View allAll Photos Tagged optimistic
Trip to AL-Balad Photo #3
Jeddah
© Naif abdullah
جميع الحقوق محفوظة لـ نايف بن عبدالله
يرجى عدم نسخ أو نقل أو طباعة اي صورة قبل الحصول على موافقة من المصور نفسه
يرجى مراسلة المصور من خلال الوسائل التالية في حالة الرغبة باستخدام اي من الصور
All rights reserved for Naif abdullah
please do not copy, print or take any of the images displayed in this photostream without the photographer permission.
iNaif@live.com
All photos in the gallery are for sale, I have a bigger copy and best quality. If you are interested in any .. contact me on this e-mail:
inaif@live.com
ملاحظة لا أقبل اي اضافات من الجنسين والتواصل يكون عبر الرسائل
this is some abandoned trailer.
i know i've uploaded so many photos from this day, but they are all so different, and, I think, deserve to be uploaded..
plus i'm not doing a 365, so it doesn't matter :P
The Hairdresser
Hank – today my hairdresser – is a true wake up call.
He often takes me by surprise.
Being surprised opens the door to a higher level of awareness.
HKD
I told you some time ago that a raven landed on my head.
It was Hank :-)))))
This time Alice took the picture.
Thanks Alice!
Hank is playing with my hair – well, with the few that is left… Only the background is montage.
HKD
Alle Vögel sind schon da…
Hank, Botschafter der Götter :-))
Hank überrascht mich immer wieder und bringt mich in den Augenblick. Und so ist er sich meiner Präsenz ganz sicher. Aufmerksamkeit ist ein Zustand der Sammlung des Geistes auf das Hier und Jetzt.
Analytisches, logisches Denken wechselt zu Gunsten einer direkten Wahrnehmung des Seins. Einem Kind gleich, das ohne Worte eine laufende Situation emotional erfährt, bildet sich instinktive Erkenntnis.
Ahnung, Intuition, alle transpersonalen Wahrnehmungsfenster sind geöffnet. Der gefühlte Scan liefert präzise Informationen über freundliche oder feindliche Vorgänge, auch über den Wahrheitsgehalt bestimmter Dinge.
Mit der zunehmenden Persona entwickelt sich der Intellekt, und zahlreiche Konzepte wechseln sich im Verlauf erweiterten Verstehens nacheinander ab. Dieser Vorgang läuft so lange, bis der Logos befriedigt ist und das letzte der Konzepte versteht, das Konzept der Auflösung aller Konzepte.
Das Leben hat sich so eingerichtet, dass es mit starken gegensätzlichen Gefühlen und Unbewusstheit beginnt. Ich fühlte mich in meiner Kindheit wie in eine Fremde geworfen, und von heftigen Gefühlen geschüttelt. Eine auf Disziplin ausgerichtete Umgebung gab mir den Halt und die Erziehung in ein rebellisches aber zurückhaltendes Ego.
Die Energie, die in der Gefühlswelt gebunden war wandelte sich, und der Logos erstrahlte immer heller. Ich begann, ein Konzept nach dem anderen zu verstehen… Das emotionale Erleben verlor immer stärker an Bedeutung.
Doch es nahte die Erkenntnis der letzten Konzepte in denen die Welt aus der Sicht des Bewusstseins erfahren und erläutert wird – nicht aus der Sicht des Verstandes.
Bewusstsein ist die Quelle aller Träume, heißt es hier in der Advaita Philosophie und meine psychischen Erfahrungen bestätigen diese. Ich fühlte und verstand die Wahrheit, denn mein Geist war in der Lage, die Essenz wahrzunehmen.
Die anfängliche Schwerstarbeit meines Intellekts ist beendet und mein Geist kann wieder die gefühlten Aspekte des Lebens wahrnehmen.
Der wache Geist, das Bewusstsein erfährt beide Seiten: logisches Denken und die Gefühle.
Hank repräsentiert für mich die Gefühlsseite in mir. Raben und Tauben sind meine Lieblingsvögel. Sie bereiten mir große Freude. Tag für Tag. Und Überraschungen bringen sie auch – zurzeit piepsende Junge. Auf meinem Kopf wird es wohl eng werden, aber die meisten Vögel schwirren als Ideen und Gedanken ohnehin nur in meinem Kopf.
Offensichtlich habe ich einen Vogel… heute einmal auf dem Kopf… ;-)))
HKD
Psychologische Symbolik: Der Vogel ist außen. Die Schattenbearbeitung ist erfolgreich vollzogen.
HKD
Digital art based on own photography and textures
HKD
Why is it too optimistic to hope for happiness? Too extreme an imagination to think everyone will smile today?
Every day 17 out of 100 women become victims of violence at home or in the workplace.25% of them die. Although the government has signed different international conventions and introduced special laws to protect women and children, it has ultimately failed to provide adequate security for them. As a result, women are constantly becoming victims of violence at home or in the workplace everyday. We have reached to a point where Acid victims are no surprise.It's very unfortunate but Bangladesh still has a long way to go in its treatment of women, from the ordinary to the very top leaders.
Is it unimaginable to make acid victims , violated women and eve-teasers only fairy tales?
It's not if we care , share and inspire enough.
STOP violence against women.
I'm being optimistic about this project , i think because i'm passionate about life i'm gonna enjoy photographing and documenting everything that makes me cheerful and delight me . I'm pretty confident ^^
Cats, the beach, and peaceful quiet moments that allows me to hear my thoughts ❤
Define how you live by your perspective...
Is it positive? or negative?
Do you see gloom stepping in or out?
That's what being optimistic or pessimistic is all about!
© T.A
-------
Another one of those shot taken way back with my old camera that I feel like sharing since.... it was taken on one of those rare days that Dubai get's gloomy!
Manna Hill. Despite the low rainfall and semi-arid climate in the mid-1870s South Australians were so optimistic that they could grow wheat almost anywhere that the government set up an experimental 1,280 acre wheat farm on the Manna Hill sheep station leasehold in 1877. This followed a series of above average rainfalls in the region. This was the same time that the Willochra Plains near Hawker were being surveyed into farms. The Manna Hill sheep run was established in the early 1860s. At Manna Hill in 1877 three inches of rain fell in May, one inch in June which lulled the farm manager into believing a wheat crop would grow well and it did yielding 12 bushels per acre. In 1878 the farm manager suggested a plantation to be grown at Manna Hill farm. Another good crop was obtained in 1878 but in November 1879 the farm equipment and stock was sold and the farm closed down. The town was established at the government well at Manna Hill on the Barrier Ranges railway which reached the area in 1887. The discovery of gold near Manna Hill in 1886 reinforced the need for a town in this spot. The fine stone railway station dates from around 1887. The first government school opened in 1899 and closed in 1967 when the narrow gauge line was being replaced with a new standard gauge line and railway workers left the town. It is now a residence with a school roof ventilator. The Manna Hill Hotel was built in 1889 and a galvanised iron public hall was erected at some stage. It now has a blue painted besser block facade. Manna Hill has a stone police station built around 1890 which still operates. Joseph Kenworthy owned Oulnina station and built a race course next to the Manna Hill railway station on his land for public race meetings. He died in 1943. His memorial gates to the race course are impressive. Erected in the 1940s after his death.
I had read about the new RSPB reserve opening and decided to take a look. It opened on the 25th of May. When we arrived there were only 2-3 cars. The visitor centre overlooked a lake, stunningly bleak view but with no birds to be seen. No birds and no people yet the RSPB staff and volunteers appeared were so cheery and optimistic. Once out onto the reserve and onto the hilltop you get a beautiful view of the reserve and hear the sound of Skylarks, Meadow Pipits, Blackcaps and Whitethroats. When you descend you see the birds and also hear them. I would recommend it as a place to visit. I was very impressed! The weather was on our side too....blue skies, sun and a few white whispy clouds!
As for the photo, my first hot ever taken in black and white and I am impresed! I have never played around with photos but a friend recommended this to me. Thanks a lot!
www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/s/staidans/
St Aidan's is a perfect place to get close to nature and relax, unwind or exercise in a stress-free environment. Just outside Leeds on the banks of the River Aire, it's a big new space to walk, run, cycle, or ride your horse and enjoy the wildlife that surrounds you.
It has a wide range of wild plants and animals, and is home to thousands of birds, brown hares, roe deer, wild flowers and insects - all living in a stunning landscape of vast reedbeds, grassland, woodland, lakes, ponds and islands.
With a variety of circular paths of varying lengths and large areas of open grassland, St Aidan’s is a great place for families to enjoy the outdoors, share a picnic and play together.
Over 7.5 miles (12 km) of footpaths, bridleways and cycle routes connect the surrounding communities, with links to national footpath and cycle networks. St Aidan's is a fantastic place for locals wishing to explore the wider countryside or as a destination for people who love nature.
Opening times
St Aidan's is an open access site. Opening times apply to the visitor centre and car park. From March-October they're open from 9.30 am to 5 pm. From September-February it's 9.30 am to 4 pm. They're closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Entrance charges
Entry to the site is free but donations to help us continue our work are welcome. There is a car park charge of £2.50 per car for RSPB non-members. RSPB members and disabled badge holders park for free.
Information for dog owners
Dogs are allowed on the reserve as long as they are kept on a lead in the appropriate designated zones. There are some less sensitive areas within St Aidan's where dogs are allowed off the lead. Please check with staff before letting dogs off the lead.
Star species
Our star species are some of the most interesting birds you may see on your visit to the reserve.
Bittern
Bitterns are brown, secretive herons, camouflaged to hide amongst reeds. Visit in spring to hear male bitterns 'booming' or summer to watch the parents making feeding flights.
Great crested grebe
Watch the amazing courtship ritual of great crested grebes on the open water in spring. You may see pairs performing their 'weed dance' when they present one another with weed and patter across the surface of the water together.
Little owl
You may be lucky enough to find one of these compact owls perched in a tree or on a fencepost. They become very active at dusk and you may hear their shrill calls.
Marsh harrier
Look for marsh harriers gliding over the reedbed with their wings held upwards in a shallow 'v'. In spring, pairs perform their breathtaking 'skydancing' displays high in the sky.
Skylark
Spring visits will be enriched by the beautiful song of skylarks. They rise up into the air from the grassland until they are barely visible and only their song can be heard
www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/s/staidans/seasonal_highli...
Seasonal highlights
Each season brings a different experience at our nature reserves. In spring, the air is filled with birdsong as they compete to establish territories and attract a mate. In summer, look out for young birds making their first venture into the outside world. Autumn brings large movements of migrating birds - some heading south to a warmer climate, others seeking refuge in the UK from the cold Arctic winter. In winter, look out for large flocks of birds gathering to feed, or flying at dusk to form large roosts to keep warm.
Spring
Look out for marsh harriers displaying over the reedbeds, great crested grebes performing their elaborate courtship dances and returning swallows skimming low over the water and grasslands as they collect insects. Listen out for skylarks filling the air with their song, the deep booming of male bitterns, male snipe 'drumming' as they vibrate their tail feathers to attract females and lapwings calling as they perform their aerobatic displays. Enjoy the fusion of colour as wildflowers burst into bloom and a host of brightly-coloured butterflies and dragonflies take to the wing. Spring is also a great time to see kestrels. You can often see several hovering around the site at the same time as they hunt for voles in the grassland. Kestrels have also been seen nesting in the huge dragline.
Summer
Watch overhead for herons and little egrets dropping into the reeds to feed, female bitterns flying low over the reedbeds as they seek out food for their chicks or marsh harriers passing food to each other in flight. Keep an eye on the open water for lines of young ducklings paddling along behind their parents or young great crested grebes riding around on their parents' backs and admire the abundant lilypads on the lakes. Stoats, weasels and water voles are often seen at this time of year as are basking butterflies and dragonflies hawking the waters edge. Thousands of black-headed gulls set up a colony at this time of the year filling the air with their calls. Summer is the best time to spot the elusive black necked grebe as it will have its fluffy youngsters in tow. Avocets also nest at this time of year. St Aidan’s is a good place to spot this iconic bird that is the logo of the RSPB.
Autumn
Autumn sees the arrival of migrant birds, such as black-tailed godwits, ruffs and green sandpipers. Local birdwatchers will also spot a few rarities such as spoonbills and pectoral sandpipers. Huge flocks of lapwings arrive to spend winter with us and can be seen around pool edges and on grassland. Short-eared owls hunt over the reedbeds and our winter wildfowl begin to arrive. Look out for flashes of blue as kingfishers flit up and down the river.
Winter
Waders and wildfowl such as lapwings, curlews, wigeons, teals, shovelers and goldeneyes gather in big numbers, roosting and feeding across the grasslands and pools. Water rails can be spotted feeding on frozen pools, or you can listen out for their strange, pig-like squealing! The elusive bittern is also drawn out into the open at times. One of the most awesome spectacles in winter is seeing massive flocks of roosting birds panic and fly into the air as peregrines hunt over the site. Look and listen out for overwintering stonechats. Their calls sound like two pebbles being knocked together!
Facilities
Facilities
•Visitor centre
•Car park : There's a car park charge of £2.50 per car for RSPB non-members. RSPB members and disabled badge holders park for free. We have cycle parking and a height restriction of 2.7 m (8' 10'') for vehicles.
•Toilets
•Disabled toilets
•Baby-changing facilities
•Picnic area
•Group bookings accepted
•Guided walks available
•Good for walking
•Pushchair friendly
Nature trails
Bowers Bimble: Starting from the car park, this 0.9-mile (1.5 km) flat trail takes you on a short walk around Bowers Lake then through grassland and wild flower meadows. Great for a relaxing stroll (20-30 minutes).
Lowther Loop: For a walk through shady woodland glades and along the banks of the River Aire, venture onto this 1.3 mile (2 km) flat trail. In wet winter months, it’s a welly boot walk (60 minutes).
Hillside Hike: For stunning landscapes and panoramic views of the nature park and surrounding areas, t ake a hike onto the hillside. This trail is 1.3 miles (2 km) with some steep hills and inclines, which wind through the trees and grassland (40-60 minutes).
Reedbed Ramble: To explore the magic of the whispering reedbeds, take a walk on this 1.7-mile (2.8 km) flat route that runs around the edges of the reedbeds and loops back to the main entrance (40-45 minutes).
As the new custodians of St Aidan's, we are aiming to improve the accessibility of our paths as soon as we can. Please contact us for updates on footpath and bridleway conditions.
Refreshments available
•Hot drinks
•Cold drinks
•Snacks
•Confectionery
By train
The nearest train stations are Woodlesford (3.2 miles), Castleford (3.2 miles) and Garforth (4.3 miles). If you're going to be walking or cycling from the station to St Aidan's, choose Woodlesford station. Turn left out of the station then left onto the main road. When you get to the bridge over the Aire and Calder navigation, cross it, then turn right and walk along the riverbank until you reach St Aidan's. If you're going to take a taxi from the station to St Aidan's, head towards Castleford station as it's easier to get a taxi there.
By bus
The nearest bus stop is just outside the entrance to St Aidan’s, on Astley Lane. The Number 167 Leeds to Castleford bus stops here and is run by Arriva Yorkshire.
By road
Reach us from junction 46 of the M1. Follow the A63, signposted Selby and Garforth. At the roundabout, take the fourth left for Wakefield A642, Swillington and Oulton. Follow the A642 for 1.5 miles then turn left on to Astley Lane. St Aidan's is 1.8 miles on the right.
From Castleford, follow the A656 (Barnsdale Road) north out of the town centre for 1.4 miles. Turn left onto Station Road towards Allerton Bywater and travel 1.2 miles. Turn left onto the Leeds Road (next to the yellow corner shop). St Aidan’s is 0.5 miles along the road on the left.
Other ways to get to the reserve
It's easy to get to St Aidan's by bike. The site is bordered on its south-east edge by the Trans-Pennine Trail central section (Route 67). This runs north all the way to Leeds city centre, and south to join the main east-west route near our Old Moor nature reserve at Barnsley. There is also a local cycle route called the Linesway Greenway (Route 697) that runs between Garforth and Allerton Bywater with a spur at the Allerton Bywater end that links into the site. St Aidan's is also bordered by the Leeds Country Way. Maps of this route can be found on the Leeds City Council website. There are also many other local footpaths and bridleways that link into the site from the surrounding towns and villages.
The man who sows wrong thoughts and deeds and prays that God will bless him is in the position of a farmer who, having sown tares, asks God to bring forth for him a harvest of wheat.
- James Allen
Taken from Kushtia, Bangladesh.
Being only moderately optimistic I hope the upcoming year will be prosperous and bring me and all of us great opportunities. I'm not promising anything, but lately I've been very slow here on Flickr.
Overall the weather has been unfavourable to my expectations and also sometimes I feel as I've used up all my adjectives when I want to comment on your photos. And then my demanding job is not helping.
But I love you all my Flickr friends and may you have a thriving year ahead and keep shooting great photos
Yeah, maybe some of my shots even fit that category, at least I'm endlessly trying !
Keep it up my friends !
"When you have vision it affects your attitude, Your attitude is optimistic, rather than pessimistic.." Charles R. Swindoll
My computer broke down, (as usual) and basically it sucks.
Madrid
LOS QUE SOBREVIVEN NUNCA SON LOS MISMOS, mi libro de relatos...my short-story book...you can find it in...podéis encontrarlo en...
itunes.apple.com/es/book/los-que-sobreviven-nunca-son/id8...
www.amazon.es/Los-que-sobreviven-nunca-mismos-ebook/dp/B0...
bertadelgadomelgosa.wordpress.com/
www.facebook.com/pages/BERTA-DELGADO-MELGOSA/255830687785188?
I had read about the new RSPB reserve opening and decided to take a look. It opened on the 25th of May. When we arrived there were only 2-3 cars. The visitor centre overlooked a lake, stunningly bleak view but with no birds to be seen. No birds and no people yet the RSPB staff and volunteers appeared were so cheery and optimistic. Once out onto the reserve and onto the hilltop you get a beautiful view of the reserve and hear the sound of Skylarks, Meadow Pipits, Blackcaps and Whitethroats. When you descend you see the birds and also hear them. I would recommend it as a place to visit. I was very impressed!
www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/s/staidans/
St Aidan's is a perfect place to get close to nature and relax, unwind or exercise in a stress-free environment. Just outside Leeds on the banks of the River Aire, it's a big new space to walk, run, cycle, or ride your horse and enjoy the wildlife that surrounds you.
It has a wide range of wild plants and animals, and is home to thousands of birds, brown hares, roe deer, wild flowers and insects - all living in a stunning landscape of vast reedbeds, grassland, woodland, lakes, ponds and islands.
With a variety of circular paths of varying lengths and large areas of open grassland, St Aidan’s is a great place for families to enjoy the outdoors, share a picnic and play together.
Over 7.5 miles (12 km) of footpaths, bridleways and cycle routes connect the surrounding communities, with links to national footpath and cycle networks. St Aidan's is a fantastic place for locals wishing to explore the wider countryside or as a destination for people who love nature.
Opening times
St Aidan's is an open access site. Opening times apply to the visitor centre and car park. From March-October they're open from 9.30 am to 5 pm. From September-February it's 9.30 am to 4 pm. They're closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Entrance charges
Entry to the site is free but donations to help us continue our work are welcome. There is a car park charge of £2.50 per car for RSPB non-members. RSPB members and disabled badge holders park for free.
Information for dog owners
Dogs are allowed on the reserve as long as they are kept on a lead in the appropriate designated zones. There are some less sensitive areas within St Aidan's where dogs are allowed off the lead. Please check with staff before letting dogs off the lead.
Star species
Our star species are some of the most interesting birds you may see on your visit to the reserve.
Bittern
Bitterns are brown, secretive herons, camouflaged to hide amongst reeds. Visit in spring to hear male bitterns 'booming' or summer to watch the parents making feeding flights.
Great crested grebe
Watch the amazing courtship ritual of great crested grebes on the open water in spring. You may see pairs performing their 'weed dance' when they present one another with weed and patter across the surface of the water together.
Little owl
You may be lucky enough to find one of these compact owls perched in a tree or on a fencepost. They become very active at dusk and you may hear their shrill calls.
Marsh harrier
Look for marsh harriers gliding over the reedbed with their wings held upwards in a shallow 'v'. In spring, pairs perform their breathtaking 'skydancing' displays high in the sky.
Skylark
Spring visits will be enriched by the beautiful song of skylarks. They rise up into the air from the grassland until they are barely visible and only their song can be heard
www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/s/staidans/seasonal_highli...
Seasonal highlights
Each season brings a different experience at our nature reserves. In spring, the air is filled with birdsong as they compete to establish territories and attract a mate. In summer, look out for young birds making their first venture into the outside world. Autumn brings large movements of migrating birds - some heading south to a warmer climate, others seeking refuge in the UK from the cold Arctic winter. In winter, look out for large flocks of birds gathering to feed, or flying at dusk to form large roosts to keep warm.
Spring
Look out for marsh harriers displaying over the reedbeds, great crested grebes performing their elaborate courtship dances and returning swallows skimming low over the water and grasslands as they collect insects. Listen out for skylarks filling the air with their song, the deep booming of male bitterns, male snipe 'drumming' as they vibrate their tail feathers to attract females and lapwings calling as they perform their aerobatic displays. Enjoy the fusion of colour as wildflowers burst into bloom and a host of brightly-coloured butterflies and dragonflies take to the wing. Spring is also a great time to see kestrels. You can often see several hovering around the site at the same time as they hunt for voles in the grassland. Kestrels have also been seen nesting in the huge dragline.
Summer
Watch overhead for herons and little egrets dropping into the reeds to feed, female bitterns flying low over the reedbeds as they seek out food for their chicks or marsh harriers passing food to each other in flight. Keep an eye on the open water for lines of young ducklings paddling along behind their parents or young great crested grebes riding around on their parents' backs and admire the abundant lilypads on the lakes. Stoats, weasels and water voles are often seen at this time of year as are basking butterflies and dragonflies hawking the waters edge. Thousands of black-headed gulls set up a colony at this time of the year filling the air with their calls. Summer is the best time to spot the elusive black necked grebe as it will have its fluffy youngsters in tow. Avocets also nest at this time of year. St Aidan’s is a good place to spot this iconic bird that is the logo of the RSPB.
Autumn
Autumn sees the arrival of migrant birds, such as black-tailed godwits, ruffs and green sandpipers. Local birdwatchers will also spot a few rarities such as spoonbills and pectoral sandpipers. Huge flocks of lapwings arrive to spend winter with us and can be seen around pool edges and on grassland. Short-eared owls hunt over the reedbeds and our winter wildfowl begin to arrive. Look out for flashes of blue as kingfishers flit up and down the river.
Winter
Waders and wildfowl such as lapwings, curlews, wigeons, teals, shovelers and goldeneyes gather in big numbers, roosting and feeding across the grasslands and pools. Water rails can be spotted feeding on frozen pools, or you can listen out for their strange, pig-like squealing! The elusive bittern is also drawn out into the open at times. One of the most awesome spectacles in winter is seeing massive flocks of roosting birds panic and fly into the air as peregrines hunt over the site. Look and listen out for overwintering stonechats. Their calls sound like two pebbles being knocked together!
Facilities
Facilities
•Visitor centre
•Car park : There's a car park charge of £2.50 per car for RSPB non-members. RSPB members and disabled badge holders park for free. We have cycle parking and a height restriction of 2.7 m (8' 10'') for vehicles.
•Toilets
•Disabled toilets
•Baby-changing facilities
•Picnic area
•Group bookings accepted
•Guided walks available
•Good for walking
•Pushchair friendly
Nature trails
Bowers Bimble: Starting from the car park, this 0.9-mile (1.5 km) flat trail takes you on a short walk around Bowers Lake then through grassland and wild flower meadows. Great for a relaxing stroll (20-30 minutes).
Lowther Loop: For a walk through shady woodland glades and along the banks of the River Aire, venture onto this 1.3 mile (2 km) flat trail. In wet winter months, it’s a welly boot walk (60 minutes).
Hillside Hike: For stunning landscapes and panoramic views of the nature park and surrounding areas, t ake a hike onto the hillside. This trail is 1.3 miles (2 km) with some steep hills and inclines, which wind through the trees and grassland (40-60 minutes).
Reedbed Ramble: To explore the magic of the whispering reedbeds, take a walk on this 1.7-mile (2.8 km) flat route that runs around the edges of the reedbeds and loops back to the main entrance (40-45 minutes).
As the new custodians of St Aidan's, we are aiming to improve the accessibility of our paths as soon as we can. Please contact us for updates on footpath and bridleway conditions.
Refreshments available
•Hot drinks
•Cold drinks
•Snacks
•Confectionery
By train
The nearest train stations are Woodlesford (3.2 miles), Castleford (3.2 miles) and Garforth (4.3 miles). If you're going to be walking or cycling from the station to St Aidan's, choose Woodlesford station. Turn left out of the station then left onto the main road. When you get to the bridge over the Aire and Calder navigation, cross it, then turn right and walk along the riverbank until you reach St Aidan's. If you're going to take a taxi from the station to St Aidan's, head towards Castleford station as it's easier to get a taxi there.
By bus
The nearest bus stop is just outside the entrance to St Aidan’s, on Astley Lane. The Number 167 Leeds to Castleford bus stops here and is run by Arriva Yorkshire.
By road
Reach us from junction 46 of the M1. Follow the A63, signposted Selby and Garforth. At the roundabout, take the fourth left for Wakefield A642, Swillington and Oulton. Follow the A642 for 1.5 miles then turn left on to Astley Lane. St Aidan's is 1.8 miles on the right.
From Castleford, follow the A656 (Barnsdale Road) north out of the town centre for 1.4 miles. Turn left onto Station Road towards Allerton Bywater and travel 1.2 miles. Turn left onto the Leeds Road (next to the yellow corner shop). St Aidan’s is 0.5 miles along the road on the left.
Other ways to get to the reserve
It's easy to get to St Aidan's by bike. The site is bordered on its south-east edge by the Trans-Pennine Trail central section (Route 67). This runs north all the way to Leeds city centre, and south to join the main east-west route near our Old Moor nature reserve at Barnsley. There is also a local cycle route called the Linesway Greenway (Route 697) that runs between Garforth and Allerton Bywater with a spur at the Allerton Bywater end that links into the site. St Aidan's is also bordered by the Leeds Country Way. Maps of this route can be found on the Leeds City Council website. There are also many other local footpaths and bridleways that link into the site from the surrounding towns and villages.
The photo of daffodil buds was taken at Darts Hill Garden Park on Feb. 4th 2015 in South Surrey BC.
Spring time is early on the West coast and the warm southern exposure of Darts Hill is a full two weeks ahead of my home in North Surrey, 30 km (19 miles) away. When walking through the garden, looking for signs of spring, these three optimistic daffodil buds, arranged in a row, made me smile. They seemed so stalwart and optimistic. I knew that people viewing this photo would likely smile and feel the same way as I did.
Some background information about Darts Hill:
“Darts Hill Garden Park is a plantsman’s garden, created by Francisca Darts and gifted to the City of Surrey. The garden contains countless species and varieties of plants from all over the world. Mrs. Darts developed a particular affection for rhododendrons and magnolias and her collection of these species is outstanding.”
I am a garden and fine art photographer. I take pictures of Darts Hill Garden in all seasons in an effort to promote and celebrate the beauty of this unique garden.
My Darts Hill Garden photography blog can be viewed at: dartshillgarden.wordpress.com/
“McCall’s many fanciful and optimistic visions of the future life on earth show a world of matchless beauty in which humans have bested the forces of gravity, have learned to appreciate the untainted splendor of the natural world, and have come to live in peace and harmony with one another.” – Vincent Di Fate in “Infinite Worlds” (1997)
Robert T. McCall (1919-2010) began his career as a space artist with a series of space illustrations for “Life” magazine in the late 1950s, which drew the attention of NASA administrator James Webb. McCall was one of the first artists commissioned by Webb to document the agency’s activities. He worked as an artist for NASA for over 35 years, documenting the history of the space race. His work can be found on mission patches such as for Apollo 17, and on U.S. postage stamps.
In 1967, McCall created promotional artwork for Stanley Kubrick’s film “2001: A Space Odyssey, and later for such films as “Tora! Tora! Tora!” (1970), “Star Trek: The Motion Picture” (1979), Walt Disney’s “The Black Hole” (1979), and “Meteor” (1979). He has created murals for the walls of the National Air and Space Museum, the National Gallery of Art, The Pentagon, Epcot, and Lydon B. Johnson Space Center.
McCall was also commissioned by The Walt Disney Company to do a painting called “The Prologue and The Promise” for the Epcot attraction, “Horizons” in 1983. Guests could see the mural at the end of the attraction as they exited.
McCall’s immensely popular work contributed to his induction into the Illustrators’ Hall of Fame in 1988.
[Sources: Wikipedia, and Vincent Di Fate’s “Infinite Worlds” (1997)]
Inspiring words on a sad day. I'm not a political person but it's the expression of hope that really hits home. These words were written by Jack Layton, leader of the NDP (New Democratic Party) in Canada, to Canadians before his death. If you tumble this on Tumblr, pin on Pinterest, etc., please quote Jack Layton as the source.
Here is the letter in full.
Dear Friends,
Tens of thousands of Canadians have written to me in recent weeks to wish me well. I want to thank each and every one of you for your thoughtful, inspiring and often beautiful notes, cards and gifts. Your spirit and love have lit up my home, my spirit, and my determination.
Unfortunately my treatment has not worked out as I hoped. So I am giving this letter to my partner Olivia to share with you in the circumstance in which I cannot continue.
I recommend that Hull-Aylmer MP Nycole Turmel continue her work as our interim leader until a permanent successor is elected.
I recommend the party hold a leadership vote as early as possible in the New Year, on approximately the same timelines as in 2003, so that our new leader has ample time to reconsolidate our team, renew our party and our program, and move forward towards the next election.
A few additional thoughts:
To other Canadians who are on journeys to defeat cancer and to live their lives, I say this: please don’t be discouraged that my own journey hasn’t gone as well as I had hoped. You must not lose your own hope. Treatments and therapies have never been better in the face of this disease. You have every reason to be optimistic, determined, and focused on the future. My only other advice is to cherish every moment with those you love at every stage of your journey, as I have done this summer.
To the members of my party: we’ve done remarkable things together in the past eight years. It has been a privilege to lead the New Democratic Party and I am most grateful for your confidence, your support, and the endless hours of volunteer commitment you have devoted to our cause. There will be those who will try to persuade you to give up our cause. But that cause is much bigger than any one leader. Answer them by recommitting with energy and determination to our work. Remember our proud history of social justice, universal health care, public pensions and making sure no one is left behind. Let’s continue to move forward. Let’s demonstrate in everything we do in the four years before us that we are ready to serve our beloved Canada as its next government.
To the members of our parliamentary caucus: I have been privileged to work with each and every one of you. Our caucus meetings were always the highlight of my week. It has been my role to ask a great deal from you. And now I am going to do so again. Canadians will be closely watching you in the months to come. Colleagues, I know you will make the tens of thousands of members of our party proud of you by demonstrating the same seamless teamwork and solidarity that has earned us the confidence of millions of Canadians in the recent election.
To my fellow Quebecers: On May 2nd, you made an historic decision. You decided that the way to replace Canada’s Conservative federal government with something better was by working together in partnership with progressive-minded Canadians across the country. You made the right decision then; it is still the right decision today; and it will be the right decision right through to the next election, when we will succeed, together. You have elected a superb team of New Democrats to Parliament. They are going to be doing remarkable things in the years to come to make this country better for us all.
To young Canadians: All my life I have worked to make things better. Hope and optimism have defined my political career, and I continue to be hopeful and optimistic about Canada. Young people have been a great source of inspiration for me. I have met and talked with so many of you about your dreams, your frustrations, and your ideas for change. More and more, you are engaging in politics because you want to change things for the better. Many of you have placed your trust in our party. As my time in political life draws to a close I want to share with you my belief in your power to change this country and this world. There are great challenges before you, from the overwhelming nature of climate change to the unfairness of an economy that excludes so many from our collective wealth, and the changes necessary to build a more inclusive and generous Canada. I believe in you. Your energy, your vision, your passion for justice are exactly what this country needs today. You need to be at the heart of our economy, our political life, and our plans for the present and the future.
And finally, to all Canadians: Canada is a great country, one of the hopes of the world. We can be a better one – a country of greater equality, justice, and opportunity. We can build a prosperous economy and a society that shares its benefits more fairly. We can look after our seniors. We can offer better futures for our children. We can do our part to save the world’s environment. We can restore our good name in the world. We can do all of these things because we finally have a party system at the national level where there are real choices; where your vote matters; where working for change can actually bring about change. In the months and years to come, New Democrats will put a compelling new alternative to you. My colleagues in our party are an impressive, committed team. Give them a careful hearing; consider the alternatives; and consider that we can be a better, fairer, more equal country by working together. Don’t let them tell you it can’t be done.
My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world.
All my very best,
Jack Layton
Rupshi, Narayanganj, Bangladesh, 2009.
If you could look into this heart...
You'd see nothing but dreams, which comes true.
You'd see thousand throbbing hopes....
Dancing with every gush of circulation.
Captured from Rupshi, Narayanganj, Bangladesh. It rained today.
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My optimistic storm chase target in southwest Kansas busted yesterday afternoon—at least until well after dark. But further southwest, I did catch an excellent sunset mammatus and lightning display later from the Oklahoma Panhandle. Meanwhile, a lunar Eclipse was on tap for this morning. And lunar eclipses are very cool. So, I got up early for that.
Most of us are optimistic about having Barack Obama as our next President and we look forward with great Hope.
Barack knows that he is the beneficiary of the work of all those who came before. Many have sacrificed - and in some cases - suffered or died for the rights of others.
On this day, one day before the inauguration of Our 44th President, we celebrate a special birthday.
Thank you Martin.
from wiki:
" 'I Have A Dream' is the popular name given to the public speech by Martin Luther King, Jr., when he spoke of his desire for a future where blacks and whites among others would coexist harmoniously as equals. King's delivery of the speech on August 28, 1963, from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, was a defining moment of the American Civil Rights Movement.
Delivered to over 250,000 civil rights supporters, the speech is often considered to be one of the greatest and most notable speeches in history and was ranked the top American speech of the 20th century by a 1999 poll of scholars of public address.
According to U.S. Representative John Lewis, who also spoke that day as the President of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee, 'Dr. King had the power, the ability and the capacity to transform those steps on the Lincoln Memorial into a modern day pulpit. By speaking the way he did, he educated, he inspired, he informed not just the people there, but people throughout America and unborn generations.'