then slipping open, the hinged silver clasp, I gently pulled the slippery smooth necklace away from around her neck and quickly pocketed it.

 

£ 8700

 

I had no sooner done so than I felt her shake, and saw that we were now close to the gold masked male dancing with Emma. One would need a crowbar to separate him from her. I could tell Emma was not enjoying herself.

 

I was watching, with melancholy interest, Emma’s diamonds dripping down from the necklace that lay low along the high neckline of her luxurious red satin gown, just dangling below her breasts.

 

A desiring fire was starting to stir from deep within, my fingers felt like curling. So close and yet so far...

 

I turned my partner around so we were facing away. I started to say something when I felt an unexpected, firm tap on my shoulder.

 

Well, one could imagine where my mind went as I turned my head.

 

Relieved, I saw that it was not one of the rental security men.

 

It was the gold masked table partner of the lady in blue satin I was dancing with.

 

I saw his more recent partner, Emma, the one in red whose dazzling necklace was a stirring lure, standing there in the middle of the dance floor, alone and confused.

 

“Switch partners.” He told me, it was not a question.

 

I looked at mine and she nodded ok.

 

I left her to be grasped up in his arms and went to Emma, the lady in red, who willingly came into mine.

 

“What then, was that all about? I asked smiling.

 

Emma answered with a giggle. “ He was telling her he wanted to see other women. But she is not supposed to he dancing with other men, especially handsome ones like you!”

 

With a shy nod of my head I thanked her, telling her that I thought she looked extraordinarily beautiful this evening.

 

Sweetly smiling she turned her head down with blushing cheeks, thanking me.

 

My hand meanwhile, which had been resting motionless along her shoulder, moved to her throat, my fingers blindly seeking and locating the clasp of her necklace.

 

My partner felt none of that.

 

It was as she nodded after my words of praise that I flicked apart the jewelled chains’ clasp that my fingers had fiddled open.

 

As she looked back up I began to delicately slip the diamond chain up over her shoulder, watching as the diamonds hanging from its’ centre were gliding up effortlessly from along the front of her red satin gown, then up and around the gowns’ slick high neckline, before disappearing from my view.

 

She smiled most fetchingly into my eyes, oblivious to the fact her heavily jeweled diamond necklace had been disappearing over her shoulder.

 

£ 58000

 

The music was ending and I happened to look over by the double oak doors of the main entrance on the opposite side of the mammoth hall.

 

Who did I spy but the lady in the sleek sky blue satin dress and smooth black jacket being led out by the gold mask-wearing bloke who had cut in on us? I saw an opportunity to plant a seed.

 

I pointed it out to Emma. “Wonder where they are off too in such a hurry?”

 

“They do appear to be on a mission,” said Emma watching.

 

“I hope they weren't up to something?” I said suspiciously.

 

“Like what ?” Emma asked watching the couple scurrying out the door.

 

“Oh, nothing. I guess I read too many mystery novels. I answered stealing a look at the now bare neckline of Emma’s gown.

 

The music ended and I walked Emma back to the balcony. Her table was deserted so I took her over and seated her before taking my leave.

 

I began to make another round of the tables inside. On the lookout for fresh prey amongst the beautifully attired female guests.

 

I soon snagged a young damsel who had been deserted by her friends and looked bored. Not boring were the collection of rubies she was wearing with her elaborate maroon taffeta puffy ball gown that would have shamed a princess.

 

I asked and got permission to dance with her. She asked me who I was this evening. When I mentioned Raffle’s name she, unfortunately, caught on to who he was.

 

“Oh a thief, will make sure to lock my rubies up this evening to keep them safe! She giggled touching her handsome ruby and diamond necklace

 

I thought to myself... “Well, they are now.” while saying. “ I was thinking of him being a cricket player, not a thief.”

 

We both laughed over that, but I knew this one was a dead end. I could not wait until the dance was through so I could resume the hunt. I really had thought none of the younger ones would have ever read about AJ Raffles and that it would be my inside joke.

 

We parted after the dance, she headed off happily back to her friends.

 

I was watching her, deciding what to do next, when a soft gloved hand unexpectedly rested on my shoulder.

 

Turning, my eyes took in a young lady in downy soft, flowy peach chiffon over a shiny pink silk number, along with a row of sparkling matched diamonds around her throat. And earrings to match, as well as a thin band of diamonds holding back her freshly washed chestnut coloured hair. She wore a striking blue mask with ostrich feathers.

 

She shyly asked if I was available for the next dance. And I happily told her I was. She put her head down blushing. And I was able to savor her delectably pretty matched diamond stone necklace.

 

I whisked her off to the upper dance floor as the music began.

 

When the inevitable questions came up as to who I was this evening I answered...”The cricket player Raffles, at your service.”

 

She laughed with a Twitter. “Quite pleasant to meet you cricket player Raffles.” then she moved her hand higher up my back and came in a little closer.

 

I followed suit, feeling her hot figure slip in against my own. My fingers at her waist kept moving up until I reached the back of her neck. Carefully undoing her necklace I gave it a slight tug, figuring her soft smooth gown would allow the rest of my trick to work. It did, slipping off easily from around her throat, slithering like a glimmering snake up over her shoulder, out of my sight, and into my waiting hand behind her back.

 

My pretty dance partner felt nothing, as I then pocketed her expensive necklace.

 

£42,000

 

I then calmly began to finish the dance.

 

It was then, as I was looking down at the area below the raised platform of the dance floor, that I spotted something shiny, then a flashing brilliant fire erupted, all coming from one of the tables below the dancing areas raised platform.

 

I maneuvered us in closer for a better peek.

 

I made out a lone female sitting at a side table.

 

It was the vivid deep green of her shiny party dress that then first caught my eye.

 

It was the amazingly brilliant sparklers she was sporting from various points of interest along her delightful figure, especially the fiery necklace she was playing with, that finished the capture.

 

Only real jewels, or a remarkably good set of imitations, would produce that kind of bright gleaming shimmer!

 

I was betting they were real.

 

She was vulnerable, sitting there quite remarkably alone at her side table, drinking slowly from a small goblet of wine. Sitting there wearing in all appearances to be a collection of diamond sparklers that would easily be worth a cool £50 to £75 thousand of what the London ruffians would call “ice”.

 

They would also be rudely calling her “that loaded bird”. But to me, she was a rather fetchingly adorned Lass who needed some company, and perhaps just a wee bit of trimming.

 

The dance ended and I calmly led my partner back to her table before taking my leave. Though trying not to appear in a hurry. I still politely declined her offer to join in a drink at her table.

 

Then with eager anticipation, circled about hoping that the girl I had spotted was still there, and still alone.

 

When I got there I saw to my dismay that the bird had flown the coup. The table was deserted

 

I waited a few long minutes, eyeing around for other opportunities in the area, then my eyes lit up as I saw her coming back, alone.

 

I observed her for a satisfying few long minutes from a shadowy corner. She was younger than anyone I had yet met, but it was impossible to determine how young.

 

And she obviously was bored.

 

Intriguingly I could still not truly tell about the authenticity of her amazing collection of diamonds from my vantage.

 

The set was decidedly quite lovely, consisting of a dangling chain set with I guess were diamond chips and ending with a swaying diamond heart-shaped pendant, matching long earrings, a wide bracelet, and numerous shimmering rings.

 

The earrings were brilliant, falling from her ears in sheets of (synthetic/real ?) diamonds, larger stones were set at the earrings clasp, and they shone like the real thing.

 

They all contributed to making up the shimmer that surrounded her figure like some wickedly glittering halo.

  

She was wearing a black bandits mask, which I felt added to the mystic.

  

This young chick was certainly jeweled up, calling out to be looked into further.

 

I approached her from behind, placing a hand delicately upon a plushly soft shoulder, and daringly gave a greeting as I felt her startled figure flinch.

  

I cheerfully said, “Hello Samantha.”

 

She turned and said apologizing,

 

“I’m not Samantha, wrong girl.”

 

I answered back, disappointed “ No, you certainly are not my friend Samantha.”

 

I then carefully looked her over, up and down… before saying.

 

“Far prettier, if I dare say.”

 

I had ascertained by now that she was quite a bit younger than 20. And that most of her jewelry was quite good imitation’s. Her heart shaped pendent contained real diamonds, but not valuable enough for my attention. The only fly in the ointment was her earrings. They appeared to be worth quite a bit actually.

 

I decided to hold off judgment and went on playing her on. Much like a fly fisherman will play a trout, not sure if he still wants to actually land it.

 

I went on…

“Well stranger, How do you do, Hold anyone up lately?”

 

I had taken her off guard and she did not answer back right away.

 

She gulped., obviously making a decision.

 

She sweetly raised a hand. “How do you do sir, my name is Nancy, and no, despite the mask, I'm not a thief.”

 

Taking her hand I kissed it with much pageantry. “Pleasure is all mine, glad my watch and wallet are safe”. I chuckled merrily, looking down at her thoughtfully.

 

Then, still holding her hand, I boldly asked…” May I sit for a bit, rather tuckered out at the moment?”

 

She nodded her head without hesitation. Her flash earrings swayed with a beckoning motion.

 

I slipped in the seat in front of her, my back to the dance floor. She was looking at me with a curious smile.

 

I smiled back, asking…

 

“So Nancy, what then, does your character do for a living if she is not a thief?”

 

“ I am an amateur detective.”

 

I nodded before asking….

“ Well, that is quite interesting indeed, what kind of cases do you like working on?”

 

She did not know how to answer that and squirmed as I watchers her face turn red, really making the freckles show up on her cheeks.

 

I saved her discomfort by saying…

“ I bet you are really clever at catching thieves. And that is why you are here this evening? Or are you taking the night off?”

 

Taking the cue, She nodded saying in a low voice.

“No thieves here tonight.”

 

I laughed in what I hoped would be a winning manner while answering. “ I guess not, probably no reason for one to be here. So miss Nancy, you've not asked whom I am playing this evening.”

 

”Let me see, an Undertaker ?” ”Nancy,” said teasingly.

 

I chuckled..”Not even close. A.J. Raffles, cricketer, at your command my lady.”

 

She had no idea who A.J.Raffles was, I could see that. And I decided to enlighten her a bit by telling a story.

 

He chuckled. “Never heard of him? Well, Raffles loved to play cricket, as well as several other hobbies. And there is a story behind that, as a lad, that helped him choose his course as an adult. Care to hear it?”

 

She eagerly nodded yes, while taking a sip of wine.

 

I began my tale…

 

“When A.J. Raffles was a lad of ten he attended a wedding where his parents were both best man and maid of honor. A.J sat at a table with an older Great Auntie who paid him no heed.

 

He soon fell in with a group of bored older boys who had been throwing dice in a makeshift crown and anchor board. The game had been broken up by one of the servers and they had all been chased away

 

AJ was huddled in with that group as they watched the dressed-up wedding guests up on the dance floor. They began talking amongst themselves, commenting over the scene before them.

 

Look at dem jools the birds are wearing. Bet they'd be worth a lot. One of the lads said. Another quipped back that too bad those dames weren't their age. Yeah, like that would mean anything. What would you do, lift their jools? Came the teasing retort. Hell yeah, I would say a cocky lad. And someone else said I like to see you do it. AJ was taking all this in, squirming a bit because he had always had a secret desire to somehow make a collection of the pretty jewellery he'd seen ladies wearing. Tonight was no different.

 

“Nancy” smirked “Sounds like my brother.”

 

“There you go then, you know how he felt also “ I answered smiling curiously before continuing...

 

Well as fate would have it, two young teenage girls came walking past, purposefully close. They threw the group of boys a rather coy look while passing.

 

One was dressed in a slick satin high necked gown of deep red with a long rhinestone necklace and earrings. Her companion was wearing a sky blue sleek satin party dress, smooth black jacket, and strands of imitation pearls.

 

No sooner had they passed than the inner circle of boys began to dare and double dare. Money was put up in bets that enticed two of the lads to take up the challenge. That being to come away with the girl’s necklaces.

 

The two lads left, and as the others looked on, went up to the two young lassies and began to converse. The giggling girls finally allowed themselves to be led to the dance floor

 

As they began to dance, more bets were made amongst the remaining lads, with young AJ joining in. Spending his only farthing on blue satin losing her pearls, and doubling that it would be done without her noticing.

 

Both of the dancing boys made several amateur attempts upon their female partner’s jewels.

 

Blue satin, misinterpreting why her partner had his hand high up on her backside, giggled and fled away. Red satin ran off after her friend, but not before the wily lad who had been holding her had given even her a hug, nicking her shimmering necklace off from around the high collar of her slick gown as she struggled free.

 

He came back triumphantly to collect his winnings. Though some argued that seeing her necklace had not been touching skin it was not a real contest. He got his winnings in the end and the group wandered off, the prized necklace being passed around with envy.

 

AJ stayed behind contemplating. he watched as the lads stopped by a table where a young girl sat alone. She was wearing a long bridesmaid's gown of silk dyed in several shades of teal and green. A single string of real pearls hung down from her bare neck. Expensively swinging down elegantly. He knew what the group of lads was discussing in their private huddle. AJ moved off not wishing to see anymore.

 

“Those poor girls, I am glad your character walked away from that instead of embarking on a life of crime, “ said “Nancy” to me.

 

“Yes indeed. “ I answered, looking at my pretty partner. Her shiny emerald green blouse was mesmerizingly beautiful, but not quite as mesmerizing as the hanging rhinestone diamond chain and pendent she still wore due to my hesitation overtaking it.

 

My fingers curled seeking opportunity, cursing that I may have missed it.

 

“Nancy, out of curiosity, if I’m not prying, you mentioned your brother would like my Raffles’s story?”

 

Oh! I could see I hit a pleasant nerve, as she smiled excitedly at me, her hand playing with her pendant as she spoke, a bit hoarsely I noticed.

 

“Yes he would, your Raffle story is similar to a game he likes playing.”

 

“Please tell me more, it sounds like you have fun playing it,” I said, with curious intentions.

 

She giggled. “Well, we play it in the woods. I wear a play dress and play jewelry. My brother plays a thief who tries to rob me of my jewels. Then if he does, he hides and I play the detective trying to find him. I know it sounds rather odd.”

 

That really opened my eyes, and thoughts started to race through my head.

 

“I took her hand. “No, not at all odd, sounds rather exciting.”

 

So they like to play games of jewels stolen. Right up my alley. I thought to myself while eyeballing her necklace.

 

“No,” I said to myself. Not the necklace. If anything the earrings.”

 

But I could not see how It could be done. So I chased the teasingly tempting thought out of my head.

 

A silence ensued for a minute, and as I watched,” Nancy” was looking over my shoulder up at the raised platform of the dance floor behind me, watching something.

 

I turned around, following her eyes.

 

A man with a green cummerbund was dancing with an attractive redhead.

 

She was wearing an elegant eye-catching blue taffeta gown with a scooped neckline, ruffled half sleeves, and knee-length skirt. She was wearing what was probably her best jewels, a sapphire and diamond jewelry set that sparkled deliciously under the ceiling lights of the great banquet hall. The necklace was especially pretty. A heavy gold v shape set with large pear-shaped sapphires interspersed with smaller round diamonds. She wore a deep blue mask that covered her eyes and nose.

 

I turned back, and Nancy” dropped her eyes back onto mine.

I asked thoughtfully…

“I see you are looking at that lady, pretty in blue, with the sparkly sapphire jewels”

 

She guiltily nodded yes,

“If you wait a bit, you will meet them. That’s my mum and father.

 

I complimented her…

“You both are very pretty, if I may be so bold?”

Taking up her hand and I kissed it…

 

“But now, I must be toddling off, taken up too much of your time I’m afraid .”

 

We both stood up to say goodbye.

 

Shen then. Quite cheerfully, held out her hands for a friendly hug.

 

I did so willingly and my fingers securely patted up along her back. it felt very nice and I became aware of a rather pleasant prickling sensation causing a rise in my feelings.

 

“Well “Nancy” I hope you liked my Raffles story.

  

“Nancy” nodded yes, then asked me

“Do you think Raffles regretted not playing the games those boys were up to?”

 

Holding her hand, I patted down along her sleeve reassuringly… as I said

 

“I think Raffles is the type never to regret anything, what do you think?”

 

“Nancy” nodded her head happily satisfied. Her dazzling earrings flickered quite beautifully.

 

I smiled at myself broadly.

 

“Here “Nancy” allow me to get you seated.”

 

She sat. And as I gripped my fingers supportively along her arms as I slid the chair forward.

 

I then again lifted and kissed her hand.

 

“Righto” I nodded and was off.

 

I headed back around to the bar, when whom did I spy? “Nancy’s” mother, standing alone by the bar. I saw some drunken sod bump hard against her from behind, almost causing her to lose balance.

 

A handsome red-headed man was turning away from the bar holding a brandy and she fell against him.

 

It was her husband. The man she has been dancing with.

 

Laughing, the pair moved off.

 

Grabbing a glass of champagne from a passing waiter, I followed them out to the outside balcony. There I took a seat at my table and kept watch.

 

I watched as from another table, where a 40ish lady wearing a wedding ring was sitting alone, rise and began walking towards me.

 

She was resplendent in a long black sleeveless plush velvet gown, wearing long black satin gloves. Her pearl jewelry shone like do many small bright moons. Earrings, triple strand necklace, and a very wide bracelet set with not only valuably real pearls, but expensively with purple amethyst stones also.

 

The bracelet fits snugly around her shiny gloved wrist. And anyone in my profession knows a snug bracelet is a far simpler item to remove than a loose-fitting one.

 

The purple satin half-face mask she wore added much to her winningly pretty look.

 

She gave me the eye as she walked past and I rose to follow.

 

We ended up dancing. Her name, real name(and that of her character from the movie Breakfast at Tiffany's) was Holly.

 

Holly, like “Nancy”, had never heard of the Raffles character either.

 

I left her after we had danced, holding her heart.

 

The hand which she placed had placed over her heart, no longer sporting her expensively wide pearl and amethyst bracelet.

 

£ 23000

 

She then suddenly had to go to the loo and darted off. I looked back at her table and saw a man in a tiger-striped mask was pulling out a chair to sit there.

 

I also figured it was time to scurry off. I had gotten me one more score.

  

I went down the steps leading off the raised dance floor, running right into “Nancy’s” mum swishing her way around at the bottom of the platform

 

“Seize the day-old chap”

 

My thoughts of leaving were put on hold as I looked her pretty, and expensively attired, figure over.

 

I held her up, saying I needed to apologize.

 

She looked into my face, her eyes twinkling like her daughters. Her sapphire and diamond jewellery also twinkling. But unlike her daughter’s, these she was wearing were very real.

 

“Apologize for what?” she asked in all innocence. I could also tell she was a bit tipsy from drink. Which considerably lowered her guard with me.

 

“ I saw that twit rudely bumping against you at the bar earlier, without apologizing. So I am for him.” I said with a neat little bow.

 

“Aren't you just a dear." she gushed, blushing. Just like her daughter, she had freckles also.

 

“Would you husband mind if I offered a dance as a consolation?” I asked with daring.

 

“Oh, I think a quick one would be ok,” she said smiling, accepting my offer.

 

I placed my arm around her glossy taffeta sleek waist and led her to the lower dance area.

 

It was a slow dance, and I took her into my arms with a delightfully delicious feeling of anticipation. Her sleekly taffeta-covered figure was a pleasure to warmly hold in my arms, and her twinkling jewels a pleasure to watch.

 

I, with real curiosity, asked who she was playing at this evening. She replied,” miss Moneypenny” then asked who I was.

 

Not wishing to jinx my good fortune, I lied. “ I am an undertaker, here to collect souls”

 

She laughed looking sassily into my eyes.

 

“Liar”

 

“Ok then, I'm really a bad cricket player.”

 

“Really, bad as in naughty?” she asked pleasantly vexed.

 

This one is fun, I thought to myself. I wondered mischievously if she was the catalyst if her children’s play game ideas had been inherited from her?

 

But I asked no questions along those lines. Instead, I decided to test the water with a story.

 

I then went into a similar story that I had told “Nancy” except to her mother I changed to arena from a wedding reception to a cricket match, and the group of lads was trying to steal kisses, not jewels, from their chosen victims.

 

My partner listened with a deep reflective interest.

 

So intent was she in my tale, that I was able to easily undo her necklaces ‘clasp and watch the shimmering beauty being slipped away by me from up her front, then around her throat, finally to be pulled out of sight behind her back. All skillfully done without the cheerfully happy lady feeling absolutely anything amiss.

 

Just like her daughter I thought. Innocent and as trusting as a lamb before being fleeced for the first time by a mock shepherd.

 

And reflectively, both had been dressed as soft as downy chicks when they had both caught the eye of the same wiley gilded feather plucking fox.

 

These were the thoughts in the back of my mind as I stowed my dance partner's glittering sapphire and diamond necklace away...

 

£6300

 

I finished my story just a few seconds after the music ended. We broke apart only once I had finished.

 

She hugged me and gave me a peck on the cheek for being so nice

 

“Here is a stolen kiss,” she whispered

  

She then, (of course after nicking her necklace) mentioned that her husband was also a cricket player. With his bloody police station’s team!

 

I was stunned. Half wishing she had told me her husband was a “copper” before I had nicked her jewels.

 

Figuring I had now finally worn out my luck, and welcome, I made up an excuse of my own and watched as her shiny evening dress swished and swayed all along with her lovely figure while she made her way back towards the unseen table where I knew her pretty daughter was sitting.

 

“Bloody fool, I had taken the necklace off a copper’s wife...“

 

I murmured this, chastising myself, shaking my head at my folly as I stared off in disbelief.

 

Understandably I think, I then decided I should probably best be on my way home.

 

I had already planned my exit earlier, not knowing when I would be needing it.

 

Deciding to avoid at all costs leaving by the main doors by which I had come in, I had earlier discovered a small set of stone stairs that led off the balcony.

 

The stairs were narrow and hidden from the view of the balcony. A simple rope with an “Off Limits” sign guarded the entrance. They led down to the small patch of woods that lined the rose gardens.

 

On the far end of the woods was a small cemetery, next to which I had discreetly parked my 61 Lotus elite sports car.

 

I made my way to the balcony and looked around. There weren't that many guests left out there. A group of men smoking cigars and drinking brandy stood at one end. I could make out the rather stout form of “Nancy’s” father in with them. His back was to me.

 

In a corner sat Emma with her tablemates. The male was telling a very animated story.

 

A few other tables were occupied, about 1/3 of them. None near the hidden stairway.

 

I made my way there. Reaching it, I again surveyed the area. I could see the 3 people sitting at Emma’s we're laughing. Emma had a hand to her chest. Suddenly a look of alarm crossed her face as she felt around, obviously not finding her diamonds. Her friends were asking what was wrong. I saw her look back at the empty table where the gold masked bloke had sat, the one who had cut in on me as after her deserting Emma on the dance floor.

 

As I disappeared unseen from view I remember thinking I was glad that I had sowed that seed of thought to Emma while we had watched the couple leaving the ballroom.

 

€€€€€€€€€€€

 

I got to the bottom of the stairs and made my way to the wooded path the ran the length of the gardens.

 

Thinking I was alone, made me feel safe to quickly begin to stroll away along the path, throwing the caution I had had all evening to the wind.

 

Suddenly I froze in step.

 

I had caught the unmistakable sight of a lady's sparkly jewels as she was walking through the gardens to the left of my path.

 

I was not out here alone?

 

And I could not believe lady would not be out here alone either.

 

I snuck up, cloaked by the shadows of the trees, to get a better look

 

Shocked I saw it was “Nancy”, out of her, apparently alone.

 

I watched “Nancy” as she moved about. My mind traveled into the realms of speculation.

 

What if my young friend had indeed been wearing jewels worth £75,000?

 

And I find her like this, vulnerably alone.

 

Would I be tempted to break character, and ….

 

I shook my head. I would probably not. Especially now that I knew her father was a policeman of some sort.

 

But someone who did not know her father was a “copper”, and perhaps thought the diamonds she was were real… well they may not feel the same about letting her be.

 

Suddenly a rabbit jumped from the judge, startling both of us. I see her have a gasp, hand shooting up to her chest.

 

As her jewels flickered in a mad frenzy, a thought popped in my head, making me grin with expectations.

 

“Time to give “Nancy” a taste of my games. I thought wickedly. “

 

I snuck up behind her, and placing my hands over her eyes, pulled her soft figure back up against my own.

 

“ Hello, Samantha, fancy meeting you here.”

 

“Raffles!” She blurted with relief…

 

I pulled my hands away, allowing them the liberty to feel through her hair, examining also her earrings, feeling along the hinged clasps to get a feel for what I was about to do...

 

I then stepped back, as she, with a deep sigh of relief, quickly turned around.

  

“Not playing a game alone, are ye Lass?” I asked, looking down into her pretty green eyes.

 

“No.” She said shaking her head, hair flying…

 

I smiled, placing my hands inside my pockets, as I watched her with interest.

 

She giggled while trying to lecture me…” you gave me quite the start sir. “

He placed a finger under my chin, lifting it so I was looking up into his eyes.

 

“Stand still,” I commanded and moved around behind her.

 

“Good thing I didn’t do what first popped into my devious mind...

  

I felt his knuckle go into my back…

 

”Stick ‘ em up miss .”

 

“Good thing you didn’t I would have peed myself... I giggled.

  

“Raffles” chuckled:

“Stay in character miss .” Was what I heard from behind me

  

I raised them up, imagining like I was actually being held up. My heart began to race again with a feeling of delicious danger as I spoke.

 

“What do you want from me?”

  

Raffles, still holding his knuckle into my back …reached out his other hand with an open palm as he spoke.

 

”Put your hands down, I’ve taken a fancy to that bracelet of yours. So please hand it over. “

 

I shivered, saying smartly. “I don’t believe a real thief would say please …”

 

My friend “Raffles” responded.

 

“Would my real victim ask that? Try a different tack.”

 

Trembling again, with delicious delight. I played along.

 

“No sir, not my bracelet, anything but that …”

 

“That’s better, a bit of heartfelt pleading can never heart.

After a second the hand withdrew.

 

Raffles laughed amiably…

 

“Ok miss, keep your bracelet then. “

 

He chuckled from behind, removing his knuckle….

 

“It was only a thought I had when I saw you out here walking alone, remembering the story of the games you play with your brother, did I do ok?”.

 

“Smashing .” I giggled gleefully “Spot on.”

 

She put my hands down to my sides as I placed a hand on her smooth satin-covered shoulder and ran it down her satin blouse’s sleeve as I came back around to face her.

  

“All kidding aside, you really shouldn’t be out here alone “Nancy” someone less inviting as me may have been about. And I don’t mean your brother let’s see you back safe Lass.”

 

I nodded.

 

He lifted my hand and pulled my back to him. Coddling along against his warm figure, Raffles led me back along the path to the stairway.

 

“I’ll be leaving you here “Nancy” I was on my way home.

 

I looked up into his face. “it was fun meeting you, sorry you have to go. “

 

“So am I Lass.”

 

As I looked down in her upturned face I realized by the look in her eyes, that I had her lulled into such a state of complacency that I found myself unable to control any longer my thieving impulse.

 

Police parent or not, those earrings “Nancy” was wearing deserved to be plucked.

 

My fingers began to curl as I pulled her to me, with wicked intent…

 

We for the second time, hugged goodbye, a deeply fulfilling embrace it was by all standards, as well as presenting a perfect opportunity to set myself in position.

 

We broke apart and I tickled my fingers up her smooth satin-clad sides, then lifted her hair high up over her head.

 

I let her hair back down, letting its silken strands spill over my fingers fingers

 

She giggled as it tickled. My fingers reached her dangling, desirable earrings.

I spoke, my eyes locked in hers, my fingers ready…

 

“A Very pretty one you are, and don’t ever let anyone say differently.”

 

I felt her squirm with excitement, her chin up, looking deep within my eyes.

 

I took the opportunity given me to curl my fingers around her old-fashioned hinged clasped earrings. I gently applied pressure to the backside of the hinges and in unison slipped off both danglers from her earlobes. As her shivering figure greatly aided my endeavor.

 

I let my hands drop to my vest pocket as I watched her shoulder-length red hair fall back into place, covering my dirty deed.

 

£2200

 

I had been holding my breath. For this type of maneuver was as tricky as stealing the diamond collar from around the neck of a sleeping Persian cat without waking her. “Nancy”, relishing in my praise, never felt a prick as I had taken them from her ears.

 

Releasing my breath I took a step back complimenting that her hair was much prettier when down.

 

As she looked up at me with those doe wide adult-looking mascara brushed eyes, I felt a flicker of unease over filching her earrings.

 

She suddenly propelled herself again in my arms and gave me a very smothering, very long hug.

 

We broke apart.

 

“Go now, you before I change my mind about playing games.”

 

I let her go with a chuckle, holding my ground as I watched her pretty green satin party dress swishing merrily along with her figure.

 

She started up the stairs, then stopping raised up her hands.

 

I froze, then saw she was merely blowing me a kiss.

 

Pulling my hands from my vest pocket as I deposited her earrings, I pretended to catch her kiss and added it to my collection.

 

“My second this evening,” I said mysteriously…

 

Then turning away, I went off down along the path.

 

Quickly reaching my car, I opened a secret compartment inside the boot, emptied my pockets of the purloined jewels, and stashed them safely away.

 

Then hopping in on the right, I fired the engine to life and drove away in the opposite direction.

  

Addendum

 

Several weeks after securely hiding the over £188,000 in jewels I had gotten away with, I was flabbergasted to read in their local paper that the robbery was believed to have been committed by a gang of thieves. With none of the descriptions given really matched mine...

 

Probably not so shocking was the statement giving the total value of the stolen jewellery, as reported to the insurance agencies from the 0ver 30 females claiming to be victims, coming in to a bit over...

 

£325,000!

 

To Read the story from ‘Nancy Drew’s “ Perspective

Click Below

 

flic.kr/p/2mX6UD5

 

Committed to Lomography Fantome using a Leica M6 and 35 mm Summicron v3 lens. Developed using Ars-Imago R9 (rodinal) 1:50 as per the suggested times and scanned with an Epson V850 using Silverfast. Positive conversion and contrast done with Negative Lab Pro. Dust removal and further contrast adjustment in Photoshop.

Committed to Film Ferrania P30 using a Leica M6 and 50 mm Summicron V3 lens. Developed using Ars-Imago FD as per the Massive Dev chart and scanned with an Epson V850 using Silverfast. Positive conversion and contrast done with Negative Lab Pro.

Just as I was leaving the park, I see this lady coming out with the crutches. I had to have this pic. What sells it for me is the way the son is looking at his mom!

There's no turning back...

Committed to Fomapan 200 using a Leica M6 and 35 mm Summicron v3. Developed in Ars-Imago R9 (rodinal) 1:50 for 9 minutes and scanned with an Epson V850 using Silverfast. Positive conversion and contrast done with Negative Lab Pro. Dust removal and further contrast adjustment in Photoshop.

“Be the best version of you there is—be determined to grow, brave enough to begin, and committed enough to rise.” Stay the course [Inspire, Be Inspired, Encouraged, Motivated 5.11.26]

At this point, the bird in the image is committed to landing on the large branch in the forground. It had flown in from a launch point 100m or so off to my left front, during a photoshoot day at The Hawk Conservancy just outside Andover. You can see another member of the day's group already checking his shots in the upper left of the picture. I will admit it was a mistake on my part to have him in the image, but it gives great context and some sense of size.

 

The White-headed Vulture (Trigonoceps occipitalis) is the least well-known vulture species in Africa. There has been no comprehensive study done of this species and, compared with other vultures, relatively little is known about its basic biology. Key features such as feeding ecology and factors affecting breeding performance remain poorly understood.

 

In 2007, the category of risk assigned to it by The World Conservation Union (IUCN) increased to ‘Vulnerable.’ This assessment incorporates recently reported severe declines in West Africa. These have exceeded 60% in protected areas, whilst the species has completely disappeared from rural areas.

 

In southern Africa the population was estimated to number 500 pairs in 1997 and has been revised more recently to 430 pairs in 2004. Zimbabwe holds a significant proportion of the regional breeding population, whilst in South Africa, the Kruger National Park and neighbouring conservation areas contain the largest population of White-Headed Vultures in South Africa. In southern Africa, the species is largely confined to conservation areas. - Hawkconservancy.org

 

It has a pink beak and a white crest, and the featherless areas on its head are pale. Its has dark brown upper parts and black tail feathers. The feathers on its lower parts and legs are white. It has a wingspan of 2m and spends a lot of time soaring looking for food. It roosts in tall trees near to water at night. - Wikipedia.

 

The Hawk Conservancy is helping to better understand these birds. Field sites are in South Africa (Kruger National Park) and Mozambique. Research efforts are focused on: habitat requirements; feeding ecology; specific relationships; and biology. Fundraising efforts raise money for supporting fieldworkers and research costs.

European court of human rights: Moscow responsible for murder of civilians, and looting and burning of homes

 

Russia committed a series of human rights violations during its war with Georgia in 2008, the European court of human rights ruled on Thursday, saying Moscow was responsible for the murder of Georgian civilians, and the looting and burning of their homes.

 

In a landmark judgment, the court said the Kremlin was guilty of unlawfully rounding up ethnic Georgians and their subsequent “inhuman and degrading treatment”. This included the torture of Georgian prisoners of war and the expulsion of Georgian villagers from their homes in South Ossetia.

 

The ruling comes 13 years after a bitter five-day August conflict between Russian forces and Georgian troops. The then Georgian government of Mikheil Saakashvili launched a doomed attempt to wrest back control of the Russian-backed breakaway territory of South Ossetia.

 

Russia responded with a full-scale invasion. It evicted Georgian forces, sent tanks into the country, and bombed civilian and military targets. In evidence presented to the Strasbourg court in 2018, Tbilisi accused Moscow of presiding over a “rampage” through Georgian villages inside South Ossetia and in a nearby buffer zone.

 

South Ossetian forces and local militia groups were responsible for many violations, including the execution of two Georgian soldiers taken prisoner and the beating to death of another, the court said. But it ruled Russia had effective control of the war zone once an EU-brokered ceasefire came into effect from 12 August 2008.

 

Amid international recriminations, Russia failed to investigate war crimes and systemic human rights abuses, the judges ruled. It further prevented the return of 20,000 Georgians who had previously lived inside South Ossetia, and whose villages were burned to the ground, they said. Nor did it cooperate with the proceedings, they added.

 

Georgia’s justice minister, Gocha Lordkipanidze, described the verdict of the court’s grand chamber as a “historic victory”. He said it upheld his country’s claim that Russian-occupied South Ossetia – or the Tskhinvali region, as he put it – was an integral part of Georgia, together with Abkhazia, another breakaway territory.

 

“The European court confirmed that these violations carried out by Russia amounted to ethnic cleansing of Georgians during the 2008 war,” Lordkipanidze declared.

 

The lawyer Ben Emmerson QC, who acted for Georgia, said the court’s decision to release its findings a day after Joe Biden’s inauguration in Washington was not a coincidence. Biden is set to take a tougher approach to Vladimir Putin than Donald Trump, he suggested.

 

“After years of delay, the ECHR seems to be finally taking a strong position against Russian human rights violations,” Emmerson said.

 

The Kremlin is likely to react furiously. It has argued that the court is biased and politicised. It accused Saakashvili of starting the conflict and said its role was that of an honest peacekeeper. The court on Thursday instructed both sides to make submissions about reparations.

 

Putin’s response could be consequential. In 2015, Moscow said it was on the brink of withdrawing from the European court of human rights, which has found against the Russian state on numerous occasions.

 

In a separate case last week judges ruled that Russia unlawfully annexed Crimea in 2014 and that the peninsula remains sovereign Ukrainian territory. In an interim finding they said there was prima facie evidence that Moscow had violated the rights of ethnic Ukrainians and Tatars in Crimea, with enforced disappearances and torture.

 

In its submission, the Georgian government said Russian planes carried out more than 100 attacks on Georgian targets over five days. There was overwhelming proof that Russian bombs were dropped on civilian areas, killing and injuring innocent people, it added. The evidence included witness statements, satellite footage, and video and phone intercepts.

 

Tbilisi said Russian troops poured into Georgia’s two breakaway provinces of South Ossetia and Abkhazia when the conflict erupted. Approximately 30,000 soldiers were deployed.

 

Before and after a ceasefire, Russian soldiers entered ethnic Georgian villages, sealing off entrances and exits, it alleged. Ossetian forces and other irregular soldiers then systematically burned down Georgian homes and entire villages, he said, adding that they carried out summary executions and threatened individuals with death if they refused to leave.

 

Georgia took its claim to Strasbourg the day after the hostilities stopped. In a hearing in 2018, Emmerson told the judges: “It is an open secret that Russia has been lobbying in public and in private for a favourable outcome, mumbling dark threats that it will de-ratify the European convention on human rights and starve the court of funding if the case goes against it.

 

“There is no middle ground in adjudicating this case. The evidence is all one way.”

 

More than 30 witnesses gave evidence. Their testimony covered the war’s most gruesome episodes: the alleged ethnic cleansing of 20,000 Georgian villagers living in or adjacent to South Ossetia, who were driven and burned out of their homes, a deadly rocket attack on the town of Gori, and the torture of prisoners.

 

An Iskander SS-26 rocket exploded in Gori’s central square on 12 August 2008, killing a Dutch journalist, Stan Storimans, and 11 other civilians, the court heard. Cluster marks at the scene and shrapnel recovered from the journalist’s body identified the rocket as Russian.

 

However, Russian military officials who gave evidence denied an attack had taken place. Instead, they suggested Georgia’s evidence was fake, or that the Georgian army had bombed its own people to falsely implicate Moscow.

 

www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jan/21/russia-human-rights...

Committed to Rollei RPX 25 using a Mamiya 645 1000S and 80 mm f1.9 lens. Developed using Ars-Imago FD as per the Massive Dev chart and scanned with an Epson V850 using Silverfast. Positive conversion and contrast done with Negative Lab Pro.

Committed to Rollei RPX 25 using a Mamiya 645 1000S and 80 mm f1.9 lens. Developed using Ars-Imago FD as per the Massive Dev chart and scanned with an Epson V850 using Silverfast. Positive conversion and contrast done with Negative Lab Pro.

Committed to Ferrania P30 using a Leica M3 and 50 mm Summicron dual-range lens. Developed using Ars-Imago R9 (rodinal) 1:99 in a semi-stand process for 80 minutes and scanned with an Epson V850 using Silverfast. Positive conversion and contrast done with Negative Lab Pro.

Name: William Townsley

Arrested for: not given

Arrested at: North Shields Police Station

Arrested on: not given

Tyne and Wear Archives ref: DX1388-1-81-William Townsley

 

This image of Townsley seems to have been supplied by the Gateshead Constabulary to the police at North Shields.

 

An image of his accomplice, Luke Swailes is available here www.flickr.com/photos/twm_news/27190318155/in/album-72157....

 

The Shields Daily News for 29 September 1906 reports:

 

“THEFT OF JEWELLERY AT NORTH SHIELDS. TWO MEN COMMITTED FOR TRIAL.

 

This morning at the North Shields Police Court, before Captain J. Sanderson and Mr G.H. Stansfield, Luke Swailes (60), general dealer and Wm. Townsley, a young man, both of Gateshead, were charged with stealing, on the 27th of November 1905, from Welbury House, Preston Park, three bracelets, a neck chain, locket, ring and brooch, value £20, the property of Ethel Annie Freeth.

 

Swailes was further charged with receiving from Wm. Townsley a gold expansion bracelet and watch value £6, the property of Alfred John Freeth, well knowing the same to have been stolen. Mr G W Chapman represented Swailes.

 

Ethel Annie Freeth said that on Sunday, November 26th, she left her watch and bracelet in a drawer in the bedroom, together with the other articles mentioned in the charge. On the afternoon of the next day she missed them and gave information to the police.

 

Elizabeth Irvin, dressmaker, 84 Grey Street, said that in November last she was employed at the Elms, Preston Park, which was next door to Freeth’s house. On the afternoon of the 27th, she saw a man prowling about in front of the sitting room window and took good notice of him. On January 30th, she identified him among six men at Gateshead Police Station and now identified him as the prisoner Townsley.

 

Edward Surtees Chisholm, manager of the New Gateshead Inn, North Street, Gateshead, stated that he had known the prisoner Swailes for several years. He was a respectable general dealer. He came to witness’s house one Tuesday in November or December and offered him the watch bracelet for £2. The witness bought it for that sum which he thought was a fair price.

 

Detective Radcliffe said he was present at the Gateshead Police Station when Miss Irvin identified Townsley. The prisoner said “I can soon get out of that, I was in hospital at the time.” On Friday 21st, he arrested Swailes on a warrant. When witness read the warrant over to him he said, “He (Townsley) must be a scoundrel. This is some more he has put on to me.” Later he said, “I have only to say that Townsley is a thorough scoundrel. I am as innocent as a child unborn.” Witness showed him the watch bracelet and told him that that was what he was charged with receiving. He replied, “I have never seen it before.” In the cell he said, “I think the best thing in a case of this kind is to plead guilty. Chisholm knew as well as I did that I got it from Townsley. He asked me if it was straight and I told him he would not get it for £2 if it had been.” Neither of the prisoners, when charged this morning, had anything to say.

 

The prisoner Swailes gave evidence on his own behalf. He said that he was 50 years of age and a general dealer and lived at 4 Towns Street, New Gateshead. About Christmas the accused Townsley came to him. Previous to that he did not know the man. Townsley asked him if he would buy a bracelet, as he wanted the money to go to Scotland. Asked where he had got it, he said he found it sometime since at Jesmond on a seat. He asked £2 for it, and witness telling him that all the money he had upon him was 35s, Townsley at once handed it over for that price. At Chisholm’s bar next day witness offered it for sale to him and he bought it for £2. Witness thought that would be about the value of the article and did not for one moment imagine it had been stolen. From what he was, however, told later he has very reason to think that the bracelet had been stolen. Afterwards from time to time witness advanced Townsley’s mother small sums of money. Eventually he stopped lending her money, whereupon she made a charge against him to the Gateshead Police. He was tried on that charge at Durham Assizes and acquitted. When charged last Friday week with the offence now being dealt with he did deny that he bought the bracelet from Townsley. He did this because he was afraid of getting Chisholm into trouble. Later he admitted that he had sold it.

 

Cross-examined by the Chief Constable (Mr. J. H. Huish) Swailes admitted that when arrested he did not know that the bracelet was in the hands of the police.

 

The prisoner Townsley reserved his defence.

 

Both prisoners were committed for trial at the Quarter Sessions. Townsley who was in charge of warders, was conveyed to Newcastle Gaol to await trial. Swailes was admitted to bail in his own recognisances of £50 and one surety of £50.

 

Townsley is at present undergoing a sentence of three years penal servitude for burglary at Hedgeley Heath and was brought before the magistrates on a Home Office order."

  

The Shields Daily News for 19 October 1906 reports:

 

“William Townsley, 22, labourer, pleaded guilty to having stolen £20 worth of jewellery at Tynemouth on Nov. 27, 1905, the property of Miss Ethel Annie Freeth of Preston Park, North Shields. Luke Swailes, 59, dealer, pleaded not guilty to a charge of having received the jewellery, well knowing it to have been stolen. Mr Griffith Jones prosecuted and Mr Mundahl defended the accused Swailes.

 

The jury found Swailes guilty and he was sentenced to three months’ hard labour.

 

Townsley, who is currently undergoing a sentence of three years’ penal servitude at Stafford Prison, was sentenced to a similar term, to run concurrently with the sentence he is now serving”.

 

These images are a selection from an album of photographs of prisoners brought before the North Shields Police Court between 1902 and 1916 in the collection of Tyne & Wear Archives (TWA ref DX1388/1).

 

(Copyright) We're happy for you to share this digital image within the spirit of The Commons. Please cite 'Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums' when reusing. Certain restrictions on high quality reproductions and commercial use of the original physical version apply though; if you're unsure please email archives@twmuseums.org.uk.

Instant Discipleship

Reflections on 1 Thessalonians

 

This past year, my husband has been praying and studying the Bible with Robert, a new Christian. Robert is a former addict, and his life reflected sins from that lifestyle. While he is now committed to Christ, he continues to walk in some of those sins. Many Christian men who have mentored Robert gave up when he didn’t stop sinning on their timeline.

 

Walking alongside a new Christian with years of ingrained sinful habits can be discouraging. While the Bible doesn’t provide a blueprint for quick discipleship, Paul provides an encouraging model in Thessalonians.

 

For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory. And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe (1 Thess 2:11–13).

 

Paul’s example is the example of Jesus himself. Rather than simply commanding holiness, Paul and his team lived holiness among the Thessalonian church. Paul became a “father” to them. The work of a parent is ongoing and sometimes arduous—repeated instructions, reprimands for rules broken, and the modeling of a godly life. Paul guides the Thessalonians to holiness by wielding words with love and urging them on in faith.

 

He commends the faith and love of the Thessalonian believers, but he still warns them against particular sins like sexual immorality, laziness and revenge (1 Thess 4:3; 5:14–15). These believers found it difficult to adhere to the strict ethical code of their new faith. Yet Paul, recognizing the work ahead of them, encourages them because God is at work.

 

Despite what we may see outwardly, there is a patient, intimate work that God is performing in his people.

  

Aubry Smtih, “Instant Discipleship,” in Moment with God: A Devotional on Every Biblical Book (ed. John D. Barry and Rebecca Van Noord; Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2014).

Kids being kids in summer. Acrobatics in the River Dart estuary at Dartmouth.

  

Pressing L is nice =)

  

Destroyers are part of the backbone of the Royal Navy, committed around the world 365 days a year hunting pirates, drug runners or submarines, defending the Fleet from air attack, and providing humanitarian aid after natural disasters.

Britain's 6 Type 45 destroyers are the most advanced warships the nation has ever built. Their mission is to shield the Fleet from air attack using Sea Viper missile which can knock targets out of the sky up to 70 miles

The Eurofighter Typhoon is a highly agile aircraft, designed to be a supremely effective dogfighter when in combat with other aircraft. Later production aircraft have been increasingly better equipped to undertake air-to-surface strike missions and to be compatible with a likewise increasing number of different armaments

MH130149

Three crosses

 

Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Two thieves - ΛῃϚαι, robbers, or cutthroats: men who had committed robbery and murder; for it does not appear that persons were crucified for robbery only. Thus was our Lord numbered (his name enrolled, placed as it were in the death warrant) with transgressors, according to the prophetic declaration, Isaiah 53:12; and the Jews placed him between these two, perhaps to intimate that he was the worst felon of the three.

 

I N R I

The acronym INRI (Iēsus Nazarēnus, Rēx Iūdaeōrum) represents the Latin inscription which in English reads as "Jesus the Nazarene, King of the Jews"

John 19-19-20

19 Pilate had a notice prepared and fastened to the cross. It read: jesus of nazareth, the king of the jews. 20 Many of the Jews read this sign, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and the sign was written in Aramaic, Latin and Greek.

   

It was this charge that the Sanhedrin or Jewish leaders took to Pontius Pilate to force him to turn Jesus over to them for crucifixion. Some people believe that the fact that Pontius Pilate refused to change the inscription to read "he said he was" rather than "he was" implies Pilate believed Jesus was in fact the Messiah.

 

Today is Good Friday .... the day of remembrance of when Our Lord was

crucified .......He suffered and died to be the final sacrifice for the sins of the human race.

He wills everyone should repent and call on His Name......His loving arms are open to

receive you....He is not willing for anyone to perish. He loved us so much that He GAVE

Himself for us.