Today's Single In challenge was supposed to be a selfie/belfie shot. Its snowing and sloppy out, so any hope of the latter was dashed by the elements, so I made do with the space I had.

I kind of went the opposite of how one is supposed to go with a portrait - I cranked contrast and exposure and vibrance and boosted shadows AND highlights, basically stretching the daylights out of the colors to the point of breaking.

Somehow, it actually worked.

Madonna

The original Queen of Pop Madonna brought her Rebel Heart tour to London's O2 Arena for the first of two nights in support of her 13th studio album. Putting her dramatic on-stage tumble at the same venue earlier this year during a Brit Awards performance behind her, she ruled the East London venue with the sheer tour de force for the live show she is so renowned for.

Giving Rebel Heart a good airing, the 57-year-old opened the show with new album track Iconic, appearing in steel cage while dancers paraded around dressed as medieval executioners in gold and black outfits carrying large gold pikes, following a video introduction featuring guest vocalist Mike Tyson. This was quickly followed up with Bitch I’m Madonna before the crowd were treated to her second single, 1983 track Burning Up, with the star playing a black Flying-V guitar.

After an acoustic rendition of Devil Pray, the Michigan-native disappeared for the first of a few times during the show where the crowd were left with backing dancers performing and a video playing as she changed outfits for the next segment of the show.

The scene was then changed as Madonna appeared on the hood of a 1965 Ford Falcon for new album track Body Shop, the stage was set up as a 1950’s automotive workshop, adorned with tires, her dancers looking like they’d stepped out of a production of Grease. The crowd cheered ecstatically as she took up position centre-stage playing a ukulele for an acoustic rendition of 1986 hit True Blue.

The audience towards the rear of the arena were treated next as a spiral staircase descended onto the stage with Madonna duelling with a dancer for HeartBreakCity which featured snippets of Miles Gregory’s Love Don't Live Here Anymore.

A Spanish theme followed as the Vogue hit-maker donned a bullfighter’s outfit for 1987 hit La Isla Bonita. The crowd were then treated to a medley of some of her earlier hits in a matching flamenco style including Dress You Up, Into the Groove and Lucky Star, hopes of extensive cuts from her “Immaculate Collection” dashed.

Taking a seat at her “Heart” stage at the end of a long catwalk running up the centre of the arena floor, she said “It’s nice to sit down for a while. Sometimes I outdo myself, even I admit that.”

“I wish someone would give me a spanking, but I never do anything wrong” she said, enticing a roar from the crowd.

Referring to the unusual shape of the stage, she continued her risqué banter: “Usually when I get down to the head of the penis, things get pretty heated up. That’s what I call this area. It’s funny how a heart and a penis have a similar shape, God’s infinite plan for my happiness.”

She made the London crowd feel extra special, recounting a story of how she would steal money from an early bar job to fund a trip to the British capital, a city she called home for some years in later life when she married English film director Guy Ritchie. “London, I love you. I’ve played so many amazing places from Wembley to Hyde Park, Brixton Academy, The O2 Centre, wherever you’ll have me. And thank you for having me.”

The star then made an emotional speech recognising World Aids Day she mentioned the family of her adopted son David who had all succumbed to the disease before stating "It is not a disease that had gone away. We need to remember that. Let's acknowledge all the people who have passed, and those who have fought to raise awareness. We shall overcome one day." In a break from the standard Rebel Heart tour setlist, she then broke into solo rendition of 1989 hit single Like A Prayer.

A 1920s theme closed out the main set with the best-selling female recording artist of all time treating her longer-standing fans with Music and Material Girl from her extensive back catalogue before taking up position on a raised mini-stage in the centre of her cross-shaped stage for a rendition of Édith Piaf’s La Vie en Rose, the star once again taking up the ukulele.

TV host Graham Norton was pulled on onto the stage from somewhere or other to join her with some rather erratic dancing during Unapologetic Bitch, some slightly tired innuendo surrounding a banana adding more humour to the night before both Norton and Madonna disappeared and the vast arena was thrown into darkness.

Madonna returned in a American flag-inspired star top and draped in a British Union flag for an upbeat close to the show with her third single Holiday.

While the crowd in attendance seemed to react differently to the mixed set played, the boys upfront going nuts to the dancier new material from Rebel Heart while those towards the back of the arena cheering more for Madonna’s older material, what was unquestionable was the star’s staying power, agility and passion. Even though she’s been hitting up arenas and stadiums around the world for three decades, tonight didn’t feel like a chore for her.

Her Blonde Ambition tour in 1990 set a precedent for the modern pop spectacle we have all come to expect of arena pop tours. 25 years on, Madonna proves she can still innovate, gyrate and contend with even the newest of today’s pop superstars, with big screens, huge set pieces, unique stage setups and incredible dancers juxtaposed with filling a capacity arena with just her voice accompanied by a ukulele.

Madonna plays a second show at the O2 Arena on December 2nd and heads out to Amsterdam, Paris and Zurich before returning to British shores for shows in Manchester, Birmingham and Glasgow to close out the year.

Two afternoons ago, on 25 October 2018, I dashed down to a place that I had been curious about for the last few years. Every time I drove the highway, I would pass a sign that said Kayben Farms. My daughter had posted photos from a visit there with friends a while ago and there were a few things that I wanted to see sometime. A spur-of-the-moment visit yesterday gave me the chance to do so. Actually, I suspect it may also have been a delaying tactic for all the endless things that I knew I should be seeing to.

There were a few sheds/barns scattered around the grounds. Most were a pretty basic, simple shape and not old. However, I absolutely loved the wonderfully bright and colourful door of two of the buildings.

Wandering near the corn maze - now closed till next year - I came across a beautiful dead Sunflower hanging its head. One of my favourite things to photograph, at any stage of their life. As for a corn maze, nothing would make me enter .... nothing, unless the corn plants were no higher than my waist and if I was with someone who has an excellent sense of direction!

Various pieces of old farm equipment dotted the area. I always enjoy coming across such things on any of my travels.

There were several different kinds of domestic duck and two in particular caught my eye. The one in this photo was quite beautiful, but moved constantly and fast. Looked quite an elongated duck. A female domestic Turkey had two babies, one black and the other was a tan colour, and what a good mother she was. A variety of farm animals, including a large Pot-bellied (?) Pig that was fast asleep and snoring loudly, made for a very pleasant visit.

Smashed bauble - Rebecca damage in Matalan... It ised to be one of these:

www.matalan.co.uk/product/detail/s2575675/christmas-feath...

S50 services run to Rekwinkle, then terminate and reverse. 1116-071 rumbles past with a consist of Audi car parts, just before I dashed over the footbridge.

The only Grade I listed parkland and gardens in South Yorkshire, Wentworth Castle Gardens is home to no fewer than 26 listed buildings and monuments, each of them with a different tale to tell. Stories of power, wealth and politics, family infighting, misery and hope can be found in the history of Wentworth Castle Gardens, and its monuments, statues and buildings help us truly understand its past.

The Wentworths were one of the most important families in Yorkshire. Long before the time of the English Civil War (1642–51), members of the Wentworth family held seats of power and influence in the area, building the imposing estate at Wentworth Woodhouse in South Yorkshire as their home.

When William Wentworth, the 2nd Earl of Strafford (1626–95) died childless, his nephew Thomas Wentworth (1672–1739) expected to inherit the family fortune and their grand home at Wentworth Woodhouse. His hopes were dashed when the fortune and Wentworth Woodhouse instead passed to his cousin, Thomas Watson.

Infuriated, Thomas Wentworth used his skills as a soldier and diplomat to plot revenge. Within a few years he had bought, extended and renamed his own house and estate, just six miles away from Wentworth Woodhouse, at the estate we now know as Wentworth Castle. In 1711 he even acquired the old family title, the Earldom of Strafford – all to outshine his ‘obnoxious relative.’

In 1714, the crown of England controversially passed from the Stuart royal line to the Hanoverians. This 1734 monument is dedicated to Anne, the last Stuart monarch, and is unique in an English garden. It’s an almost treasonous statement by Thomas Wentworth, and hints at what he thought of the regime change.

The geometric design of this maze-like garden was very fashionable when it was first created for Thomas Wentworth in 1713. But there’s a patriotic message here too: Thomas created the design to combine the crosses of St George and St Andrew, celebrating the union of Scotland and England in 1707. This union was a proud moment in Queen Anne’s reign, and so even after her death this garden stands as proof of his loyalty to her.

Although recognised as one of the UK's greatest 18th century landscaped estates, the house and gardens Thomas Wentworth had built are closely tied to the Transatlantic Slave Trade.

In 1713, he was instrumental in securing for Britain the lucrative monopoly to transport and sell enslaved people from African countries to the Spanish empire. The design of his grand house and garden was in part a celebration of his pride in this ‘achievement'.

Thomas also made direct profit from the trade, partly from shares he owned and partly through his marriage to Anne Johnson (c.1684–1754) whose family were deeply involved in the slave trade by building ships for the East India Company and working for the Royal African Company.

In 1711, Wentworth was appointed joint negotiator of the Treaty of Utrecht, which ended the long War of the Spanish Succession. As part of these negotiations, Britain gained the monopoly to supply enslaved people from African countries to the Spanish colonies in the Americas – known as the ‘Asiento.’

Wentworth considered the treaty a crowning achievement in his diplomatic career and something to be proudly represented in his house and gardens. This included a sundial, now in the conservatory, in the form of a kneeling African man – a legacy of the enslavement of Africans and the objectification of Black bodies in British and European art.

‘To the memory / of the Rt. Hon. / Lady Mary Wortley Montagu / who in the Year 1720 / Introduced Inoculation / of the Small Pox into / England from Turkey’.

An example of an extremely early memorial dedication to a non-royal woman was probably added to an older monument by Thomas’ son, William (1722–91). It's also known as the Sun Memorial.

Lady Mary Wortley-Montagu (1689-1762) was a poet and letter-writer, well known for her travel writing, including descriptions of Muslim women and their lives in the 18th century Ottoman Empire. Her life and work continues to fascinate and she is seen by many today as a proto-feminist and historic LGBT+ figure.

After seeing inoculation against smallpox practised in Constantinople (now Istanbul), she made British medical history by helping to make it fashionable in British high society during the 1720s. William Wentworth and his three sisters were all treated to protect them from the terrible disease.

It is not certain when the monument, which is a copy of an ancient obelisk in Rome, was first erected. It originally had a bronze disc on top which was rumoured to be angled to reflect the sunlight across to the Wentworth Woodhouse estate. Could this be another example of family rivalry on show? It has also been suggested that the name is also an 18th century pun on ‘sun’ and ‘son.’

In 1744, William Wentworth dedicated this grand column to his late father in law, the 2nd Duke of Argyll. Shortly before his death, the Duke had been punished for opposing the government's harsh anti-Jacobite policies in Scotland. This column dedicated to his memory is topped with a statue of Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom and war, who faces south to London. Was William making a subtle political comment with this monument?

Burrito was released from the hospital today!! He was very excited to be here, and dashed around making sure nothing had changed in his absence. Now he is resting comfortably on his blankie.

He will be on medication and a special diet food for the next week. After that I will need to discuss the best food for him with his vet, something nutritious that will help to keep his system healthy and working properly. He really likes the special canned food they sent home with him, and he is a bit irked that I am adhering to the strict instructions to give him very small amounts at a time. He feels he could eat the entire can in one meal:-))

Many many thanks to everyone for your positive thoughts for his recovery!! I am convinced it helped, and I really appreciate it!!

This is the reflections of a large neon sign in the puddle on a wet road. It was a shot I nearly missed as I dashed back to safety as the heavens opened on a street photo session.

The school edition of “Pretty Polly Flinders” by Mary Frances Blaisdell. Illustrated by Eugenie Wireman. Copyrighted by Little, Brown, and Company in 1914, this edition printed in 1926.

Pentacon Six TL

Carl Zeiss Jena 80mm 2.8f

Ilford FP4 ISO-125

Today I want to talk about the amazing people I've met over the past three years doing this project. Let's start with Ayumi here. I saw her coming across the street towards this deli I was waiting outside of her. She had a great look with her cowboy boots and flowing shirt, I thought she'd make a great stranger. Before I got a chance to approach her, she dashed inside the deli. Not to be deterred I waited to catch her as she came out. As I told her about my project, she explained that she had to run and put money in the parking meter, but she'd be right back. I guess she'd run into the deli to get change. So she left for a couple of minutes, came back and posed for a couple of shots, and then went and joined her family for lunch. Later, thinking about it, I was quite amazed at the lengths she went to for a complete stranger. Thank you, Ayumi!

So with that in mind, let me tell you about a couple of other strangers from this past three years (see pictures in comments). Patrick and Megan were my first two strangers, they were hanging out, outside a cafe in Silverlake. We got talking because they asked about our cameras (there was a group of us shooting that day). Patrick told me that he shoots the stars down the road in Hollywood. He recognized the variety of film cameras we had with us and had used them all over the length of his career. Today he said the studios demand they use the latest digital Hasselblads, so he rents them for each shoot as they are constantly changing and cost $25,000 each. His thoughts about photography were that it's not so much about the camera, it's more about the eye of the photographer & getting out there and shooting. My shot of his friend Megan remains one of my favorites to this day, so these two strangers and that encounter have stayed in my mind throughout the project. Thanks, guys!

Next, let me tell you about Kamilah - Stranger # 73. I won't go into my side of that shot, if you're interested you can read it on her picture. What I want to tell you about is an email I received from her about four months after the shot. She went into great detail about her side of that encounter. How she'd only been in L.A. about four months, and she'd been constantly getting harassed by men as she walked from the station to her apartment, how her week at work had just been very difficult and emotionally taxing.

Her words about that moment were: "On that particular day, I was both vulnerable and furious, in a desperate hurry to be safe and alone at home. Two blocks from my apartment, I was ready to draw blood from the next man who accosted me in the street. So I really can't explain why the moment that you approached me, which should have been the worst moment for you or anyone to approach me, ended up being so perfect. It's as if you approached me on a different plane than the one I was walking through, guarding myself from, seething in."

But the main reason for her email was that her family had recently seen the image I had shot of her, and said "it captures "her" in an essential, almost metaphysical sense." Kamilah went on to say that she felt awkward when she first looked at it because "it's like seeing myself, naked in a sense, for the first time."

Kamilah's email was a great gift to me, as it really defined for me why I was doing this project. We never know what is going on in the lives of those people we pass on the streets. I think I was tired of just passing people, and this gave me a way to, however briefly, tell people they have value, and be able to share my creative passion of photography with them for a moment. Thanks, Kamilah.

Here's a link to my 100 Strangers Project

Also you can find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page

I saw this through the kitchen window early this morning, quickly changed lenses and dashed out in my pyjamas and slippers. It was a very cold morning and the gate I rested the camera on was covered in ice crystals. Such was the beauty of the moon! ;-)

The sky really was that shade of navy. And the moon had a few wispy clouds in front of it.

I'd seen pictures from this location before and had a rough idea where it was.

The morning before I went exploring driving down all the side roads that haven't been fenced off around Stanlow and the industrial areas alongside the ship canal. Eventually found it and decided to come back the following morning. An hour after getting home the Police are knocking on my door asking me why I was taking photos of the refinery. He eventually informed me that he could tell I wasn't a terrorist and then started to show me his flickr photostream (which is very good incidently).

He said they have ANPR (automatic number plate recognition) on all the side roads and they have to follow up every report and how it's always innocent and more often than not photographers looking for a good place to shoot the refinery lights or flare.

So went back this morning parked up and walked down so the car wouldn't flag the ANPR and promptly lost my nerve, fired off a few handheld shots then dashed back to the car and retreated to McDonald's for a coffee to settle my nerves.

For those that might be interested, it's at the bottom of Dock Yard Road just past the Boat Museum.

Saigon Mui Ne Resort, Phan Thiet, Vietnam

I had this scene in mind even before embarking on the trip, so I dashed out onto the beach right after dinner and materialised it. My 2nd attempt at photographing star trails, not the best result but I am pretty happy with it.

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I dashed out when there was some slow snow falling and a bit of light squeezing through the clouds.

Same situation now, but much colder.

The Ballad of the Stone Knight and the Princess Leire.

In ages past, when magic flowed,

A kingdom fair its glories showed.

With forests vast and gardens wide,

And rulers wise, its noble pride.

No hunger there, no beggar’s plight,

The market shone with goods so bright.

And minstrels played in joyous throng,

To princess Leire. they wove their song.

A jewel she, so fair, so kind,

No soul in need she left behind.

Her heart was vast as forests grand,

A sea of mercy in her hand.

Through woods and meads she rode in glee,

Her steed as swift as winds that flee.

Yet fate did stir, and fear took flight,

As through the trees he dashed in fright.

A serpent lay upon the ground,

The steed did bolt with frantic bound.

Through shadowed glades he wildly ran,

And bore the maid to unknown land.

But lo! A knight both brave and true,

Whose path by chance the fair one knew.

He stayed the steed with mighty hand,

And thus their fates were firmly planned.

She thanked him with a grateful heart,

And marveled at his noble art.

As twilight fell and fears arose,

He swore to guard her from her foes.

He took the reins, he drew his blade,

And walked before, a shield he made.

Their path was long, yet bright with cheer,

For words did flow, both sweet and clear.

No fairer speech the knight had known,

No kinder soul his heart had shown.

Her gentle grace did bind his will,

And love grew strong, unshaken still.

Before the gates he knelt so low,

A solemn vow his heart did show.

“For thee alone my sword shall be,

My heart, my soul, belong to thee.”

The maiden blushed, her heart took flight,

A lily bloomed in morning light.

But three long years did keep them far,

Apart beneath both sun and star.

Each day he sighed in longing deep,

Each night she prayed his soul to keep.

Yet shadows fell upon the land,

A lord of might stretched forth his hand.

To claim the throne, the maid he sought,

Yet in his plea the king found naught.

Enraged, the lord his wrath unfurled,

And called his knights to shake the world.

Through fire and steel his army came,

And bathed the earth in blood and flame.

Among them rode the knight so bold,

Bound by his oath, though heart grew cold.

He saw the fields in ruin lie,

He heard the children’s mournful cry.

Upon the city’s gates they stood,

And claimed the streets in streams of blood.

With hunger fierce the soldiers ran,

To seize the maid, their lord’s demand.

Yet one among them sought her grace,

To save her from that cruel embrace.

He rode with haste through city dire,

Through ruin black and halls of fire.

He knew her faith, her heart so pure,

And to the temple sought for sure.

There knelt the maid, in prayer so deep,

Her cheeks awash with tears that weep.

She turned to see her love so true,

And sorrow on her features grew.

No words they spoke, no cry was made,

For fate stood fast with iron blade.

The warriors came, their steps so near,

His heart was torn with doubt and fear.

Bound by oath, he could not flee,

Yet bound by love, his heart was free.

Her eyes held peace, no wrath nor cry,

Yet silent stood, her time passed by.

The knight beheld her, cast all doubt,

And drew his blade to lead her out.

Yet as he stood, his feet grew stone,

His hands fell still, his might was gone.

He turned, and saw the warriors tall,

Their steel now stone, their fate now thrall.

His helm did close, his breath did cease,

The last he saw—her face at peace.

For years she wept with mournful wail,

No spell, nor prayer, could break the veil.

The witches cast, the sages tried,

Yet stone remained where once stood pride.

Beside him sat the maid so fair,

Till death did call, her heart laid bare.

Yet still she walks, her voice so low,

Soft sobs upon the winds that blow.

A ghostly shade of sorrow bright,

She weeps upon her stone-bound knight.

I dashed out last night expecting to get a dramatic sky photograph over Delphi Bridge. But, unfortunately, mother nature had other ideas. Not quite as dramatic as I hoped for, but the salmon/pink sunset colours make a pleasing image.

We had some snow!

Of course, I dashed out once my grocery shopping delivery had been delivered, to get some snaps. Trouble was they were views/angles I've done many times before, but hey ho.

Holga

Fuji Acros Neopan 100

Fomadon R09

Stand 1 hour/ 1+100

Saw this first thing this morning, jumped out of bed, threw my winter coat on over my nightie and dashed outside before the scene disappeared! Brrrr! :)

Timing at the beach is always somewhat humorous to me. Sunsets are fickle creatures, sometimes holding out the best colors until you least expect it. In this case, I dashed out of the car in the Cape Kiwanda parking lot, running full-tilt down the beach with my camera backpack bobbing up and down insanely as I pelted along. I stopped at the end right before the dune and took a bunch of pictures, most of which are severely blown out thanks to the bright light behind the haystack and the dark foreground.

Then I climbed the dune and took my time. The sunset hung on for a lot longer than I thought I would. After almost half an hour, I slithered down and went back to the spot where I first stopped. I took one picture. This one.

Funny how the last shot can be your favorite. :-)

10mm - 30-second exposure at f/5

These usually get dashed with rain, but this year they have done quite well.

We found out about this fascinating historic tour of YYC a bit by accident, but dashed out to see if we could still make it. We were ready for the weather, but just barely, and by the end, we were ready for a warm-up.

#janeswalkyyc

This Weasel was carrying his dinner and didn't see us, so he just about walked right up to us, then he saw us, Bleaked and dashed into the woods. We just shot as long as we could. Wylie Rd 2020

dashed to get the washing off the line. then daughter decided to take the paper stuffing out of her new bag. coco had fun tearing at the paper then settled into a nice clean bundle of washing.

desaturated slightly, added border, type, and a Kim Klassen dashed line brush.

Next up, it was time to check-out the recently opened and mostly completed station at Levittown, PA, where I decided to try and shoot Acela Express 2160 as it dashed eastbound under the new overhead pedestrian bridge. November 23, 2018.

Nikon D300s & Nikon 16-85 mm VR lens

www.fluidr.com/photos/47044499@N03

Or:

www.flickriver.com/photos/47044499@N03/

My wife woke me up early and said there was fire at the back. I jumped up thinking the nun's convent was on fire and saw 'red'. I quickly got dresssed and dashed up the mountain, taking this shot on the way as the red faded. Alas I was too late to catch the spectacualr red sunrise, but I did manage a few secondary shots.

As I was placing my gear in the car, the sky began to turn. After uttering a few choice words, I dashed back to the spot where I was a few minutes earlier and was able to grab a few captures before the color faded.

I know there are many "purests" out there that don't particularly like to see photos of birds & wildlife in anything but a "natural" state. I used to be pretty fussy, too. But some of the best portraits I've ever gotten of some birds were when they were doing EXACTLY what I wanted them to do --- Come and Eat a Good Meal!!

I found a whole folder of photos from last Winter taken just before my Grandchildren came to live with me that I had not even looked at when I uploaded them to my PC. They were taken at my "old" home and many of them have birds in or around the many, many feeders I had set up to feed the "masses" in the upcoming months. Little did I know at the time that I would be virtually abandoning them after 4 years of doing everything I could to entice them to come to my house. Because some of the birds had gotten so used to me (and the dogs) I could stand outside and often take as many pics as I wished. Can't tell you how many times a Red-breasted Nuthatch would fly so close that I could feel the wind from his tiny wings on my face as he dashed to or from a feeder.

So forgive me, I may be posting quite a few "feeder" images in the future. It makes me so happy that I have these memories from a time gone by.when I really felt I was a part of the natural world around me almost 24/7.

There was a possibility of TnT 69's for this working but 73128 and 73136 turn up in absolutely dire light. 3Y90 Tonbridge SITT via Havant where it is pictured from the famous footbridge.....

Saturday 5 March 2022

We appreciate the courtesy of Chatwick University Archives for letting us use the journals in our research, and for permission to use parts for the genesis of “Dare’s Game”.

Dare’s Game

Beth, eagerly looking for Dare, walked straight into Seth’s cunning snare…..

Suffix, circa 1910?. It was during this time a fanciful young lady, whom we will call Beth, started a journal which she would faithfully keep over the course of almost 50 years. She led quite an adventuresome life for a lady of that time, and her journals were filled with many tales and observations of her exploits. The following story is derived from events that she penned down in the early years in her journal.

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Beth had known Dare since their childhood. Dare was a handsome free spirited youth only two years her senior, who lived for the games his life had to offer. As his cherished nickname inferred, Dare was always trying to find the thrill out of anything he could think up, relishing to go beyond the pale in anything he attempted. Dare always a little different, harboring feelings and ideas way beyond his years, almost as if he had lived a previous life and retained something from it in his being.

Beth would remember times playing dress up with Dare’s sister Diana in some old gowns of their mothers. It was always then that Dare and his friends seemed to appear and talk them into playing hide n seek, tag or cops n robbers. Dare seemed to take pleasure in cajoling the girls into playing with them in this manner. Eyeing them as they played with a far off look that suggested the game they were playing had more meaning to him than he could ever venture to say. It was hard for Beth to explain it, but she did find it pleasurable (almost erotic using a word whose term she would learn much later) to be observed by him in this way.

One warm fall day Diana and Beth headed down to an old shack located near some railroad tracks at the back of a cornfield. Diana was dressed in a long satin play gown with her mother’s jewelry, which Dare had called rhinestones. Beth, herself dressed in a long flowing dress, loved the way Diana’s jewels twinkled and sparkled as she walked. They were going to pretend the shack was a ballroom and they were one their way to a fancy dance, like Beth’s and Diana’s parents had recently attended. Diana wasn’t supposed to be wearing her mother’s jewelry outside the house, but as a result of Dare’s teasing, had done so anyway.

They had reached the shack, an old white brick building with a wooden roof half fallen in, when a man’s voice suddenly said behind them, what are you two ladies up to? Turning they were confronted by a happily sneering drifter. The grubby man looked around, alone is we, and advanced towards them. The two girls stood petrified, he reached out and probed Diana along her side, pretty dress missy, he said, sparsely toothed mouth grinning like a pumpkin. He suddenly reached up and tore the necklace away from Diana’s throat, sending her falling backwards. Beth screamed bloody murder, as the vagrant turned heel, running off towards the tracks. Suddenly Dare appeared, and Beth, meaning to yell for help, exclaimed instead “help honey” to Dare. Dares eyes took on a very different look, almost of a burning yearning. Beth told him what had happened and he took off down towards the tracks in hot pursuit. For Beth, the look he had given her and the way he had dashed off excited her beyond measure. Even for someone that young, Beth now knew what Dare meant to her. From then on, playing games with Dare took on a heightened meaning for Beth.

But, nothing really changed in their relationship until Beth’s sophomore year of high school. Beth was sixteen at the time, a whimsical being, passionate, innocent, not particularly attractive, but radiating with a love of life. A living free spirit, developing into a very sexual being by the time her and Diana decided to attend their schools prom in their sophomore year. Beth dressed in a fuchsia coloured satin dress with dangling rhinestone earrings that had been” borrowed” from Diana’s Mother, the same ones Diana had been wearing when they had run into the drifter at the shack. Diana slipped into the slinky blue spaghetti strap gown and matching cover-all that she had worn as her cousin’s bridesmaid. She was wearing sapphire costume jewels patterned after the hope diamond. Their parents had given them a hard time when they saw their made up girls in their gowns and finery , admonishing them for looking way too mature. They smiled, consoling their parents fears, and went off on their adventure.

Their eyes were dazzled by the display of lights, the cheerfully student filled room, the band. They had stopped and were letting it all sink in, when Beth felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned and came face to face with Dare, who once again had the same yearning fire in his eyes as on that fateful day at the old shack. A veil was lifted from between the two, and Beth spent the whole evening encompassed in Dare’s arms. Soon after that the two had begun seeing much more of one another. Their relationship was still going strong eight years later.

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8 Years Later

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Come on Dare, let’s go to the Riverside, it will be fun she urged. She had been trying to get her fiancé’ to take her to the exclusive five star resorts for some time. And now she had a free overnight room card she had won at work! Dare looked into Beth’s wide, hope filled eyes, knowing her passion for attending these types of affairs. Ever hopeful she would see someone rich. Dare knew how to use this to his advantage. Finally he buckled, all right, only if we play the game afterwards he bargained. She squirmed inwardly with passion, nodding her agreement. Beth found the game exciting, though she would never let on to Dare. And, you must wear the gold bridesmaid gown and jewels you wore to your friend’s wedding last week , he added, a wistful smile lighting up his thin face.. Okay she agreed, trying to sound reluctant, but truthfully feeling multiple tingles of delight.

Dare was handsome, in a scrawny, thin bearded, sort of way ( From an old photo that survives he resembled a young Johnny Depp… the eds), with a witty writers imagination and a playful disposition. He could always make Beth laugh, feeling his excitement as he drew her into his stories and games. She would never admit to it, but found the game delightfully erogenous. She smiled to herself, so Dare had liked the satin gown after all, he had not shown any interest in her wearing it since the wedding. And the jewelry, the small rhinestone pendent and earrings had been pretty, but Beth soon came up with another idea. She would knock his socks off by wearing the glittering diamonds and emeralds that had been inherited from her grandmother. The set had laid collecting dust in a safety deposit box all these years, unworn. She had never told Dare about them, waiting for the perfect occasion. She could just imagine the look in his eyes when he saw her wearing them. Okay then, game on, Beth thought, wickedly sending shivers up and down her spine.

Dare’s Game was based on role playing:

Dare would give Beth money to purchase a new outfit, something rich and shiny, like silk or satin. With the new outfit, Beth would wear the good gold jewelry she had received from Dare on her birthdays. The idea was to acting like a bored rich girl out for a good time, alone and vulnerable.

Dare would be at the hotel bar, waiting for Beth to make her entrance, then make her acquaintance , playing a debonair, suited gentleman with a mysterious past and a hidden agenda. They would make a date later, usually to dance and have drinks.

Then that evening, she would go down to the bar. Dressed in one of the long gowns Dare favored, fitting in with the usual spillover from a wedding reception that had been held in one of the Ballrooms. Sometimes she would wear the rhinestone jewelry they had purchased together at various antique stores. Then Beth would wait for Dare to make his entrance, signaling the time for Dare’s game. He would assume one of several roles, or possibly a new one that Beth had never seen. In the past Dare had played:

A spy who would dance with Beth, then disappear. Sending a note to Beth via a third person that would have her meet him clandestinely in a remote location…

A highwayman who would come across Beth on the castle grounds , usually the resorts empty gardens at night….

A rich millionaire looking for romance…

A kidnapper hired by an evil uncle, who after tying up Beth and removing her valuables would have a change of heart….

A Jewel thief who would be cunningly after her valuables…

A handsome prince rescuing Beth’s damsel in distress ….

Or Dare’s favorite, centered on their old childhood game of cops and robbers. Dare would play the thief, and steal something from Beth, usually while dancing. He would then leave preset clues around the grounds that she would have to follow to catch him.

All of the games usually led to some playful groping and then escalating into the upper echelons of erotic pleasure. Sometimes they never made out of the woods, or barely out of the ballroom. Beth shivered at these thoughts, wishing she didn’t have to wait….

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Three weeks later at the Riverside Resort.

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In the Bar:

At the bar, Dare smiled to himself, pleased. He had dropped Beth off to check in by herself. She would change into her new outfit and wear it down to the bar for lunch. She would come in acting like a complete stranger to the area. Dare would make her acquaintance, invite her to lunch, and make plans to see her that evening at the resorts dance room. There were two wedding receptions going on, and that dance room should be filled with well-dressed patrons. Beth would fit right in; clad that pretty gown she had promised to wear.

Dare had been sitting at the bar, thinking about ways to play out the game that evening, when the answer came to him, in the form of a stranger who had come with his drink and sat next to him. The stranger introduced himself as Seth, and shaking Dare’s hand sat on the stool next to him. After they had had couple of drinks, they had become quite chummy. Seth explaining he had come up for one of the weddings, and assumed Dare was doing the same. Seth did not fail to observe Dare’s secretive smile, but did not question it. Their conversation was distracted only when a newcomer appeared at the entrance. Beth walked in, a long flowing silky skirt swishing down to her leather sandals. A shiny, long sleeved satin top fitting tightly along her perky figure, with bright gold jewelry complementing the ensemble. Real gold, Seth observed silently to himself.

Beth went to a table, both men going silent as they watched her move through the room. Good-looking one, that, Seth commented, looking at Dare who was deep in thought as his eyes were fixed on the sexy newcomer. Seth teasingly offered Dare a penny for his thoughts. Dare smiled mischievously, letting lose his plans. Seth listened to the young man, smiling as a light went on in his steal grey eyes. When Dare finished he offered up a suggestion as to how Dare could make it really interesting for Beth. The two co-conspirators worked it out: Seth told Dare about a stone hut and wall that was located on the back nine of the resorts golf course. He suggested that he, Seth, would meet Beth that evening and pass a note onto her from Dare saying that he was in trouble and needed her help, with directions to the spot. Dare liked the idea, and wrote the note on a cocktail napkin, cementing the plan by handing it to Seth.

Off you go old chap, let Uncle Seth take care of his end, he said grinning, giving Dare a sporting clap on the back. With a wink, Dare left his fellow collaborator, and went over to Beth, who had since been seated by a male waiter, now standing drooling over her shoulder as she looked at the menu.

Later that same evening, inside the crowded club:

Seth had stopped by the bar for a last drink. His business venture had been concluded earlier than he had expected. With the change in his plans, he had checked out early, his kit packed, boot loaded and the car ready. He now sat at the bar Causley watching young lass of about seventeen who had literally ran into him at one of the receptions. He watched her flirting about the club, weaving in and out of the guests. With a long swishing gown flowing provocatively along her lithe figure, abundant, solid white gold chains swinging out in an alluringly eye catching manner as she scurried about. A diminutive gold ring its half caret diamond flickered playfully from the petite pinky it loosely surrounded once again welcomed his contemplation. The lass presented quite an intriguing gold feathered fledgling, just begging to be plucked. He looked around, spying her parents on the dance floor. The father/husband, despite being an excellent dancer, gave him no interest. It was his partner, the wife/ mother, decked out in a iridescent suit and long swishing satin skirt upon which he now was reexamining. He again studied under the bright dance floor lights her fine pearls dangling from her ears, throat, and wrists. But it was the Ladies’ two rings that stole the show for him; an engagement ring with a rock of at least 2 carets surrounded by numerous shimmering half caret stones and a pinky ring similar to her daughters, that proudly displayed a single white solitaire diamond of at least one caret that had garnered his consideration. He also reconsidered the facts that he had been able to garnish about the lady who wore them, and her husband. The wife/mother was a heavy drinker who would not be expected to make any kind of appearance before noon. Hubby was a golfer, who would be out for breakfast at five am before being on the links at 6 am the next morning . At 5 :15 Seth was planning to pay a visit to his suite, and relieve his two ladies of their expensive trinkets. It should be an easy straight forward caper, that had Seth bristling with anticipation at the prospect.

As he was tossing down the last of his drink he remembered about Dare and the note he still had in his pocket. Setting down the empty glass, he pulled the note out and looked at it, kids he smirked, and was preparing to crinkle toss it on the bar and leave, when his eyes caught sight of Beth. He had felt his breath taken away when he saw her. Not at all what he had expected, he would say to Beth much later in the evening. He looked over the note, stirrings of a plan began formulating. All thoughts of the dancing couple and his plans fled his mind, as He rose, throwing a fiver on the bar and went off to intercept Beth.

Seth held Beth in his arms, she was a vivacious little thing he thought, while smiling charmingly into her eyes. She seemed a little apprehensive at first, but had settled right in when he had told her this had been set up by Dare, remember me at the bar with him this afternoon he had consoled her, she had smile brightly into his eyes in answer. He relished in the feel of her warm satin gown, and allowed himself to be mesmerized by the shimmer of her diamonds.

It reminded him of the diamonds that had been worn by one of his dance partners earlier that evening at a reception. He had forgotten her name, but not her diamonds, one of which now resided in a hidden compartment of his roadsters boot, along with the diamond pin he had slipped off the satin cape he had cordially help a well-dressed lady put on. He had also shelved his plans for his 5:15 am “meeting” at the golf playing husbands hotel room, Beth’s jewels were a much more lucrative prospect.

When the dance had ended he took her to the bar and sat her down, ordering her a drink. She seemed a little perplexed, Seth kissed her gloved hand; wait for it he told her mysteriously, winking into her eyes. Beth had winked back, the fire in her heart reflecting deep in her eyes. Seth left, smiling cleverly to himself as he took in his surroundings. He looked around as he walked away, now where had the little imp gotten off too?

He had decided that the seventeen year old in the long flirting gown would play a very different role in his plans. He approached her, with Dares note and a twenty. Thought for a moment about the pair of thick platinum gold chains dangling from her throat down the open neckline of the girl’s glossy gown, then banished the though, he had bigger fish to filet. The twenty caught her attention and she eagerly listened as he explained to her what to do, pointing out Beth sitting, waiting in earnest at the bar. Wait until she finishes her drink, Seth told her as she listened eagerly. She took the twenty into her hand, the half caret diamond on her pinky ring flashing, and her gold chain bracelets jangled as she grasped it. Seth left, figuring he had about twenty minutes to stop at his car, get a few items from the boot, and put his plan in motion.

Beth had curiously received the note from the attractively shy young lady, clad a slinky gown that made her appear years older. Reading it she folded it and was just getting up when a man wearing a suit came up to her and offered to let her dance with him. It took her some time, before she was finally able to ward him off and leave the brilliantly lit clubroom for the dark, forbidding grounds outside.

Now, a thoroughly excited Beth walked up the hill. Her senses becoming more prickling alert with each step. Innocently unaware that she was no longer playing a role in Dare’s game!

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Epilogue:

As Seth walked away admiring the shimmery necklace, his thoughts travelled back to the gold burdened impish youngster in the swirling gown, and her pearl and diamond laden mother. Revisiting his original plans he decided that he liked the odds, especially since they would be against him. With the father leaving early to meet his cronies for breakfast the Mother should be still sleeping off her drink induced stupor, the hyperactive girl should still be out cold, but presented no risk if she awoke, he had more rope. The ladies jewels should be lying about in the apartment, or handedly on their persons( the pairs of diamond pinky rings, as well as the multi-diamond engagement ring flashed once again across his memory with all their brilliant glory),as he caught fire with the vision. There could be a safe he reasoned, but with a tied up daughter and a knife in his hand, the mother should have no issue opening it for him, or disclosing anywhere else her jewels may have been hidden . But if there was no safe, and the rings, pearls and solid white gold chains were somewhere in the room, he knew he would be able to noiselessly break in, find and slip the jewels from wherever they were perched, and be safely on his way without even causing the slightest stir from the sleeping woman and her daughter. It was a road Seth had travelled down many times. He prickled at the thought, as he foresightedly tallied up the potential haul while making his way to the car. The Mother/wife’s diamond rings, would easily fetch him at least three grand, probably close five with her pearls and the whelp’s jewelry added in. About a quarter of what he probably would get for the jewels now in his procession, so he mused inquisitively to himself, so ,was it worth the risk of his 20,000 bird in hand? Yes he answered himself, as all too familiar and welcome tingling sensation overwhelmed Seths muscular body. Like Dare, Seth like to play risky games, especially those which promised to be somewhat profitable. It would be a tantalizingly chancy gamble of his own; to wait a safe distance away while things cooled down and then return to break into the un protected sleeping ladies chamber.. He knew just the place to hide , and it would be a perfect spot to watch events unfold around Beth and Dare, while making his plans! It also afforded a nicely secret hiding nook for the ill-gotten gains collected so far that evening in case something went wrong, which it wouldn’t..

Courtesy of Chatwick University Archives

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On 25 October 2018, I dashed down to a place that I had been curious about for the last few years. Every time I drove the highway, I would pass a sign that said Kayben Farms. My daughter had posted photos from a visit there with friends a while ago and there were a few things that I wanted to see sometime. A spur-of-the-moment visit gave me the chance to do so. Actually, I suspect it may also have been a delaying tactic for all the endless things that I knew I should be seeing to.

There were a few sheds/barns scattered around the grounds. Most were a pretty basic, simple shape and not old. However, I loved one little barn and absolutely loved the wonderfully bright and colourful door of two other buildings. The one barn had an assortment of ducks, chickens, pigs - and a rabbit that I only noticed when I was editing the image. There were several different kinds of domestic duck and two in particular caught my eye. A female domestic Turkey had two babies, one black and the other was a tan colour, and what a good mother she was.

Wandering near the corn maze - now closed till next year - I came across a dead Sunflower hanging its head. One of my favourite things to photograph, at any stage of their life. As for a corn maze, nothing would make me enter .... nothing, unless the corn plants were no higher than my waist and if I was with someone who has an excellent sense of direction!

Various pieces of old farm equipment dotted the area. I always enjoy coming across such things on any of my travels.

In a nearby area, there was a variety of farm animals, including a very cute pig that was fast asleep and snoring loudly, and horses, sheep and goats were entertaining. All made for a very pleasant visit, just in time before the farm closed to the public for the winter season.

What is THIS? I was at Terra Fauna Farm today, chasing down the usual butterflies and bees, when this curious flying thing crossed my path. Very speedy, it dashed around the flower garden at a furious pace. I've got more photos, but this is the best view of its wings and body. It has a wing span of about 2 1/2 inches or so. Anybody know what it is?

UPDATE: After poking around in Wikipedia, it looks like it's a Hyles lineata, also known as the white-lined sphinx, a moth of the family Sphingidae. Sometimes known as a "hummingbird moth", which explains why it was so speedy and difficult to photograph. Definitely not something you see every day.

01-08-2015

This smart Florida based G280 N516CC arrived at Southampton nearly two weeks ago and was hangared for it's entire stay. Dashed up to catch it departing back home via Gander. Taxying past the car park in back lit conditions. Shot this one last year at Luton in the rain so leased to get a little nicer shot.

26-10-2014

Dashed up to the local this morning for this nice arrival. Stylishly painted CJ4 N322SB on short finals to runway 20 at Southampton.

This Eastern Chipmunk stopped running across the forest floor just long enough to get a good look at me, and for me to grab a photo before it dashed off again. Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Nova Scotia.

Pattern

Sometimes life beats you down, and you wonder what's it all for....it's moments like this. Nature heals once again. (Now i suck at phone pics. You don't know how many times I've come home to groaners, but this, i just had to share)

I was doing my usual 25 mile morning bike ride when i saw a flash of movement in the ditch. I immediately slammed on the breaks and this little one came up to greet me, one sniff of my hand... she knew i wasn't her mom and dashed off onto the road. If i was a predator, fate would of ended her life. I scooped her up before she got ran over and carried her into the field. I couldn't believe my eyes, her rapid heartbeat thumping through my chest to my heart will stay with me forever. What a gift! I wonder if we imprinted, (like a new born foal does with a human) and if I'll ever see her again in the wilderness....

Before going into work last night, I went back to Rim Road and used my telephoto lens to zoom in on the Wells Fargo Building. During the shot, I zoomed out and this was the effect. This one's for you CIndy....hope you like this one.

Kent, go get Cindy and click here...hurry

Wells Fargo Building

El Paso TX

I was having a relaxing time in the George Evans hide on Saturday when this anxious fox dashed in front of the hide in a hurry...lifting all the birds on the fore shore. It's the closest that I have come to a fox in daylight.Sorry not to comment recently...I have photo and Flickr fatigue!!! Thanks for helping this photo make Explore #182 on Sept 26th 2011. My 70th photo in Explore!!!

With sunset drawing near, my hopes of catching an eastbound somewhere seemed all but dashed... Fortunately for me, Q290 surprised me as they swing through E.E. Pemberville with a pair of AC GEVO's and 149 autoracks in tow. This is by far the longest autorack train I've ever seen.

After a somewhat chilly two and a half hour walk in a local park this morning, I came home and knew I just had to go food shopping before the bitter weather rolls in for the next few days. The first snowflakes began to fall by the end of the walk and shortly afterwards, the heavy, blowing snow started. I glanced through a front window to see how much snow I was going to have to clear off my car and was delighted to see two of these Jack Rabbits hopping around outside my place. I dashed to get my camera and managed to get three or four quick shots. Not sure what the forecast now says for the weekend, but it was something like -27C (and around -40C with wind chill!). No nature walks for me - and my camera wouldn't like it, either : )

A Met Police BMW X5 ARV seen responding across Tower Bridge, London. I heard the sirens so dashed to a traffic island, thankfully it was worth it!!

As she turns each page, there is a certain transformation that begins. The solid floor under her bare feet become warmed by the forest's underbelly. The calm air in the room swirls to a gentle breeze that carries birds into the night. The grasses dance and the trees listen. She is halfway in.

Backstory:

We went to a vintage store yesterday. While looking at some clothing, I stumbled across an adorable, black petticoat. This is big news for a girl like me intoxicated with unique photography props, smiling.

It was with much excitement today that I gathered it in my arms (it's sizable, in the most polite form) and dashed downstairs to my makeshift studio. Then nearly immediately dashed back up the stairs to gather the camera. In all the excitement of the petticoat, I had forgotten it.

Though I intended the focus of this image to be the petticoat, the photograph embarked on an alternate journey. A book joined the frame and from there a forest thickened.

This is a prime example of how the creative world of photography takes me to places I had no intention of going, but I never tire of the surprise. On this day, I coalesced into the woods.

I feel sure the petticoat will make an appearance, in the near future. Smiling, again.

Apps Used:

Timer Camera (to get the self-portrait shot)

Diana (this is a new one for me, and I'm loving it)

Pixlr

Image Blender (to add trees and grasses)

Have a wonderfully creative Sunday, my friends. xo

We had to change our initial itinerary for this trip after we learned that a new art gallery in Saskatoon is only open Thursdays to Sundays. That's why we dashed to St Paul, Alberta after seeing Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, so that we could return to Saskatchewan today, to see the new museum tomorrow in Saskatoon. The change did add about 500 km's to the trip, but the new museum should be well worth the effort.

For Anders and Knut and Cowgirlrightup: Fried until crispy/translucent, then dashed with Sriracha hot sauce and something that tastes like pomegranate molasses...a secret sauce made by the Surfrider Cafe in Santa Cruz that they say has orange in it.

This is one of the most beautiful moments of my life. It was about 15 minutes past 7. It was our last evening at Mutiara Burau Bay. Since 6pm the cloud seemed ominous with no hope of a majestic sundown. At 7, my aunt asked me and my cousin why did we forgo the sunset and we conveniently stated it was raining and there's no sight to scream about.

And we looked out, and we screamed like little girls. Dashed out and it was drizzling and we took the risk. We might not be able to encounter such beautiful gift from God again so my little baby was wet , I was drenched but that 10 minutes we were out capturing this, I felt so blessed.

Then this couple, climbed the rockbed and smiled at us, perhaps, acknowledging it was okay to shoot them.Sweet couple, embracing in the midst of Nature's beauty.

If you guys ever come across this, I'll gladly give you a free print of this if you want to.

"My night has become a sunny dawn because of you"- Ibn Abbad

© Copyright Iskandar 2009 | All rights reserved.

Do not use, copy or edit any of my materials without my written permission.

Would appreciate not having large/animated multi invite codes

On my way to the mailbox, I heard a scream and discovered this Cooper's Hawk sitting in a tree in my front yard. Dashed inside to grab the camera and managed to get a few shots before a passing car scared the raptor off.

Was already fairly dark out, even shooting wide open and with 1/640s shutter speed still resulted in an ISO of 25600. Cleaned it up with DxO PureRAW 3.

After an utterly abortive attempt to capture the sunset at Selsey I quickly dashed back to the part of Pagham Harbour Nature Reserve accessed from the Selsey side and captured the last scraps of the sunset in the water. This location is right next to the main road and let me tell you, cars, vans, motorbikes come hammering down this road. Not pleasant when you're on a less than satisfactory pavement trying to keep your nerves and your camera still!