View allAll Photos Tagged selfless
...should have a friend like Rachel
My very good friend Rachel lives about 350 miles away, but is always there at the end of an email or the phone, regardless of how busy she is herself. She's the most genuine, thoughtful, caring and selfless person I've ever had the pleasure to meet.
I'd imagined these pretty tealight holders that she sent me as a gift would make a nice sparkly image, so it was good to have an excuse to join in with today's Macro Mondays theme `trinkets'.
I kept the dof as shallow as possible, to maximize the sparkle/bokeh... and I'm surprised I got away with shooting this handheld(ish), balancing my camera on a container, at 1/6.
The sea can be blue sometimes, but it was golden when I arrived. The sun gained the power through modesty.
"You need not surrender anything at all. Love all beings. That is enough. Love with no expectation of return. Love for the sake of love. Love because your very nature is love. Love because that is the form of worship you know and like. When others are happy, be happy likewise. When others are in misery, try to alleviate their lot to the best of your ability. Practice love through sevā (selfless service). By this means, you will realize unity and get rid of the ego that harms." - {Sri Sathya Sai Baba}
The sad effects of the wildfires in Jasper and the rest of the National park.... this view a bit up on Maligne Lake road
Thank you to all first responders who fought to protect Jasper. They worked tirelessly day and night, to protect this community, which to many, is their home. Their selflessness and bravery are truly commendable – we will always remember the extraordinary dedication they displayed during the challenging early days of this wildfire response.
The Jasper fires refer to the devastating Jasper wildfires of July 2024, which destroyed approximately 30% of the townsite, forced the evacuation of 25,000 people for nearly a month, (and continuing) and significantly impacted properties and infrastructure, though critical facilities were saved. Fueled by lightning and extreme drought conditions, the monstrous fire complex generated its own weather and rapidly consumed the area.
Impact:
Approximately 358 buildings, including homes and two churches, were destroyed.
About 25,000 residents and visitors were evacuated.
Critical infrastructure like the hospital and schools remained intact. The wildfire complex created its own weather system with a wall of flame up to 100 meters high.
*********************
HIT THE 'L' KEY FOR A BETTER VIEW! Thanks for the favs and comments. Much Appreciated.
*********************
All of my photographs are under copyright ©. None of these photographs may be reproduced and/or used in any way without my permission....talk to me 😊
© VanveenJF Photography
I have often wondered why I feel so strongly opposed to some photographers overwhelming desire to reproduce reality... now I’ve previously explored in some depth, my views on reality and don’t wish to repeat myself here, but I do want to question my own personal distaste to others desire, in pursuit of it.
Now before I get stuck into the negative, let’s keep this balanced with some positive observations. there are in fact some wondrous realities to be experienced and explored photographically; the omnipresent beauty of the wilderness, the deep feeling of love I have for my family, the fantastically elevating feeling that creativity catalyses, the selfless goodness in many people (especially those with the greatest difficulties or with the least to give). I could go on but I’m in danger of sounding a bit too much of a tree hugger.
Now troublingly, there are certain parts of reality, or my perception of it, that deeply, sadden me; our society’s seemingly unquestionable faith in consumerism as a flawed economic systems teetering with frighteningly fragility on the edge of collapse. The arrogant naivety that places money, profit, and greed before our environment. What saddens me most is that our children will wonder why we as guardians to their future, didn’t try harder to leave the earth as we found it... I despair at the horrors sensationalised by news channels and often feel disgust at the lack of empathy given to the stories desperate circumstances. I often feel that as a society we are not heading in the right direction and I’m sure that I’m not alone with feeling a deep need to opt out, to escape. This progressive realisation that our human race can be so selfishly individualised, is paradoxically forcing me to, whenever I can, escape into an unreal, self constructed personal reality.
I’m sure it’s no accident that my work, teaching animation, takes me into fantasy worlds created to immerse and stimulate altered realities through the development of purposefully fantasy characters. Again my most favoured pastime, places me in isolated locations well away from not only humans but any signs of their existence. It’s almost a meditative experience with the purpose to escape into pure nature. I seem obsessive in the desire to create an altered reality that fits my personal vision. Through landscape photography I selectively seek an escapist pursuit of my own manufactured perception of reality as a perfect world, as I want it. This is why you rarely see humans or their objects in my work. Turning to this image, I wished the vapour trails weren’t there, as they remind me that the beach isn’t so perfect after all. it reminds me that high up in the atmosphere there is a jet engine burning needles carbon that will ultimately destroy the very thing I’m trying to photograph, it’s pure, wild, innocent, clean, wondrous beauty.
Funny I feel a need to finish this on a positive, and make some kind of tree hugging joke to elevate the cynical amongst you, but this time I don’t feel like trying to make this text softer. I feel VERY STRONGLY that we need to radically change our society to take some collective responsibility for the sake of our children. At the moment reality isn’t a very nice place!
Life is an offering to itself....some does offer it to self only, while some other offer it selflessly....
These women were singing song while preparing community food for the devotees who would be visiting temple on that auspicious day of Uttarayan....the service they offer gives immense pleasure to them....it was a nice opportunity for me to experience it.
Taken in Orchha, Madhyapradesh, India
To all the beautiful & selfless mother's of the world, wishing you a wonderful, love filled day! To my Mom who has been my teacher, my mentor, my inspiration, my friend, thanks you for being you, love you more than words can say!
If now and then
we could see the present
for all it's timeless worth
would we be contented
with such a sunlit berth
pervading our heart's
as it selflessly does
from midday's delightful tangent
come mensurable shadows
softening, shortening, so stringent!
which way do we turn
when seasons justify themselves
all at once
a kick, a swoop, emotive proof
I was there in substance
as if we should wonder
at the reliquiae of so much essence
untouched, even unnoticed
by the scent of time filling the air
dancing it's way, the present has resurfaced
trust found in letting go
hope discovered in opening up
beauty found without cosmetic throes
faith rediscovered in natural worship
to revel in whatever path's transpose
your call or mine, it matters not
direction for the aimless moods
ambition befall negativity's musk
humour the sulk of skulking vendetta
the bane of heroes in vain till dusk
drive on my lovelies drive on!
for continued reading brings the conclusion
what once was is now our valediction
proliferate chances on Opportunist way
for the surprising journey brings with it definite reason.
by anglia24
15h50: 05/03/2008
©2008anglia24
Nikon F80, 50mm f1.8D, Kodak TMax 100, Exposure X7
The Battle of Britain Memorial, Capel-Le-Ferne, Kent, England
The National Memorial to the Few
Dedicated to the heroic and selfless deeds of the men who won the Battle of Britain, 10 July to 31 October, 1940.
“A wedding ring is a symbol of commitment; a promise, a pledge, and a vow. The promise is to forsake all others, to stay devoted and true; the pledge is to honor that promise selflessly, to see the whole thing through; and the vow is to keep that pledge unwaveringly, until the days are few. It is a mutual agreement to become one instead of two.”
― J.W. Lord, Author of Worlds
got that feeling, like something is changing, and it's something big.
this is most likely the first photo in a series of images I will create for a gallery. therefore I probably won't post any more from this series on here, just this one.
and I just have to say that I have been using my friend Olivia for a few images, and will undoubtedly use her further, and she is so good at posing because she is selfless and uncomplaining. I had her basically belly flop into the water for this shot, over and over and over again, and she didn't complain once even though her side was bright red and she was shaking from the cold.
Toronto stands together with the rest of Canada during this unprecedented health crisis. We salute all of the front line workers that are selflessly working to take care of their fellow Canadians
I saved you all some delicious, left over shortbread cookies from Valentine's Day! Come & get 'em =))
Photo made by me - but thanks entirely to the selfless coaching, mentoring, affection, care and time bestowed on me by www.instagram.com/bn_singh_photography/.
He’s among the best of them out there. www.flickr.com/photos/bnsingh
I wanted to create a series a raw images that would showcase the work of my BFF LouLou Teichmann. She selflessly took much time and love to transform my bare sim into a winter wonderland. Unfortuantely, I don't think I could ever take enough shots to show all the ornate detail in every area my home. I figured I will would take a small set of pics each day, just to cover my favorites spots. Thank you, LouLou!!! I love you <3
"If no one else has made the attempt to tell you yet, let me tell you...You are a wonderful person. You have great talents inside you and you can achieve your dreams. Go ahead and live happily and spread selfless love everywhere you go."
~WL
Today, Memorial Day, with gratitude we remember and honor the selfless service of the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom and country. Their courage and service should always be remembered but on this day we pause as a nation to remind us of the price of freedom inspiring us to put aside our differences and live with gratitude & compassion. Raising of the colors at the start of the 65th iteration of the Penn Valley California Rodeo. OM Systems Olympus OM-D EM-1 Mark III Olympus OM Systems Olympus M.Zuiko PRO 40-150 f2.8 Olympus MC 2.0x Teleconverter #developportdev @gothamtomato @developphotonewsletter @omsystem.cameras #excellent_america #omsystem @bheventspace @bhphoto @adorama @tamracphoto @tiffencompany #usaprimeshot #tamractales @kehcamera @mpbcom @visitcalifornia @nevadacountyca #omd #olympus #microfourthirds #micro43 #micro43photography #olympusphotography #memorialday #pennvalley #pennvalleyca #pennvalleyrodeo #pennvalleycalifornia
I never really was very good at tennis anyway...
On a more serious note, how amazing is it that on the day before America inaugurates its first black President in history, we celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr.'s life and accomplishments? Kind of spooky, isn't it? For those of you abroad, here's a little tidbit, and a link to find more:
"Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a vital figure of the modern era. His lectures and dialogues stirred the concern and sparked the conscience of a generation. The movements and marches he led brought significant changes in the fabric of American life through his courage and selfless devotion. This devotion gave direction to thirteen years of civil rights activities. His charismatic leadership inspired men and women, young and old, in this nation and around the world.
Dr. King’s concept of “somebodiness,” which symbolized the celebration of human worth and the conquest of subjugation, gave black and poor people hope and a sense of dignity. His philosophy of nonviolent direct action, and his strategies for rational and non-destructive social change, galvanized the conscience of this nation and reordered its priorities. His wisdom, his words, his actions, his commitment, and his dream for a new way of life are intertwined with the American experience."
For Theme Of The Week - Lying Face Down
If you chase anything in life chase the things that get you excited about living. Chase the things that give you hope, happiness and a glimpse of a better life. Chase the things that make you want to be a better person. Chase the things that inspire you to think, create and live joyfully. Chase the things that reinforce in your soul that you can make a difference. Chase the things that make you want to transform your heart from selfish to selfless. When you chase that kind of storm you are chasing rainbows.
It's always better to build someone up and forgive them, accepting that things didn't turn out as you once envisioned
So you regretfully part ways, and instead of choosing to destroy them. It's always better to forgive than to destroy.. It's always better to be kind than to hurt people. Even when you have the means to destroy. It's just not worth it. Life is too short I am far too busy enjoying the storm, and chasing the rainbows.
Well it wasn't quite the height of golden hour but still pretty. This is looking towards Vancouver's West End. At 7pm it was amazing to hear the reverberating cheers, clapping, ringing, and banging of pots & pans all around us in support of all essential workers who are selflessly keeping things going right now for us all.
Since I've been doing photography, I've realized how many of life's moments we just fritter away and let slip through our fingers. There are memories we wish we could remember better, having them enblazened on our minds like the burn of a red-hot, branding iron, but which we lost the clarity of through the blur of time.
This day in 2008 was a stolen moment. It was a few weeks before Christmas, and I'd gone to see my former boss at the fabric store where I used to work before being layed off. There was a Christmas Parade, so I couldn't get through, and so I stopped along the river at one of the local parks to take some photos and kill time. Instead, I think I made it live.
During this time, my mother was dying. I was home almost 24/7 with her, and that one month was one of the only times in the last six years where I wasn't doing much photography. I didn't have time, and didn't have energy. Mom demanded most of my reserves, as she was a C.O.P.D. patient, and would go into respiratory failure. Only a few days after this photo was taken, she fell for her first and only time. I was getting very little sleep, and was afraid to leave her for very long, but she was doing better that day, and I needed to take a few moments for myself, which I felt incredibly guilty about.
The day seemed oddly blank. There was little color in it, and though there were countless seagulls and water birds, the reminder of impending death was there, as well. There was a bird with a gangrenous foot that I knew would die soon, and of course, my thoughts drifted back to my own life, and my mother, wondering if her oxygen was turned up enough, or if she was managing getting around the house without me there. It seemed that attempting to grab a few, precious moments for myself was not going as planned I don't remember much about the day except the few moments I spent looking out over the hazy, colorless river.
On Christmas Day, my mom passed away. sometimes I think if I'd known I would've lost her so soon, I wouldn't have left her side for a minute. Then again, it was the fact that I retained the memory of who I was that helped me get past the grief ahead, and the few quiet moments I had to spend with God that helped give me the strength that I lacked to go on. I learned through that time that you can give and give until you're spent, but if there's nothing left of you, there's nothing left to help anyone else with, either. Jesus said to love your neighbor as yourself. He didn't say MORE than yourself. It's not wrong to care about yourself. It's only wrong when you AWAYS place yourself before others. Some of us, like my mother, always put themselves in the Giver role, reducing their own self worth until they literally despise themselves. The unfortunate side effect of this is that they don't view others as better, or more deserving of the sacrifices they make for them, but rather, underneath it all, resent other people. It's a passive/agressive thing, I guess. I watched my mother do that for years, always sacrificing and helping, but letting herself go and suffering. She was bitter and unhappy. She felt guilty if she took care of herself. We're taught to be selfless, but on the other hand, we're people, each worthy of respect and dignity. Bottom line: you have to take care of, and care FOR yourself, or you're no good to anyone, including yourself, and including God!
So, this respite was a meager attempt at being healthy, and it's funny to me how it stands out in my mind now. You can't escape your troubles, but you can diminish them a little, it seems. It's a melancholy memory.
I posted this photo before, but this is a new edit. I'm taking advantage of Picnik's textures while I still can. This shot has three layers of texture on it. One wouldn't give me the effect I wanted. I hope it's not coming out too dark. The computer I'm working on today has a very bright screen, so let me know if it is, and I'll fix it!
This is exactly how I want to remember the Twin Towers, not the horror of deliberate Islamic terrorism and destruction on September 11, 2001.
Today is the 20th anniversary of that day. Please say a prayer for those who perished by smoke inhalation, burned alive or jumped as a desperate way of escape. (and all this for just showing up at work that day). Also remember the first responders who selflessly dug into the incredibly dangerous toxic "pile" when looking for survivors, which there were none of.
As we approach Remembrance Sunday. Centrepiece of the Battle of Britain Memorial, dedicated to the heroic and selfless deeds who fought the Battle of Britain, 10th July to 31st October 1940.
just this in the flow of the evening
prayer of the escaping breath
exposing the very inner heart ... beat, breath
not a right its
just when the self becomes
selflessness
Love is not about the beauty of the person, the positives that you gain from it, a person's beauty may fade but love stays beautiful forever. Its an inspiration to be selfless with a motive to be kind, trustworthy, think about things which are more important to your loved one.
The act of giving you, making you smile gives me more satisfaction than my own benefits. Loving you is not what i want to do rather its my need for me to be more human everyday as being with you makes me better. Time spent with you is devine moreover its my way of living, All I can say is thankyou for making me feel the way I do, I am blessed to be with you.
I just wanted to wish all mothers out there a Happy Mothers Day, especially my mother! There is no love as selfless as a mother's love. None of us would be where we are without your altruism. Thank you for being one of a kind and always caring for us!
more of a shot for the history books.....Esso station gone and the L&W restaurant behind also gone. 😢
The remains of the gas pumps at the destroyed Esso station in Jasper on Monday, Aug. 19, 2024.
----------------
Thank you to all first responders who fought to protect Jasper. They worked tirelessly day and night, to protect this community, which to many, is their home. Their selflessness and bravery are truly commendable – we will always remember the extraordinary dedication they displayed during the challenging early days of this wildfire response.
The Jasper fires refer to the devastating Jasper wildfires of 2024, which destroyed approximately 30% of the townsite, forced the evacuation of 25,000 people for nearly a month, (and continuing) and significantly impacted properties and infrastructure, though critical facilities were saved. Fueled by lightning and extreme drought conditions, the monstrous fire complex generated its own weather and rapidly consumed the area.
Impact:
Approximately 358 buildings, including homes and two churches, were destroyed.
About 25,000 residents and visitors were evacuated.
Critical infrastructure like the hospital and schools remained intact. The wildfire complex created its own weather system with a wall of flame up to 100 meters high.
*********************
HIT THE 'L' KEY FOR A BETTER VIEW! Thanks for the favs and comments. Much Appreciated.
*********************
All of my photographs are under copyright ©. None of these photographs may be reproduced and/or used in any way without my permission....talk to me 😊
© VanveenJF Photography
ABOUT- "Toksik Jello"- The Story of Beanz is a concept short tale, which tells the story about a boy navigating socially between a wasteland of fragmentations and warring personalities.
The Story is about hypothetical choices...the "what if?".
A stroll along a path of freedom to make ones own mind on "who and what", is genuine and selfless!
Sometimes the choices we make are for the good. Sometimes it's for the bad.
Sometimes we have to dig through a field of Turnips to find a gemstone...Explore the "communites"/Islands, via boat provided
A break from all those landscapes you have been seeing lately.
Was mobbed by a huge bunch of kids in Kanchipuram. I promised (uhh .. selflessly :P) to shoot each one of them separately.
But that little brat in the background would pop in every time I tried to shoot someone ... here he is charging into frame again :))
" Choosing who you want to be with is like selecting a car you can rely on. Both take you on a journey of a lifetime with a sense of security and confidence.
Just like a sleek sports car, a select man needs to be finely tuned with top-notch performance, a powerful engine, reliability, lightning-fast response, and uncompromising safety. Smooth and effortless, always ready to conquer the road ahead! "
Forever & Always
Saphira 💞 Hansen
ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ
🎧 AVENTADOR 🎵
www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEvBbNe3rqU
ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ
Poem: Reaching New Heights Together 💞
High Performance Love, a bond so strong,
Together they reach new heights, all along,
No frames or limits can hold them back,
Their love propels them on a limitless track.
With every step they take, their love grows,
As they conquer new heights and overcome lows,
A love so powerful, it knows no bounds,
Their hearts intertwined, their love resounds.
Through his selfless love, she found a way,
To rule her life with grace each day,
And all around her fell into place,
As she basked in the warmth of his embrace.
He held her feelings and freedom too,
With tenderness that was pure and true,
Ensuring that all she loved was safe,
With every move reflecting his love's deep grace.
No need to worry or to fuss,
For he took care of everything that was,
Ensuring that her happiness was found,
And with his love, her heart was bound.
Through his actions, she knew his heart,
And in his embrace, she found her art,
For he was the one who made her feel,
That in his love, all her dreams were real.
With his love, her spirit succeeded,
Confidently ruling, with ease indeed,
His support and care, all she needed,
With his love, her heart was heeded.
Through his selfless love, she learned to soar,
And all around her was love galore,
With every breath, she felt his care,
And knew that love like his was rare.
Polished love, so rare and bright,
Dreamy feelings, oh what a sight,
Thanks to him, she feels complete,
A love so sweet, it can't be beat.
ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ
“Try to forget what objects you have before you - a tree, a house, a field, or whatever. Merely think, 'Here is a little square of blue, here an oblong of pink, here a streak of yellow,' and paint it just as it looks to you, the exact color and shape, until it gives you your own impression of the scene before you.”
- Claude Monet
Soundtrack : www.youtube.com/watch?v=yINSui9nTKU
ECHOES IN RAIN - ENYA
A gift from a friend … the flowers, that is, and not the unexpected hitchhiker, but what a precious gift he is!! Just as well I love spiders!
; 0))) After taking his photo, I carefully captured him in my home-made spider catcher and set him down gently outdoors in my jungle where I hope he will be very happy.
Today marks the one year anniversary of Ciprian's passing. I have written so many poems over the years inspired by him. Here are three that I wrote recently. If any of you were fortunate to know him you will know that he was synonymous with yellow, the colour of sunshine, hope and happiness and more … Of course, I mourn the loss of him, but I also celebrate his life and the beautiful legacy he left behind.
CIPRIAN 1
A year ago you left the fields of yellow for pastures new
the footprints where you walked are still so vivid
with the glorious blazing trail you left behind
the imprint that you left upon the hearts of those who loved you
will never fade nor will the memories
like flourishing seeds you planted firmly in our minds
the golden daffodils once more in abundance in my gardens
adorn the lush green lawns like lemon jewels
the bitter-sweet arrays
survived the storms; the floods and some
the wooden bench that was blown over
not once, but twice, and now they stand erect once more
and shine like sunrays
time flies by on wing's of butterflies and angels
I look for signs to lift my spirits and bring me joy
you sent to me the biggest Hunter Spider
to appear on yellow a message that will buoy
you were a kind soul, so gentle and softly spoken
a true poet whose words could reach the weariest of souls
you never told anyone how they should think or feel
you allowed their stories to simply and carefully unfold
you showed true love with selfless acts of kindness
though you were fading and wracked with so much pain
you spared us the suffering of knowing
a gentleman as gentle as the softly falling rain
I thought I could not stay here long without you
but seems this place is still a home for me
where I can visit and read your words of inspiration
your pictures so artistic; such visual poetry.
To a great friend, poet and the epitome of kindness.
One year on, still miss you but I know you are everywhere
In the rain, in the yellow <3
To Infinity and beyond … simply é ...
CIPRIAN 2
It is difficult to comprehend
a whole year slipped by
a year of not hearing your sweet words
and I am a year older but for you
time stood still
and you will be forever the age
when I last heard from you
a year without your inspiration
so much has happened
your story did not just end you know …
you are still in my thoughts
you are still in fields of yellow
and daffodils that raised their sleepy heads
the storms have blown in one after the other
they are still tormenting my gardens
last night a tree was bowed down to the earth
picked clean of berries by the birds
especially the noisy greedy magpies
they have set up home nearby
they visit my gardens daily with their raucous cries
the tree may not recover
it is bent like an ancient being
pressed down with it's burden
I could tie it back with strong rope and goodwill
but it will never be the same
it is forever altered by the storms
they take their toll
they feast on carrion and leave behind mass devastation
vegetation under water
the swans and duck and other water fowl
love to swim and dive for fish
in these fresh water fields made by the torrential rain
and through it all I think of you and one day hope
to see your smiling face again.
CIPRIAN 3
How are you today I asked the daffodils
I am sorry you were plucked from the earth
I will keep you steeped in water
and when you wither and fade
I will return you to whence you came
you were a gift from a well-intentioned friend
she meant well and thought you would cheer me up
I love your unopened buds and your bright trumpet crowns
sunshine in a vase on my bathroom windowsill
I fetched my camera to take a picture of you
I did not at first see the creature with his hirsuit legs of eight
sheltering from the storms outside
he must have entered via the plughole in the bath tub
the childhood rhyme plays on within my head
“eensy weensy spider … “ you know how it goes
except the spider that captured my imagination
was one of momentous proportions
a hunter from the great outside I call fondly my jungle gardens
where all manner of creatures scurry roundabout
seeking shelter from the heavy rains and strong winds
twice I rescued your naturalised cousins from the lawn
first from Storm Ciara and then from Storm Dennis
the old wooden bench that adorns the patio
twice it fell and crushed your cousins
beneath it's wooden back
heavy as it was miraculous that they still breathed
they were fallen just as they had done in previous years
during heaving snowfall laying roundabout like fallen soldiers
but just as soon I saw their recovery like a miracle
and today they were standing up once more like sentinels
bravely they weathered the storms and won the battle
not a scratch on them unlike me
as I battle the scars I have sustained in recent weeks
they give me hope and so do you my indoor daffodils
shining like yellow trumpets bright
as the sun that will one day come
when Spring is so near I breathe a sigh of sweet relief
today the blossom on the distant trees catches my eyes
it is like a cloud fell from the heavens to adorn the trees
and in the farther distance behind the big house
where the white butterflies reside behind tall panes of glass
the dark grey paints the sky and we prepare
to batten down the hatches once more
the roof tiles have been re-affixed bar one
the tallest part of the old Dutch roof is hard to reach
it needs two ladders and at least two strong and able men
one to hold the other steady lest he fall
maybe one fine and sunny day
when the skies are clear and bright
that single tile that fell and smashed to smithereens
will be replaced; small miracle that the fallen daffodils
were not cut to ribbons by the sharp edges of those crocks
and blessed were we not to be
passing by at that solemn moment
lest we be cut as well …
Wordsworth wrote about you; he understood
how wonderful you are
and how you brought about this change in me as well
my friend was right; you do cheer me up
and yet there is a poignancy
for I would rather see a flower in a field
than cut down in it's prime to fill a jar upon a mantel or a sill
yet still it has always been the way of man
to imprison the beauty of the world for their own purpose
I am the guardian of the earth and know that freedom
is more than just a word; it is a gift
and every living thing; a daffodil; a human
has the right to breathe fresh air and not be interfered with.
- AP - Copyright © remains with and is the intellectual property of the author
Copyright © protected image please do not reproduce without permission
(As if 052309 this image has been view 760 times and has been added to Mrbill's Geriatric Ward to determine if any of the members can figure out why this particular image has been viewed that many times.)
... IN SEARCH OF A HERO. The cloudiness of my memory amazes me. I remebered our first World War II hero, Colin Kelly. To my credit, when I typed in his name to Yahoo search, I did spell it correctly. I remembered that Colin Kelly had dived his PBY seaplane into a Japanese submarine. I was 14 years old at the time and not a daily reader of the news. This from Wikipedia:
Colin Purdie Kelly, Jr. (July 11, 1915 – December 10, 1941). Born in Madison, Florida, he was a World War II B-17 Flying Fortress pilot who flew bombing runs against the Japanese navy in the first days after the Pearl Harbor attack. He is remembered as a war hero for sacrificing his own life to save his crew when his plane became the first American B-17 to be shot down in combat. Colin Kelly has been called the first American hero of the Second World War.
On December 10, 1941, Kelly's plane lifted off from Clark Field in the Philippines. During its bombing run, Kelly's bomber hit the Japanese cruiser Ashigara. On its return flight the bomber came under attack by Zeros, one of which was piloted by famed Japanese flying ace Saburo Sakai. Kelly stayed at the controls of the badly damaged aircraft so that the surviving crew members could bail out. Just after the last crew member escaped the plane exploded. Early reports misidentified the Ashigara as the battleship Haruna, and also mistakenly reported that he had crashed his plane into the smokestack of the Haruna, becoming the first Suicide pilot of the war.
For his extraordinary heroism and selfless bravery, Kelly was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.
Aviation artist Robert Taylor has painted a painting entitled The Legend of Colin Kelly. (My illustration is a corruption of that painting.)
In World War II the United States liberty ship SS Colin P. Kelly, Jr. was named in his honor.
I also remember during those first months of World War II, the city of Corpus Christi renamed 13th Street, Brownlee Blvd. in honor of the first or near first Corpus Christi service man to die in battle. I was a member of Boy Scout Troop2, sponsored by the First Presbyterian Church of Corpus Christi, Texas. Since Brownlee had been a member of that troop, we were present at the dedication service, led by the mayor, just outside Menger Elementary School on Brownlee Blvd. Now I'll have to see if I can find Brownlee's first name on the internet and check to see if my Email buddy, James Ross Underwood, who was also in Troop 2 remembers that short ceremony.
We have been asked to light a candle and observe a minute of silence in memory of the victims of the Bondi Shooting, Sydney Australia, a week ago today.
It was an action that shocked our nation but also brings home that hate has no boundaries.
Thanks go to all the people who helped out selflessly during great danger and mayhem. Including the emergency services personnel.
My condolences to all who lost a loved one to the violence.
Plus deep condolences to all those in the wider community who have lost relatives in the senseless wars overseas.
Let the light overcome the darkness.
Nikon F80, 50mm f1.8D, Kodak TMax 100, Exposure X7
The Battle of Britain Memorial, Capel-Le-Ferne, Kent, England
The National Memorial to the Few
Dedicated to the heroic and selfless deeds of the men who won the Battle of Britain, 10 July to 31 October, 1940.
Nikon F80, 50mm f1.8D, Kodak TMax 100, Exposure X7
The Battle of Britain Memorial, Capel-Le-Ferne, Kent, England
The National Memorial to the Few
Dedicated to the heroic and selfless deeds of the men who won the Battle of Britain, 10 July to 31 October, 1940.
Holy Relic from the Bones (Ex Ossibus) of Blessed Mary Magdalene Martinengo, Italian Capuchin Poor Clare Nun, Virgin, Mystic and Visionary.
Feast day: July 27
Margaret Martinengo was born into a noble family at Brescia in northern Italy on 5 October 1687. At five months she lost her mother, and her childhood showed a considerable precocity of religious devotion, self inflicted mortifications and spirituality, or psychological disturbances. Her determination "to imitate everything in the lives of the saints", though heroic, could hardly be called a wise program at any age.
When she was eighteen, she joined the Capuchinesses of Santa Maria della Neve in her native town. She was professed in 1706 and her responsibilities varied between Novice Mistress, which she held three times, and portress. In 1732 and again in 1736 she was superior of the convent, and was admirable in all these offices.
As a daughter of St. Clare, Sister Mary Magdalene soon distinguished herself by her modesty, patience and cheerful obedience. The hours prescribed for prayer and meditation, as well as the visits to our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, were the most delightful hours of her day. Her humility and selfless love of God were adorned with the Divine recognition of unusual mystical experiences and the gift of miracles.
Sister Mary Magdalene had a particular devotion to Jesus Crucified, especially her sufferings from the crown of thorns. Her sympathy for her suffering Saviour was so deep that she was often found kneeling like one devoid of life. After her death a fillet of sharp points was found bound about her brow.
The fame of her sanctity caused many lay persons to appeal to her for consolation and advice. On such occasions she manifested the special gifts God had given her to encourage disheartened souls, to reconcile such as whereat variance with each other, and to bring sinners back to the path of duty. Very often she was able to read the thoughts of others and foretold future events.
Exhausted by labour and austerity more than age she died on July 27th, 1737 in the fiftieth year of her life. Pope Leo XIII Beatified her on 3 June 1900. The feast of Blessed Mary Magdalene is observed by Franciscans on July 27th.
PRAYER
O God, who hast given us in the virgin Mary Magdalene an example of innocence and mortification, grant that we may renounce all worldly desires and come to Thee by the way of truth and justice. Through Christ our Lord. Amen
I am so proud of Topher for being such a humanitarian. It never even occurred to him to not want to go into that disgusting house, to hold stinky puppies, to be as calming and kind to a large dog who doesn't know him. (And Topher's taken his fair share of dog accidents; bites, scratches, being knocked down, them playing too rough, etc.) He just swooped in and rescued!
Later, when R and i were too exhausted to sit outside in the yard with the dogs, Topher got a flashlight and book and volunteered to stay with them. He made a bed with a sheet and him and Cinnamon curled up for a good read while baby puppies slept. When our neighbor finally came home to take the dogs to a rescue, Topher lovingly and selflessly went with, not getting home until well past midnight.
What a great person!!
PS - he did take a 4 hour nap that afternoon, so i knew he'd be okay staying up that late :)
kar saevaa bhaj har har guramath ||
Do seva - selfless service; follow the Guru's Teachings, and vibrate the Lord's Name, Har, Har.
This auntie did so much seva during Smagam. She always had a smile on her face. Just looking at her smile made me smile =)
Copyright Susan Ogden
Happy Veteran’s Day...and thank you all for your selfless service to our nation, God Bless each and every one of you for all you do, have done and will do.
Today thousands were celebrating from coast to coast, all the courageous veterans at the National War Memorial in Ottawa, Canada.
George Cross commemoration to LNER fireman James Nightall from Littleport This memorial was re-dedicated by inter alia Railway Unions on 10 Nov 2007, having been unveiled in June on the 63rd anniversary by the Duke of Gloucester. Possibly the reason was the demise of Network South East.
Read the story on p7 here
This source says the explosives train from March to White Colne in Essex was carrying 400tons of bombs. At Soham, the first wagon caught fire, and the fireman uncoupled this wagon and towed it away to safety at Soham station where it exploded, destroying the station completely and the signalman there. The engine's fireman,James Nightall , was killed instantly in the explosion and the driver badly injured. For this act of selfless bravery in saving Soham village from a massive explosion which would have killed many more two George Crosses were issued, one posthumously to Nightall and the other to Benjamin Gimbert the driver.
This plaque was unveiled to commemorated the unrelated electrification of the Cambridge- Kings Lynn railway line in 1992, although it passes through Littleport. White Colne is no longer reachable by rail.
Unrelated fact no 2. James Nightall was born on exactly the same day as my mother.
The names of the two LNER GCs are carried on two modern EWS diesel locomotives of class 66, nos 079 and 077, having previously been on earlier Brush - Sulzer class 47 locos 579 and 577.
According to @hammond381, this was done by Clement Freud,on 28th September 1981 at March North......the loco 589, Nightall was formerly 47183....D1788
Benjamin Gimbert GC died in 1976 aged 73
We are very much like these puppets, our strings are in the
hands of Almighty...
As i look at puppets i see how happily they surrender to
the wish of their master..and play their role on the stage &
yet come out happily !!
Yet they leave smile on everyones face....:)
Question to ourselves here ... are we ready to surrender our
lives to our master..the Almighty ?? and believe everything to
be His wish and come out with smile on our faces..of
contentment..feeling of Divine selfless love and care be it
in rewarding or testing times...???
Love makes it possible to answer all bitter questions and
logic plays of our mind. We become like puppets, change
our habits and moods for person whom we love deeply.
So as a gradual shift before loving Almighty, are we even
committed to love? It is love only which makes one reach God.
True Love is best bliss and then bliss of surrendership is
enhanced..as one leaves total control to Him. Can we control
deep sleep, dreams? Then why not leave control on one who
sees our best?
Loving God...is like loving Air..we know air's impotance yet cannot
feel love for air. To love someone we need that someone in person
live in front of us, and not just abstract concepts. Flower leaves its
fragrance so does God in Human form does it. Have we
smelled it ever???
If yes, then one will love God immediately and His wish will
be our wish as its love now which matters.
My selfless love is Prasangam with living heart:
www.flickr.com/photos/eyes_manish/215818072/
True love matters....nothing else matters.
Does anything in our life exceed than true love?? If yes
then we (the puppets of time) are also puppets of our
own mind!!!! Think carefully:)
So...Get Beyond Time and Mind; Feel Divinity..seek Divinity.
PS: See the tags too:)
Craft Project: Make a finger puppet and reflect.
Taken at the Preliminary Fantasy Fest Parade. Masks among my 'native' ancestors people are a powerful tool for evoking aspects of ourselfs in order to heal or empower. This mask in particular caught my eye as being a very healing one. Very different and its owner if anything selfless as he wore it.
This particular photo is dedicated to a flickr comrade by the name of Matty!
As he embarks on a new path may you have one mask that heals you whole.
lately, i have been thinking about life. my life. others lives. what i want to do with my future. i have visions in my head - how i want to live and i just wonder if i can ever make it happen.
i am thankful for everything i have. my family. the love. the loss. with the loss of one person or thing - i feel i have gained something i could have never had without it. my friends. wealth. health.
i want to do photography - obviously. but maybe something more like photo journalism. i want a job that will allow me to travel and see the world. sometimes i feel so stuck though. like i don't have the means to go to college again. i can't get approved for students loans & no money to pay for it myself.
i want to marry someone with a big heart. someone who wants to travel with me and see the world and learn. i want to have kids and teach them to be selfless and do good in this crazy world. i want my husband and i to join the peace corp and do something to help others - more good than we could probably imagine that we are doing. i want my kids to see other countries - rich & poor. i want them to learn languages. i want them to be exposed to cultures. i want to share these experiences with someone, not alone.
i am so scared i will always be alone. i am scared i won't find that guy to love me and share these things with me. i feel like i've found him but he is miles away and i am too scared to leave this stupid town alone. maybe he isn't as special as i think and i don't know him really well but my heart is telling me something is there. how am i supposed to ignore that?