🎶🎶🎶

I'm so tired but i can't sleep.

My mind is full but i can't speak.

Among the dust of the hard-to-reach, i'm stuck

Right here, somewhere between side a and side b.

I could call it compromise

Or just an intermission.

Some kind of consolation prize

For the race i never finished.

I want to turn these tired gears.

I want to feel the follow-through,

Some kind of equilibrium...

Something to set my watch to.

I'm here, somewhere between

Victory and a white flag.

Caught in this purgatory dream, i'm stuck.

But i want to set the record straight,

I want to retrace my every step.

If i could just rewind all the tapes

Then maybe i'd find my loose thread.

Call it a compromise

Or just an intermission.

Some kind of consolation prize,

So close, but never finished.

I want to turn these tired gears.

I want to feel the follow-through,

Some kind of equilibrium...

Something to set my watch to.

(Lyrics from Sleeping at Last - Intermission)

*using my own pose... ;)

Visit this location at La Vie in Second Life

This is the final image from this series, a shortcut to my home along a beautiful country road. As I said in my original post, many people drive by these various spots every day blind to the beauty around them. There are so many “pictures” I have taken that reside only in my mind. I am so glad I took the time to retrace my drive to work and back with a camera in hand. I hope these pictures have encouraged you to look for the beauty that lives just beyond those guard rails.

The lovely textures used in this series are thanks to the beautiful works of Anna Lenabem, Tito and Jai Johnson.

Thank you so much for all your visits, kind comments, invitations and favorites. This image may not be copied or distributed without my written consent. © All rights reserved.

美國大峽谷

Carved out by the Colorado River, the Grand Canyon (nearly 1,500 m deep) is the most spectacular gorge in the world. Located in the state of Arizona, it cuts across the Grand Canyon National Park. Its horizontal strata retrace the geological history of the past 2 billion years. A UNESCO World Heritage Site.

**Also, it's one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World.

Explore #467, dec 24-2009

Le hall de la gare de São Bento est un chef-d’oeuvre de l’art de l’azulejo. Ses murs sont couverts d’immenses fresques retraçant des scènes de la vie populaire ou les grandes périodes de l’histoire portugaise du XIIe au XVe siècle. La frise, en couleurs, montre l’évolution des moyens de transport dans le pays.

La gare a été mise en service le 8 novembre 1896. Son nom provient de celui de l’ancien couvent de « São Bento de Avé Maria » qui a été détruit pour permettre sa construction. En construisant sa gare comme un monument, l'architecte José Marques da Silva, en négligea le côté pratique et utile, et oublia les guichets de ventes.

The São Bento station hall is a masterpiece of tile art. Its walls are covered with huge frescoes retracing scenes of popular life or the great periods of Portuguese history from the 12th to the 15th century. The frieze, in color, shows the evolution of the means of transport in the country.

The station was put into service on November 8, 1896. Its name comes from that of the former convent of “São Bento de Avé Maria” which was destroyed to allow its construction. By building his station as a monument, the architect José Marques da Silva, neglected the practical and useful side, and forgot the sales counters.

✈ Flight to Everwinter ✈

♪" The Road Of Bones" Scrape Across The Sky Live 2016 ♪

And morning finds my night's work

Lights the remnants on display

I do not seek forgiveness

Nothing to absolve

For now the need is met

I almost hate myself

Almost...

But not quite

They survey the frozen scene

The cold countenance of hell

And they hang their heavy heads

I'm seen as death itself

Fear beholds this fragile town

Extends for miles around

I've taken all control

For I am someone now

The shadow cross my face

All the signs of my mistakes

Shallow graves I mark with stones

As I walk the road of bones

We dance

Our unkind compelling dance

The arcane

Ritual observed

I will see this whole thing through

If I only just keep my nerve

All the journeys I've retraced

To return me to this place

I do not walk alone

As I build the road of bones

Their damn shock of reactions

What it's for

For love nothing and

I won't be ignored

They've got sirens and all that nervous force

They concede

A good death's

It's own reward

The shadow cross my face

All the futures laid to waste

Shallow graves I mark with stones

As I walk the road of bones

* White Xmas By 8f8 + (Retracing Joy gift Set ) @ Mainstore

maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Black%20Kite/99/65/22

www.flickr.com/photos/8f8/52577205042/in/photostream/

* Chritsmas Train & Noelle Radiator By Zerkalo

www.flickr.com/photos/anaisterpellie/52562708138/in/datep...

*

After setting up shop, Young Cupid lies in wait…

Skippy envisioned his universe with the help of the following amazing creations:

8f8’s Intertwined Spring!

8f8’s Ivy, which is part of the Out of Sight Collection!

8f8’s Salud!, which is part of the Retracing Joy Collection!

anc’s heart balloons!

Bad Unicorn’s Wrapped Roses!

Let's keep building a world where everyone is encouraged

to find their passion and shine.

Let's keep spreading the love, my friends!

美國大峽谷

Carved out by the Colorado River, the Grand Canyon (nearly 1,500 m deep) is the most spectacular gorge in the world. Located in the state of Arizona, it cuts across the Grand Canyon National Park. Its horizontal strata retrace the geological history of the past 2 billion years. A UNESCO World Heritage Site.

**Also, it's one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World. See how small of people are compared to the canyon??

Volviendo sobre mis pasos...revisitando lugares... / Retracing my steps ... revisiting places ...

Mi Blog: Territorio Novo

I had the pleasure of being able to shoot what I love, massive machines and farming, but in the process i managed to drop my phone in field, I have been back at daybreak to retrace my steps, but I think it has been turn into a bale, so guys you have to bear with me until I get a new phone as I wont be faving many of your images, it will only be in an evening on iPad.

All My Links

I admit it, I love playing with light, as if that wasn't abundantly apparent by now?! This was two years with the D3400, and so I have come to realise that, sometimes it's worthwhile going back over old stock, seeing how far you have come and rediscovering old gems. People think revisable exercising is secular only for exams and tests, yet in life progress is always wanton for revision, essentially the retracing of one's steps as a more valuable an exercise than prevailing progress. As they say, it's not always the arriving at the destination but the experience of the journey itself, reliving it can be truly magical.

I hope everyone is well and so as always, thank you! :)

All My Links

So after heartbreakingly loosing 5 years worth of work thanks to the shitty design of eternal hard drives, coupled with me being so concerned with other things to afford cloud computing or yet another EHD, I decided I will slowly have to retrace my steps over time and replace my work with new stuff in the same categories. It will probably take me most of the year to be honest.

Thus above is another new one for "Where the Wild Lights Are", which from the bonnet of my best friends new car, name Eddie, and it's a metallic electric blue Volkswagen T-Cross, and he's a beauty! Expect more to come.

I hope everyone is well and so as always, thank you!

In the quiet misty morning

When the moon has gone to bed,

When the sparrows stop their singing

And the sky is clear and red,

When the summer's ceased its gleaming

When the corn is past its prime,

When adventure's lost its meaning -

I'll be homeward bound in time

Bind me not to the pasture

Chain me not to the plow

Set me free to find my calling

And I'll return to you somehow

If you find it's me you're missing

If you're hoping I'll return,

To your thoughts I'll soon be listening,

And in the road I'll stop and turn

Then the wind will set me racing

As my journey nears its end

And the path I'll be retracing

When I'm homeward bound again

Bind me not to the pasture

Chain me not to the plow

Set me free to find my calling

And I'll return to you somehow

In the quiet misty morning

When the moon has gone to bed,

When the sparrows stop their singing

I'll be homeward bound again.

The lyrics are by Marta Keen

Thank you very much Lizzy, Prinszczes of Taka-Tuka, for letting me know.

Old Quebec, Quebec

Place-Royale

A visit to Place-Royale is like a step back in time to the early days of New France. It was here that Samuel de Champlain founded his “abitation” in 1608.

Learn all about this cradle of French civilization in North America at musée de la Place Royale. Admire historic Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church, the oldest stone church in North America (1688). And don't miss the immense fresque des Québécois, which retraces 400 years of the city's history.

www.ameriquefrancaise.org/fr/article-617/Place-Royale_%C3...

More and more days have passed, more time to think about my choices, more time to regret and be reminded of my mistakes. The more time I spend alone here, the more I'm reminded that I had countless opportunities to turn around, to not sink deeper in, to retrace my steps before they became lost to me. Now I'm not sure anything or anyone could save me. I'm not even sure anymore how I fell, it just feels like I've been pushed into a never ending nightmare that sucks me in deeper and deeper every day. How much longer can I fall before I hit bottom?

Taken at Quoted Memories.

Les lumières de Blandi (Blandi les tours - France)

Des images sont projetées sur les murailles et les tours du château fort de Blandi les tours, retraçant sa reconstruction durant ces dernières années mais aussi son histoire.

Images are projected on the walls and towers of the fortified castle of Blandi les Tours, retracing its reconstruction during recent years and its history.

“ …..serenity isn’t the absence of movement…..” - John Roedel

There are just a few ice caps forming on the branches near the river. This one caught my eye at the last minute. It is worthwhile to retrace your steps at a scene and be surprised by a perspective you never noticed at first. The churning of the water was a gentle rush that soothed me. I love listening to the rhythmic sound of a flowing river.

The little prince plays...

Skippy envisioned his universe with the help of the following joy-full new creations:

8f8's Pillowtree, Pillownest, and Play Essentials, which are all part of the Retracing Joy Collection!

In addition, the little man created with:

8f8's Knit Table Lamp, which is part of Granny's Winter Cottage Collection!

Keep playing.

Keep smiling.

Keep shining bright!

And I hope all of you are healthy, safe,

and finding a little time for joy in your lives.

Wishing you the happiest of holidays!

♫ Queensryche - Silent Lucidity ♫

Hush now, don't you cry

Wipe away the teardrop from your eye

You're lying safe in bed

It was all a bad dream spinning in your head

Your mind tricked you to feel the pain

Of someone close to you, leaving the game of life

So here it is, another chance

Wide awake you face the day, your dream is over

Or has it just begun?

There's a place I like to hide

A doorway that I run to in the night

Relax child, you were there

Only didn't realize, and you were scared

It's a place where you will learn

To face your fears, retrace the years

And ride the whims of your mind

Commanding in another world

Suddenly you'll hear and see

This magic, new dimension

I will be watching over you

I am gonna help you see it through

I will protect you in the night

I am smiling next to you

In silent lucidity

Visualize your dream (yes)

Record it in the present tense

Put it into a permanent form (yes)

If you persist in your efforts, you can achieve dream control (help me)

How are we feeling today, better?

Dream control (help me)

Dream control (help me)

Dream control (help me)

Dream control (help me)

If you open your mind for me

You won't rely on open eyes to see

The walls you built within

Come tumbling down and a new world will begin

Living twice at once you learn

You're safe from pain in the dream domain

A soul set free to fly

A round trip journey in your head

Master of illusion, can you realize

Your dream's alive, you can be the guide but

I will be watching over you

I am gonna help you see it through

I will protect you in the night

I am smiling next to you

La ville de Djenné est située dans le delta intérieur du Niger au Mali, appelé Pondo. Le Pondo fait plus de 35 000 km2. Il se situe dans la région de Mopti parcourue par deux principaux fleuves : le Niger et le Bani, dont les nombreux affluents strient cette vaste plaine régulièrement inondée.

Le delta a une pente très faible (1 à 5 cm / km) ce qui donne aux cours d’eau cette possibilité de divagation et la formation de zones lacustres, de bourgoutières. Les levées alluviales jamais inondées, réduites, sont habitées : Djenné, le génie des eaux en langue bozo est une de ces villes. Le Niger et le Bani sont des fleuves exogènes au Mali : ils prennent leur source en Guinée et en Côte d'Ivoire. Les pluies qui tombent à leur source au début de l'été font grossir les fleuves en septembre à Bamako, octobre à Mopti, en décembre à Tombouctou et en janvier à Gao. La faible pente permet à l'eau de s'infiltrer et augmente l'humidité de l'air (de 30 % à 75 %) en bord de fleuve, ce qui rend donc ces lieux attirants pour l'Homme qui s'y installe. Il peut ainsi se lancer dans l'agriculture, dont le rythme est calqué sur celui des crues. Le facteur de production est donc très incertain pour tous : les crues ne viennent pas au même moment, au même endroit et avec la même ampleur d'une année sur l'autre. Malgré cette source d'eau constante, le climat reste difficile et ne permet pas d'avoir une couverture végétale et encore moins une agriculture annuelle. La pire période est à la fin de la saison sèche, en avril et mai, où il fait très chaud et sec. Les maliens l'appellent « la soudure ».

Dans le Pondo vivent des Bozo, pêcheurs dans les marigots et sur les rives; les Somono, pêcheurs sur les fleuves et transporteurs d'une berge à l'autre; les Peulhs qui sont des éleveurs de bovins essentiellement; les Bambara, Rimaïbé et Marka qui sont des agriculteurs. Les artisans et les commerçants ne dépendent pas d’une ethnie particulière mais de la caste dont ils font partie. Le petit espace disponible et la faible quantité de ressources impliquent de nombreux conflits entre ces différentes ethnies malgré leurs occupations vivrières différentes, mais également au sein même d'une ethnie, entre représentants d'une même activité.

Le Pondo étant une région souvent inondée l'habitat est très concentré sur les terres exondées. Ces terres, par l'accumulation de déchets humains après une longue occupation du lieu, arrivent à en être surélevées. On les appelle les « toggué ». La densité de population pour tout le delta est assez basse en conséquence (+- 17 hab/km² en 1976), la rareté des ressources n'aidant pas à augmenter singulièrement la population. Malgré cela la croissance démographique est tout de même de l'ordre de +2,3 % par an pour cette même période jusqu’à atteindre 14 196 habitants en 2005 dans la ville de Djenné. Les villages communiquent traditionnellement par voie d'eau, les routes n'étant pas goudronnées car régulièrement inondées et devant être retracées à chaque fin de saison humide. Durant la période des pluies, on se déplace sur l'eau et durant la saison sèche sur les pistes. Les périodes transitoires sont synonymes d'isolement pour les populations du Pondo qui ne peuvent pas se déplacer. Cette situation peut durer de 3 à 6 mois. Mopti est la seule qui soit reliée à la route nationale par une route goudronnée (une digue existe à Djenné mais elle est en très mauvais état), et dispose également d'un aérodrome.

Le Pondo a connu peu de changements significatifs en quelques siècles, ce n'est que depuis quelques décennies que de nouvelles techniques apparaissent par le biais des O.D.R. (opération de développement rural) lancées par l'état et subventionnées par des fonds étrangers. Les O.D.R. tentent d'apporter une réponse aux difficultés amenées par le milieu, dont l'instabilité est un facteur absolu : ainsi les années 50 étaient marquées par une forte sécheresse, les années 60 étaient de très bonnes années, pleines d'espoir, les années 70 furent très mauvaises et provoquèrent une réaction mondiale, une aide alimentaire et structurelle furent données, avec la mise en place des O.D.R.. Plusieurs campagnes furent ainsi lancées : l'O.R.M. (opération riz Mopti), l'O.M.M. (opération mil Mopti), l'O.P.M. (opération pêche Mopti) en 1972 et l'O.D.E.M. (opération de développement de l'élevage dans la région de Mopti) en 1975. Ces O.D.R. cherchent à accroître les productions en inculquant de nouvelles techniques et en donnant de nouveaux outils : traction animale pour l'agriculture, nouvelles semences, engrais, nouvelles méthodes de séchage et fumage du poisson pour mieux le conserver, vaccination des cheptels et troupeaux. Finalement, cet élan est en partie gâché par les sécheresses qui continuent et la perte d'une grande partie des capitaux en construction de bureaux et payes des fonctionnaires chargés de l'application des projets.

En 1955-1959, l'état devient propriétaires des terres et vient perturber un ordre traditionnel (instauré par la Dina) de répartition de l'espace jusque-là jamais remis en cause.

Le secteur primaire est important dans le cercle de Djenné, il représente 33 % de l'activité de la ville même. On cultive le mil (sorgho sur les terres lourdes, petit mil sur les terres légères), le riz (dans les vastes plaines inondables), le vouandzou, l'arachide, le coton, le dâh. La pêche est la 2e activité et l'élevage la 3e.

Le site de Djenné est occupé depuis le -250 sur 12 hectares par les Bozos : c’était la ville de Jenné-jeno (l’ancienne Djenné). Elle grandit et se développa au cours du temps, créant des liens de plus en plus resserrés avec Tombouctou. En effet, la ville est depuis très longtemps un centre névralgique du commerce nord-sud, alimentant Tombouctou presque dépourvue de terres cultivables et étape majeure du commerce transsaharien (sel, cuivre…) à partir du xiiie siècle. Les marchands arabes et berbères commencent à s’installer dans la région et le quartier musulman finit par prendre le dessus à Jenné-jeno au xive siècle. Au xve siècle, l’ancienne Djenné est abandonnée pour la nouvelle, que nous connaissons aujourd’hui. La prospérité passée de Djenné était due à sa position sur les routes commerciales et aux marchés externes, ainsi qu'à son arrière-pays productif. Aujourd'hui, les sécheresses ont fait largement baisser les productions : 600 kg/ha de mil et 1500 kg/ha de riz. Même si l'agriculture est surtout vivrière, il faut dégager des bénéfices en allant vendre ses produits au marché pour payer l'école, les impôts, les vêtements…

Le cercle de Djenné est dans une situation précaire. Ainsi Gallais disait en 1984 qu'il avait connu un non développement depuis les années 60.Les fluctuations climatiques et les conflits agriculteurs/éleveurs/pêcheurs sont en partie responsables de ce retard et de ce manque à gagner sur les récoltes et les réserves de riz et mil. Le manque d'aménagement du territoire et la faible organisation paysanne peuvent être mis en relation avec la densité de population relativement faible dans le delta (de Djenné) et ses environs qui rendent les investissements dans les travaux de terre et de l'eau inutiles et peut-être impossibles. Parallèlement, la population augmente et sous cette pression, les terres agricoles et les pâturages diminuent. La sécheresse des années 1970 aggrave tout cela. Les paysans sont pauvres et tout coûte cher : seul 33,5 % d'entre eux possédaient une charrette mais plus de 50 % ne possèdent ni charrue, ni charrette, ni multiculteur, ni semoir. La conservation du milieu paraît donc être un souci bien superflu dans un tel contexte socio-économique, fortement marqué par le dénuement et depuis longtemps.

On trouve divers villages dans les environs de Djenné que l'on peut caractériser comme suit : les villages sans fonction propre, totalement dépendant de Djenné pour les besoins quotidiens, très proches (comme Niala); les plus gros bourgs, plus éloignés, ayant à disposition les services suffisant à la vie quotidienne (école, dispensaire, marché…) comme Senoussa mais nécessitant des voyages hebdomadaires vers Djenné; les villages encore plus importants obligeant les habitants à se rendre à Djenné rarement, pour les besoins d'un ordre supérieur, comme Sirimou.

Les 3/4 de la population sont concentrés dans les arrondissements Mougna, Central et Sofara. Le chef-lieu, Djenné, compte 10 275 habitants en 1976, c'est la seule "ville" du cercle.

On observe une différence de structure familiale entre la campagne et Djenné : les familles sont moins nombreuses et majoritairement monogames à Djenné, avec une tendance inverse pour la campagne. Par ailleurs, on constate que 90 % de la campagne djennenké est sans formation, pour 71,3 % de la population citadine. Dans la campagne, 90 % de la population de 12 ans n'a jamais été à l'école et seulement 2 % a fini l'école primaire. Un enfant sur cinq ne dépasse pas les 2 ans. Les maisons n'ont pas de sanitaires, le système de voirie et d'égouts n'a rien de satisfaisant, il y a de longues pénuries en eau.

Comme nous l’avons vu dans cette introduction la situation de Djenné est complexe, c’est une ville historique et emblématique du Mali qui aujourd’hui ne parvient pas à assurer un développement suffisant à ses habitants. Cependant depuis 1988, la situation a changé avec l’inscription de la ville et de sa mosquée au patrimoine mondial de l’UNESCO. Depuis, le secteur tertiaire du tourisme est en pleine expansion et permet d’améliorer la vie des Djennenké. Mais quel est l’impact exact de cette nouvelle activité qui peut se révéler très rentable sur les hommes, la ville et le milieu ? Nous pourrions essayer de nous en faire une idée en expliquant tout d’abord ce qui a permis à la ville d’être connue dans le monde autrement que pour ses famines et ce qui a donc amené des gens non pas pour faire de l’humanitaire dans la région mais en tant que touristes, puis enfin quelles sont les répercussions sur les autochtones, leur ville et les aménagements mis en place autour de ce nouveau vecteur de développement.

Source Wikipedia

At the New Year's Eve party, the little reveler is determined to stay up until midnight…

Skippy envisioned his universe with the help of the following stellar creations:

8f8’s Red & White Essentials, and Blamps (Balloons), which are both part of the Retracing Joy Collection!

8f8’s Stargazer, which is part of the Written in the Stars Collection!

8f8’s Stuck in Time (Hourglass), which is part of the Forgotten Secrets Collection!

8f8’s Old Rugs, which are part of the Storyteller’s Burrow Collection!

[ kunst ]’s Vintage Radios, and Vintage Side Table, which are both part of The Roaring Twenties Collection!

[ kunst ]’s Cold-Cola Bottle with Straw!

//Naberius//’s Book Piles, which are part of the Streetside Bookshop Collection!

NOMAD’s Gold Glitter Curtains!

As we head into the new year, I wish for health and happiness for you and your loved ones.

Let’s keep lifting one another up, sharing kindnesses and support, understanding that every one of us is valuable and has something important to share.

Let’s remember that together we shine so much brighter, a beacon of light and hope that reminds us and others that we are one.

Let’s keep offering one another a hand when we fall down, giving each other a little nudge when we get stuck, realizing we’re all on the same team.

Let’s keep learning, listening, encouraging, connecting, growing, inspiring, and creating.

Happy New Year, everyone!

So many rather splendid locations on this coastline it'd be difficult to choose a favourite.

Woke to blanket fog and retraced our steps from the evening before attempting to capture the Milky Way.

The sun had already appeared above the horizon but the fog diffused the light to give these lovely pastel colours.

Not sure whether I enjoyed the morning here most or the morning at Dovercourt.

Yesterday we retraced our steps from a few months ago and did a lovely short walk at Tottiford reservoir again. The forecast was pretty dull but half-way through our walk the sun came out (just as we enjoyed a picnic at the water edge). The rest of our path then was pure autumn glory with the sun really bringing out the colours. All in all a gorgeous day out with the family again! More images to come throughout this week...

Old Quebec, Quebec

Place-Royale

A visit to Place-Royale is like a step back in time to the early days of New France. It was here that Samuel de Champlain founded his “abitation” in 1608.

Learn all about this cradle of French civilization in North America at musée de la Place Royale. Admire historic Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church, the oldest stone church in North America (1688). And don't miss the immense fresque des Québécois, which retraces 400 years of the city's history.

www.ameriquefrancaise.org/fr/article-617/Place-Royale_%C3...

From a much warmer day!

Savernake Forest, Wiltshire

Well Windy & Ventusky told me there would be widespread freezing fog this morning and from my work forecast I was told snow would be arriving in Hampshire from the west late morning. I set my alarm for 6am (lie-in!) and the apps still said widespread fog. decided last minute to set off for Savernake Forest and hardly saw any fog/mist the whole way there!

Decided I might as well shoot some hoar frost images and was just thinking about starting to head back to the car when there was about 15-20mins of reasonable snow fall. I lost some time in having to retrace my steps so didn't get many shots whilst the snow was actually falling but I tried a handful of compositions and experimented with the shutter speed to try to capture the falling snow.

Quite like how this one turned out and it's especially pleasing because I normally have to work when snow is forecast but managed to free up my time to get out for once.

Keep warm everyone.

© All rights reserved Steve Pellatt. Please do not use this image on websites, blogs or any other media without my explicit written permission.

The little man wonders how anyone can fit down the chimney…

Skippy envisioned his holiday universe with the help of the following brilliant creations:

8f8’s Living Essentials, Bathroom Essentials, Gourmet Essentials, Sewing Essentials, Knitting Essentials, Afternoon Essentials, Decoration Essentials, Magic Essentials, Time Essentials, which are all part of the Retracing Joy Collection!

8f8's Armchair, and Christmas Tree, which are both part of the Granny's Winter Cottage Collection!

8f8's Old Rug, which is part of the Storyteller's Burrow Collection!

8f8's Teddy!

{anc}'s Christmas Snow Christmas Trees, which are part of the Snowy Day Collection!

hive's Personalized Velvet Stocking with Tree Holder!

DaD's Christmas Pine Wreath with Red Ribbon, and Christmas Garland Pine Branches, which are both part of the Christmas Greenery Collection!

DaD's "Les Memories" Log Basket with Blanket, and Rustic Log Star!

Remarkable Oblivion's Holiday Spirit Lantern!

Happiest of Holidays to all of you!

Thank you for your inspiration and support throughout the year. I hope together we can continue to shine so bright, creating a community of kindness and light, where we lift one another up, encouraging one another to create and share our imaginations!

Sending big hugs, my friends!

The little man dreams...

Skippy envisioned his universe with the help of the wonderfully serene new collection from 8f8. Filled with heart and soul, each beautiful new piece encourages quiet contemplation and brings a little warmth to the cold winter months.

Let 8f8's Inner Space Collection provide for you a respite from our uncertain times...

The little dreamer created with the following:

8f8’s Residence, Softa, Watcha Doin?, Softable, Sitting Carpet, Birchess, and Birches, which are all part of the Inner Space Collection!

8f8’s His Sweet Comfort, which is part of the Snuggled In Collection!

8f8’s Cycle of Life, which is part of the Once Broken and Forgotten Collection!

8f8’s Read me story (Winter), and Wrap me around you (Winter), which are both part of the Winter Memories of Autumn Collection!

8f8’s Play Essentials, which is part of the Retracing Joy Collection!

And the little man always keeps 8f8’s Teddy nearby!

Sleigh to 8f8’s Mainstore!

Keep spreading the love.

Keep lifting one another up.

Keep shining bright!

The villains had already overtaken the GLLC in London when they arrived. The loss was great, however not a win. She managed to take what was rightfully hers. She needed to send message to the other members of the Golden Keepers, warn them of what was to come.

In stoic silence, she retraces her words with care. This could be the beacon between life and death for her fellows.

Somehow, no idea how I stayed dry. I could see the rain falling from it as it came directly at me from Hope Valley. It stopped as it blew over Stanage and started again over Hallam Moors.

I'd put my waterproofs on and retraced my steps to Robin Hood's Cave in case I needed to take shelter. It was pretty windy too so it blew through relatively quickly. The wind died down and I was able to get the tent up in much calmer weather with Mungo Jerry going through my head and a wry smile on my face.

If it had been half an hour earlier/later then sunset itself looked like it was going to be great. In the end there was a little colour but nothing to write home about. Can't complain though.

Looking down Hope Valley to Win Hill, The Great Ridge and Kinder Plateau.

maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Anduril/129/114/23

Silent Lucidity

Queensrÿche

Hush now don't cry

Wipe away the teardrop from your eye

You're lying safe in bed

It was all a bad dream

Spinning in your head

Your mind tricked you to feel the pain

Of someone close to you leaving the game of life

So here it is, another chance

Wide awake you face the day

Your dream is over

Or has it just begun?

There's a place I like to hide

A doorway that I run to in the night

Relax child, you were there

But only didn't realize it and you were scared

It's a place where you will learn

To face your fears, retrace the years

And ride the whims of your mind

Commanding in another world

Suddenly, you hear and see

This magic new dimension

I will be watching over you

I am gonna help you see it through

I will protect you in the night

I am smiling next to you, in silent lucidity

Visualize your dream

Record it in the present tense

Put it into a permanent form

If you persist in your efforts

You can achieve dream control

Dream control

How's that then, better?

Dream control

Dream control (hug me)

Dream control

Hug me

If you open your mind for me

You won't rely on open eyes to see

The walls you built within

Come tumbling down, and a new world will begin

Living twice at once you learn

You're safe from pain in the dream domain

A soul set free to fly

A round trip journey in your head

Master of illusion, can you realize

Your dream's alive, you can be the guide but

I will be watching over you

I am gonna help you see it through

I will protect you in the night

I am smiling next to you

Songwriters: Christopher Degarmo

Silent Lucidity lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Retracing my steps and back on out of Cliff Gilker Park, there appeared to be a multitude of opportunities. And, this cascading flow with its thunderous sound, looked promising. It twisted and turned as it snaked on down into the deeper regions of the forest.

However, what struck me most was the ever present vivid green. Whether hanging moss, low growing leaves, or the trees themselves, it was vibrant and ever present. In here, life was on hold and delivering a timeless sight.

www.photographycoach.ca/

Made the slight detour to here whilst making my way to the lone tree above Malham for sunset.

Found it tough going initially taking the muddy but more obvious path down and realising there wasn't any comp I liked. So retraced my steps and made my way down the path I had noted earlier whilst thinking to myself, that looks like a death trap going that way....

I must admit consulting Flickr to check for comps having slipped on my arse twice getting down the death trap path. My instincts correct.

Surprised I had 4g and full bars in what is a little dell amongst mature trees with large hills all around, I was satisfied to be in the right place. Besides, to my eye this is the best composition for here anyway and the late afternoon light was low and off to my right.

My first visit here so not sure about it's usual flow rate but I was having to wipe my filter after and in between shots. I tried between 0.3 and 15 seconds and finally settled on 0.6 which still required me to wait for a lull in the wind.

Credits

☆decor☆

〇backdrop〇 [ Focus Poses ] Christmas Loft Backdrop decor version

〇box〇　12_8f8 - Retracing Joy - Play Essentials＠EPIPHANY

　　　　　13_8f8 - Retracing Joy - Sewing Essentials

　06_8f8 - Retracing Joy - Bathroom

　　 07_8f8 - Retracing Joy - Decoration Essentials

〇present〇　Pitaya - Santa Express - Bag 01＠THE ARCADE GACHA

〇pole〇　22769 - North Pole

left

＋hair＋　 WINGS-HAIR-ON0218 VARIETY

＋top＋ legacy [Gild] Moco over top_beige＠MEN ONLY MONTHLY

＋pants＋ Legacy[Gild]Rock skin pants_brown＠Gild mainstore

＋ring＋　　Badwolf - Ruthless Rings (Legacy M)　＠Badwolf mainstore

＋cane＋ Badwolf - Xmas Candy Cane＠coming23 Month at 10pm SLT　Warehouse Sale

＋firecrackers ＋ Badwolf - Firecrackers＠coming23 Month at 10pm SLT　Warehouse Sale

center

＋hair＋ MIWAS - Hair #Mimi 'FATPACK'

＋top＋　[Gild] Moco over top_brown(onlymen's）＠MEN ONLY MONTHLY

＋tatoo＋　DISH. - Geo Style tattoo BOM LAYER＠HARAJUKU

right

＋hair＋　tram J0916 hair / HUD-C

＋top＋ 　 [Gild] Moco over top_black＠MEN ONLY MONTHLY

＋pants＋ [Gild] Mudhoney pants_brown＠MEN ONLY MONTHLY

Thank youuu------目

From: Me (always@you.com)

Sent: Tuesday, January 5, 2021 7:58 PM

To: You

Subject: Fw: Hope

With reference to the above subject and my email dated on Nov 22, 2020, I would like to bring to your notice the below points:-

First, I have never met anyone that makes me want to hit my head agaisnt the nearby wall repeatedly and yet also want to shower with endless affection due to little cute quirks that are revealed with time.

Secondly, it is so surreal to discover someone that accepts you completely and does not try to change you. Somehow makes you feel comfortable in your own skin. I would like to confirm, are you really real?

Lastly, how can countless traits be possessed by a single entity? Intelligence, modesty, kindness, understanding and talent. Not to mention the combination of being fragile, guarded and communicative.

Looking forward to your kind response.

With hope...

P.S. My always inspiration 8f8 Creations items, Retracing Joy, Trea Time, Art of Nature, Paint Me Summer, Indoor DIY Spring Collection & Serene Sanctuary. I also used ..::THOR::..'s Creative Space.

Doesn't just happen one day of the year.....

Mr. Dark..grateful for your gifts of time and love...not only on the 25th, but every single day of the year....❤️

Need some last minute Christmas cozy? Here are some ideas for you! From the Retracing Joy Gacha collection by 8f8 out now at The Epiphany Event. Pictured:

8f8 -Retracing Joy - Blamps Group Gift

8f8 - Retracing Joy - Potica VIP

01_8f8 - Retracing Joy - Pillowtree RARE

02_8f8 - Retracing Joy - Pillownest RARE

03_8f8 - Retracing Joy - Red & White Essentials

04_8f8 - Retracing Joy - Time Essentials

05_8f8 - Retracing Joy - Afternoon Essentials

06_8f8 - Retracing Joy - Bathroom Essentials

07_8f8 - Retracing Joy - Decoration Essentials

08_8f8 - Retracing Joy - Gourmet Essentials

10_8f8 - Retracing Joy - Living Essentials

12_8f8 - Retracing Joy - Play Essentials

13_8f8 - Retracing Joy - Sewing Essentials

8f8 - Retracing Joy - Salud! EXCLUSIVE

The Epiphany: maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20Epiphany/96/110/2109

8f8 Mainstore: maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Black%20Kite/138/109/21

8f8 Flickr: flic.kr/ps/2iWGNc

01_8f8 - Pain d'Amour - Bakery RARE

11_8f8 - Pain d'Amour - Counter

The Arcade Event: The Arcade: maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20Arcade/73/130/32

01 - 8f8 Little Worlds - World's Nest RARE (mainstore, lm above)

Enjoy this quaint set from Scarlet Creative .."The Nook"...perfect for a small area on your land that needs so cozying up...great guest house too! Pictured:

Scarlet Creative The Nook 1

Scarlet Creative Nook Sofa

Scarlet Creative Nook Cabinet

Scarlet Creative Cordelia Armchair Light

Scarlet Creative Nook Coffee Table

Scarlet Creative Nook Telephone

Scarlet Creative Nook Fireplace Insert

Scarlet Creative Nook Picture

Scarlet Creative Mainstore: maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Scarlet%20Creative/245/20/33

Scarlet Creative Flickr: flic.kr/ps/KAmaN

From Konoha...bunch of new snowscapes..what I like most about these is that the are low prim...you can find them at The Cosmopolitan Event. Pictured:

Meiji Snowscape -Piece C

The Cosmopolitan Event: maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/No%20Comment/131/61/22

Konoha Mainstore: maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Whitlock/147/173/2601

Konoha Flickr: flic.kr/ps/3S5rdX

Misc. Goodies:

tarte. western larch tree A

HPMD* Bird House Winter(Gift) - B/pole

JIAN Holiday Huskies :: Wander Pup (White)

Foxwood - Cozy pup - Stand Decor

Thank you so much for the support and kindness....it's greatly appreciated!! Happy Monday​ and I hope you all have a great week! ⛄

Speak To Me ~ Jules Day - Day Dream)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNm7-SaezkY

"i longingly

wish to map your beauty;

to let fingertips walk your bare plains,

eagerly exploring,

as lungs work to breathe you in,

and eyes trace your skin,

all while curious lips climb and round

the crests and valleys

of your hills,

tracing each warm

and dangerous curve

in between;

every path

–forging new–

followed by thirtsy palms

sliding complete rotations

–surveying–

consuming

your heated

contour.

i would

attentively

listen and obey

your gentle sighs

and guiding whispers

until every inch

of you had

been

meticulously

sensed;

lovingly charted.

then,

with map in heart and hand,

i would retrace each step,

every touch

and sensation

clear back

to where

i’d

started."

–me ॐ

Blog Post / Designer Showcase: Shoenique Designs

sllorinovo.blogspot.com/2017/02/designer-showcase-shoeniq...

Sealy was a frequent stop on my tours around the Houston area when I lived in Baytown in 1979 and 1980. It's where the Katy and Santa Fe mains crossed about 40 miles west of Houston. So when I was in Houston for a convention in 1986, I retraced the route out IH-10 to Sealy where I found this grain train crossing the Santa Fe. October 17, 1986

Detail from my fave building...... HFF

“Pointed in the wrong direction, trapped outside their own history and unable to retrace their steps because their footprints had been swept away.”

― Arundhati Roy, The God of Small Things

The tide of emergency hits, I begin, ten minutes, eleven, to refrain to retrace. Twelve minutes and I didn't want to especially hurt myself, I just wanted out, I did not want to play anymore. Destiny leans on with a hiss as blood runs out like water and circumstance irradiates the playground bordering the cracks I walk and almost nothing ever happens but kindness, shrouded and shivered in silence, in the new wind how clouds crumble and drift before I know all I want to do. The clock moves to twenty-one and burns through the cunningly detailed shackles of every lonely railway station, the figure of the tourist's hairpiece, her fairy's rubber breasts. I am the dark from the dark, the curtain rod, the dried fountain the trees buck and the pacific quake downwards the tide forgets. Walk. Forty-nine steps to go while you are still in one piece.

Thanks Antonio B. and Emile H.

The text is mine.

1:09PM. Our final destination, where the flooding Plitvice River makes its biggest drop, to the level of this observation deck. Time for a few snaps before retracing our steps across flooded boardwalks. Where to stand for a shot to do this justice?

13mmffeq

6 Jun 2023; 02:00 UTC

As I walked along the side of the River Ure from Boroughbridge, North Yorkshire, the path passed Aldborough Grange and I encountered this field of cattle.

I said nicely to this guard on the gate, may I pass through. There was absolutely no reaction. So I mentioned Roast Beef and Yorkshire Pudding. He seemed to take offence and I got the message, retrace your steps and I did ^_^

"And that is when I realized, I had so much within me to share, to love and to be thankful for. I could conquer the world with just my smile, apart from my art and stories. Through my solitude, I can be happy and love myself as much as I love others, always..."

P.S. I finally decided to finally put an end to this series. I started this August 28th 2020 and today is ironically Jan 27 2021, it took 4 months to bloom. If you look from the beginning to the end of the album, you will see a surprising transition. This last picture was completely unexpected. I will thank 8f8 Creation for that little note on the Retracing Joy - Bathroom Essentials. And for all other cute messages in most of his creations, they are so uplifting! I also borrowed Sapphy to pose for me because she always reminds me of what is essential. I didn't expect I'd use someone else for this series but it sort of fits.

Here is a summary of the series.

~ Balance

~ Distraction

~ Fear

~ Helpless

~ Jaded

~ Linger

~ Nightmare

~ Paralyze

~ Reality

~ Timeless

Fw: P.S. Part of my series called "Abandoned" This is the end of the series. What a way to end this. :)

The Southern End of Ullswater looking across to Glenridding and the Eastern Fells with Sheffield Pike being the most prominent.

I didn't have any real plans other than wanting to eventually reach Place Fell. An early start that began with the walk up to Boredale Hause. From Boredale I went on to Angle Tarn Pikes before retracing my steps and starting the walk up to Place Fell. The views were spectacular all day with cloud and sunshine. Legs suffering a little today after a couple of months off!

This was taken with the drone on the walk up to Boredale.

Irving Pen en action....Photo prise à l’exposition « Irving Penn » au Grand Palais . Exposition qui célèbre le centenaire de la naissance de ce grandissime photographe américain avec une vaste rétrospective qui revient sur ses thèmes majeurs tels que la mode, la beauté, les portraits, les nus, les natures mortes, les cigarettes... Soixante-dix années de carrière sont retracées à travers plus de deux cent trente-cinq photographies, des magazines, des dessins et peintures et du matériel photographique.

Every time I visit my Autumn photos I enjoy some time reliving the moments along the trails.

HSS Edited in Topaz Studio

Some colour to brighten a winter's day.

Happy Weekend.

Looking back towards Chester city centre...I will continue to the next lock, at Hoole Lane, then retrace my steps.

Early start this morning and a trip to The Roaches with the idea of getting a few miles in the legs and hopefully a decent sunrise.

Weather looked like it wasn't going to be up to much on the way with thick dark cloud, snow, rain, fog, hail and then snow again. I did think about turning back or diverting to Padley Gorge as I hadn't brought my waterproofs.

As it began to get light and I got a little closer I could see a thin band of scarlet on the horizon so decided to continue. The weather seemed to be changing every few minutes and I had no idea what to expect.

Arrived just before sunrise and the sky was crimson. So much so I've not even attempted to edit them yet.

Made my way up to the trig point and watched in awe as the sun popped up above the horizon and the sky began to calm down. There was low snow clouds in all directions except along The Roaches and as the cloud moved the sun briefly lit up Shutlingsloe every few moments before disappearing again. Went as far as Doxey Pool then retraced my steps. -4 when I got back to the van and made a cuppa.

Only saw one other person and was back home for 10am. One of those mornings where it felt a real privilege to be out.