View allAll Photos Tagged gratification
shot with a classic 1970s polaroid SX-70. electronically modified to use and accurately expose polaroid 600/779 film.
I met an older photographer named Jerry Hanson (you can find him on Facebook) while setting up my camera for this one. He was shooting digital, but he remembered using a Speed Graphic like mine when he was in the military in the 1950's (I think). We talked about cameras while taking pictures. The interesting thing was, that he didn't seem interested in the usual film vs. digital debate that sometimes happens. I'm usually content just to talk about gear, and I don't pass judgement on what other people are using. Some folks, not so much. (Note to my digital photographer friends: this doesn't apply to you). They try to convince me that their switch to digital somehow was a better choice than mine. They don't come right out and say it, but it's carried in their tone, and they way they talk about the speed and ease of use of their cameras. But, Mr. Hanson didn't seem to be carrying any ego into the conversation, and it was plasant and informative.
I haven't made the switch to digital because I don't think it's real photography. I have stayed exclusively with film because I believe that the meduim informs the art. I like the slow process, and the lack of instant gratification, becuse my life is hectic and stressful, and I need soething that forces me to be patient, and to slow down enough to find the Zen moments, and express them in a way that conveys what I see in those moments.
Camera: Speed Graphic 4x5
Lens: Bausch & Lomb Rectiliniar circa 1890 (I haven't researched it's exact age).
Film: Fuji Astia
Note 6/9/18: Uploaded sharper, better version.
Second note: after losing my darkroom in 2015, I bought a digital camera, and have been using both film and digital. The above description was from 2014.
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I went for a walk in my neighborhood this evening with my DSLR, which I've been neglecting since I got my film camera. I'm growing to love film but I have to say that I like the instant gratification of digital.
Just a test with the 55mm f3.5 Nikkor, this an Ai version from about 1978. Here at maximum without the extension tube , shot on the D500 for instant gratification. I am always impressed with the white balance it achieves. Also finished a roll of Ektar in the F6 with the same lens and settings but of course the results are awaited :-)
The D500 was on auto ISO with instructions to hold minimum of 1/250th no noise reduction applied for the 1,000 iso, we are rather spoilt these days, is it too easy?
It's been a while since a coffee shot. I travelled to Singapore and I had the opportunity to try some good coffee. Now Singapore hasn't been renowned as a coffee destination, but the metamorphosis has been remarkable. One week is not long enough to cover the all the great cafes that have popped up over the last 18 months. One cafe that I had my sights on was, Nylon Roasters. Nylon is purely about coffee. It's a small area with a communal table with no chairs. Choices? Well there's little, either an espresso or flat white in 3, 5 and 7 ounce cups. I enjoyed my 5 ounce flat white and quick escape from the humidity and heat. For an express caffeine gratification Nylon Roasters is definitely a destination.
“To the complaint, 'There are no people in these photographs,' I respond, There are always two people: the photographer and the viewer.”
― Ansel Adams
fuji instax 210
United States National Bank
Portland, OR
ADOX MCP 312 B/W RC paper, variable contrast, matte - used as paper negative.
Exposure: 85 seconds
Shot with custom large format pinhole camera designed and built in collaboration with extremely talented master camera maker Kurt Mottweiler.
Now that I have access to a scanner, albeit a very old one, I scanned a few of my better polaroids that I took with SX-70 and Polaroid SLR 690 in the various parts of France in August and September. I will have them rescanned individually once I return to Beijing.
For the moment, I am going through the last and also the busiest week of my stay in Geneva as the annual General Assembly of the organization which I am working for is ongoing. Browsing through the wonderful works on flickr is such a great way to reduce stress!
Impossible 8x10 Test Batch
This photo is a self-portrait taken by my friend Ashley.
210mm lens Toyo 8x10.
shot at f/5.6 at 1/8 second
using hot lights.
-straight from the scan, no touch up in photoshop
Headed out to capture the tail end of the fall foliage season. Was short on time this afternoon, so stayed close to home, scoping out this scene in a nearby neighbourhood. Which of these compositions do you like more? I prefer the one with less foreground and more sky. Anita seems to like the other...
Shot with a Fuji Instax 210.
Don't look past me, photo essay. Part 2 of 3.
A number of chemicals are released during orgasm, including norepinephrine, serotonin, oxytocin, vasopressin, nitric oxide, and prolactin. A study at the University of California found that the hormone oxytocin is "associated with the ability to maintain healthy interpersonal relationships and healthy psychological boundaries with other people" (3). Vasopressin is another hormone that has been associated with the formation of long-term, loving relationships. Endorphins also play a key role in producing a general sense of well-being, including feeling soothed, peaceful and secure.
Prolactin is a feel-good hormone released during orgasm that provides the body with sexual gratification and is an indicator of sexual satisfaction and relaxation. Researchers at the University of Paisley found that there was 400% more prolactin in the bloodstream of people who had sex with a partner, in comparison to those who had masturbated to porn (4). The good effects of orgasm are strongest when part of a loving relationship. A person masturbating to porn is less likely to feel sexual contentment and is less likely to feel relaxed and de-stressed. This may imply that masturbation is required more frequently to fulfill sexual needs and to loosen up.
I am a few days late, due to stuff to cooperating, but here I am.
I am very anti recast, I'm pretty sure anyone who follows me knows this.
This year I chose my Lillycat dolls to be features, because I have amassed quite a few of them and most of them have a lil story of how I got them.
One of the things that makes people buy recasts is because they want instant gratification. I think we all do to some extent. But this is a hobby of patience.
Sometimes you wait 7 months for a body (my purple Lyse) and sometimes you bide your time and wait til that certain one pops up on the secondhand market (my OOAK colored Ombre).
If you can't make enough money right away, there's things like layaway (my Kitty Jolie and Deavon were bought straight from Lillycat using layaway) and sometimes you just find a good deal (Ninon and Millie Choupie were secondhand for reasonable prices).
And last but not least, one of the arguments I see is that people want a doll in a color that doesn't exist. Well, I wanted a black Lyse after seeing MisMantis dye hers black and that's how I got a black Lyse.
There are people in the hobby that can help you achieve your dream doll.
You should not cut corners at the expense of others. If you are opposed to spending money or opposed to waiting, this hobby isn't the right hobby for you.
Two years between snaffling this outfit and actually getting a chance to wear it. Two years!
Where was I all this time? Suffice it to say, the Azerbaijani authorities take a very dim view of anybody caught smuggling Norman Wisdom videos into their fair country. Still, I suppose a men's prison might have been worse...
OK, Jenny. You can borrow that skirt now. Borrow, remember?
It looks like I’m trying to fly away everyday from my fears, yet I got the feeling I’m not moving at all. Even worse, sometimes I feel like I’m not going to move anymore. My wings have broken a long time ago and I’m not sure when the time I'll finally get them again will come.
It might be just fear, this sensation, and I might be just afraid to repair my wings and fly again…Maybe time will repair my wings by itself, healing me and letting me to find my lost freedom.
It’s a weird way of living, dreaming big yet not being confident enough to go and live…
Anyway, it’s strange as well that I’m REALLY satisfied of my last photos. I like my works but I usually ask for more… more perfection, more background story,, more details…I really hope I’ll keep going in this direction of gratification :)
The Goulburn Herald and County of Argyle Advertiser (NSW : 1848 - 1859) | Wed 29 Dec 1858 | Page 2
WESLEYAN CHAPEL, MUMMELL
ON Monday last (27 Dec 1858), the foundation stone of a Wesleyan Chapel was laid at Mummell. There were during the day about 150 or 200 persons present. It had been arranged that the stone should be laid by C. H. Walsh, Esq., but through an accident which occurred when leaving Goulburn, that gentleman, much to the regret of all present, was prevented from being present on the interesting occasion. In his absence the ceremony was performed by the Rev. J. Watsford, and the Rev. George Hurst, brother of the late Rev. B. Hurst, gave a most excellent address.
The Chapel will be 30 feet by 20; walls, 14 feet high. The site is a most beautiful one, being on an eminence which columnands a view of the surrounding country.
At 2 o'clock, nearly two hundred persons sat down to a very good luncheon, prepared by the members of the church, and others, at Mummell and Maxton. When ample justice had been done to the good things provided, a public meeting was commenced, and James Chisholm, Esq., was called to the chair. The meeting was addressed by the Rev. G. Hurst, Messrs. Davies and Blatchford, and the Rev. J. Watsford.
A vote of thanks was most cordially given to J. W. Chisholm, Esq., for his great kindness in giving the land for the chapel. A vote of thanks was also presented to those who had provided the luncheon. The thanks of the meeting were presented to James Chisholm, Esq., for presiding at the meeting.
Subscriptions were received at the meeting, amounting to about £60.
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The Goulburn Herald and County of Argyle Advertiser (NSW : 1848 - 1859) Wed 28 Dec 1859
Page 2
LOCAL INTELLIGENCE
OPENING OF THE WESLEYAN CHAPEL AT MUMMEL.
On Monday (26 Dec 1859), the new commodious chapel at Mummel was formally opened. the day being kept as a holiday, many of the residents in Goulburn availed themselves of the opportunity to attened, and from 150 to 200 persons were on the ground. The site selected by the donor, John W. Chisholm, Esq., is an eminence commanding a most beautiful view, while the building, erected on the highest part of the ground, gives an interest to the scenery, and is a pleasing feature in the landscape. The chapel is built of rubble stone, and will accommodate 150 hearers.
At one o'clock the opening services were conducted by the Rev. J. Watsford, superintendent of the circuit. After service the visitors partook of a plentiful repast, provided by the residents, and then a public meeting was held in the chapel, the chair being occupied by J. W. CHISHOLM, Esq., who said he felt it to be an honour to preside, and expressed great pleasure in meeting so many with whose faces he was familiar.
The Rev. J. WATSFORD then made the financial statement, and it appeared that the whole cost of erecting the chapel had been £204 19s., exclusive of gratuitous labour of the members of the church at Mummel valued at £43. The subscriptions amounted to £129 5s.; and there was a grant from the chapel building fund of £50, leaving a debt of about £25. He, the reverend speaker, felt assured that the whole of this amount would be subscribed ere the meeting broke up. He had had a great deal of experince in begging, and had been generally successful, and he did not fear the result of his present application, He was glad to see Mr. Chisholm occupying the chair; it was a proof of cordial feeling on the part of members of one section of Christ's church towards another section, and, for his own part he, entertained the most friendly sentiments towards the church of which the chairman was a member. He thought that if the different sections of the church loved one another with a true heart fervently, whilst each used the utmost exertion to increase its efficiency and extend its operations, the world would be greatly benefitted. The farmer who did not waste his time in building high fences to exclude the view of and the association with his neighbour, but who carefully and laboriously tilled his own land and exchanged friendly greetings with his fellow men, was more likely to be sucessful than he who adopted an opposite course. So in the church; and he trusted the time would never come when the separating wall between the Wesleyan church and the church of England should be so high as to prevent their shaking hands, and the interchange of sympalthy and encourgement. He had no thought of inducing the chairman to become a methodist. but he should do all in his power to advance methodism in this district, and he believed he could do this and wish God speed to other churches. A Wesleyan minister had said, " I cannot be a bigot, for I am a methodist." He hoped the circumstances of that day would serve to unite the sections of the church in the bonds of christian love. We may, sir (continued the speaker), belong to diffirent regiments, but we have one captain, and over us floats the glorious and blood-besprinkled banner of the cross.
Mr. R. H. BLATCHFORD, greatly rejoiced to see this and other churches erected; it proved that the people of this district were mindful not only of their temporal but of their spiritual good. It evinced too a desire to extend the Redeemer's kingdom, and could not fail to be greatly beneficial to the neighbourhood. This was an age of progress. Improvements were now made in science and art for the benefit of mankind, and the christian man was anxious to extend the knowledge of God, to spread abroad the truth as it is in Jesus. In the fatherland there was manifested a desire to promulgate the gospel, and here, too, efforts were being made to proclaim present and eternal salvation. Hitherto the services had been conducted in small and unsuitable houses, but now a commodious chapel was erected, which would be another outpost from which to attack the enemy.
JAMES K. CHISHOLM, Esq., felt the want of preparation, but he should be guilty of discourtesy if he refused. Not much more than a week had elapsed since he had been present at the ceremony of laying the foundation stone of a church in the immediate neighbourhood, and he was gratified to see here so many of those who had been present upon that occasion. He hoped to see the two churches flourish side by side, and work out the largest possible amount of good. It was sad to see churches agreeing in great truths, yet severing on points of minor importancc—and they who set christians against christians were enemies of their country and of their God. Cortrasting the present aspect of this neighbourhood with its condition twenty years ago, he saw a marked improvement. Then the whole of the land was occupied by only a few individuals, but these had given place to another class of men, and now the river was lined with farms; enclosures met the eye on every hand, and a large extent of land was under cultivation. Then, and until this building was erected the eye looked in vain for a house dedicated to the worship of God. Now this was available, and shortly another would be completed, where the people could worship God according to their conscience. Yet there was a great want, and that want was a school. There were probably 100 children within a short distance, and it was lamentable to reflect that they were growing up in ignorance—fruitful source of crime—and deep would be the anguish and remorse of those parents who neglected the proper education of their children. He exhorted them to secure a good education for their children, to have right principles implanted in them; so should they be a blessing and not a curse. He congratulated the people on the pleasing financial statement they had heard, and offered his contribution towards liquidating the existing debt.
Mr. WILLIAM DAVIES requested the meeting to give honour to whom honour was due, and felt assured that the want of a formal resolution to that effect would not prevent the congregation from awarding heartfelt thanks to the chairman for his kind grant of the site for their chapel. He congratulated the members of the episcopal church on the commencement of their temple for the worship of the Triune God. But while they were building material temples they must not forget that it was their duty to consecrate themselves to the Lord, and fully to serve and love him. He trusted to see a sabbath school commenced at once, as it was impossible to esimate too highly the good effects of early religious training; not only a sabbath but a day school should be established. They were bound to educate their children to the extent of their abililty—they were not warranted in inflicting upon society the evil results of neglected training. It was a question not of money, not of expediency, but of moral obligation. Wat was the possession of a few hundred acres of land compared with the gratification of contributing to their children's real and permanent welfare; though their children might inherit ten or twenty acres less, they would have, in a sound moral and intellectual training, a legacy far more valuable. These objects, contemplated in the erection of this place of worship, successfully carried out, the coming forty years would display results with which the past could not compare.
A collection was then made, and the full amount of the previous debt contributed.
A vote of thanks to the chairman was moved by the Rev. J. Watsford, seconded by Mr. Blatchford, and carried.
The CHAIRMAN, in reply, said, that although not a Wesleyan, he felt proud to be associated with them in a good cause; he was gratified to find the site so much approved, and trusted the people in the neighbourhood would avail themselves of their advantages, and make a right use of the building now opened; and hoped they would be determined to have a good education for their children. A few years ago a public-house had been erected near them, but he felt that it would have been much more beneficial had a place of worship been erected instead.
After singing the doxology, the benediction was given, and the large audience quickly dispersed to their respected homes.
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In my training, David Shen makes SO much sense when he says:
"...I believe every single woman deserves to have a deeply committed man in her life.
I believe you have everything you need inside of you right now, to inspire that deep sense of emotional commitment from your man. In fact, not just from your man, but any man, once you understand their emotional trigger for commitment.
But it’s not that easy.
One of the biggest problems I see today, is that our world revolves around masculinising women. Deadlines, pressure, need to succeed, need to compete, all these elements are ingrained into our society and it’s stripping away the natural feminine energy from women.
Coupled with the fact that now the times have changed. We now live in the 21st century, we live in the world of Facebook, internet dating and instant gratification.
So men and women have way more options now than we’ve ever had, and sometimes for men, they may feel like they have less reason to commit to one woman.
So with all that being said, it’s absolutely critical that you understand what makes a man WANT to emotionally commit to one woman.
What is it going to take to make him see you as his one and only?
The answer is a concept that I want you to become familiar with, which is what I call, “High Value Vulnerability”.
That's right... “High Value Vulnerability”.
A woman who is high value when she can stand up for herself yet vulnerable enough so that her feminine energy invites the man deeper into her heart and soul.
“High Value Vulnerability”, that’s it. It works every single time because it triggers men’s instinctive desires to protect.
The opposite of that is, of course a low value woman, who’s always looking for approval and attention, someone who perhaps can’t stand up for herself, and at the same time, lacking in a sense of vulnerability, therefore she’s cold, rigid, and maybe even acting tough.
Because in this society, it’s easy to put up walls and masks to protect ourselves.
Sometimes it’s easy to feel like being vulnerable is being weak. I can totally understand thinking that way.
Vulnerability when you’re looking to take attention, approval and validation, that looks weak to others.
Vulnerability when you’re uncomfortable within your own skin, that looks awkward to others.
Vulnerability when it hasn’t progressed to that stage of the relationship can certainly create a disconnect.
However…
There’s a different type of vulnerability.
Vulnerability in the sense of being in flow with your emotions, that’s powerful as your emotions can be infinitely inspiring.
But you have to become open to your own emotions. You have to respect your emotions and realise that they are important too.
Vulnerability in the sense that you’re not trying to take anything from anyone else, that is high value.
And that is what men gravitate towards.
“High Value Vulnerability”, that is the secret.
in this world of convenience and instant gratification, i'm so grateful for the feeling that comes to me when i bake bread. when i'm baking bread i feel whole, and deeply rooted in my life.
This pack of Artistic TZ is giving me some wild results! Very, very blue, and quite soft. Lovely, though!
Today's shot for 'Roid Week, btw!
I was feeling in need of a instant gratification project last night so I thought I'd tackle the Wildflower Pincushion by Anna Maria Horner. It was an audition for the Scrappy Pincushion Swap but I'm not so sure about it yet!
So many pieces to cut out and too many curves and fussy sewing, not my style! I love love the results but I'll definitely need a long break before I ever make another one!
Polaroid SX-70
Impossible Project 600 film
Spectra radial red with clear center filter
ZEpson V500 scanner
Over the past few weeks, I've been going absolutely Spectra crazy!
Playing around just before Xmas, I borrowed a snazzy little Polaroid Spectra Close-Up kit from Mr. Michael Raso of the Film Photography Podcast. WARNING: This closeup kit + Impossible Project film needs A LOT of light! But when you can nail down the "pull string" focusing, you'll be rewarded with great shots.
The original inseparable pair themselves, Lauren & Strudel. Nothing more to say here, except maybe, "HEY! Hold that mutt still!" ^__^
Polaroid Spectra SE
Closeup Attachment w/ "pull string"
Heavily Expired Spectra Film (2005)
Shot on location as part of the portrait series in Tettnang, Germany. Post-processing done in Affinity Photo 1.10.
Paper: Harman Direct Positive RC 8x10
Tripod: Berlebach Report 322
Head: Linhof Nivellierneiger 77
Scanner: EPSON Perfection V700 Photo
It's not quite the complete works, and I've a couple of box sets that won't fit on the shelf. Completism is such a male thing, isn't it? The official accounts will tell you that Peter Hammill (often abbreviated to PH) is a founding member of "alternative" rock band Van der Graaf Generator (VdGG), and that he has recorded well over thirty critically-acclaimed solo albums in a forty-three year period. These facts alone might have elevated Hammill to the dreaded "national treasure" status, but thankfully that hasn't happened, and I suspect he himself will be as relieved as anyone about that.
Trying to describe what PH is like to someone who knows nothing about him is hard: a singer, a song-writer, a recording artist, a record producer, he plays piano and guitar, a performer; he works alone or with collaborators. These are objective truths … but to try to give a better idea ... I'd say PH is thought-provoking, honest, driven, unpredictable, quintessentially English, an explorer of the sometimes uncomfortable aspects of the human condition, refuses to stand still creatively, a family man, in possession of a unique voice that has the power to terrify and enthral in equal measure, a regular bloke, on a mission, doesn't seek "popularity", and is someone who works tirelessly to achieve his own plans and goals rather than trying to please an audience (but is glad when he does). If I thought harder I could list more.
I sometimes wonder how songs about loss and regret - and many of them are - can be so uplifting. Maybe it's down to a certain temperament on the part of the listener. I became captivated by Peter Hammill's work at the very end of the twentieth century, through a combination of VdGG-immersion and devouring the writings of Andy Tillison (recording artist, creative force behind the bands The Tangent and Parallel or 90 Degrees, and long-time PH aficionado). And so I started building this CD collection; some of them were out of print at the time so I had to resort to second-hand shops or eBay to get them.
Someone recently wrote - and it brought a wry smile to my face - that PH makes "music that most people will hate". He's certainly not everyone's cup of tea, but even so it's a bit harsh, because I think most people could find at least some PH songs that they'd like. Hammill is one of Britain's most accomplished and influential living artists, yet those same "most people" will never have heard of him. At the age of 65, and in today's era of instant gratification and five-minute fame courtesy of "X Factor" and "The Voice", Hammill continues to innovate and surprise, and shows no signs of slowing down. I'll mention just one song from the hundreds he has written: "Sleep Now". I challenge any man who has at least one beloved daughter of any age not to be moved by the words, or by Hammill's delivery of this achingly beautiful lullaby.
It's a bit of an old cliché, but I can say with hand on heart (another cliché) that Peter Hammill's music has enriched my life. And I haven't even mentioned his live performances ...
In the Dominican Republic is a tradition see a woman smoke a big cigar in a social gathering.This young girl real love cigar, you can see that.
driving down PCH is always beautiful.
Nicole and I used to work together! She is always a joy to be around :]
so yes we drove down pch a few hours ago and utilized the beautiful sun before the clouds and that coastal mist rolled in. I guess digital is nice for this reason. Instant gratification, I only took like 3 digital shots for light metering purposes. Film shots soon. This is sooc or whatever you guys say haha.
This church always photographs well in natural light just before sunrise.
This is my last attempt in 2015.
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The Goulburn Herald and County of Argyle Advertiser (NSW : 1848 - 1859) | Wed 29 Dec 1858 | Page 2
WESLEYAN CHAPEL, MUMMELL
ON Monday last (27 Dec 1858), the foundation stone of a Wesleyan Chapel was laid at Mummell. There were during the day about 150 or 200 persons present. It had been arranged that the stone should be laid by C. H. Walsh, Esq., but through an accident which occurred when leaving Goulburn, that gentleman, much to the regret of all present, was prevented from being present on the interesting occasion. In his absence the ceremony was performed by the Rev. J. Watsford, and the Rev. George Hurst, brother of the late Rev. B. Hurst, gave a most excellent address.
The Chapel will be 30 feet by 20; walls, 14 feet high. The site is a most beautiful one, being on an eminence which columnands a view of the surrounding country.
At 2 o'clock, nearly two hundred persons sat down to a very good luncheon, prepared by the members of the church, and others, at Mummell and Maxton. When ample justice had been done to the good things provided, a public meeting was commenced, and James Chisholm, Esq., was called to the chair. The meeting was addressed by the Rev. G. Hurst, Messrs. Davies and Blatchford, and the Rev. J. Watsford.
A vote of thanks was most cordially given to J. W. Chisholm, Esq., for his great kindness in giving the land for the chapel. A vote of thanks was also presented to those who had provided the luncheon. The thanks of the meeting were presented to James Chisholm, Esq., for presiding at the meeting.
Subscriptions were received at the meeting, amounting to about £60.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Goulburn Herald and County of Argyle Advertiser (NSW : 1848 - 1859) Wed 28 Dec 1859
Page 2
LOCAL INTELLIGENCE
OPENING OF THE WESLEYAN CHAPEL AT MUMMEL.
On Monday (26 Dec 1859), the new commodious chapel at Mummel was formally opened. the day being kept as a holiday, many of the residents in Goulburn availed themselves of the opportunity to attened, and from 150 to 200 persons were on the ground. The site selected by the donor, John W. Chisholm, Esq., is an eminence commanding a most beautiful view, while the building, erected on the highest part of the ground, gives an interest to the scenery, and is a pleasing feature in the landscape. The chapel is built of rubble stone, and will accommodate 150 hearers.
At one o'clock the opening services were conducted by the Rev. J. Watsford, superintendent of the circuit. After service the visitors partook of a plentiful repast, provided by the residents, and then a public meeting was held in the chapel, the chair being occupied by J. W. CHISHOLM, Esq., who said he felt it to be an honour to preside, and expressed great pleasure in meeting so many with whose faces he was familiar.
The Rev. J. WATSFORD then made the financial statement, and it appeared that the whole cost of erecting the chapel had been £204 19s., exclusive of gratuitous labour of the members of the church at Mummel valued at £43. The subscriptions amounted to £129 5s.; and there was a grant from the chapel building fund of £50, leaving a debt of about £25. He, the reverend speaker, felt assured that the whole of this amount would be subscribed ere the meeting broke up. He had had a great deal of experince in begging, and had been generally successful, and he did not fear the result of his present application, He was glad to see Mr. Chisholm occupying the chair; it was a proof of cordial feeling on the part of members of one section of Christ's church towards another section, and, for his own part he, entertained the most friendly sentiments towards the church of which the chairman was a member. He thought that if the different sections of the church loved one another with a true heart fervently, whilst each used the utmost exertion to increase its efficiency and extend its operations, the world would be greatly benefitted. The farmer who did not waste his time in building high fences to exclude the view of and the association with his neighbour, but who carefully and laboriously tilled his own land and exchanged friendly greetings with his fellow men, was more likely to be sucessful than he who adopted an opposite course. So in the church; and he trusted the time would never come when the separating wall between the Wesleyan church and the church of England should be so high as to prevent their shaking hands, and the interchange of sympalthy and encourgement. He had no thought of inducing the chairman to become a methodist. but he should do all in his power to advance methodism in this district, and he believed he could do this and wish God speed to other churches. A Wesleyan minister had said, " I cannot be a bigot, for I am a methodist." He hoped the circumstances of that day would serve to unite the sections of the church in the bonds of christian love. We may, sir (continued the speaker), belong to diffirent regiments, but we have one captain, and over us floats the glorious and blood-besprinkled banner of the cross.
Mr. R. H. BLATCHFORD, greatly rejoiced to see this and other churches erected; it proved that the people of this district were mindful not only of their temporal but of their spiritual good. It evinced too a desire to extend the Redeemer's kingdom, and could not fail to be greatly beneficial to the neighbourhood. This was an age of progress. Improvements were now made in science and art for the benefit of mankind, and the christian man was anxious to extend the knowledge of God, to spread abroad the truth as it is in Jesus. In the fatherland there was manifested a desire to promulgate the gospel, and here, too, efforts were being made to proclaim present and eternal salvation. Hitherto the services had been conducted in small and unsuitable houses, but now a commodious chapel was erected, which would be another outpost from which to attack the enemy.
JAMES K. CHISHOLM, Esq., felt the want of preparation, but he should be guilty of discourtesy if he refused. Not much more than a week had elapsed since he had been present at the ceremony of laying the foundation stone of a church in the immediate neighbourhood, and he was gratified to see here so many of those who had been present upon that occasion. He hoped to see the two churches flourish side by side, and work out the largest possible amount of good. It was sad to see churches agreeing in great truths, yet severing on points of minor importancc—and they who set christians against christians were enemies of their country and of their God. Cortrasting the present aspect of this neighbourhood with its condition twenty years ago, he saw a marked improvement. Then the whole of the land was occupied by only a few individuals, but these had given place to another class of men, and now the river was lined with farms; enclosures met the eye on every hand, and a large extent of land was under cultivation. Then, and until this building was erected the eye looked in vain for a house dedicated to the worship of God. Now this was available, and shortly another would be completed, where the people could worship God according to their conscience. Yet there was a great want, and that want was a school. There were probably 100 children within a short distance, and it was lamentable to reflect that they were growing up in ignorance—fruitful source of crime—and deep would be the anguish and remorse of those parents who neglected the proper education of their children. He exhorted them to secure a good education for their children, to have right principles implanted in them; so should they be a blessing and not a curse. He congratulated the people on the pleasing financial statement they had heard, and offered his contribution towards liquidating the existing debt.
Mr. WILLIAM DAVIES requested the meeting to give honour to whom honour was due, and felt assured that the want of a formal resolution to that effect would not prevent the congregation from awarding heartfelt thanks to the chairman for his kind grant of the site for their chapel. He congratulated the members of the episcopal church on the commencement of their temple for the worship of the Triune God. But while they were building material temples they must not forget that it was their duty to consecrate themselves to the Lord, and fully to serve and love him. He trusted to see a sabbath school commenced at once, as it was impossible to esimate too highly the good effects of early religious training; not only a sabbath but a day school should be established. They were bound to educate their children to the extent of their abililty—they were not warranted in inflicting upon society the evil results of neglected training. It was a question not of money, not of expediency, but of moral obligation. Wat was the possession of a few hundred acres of land compared with the gratification of contributing to their children's real and permanent welfare; though their children might inherit ten or twenty acres less, they would have, in a sound moral and intellectual training, a legacy far more valuable. These objects, contemplated in the erection of this place of worship, successfully carried out, the coming forty years would display results with which the past could not compare.
A collection was then made, and the full amount of the previous debt contributed.
A vote of thanks to the chairman was moved by the Rev. J. Watsford, seconded by Mr. Blatchford, and carried.
The CHAIRMAN, in reply, said, that although not a Wesleyan, he felt proud to be associated with them in a good cause; he was gratified to find the site so much approved, and trusted the people in the neighbourhood would avail themselves of their advantages, and make a right use of the building now opened; and hoped they would be determined to have a good education for their children. A few years ago a public-house had been erected near them, but he felt that it would have been much more beneficial had a place of worship been erected instead.
After singing the doxology, the benediction was given, and the large audience quickly dispersed to their respected homes.
Nice to be contributing to IF, I've really been trying to get something posted over there but time & inspiration haven't been on my side the last month or so. And yes this is a bit of a stretch for 'sneaky' as it's geared more to a technique but thought I'd share it anyway :>
I've been playing around with scanning my pencil & ink sketches and painted surfaces then layering them digitally, adding or subracting color in certain areas, etc . It's a 'sneaky'/clever way to experiment without committing to anything permanent and the instant art gratification is definitely a plus when time is limited. I also love the contemporary, messy look of it too....
Have a great weekend and while I'm at it, I'd like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving if you're celebrating it - and as always, be well.
Some people are motivated to kindness for the self-gratification that offers them a personal reward and confirmation to their identity as a good person.
Gerald Campbell, Kindness: The 8 Laws of Kindness
Taken in Verano, a cemetery in Rome. My office directly overlooks the cemetery, which probably explains something.
As for the statue, kitsch can worm its way into your heart. According to Walter Benjamin, "kitsch" is, unlike art, a utilitarian object lacking all critical distance between object and observer; it "offers instantaneous emotional gratification without intellectual effort . . .".
Like wine. Sounds good to me.
The title is from a poem by Swinburne, "The Garden of Proserpine." (www.poetryfoundation.org/poem/174555)
In case you haven't heard yet, The Impossible Project is making remarkable color films right now, and they're only getting better from here! This is a shot take with the new Impossible PX680 Color Protection film, and man does this stuff deliver! Each pack comes with 8 beautifully colored films that can eject and develop in broad daylight. Approximately 30-40 minutes after exposure, the image is fully developed and fixed in that familiar white border that brings back a flood of memories.
filmphotographyproject.com/store/px-680-color-protection-...
If you haven't dusted off your old SX-70 or Polaroid 600 style cameras, you'd better hurry up before everyone else gets on it!
Polaroid SLR 680
Impossible PX680 Color Protection
Flash Disabled
The study below was derived from facts uncovered while doing research
for the following Doctoral dissertation:
Light to the shadows of their mind:
Criminal tactics and strategies
Criminology Department Dept.
Chatwick University
**************************** Story ***************************
A full moon peeks through the heavy fall clouds, its rays transcending down and bathing in a soft light, the over grown, untended, remains of what once had been a proper English garden. Its soft rays catch the old moss roses, lilacs, and various other old growth flowers, their once still vibrant colours faded now that the fall is approaching.
But something still is vibrant here, brightly flashing a colourful fire as it moves along an old flagstone path.
Two feminine figures in fancy dress move guardedly along the path, gown and jewels are the source of the added fiery colours now caught by the full harvest moon’s rays. The rustle of satin is heard as a long, slinky gown sweeps along the leaf littered flagstone path at the spiked heels of its owners feet. Soft voices carry in murmurs as they walk, breaking up what, until a few minutes, ago had been the hushed silence brought upon by the notice of the pair by the gardens inhabitants.
The twosome finally reaches an old garden shed, its weather-beaten door half ajar, broken remnants of glass still hang in its front window; some ancient, rusty tools still lay up along its side wall. As they stand there the younger one suddenly jumps, giving a little gasp. What is it dear? her companion asks sweetly. She looks into her companions’ deep mesmerizing brown eyes, someone is moving along that path over there, on the other side of the pond. Mother said that no one should be outdoors on this side of town, she add, worry now creeping up on her. The older woman turns her head abruptly, I see him, you had better wait her, and I’ll make sure that whoever it is will not bother us.
A cop on his beat is seen walking along the outer path that lines the old garden leading to the manor house at the opposite end of what is now an inner city block. He jumps a little as a figure steps out of the mist that has now started to spread from a small pond the he is walking by.
Mae looks back at the garden shed that now sits back in the woods a little ways; her youthful companion’s colourful gown is vibrant against the faded walls of the shed. She turns away and looks at the copper walking towards her, unaware as of yet that he is no longer alone. Mae walks out of the mist and onto the sidewalk, noticing with satisfaction that she has startled him. She approaches and walks past the stern copper, as she does Mae tosses his way the sorta glance that she knew would pique the coppers natural distrust, making him turn to follow and see what mischief was going on!
Her long hair streaming down her back, creating a halo in the moonlit garden, her shimmering long jeweled earrings sway gently, watches as her companion walk up to the figure on the path. She is suddenly self-aware of how she is dressed, and how vulnerable they are out here alone, away from the bright lights and safety of the manor they had left some ten minutes ago. She hopes the figure isn’t someone nasty who will harm her friend. Her back is to the old door of the shed. The clouds again cover the moon. The young girl shivers, though it really is not that cold out. Suddenly a quick shadow emerges, a hand is clasped over her mouth, another grabs her by her silky waist, and she is pulled struggling into the darkness of the shed, vanishing from sight like the moon above her. Gradually the night voices of the garden return, chirping, hooting, and such. But as for the garden shed, sounds are no longer heard from within…..
What Led to This?
*************************************************************************************
It had been the boys who had first spotted the ladies in colorfully long shiny gowns. Those gowns fluidly rustling along shapely figures crossing the street leading to ornate front doors of the old Hampton East club Mansion. But it had been their “sparklers” the glittering jewelry the ladies all seemed to be temptingly showing off, that had made their mouths wolfishly drool.
But, what they had seen when stealing peeks through slits in a velvet curtained window, had made them run to find Mae. They then breathlessly babbled on about the halfcocked, half-baked scheme they had dreamed up. “Even the young’uns had jools” they had excitedly told Mae. She figured that most of it was probably paste, who wears anything of value on the eastside she thought to herself. But just a glimmer of a possibility began to take seed, as she maternally continued to listen to the excited pair.
Mae decided to humor the pair of excitable petty thieves, she owed them some favors anyway, and Mae hated leaving a debt unpaid. Besides, business had been slow lately; it seemed that no one well to do these days need their fortune read. So, for no rhythm or reason other than to see what all the chatter had been about, Mae crashed the upscale event. She slipped inside through the large matching oak doors, without even a second glance from the pensioner guard wearing a loose uniform “manning” the entrance.
Mae was amazed, even she could not have predicted the marvelous displays of wealth, so tantalizingly close, and yet seemingly so far out of reach. Even the dangling “jools” worn with careless abandon by the “Young’uns” mostly 18 through 20 year olds, with a few 16 and 17 year olds peppered in among the multitude of guests, appeared to be the real McCoy!
Mae was also surprised that she had been able to get this far, and so had not even begun to think of ways to profit from the situation. A condition that was going to have to be quickly rectified Mae told herself. Itching to somehow lay her greedy hands on some of the expensive jewels she observed being beckoningly worn by the female guests in attendance. Like the royal appearing lady she was just now walking past. She was in an elegantly flowing purple gown, dripping in gems, especially the small diamonds that were glistening on the thin tiara that held up the rich girl’s luxuriantly long hair.
All in all, Mae was glad she had positioned the boys to wait in the old garden shed, promising it would be worth their while. Mainly Mae had wanted to keep them out of mischief, too avoid having them upset her apple cart, and it appeared to have been a canny move on her part, as she surveyed a young lady with a long flowing mane of hair sweeping by, causing Mae to perk up with interest.
So, it was still with no real purpose in mind yet, that Mae had started to shadow the fetchingly gowned young lady of about nineteen who was timidly working her way , weaving in and out amongst the groups of happily chatting guests. Mae’s desire was a closer scrutiny of the prettily dressed young girl’s savory fiery ruby jewelry, so enticingly slippery upon her sweat glistened figure.
***********************
Mae had always been attracted to rubies ever since a poshly dressed young mother had wandered into the carnival sideshow that Mae had been working some years prior. Mae had been the first to try for a share of the young Mother’s dazzling jewelry after spying her predicament from the interior of her tent.
The obviously well-to-do young Mother had been unwisely left alone to tend to a colicky baby. Mae had forced herself on the wretched Mother, using the pretense of giving a helping hand. Unscrupulously, Mae had seized the opportunity to check along the young Mother’s thick satiny clothes for any valuables.
Passing up on a temptingly lovely, lengthy dangling pendent, Mae’s fingers instead whisked down along the slick long sleeve of the young mother’s arm, as all her attention was being given to the thrashing infant. Passing over a thick braided gold bracelet, Mae’s fingers darted to the young ladies’ left ring finger.
The harried Mother struggled to keep a tight hold on the silken clad infant squirming in her mother’s satin covered arms. As the thrashing child bawled, the mother, finding herself being handicapped by the long sleeved slippery satin blouse she wearing was unable to really pay attention to anything else going on around her. Therefore, Mae was easily able to slip off the invitingly large ruby and diamond engagement ring from the mother’s ring finger, conveniently tear moistened from the squealing infants sobbing.
Ring in hand, Mae then finally listened to the mother’s pleas she didn’t need any help, quit caressing down her tingling attire, and retreated to the dark depths of her tent to watch the rest of the drama unfold.
By the time the young mother had gotten her squalling infant daughter to sleep she had fended off about a dozen additional hands offering to help. Mae had watched with professional interest as some of those hands had cunningly been searching the young lady for anything of value…
Mae observed that the distracted mother’s pendent had been nicked next, easily unclasped and slipped away from the ruffled throat of her glossy blouse! Then, as the mother was bent over the baby’s stroller, her long dangling earrings (the pair!) had been whisked away from out of her long mane of straight hair. Soon followed in quick session by the jeweled pin from her satin ascot, her wrists thick braided gold bracelet, a gold pinky ring, and the contents of her velvet purse. Even the mahogany rattle, and silver pacifier had been plucked from the now sleeping infants hand and mouth as her mother’s shiny back had been turned while searching about for the her babies vanished ermine blanket. All in all a very masterful and complete plucking of the erstwhile pretty hen and her downy chick, Mae thought smugly, for nothing else had been as grand as the ruby ring that Mae had slipped off first.
Now, there were still occasions where Mae dared to wear the magnificent ring, but tonight, had decidedly not been one of those occasions.
(Editor’s note:
The incident Mae instigated at the Carnival was not an original part of her story line
It was actually lifted by our author based upon similar experiences of one Lady Eileen St’D , Surry 1910)
************************
Mae plotted a way to at least grab this girl’s attention for a closer look, and so she moved in such a fashion to make it a possibility. At the same time the nineteen year old turned her head away, her long hair swirling to behind her back as someone called out a name. Mae broke off her approach and stood nearby, filing away the girls name for future reference. (It had always amazed Mae that just knowing a person’s name could break down barriers and inspire confidence when a stranger used it. ) Mae watched as an older model of the young girl approached, dressed in a glossy satin gown of mint green and laden with shimmering emerald encrusted jewels. She stuck a finger under the girls nose. Mae followed it, the gold ring she was wearing of a serpent encircling her finger with bright emerald eyes, mystifying her.
The lady lectured her daughter on wandering off , especially when it was only her and her Auntie there to watch her. Mae saw the mothers eyes travel towards the regal lady in the purple gown and tiara. Losing interest Mae wandered off, not caring to hear the rest. She knew a blind alley when she saw one. She paused; she also recognized other quarry when she saw it… A lady wearing a flowing gown of red silk was standing off to one side. Shy and uncomfortable, she was the epitome of a Wall-flower, one who attracted little or no attention, or luck, unless it was of the unfortunately bad kind. One who Mae knew she would have to meet.
Mae walked up to her, and began a conversation. It started out uncomfortably, but Mae soon won her over, enchanting the edgy lady enough so that she actually, with a little hesitation, allowed Mae to pick up her palm: believing it was with the the intention of reading her fortune. As the girl was told that fortune, the mousey miss was totally caught under the enchantment of Mae’s eyes and sing-song way of speaking. Mae could see that she had captured the girl’s imagination as she wove her fortune telling around her like a spider would weave its silky web. Then, with delight, Mae saw a special gleam in the girl’s eyes that she knew all too well. A look she had seen before in previous clients, one that told her they were no longer completely caring of what was going on around them.
Mae ever so slightly tightens her grip on the palm she held. Than, with baited breath, Mae began to work a jeweled ring over the knuckle of a warm slender finger , her practiced eye watching the girls face for any sign that she was catching on to what Mae was up to! Mae smiled broadly as she had a habit of doing when one of her wicked schemes was coming to fruitation. The girl smiled impishly in response, totally misinterpreting what that smile stood for. Never in her wildest dreams would she have guessed what this nice lady: with the deep black eyes from which she could not pull away from, who was so pleasantly stroking her palms while telling her fortune so enjoyably, was smiling about! Nor did she have the slightest of inklings that her Grandmother’s pretty ring was going to vanish!
Mae suddenly felt a noticeable vibe wash over her, and she chanced a look around her. Along a back wall was a row of palm trees, in-between them were a series of small stone benches. A solo figure was walking along them, a slinky, long soft gown, fell flowing down to her feet. The figure of the girl whose name Mae now knew. Mae turned her full attention back to the task at hand, easily maneuvering her captive audience so that the wall was now in her full view. Over a silken shoulder Mae watched as the young miss made her slinky way into a powder room, disappearing with a muted swishing of her gown. . Suddenly Mae had an epiphany, realizing exactly how to ensnare the pretty little miss into her web, at the center of which dangled the old garden shed where there were debts to be paid!
Mae finished her “business” with the shy wall-flower, convincing her to go one her way now that her fortunes were assured to be taking a turn for the “better.” She moved off happily enough, glad that she had met the charming stranger, falling for Mae’s story hook, line and ring less finger!
Keeping an eye on the retreating lady as she swept away, Mae headed towards a stone bench that sat near the back exit leading to the old garden, a stone bench that was in a direct line to the approach that the young miss should be taking on her journey back from the powder room. Mae waited, and when she saw her victim open the door, she buried her hands in her face and acted like she was sobbing, all the while watching the girls approach through a crack made by her fingers.
The girl stopped, You okay Ma’am, she asked with genuine, childishly innocent, concern ( as Mae had predicted), Mae jumped like she had not noticed the girl, and looking up into her face, she called the girl by name, starting to spin a new web of deceit. The young miss offered Mae her embroidered silk handkerchief, which she gladly accepted, holding the girls well ringed fingers for a second showing her gratification. While “drying”her eyes, Mae went into her story full throttle; she knew there would not be much time.
The young miss, nervously looked around, as she played with her shiny necklace, holding it with slender ringed fingers , as she innocently listened to the captivating dark haired stranger. Mae, for a second blinded as the diamonds and rubies flashed in the light, smiled inwardly. Overly pretty teenage girls were so naïve and easy to manipulate, she thought, while weaving another , totally different type of story, then the one she had fed the flowing red silked wall flower.
Mae accurately interpreted the reveries of the young miss now in Mae’s clutches. Now under different circumstances the tale that Mae fed the girl would have not gotten her anywhere. But the fact Mae knew the girls name, knew how to make use of the exchange she had witnessewd between the girl and her mother, and also possessed some knowledge of what attracts a young ladies fancy, the circumstances worked wonderfully in her favor. Then, add in Mae’s fortune telling abilities, and the poor, beautifully adorned soul never stood a chance
Mae hit her with all the talent of a quick change artist. And soon Mae was had lured the girl into following her out the exit and walk with her out into the darkened garden. It happened quite literally before the young thing could catch her breath, or clearly think things through. She had totally fallen for the fortune teller’s fairy tale, and now believed she was aiding this lady in distress, as she believed Mae to be. The young miss, more than a little bewildered, walked obediently alongside Mae, under her dark spell, as they made their way ever closer to a seemingly quiet old garden shed.
Mae looked at the girl now walking next to her, innocently unaware of the fact that she had been led out here for one reason only. Totally oblivious to the fact that she now presented nothing more than to the seemingly sweet lady walking next to her than the value of her expensively flowing gown, the bright jewels she was wearing, and the contents of the small purse dangling by her side. Mae smiled to herself, knowing that in the greenhouse her two muggers would miss nothing, the young girls jewels, , fat silken purse, even the gown would all fetch a sweet price when peddled.
It was when they had reached that shed, that Mae’s captive companion had spotted the figure walking along the path by the pond. A figure that Mae knew she would m have to take care of, else risk having her carefully wrought plan fall to pieces…
Led to This:
******************************************************************************
Mae looked back and smiled smugly at the copper hot on her heels. Someone is going to be in trouble for leaving his post she thought. Just a couple more blocks should give them enough time in the greenhouse, and then Mae would easily give this flatfoot the slip. Mae’s mind went deliciously back to what should now be happening to the luckless lady in the long shiny gown, and how much Mae’s cut of the take would amount to. It was too bad she would miss the boys at work; Mae did so enjoy watching a good mugging.
As Mae happily led the harness bull away from the garden she marveled over her good fortune, wondering over how things had worked to her benefit. As she did she found herself walking along a block populated with small pubs. At the end of which lay an alley which Mae was going to use as passage to slip away from the copper. By then he would then be safely away from the old gardens. Mae would than circle back. She knew the boys would be finishing their job, but she did not want them to leave without her. She was going to take personal possession of the girls most valuable items. There was no way she was going to trust the two nimble headed crooks with not being cheated out of a fair price for the girl’s jewels.
It was as she reached the alleyway and looked back that she realized the copper was no longer tailing her. She swore to herself, what had happened? She cautiously backtracked, looking into the windows of the pubs as she passed. She stopped at one she knew, one appropriately, in Mae’s mind, named the Hook and Fiddle. It was their that she spotted her lost cop, cradling a beer, and sitting next to tall man at a back table.
Mae headed back on her way. She indistinctively knew that the copper would be occupied for a while. Mainly because she knew the cut of man he was sitting next to. Renauld, a man whose hands touched everything from the rackets, extortion, blackmail, down to trafficking and kidnapping, Renauld, to whom Mae owed some personal favors.
As Mae reached the sidewalk where she had first met the copper, she hastened her step. It would not be long before the girl’s bejeweled mother would be noticing her daughter’s absence…… Mae suddenly stopped, freezing in her tracks. A slow grin spread across her appealing face.
The epiphany that had made Mae stop to think contained the seed of a plan, that was in her opinion, brilliant. The mother should have noticed her daughters absence, and what if someone ,Mae, were to find the wealthy , overbearing lady, as she searched and helpfully divulged to her just what her daughter had been up to. Sneaking off into the garden with a young man, of all the nerve…why I would bet the pair of them is inside the old garden shed in the back snogging away as we speak.
Mae, with a quick stop over at the shed to check on things, hurried back to the manor. And best of all she thought, licking her lips in savoring anticipation as she fine-tuned the story she would use, best of all…, Ladies of that ilk always travel in pairs…
40 minutes later:
Three shadowy figures emerge from an old dilapidated garden shed. Two run off carrying small bundles under their arms. A third follows, taking a look back inside, closes the door and walks almost serenely off in the opposite direction. Something glistens from a finger as the moon once again peeks cautiously from the dark clouds overhead.
*************************************************************************************
Addendum est
In a smoke filled pub that he owns, a man, wicked, is puffing on a long black cigar. He is seated alone at the back table where he has been holding court that late evening.
The door opens and a female enters. Looking neither left nor right she heads directly to the man’s table.
Wotcher, he says, with perhaps a trace of compassion in an otherwise traditionally unemotionally stern deep voice. He spots the ring she is wearing, a gold serpent enter twined around her finger, its arrow shaped head home to a pair of flickering green emerald eyes.
What fresh wickedness have you been up to this evening he asks her expectantly? Adding, even you shouldn’t be sporting something like that around this area.
Mae meets his gaze, knowing full well she had taken a risk wearing the ring. But she knew that she had to make use of it to gain Renauld’s interest quickly, If game, he would not have much time…..
For if Renauld took the bait, not only would Mae be squared with Renauld, but also probably now be in his debt. For as much a Mae loathed to be in debt to someone, she loved to be owed one……
*************************************************************************************
Courtesy of Chatwick University Archives
All rights and copyrights observed by Chatwick University, Its contributors, associates and Agents
No Part of this can reprinted, duplicated, or copied be without the express written permission and approval of Chatwick University.
These photos and stories are works of fiction. Any resemblance to people, living or deceased, is purely coincidental.
As with any work of fiction or fantasy the purpose is for entertainment only, and should never be attempted in real life.
We accept no responsibility for any events occurring outside this website.
**********************************************************************************
Trying another photo-abusing phone app: PixlrOmatic. I call these 'instant-gratification-for-idiots' apps: there's nothing particularly creative in using fixed presets with no control whatsoever. And in dumbed-down resolution, too :( But it's still fun, nonetheless - and a good time-killer :)
Hey, SweetCakers
I am happy to announce that my first video with YummyArts is up for sale now!! This is a online class, so you receive instant gratification!! And just for my SweetCakers an added BONUS discount code.
If you are interested in purchasing "Granny's Pride" pie cake, please follow the link I provide for you. You will find my video at the bottom of the page....so just scroll ; )
store.yummyarts.com/?Click=12642
Save $5 when you use my discount code. You can use this code more than once, save $5 on each DVD you purchase. Just type "sweetcakes" in the appropriate field to receive your discount!!
Thanks for ll your support SweetCakers and I hope you enjoy the video!!
Stay Sweet!!
Andrea Sullivan
shot with a classic 1970s polaroid SX-70. electronically modified to use and accurately expose polaroid 600/779 film.
as i was taking this shot, the owner of the property came storming across the street, yelling "pay me money". apparently he felt that the law of the land didn't apply to him and that i didn't have the right to stand on a public street and take this shot without asking his permission and paying a fee.
he also accused me of being a stalker. eh? a stalker of a brick building?
Roll 7 Rolleiflex 009
Rolleiflex Automat K4 | Kodak Ektar 100 | Scanned Epson V600 | Lomography Digitaliza 120 Mask
This picture is #03 in my 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page
This is from my second day at the Calgary Stampede from July 2012 but I haven’t gotten around to scanning until now. Here is the story:
I had gone into the art exibit area on my first trip down to the grounds but I knew I had to come back again and to speak to Sunti and ask if I could take his photograph. Walking through the exibit halls I was immediately drawn to the sculptures that were in this booth and at first I didn’t pay too much attention to the sculptor himself. I had quickly assumed (and we know what that stands for) that we has Native American based on his long black hair and his subject matter. It was very dark in the exibit hall and I did not want to disturb him while he was working so I started to look at the pieces that he had in his booth. It wasn’t until I spoke with his father-in-law that I came to realize that Sunti was Thai. His father-in-law is Caucasian so that wasn’t an indicator either; it was hearing about his story when it all became clear.
Sunti, who is of Thai nationality and now lives in both Thailand and Montana, is a world famous sculptor because of both his techniques and his talent. His Buddhist monk sculptures are SO lifelike, that it is hard to believe that you are not looking at a real person! Check out the Resin Monks section on his web site.
Now how does someone who is know so well in Thailand for art and sculpting end up in Montana? Well, his wife Erica was a considerable factor in that. She was traveling and living in Thailand in a small village and one of the women insisted that Erica must meet her brother, and the rest as they say, is history! They now live in both places and have a beautiful daughter named Dyami and in Native American that means eagle. A “trustworthy” google search of the name did tell me that Dyami is a boys name, however, I think its better as a girls name and what does it matter anyway? There are lots of dual gender names out there.
Where does the Native American sculptures fit in? Well, I asked that too. After discovering that Sunti was in fact Thai, and meeting his wife Erica, Dyami, and Father-in-law whose name I should have written down, I asked the same question. When Sunti was a little boy in Thailand, he and his friends would play “Cowboys and Indians” and from what I can tell from the story, being the “Indian” wasn’t a very desirable role. After coming to America and learning about Native Americans, Sunti felt ashamed about his childhood games and decided to instead, devote his sculpting to celebrate and honor these historic leaders.
I hope that Sunti likes these photos I took of him. I was very nervous about the roll turning out. I shot this on my Rolleiflex and already had some Ektar 100 iso film because I was outside in the bright sun and now I had to shoot indoors and a very dark environment with a speedlight and an umbrella. No instant gratification of an LCD screen to see if it was exposed properly or if was even in focus or sharp. I don’t remember what my shutter speed was but I would guess f4 at 1/50th or or 1/30th handheld. In the end, I am very pleased at how this and the following photo of Sunti, Erica and Dyami turned out. He was very proud to have won the Calgary Stampede ‘Best of Show’ and asked if he could include it in the photo.
Strobist Info:
580 EXII camera left in reflected umbrella 1/2 Power
Triggered with pocket wizards, gaffers tape and a little bit of luck
After a few long days on the road, I'm finally back and getting shots up from Analog's Pulse: A Weekend in Cleveland. It was a fantastic time, filled with film, friends, more film, and beautiful scenery.
www.flickr.com/groups/analogclev/
First up are two Polaroid portraits that took place during the weekend, but not during the designated photowalks. To the left, we have Hampton Inn Downtown valet / part-time male model Darcel, and to the right, the bountifully bearded barista Matt. Both guys were great to work with and pose for the shots, and were also champs at holding still for long exposures in low light.
Polaroid SLR 680
Polaroid 779 film, Expired 03/09
Exposure dial set to +/- 0
Flash Disabled
Two more shots from the end of the same pack of expired Polaroid 669 film shot on the Polaroid Automatic Land 420 camera. This film is great except for its severe loss of the yellow channel, which makes for soft tones in such "intense" colors as these hot pink tulips. The color of this film balanced them out perfectly!
In these two shots more than previous 420 images, I'd started to grow more accustomed to the split image/ghost image focusing system.
Polaroid Land 420
Expired Polaroid 669
Exposure dial set to +2 lighten
We hosted an absolutely wonderful event in our bookshop recently, with storyteller Mara Menzies, who had adapted her own storytelling performance into a novel, Blood and Gold, which draws on her Kenyan and Scottish roots, history and mythology, exploring family, history, colonialism and more through various lenses.
Mara treated us to some of her live storytelling, which was just a delight to experience. Much as I am forever in love with the written word, I'm always aware the roots of the modern books (and plays and films and other media) run back millennia to oral storytelling.
Long, long before even the most ancient stories we have written down, such as Gilgamesh, there were storytellers talking, acting and singing and dancing these tales, each putting their own spin on them. Some would have been professional storytellers like Mara, others just the person in a village or small, wandering tribe, who had the gift and knowledge, and would spin them around a flickering camp fire at night to their small groups.
We have aways told stories, it's part of the spiritual element of our DNA as humans, and it's something that is still wonderful and thrilling and magical to experience, even in an age of instant digital gratification or giant screen entertainment or shelves full of books on every subject.
Mara's book Blood and Gold is published by Birlinn, and you can follow her on Twitter twitter.com/marastoryteller She may be bringing her performance back to the Edinburgh Fringe next year, if she does I highly recommend catching it.
Iron Furnace
George Rogers City Park, Lake Oswego, OR
April 28, 2013 - Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day
7 exposures
ADOX MCP 312 B/W RC paper, variable contrast, matte - used as paper negative.
Exposure: 7.5 seconds
Shot with custom large format pinhole camera designed and built in collaboration with master camera maker Kurt Mottweiler.
Our Daily Challenge 9-15 December : Instant Gratification
Today's dessert at Spikes Bistro, West Parley
A look at the ancient tradition of 'Haft Seen'...
For many people 'Haft Seen' just means putting seven objects beginning with 'S' in the Persian alphabet on a table. However, the roots of Haft Seen are actually far more spiritual and were not based on a letter of the alphabet and were not limited to seven objects! Below we look at the roots of this tradition and the symbolism of the the New Year Table.
The New Year laid tablecloth
In ancient Iranian traditions, in every celebration and ceremony, a table cloth (on a small table) was laid down.
On this table cloth apart from religious objects of blessing, such as a fire pot and Virsem’s angel, the season’s various food products and meals were placed. Eating this 'holy' meal was a tradition called MAYZAD and was recommended.
This arrangement was placed on a platform higher than ground level and the person assigned to distribution of the meal was called MIZADPAN which means the person who serves the meals (MIZBAN). Today MAYZAD by the use of the word MYZAD (or MYZ) and MAYZADPAN (or MIZBAN) are used in every day language.
The arrangement of objects on the tablecloth is special and has religious intonations and sacred numbers must be considered in such arrangements. Efforts were made to decorate the New Year’s tablecloth with the best and most precious plates, candle holders, and fire pots. This is still practiced in weddings and in mourning rituals and is considered as a religious activity.
Haft Seen, the phrase
In the Sassanid’s era, beautifully painted and precious plates made out of CAOLINE were imported into Iran from China. This was one of the precious commercial exchanges with China and the plates were later called after the name of their manufacturers and location of origin and thus they were called "Chiny". In other words they were also referred to as SINEE, which finds its root in Arabic language. "Chiney" or SEENEY, which means from china or Sina.
In Iran in order to differentiate between different imported plates from China, those which were made of metal were called "SINEE" and those made out of CAOLINE were called "Chinie".
In any case during the New Year’s celebrations these precious and picturesque plates from China were used on the New Year’s table. These plates were filled with sugar, candies and sweets and they were seven plates named after the seven AMSHASEPAND which included the months of Ordibehesht, Khordad, Amordad, Shahrivar, Bahman, Espandasmad and Ahooramazda. It was in this season that this tradition was referred to as seven SEENIE or seven plates and later on it was referred to as seven seen. This is pronounced as seven SEENEE in some of the villages. i.e. rather than saying 'Haft Seen' some villagers pronouce it as 'Haft Seenee'.
Usually in name of each AMSHEPANDAN, a large picturesque SEENIE plate was placed on the tablecloth and other meals were placed on other plates around the table. Other things placed on the New Year’s table are as follows:
Freshly grown greens
The greens were grown a few days before the new year in seven plates and at times in twelve precious plates, which is the number of the holy months.
In royal palaces twenty days before the New Year, twelve pillars of clay were built and on each of these they grew one of the cereal grains. The good growth of each grain was considered as a good omen. They were of the belief that the well grown grain will be a sign of abundance in the coming year. Wheat, oat, rice, beans, lentils, millets, lima beans, peas, and sesame seeds were grown on the clay pillars. On the sixth day of the New Year the greens were then harvested and distributed all over the hall floor as a sign of abundance.
Families usually placed these plates of greens on the table cloth symbolizing HOOMET (Andisheye Nik - good thoughts), HOOKHT (Goftare Nik - good words) and HOOVERESHT (Kerdare Nik - good deeds). On the side of these plates they grew wheat, oats and millet, which formed the important essentials for feeding people in order to cause the abundance of these grains during the New Year.
The green color of this vegetation was the national and religious color of Iranians and they beautified the appearance of the New Year tablecloth. They represented the Amordad of EMSHASPAND, which had to be placed on the tablecloth. People intended to have the FARVARS visit these greens and the seeds during the spring.
Bowl of fire
The bowl of fire taken from the ancestor’s fire, which was used in all religious rituals and along with other traditional and religious objects were placed in the middle of the tablecloth. Blessed grains, wild rue and incense were also placed on the New Year’s tablecloth.
Moon Crescent shaped Barsam (Mahrooye Va Barsam)
One of the important objects on the New Year’s tablecloth was the moon crescent shaped Barsamdan. They cut thin and short branches of pomegranate tree or willow tree or fig tree or olive tree in the length of one finger and they assigned these on the New Year table in bunches of three, seven, twelve or twenty one. Barsam was usually also placed on the New Year’s table, and this symbolized abundance resulting through blessings.
People held a bunch of these in their hands while praying before they commenced eating.
In the Sassanid’s era, in order to increase the majestic appearance of the royal dinning table, they made these BARSAMS out of gold. They were placed in the New Year’s table and they called them golden Tarkeh (Thin golden branch).
Gradually metallic BARSAMS found their way into religious rituals and they were used instead of wood BARSAMS.
(Barsam is a bunch of thin and short branches normally of pomegranate trees used by Zoroastrians who poured water on them and the water dripping down from these branches was considered as blessed water. They were sometimes made out of metal as well and were crescent shaped.)
Holy Book
One of the objects that was placed on the New Year’s table was the Holy Book. In view of the fact that these celebrations were considered national events, each family would place their own religious book on the New Year’s table. In the Sassanid’s era they placed the book of AVESTA on the table and they read a part of it which usually was the Farvardine Yasht and they recalled the FARVARS of the royal families, the innocent ones, the pious and the courageous whose names were mentioned in the Frvardin Yasht of AVESTA.
Today on the New Year table the holy Quran is usually placed by Iranian (Islamic) families and a verse from it is cited. Familites of other religions use their own holy book and many Iranian families also put the book of poems by Hafez, the famous Iranian poet.
Clay Water Jug (KOOZEH-E-AB)
Clay water jugs which were filled with water from down stream of mills were filled by young girls and they were placed on the New Year’s table decorated with necklaces. Even today many Iranians use small decanters on the outer surface of which they grow lentils or wheat or oats and are decorated by ribbons.
Bread
Bread symbolizes abundance and in Sassanid’s era they baked bread the size of the palm of the hand or smaller which were called DRON. These were placed on the New Year’s table and they were blessed by a prayer. Today some people still put a plate of bread or a large SANGAK bread on the New Year’s table, and this is done also in wedding ceremonies.
At times they wrote congratulations on this bread by sesame seeds. In the Sassanid’s era on the corners of New Year’s tablecloth, they wrote "to be increased" which was supposed to bring abundance of things every year. They also engraved this on the coins of the time.
Candle holder
On two sides of the bowel of fire, they placed precious candle holders or lights and these were lit.
Light and brightness were considered an important principle by Iranians. The lighted and bright world was the land of AHOORAMAZDA and wherever there was light, AHREEMAN (the devil) could not enter.
Milk
Fresh milk on the New Year’s table is an image of the food for the newly born of the skies, as according to the Zoroastrian story of creation, the human being was born on the cradle of HAMSEDATMEDAM or the three hundred and sixty fifth day of the year. Therefore in celebrating the creation of the human being, similar to the need for milk by the newly born babies, the heavenly newly born also needs fresh milk. This was considered highly sacred in ancient Iranian religions. In religious rituals milk was treated as sacred and, at times, they mixed it with crushed HOOM before drinking.
HOOM is a plant found in Iran and mountains of Afganistan which has a short branch and a milky juice and they crushed it while the holy AVESTA book was cited.
Cheese was also placed on New Year’s table as it was composed of milk, yeast, symbolizing fertility and transformation within it.
Sassanid’s kings ate a date, which was submerged in milk along with fresh cheese, and this was meant to add to the abundance of things to come.
Eggs
Egg is considered the root and the foundation of the New Year table and all kinds of white and painted eggs should be placed on haft seen. This was based on the belief that eggs symbolized fertility. The egg skin (shell) is an image of the sky and the ceiling of universe. The god of MITRA, according to a story, came from an egg from the sky.
In villages, it is customary to place an egg on a mirror and they believe that at the instant of changing of the year, when the cow from the sky, shifts the world from one horn to the other, the egg moves on the mirror. This story comes from the ancient beliefs on fertility, as the mirror represents the power of ADVENAK, which is to come down to FARVARS and draws its shape from heaven. The movement of the egg on the mirror is an image of birth and movement in the New Year. This interpretation still stands among some villagers.
Mirror
The word mirror (Ayneh) comes from ADVENAK which means to see and ADVENAK is one of the forces which assists in the creation of man.
The word ADVENAK is formed by a prefix of AD and a root of VEN which means to see and mirror is an object with which one can see images.
During the first day of the New Year when the people of the world mix with the heavenly FARVARS and other forces, the mirror symbolizes an image of that on the New Year table.
For this reason a mirror is placed on top of the New Year’s table cloth and another mirror is placed under the egg.
Placing of a mirror in front of the bride and groom in wedding ceremonies is to have the same objective, as marriage is an introduction for fertility and FARVARS assist with the creation of sperm (egg) and birth of children.
Samanoo
Samanoo is made of juice of germinating wheat. It is generally stated that FARVARS cause the growing of vegetation and germination. FARVARS make sprouts (buds) fertile and eating these fertile sprouts result in gaining strength and fertility in the years to come.
Senjed (kind of tree with fruit resembling the mountain ash)
Senjed is a fruit, which is to be placed on the New Year table as the aroma of its leaves, and its blossoms stimulate love which is of fundamental and primary importance in fertility and having children. Placing Sanjed on the New Year table was to motivate the world’s births.
Fish
The month of Esfand is in the HOOT (large fish) period. On the eve of the New Year the month of HOOT (Esfand) gives its place to the HAMAL (the month of Farvardin) and this is the reason for placing an image of changing of the year on the New Year’s table. Additionally, the fish is one of the symbols of ANAHITA, which is the angel of water and fertility and carries the main duty of the New Year, which is fertility. Its placement on the New Year’s tablecloth therefore results in abundance and fertility. Eating fish on the eve of the New Year is based on the same thinking.
Apple
Apple is one of the fruits, which was and is still placed on the New Year’s table. Villagers kept the apples in special cases and gave them to friends and acquaintances before the New Year as gifts to be placed on the New Year’s table. In ancient Iranian stories, the apple was very much related to giving birth. More often the medical men (Dervishes) split the apple in two halves and gave one half to the man and the other half to the woman. This was supposed to prevent infertility and sterility. It can therefore be concluded that the placement of apple on the New Year’s table represents another image of fertility and giving birth.
Yellow and white coins
Yellow and white coins placed on New Year’s table is an image of Shahrivar month from AMSHASPAND which represents metals and their being on the New Year’s table is intended to result in abundance and enormous amount of money in the wallets and purses.
Pussy willow flower (Bidmeshk)
Pussy willow flower is an image from SEPANDARMAD AMSHSPAND and is the special flower of the month of Esfand.
Orange
Orange symbolizes the globe and when it floats on a bowl of water, and it still makes an appearance on some 'Haft Seen' tables, it symbolizes the globe within the universe. When it rotates in the water, it symbolizes the twelve months of the year and announces the arrival of the New Year.
The Espand Seeds
The Espand seed finds its root in the ancient AVESTA term of "SPENTA" which means sacred. These seeds existed in ancient sacred times and were used during prayers.
Even today, they are burnt over the fire in order to protect people from the cast of an evil eye. Villagers these days pass thread through the seeds and use them as decorations in their rural houses.
Other objects are also put on the New Year table. Of these one can name sweets and also candies, which symbolize objects of gratification and also flour which symbolizes abundance. All these are to result in abundance, prosperity and health during the New Year.