View allAll Photos Tagged provocation

Today, EU Special Forces failed to disarm what was believed to be a dirty bomb in the center of London. Detonated near Buckingham palace, authorities are scrambing to contain the situation. Current projections released by the Ministry of Defense state that they are expecting nearly 2,000,000 casualties. Minister Fallon has been quoted as saying that "Those responsible will be brought to justice." Meanwhile EU forces around the globe have been ordered to full alert and to expect an attack without the slightest provocation. This is Jamie Austin with BBCOne signing off.

The Robin is a year round resident in the UK, but a small minority of female Robins migrate to southern Europe during winter, a few as far as Spain. Both the male and female feature similar plumage, both with the distinctive red breast. The male bird is extremely territorial and will aggressively defend his territory, attacking any similar sized birds that try to muscle in on their patch.

 

The adult European robin is 12cm long and weighs between 15 to 22 g with a wingspan of 20–22 cm . The male and female bear similar plumage; an orange breast and face lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in British birds, and the belly whitish, while the legs and feet are brown. The bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration, with patches of orange gradually appearing. Male robins are noted for their highly aggressive territorial behaviour. They will fiercely attack other males and competitors that stray into their territories and have been observed attacking other small birds without apparent provocation. There are instances of robins attacking their own reflection. Territorial disputes sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult robin deaths in some areas

Nikon D200, nikkor 180mm f/2.8 AF D

" First Steart Marsh Kingfisher :-)

He is extremely wary and is gone in a heart beat at the least provocation ... this was taken at approx 25 yards while hiding behind a fence :-)) "

forbidden fruits, all things that glitter, and a pretty girl are mans downfall.

 

fools gold and a T girls are just as bad!

 

Feminine charms are such a hoot to master a little provocation, a hint of seduction the sweet girl next door turned into a sexy miss..would you as Adam resist such temptation?

 

Just have to make do with old bird ;-)

Time to reflect on the year that was in 2025. And what a year it was!

 

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One of many ongoing approaches, where I move through the world as a harvester of images stumbling, strolling, lurching, equal parts accidental, and intentional. My concerns circumnavigate around questions that resist easy answers: time as texture, presence as performance, possibility as glitch. I trace the contours of decay and growth, hope and entropy, searching for the quiet collisions where meaning might emerge. Each image is less a document than a provocation an invitation to reconsider what we 'see', and what we ignore.

_____________________________________

Blog | Tumblr | Website | pixelfed.au | Instagram | Photography links | my Ko-fi shop | Off Ya Trolley! | s2z digital garden | vero | Dpreview albums | my work archived on trove at the National Library of Australia. | reddit

The Robin is a year round resident in the UK, but a small minority of female Robins migrate to southern Europe during winter, a few as far as Spain. Both the male and female feature similar plumage, both with the distinctive red breast. The male bird is extremely territorial and will aggressively defend his territory, attacking any similar sized birds that try to muscle in on their patch.

 

The adult European robin is 12cm long and weighs between 15 to 22 g with a wingspan of 20–22 cm . The male and female bear similar plumage; an orange breast and face lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in British birds, and the belly whitish, while the legs and feet are brown. The bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration, with patches of orange gradually appearing. Male robins are noted for their highly aggressive territorial behaviour. They will fiercely attack other males and competitors that stray into their territories and have been observed attacking other small birds without apparent provocation. There are instances of robins attacking their own reflection. Territorial disputes sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult robin deaths in some areas

The Robin is a year round resident in the UK, but a small minority of female Robins migrate to southern Europe during winter, a few as far as Spain. Both the male and female feature similar plumage, both with the distinctive red breast. The male bird is extremely territorial and will aggressively defend his territory, attacking any similar sized birds that try to muscle in on their patch.

 

The adult European robin is 12cm long and weighs between 15 to 22 g with a wingspan of 20–22 cm . The male and female bear similar plumage; an orange breast and face lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in British birds, and the belly whitish, while the legs and feet are brown. The bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration, with patches of orange gradually appearing. Male robins are noted for their highly aggressive territorial behaviour. They will fiercely attack other males and competitors that stray into their territories and have been observed attacking other small birds without apparent provocation. There are instances of robins attacking their own reflection. Territorial disputes sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult robin deaths in some areas

The Robin is a year round resident in the UK, but a small minority of female Robins migrate to southern Europe during winter, a few as far as Spain. Both the male and female feature similar plumage, both with the distinctive red breast. The male bird is extremely territorial and will aggressively defend his territory, attacking any similar sized birds that try to muscle in on their patch.

 

The adult European robin is 12cm long and weighs between 15 to 22 g with a wingspan of 20–22 cm . The male and female bear similar plumage; an orange breast and face lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in British birds, and the belly whitish, while the legs and feet are brown. The bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration, with patches of orange gradually appearing. Male robins are noted for their highly aggressive territorial behaviour. They will fiercely attack other males and competitors that stray into their territories and have been observed attacking other small birds without apparent provocation. There are instances of robins attacking their own reflection. Territorial disputes sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult robin deaths in some areas

The Robin is a year round resident in the UK, but a small minority of female Robins migrate to southern Europe during winter, a few as far as Spain. Both the male and female feature similar plumage, both with the distinctive red breast. The male bird is extremely territorial and will aggressively defend his territory, attacking any similar sized birds that try to muscle in on their patch.

 

The adult European robin is 12cm long and weighs between 15 to 22 g with a wingspan of 20–22 cm . The male and female bear similar plumage; an orange breast and face lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in British birds, and the belly whitish, while the legs and feet are brown. The bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration, with patches of orange gradually appearing. Male robins are noted for their highly aggressive territorial behaviour. They will fiercely attack other males and competitors that stray into their territories and have been observed attacking other small birds without apparent provocation. There are instances of robins attacking their own reflection. Territorial disputes sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult robin deaths in some areas

July 2025. The Israeli Stock Market reached an all-time high of 3,156.35.

We are taking Palestine.

This image is not about provocation, but about truth.

In July 2025, the Israeli Stock Market reached an all-time high of 3,156.35 points, while the war against Palestine kept causing death and devastation.

This is not an invented figure: it comes from financial sources and economic news reports.

Israel profits, Palestine dies.

 

Artificial Intelligence

il y a tellement d'autres occupations plus intelligentes à faire ...

(sur un mur dans une rue de Marseille)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3xgjrFY2K8

 

“Do not sleep under a roof. Carry no money or food. Go alone to places frightening to the common brand of men. Become a criminal of purpose. Be put in jail, and extricate yourself by your own wisdom.”

 

The cold war between Armitech Private Defense and the Hidden Demons continues, even if reason prevails with a peace agreement between both organizations, provocations do not cease from either side. Neo Tokyo District and Chinatown, opposing forces ready to clash, will this be a new war in Cocoon Station?

 

Shot taken at Cocoon, between Sectors Two and Three.

 

Looking for the Official Cocoon Group? Look no further: www.flickr.com/groups/cocoonrp/

 

Visit Cocoon Here: maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Esperia/237/170/4086

 

Cocoon: Come for the Neon, stay for the Intrigue

JimmyPaul, Multicolor Care Bears Dress, 2023 (foreground)

AYA TAKANO, The Galaxy Inside, 2015 (background

 

The exhibition 'CUTE' at Kunsthal Rotterdam explores the global rise and evolution of the concept of "cuteness," from Japanese kawaii culture to modern internet memes and futuristic design. Created in collaboration with Somerset House in London, the exhibition demonstrates how cuteness can be a powerful tool for comfort, manipulation, or provocation. Visitors can experience interactive installations, such as a Hello Kitty disco and a game arcade with digital monsters, and immerse themselves in the multi-layered world of CUTE.

 

Kunsthal Rotterdam: CUTE exhibition from July 5 to November 23, 2025.

no nuke 落實民主 停建核四

 

Protestors are now sitting down for the night in the latest standoff at the Legislative Yuan. The latest reports from NTU News E Forum show that the police have newly erected large numbers of barricades at the intersection of Zhenjiang St. and Qingdao E. Rd., with police officers moving inside the barricades. Since these new barricades are being dug into the ground (which in itself is of dubious legality), this has ignited the anger of a number of protestors. Lee Ming-tsung (李明璁), an assistant professor at the Department of Sociology at National Taiwan University, arrived on the scene earlier to calm down heightened emotions: "If we respond to police provocation and charge in," he said, "we will do more harm than good to the anti-nuclear movement."

In the boat basin where we keep the pontoon boat we often see turtles basking just below the surface.

  

This is a map turtle just chillin' in the afternoon sun.

No ipod, I guess they aren't water proof.

  

Graptemys geographica

 

Seen up close, the fine light lines on the carapace of the Northern Map Turtle (Graptemys geographica) look like contour lines on a topographic map. But more likely, your view of this species will be brief and distant, since it is extremely wary and will dive at the slightest provocation.

 

Females are much larger than males and have powerful jaws that they use to crush molluscs with. The smaller males eat mostly aquatic insect larvae.

 

Female northern map turtles may take more than 10 years to reach maturity.

 

sources - Ontario Nature, Royal Ontario Museum

Call me Snake offers an optimistic provocation – ‘imagine what could be here’ by Judy Millar. On a walk into the city October 3, 2015 Christchurch New Zealand.

 

The work is comprised of vibrant graphics of Millar’s looped paintings, which are adhered to five intersecting flat planes, and draws inspiration from the forms found in pop-up books. The colourful piece will add a dramatic and rhythmic counterpoint to the city’s current urban landscape — a mix of flattened sites, construction zones and defiant buildings that have stood through the quakes. The work employs theatricality, playfulness and visual trickery, whereby the viewer is unsure about the work’s flatness or three-dimensionality; and it has been designed to offer a different perspective from each angle. The bright colours interrupt the grey of the work’s surrounds, and as buildings pop up around it,

SCAPE 8, New Intimacies curated by Rob Garrett was a contemporary art event which mixed new artworks with existing legacy pieces, an education programme, and a public programme of events. The SCAPE 8 artworks were located around central Christchurch and linked via a public art walkway. All aspects of SCAPE 8 were free-to-view.

 

The title for the 2015 Biennial – New Intimacies – came from the idea that visually striking and emotionally engaging public art works can create new connections between people and places. Under the main theme of New Intimacies there are three other themes that artists responded to: Sight-Lines, Inner Depths and Shared Strengths.

For more Info: www.scapepublicart.org.nz/scape-8-judy-millar

Magic hour in the west. The former Bradmill site, soon to be a housing estate.

 

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One of many ongoing approaches, where I move through the world as a harvester of images stumbling, strolling, lurching, equal parts accidental, and intentional. My concerns circumnavigate around questions that resist easy answers: time as texture, presence as performance, possibility as glitch. I trace the contours of decay and growth, hope and entropy, searching for the quiet collisions where meaning might emerge. Each image is less a document than a provocation an invitation to reconsider what we 'see', and what we ignore.

_____________________________________

Blog | Tumblr | Website | pixelfed.au | Instagram | Photography links | my Ko-fi shop | Off Ya Trolley! | s2z digital garden | vero | 180º @ 17:00 |Dpreview albums | my work archived on trove at the National Library of Australia. | reddit

Today if ye will hear His voice, harden not your heart as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness: when your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my work. (Psalm 95; 7b,8,9) I often when called to sing, sing the first part of Psalm 95 as a praise song and ignore verses 7b-11. I frequently think of the verses in Psalms pertaining to the Israelites as history and don't always stop to think of how they apply today!

Rail infrastructure decorations, and weeds.

  

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______________________________________

 

One of many ongoing approaches, where I move through the world as a harvester of images stumbling, strolling, lurching, equal parts accidental, and intentional. My concerns circumnavigate around questions that resist easy answers: time as texture, presence as performance, possibility as glitch. I trace the contours of decay and growth, hope and entropy, searching for the quiet collisions where meaning might emerge. Each image is less a document than a provocation an invitation to reconsider what we 'see', and what we ignore.

_____________________________________

Blog | Tumblr | Website | pixelfed.au | Instagram | Photography links | my Ko-fi shop | Off Ya Trolley! | s2z digital garden | vero | Dpreview albums | my work archived on trove at the National Library of Australia. | reddit

I snuck down to the waters edge and snapped a few of this guy from my belly.

Normally, I can't get close to the turtles at the wetlands. They are very skittish and dive into the water at the slightest provocation. This little guy, about 4 inches long, seemed to not care at all that I laid down close to him.

 

You can always tell if I had a good day or bad day shooting, by how dirty I get. Today I was filthy.

A weather worn brick wall patched across decades, each layer telling a different story of repair and neglect. Two metal pipes run down the surface like makeshift punctuation, and a faded pink door sits to the side, its spray painted numbers drifting toward abstraction. The bricks shift from red to brown to almost black near the base, a sediment of past fixes and forgotten intentions. It’s a small fragment of a building, but it carries the feeling of something older than it looks; a place where time leaves marks more faithfully than people do.

  

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One of many ongoing approaches, where I move through the world as a harvester of images stumbling, strolling, lurching, equal parts accidental, and intentional. My concerns circumnavigate around questions that resist easy answers: time as texture, presence as performance, possibility as glitch. I trace the contours of decay and growth, hope and entropy, searching for the quiet collisions where meaning might emerge. Each image is less a document than a provocation an invitation to reconsider what we 'see', and what we ignore; and why.

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Blog | Tumblr | Website | pixelfed.au | Instagram | Photography links | my Ko-fi shop | Off Ya Trolley! | s2z digital garden | vero | 180º @ 17:00 | Dpreview albums | reddit | red bubble | newgrain

 

buy from bluetapes.co.uk/product/blue-fifteen-father-murphy

 

C30 (track repeats both sides) + download

 

“The Cross (Croce) will be the next step in Father Murphy's path and the concept behind the new Father Murphy’s album.

  

“It was time for Father Murphy to measure with such a symbol.

  

“It's all about Sacrifice and Beatitude, dear C. Lee and Rev. freddie.”

 

This is the artist statement behind Calvary by Father Murphy. Not music as such, but a short piece of sound art - a musique concrete tone poem figuratively depicting the execution place of Dismas, Gestas and Jesus of Nazareth.

 

The tone poem is collaged from the sounds of wood being cut up and built into a cross, with percussion sounds recorded at the Holy Friday Procession in Ceske Budejovice, Czechoslovakia, and the banging of metal constructs in a children’s park in Stockholm.

 

The vocals and other audio elements were recorded variously in a backyard in Brooklyn, a mansion in Joshua Tree, a cave in San Francisco, and on the Pyramid of The Moon in Teotihuacan, Mexico. Calvary features a guest appearance by Ezra Buchla on viola (formerly of Gowns and heir to the Buchla synth dynasty).

 

Father Murphy have toured and collaborated with the likes of Xiu Xiu and Swans. Their previous release - Pain Is On Our Side Now - challenged the listener to engage creatively with the sound they are experiencing, by presenting the audio across four sides of vinyl, any two of which are required to be played simultaneously.

 

The duo’s own description of their sound is “Father Murphy is the sound of the Catholic sense of Guilt. A downward spiral aiming at the bottom of the hollow, and then digging even deeper.”

 

Praise for Father Murphy:

 

“From the harbingers of occultism and eroticism lifted from their nation's giallo tradition, to their theatrically adopted pseudo-religious personas, this Italian group are a 'cult' band in every sense of the word… Donning a cloak and edging into black occultism doesn't have to call for downtuned guitars and corpse paint… when peeking into the murky and bizarre world of Father Murphy, it should most definitely require something of a ritual to earn rite of passage.” - The Quietus

 

“…an unapologetic venture into head music and contains some powerful compositions. It’s steeped in a sense of reverence, but one that looks below, rather than expecting anything from above.” - Drowned in Sound

 

“Father Murphy are an Italian trio, who are about that musical point where seventies horror films, the folky point of prog-rock and a delightfully disturbing psychedelia meet. It will be a bleak vision for many to cope with, but those who enter here will not abandon hope, once their eyes adjust to the gloom…” - 17 Seconds

 

“Hailing from Italy, Father Murphy have seemingly taken their home country’s love of the opera, Catholic churches, fine art, and romance and turned it into something rather epic and mysterious.” - Clash

 

“At the dark heart of the record is… epic torment – wails, chants, Satan’s own orchestra – somehow skirting round pomposity. That such regular flecks of humour do little to dampen the sinister presiding atmosphere remains Father Murphy’s most potent spell.” - The Skinny

 

“Father Murphy = Khanate + Throbbing Gristle” - Slug Magazine

 

“How do you define the undefinable? How do you attempt to put into words the aural psyche of an artist apparently intent on some level of mass hypnosis? How do you convey your own trip through the haze of sonic displacement within a confined definition of what is and isn’t reality, what is and isn’t ‘music’ as we know it? If Father Murphy’s songwriting duo are on some sort of voyage of self-discovery it’s as exhilarating a ride as you would expect it to be…and as dark as one too.” - Lonesome Noise

 

“No matter how you look at it, it’s eerie. It’s as if a group of mountain-dwelling monks experienced a collective schizophrenic breakdown and decided, also collectively, to create cohesive experimental records. It’s creepy as hell, but boy is it good!” - FencePost

 

“If you’re looking for something to chill the bones and freeze the heart, then you need look no further than the discomfort caused by Father Murphy.” - The Grim Tower

 

“The band has consistently transfixed ears and psyche with challenging, at times uncomfortable, provocations… Father Murphy is a band to devour and cower from, a proposition which can only do you harm and good, if you dare brave their invitations.” - The Ringmaster Review

The Robin is a year round resident in the UK, but a small minority of female Robins migrate to southern Europe during winter, a few as far as Spain. Both the male and female feature similar plumage, both with the distinctive red breast. The male bird is extremely territorial and will aggressively defend his territory, attacking any similar sized birds that try to muscle in on their patch.

 

The adult European robin is 12cm long and weighs between 15 to 22 g with a wingspan of 20–22 cm . The male and female bear similar plumage; an orange breast and face lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in British birds, and the belly whitish, while the legs and feet are brown. The bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration, with patches of orange gradually appearing. Male robins are noted for their highly aggressive territorial behaviour. They will fiercely attack other males and competitors that stray into their territories and have been observed attacking other small birds without apparent provocation. There are instances of robins attacking their own reflection. Territorial disputes sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult robin deaths in some areas

sex sex sex et provocation, j'adore

View On Black

 

Today John made me a beautiful surprise with this shot: Rows For Rita - writing in his comment these very, very dangerous (!!!) words: "I can only image what you can do with these! (well, I really don't understand this comment! *lol*)

could I resist to this "provocation"??? of course I couldn't!

so, a "brand new kind" of .. mediterranean chairs! has born today: the "KozoChairs"!

 

thank you again for the lovely dedication and .. for the original shot to play with! ;-)))

please, visit his amazing stream! you will find beautiful things there :-))))

 

Dance? Did you say … dance???!!!!

 

Another beautiful sirtaki version

  

Despite the lockdowns I did manage at least one road trip.

This site outside Maldon of course piqued my interest for its rusting machinery, abandoned and being slowly engulfed by the surrounding bushland. It is also a reserve, with some basic amenities.

 

Alluvial gold was discovered in the Maldon district by Captain John Mechosk, a German prospector, in 1853, resulting in a rush of some 20,000 diggers to the alluvial gullies around Maldon. By the following year, only 2000 remained. After the initial rush, companies were set up to mine the rich, but sometimes elusive, quartz reefs. Some alluvial mining was carried out using puddling machines powered by horse or steam. In the 1860s the amount of quartz reef gold produced at Maldon almost rivalled Bendigo (Victoria’s richest quartz mining field). This prosperity was short lived (from 1870-1900), and the last deep mines closed in 1926. As gold production declined, the town’s population dwindled. For most of the last century, Maldon experienced very little growth.

 

The miners left behind one of the best collections of accessible quartz reef mining relics in Victoria. Many of the mine sites, historic buildings and heritage features have been preserved. source

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One of many ongoing approaches, where I move through the world as a harvester of images stumbling, strolling, lurching, equal parts accidental, and intentional. My concerns circumnavigate around questions that resist easy answers: time as texture, presence as performance, possibility as glitch. I trace the contours of decay and growth, hope and entropy, searching for the quiet collisions where meaning might emerge. Each image is less a document than a provocation an invitation to reconsider what we 'see', and what we ignore.

_____________________________________

Blog | Tumblr | Website | pixelfed.au | Instagram | Photography links | my Ko-fi shop | Off Ya Trolley! | s2z digital garden | vero | Dpreview albums | my work archived on trove at the National Library of Australia. | reddit

The Robin is a year round resident in the UK, but a small minority of female Robins migrate to southern Europe during winter, a few as far as Spain. Both the male and female feature similar plumage, both with the distinctive red breast. The male bird is extremely territorial and will aggressively defend his territory, attacking any similar sized birds that try to muscle in on their patch.

 

The adult European robin is 12cm long and weighs between 15 to 22 g with a wingspan of 20–22 cm . The male and female bear similar plumage; an orange breast and face lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in British birds, and the belly whitish, while the legs and feet are brown. The bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration, with patches of orange gradually appearing. Male robins are noted for their highly aggressive territorial behaviour. They will fiercely attack other males and competitors that stray into their territories and have been observed attacking other small birds without apparent provocation. There are instances of robins attacking their own reflection. Territorial disputes sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult robin deaths in some areas

The European robin (Erithacus rubecula), known simply as the robin or robin redbreast in the British Isles, is a small insectivorous passerine bird, specifically a chat, that was formerly classified as a member of the thrush family (Turdidae) but is now considered to be an Old World flycatcher. About 12.5–14.0 cm (5.0–5.5 inches) in length, the male and female are similar in coloration, with an orange breast and face lined with grey, brown upper parts and a whitish belly. It is found across Europe, east to Western Siberia and south to North Africa; it is sedentary in most of its range except the far north.

 

The robin is diurnal, although has been reported to be active hunting insects on moonlit nights or near artificial light at night. Well known to British and Irish gardeners, it is relatively unafraid of people and drawn to human activities involving the digging of soil, in order to look out for earthworms and other food freshly turned up. Indeed, the robin is considered to be a gardener's friend and for various folklore reasons the robin would never be harmed. In continental Europe on the other hand, robins were hunted and killed as with most other small birds, and are more wary. Robins also approach large wild animals, such as wild boar and other animals which disturb the ground, to look for any food that might be brought to the surface. In autumn and winter, robins will supplement their usual diet of terrestrial invertebrates, such as spiders, worms and insects, with berries and fruit. They will also eat seed mixtures placed on bird-tables.

 

Male robins are noted for their highly aggressive territorial behavior. They will fiercely attack other males and competitors that stray into their territories and have been observed attacking other small birds without apparent provocation. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult robin deaths in some areas.

 

Because of high mortality in the first year of life, a robin has an average life expectancy of 1.1 years; however, once past its first year it can expect to live longer and one robin has been recorded as reaching 19 years of age. A spell of very low temperatures in winter may also result in significant mortality.

 

For more information, please visit en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_robin

  

Nature and Wildlife photography

Tarantula hawk wasps are relatively docile and rarely sting without provocation. However, the sting—particularly that of P. grossa—is among the most painful of all insects, though the intense pain only lasts about five minutes.One researcher described the pain as "...immediate, excruciating, unrelenting pain that simply shuts down one's ability to do anything, except scream. Mental discipline simply does not work in these situations." In terms of scale, the wasp's sting is rated near the top of the Schmidt sting pain index, second only to that of the bullet ant, and is described by Schmidt as "blinding, fierce[, and] shockingly electric".

 

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Blog

  

Bodysuit, ears, boots, choker, sleeves and gloves: [Eternus] Night Provocation Set FULLPACK x Lewd Station Event

 

Compatible with:

- Legacy+Perky

- LaraX

- Reborn+Juicy Boobs+Rolls+Waifu+Squish

- Maze

 

HUD available with the pack

Four-month-old siblings anxiously hide in plain sight behind a tree while mom chases off a rival female that has wondered nearby. They have not tried to climb the tree, yet, but they have checked it out and glance upward every few seconds. At their mother’s earliest provocation, they will clamor quickly up the tree and to relative safety. They don’t take their eye off her, watching her every move and waiting for her to return to their side. She is their lifeline and the only thing, living or otherwise, that they trust. #BlackBears

 

A textured construction wall in the docklands, if you stare long enough, patterns and shapes emerge.

 

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______________________________________

 

One of many ongoing approaches, where I move through the world as a harvester of images stumbling, strolling, lurching, equal parts accidental, and intentional. My concerns circumnavigate around questions that resist easy answers: time as texture, presence as performance, possibility as glitch. I trace the contours of decay and growth, hope and entropy, searching for the quiet collisions where meaning might emerge. Each image is less a document than a provocation an invitation to reconsider what we 'see', and what we ignore.

_____________________________________

Blog | Tumblr | Website | pixelfed.au | Instagram | Photography links | my Ko-fi shop | Off Ya Trolley! | s2z digital garden | vero | Dpreview albums | my work archived on trove at the National Library of Australia. | reddit

A bit of fun ......

Concentration and a sense of humour required.. ;o))

 

Enjoy ;o))

 

La provocation de l'art #10

 

See the full album "Les provocations de l'art" here:

www.flickr.com/photos/38070237@N06/albums/72157648977534655

Photography for me is savoring of the moment, pondering the now, and willing provocations. As I frame my subject and tell my story, I turn the truth into an object at the mercy of my audience's interpretations including my own.

I told this story in several ways when editing and in the end decided on this version which was the farthest away from what I had captured originally. Hence, I do not represent the world through my pictures as I find it; I represent the world as I wish you contemplate it. In the process, often I become a contemplating audience for my own work.

Previously in Chapter 6 The Two Societies

 

♫ Ad Mortem ♫

This piece gave me the title to this chapter and was what I listened to much of the time when writing. It perfectly sets the tone for these scenes and the events that take place in our story.

 

⚜️The voyage had been long, just as Tabitha Kinkade had predicted. And while not terribly eventful overall, there was one mystery that troubled them throughout their journey. Quite often they were watched by an ominous, dark figure. A man in a dark, hooded cloak. He always kept his distance, holding to the shadows. And while he never approached, he loomed over them the entire trip. At one point, Prince Jelani grew tired of the enigma and decided to confront the man. However, Tabitha advised caution, as situations such as these would usually reveal themselves in time. Tabitha had learned long ago in her training, that without provocation most things or people that lingered around her, would eventually proclaim their identity. And if provoked they might flee or be lost, which could result in a costly delay. Besides, he'd done nothing thus far that would warrant a confrontation. And so, they would allow circumstances to run their course.

 

⚜️Once safely landed at the port in Calcutta both Tabitha and Lexington needed a warm bath and some much-needed rest away from the constant bumping ride of the ship's cabins. One of their porters was from Algeria and spoke Tamazight, a native tongue of the Berber people. It was obvious that Lexington was delighted to talk to someone from his native lands, which made Tabitha smile watching her friend speak in a language she had not heard for so long.

 

⚜️When the two travelers finally arrived at their hotel, both Tabitha's and Lexington's multilingual skills came into play when dealing with her pets and the porter's fears. Tabitha had taken just two of her wolves on the journey, Rolf and Kiva, as they were natural mates. Neither offered any hostility toward the porters or anyone else for that matter without Tabitha's command. However, aside from their daily walks on board the ship, they'd spent a great deal of time in their cages and were quite restless. Fortunately, with some gentle persuading, they were able to calm the porters and settle into their rooms.

 

⚜️The next morning was Easter. It was Sunday and their contact from the Cathedral of the Most Holy Rosary had sent a carriage to pick them up for services.

 

"We're to attend the Christian services, my lady?" Lexington inquired as he held his hand to help her into the carriage.

 

Tabitha grinned politely before answering him with a lofty and nonchalant demeanor, as was her custom when jesting with her friend,

 

"But of course, Dear Lexington. It's Easter! You didn't believe we were going to escape services today of all days, did you?"

 

At which point, she patted the seat next to her in the carriage.

 

"Now, come along."

 

Lexington's grumbling, as the rickety carriage made its way along the bustling streets of Calcutta, nearly made her laugh aloud as they rode toward the church. Not having the heart to tease him farther, she looked over at the handsome Berber while placing her gloved hands around his arm.

 

"Dear Lex, I've gone too far this time."

 

At which time she did laugh.

 

"The look on your face.... oh, dear Lexington, I adore you so!"

 

Lexington began to smile a little himself watching Tabitha giggle then asked. "What has brought this on my lady?"

 

Tabitha finally composed herself and assured him that she didn't expect him to attend the Easter services at the church as it was not his faith. While Catholic herself, she nor her parents had ever forced Lexington into their religious beliefs. They believed the workings of the soul were God's work.

 

Lexington breathed a sigh of relief at the news but in the end decided to attend anyway, out of respect for Tabitha and for their host.

 

⚜️Father Thomas Haskell was a lean man in his sixties. His bald head looked slick and shiny in the bright sun and his white hair gleamed. When he shook Tabitha's hand, she felt how rough and callused they were, and his skin was leathery tan. It was obvious Father Haskell spent much of his time in the gardens around the church. He wore the traditional robes of a parish priest and as with most Catholic holy men of that day, he appeared humble and somewhat trite. After introductions were made, he did not hesitate to reveal to the duo that he not only believed in the evil beings that scoured the earth but were unfeigned in his support of the Shadowhunters.

 

"You and your kind my dear are destined to rid the world of these heinous creatures. I am at your disposal of course."

 

As the bells of the church rang and the church doors began to open the priest looked at the church and then smiled when he turned back toward his guest.

 

"It is a delight to have you both visit us this morning and if you'll forgive me Lady Kindake I must attend to my flock. Services are about to begin, and I am expected inside. I've reserved seats for you both, won't you follow me."

 

Tabitha nodded and smiled as did Lexington

 

"Of course, Father Haskell," she responded.

 

And with that, they both followed the priest toward the grand doors that opened to the church's foyer.

 

As they approached, both Tabitha and Lexington noticed a striking man standing near a fountain. His hair was dark as a raven's wing and his equally dark beard was neatly trimmed. He wore a very smart-looking cutaway coat and silk vest that gave away his social status and as the man began to walk in their direction Tabitha could see that he was of average height and appeared to be in his peak years. She also noted how mysterious and mesmerizing his eyes were, and it was at that moment a commotion could be heard at the entrance to the church which caught all their attention.

 

Father Haskell began to walk faster and broke into a run with Tabitha and Lexington close behind him. When they reached the onlookers, the priest was determined, but not overly aggressive as he made his way through the congregation that had gathered there. Once through the crowd, Tabitha was surprised to see that the mysterious man she'd noticed outside was already just inside the large doorway. Lexington reached to touch her arm quietly, his way of letting her know he'd noticed as well. Turning quickly to rejoin the priest, they were greeted with the most morbid sight. At the top of the staircase, hanging from her neck, and high into the massive, vaulted ceiling was a young woman. Her face, though discolored and contorted was still beautiful as her lifeless body swung several feet above the top of the staircase.

 

Wanting desperately to help, Lexington started to climb the staircase but quickly came back to his senses realizing the poor woman's body was well out of reach. Looking over at Father Haskell, Tabitha watched as he moved his hand over his chest making the sign of the cross. His eyes were filled with dread and tears as he gazed up at the woman's corpse. She thought he might be in shock as she walked over to him.

 

"Father! Father Haskell!"

 

Shaking his head, he looked at Tabitha and then back at the woman's corpse.

 

"Dear God, whatever shall we do?!"

 

Tabitha motioned for Lex to join her and as he approached, she responded.

 

"This is your church Father and your congregation. They're depending on you. I'd suggest you postpone services this morning or at least move them to another location as quickly as possible."

 

Father Haskell nodded, still bewildered when he gazed back up at the woman's body hanging there, but when he looked back at them both again, he appeared to be himself.

 

"Quite right Lady Kinkade. We can set up chairs and move services to the garden."

 

Lexington looked back up at the girl's body and then back to Tabitha.

 

"My lady, the local authorities will be here soon. I'd suggest, well, if Father Haskell would allow us to represent the church in this matter, we could begin an investigation."

 

Tabitha looked at the girl again then back at Father Haskell.

 

"Father, do you know this woman?"

 

He nodded as he answered.

 

"Yes, she came to me about a week ago, she told me she was having nightmares, very vivid nightmares that were very real to her."

 

Tabitha and Lex looked at each other then back at the priest.

 

"She said she'd been sleepwalking as well. I.. well, I just can't think. I must get this situation under control!"

 

Tabitha nodded, reaching to hold the priest’s hands. "That's quite alright Father. From what you've told us this young woman may hold clues to the mystery that's brought us to Calcutta and you. Will you allow us to represent the church and aid you?"

 

Father Haskell nodded as he knew the Kinkade name very well and Tabitha's father had been a friend. He also trusted Cardinal Antonio implicitly.

 

"Yes, yes of course. Cardinal Antonio has sent you to us after all. And as I said before, if there's anything you need, anything at all. Please let me know. For now, however, I have much to do and must leave you."

 

⚜️Her name was Malini Gadhavi. She had been a mother and wife and her father and mother owned a bakery in town. She helped her parents with the business as did her children. Her husband, Harshad worked on the docks. They had all been notified of her death. Malini's body was taken to a crypt beneath the church where so many people in the community had been taken for decades. Out of respect, Tabitha and Lex had not examined the body yet. When the family arrived, they both bowed their heads, watching as they were escorted to the undercroft. Neither Tabitha nor Lexington were looking forward to questioning them.

 

⚜️The afternoon wore on and with their interrogations near completion, they'd learned very little. That was until the woman's mother told them about one of Malini's dreams. Sitting with them in Father Haskell's office the poor woman stared blankly at a candle's flame as Tabitha held her trembling hands, listening. She said that on one occasion her daughter had been able to remember one of her dreams completely. Melini had said it was so clear in her mind, and unlike most dreams, it felt as though it had happened. In this nightmare, she had emerged from a cave not far from her home. She also told her mother there was a man there with her in a cloak and a hood over his head. This dark, ominous being followed her to the mouth of the cave. Malini said the man never came close but watched her from the shadows. Her daughter told her that in the dream she roared like an animal and when she peered into the trees, she could feel the forest come alive with the heartbeats and movements of every living creature. And then she told her mother that even at that distance she could not only hear but smell the people in town. It was then her mother began to cry. Tabitha comforted her, giving a nod to Lexington and Father Haskell. The interrogations were now over.

 

⚜️It had been a long day. Nighttime was upon them, and they all needed rest. Standing there in the small tomb, the air was cool, and the smell of old dirt filled their nostrils as they began to examine Malini Gadhavi's body. Her fingernails and toenails showed no signs of dirt, blood, or flesh. Her body, as well as her hair, was clean as though it had just been washed. There were also no injuries, not even a scar, and when they turned her on her side to look at her back there was no tattoo, no brand of any kind. Holding a candle over the young woman's corpse, Lexington glanced over at Tabitha.

 

"This is peculiar my lady. She should have some sort of brand on her even if she wasn't a member with the pack we seek."

 

Tabitha nodded but didn't look up as she continued to scan the woman's body for any evidence and clues.

 

"Agreed Lex, this is odd. Melini's dream was not an uncommon one for a werewolf, other than the presence of the dark man of course. And yet, I do not see a brand anywhere on her. Or any physical evidence she was Lycan for that matter. We must be missing something."

 

Lexington pulled his candle away to poor some of the melted wax onto the dirt floor and as he did, Father Haskell brought his lantern closer to help Tabitha see. Then just as Lex brought the candle back Tabitha gasped and cried out.

 

"Wait! I saw something. When you brought your candle back Lex. It was yellow like, like... It was something on her skin!"

 

Lexington and the priest looked at each other then back at Tabitha as she continued.

 

"The lights... somehow. Father, bring your lantern back to where you had it, and Lex you take the candle away, and then bring it back just as you did before."

 

Both did as instructed but Tabitha only sighed with disappointment asking them both to try again. Shaking her head, she was both exhausted and frustrated when she pounded her fist on the stone slab. After which time she folded her arms to lay her head down for a moment. Lexington watched her and then offered some sound advice.

 

"My lady let us retire for the evening and come back in the morning with rested eyes."

 

Tabitha looked up at him but didn't raise when she answered.

 

"No Lex, not yet. I know I saw something. We must find it!

 

With her head still laying on her arms, she looked at them both.

 

"Now let's do this again. And Lexington when you bring the candle back, do it very slowly please."

 

Lexington nodded unenthusiastically, then began to move the candle away from the woman's body when Tabitha screamed out.

 

"Stop! Don't move! Do you see it?! It's there on her shoulder. You must not move, either of you. It's the lights!"

 

Both men looked at each other, each wondering if the trials of this day had finally gotten the best of the hunter, then listened as she explained.

 

"It's the lights! Look see, the glass of Father Haskell's lamp is red, and so the flame gives off a deep red hue, while the candle's light of course is much brighter. Obvious of course but, if you carefully peer into the candle's blue flame and with the help of the red glow from Father Haskell's lantern you can see it!"

 

Taking a candle in hand she invited Lexington to take her place.

 

"Now as I hold the candle look through the blue of its flame Lex. Can you see it?"

 

Lex nodded and gasped, then excitedly scrambled for his journal. As he did, Tabitha looked at the priest's bewildered face and offered further explanation.

 

"My guess is it's phosphorous under the skin Father. The lights set off some sort of chemical reaction allowing it to be seen. Once Lex has studied the tattoo and made a drawing, we'll hold the lantern and candle so you can observe for yourself."

 

Having to peer through the flame made the study of the tattoo quite difficult, however, Lexington was able to examine it thoroughly.

 

"How very interesting Ms. Tabitha. The ink leaves no protrusions on the skin, and it's entirely undetectable under normal light conditions."

 

Tabitha smiled as she listened and nodded.

 

"Is it our pack Lex?"

 

"Yes, my lady. She was a member of the pack we're tracking.

 

Tabitha nodded once more and raised an eyebrow as she spoke.

 

"I think it's obvious that Malini Gadhavi was not a willing participant. The poor woman. Such torment."

 

Gathering herself she redirected her attention toward Father Haskell.

 

"Father, do you know of any caves in the area?"

 

The priest nodded as he spoke, the radiant red hue of his lantern causing his face to look very macabre under the low ceiling of the underground chamber.

 

"Why yes of course. There are several smaller caves, but Mawsmai Cave is the largest in the area. It's not far but it will easily be a day’s journey there and back."

 

Tabitha and Lexington listened intently,

 

"Could you show us on a map Father?"

 

"Of course. If you'll follow me to my office, I can set you on the right path."

 

Gathering their things, they followed Father Haskell from the dank black corridor where Malini Gadhavi's broken body lay. As they wearily made their way up the stone stairwell Tabitha muttered to herself.

 

"We will avenge you and your children Melini. Whoever did this to you will pay. I promise you."

 

A soft beam of light showed across the young woman’s corpse from the top of the stairs. From deep in the vault their faint voices could be heard and then the door closed, and all was dark, and all as silent, forever.

  

🐺🐺🐺🐺

 

🎭 Sanquinolency: Book I

  

⭐This capture and this chapter of this story could not have been possible without the help of some truly wonderful people who I'm honored to know as friends

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⭐First of all I'd like to thank my dear friend and mentor Morgan Talbot who not only opened up his beautiful sim to me to I could take this shot but provided the build itself and many of the characters. He also took the time to model for this shot. Morgan's advice and support are always so very special to me. But perhaps calling him my friend is the most remarkable treasure of all. Thank you babes.💓

 

⭐Next, I would like to thank my dear friend Harper Blackwood for her help and for enduring my rough drafts for this chapter. Thanks for being the lab rat this time babes. Not a rat but like...in a lab. She gets it. lol But mostely I'd like to thank Harper for her support, her encouragement, and her precious friendship. You're the best girl.💓

 

⭐Lastly and as the say, certainly not least, I want to thank my very dear friend and mentor Marcus Strong. His unwaivering support and encouragement is precious to me. He's has always there to help in any way he can, whether thats advice, modeling, or just to tell me I'm doing a good job. I can never repay this man for all he's done for me. I'm honored to call him my friend. Thank you babes.💓

 

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