* Children being children [Theme: children in photos] (P1~A1)
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This is true about good and bad photographs. You cannot expect to appreciate good photography instantly. It takes time and study to appreciate the feeling of the photographer.
David Hurn
HFF!! Justice Matters! Indict Trump!
zinnias, little theater garden, raleigh, north carolina
-Rashani
when i downloaded this image from my camera i knew instantly that i needed to convert it to black & white with just a bit of tint. to me i can better appreciate this flower's beautiful form, its graceful lines and subtle textures, without the distraction of colors.
225 days to go before my next trip to the Philippines.
München (Munich) has some incredible U-Bahn stations that create amazing photographs. Each Monday for the next few months I will feature a different U-Bahn station for my 'Munich Monday'.
Some stations I have posted last year - those were shot handheld; this time I was on a tripod with a legal permit.
I begin with Westfriedhof, the first station I saw in person and where I instantly connected the design to photography.
Pied Wagtail - Motacilla Alba
This species is instantly recognisable, with its black and white plumage and its long tail that always seems to be on the move. Pied Wagtails use a wide range of habitats and are even found nesting in the middle of our largest city centres. Outside the breeding season, Pied Wagtails gather to roost in reed beds, greenhouses or in bushes and trees in supermarket car-parks and petrol-stations. Presumably, they feel more secure when sleeping with the lights on.
Nest boxes are best sited where water and grass lawns are near-by. They use a wide variety of nest sites, from drainpipes to farm machinery.
Population:
UK breeding:
470,000 pairs
Atlantic ghost crab on the beach at Cape Henlopen State Park
Ghost crabs burrow in the sand, but must get into the water periodically to moisten their gills. They are very shy, but if you stand still long enough, they emerge to roam around. Until you move, and then they are instantly gone. It's a cool game
Hello my amazing Flickr friends !
Today is a pink or purple day at Color my World Daily and the theme at Smile on Saturday is : pigs and piglets ! Isn’t that awesome !!
Of course, instantly I decided to go with a flying « egg-piglet » ! I can assure you : they do exist !!! However, flying « egg-piglets » are almost as fast as flying elephants and as rare as levitating eggs ! You have to be really, really patient, keep you eyes on the sky and never blink when you look for them !
Since I wasn’t sure if flying « egg-piglets » were allowed for this theme, I just add a mini me made of Lego in a piglet disguise since lately I eat like a piglet and I started to feel like one !
The flying « egg-piglet » in my picture was made by me to illustrate this very rare but existing specie and I truly hope it will make you smile !!
Mucho, mucho amor for you all !!
Thank you so much for all your lovely comments / favs/ general support / happy thoughts!! Stay safe and well!!
Hello my amazing Flickr friends !
Today is a red day at Color my World Daily and the theme at Macro Mondays is powder. Of course, being a chocolate addict I almost instantly thought about hot chocolat powder. I know that hot chocolate isn’t that popular during summer but I don’t mind having a hot chocolate cup during summer evenings… and you can always add some Kahlua or other alcohol to it and voilà ! It becomes Spanish Hot chocolate. So here we go: some hot chocolate powder, with my tiny spoon (1cm) and a tiny lego coffee mug. Cheers and enjoy !!
Have a beautiful day !! Mucho, mucho amor for you all !!
I try to get more followers on my instagram account. So if you are on IG and want to follow my feed, I will follow back for sure ! You can find me over here : www.instagram.com/anteketborka/?hl=fr
FYI: because of my renovation project I have to, constantly, move our stuff from one room to another on a very short notice !! So once again, I have to apologize for not answering your comments… I will try to catch up very shortly but for the next few days I’m afraid I will be M.I.A. (missing in action) !!!
Thank you so much for all your lovely comments / favs/ general support / happy thoughts!! Stay safe and well!!
My best photos are here: www.lacerta-bilineata.com/ticino-best-photos-of-southern-...
Western Green Lizard (Lacerta Bilineata) | Male In "Wedding Suit" During Mating Season In Spring | Monteggio (CH) | May 2021
More TICINO/TESSIN Wildlife Photos (all taken in my garden in Monteggio/Ti, Switzerland): it.lacerta-bilineata.com/ramarro-occidentale-lacerta-bili... (the website exists in ESPAÑOL, FRANÇAIS, ITALIANO, ENGLISH, DEUTSCH)
My latest ANIMAL VIDEO (warning, it's a bit shocking): www.youtube.com/watch?v=4T2-Xszz7FI
ABOUT THIS PHOTO:
When male western green lizards are in love, their face turns blue. This doesen't happen instantly (they can't change color at will like chameleons); the lizards need to shed their old, slightly less colorful (but also very pretty) skin first, and once that is accomplished, they appear in the beautiful "wedding suit" you can see in this photo.
With this look they try to impress the lady lizards during mating season, which lasts approximately from April to June, but the colors are the most striking in the immediate aftermath of the lizards losing their "old coat". I was very lucky to capture this gorgeous male at this very moment; in fact, you can still see parts of the old, dark skin covering the top of its head and other parts of the body where it hadn't quite come off yet.
But I was lucky in more than one sense with this photo. Let me explain (I have an idea some photographer or other here on Flickr will be able to sympathize with the anecdote that follows ;-). This year in May when I hoped to photograph the green lizards around my vacation home with my newly purchased camera, I soon realized something was different from the years before, because I couldn't find a single one of my green friends in their usual spots in my garden.
As I would learn over the next few days, the entire western green lizard population had relocated from my garden into a huge fly honeysuckle shrub just outside my garden next to an empty horse pasture where they were relatively safe from the growing number of cats in our village that had specialized in lizard hunting. Up in that shrub, not only was it hard for ground predators to get at them, but the lizards also had an excellent 360° view of their surroundings.
Western green lizards are naturally very shy, but this apparently traumatized group now had become hyper-alert to anything approaching them, and they immediately fled into the thickest of the leaves whenever I tried to get near enough for a usable photo. Now, I'm not one to give up easily (and I really, REALLY wanted to get those photos), so I tried every sneaky-stealth-approach technique I could think of (even crawling on all fours - which in hindsight was a terrible idea since all it did was making me look like the world's biggest and ugliest cat to the lizards) - but to no avail.
Completely exasperated, I came up with a new strategy. I would keep that fly honeysuckle shrub under constant observation; like an FBI agent preparing for a crackdown on a suspected Mafia hideout, I was there, watching and waiting, hour after hour, all day long. It took me another several days until I had finally figured out at what times of the day the males usually left the fly honeysuckle shrub; I wanted to know their "schedule" so I could be there before them and blend in with the environment, ready to photograph them as soon as they would show up on the ground.
And all my meticulous, hard work seemed to pay off: the first day I took this appraoch a gorgeous male showed up just where I expected it to (although Mr Lizard had me waiting for alomst two hours!). Alas, I hadn't considered where the sun would be and had installed myself in such a stupid angle that the lizard was backlit; in all the photos the little devil appeared only as a mostly black silhouette against the bright morning sun. I cursed my stupidity, tore out my hair and was close to throwing my expensive new camera against a wall in anger and frustration. Then I remembered the cold beer in the fridge and realized that life was still worth living, and I promised myself to do better next time.
The next day I was smart enough to make camp in a spot form where the object of my photographic desire would be perfectly lit (from the lizard's perspective, now I would be the black silhouette against the sun ;-). I waited. And I waited some more. And it was hot and getting hotter by the minute. After nearly 3 hours during which my neighbors started to give me very funny looks (in fact, they had already decided the day before that I must be crazy, what with standing motionless in front of a bush for several hours in the burning sun), around noon, I'd had enough. And that's when I heard something moving in the grass.
And there he was: barely visible through the thick green carpet, but definitely coming towards me. A few seconds later a virtual lizard king appeared, in all his gorgeous green and blue glory, and perfectly lit - and that's when I heard loud, happy voices approaching. Two young boys came running - and the lizard stopped dead in its tracks (unfortunately, it was still a bit too far away for a good photo). I'm not religious, but I started a quick prayer then and there (please God, please: let these kids not be running towards me - PLEASE!!!).
But nope, God apparently remembered that I usually refer to myself as agnostic, and surely enough the two boys ran right to where I was - and where Mr Lizard now wasn't. All that yelling and running was too much for my lizard king: goodbye and "auf Wiedersehen"; see ya next year - and off he went. And that was that. I couldn't believe it; I felt a frustration so intense wash over me I regretted ever having picked up a camera.
As for the kids, don't worry: both boys are alive and well ;-) It was the first day of their Pentecost holiday, and they had just arrived in the village. I was standing next to the empty horse pasture, and the two little boys now innocently asked me where the horsies went (they had obviously been looking forward to seeing them and now were very disappointed). I took a deep breath and muttered that I had no idea.
I don't know how other photographers would have felt in that situation, but I only wanted to be left alone (and possibly tear out what was left of my hair and reconsider that wall and what nice noise it would make upon collision with my camera ;-). Needless to say, the kids had other plans. Now that it was clear that there were no horsies, I had become the main attraction, and they weren't going anywhere. So I swallowed my anger, accepted that - obviously - the kids didn't do anything wrong (and also that I would probably never ever be able to get that desired shot with my new camera).
The boys were eager to know what I was photographing, and so I told them everything about western green lizards, about their amazing colors and how rare and shy they were, and that they were among the largest lizards in Europe and a protected species - and my two new friends became instantly fascinated. Now they wanted to wait and see this magical creature with their own eyes. I assured them there was no chance the lizard would come back after all the noise "we" had made, and just as I said this, one of the boys yelled "I see it!"
And sure enough, he was right. Apparently my lizard king had decided that a little yelling and running wasn't gonna get between him and his favorite sun-basking spot, a little heap of cut, dry grass underneath the fence of the horse pasture. I told the kids to be very still - which they were - and then we all got to see how this beautiful creature emerged from the grass, very, very slowly and carefully, and positioned itself on the heap of dry grass in such a way that it got the perfect amount of sunlight.
So in the end I got my portrait shot - and quite a few more in the weeks that followed (which you can find on my website www.lacerta-bilineata.com ). During the remainder of their holiday the two kids would run into me every now and then, and every time they excitedly talked about this fantastic, blue-headed reptile they had seen with me that day. I guess only time will tell, but I hope this encounter has sparked an interest in nature in them (I have a feeling the next time they spend their holiday in our little village, the horsies will have some reptilian competition ;-)
When we encountered this hidden lake and its surrounding unbelievable mountains on the Lofoten islands I KNEW instantly this was my favourite place of the thousands I have visited so far. Don't mistake the scale of this place! The lake is a rather large one where one could swim and fish in a boat and paddle about for quite a while before getting to the other shore and the mountains tower above you that your neck will hurt looking up. This IS my kind of place :)
The first time I met this rose in our kitchen. Instantly I was flashed and I kew that I have to capture that. When I was looking at the final result I was really overwhelmed of the power and the tenderness of this blossom. For me, this is one the the best flower photographs I have ever made. I love it. I made three different versions of it, and I will post the others from time to time
Das erste mal begegnete ich dieser Rose in unserer Küche. Sofort war ich hingerissen und wusste, dass ich das festhalten muss. Als ich das fertige Foto das erste mal betrachtete war ich überwältigt von der Kraft und Zärtlichkeit, die von direser Blüte ausgeht. Für mich ist das eins der schönsten Blütenfotos, die ich je gemacht habe. Ich liebe es. Ich habe drei Versionen des Fotos gemacht, da ich mich nicht entscheiden kann werde ich von Zeit zu Zeit die amderen Posten.
The quiet beauty of a pond or lake is instantly enhanced by a water lily's rounded leaves and starry flowers floating placidly on the surface. These unique aquatic plants can bloom in a range of colors anytime from late spring through fall in most regions of the country. Their leaves can be cup-shaped, star-shaped, and smooth or jagged. And while water lilies may be most visible on the surface of still freshwater, they are rooted in the mud below, where they overwinter and regrow the following year. Here are a few more interesting facts about these amazing flowers that will likely surprise you.
1. There Are Many Water Lily Colors
When you imagine a water lily, you probably think of the classic white bloom bursting from a deep green lily pad. But water lilies actually grow in a rainbow of colors, including pink, red, orange, yellow, purple, and blue. Tropical varieties take on jewel tones (purple, orange, bright blue, and yellow), whereas hardier varieties lean toward a pastel palette. Sometimes the blossoms on hardy varieties change shades as they age. Even the leaf colors vary from deep green to rich burgundy. Water lilies aren't just a one-trick pretty pony; they have more tricks up their sleeves.
2. Water Lilies Help Their Environment
Although they're primarily known for their stunning appearance, water lilies are actually important players in the aquatic ecosystem. These plants are found in shallow and still fresh water, as in ponds, lakes, and the edges of slow-moving streams. Because they rest on the water's surface, the flowers and pads provide shade, keeping the water cooler and preventing algae that thrives in heat from growing in excess. Water lilies also shelter fish from predatory birds and the heat of the sun.
3. The Water Lily Is July's Birth Flower
Attention July birthdays: Water lily is your flower. (Along with larkspur.) It's no wonder these bright blooms are linked to July, because they're mainly a summer flower. Water lilies bloom from May through September, putting July smack in the middle of prime season. In frost-free regions, water lilies bloom year-round. But you have to be lucky to catch a bloom, as each individual flower lasts for about four days before sinking under the water to decompose. The beauty is short-lived, but that makes it even more special.
4. The Water Lily Has Numerous Varieties
Each variety of these stunners (there are over 50 species) is unique, whether it's the shape, size, color, fragrance, or blooming pattern. Water lilies inhabit ponds, lakes, and streams all over the world. The largest variety is fittingly called the giant water lily. Other names for this huge flower are the Amazon water lily and the royal water lily. This massive, magnificent flower can grow to a diameter of three to six feet and can support 66 pounds of weight. That means a young child could perch on a giant pad, no problem.
5. The Water Lily Is an Important Spiritual Symbol
Water lilies mean many things in different areas of the world, but they have special significance in Buddhism and Hinduism. For these religions, the water lily symbolizes resurrection, because these flowers close up at night and reopen in the morning, similar to a spiritual rebirth. Buddhists also believe that the water lily represents enlightenment because a beautiful bloom emerges from the dark mud.
6. The Water Lily Is a Star in the Art World
The impressionist painter Claude Monet often used water lilies as a subject. In fact, he painted more than 250 pieces that featured this aquatic plant, and several of them are among his most famous works of art.
#MacroMondays - #Macro Mondays - #Geometry shapes
This spider web in a shape of a heart instantly had something symbolic for me. For the power and fragility of love.
Like the spider web is one of the most powerful materials nature can create, love has got an unbelievable inherent power. During the rain and the storm life is providing again and again, she is able to hold everything together and in place.
And in the same moment, she is so breakable like his fragile construction. One careless moment, one stroke of a hand can destroy everything in a second. To rebuild it can cost a lot of effort, with a low chance that in the end it will be the same way as it was before.
Dieses Spinnennetz in Form eines Herzen hatte für mich sofrt etwas symbolisches. Für die Stärke und die Zerbrechlichkeit der Liebe.
So wie das Spinnennetz zu den stärksten Materialien gehört, die die Natur hervorbringen kann, so wohn der Liebe eine unglaubliche Kraft inne. Im Regen und in den Stürmen, die das Leben immer wieder bereit hält ist sie in der Lage alles zusammen und an seinem Platz zu halten.
Und gleichzeitig ist sie genau so zerbrechlich wie diese filligrane Konstruktion. Ein unachtsamer Momant, eine Handbewegung kann alles in einer Sekunde zerstören. Der Wideraufbau bedarf dann großer Anstrengung und es ist unwahrscheinlich, dass es am Ende wieder so wird, wie es vorher war.
While driving through south west Indiana earlier this week I came across this sight. I instantly liked it and had to get the shot. I prefer wildlife photography, but can't pass on the unusual!
Dans ma bulle beautiful photos are always soft and sensual which to me are precious sources of dreamy inspiration.
And I love this exquisite photo from her gallery so much Bercements which has inspired me to do this sketch, please take a look ^_^
🎶 Instantly, it reminds me of a slow dance with a beautiful lover Sway Diana Krall
Thank you so much, Dans ma bulle.
In your gorgeous bubbles, you create a world of dreams
I hope you like my humble painting
When marimba rhythms start to play
Dance with me, make me sway
Like a lazy ocean hugs the shore
Hold me close, sway me more
Like a flower bending in the breeze
Bend with me, sway with ease
When we dance, you have a way with me
Stay with me, sway with me
Other dancers may be on the floor
Dear, but my eyes will see only you
Only you have that magic technique
When we sway, I go weak
I can hear the sounds of violins
Long before it begins
Make me thrill as only you know how
Sway me smooth, sway me now
Other dancers may be on the floor
Dear, but my eyes will see only you
Only you have that magic technique
When we sway, I go weak
I can hear the sounds of violins
Long before it begins
Make me thrill as only you know how
Sway me smooth, sway me now
The distinctive wing pattern and shape of Emesis make them instantly recognisable as a genus. Emesis mandana, in common with several other Emesis species, is quite variable in colour, ranging from dull reddish to bright orange-yellow. This butterfly is common and widespread throughout much of central and South America.
This species apparently occurs in primary and secondary forest habitats at altitudes between sea level and at least 2000m, but is most frequently encountered below 800m.
(The specimen in this photo was taken in La Ceja, Colombia; 2.300 meters above sea level. It was a very hot day, and it is the second time I encounter this butterfly here).
www.learnaboutbutterflies.com/Amazon%20-%20Emesis%20manda...
The curlew is the largest European wading bird, instantly recognisable on winter estuaries or summer moors by its long, down curved bill, brown upperparts, long legs and evocative call. This image was taken on Sunday. I thought I would post it after seeing Rob's awesome image of one of these guys Skulls.
Please view large.
For licensing on my images see: Getty images.
www.gettyimages.co.uk/search/2/image?artist=sandra%20stan...
Zikade - harvest fly (Auchenorrhyncha)
There are two things you instantly notice when you exit your car in the Provence. The intense
smell of this landscape and the insistently chirping of the cicada. You hear them almost everywhere and anytime during the day.
Es gibt zwei Dinge, die Dir sofort auffallen, wenn du in der Provence aus dem Auto steigst. Der intensive Geruch der von dieser Gegend ausgeht und das eindringliche Zirpen der Zikaden. Man hört sie so ziemlich überall und ununterbrochen während des Tages.
This was my first Leafcutter Bee of the year. It had emerged from it's cocoon just a few minutes before I took this photo. It almost instantly went to work on the nearest flower. Photographed in Maryland on 6/7/23.
Northeastern Wyoming, New Years Eve. I saw these horses and instantly knew I wanted to try to get a picture of them walking, a strong wind was blowing their tails forward. I wasn't sure I'd get a decent picture because I was shooting almost directly towards the afternoon sun. I had time for 3 shots, I posted one already of the three fillies on top, (flic.kr/p/QLd1ew) this was my first shot, then two more before they moved directly between me and the sun. The third picture taken was almost the same as the first one posted, but the last two horses were nose to tail, no spacing. Anyway, pleased I got even one good picture under the circumstances, two was a bonus. This one is my favorite, and most difficult because the stallion was down in the shadowy area, so I saved it for last.
The Laughing Kookaburra is instantly recognisable in both plumage and voice. It is one of the larger members of the kingfisher family. Hear a Kookaburra chorus on this link:
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Tempus Fugit... isn't it funny how time flies?
-James Bond (Spectre 2015)
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Here's a sneak peek of the beautiful new Sluagh full body tattoo by Nefekalum. With an amazing sparkle as you move your arms, it will instantly turn any body into an otherworldly Unseely, or anything else come to that - let your imagination flow. I teamed it up with the gorgeous Sacrifice mask by Fika, perfect if you want to add a bit of drama to your look.
I'm also holding the elegant Korsik Orb by Petrichor, which comes with a vast animations and colour hud and will give your hands something to do if you want to give your idle poses some interest. It opens and closes too with added sparkle. Lastly there is of course the Divinity Halo with a centrally animated piece featuring eyes...
Don't forget the Engine Room is now at half time and some creators have added new and free items to tempt you with.
secondlifesyndicate.com/events/syndicate-events/engine-room/
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-FIKA- - The Sacrifice (Headpiece with 5 metal options in two colourways)
More detail here on Fika's Flickr
At The Darkness event till April 28th, 2021
Garmonbozia - :::Divinity Halo eye 1 (in 3 metal colours and hud)
Available at The Engine Room now till April 20th 2021
Closeup details on their Flickr
:[P]:- Korsik Orb [Encased] Carved Metals (With a selection of animations and large colour and texture hud)
Available at The Engine Room now till April 20th 2021
Closeup details on their Flickr
Nefekalum - Sluagh (Gradient 01) // Tattoo (three shades plus materials)
Available at Chronicles and Legends starting April 10th 2021
CODEX-OROCHI SEPTUM NOSE (with a small metal texture hud)
Available at The NeoJapan event till April 18th, 2021
**CC**-- Heat Wave (red hot - 7 colours included in pack)
Available at the CC mainstore (click blue link to TP)
{aii}-- + Overpowered Armor Jake + (includes vast colour hud)
Available at the Aii mainstore (click blue link to TP)
[ kunst ] -- - Gesicht choker
(includes metal texture hud)
Available at the Kunst mainstore (click blue link to TP)
Body is Belleza
Head is Lelutka Skyler
Pose a combination of my own with the built in animator of the Orb,
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#macromondays #boardgamepieces
When i read the theme for the next Maco Mondays Challenge then instantly Memories of my childhood came up. I don`t know how many Hours my friends an me have spent playing this great Game called RISK ! The Game is well known around the world and gets played since over 60 Years by Generations. Back in 1957 it got created by Albert Lamorisse, a french filmmaker. I still own the Game and we play it from time to time when we celebate game nights. So i took the chance to shoot an image of my DE LUXE Version of the Game for the theme.
Risk is a strategy board game of diplomacy, conflict and conquest for two to six players. The standard version is played on a board depicting a political map of the world, divided into forty-two territories, which are grouped into six continents. Turns rotate among players who control armies of playing pieces with which they attempt to capture territories from other players, with results determined by dice rolls. Players may form and dissolve alliances during the course of the game. The goal of the game is to occupy every territory on the board and, in doing so, eliminate the other players. The game can be lengthy, requiring several hours to multiple days to finish. European versions are structured so that each player has a limited "secret mission" objective that shortens the game.
Vielen Dank für Eure Besuche, Kommentare und Sternchen!
Please don't use this image on websites, blogs or other media without my explicit permission. © All rights reserved
Instantly recognisable by its scarlet red trousers, the Great Spotted Woodpecker can be found from Portugal to Kamchatka. It is resident in most of its living area.
Great Spotted Woodpecker (female) (Dendrocopos major).
#smileonsaturday #tabletopgamecomponents
When i read the theme for the next Smile on Saturday Challenge then instantly Memories of my childhood came up. I don`t know how many Hours my friends an me have spent playing this great Game called RISK ! The Game is well known around the world and gets played since over 60 Years by Generations. Back in 1957 it got created by Albert Lamorisse, a french filmmaker. I still own the Game and we play it from time to time when we celebate game nights. So i took the chance to shoot an image of my DE LUXE Version of the Game for the theme quite a while ago.
Risk is a strategy board game of diplomacy, conflict and conquest for two to six players. The standard version is played on a board depicting a political map of the world, divided into forty-two territories, which are grouped into six continents. Turns rotate among players who control armies of playing pieces with which they attempt to capture territories from other players, with results determined by dice rolls. Players may form and dissolve alliances during the course of the game. The goal of the game is to occupy every territory on the board and, in doing so, eliminate the other players. The game can be lengthy, requiring several hours to multiple days to finish. European versions are structured so that each player has a limited "secret mission" objective that shortens the game.
Thank you for visits, comments and favs!
Vielen Dank für Eure Besuche, Kommentare und Sternchen!
Please don't use this image on websites, blogs or other media without my explicit permission. © All rights reserved
Nombre común: El colibrí de Buffon, colibrí grande de cola negra, colibrí grande colinegro
Nombre científico: Chalybura buffonii
Nombre en ingles: White vented Plumeleteer
Nombre en alemán: Blauschwanz Buffonkolibri
Nombre en francés: Colibri de Buffon
Lugar de la foto: Eco Hotel Tinamu, Manizales, Caldas, Colombia
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A fable
The Guarani say that one day there was a huge fire in the jungle. All the animals fled in terror, for it was a terrible fire.
Suddenly, the jaguar saw the hummingbird pass over his head ... in the opposite direction, that is, towards the fire.
It surprised him greatly, but he did not want to stop. Instantly, she saw it pass again, this time in the same direction. He was able to observe this coming and going repeatedly, until he decided to ask the bird, because it seemed a very bizarre behavior:
What are you doing hummingbird? He asked. I am going to the lake -the bird answered- I take water with my beak and I throw it on the fire to put out the fire. The jaguar smiled.
Are you crazy? - he said. Do you think you will be able to turn it off with your little beak by yourself?
Well- he replied, the hummingbird- I do my part… And after saying this, he went to the lake for more water.
Again the rain scattered across the flowers
Crystal sparks of dawn.
The color of the rainbow is playing there,
Beckoning with iridescences of light.
The painting is worthy of a pen,
And the images in the canvases.
And the sun shines in the morning,
Caressing with natural beauty.
Ah, the raindrops on the flowers
A lovely miracle vision.
And the image is born in verse,
Like in a fairy tale, it comes instantly.
I am sure this is something that happens to other people, not just me. You see something and immediately a song pops up in your mind. I was wandering in the streets of Chora in Serifos and as I took a turn and walked in this alley I felt a strong wind gust from behind. The closed windows of the 2 houses started creaking and I instantly remembered the lyrics of this Greek old song where the singer says that he feels like the wind passing through the city's streets making the closed windows creak . It was so quiet and so peaceful on that mid September evening in Chora. Its streets were empty and the sound of the windows didn't bother me at all. I stayed there to enjoy that moment and absorb everything through my eyes and ears. White walls, colorful windows, the sound of creaking and a nice and refreshing breeze. Perfection. Happy Window Wednesday everybody.
Αύρα εσπερινή - Δημήτρης Παναγόπουλος
www.youtube.com/watch?v=prXZENGUzZY
And here are the lyrics in English:
As I walk out of your door
I will see the round sun
wearing your beautiful last smile
I will wish you good morning
then I will leave, I will be lost
and maybe you will only see me again in your dreams
Because I am the air that passes
in the city's alleys
and makes the closed windows creak
Because I am an evening aura
I am a breath clean and alive
which makes the tilted window shutters rustle
I am leaving to go high on the mountain
and then I will fall off the cliff
as I sway in the depths and the heights
And in silence I carry
an unruly cry
and some unspeakable hope that you have hidden
Lacecap hydrangeas are instantly recognisable, with their flat flowerheads consisting of a centre of tiny, clustered flowers surrounded by a ring of showy florets.
This Nala Designs Greta Romper is a staple that every girl should have! Wearing a good summer romper like his Greta makes any outfit instantly cute. Its also is the kind of piece that you can take from super casual to really upscale.
For your wardrobe, you really just need a few classic rompers and a variety of accessories to have a whole range of options.
Use the rule of 3 for jewelry. For example, you can wear a pair of statement earrings, a small set of bracelets, and a ring.
This Nala Designs Greta Romper comes with a great Color HUD which gives you 20 gorgeous colors to choose from.
Fits:
Maitreya Lara, Belleza Freya, Belleze Isis, Belleza Venus, Classic sizes (L,M,S, XS) Ebody Classic & Curvy, Slink Hourglass, Slink Physique, Tmp, Tonic Curvy, and Tonic Fine,
For added fun, I went with these beautiful tribal arm and floral legs tatoos from Howlett Designs.
The Nala Designs Greta Rompet, along with the Howlett Designs Tribal arm and Floral Leg Tattoos are available at the SWANK Tropical Heat Event in July.
Taxi to SWANK Event:
The instantly recognisable peaks of Chrome hill and Parkhouse hill in the Upper Dove valley, Derbyshire. Literally the first few shots I captured on the way up to the higher views, I didn't want the mist to disappear before I had chance to photograph it so I took a 2 shot pano and had a breather too.
We finally made it ! \o/
After all those months, and constant talks, we finally managed to meet inworld and take this photo together. Which inspired our dear writer friend instantly. Here is the wonderfully creative story she imagined for it :
"A paw pats on the surface of my screen aggressively followed by an angry meow as I let the alarm keep going even after she hit snooze mode multiple times. I could hear her groaning after shoving me under the pillow (How rude!). She finally got up but forgot me under the pillow. Scanning her messages, I knew she was going on a weekend trip with two awesome friends who were also a badass couple. Love and respect surely conquers all when it is true.
Being shoved into her pockets was annoying and then kept on airplane mode through the duration of her plane ride. Apparently, giant heavy books get more attention during long flights. I guess because books release truth of the universe. Her friends met her at the airport and they honestly spent more than 20 minutes just giving each other greetings, welcomes, fuzzing overs and thank yous. Life just goes by so quickly that we have to pause and at least take the time to tell our friends how amazing they are, she so did right! (Wish I had friends...)
I was finally put to good use when she took photos of the scenery around and of herself with her friends. Memories that she will always be smiling about because they were built out of honesty, support and real care. They did a lot of activities! It all went so fast. Time was just rushing quickly and everyone was moving on with their lives. They first grabbed breakfast and then went to the town's square to check out some souvenirs. There was a museum there so they decided why not? After that, they set up for a hike up one of the mountains that had a small area for paragliding, My entire world just shook!
They had lunch in a restaurant overlooking the sea after that with no time to take food photos (How can this happen!) and then they chilled for awhile by taking a walk along the pier. She eventually didn't bother using me because she got something more bigger and hotter to take photos with. I was mostly inside her bag the entire duration while she enjoyed with her friends and Mr. DSLR.
There was a lot to do, places to visit, new experiences to discuss and life plans to share. The 3 of them just enjoyed talking about art, music, photographs and places. Work talk was saved for another time and the world was on the tip of their fingers! They had so many beautiful things to think about and do. I started releasing the notification sound but she only took me out for a second and put me on silent mode (How could she!? Not even on vibration!!). The first day was slowly coming to an end so they went back to their temporary 'home' to unwind from the long day.
When she finally remembered that I existed, she looked over at the messages and missed calls but only one message from another dear friend caught her attention. I could see how she raised an eyebrow and then called over the love birds to take a look with her. I didn't understand why the three of them seemed to laugh over whatever it was they were looking at.
"- Sana, sana, colita de rana" one said as the spanish saying goes. They got distracted then from laughing when I showed them that their restaurant reservation was confirmed!
I can't believe she threw me out of excitement and I could see the three of them doing some silly dances in celebration from having been flung into a soft couch. At least, I avoided a cracked screen... "
Thank you so much sweet friend for your time and patience. We cannot wait for the next collab :D
Take a look at her own version of our collab here
---
Note :
Remember to press L to display the image in full screen.
All the poses used in my pictures are made from scratch
No AI used
As I gaze upon the watercolor painting before me, I am instantly captivated by the stunning view of Lisbon that unfolds. It's as if I am standing at Mirador Santa Luzia myself, immersed in the beauty of this magical city.
The vibrant hues of the watercolor dance across the canvas, bringing the scene to life. The sky above is a symphony of blues, from the palest cerulean near the horizon to the deeper cobalt shades above. Wisps of white clouds drift lazily, adding a touch of serenity to the composition.
From the Mirador, the view stretches outwards, unveiling a magnificent panorama. The city sprawls along the hills, a patchwork of terracotta rooftops interspersed with bursts of colorful buildings. The ochre tones blend harmoniously with the surrounding landscape, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
As my eyes follow the meandering streets, they lead me towards the mighty River Tagus. Its waters shimmer under the gentle sunlight, reflecting the brilliance of the sky above. Sailing boats and ferries gracefully glide along the river, adding a sense of movement and vitality to the painting.
The iconic landmarks of Lisbon rise proudly against the horizon. The graceful arc of the 25 de Abril Bridge connects the two banks, its bold red color contrasting beautifully with the blue backdrop. The Belem Tower stands stoically at the water's edge, a testament to the city's rich history and maritime heritage.
In the foreground, lush vegetation frames the scene, as if nature herself is applauding the beauty of Lisbon. Bougainvillea spills over the walls, its vibrant magenta petals creating a striking contrast against the cityscape. Palm trees sway gently in the breeze, casting delicate shadows upon the cobblestone streets.
As I continue to study the painting, I am transported to this enchanting place. I can almost feel the warmth of the sun on my skin and hear the distant sounds of laughter and music floating through the air. The watercolor captures the essence of Lisbon's charm, its fusion of history, culture, and natural beauty.
This stunning view of Lisbon from Mirador Santa Luzia immortalized in watercolor is not just a mere representation; it is a portal to a world of wonder and wanderlust. It beckons me to explore the narrow streets, discover hidden gems, and immerse myself in the soul of this vibrant city.
20220512_RX_01189_LISBOA
All new from the following designers at Summerfest!
Sari-Sari - Lifeguard Chair
Sari-Sari - Surf Rescue Board (mirrored)
Sari-Sari - Lifebuoy
Sari-Sari - Outdoor Beach Shower
Summerfest: maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Beachwalk/30/77/25
Sari-Sari Mainstore: maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kusawa/46/212/2081
MH Marli Deck Chair Fatpack
Summerfest maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Beachwalk/30/77/25
Mud Honey Mainstore: maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/MudHoney/109/121/28
Ariskea [Plumeria] Plumeria Banane Plant
Ariskea [Plumeria] Plumeria Soft Plant
Summerfest: maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Beachwalk/30/77/25
Ariskea Mainstore: maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Go/45/102/34
LB_LipstickPalm.v3{Animated}
LB_BeachSand-v1{Low Li}
Summerfest: maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Beachwalk/30/77/25
Little Branch Mainstore: maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Aspen%20Springs/198/178/27
Pitaya - Beach set - Fullpack (dune_soft_03)
Pitaya - Beach set - Fullpack (dune_soft_04)
Pitaya - Beach set - Fullpack (dune_hard_03)
Summerfest: maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Beachwalk/30/77/25
Pitaya Mainstore: maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/INFINITA/224/220/335
.peaches. Paislee's Paradise Chair - Reg
Summerfest: maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Beachwalk/30/77/25
peaches Mainstore: maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Solara/126/58/22
Granola. Salt Water Heart Float. White
Granola. Salt Water Cooler Dispenser. White.
Summerfest: maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Beachwalk/30/77/25
Granola Mainstore: maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Daydreams/86/121/30
[Cinoe] Sweet Lovin' you - Watermelon fruit punch (Dispenser)
[Cinoe] Sweet Lovin' you - Fruit punch (Dispenser)
[Cinoe] Sweet Lovin' you - Waffle ice sand (Dispenser)
[Cinoe] Sweet Lovin' you - Waffle ice sand White
[Cinoe] Sweet Lovin' you - Waffle ice sand Black
Summerfest: maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Beachwalk/30/77/25
Cinoe Mainstore: maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Royal%20Chase/70/198/1304
hive // coastal dining chair .
hive // coastal dining table 1
hive // coastal dining bench
hive // coastal placemat pack 2
hive // empty water glass
hive // empty wine glass
hive // coastal placemat whale
Summerfest: maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Beachwalk/30/77/25
Hive Mainstore: maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/hive/139/55/25
Hive Flickr: flic.kr/ps/2hPUK9
Featuring the Early Summer Gacha set by Thor out now at Kustom 9:
..::THOR::.. Floating Dock
..::THOR::.. Picnic Blanket
..::THOR::.. Wooden Boat - RARE
..::THOR::.. Pillow Flowers
..::THOR::.. Pillow Birds
..::THOR::.. Pillow Acanthus
..::THOR::.. Bucket Hat - Monstera Deco
..::THOR::.. Enamel Mug Mint
..::THOR::.. Enamel Mug White
..::THOR::.. Summer Goodies - RARE
..::THOR::.. Old Crate Table
..::THOR::.. Wooden Fence 1-3
Kustom 9: maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/kustom9/116/98/22
Thor Mainstore: maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Nyn/130/238/3209
Thor Flickr: flic.kr/ps/2w7oim
Misc:
Build: Scarlet Creative Megan Summer House
Nutmeg. Seaside Calm Parasol
Skye Epic Rock Group 1
TLC Seal Type E (On Top )
Thanks for the support and have a great week!! 😊
Some photos take you back to that time instantly and this is one of those to me. We fell in love with the spectacular and beautiful scenery. I took this photo on our way home (the scenic route) from a day by the sea with the puggies on our wedding anniversary Sept 2019. We had amazing weather. For us the sun always shines when we visit Wales!
Here’s a little bit of info on the area for those who are curious....
The Berwyn range (Welsh: Y Berwyn or Mynydd y Berwyn) is an isolated and sparsely populated area of moorland in the northeast of Wales, roughly bounded by Llangollen in the northeast, Corwen in the northwest, Bala in the southwest, and Oswestry in the southeast.
Instantly recognisable and often erroneously called mushroom stones , Staddle stones (variations include steddle stones) have been used for centuries as the raised footings for granaries and tithe barns in order to prevent both damp and pesky rats and mice raiding the stores.
Generally found in the southern counties, Staddles can be found in a number of mediums, most commonly sandstone and granite, they will vary region by region and will these days be seen gracing rural driveways and gardens.
This one was seen on my walk in the Cerne valley in Dorset (southern England) & is in very good condition.
The tile is not a political statement, though I could pontificate on that for some time. No, the title is simply a fall image from Oregon. I am not usually a fan of shooting abstracts like this. In this case I saw the tree in the field, enshrouded by the solid precipitation and I instantly saw the image in my head. I had to shoot it. You would now know it, but this is not some isolated field, there are homes just 200 feet from that tree, the fog was just that thick. Not a lot of processing on this one, just a simple image trying to show fall. Let me know what you think.
For how beautiful this place really is. When I arrived here I instantly felt at 'home', this gorgeous sim is my idea of SL bliss. Endless fields of natural beauty, and a rustic, oldy-worldy home to explore. Without a doubt my fave siim in SL right now. Visit here: <3333 maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Shooting%20Stars/217/137/25
Song dedicated to my Sammy, because this is the perfect place for casual chit chats, hanging out and just being happy together: ♥♫♥
"A flower - shrivelled, bare of fragrance,
Forgotten on a page - I see,
And instantly my soul awakens,
Filled with an aimless reverie..."
The Flower by Alexander Pushkin
We spent last weekend in Liverpool and came across this statue quite by accident, instantly recognised as we had seen photos of it.
It was nice to see groups of tourists patiently waiting their turn to have a shot taken with the boys. The one Rod took of me is in the first comment.
HSS and Thursday Monochrome 😀
I have always had a deep love for shorebirds, but living in Arizona limits us to just one—a plover—the elusive Killdeer. Today was different. Its sharp, rapid call, 'Kill-dee! Kill-dee! Dee-dee-dee-dee!' grabbed my attention. The bird flew toward me, and my trusted camera locked focus instantly. I fired off about 20 shots as it passed by at eye level.
then it is absolute madness to say that there is virtue in waiting :-)
Edwin Land
HBW!! Kindness Matters!
iris, 'Finalist', j c raulston arboretum, ncsu, raleigh, north carolina
For the first heavy snow fall in Scotland, my friend and I instantly decided to head up to the highlands to camp for the night. After scouting the area trying to find a good spot we ended up setting up at Glen Etive. In this shot we have the mighty Buachaille Etive Mor being backlit by the full moon.
Prints available on www.bryanharkin.com
Thingvellir is a place that instantly inspires awe due both to its topography and its history. It is situated in a rift zone where the North American and the Eurasian tectonic plates meet. There are rugged cliffs lining the valley, beneath which the world’s oldest parliament, the Alþing, first convened in 930AD. Waterfalls cascade over the rock walls, filling pools in which witches and other law breakers were once drowned for their offenses. Beheadings took place in other locations. Upon the Law Rock, the Law Speaker would recite the laws of the land from memory and others would make announcements, level charges, and raise issues of importance to the Icelandic people
Get yourself out to Summers Wind. I instantly found a place to lay and relax, I can't wait to go back and enjoy more of this location, day or night.
Jeans: Kalback Original Jeans M6 TMD
Shirt: ::K:: Summer Tailored Jacket Homme TMD
Location: Summers Wind
Amsterdam is highly walkable just avoid walking on anything looking like a bike path and instantly freeze when you hear the ominous sound of the bike bell, an even easier and faster way to get around is to bike if you have the courage to join the fray but be warned the Dutch suffer no fools on their bikeways.
For those faint of heart the city also has one of the best public transportation systems in Europe though no underground exists trams, buses and trains make their way overland in a very efficient and orderly manner at a very reasonable cost.
After many many visits I discovered on my last trip the OV-Chipkart, an anonymous reloadable plastic card that can be found at the train station, at a newsagent or at a supermarket just look for the pink OV-chipkaart logo and best place to purchase one is at the start of your journey at Schiphol Airport.
The initial purchase price is 7,50 euro and can be loaded or reloaded at terminals with the logo but beware that not all terminals use credit cards, once you have loaded what you feel is enough for your use the card is ready to go not just in Amsterdam but all of the Netherlands on public transport, here ends the PSA.
This shot was taken on the evening tour with the Dam Boat Guys and is a good illustration of urban life on the move and also that some of your better shots come from lesser subject matter.
I took this on Sept 9th, 2017 with my D750 and Nikon 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens at 32mm 1/60 sec f/11 ISO2000 processed in LR, PS +Lumenzia, Topaz , Luminar and DXO
Disclaimer: My style is a study of romantic realism as well as a work in progress
The sheer power that these two Fallow bucks were using to clash their antlers was intimidating but mesmerising!! You could hear many clashes of antlers throughout the park.... an impressive feat as the park is vast.
It was fascinating because they first groan, then walk parallel to each other as though friends, then instantly turn on each other.
The muscles used were phenomenal.
Fallow Rut photographed at Bushy Park, UK
Any Zac Brown Band fans out there? This image instantly conjured up this song for me. If you have the time give it a listen. In the meantime here are the lyrics.
I hear the waves
Sun beatin' down on my shoulders
It's a near-perfect day
Wishin' I wouldn't get any older
They say that it's gone 'fore you know it now
Quiet your mind
Soak it all in
It's a game you can't win
Enjoy the ride
I feel the change
Goin' on all around me
It's strange
How I'm taken and guided
Where I end up right where I'm needed to be
Quiet your mind
Soak it all in
It's a game you can't win
Enjoy the ride
At the end of the water
A red sun is risin'
And the stars are all goin' away
And if you're too busy talkin'
You're not busy listenin'
To hear what the land has to say
Quiet your mind
I hear the waves
Sun beatin' down on my shoulders
It's a near-perfect day
Wishin' I wouldn't get any older
They say that it's gone 'fore you know it and
Soak it all in
Quiet Your Mind