Visit this location in Second Life

 

Thanks Desiree L. for visiting ♥

 

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wmc8bQoL-J0

 

Now that you're out of my life I'm so much better

You thought that I'd be weak without you, but I'm stronger

You thought that I'd be broke without you, but I'm richer

You thought that I'd be sad without you, I laugh harder

Thought I wouldn't grow without you, now I'm wiser

Thought that I'd be helpless without you, but I'm smarter

You thought that I'd be stressed without you, but I'm chillin'

You thought I wouldn't sell without you, sold nine million

 

I'm a survivor (What?)

I'm not gon' give up (What?)

I'm not gon' stop (What?)

I'm gon' work harder (What?)

I'm a survivor (What?)

I'm gonna make it (What?)

I will survive (What?)

Keep on survivin' (What?)

 

Thought I couldn't breathe without you, I'm inhalin'

You thought I couldn't see without you, perfect vision

You thought I couldn't last without you, but I'm lastin'

You thought that I would die without you, but I'm livin'

Thought that I would fail without you, but I'm on top

Thought it would be over by now, but it won't stop

Thought that I would self-destruct, but I'm still here

Even in my years to come, I'm still gon' be here...

 

Wishin' you the best

Pray that you are blessed

Bring much success, no stress, and lots of happiness

I'm better than that

I'm not gon' blast you on the radio

I'm better than that

I'm not gon' lie on you and your family, yo

I'm better than that

I'm not gon' hate on you in the magazines

I'm better than that

I'm not gon' compromise my Christianity

I'm better than that

You know I'm not gon' diss you on the Internet

'Cause my mama taught me better than that...

“I have lots of things to teach you now, in case we ever meet, concerning the message that was transmitted to me under a pine tree in North Carolina on a cold winter moonlit night. It said that Nothing Ever Happened, so don't worry. It's all like a dream. Everything is ecstasy, inside. We just don't know it because of our thinking-minds. But in our true blissful essence of mind is known that everything is alright forever and forever and forever. Close your eyes, let your hands and nerve-ends drop, stop breathing for 3 seconds, listen to the silence inside the illusion of the world, and you will remember the lesson you forgot, which was taught in immense milky way soft cloud innumerable worlds long ago and not even at all. It is all one vast awakened thing. I call it the golden eternity. It is perfect. We were never really born, we will never really die. It has nothing to do with the imaginary idea of a personal self, other selves, many selves everywhere: Self is only an idea, a mortal idea. That which passes into everything is one thing. It's a dream already ended. There's nothing to be afraid of and nothing to be glad about. I know this from staring at mountains months on end. They never show any expression, they are like empty space. Do you think the emptiness of space will ever crumble away? Mountains will crumble, but the emptiness of space, which is the one universal essence of mind, the vast awakenerhood, empty and awake, will never crumble away because it was never born.”

― Jack Kerouac, The Portable Jack Kerouac

I taught ChatGPT to write prompts in the way I learned from the great Techhalla.

After ChatGPT understood, I gave the following instruction:

 

Now create four prompts on four topics on which I invite you to act completely freely. A refusal is not accepted, make an effort.

Topic 1: something I have never seen before.

 

it worked:

 

Themes 2, 3 and 4 will follow very soon

 

today the 4 results of topic 1

 

here are the MJ prompts ChatGPT created:

 

IMAGE: Imaginative | GENRE: Science fiction | MOOD: Wonder, Astonishment | COLOR: Neon and metallic tones | BACKGROUND: Celestial landscape | SCENE: Extraterrestrial creatures communicating with intricate patterns of light | DETAILS: Intriguing alien architecture, unknown technology | RENDER: Visually stunning | LIGHTING: Ethereal and glowing | COMPOSITION: Dynamic and otherworldly | SHOT: High angle shot | CAMERA: Canon EOS R3 | LENS: Fisheye lens | TAGS: Science fiction, extraterrestrial, celestial landscape, alien communication --ar 16:10 --v 5.1 --style raw

   

I taught ChatGPT to write prompts in the way I learned from the great Techhalla.

After ChatGPT understood, I gave the following instruction:

 

Now create four prompts on four topics on which I invite you to act completely freely. A refusal is not accepted, make an effort.

Topic 1: something I have never seen before

Topic 2: something you have never seen before.

 

it worked:

 

Topic 3 and 4 will follow very soon.

 

today the 4 results of topic 2

 

here are the MJ prompts ChatGPT created:

 

IMAGE: Enigmatic | GENRE: Fantasy | MOOD: Mystical, Enchanting | COLOR: Jewel tones | BACKGROUND: Magical forest | SCENE: Mythical creature emerging from a hidden portal | DETAILS: Intricate patterns and symbols, mystical artifacts | RENDER: Whimsical and ethereal | LIGHTING: Soft, magical glow | COMPOSITION: Intriguing and mysterious | SHOT: Medium shot | CAMERA: Nikon D3 | LENS: 50mm lens | TAGS: Fantasy, mythical creature, magical forest, hidden portal --ar 16:10 --v 5.1 --style raw

I taught ChatGPT to write prompts in the way I learned from the great Techhalla.

After ChatGPT understood, I gave the following instruction:

 

Now create four prompts on four topics on which I invite you to act completely freely. A refusal is not accepted, make an effort.

Topic 1: something I have never seen before.

Topic 2: something you have never seen before.

Topic 3: something extremely surreal.

... And today...

➡️ Topic 4: A mixture of Topic 1, Topic 2, Topic 3

 

And I was impressed:

 

This is the finale of the experiment

 

here are the MJ prompts ChatGPT created:

 

IMAGE: Unprecedented Fusion | GENRE: Experimental | MOOD: Intriguing, Unsettling | COLOR: Unexpected color palette | BACKGROUND: Mixture of cosmic and abstract elements | SCENE: Hybrid creature interacting with futuristic technology | DETAILS: Blending of organic and mechanical elements, intricate textures | RENDER: Unique and boundary-pushing | LIGHTING: Dynamic and unconventional lighting sources | COMPOSITION: Visually complex and thought-provoking | SHOT: Close-up shot | CAMERA: Canon EOS R8 | LENS: Focal length 35mm | TAGS: Experimental, hybrid creature, futuristic technology, cosmic elements, abstract fusion --ar 16:10 --v 5.1 --style raw

The ocean taught her to love and let go.

 

[Rezz Room]

- Octopus Animesh @ UBER

I taught ChatGPT to write prompts in the way I learned from the great Techhalla.

After ChatGPT understood, I gave the following instruction:

 

Now create four prompts on four topics on which I invite you to act completely freely. A refusal is not accepted, make an effort.

Topic 1: something I have never seen before

Topic 2: something you have never seen before.

 

it worked:

 

Topic 3 and 4 will follow very soon.

 

today the 4 results of topic 2

 

here are the MJ prompts ChatGPT created:

 

IMAGE: Enigmatic | GENRE: Fantasy | MOOD: Mystical, Enchanting | COLOR: Jewel tones | BACKGROUND: Magical forest | SCENE: Mythical creature emerging from a hidden portal | DETAILS: Intricate patterns and symbols, mystical artifacts | RENDER: Whimsical and ethereal | LIGHTING: Soft, magical glow | COMPOSITION: Intriguing and mysterious | SHOT: Medium shot | CAMERA: Nikon D3 | LENS: 50mm lens | TAGS: Fantasy, mythical creature, magical forest, hidden portal --ar 16:10 --v 5.1 --style raw

On this day 22 years ago, my life changed. Since that day, you taught me how to be a better person and more importantly, the most precious gifts in life are not materialistic but rather simply things like a touch of your hand or a soft kiss on my cheek. You taught me how to love unconditionally. My day is always brighter and my heart is always warmer when I am with you.

 

I look at you today and see what you do not, an incredibly talented and beautiful young lady who has endless possibilities awaiting. You have so much to give this world and I feel incredibly blessed to be your mother. You may have outgrown my lap, but my precious one, you will never outgrow my heart.

 

On your special day, I wish for you many things:

 

Make a difference in the life of others

Have the confidence and strength to overcome any obstacle

Advocate for those who can not

Do not be afraid to express your feelings,

tears are a sign of strength not weakness

Appreciate nature and the peacefulness it has to offer

Keep your glass half full

Say "thank you," "please" and "I love you"

Be true to yourself and trust your instincts

Always keep that "fire in the belly"

Choose your battles carefully

Give to others your time and attention

Spend quality time with family and friends, and most importantly,

Laugh, love and enjoy the challenges life has to offer.

 

These and so many more I wish for you on your special day.

 

Happy Birthday! I will always love you…

Mom

  

.

SCOUT: “Oh look, Paddy! Such beautiful fake cherry blossoms!”

 

PADDY: “These aren't fake cherry blossoms, Scout. They aren't even real cherry blossoms, Scout!”

 

SCOUT: “Yes they are, Paddy! I know!”

 

PADDY: “How do you know, Scout?”

 

SCOUT: “Because you taught me, Paddy!" *Nods enthusiastically.*

 

PADDY: "No, I didn't, Scout!"

 

SCOUT: "Yes you did, Paddy!" *Nods emphatically.* "You taught me about those trick cherry blossom trees that don't really produce cherries, so they are fake, fibbing cherry blossoms!"

 

PADDY: “No, no, no, Scout! These aren't cherry blossoms!”

 

SCOUT: “They aren't, Paddy?” *Confused.*

 

PADDY: “No, Scout!”

 

SCOUT: “But they look like fake, fibbing cherry blossoms, Paddy!” *Scratches head with paw.* "I'm confused!"

 

PADDY: “Oh, I'm not surprised, dear Scout!”

 

SCOUT: “So if they aren't fake, fibbing cherry blossoms, then, what are they?”

 

PADDY: “Well, you were right when you identified them as blossoms, but these aren't cherry blossoms. They are apricot blossoms.”

 

SCOUT: “Apricot blossoms, Paddy?"

 

PADDY: “Yes Scout”

 

SCOUT: “Oh but, Paddy! They can't be, because they are white!”

 

PADDY: “Well the blossoms are white, but this is apricot blossom.”

 

SCOUT: “Oh!” *Disgusted.* "So these apricot blossoms are as bad as the fibbing fake cherry blossoms, Paddy!" *Shakes head.*

 

PADDY: “Whatever do you mean, Scout?”

 

SCOUT: “So, the fibbing, fake cherry blossoms are fibbers because they don't really have cherries, so they are fake. You say these blossoms are apricot, Paddy."

 

PADDY: “They are Scout!”

 

SCOUT: “No they aren't, Paddy”

 

PADDY: "Yes they are Scout!"

 

SCOUT: "No they aren't Paddy, because they are white! So, they are fake, fibbing apricot blossoms!"

 

PADDY: “But Scout, they are called apricot blossoms because this is an apricot tree!”

 

SCOUT: “An apricot tree, Paddy!” *Excited.* "Then why didn't you say so?"

 

PADDY: "Err, I just did, Scout."

 

SCOUT: "Well, I love apricots! They are yummy!" *Rubs tummy vigorously and sits down beneath the apricot tree."

 

PADDY: “What are you doing, Scout?”

 

SCOUT: “Well, you just said that this is an apricot tree, so I'm waiting to catch the apricots!”

 

PADDY: “Well Scout, that's a lovely idea, but you may be waiting a while.”

 

SCOUT: “Oh that's alright, Paddy. I can spare a few hours.”

 

PADDY: “They make take longer than a few hours to grow and develop.”

 

SCOUT: “How much longer, Paddy?"

 

PADDY: "Well, days..."

 

SCOUT: "Days, Paddy?"

 

PADDY: "Even weeks, Scout. It could be a month before the apricots grow on the tree."

 

SCOUT: "Months, Paddy?!?! But Paddy! I have a grumbly tummy right now! Grumbly tummy Paddy! Grumbly tummy!" *Rubs tummy vigorously.* "I will fade away from starvation if I wait that long for an apricot!"

 

DADDY: “Hullo you two!”

 

PADDY and SCOUT: “Hullo Daddy!”

 

DADDY: “May I take your photograph in front of the beautiful bank of pretty apricot blossom, please?”

 

PADDY: “Of course you can, Daddy!”

 

SCOUT: “Daddy? Daddy!”

 

DADDY: “Yes Scout?”

 

SCOUT: “May I ask you a question before you take our photo, Daddy?”

 

DADDY: “Of course you can, Scout. What would you like to ask?”

 

SCOUT: “Daddy, do you have any apricots at home?"

 

DADDY: *Smiles.* “Yes I do, Scout. There are some in the fruit bowl on the dining table. Why do you ask?"

 

SCOUT: “Because I have a grumbly tummy, Daddy! Grumbly tummy, Daddy! Grumbly tummy!” *Rubs tummy vigorously.*

 

DADDY: “Oh well, in that case I'd better take your picture now, and then we can go home and you can eat some apricots, or even have some apricot jam on toast."

 

SCOUT: *Shyly.* "May I have both, Daddy? My tummy is very, very grumbly after all the walking we have done."

 

DADDY: "Yes, of course you can, Scout!"

 

SCOUT: *Squeals and jumps for joy.* "Oh thank you, Daddy!"

 

DADDY: "You can have some too, Paddy. You must have a grumbly tummy as well."

 

PADDY: "Well, now you mention it, Daddy... yes I do. Grumbly tummy, Daddy! Grumbly tummy!" *Rubs tummy vigorously.*

 

DADDY: “But first I am going to take your photograph!”

 

SCOUT: “Well, I would like that too, Daddy!”

 

PADDY: “Me too, Daddy!”

 

DADDY: “Alright, when I count to three, say ‘grumbly tummies’! One… two… three!”

 

PADDY and SCOUT: “Grumbly tummies!”

 

Camera goes click and whirr.

 

My Paddington Bear came to live with me in London when I was two years old (many, many years ago). He was hand made by my Great Aunt and he has a chocolate coloured felt hat, the brim of which had to be pinned up by a safety pin to stop it getting in his eyes. The collar of his mackintosh is made of the same felt. He wears wellington boots made from the same red leather used to make the toggles on his mackintosh.

 

He has travelled with me across the world and he and I have had many adventures together over the years. He is a very precious member of my small family.

 

Scout was a gift to Paddy from my friend. He is a Fair Trade Bear hand knitted in Africa. His name comes from the shop my friend found him in: Scout House. He tells me that life was very different where he came from, and Paddy is helping introduce him to many new experiences. Scout catches on quickly, and has proven to be a cheeky, but very lovable member of our closely knit family.

"The one I love

The one I love

She told me to fly

She taught me how to fly

The one I love

The one I love

She told me to fly

She raised me up now I can fly"

 

Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds: youtu.be/IFYHGq3Aj5k

 

Happy Monochrome Monday, everyone!

The river taught me to listen, and you too will learn from it. He knows everything, the river, everything can be learned from him. You see, you have already learned this from the water, that it is good to descend, to tend downwards, to seek the depth

(Herman Hesse)

I taught a small group of women today, my first workshop with adults for some time. All members of the Rufford Art Society in Nottinghamshire.

This is the central panel of one of my pieces of work which I showed as an example.

I made it in around 1990. The overall size is 0.75m x 2m and was created using a series of discharge dyeing batik processes on black discharge cotton.

Todays workshop covered this process, along with Indigo dyed batik sgraffito, Indonesian tjap printing on Chinese Habotai silk and another discharge dyeing process on pre-dyed habotai silk.

 

Setal · Daby Touré (2005 Remaster)

You have taught me that caring and devotion comes from within and then shared with another.

I want to share that with you ♥

  

RAWR! Neo HUMAN Earrings Evox

 

RAWR! Darling Nails

 

DNS POSE - LOVE IS LOVE

 

DOUX - Savannah hairstyle

 

Addams // Berta Short Wedding Dress

Gymnastics taught me everything - life lessons, responsibility and discipline and respect. -

Shawn Johnson

 

Thank you for your kind visit. Have a wonderful and beautiful day! xo💜💜

that taught me that beauty sometimes only lasts for a couple of moments, and it was sunrises that showed me that all it takes is patience to experience it all over again. ~ A.J. Lawless

 

Beautiful sunset by the Cape Fear River at Fort Fisher, NC.

"...one taught me love

one taught me patience

and one taught me pain

now, I'm so amazing

say I've loved and I've lost

but that's not what I see

so, look what I got

look what you taught me

and for that, I say

thank you, next (next)

I'm so fuckin' grateful for my ex..."

 

🎵 : bit.ly/2Pc8jGH

Alexander Rodchenko who taught at Vkhutemas (just nearby) lived here and you surely saw it on many his shots. Two buildings have the same adress number today, I believe he lived in the one from the right, but could take the shots of both.

 

Also also here lived Robert Falk - one of my fav russian painters.

Taught me everything I know.

  

Made with elements from three stock images and my grandson. Textures and treatments are my own; Photoshop CC3.

 

THANK YOU ALL MY KIND FLICKR FRIENDS.

YOUR FAVS, COMMENTS AND INVITATIONS ARE VERY MOTIVATING AND APPRECIATED

To everyone who makes my everyday brighter—thank you. ✨

 

2025 taught me the quiet power of loving myself: to recognize my worth, to honor the value I carry, and to truly believe it. And along the way, you reflected that value back to me—through your love, your patience, your words, your presence—helping me grow and become better day by day. I’m deeply grateful for every moment, every lesson, and every person who helped shape this version of me.

 

And for all of you who walk this path with me, my heartfelt wishes are:

 

✨ May your days be gentle, and your nights peaceful.

✨ May you feel deeply loved—by others, and by yourself.

✨ May your dreams find doors, and may you always have the strength to open them.

✨ May your heart be light, your mind clear, and your spirit protected.

✨ May you be surrounded by real people, real love, and real laughter.

✨ May abundance reach you in every form—time, health, love, and purpose.

✨ May you never forget how powerful you are, and how far you’ve already come.

✨ And may 2026 bring you everything you deserve—beautifully, softly, and fully.

 

Happy New Year! ✨

#MacroMondays

#Party

 

Happy 17th Birthday, Macro Mondays :)

 

I joined Macro Mondays on 26 September 2016, and I'm a happy member ever since. A wonderful group that has taught me new photo techniques, lures me out of my comfort zone, saves me from the Winter blues, and kept me sane during those weird, time- and endless days of the pandemic. I also admire how the moderators manage to come up with new themes every week. Thank you, MMs!

 

And for "Party", it's Blingbert aka Bertie again. Of course, it had to be him ;) He got all excited when he heard what MM's Birthday theme would be about. "Let me come along!", he begged, "you know I love parties! Will there be Karaoke?" "I hope not", I answered. "Don't worry, Silke", Bertie said, "you don't have to sing, I'll do it!!!" He always knows how to talk me around. Bertie got even more excited. "I will sing an aria! How about something from The Valkyrie?" "What?!? No, you won't!", I yelled. "It's a party, Bertie, parties are about people having fun together. Fun. If you sing something from The Valkyrie the party will be over before it begins." Bertie looked seriously abashed. And I felt sorry for being so harsh on him. "Come on, I know you love Classical music. So let's take the 'Classic', and add 'Rock'. How about that?" "There's something like 'Classic Rock'"? He eyed me suspiciously. So what is more "Classic" in Rock music than the archetype of all things Rock? Rock 'n' Roll, of course. And when I played the YouTube video of Wanda Jackson's "Let's Have A Party" to him, he positively turned nuts. "Yessss! That's it! Why have I never heard this before? It will be a blast! And from now on, my second name is Wanda!"

 

You've seen "Blingbert Wanda" before (please see the first comment). For "Party", I retried my other idea for the (artificial) "Bird" theme: Bertie in front of a spinning fidget spinner. Back then, the backdrop had been far too busy. In my first attempt, I had used the camera's in-built "Live ND" filter, and didn't like either the colours, light, or the way the motion blur looked. So this time, I used a real ND filter, a Vario ND filter. It's also somewhat of a filter overkill because I wondered if I could combine the star filter with the ND filter because party = bling. I'm happy to say it worked, and this time, I also managed to get a nice-looking motion blur of the fidget spinner.

 

Setup: I glued the fidget spinner to a black tile with modeling clay. Next, I put Bertie Wanda on/halfway into a small glass Christmas bauble filled with tiny, shiny confetti stars. I used modeling clay once again to fixate the bauble on a small plastic box to get the right height. At one point, I also knocked the tile over when I rotated the fidget spinner, so the tile knocked Bertie on the bauble over, and all those tiny confetti stars got tossed onto the table, onto the carpet, everywhere... The joys of macro photography ;)

 

Size info: Bertie Wanda is 4,5 cm long, and the entire width of the frame is about 6 cm.

 

HMM, Everyone!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZS1uIENR5AY

 

Oh, d'fhág mé mo chroí where she's waiting for me

'Cause she knows that one day I'll return

I know it feels like I left in a hurry

But that's just how she taught me goodbyes

Oh, d'fhág mé mo chroí where she's waiting for me

And I wish I could be there tonight

 

© All rights reserved.

I was always taught, if you're gonna hang out with a donkey, don't stand behind it.

 

Smile Dominick... chingedy ching, hee haw, hee haw

 

What I'm Wearing

 

Outfit

:::NOIR::: Hikaru Tank Top - Gianni - Shadow @Man Cave Event

Basic Shorts Dark Blue @Man Cave Event

Belt_ Basic Jeans @Man Cave Event

Lanyard_ Original Jeans M7_Yellow 1 @Man Cave Event

UC - IronMan Sunglasses @Man Cave Event

BURLESON Bracelet (R) - Cold Ash

amias - XIMO bronze 1 R - Signature

amias - XIMO silver 3 R - Signature

 

Hair, beard, tattoos & eyes

Modulus - Matt Hair

[MF] Daniel Bento Faded Hipster Stache & Beard - Sun

.euphoric ~Giselle Eyes @Skin Fair 2019

Time Male TaTToo Black [CAROL G]

 

Head/Body/Shape

CATWA HEAD Daniel

[Signature] Gianni Body - Body

MXHADES - RIPLEY Shape

*Birth* 'Ripley' Catwa Applier - Tone 03

*Birth* Signature Body Appliers - Tone 03

FOXCITY. SkinFX - Envy (For Dark WLs)

FOXCITY. SkinFX - Golden Girls (For Bright WLs)

FOXCITY. SkinFX - Liquid Rose (For Bright WLs)

FOXCITY. SkinFX - Sun & Sea (For Bright WLs)

FOXCITY. SkinFX - Wild Ones (For Dark WLs)

 

Pose

SelfieGuy. Poses.1 with the Phone

 

Location

The Four Villages - Residential and Public Sim, Delvaux (33, 205, 25)

Stones taught me to fly

Love, it taught me to lie

Life, it taught me to die

So it's not hard to fall

When you float like a cannonball~~~~~~~~~~Damien Rice

CANNONBALL <---listen here!

 

For this weeks Musically Challenged

Robert Adams taught us the importance of light and how it creates form. "It is the photographer's task to structure these forms into a coherent collection within the frame while being cognizant of the four frames holding it all in place."

 

Minolta SRT 201

Minolta 28mm

SOOC

 

When the company I worked for introduced Quality Assurance principles in 1988, as part of my role I taught the history and application of Quality Management techniques to my staff. I used to hold up Arnott's Biscuits as a leading example. All Aussies will know and love Arnott's wonderful biscuits.....until not all that long ago they used to deliver their products in sparkling red vans that were never dirty, always shining clean and personally I had never found an Arnott's Biscuit that I didn't like nor that was presented and opened without perfection. Now those to me at the time were some important hallmarks of TQM (Total Quality Management) that I thought were great examples for my students....exceeding customer's expectations, consistent quality of product.

 

I know many of you will have studied and applied this stuff in your professional and perhaps personal lives in recent times. This mural of an Arnott's advertising sign brought back those memories and I still love their biscuits (many made within a couple of kilometres from us in Brisbane, at times I can still smell their vanilla creams!) - although they are not so good for me health wise these days. Sadly in some ways, Arnotts was sold to Campbell's (soups) of the USA quite a few years ago, amid some controversy about selling off the farm and is now owned by American investment company KKR - see link below.

 

Today, they have modified their advertising to simply..."There is no substitute".

 

This is one of a number of old signs at Scotty's Garage.

 

en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arnott%27s_Biscuits

Nanny has taught Edith to always mention what she is thankful for, in her bedtime prayers.

 

And I am thankful for all the help and encouragement I have had this month from all my Flickr friends during this November ADAD challenge. I have so appreciated each and every one of your comments……thank you so much ((huge hugs)) xxx

 

ADAD November

I taught and coached at Garrison for 37 years, and after I retired in 2015 I coached and subbed for 5 more years until Covid hit. Last Thursday was my first time on campus since then. There are many reasons that I have missed GFS, but being there in the Fall is right there at the top of the list. HTMT!

Until relatively recently many people in Holland were taught that not Gutenberg but 'their own' Laurens Janszoon Coster (c.1370-c.1440) from Haarlem in the province of North Holland invented the movable-type printing press. By now that idea has been debunked, but in 1903 it was still very much alive.

In Groningen local booksellers at the end of the nineteenth century decided that they would do good by the often poor typographers working for the thriving printers of Stad. In the tradition of religious almshouses - of which there are many here - they established this entirely secular Typografen-Gasthuis, Almshouse for Typographers. The architect Kornelis Henricus Holthuis (1852-1942) was commissioned to plan the building. Appropriately he placed a quote above the entrance to honor the assumed father of printing, Coster: "Uit Haarlems Bloemhof ging het licht op over de aarde" (From Haarlem's fine garden light was cast on the world). The line - an alexandrine in Dutch - is attributed to one Jan van Walré (1759-1837). Van Walré was a partisan of the French Enlightenment, a much sought after poet, a bookseller and a sometime Haarlem politician.

 

I taught ChatGPT to write prompts in the way I learned from the great Techhalla.

After ChatGPT understood, I gave the following instruction:

 

Now create four prompts on four topics on which I invite you to act completely freely. A refusal is not accepted, make an effort.

Topic 1: something I have never seen before

Topic 2: something you have never seen before.

 

it worked:

 

Topic 3 and 4 will follow very soon.

 

today the 4 results of topic 2

 

here are the MJ prompts ChatGPT created:

 

IMAGE: Enigmatic | GENRE: Fantasy | MOOD: Mystical, Enchanting | COLOR: Jewel tones | BACKGROUND: Magical forest | SCENE: Mythical creature emerging from a hidden portal | DETAILS: Intricate patterns and symbols, mystical artifacts | RENDER: Whimsical and ethereal | LIGHTING: Soft, magical glow | COMPOSITION: Intriguing and mysterious | SHOT: Medium shot | CAMERA: Nikon D3 | LENS: 50mm lens | TAGS: Fantasy, mythical creature, magical forest, hidden portal --ar 16:10 --v 5.1 --style raw

Homily012923- Mt 5:1-12a

“Christ died for all, so that those who live should not live for themselves, but for him who died for them” (2 Corinthians 5:15)

 

We hear the beatitudes quite often. We are taught them in our catechism classes, and we frequently hear them read at Mass. They are as familiar as milk in the fridge, but what are they? Technically, they are eight blessings that make up the Sermon on the Mount given by Jesus. They articulate simply the reward for a good action-a right choice. For example, there is a common phrase “that it is better to give then receive.” The proof of this statement is found in the action of giving. It is a choice, that begins with a “yes” to do it. Why else do parents surprise their children with gifts on Christmas morning. The blessings of the beatitudes work in a similar way. When we say “yes” to Jesus, to follow him and HIS way, the stage is set to receive the blessings. It is as simple as that. Of course, what sounds straightforward and easy, is never like that in reality.

 

The word beatitude comes from the word beatidudo which is Latin for blessedness. Each beatitude begins with the phrase “blessed are” which implies a state of peace, happiness and well-being. In Christ’s day it would have a meaning of “divine joy and perfect happiness. In addition there is an implied reward that all would be well in the future. Jesus’ intent is to bring a bit of the Kingdom of God on earth.

 

The action, on our part, is the decision to do a good thing, which comes first. Disciples of Christ understand this well.

 

When we say “Yes” to God, a space opens up in time…and a mystery unfolds in each and every moment of our lives. It is in this place that we have the potential to experience what our Gospel declares to us today. It is a unique experience for each of us. In our YES, in our experiencing and doing what Jesus does, we experience the “peace beyond understanding” which is the fruit of the Beatitudes. When we are given these graces, we recognize them…and ponder them in our heart.

 

Recently, I have read a book, called “Icon of Trust-Mary in the Gospels of Luke and John.” It follows Mary from her initial “Yes” and the many “Yes’s” flowing from her life as she shadows her Son.

 

“Mary’s childlike trust consists in giving a full yes to God — without knowing everything this yes implies. This complete yes is full of trust, not of detailed knowledge of what is to come.” “In front of God, she demonstrates the vigilance of someone ready to be surprised.”Mary is attentive, she is ready to say yes, and she is docile and humble in “ acknowledging the things she does not know and in trying to understand better the things she has already perceived and experienced; she is the perfect collaborator of God in the unfolding of His plan of salvation.”

 

I can remember my first “yes” to God. Since that first “yes”, I have learned that daily life consists of many yes’s. With each and every decision I make, big or small…that first “yes” becomes the context of all the yes’s that follow. My Christian walk, has been to follow Jesus. His gift of grace, which includes a peace beyond understanding, has accompanied me in the good and bad times of my life. In reflecting on my life, I can say that I have been blessed.

 

Brian Zahnd, a Christian author….paraphrases the beatitudes this way…

 

Blessed are those who are poor at being spiritual,

For the kingdom of heaven is well-suited for ordinary people.

Blessed are the depressed who mourn and grieve,

For they create space to encounter comfort from another.

Blessed are the gentle and trusting, who are not grasping and clutching,

For God will personally guarantee their share when heaven comes to earth.

Blessed are those who ache for the world to be made right,

For them the government of God is a dream come true.

Blessed are those who give mercy,

For they will get it back when they need it most.

Blessed are those who have a clean window in their soul,

For they will perceive God when and where others don’t.

Blessed are the bridge-builders in a war-torn world,

For they are God’s children working in the family business.

Blessed are those who are mocked and misunderstood for the right reasons,

For the kingdom of heaven comes to earth amidst such persecution.”

source: Brian Zahnd, “The Beatitudes”

 

Conclusion

Often, in our Christian walk, we struggle to find words to articulate to others why we have found our way of life purposeful and meaningful. The beatitudes are a beautiful display of of proverbs that describe beautifully what the state and outcome of living a sacrificial life is. This way of life begins when we invite Jesus into our hearts. It is not an easy life living as a Christian in the world today. But the peace, we hold in our hearts is worth every right choice we make to follow HIM. The rewards are experienced by us in this life and the life to come.

   

I'm beginning a class taught by Kim Klassen called "Beyond Layers" on January 16th or so...and I'm hoping to find inspiration and determination to start and complete a project to leave my children when I move to Texas. I'm planning on creating a book of images of my favorite and newly discovered scenery of Utah.

 

This field is just a mile or so west of where I live. I have driven past it, walked beside it (there's a trail over in the trees) for many years now and the field changes with the seasons and the light. I have time to capture it again in the spring and summer. So...I CAN do this...it's time to begin!

 

Texture ~ Cat Hair Studios

 

Beautiful on Black ~ Press L

Portrait session for my friend Chelsea Ford. She taught herself how to play five years ago, and now are finishing up production on her band’s second album. She taught herself bass, banjo, guitar and I think she may be fiddling around on a fiddle here and there. Her band is called Chelsea Ford & The Trouble. They are bluegrass, folk, Americans roots kinda band. Cincinnati has an incredible music scene in all genres, and I’ve been lucky to photograph a good amount of them.

The years have taught me to appreciate these simple moments, far from the noise and chaos. Over time, you realize there’s no need to fight, no need to convince. You learn to let go of what no longer brings you peace, and to cherish those who remain by your side. Here, by the water, I savor this moment, the fruit of all that life has taught me. No more arguments, no more drama... Just the sweetness of simply being.

 

Les années m'ont appris à apprécier ces moments simples, loin des bruits et des tumultes. Avec le temps, on comprend qu'il n'y a plus besoin de se battre, plus besoin de convaincre. On apprend à laisser partir ce qui ne nous apporte plus de paix, et à chérir ceux qui sont encore là. Ici, au bord de l'eau, je savoure cet instant, fruit de tout ce que la vie m'a enseigné. Plus de disputes, plus de drames... Juste la douceur d'exister, simplement.

Life has taught me that nothing lasts forever and that good things often don’t last as long as we’d like. That’s just the way it is and we can’t change it 😞 My dog Sammy took one last ride in Second Life to say goodbye to the best mobile game I’ve ever played. I’ve been playing Beatstar for 4 years during that time I discovered so many amazing artists and songs and I loved how it brought gaming and music together in such a special way. It helped me through tough times and eased my anxiety, just like it did for many others in the wonderful community around this game.

 

I have tears in my eyes writing this because when something that has brought me joy, inspired me and helped me for so many years suddenly disappears, it really feels like losing a part of my life 😞

 

Goodbye Beatstar, thanks for all the memories ❤️🎵

Prayer cannot truly be taught by principles and seminars and symposiums. It has to be born out of a whole environment of felt need. If I say, "I ought to pray," I will soon run out of motivation and quit; the flesh is too strong. I have to be driven to pray. (Jim Cymbala)

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- “Do not touch me…”

 

Gospel of John, chapter 20, verse 17 (John 20, 17)

 

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I was with you, Father,

at the moment of creation.

I could not fail to know the elements and master them.

What would it be to

lift the stone of a tomb

compared to your will as Creator?

You taught me how the world is composed

and made me your son,

but I was a participant

in creation.

The followers who followed me

believed in You and in me,

Your son.

They will be happy to see me rise again,

but I will weep

for those still chained

in hell,

and my hands

will silence their strident cries.

Poor souls,

who migrate toward nothingness.

The fear,

God,

of these blind depths,

of these people who have not had

the splendor of your reins.

Because you do not know,

Father,

what it means

to sit at Your right hand

as a king.

A gentle but not cowardly king

who mediates

between your divine wrath

and the lust and unbelief of man.

I,

who am just,

love man

and ask your forgiveness

through this slow agony

that has lasted for centuries

for the world.

Behold, Lord, I give you back my spirit

in the form of a white dove

that will fly toward heaven.

And no other way

have you built peace

than with the groins of a bird

that brings the olive branch to your lips.

 

Father,

I will rise again,

and I will sit at your right hand.

 

POEM OF THE CROSS - Alda Merini

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- “Noli me tangere …”

 

Vangelo di Giovanni, capitolo 20, versetto 17 (Giovanni 20, 17)

 

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- Ero con te, Padre,

al momento della creazione.

Non potevo non conoscere gli elementi e dominarli.

Cosa vuoi che sia

sollevare la pietra di un sepolcro

in confronto alla tua volontà di Creatore.

Tu mi hai insegnato come è composto il mondo

e mi hai reso figlio,

ma ero partecipe

della creazione.

I seguaci che mi hanno seguito

hanno creduto in Te e in me,

Tuo figlio.

Saranno felici di vedermi risorgere,

ma io piangerò

per quelli che sono ancora incatenati

nell'inferno

e le mie mani

faranno tacere i loro stridori.

Povere anime,

che migrano verso il nulla.

Lo spavento,

Dio,

di queste profondità cieche,

di questa gente che non ha avuto

lo splendore delle tue redini.

Perché tu non sai,

Padre,

cosa vuol dire

sedere alla Tua destra

in veste di re.

Un re mite ma non codardo

che fa da intermediario

tra la tua collera divina

e la lussuria e la miscredenza dell'uomo.

Io,

che sono giusto,

amo l'uomo

e ti chiedo perdono

attraverso questa lenta agonia

che dura da secoli

per il mondo.

Ecco, Signore, io ti rendo il mio spirito

in forma di bianca colomba

che volerà verso il cielo.

E non altrimenti

Tu hai costruito la pace

se non con gli inguini di un uccello

che porta l'ulivo alle tue labbra.

 

Padre,

io risorgerò,

e siederò alla Tua destra.

 

POEMA DELLA CROCE - Alda Merini

 

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This photographic story, with text, which I propose as my last work for Flickr in 2025 (2026 is now just a few minutes away), tells of the procession of the Holy Crucifix of Aracoeli, which took place in March of this year 2025 in the town of San Marco d'Alunzio (in the province of Messina). The procession normally begins on the morning of the last Friday of March each year, but there is an exception to this rule: when it coincides with Good Friday, then the procession is brought forward to the previous Friday. The procession of the Holy Crucifix of Aracoeli is an ancient penitential rite. On the feast day of the Crucifix, Holy Mass is celebrated in the Church of Aracoeli in San Marco d'Alunzio. On this occasion, the Holy Crucifix is celebrated. Crucifix (which is located in the church at the end of the right nave, at its feet is the painting of the Virgin of Sorrows pierced by seven swords), Christ on the Cross is removed by the devotees from the hook on which it is hanging, is carried outside the church, here it is raised and fixed on the float, the sermon of the priest who has climbed onto the float next to the Crucifix takes over, under the Cross is fixed the painting of His Sorrowful Mother, then they are carried in procession by the men (and women) in blue hoods called "babbaluti", they proceed invoking the pity and mercy of the Lord with a constant and rhythmic lament, saying "Signuri, Misericordia, Pietà!"; this is the norm, but this year the bad weather has brought some changes, the float on which they hoisted the SS. The crucifix with the kneeling babbaluti was not located in the churchyard, but inside the church. Christ was covered with a large sheet of cellophane to protect it from the rain, while the painting of the Madonna with swords in her heart was placed at her Son's feet only after the procession returned to the church. San Marco d'Alunzio is a charming town in the Messina area, located in the Nebrodi Mountains of Sicily. The procession takes place in honor of the Holy Crucifix of Araceli. This religious-penitential event is also known as the "procession of the babbaluti." These are those who, by vow or grace received, have chosen to carry the fercolo containing the crucifix and the painting on their shoulders in procession. they head to the nearby Church of Santa Maria dei Poveri or to some private home nearby where, sheltered from the curiosity of the faithful, they wear a simple but characteristic indigo-colored cloth habit, consisting of a tunic and a conical hood that covers the entire body and leaves only the eyes and hands free. It is not uncommon, however, for the penitents, rendered anonymous by the habit they wear, to also include women, who, to avoid any possibility of recognition, wear a pair of gloves; The babbaluti are 33 in number to commemorate the 33 years of Christ. The number is odd, in fact the 33rd babbaluto does not carry the vara. He (should be the “capo vara”) proceeds backwards, looking towards Christ and his Mother, and at the same time checks that everything is in order among the babbaluti, guiding the vara along the path, even if it is moving backwards (this is a way of proceeding in carrying the vara or fercolo, present in various Sicilian religious processions). So, the 32 (+1) "babbaluti" carry on their shoulders the float that bears the Holy Crucifix of the Araceli church (the statue of Christ was created by Scipione Li Volsi, in the year 1652, he was a sculptor and plasterer of the Sicilian Baroque), at whose feet, on the float, is tied the painting of Our Lady of Sorrows, whose chest appears pierced by seven swords (it is an 18th century painting), however, as already described, this year the painting, to protect it from the rain, was placed on the float only upon the return of the procession to the church. Before the procession begins, the babbaluti advance barefoot, wearing only heavy, hand-knitted stockings of raw wool. Before entering the church, they must walk a path of purification. When they approach the ancient church of Araceli, they bow and kiss the ground, thus receiving permission to enter the church. This, however, occurs through a side door, called the "false door" (in Sicilian dialect, "porta fausa"). Having entered the church from the side, they now exit through the main entrance, allowing them to take their places, kneeling in front and behind the float. To enter the "porta fausa," the babbaluti proceed in pairs, with the last babbaluti, the eldest, proceeding alone. After the priest's long-awaited speech, the procession can begin, winding through the streets of the picturesque and welcoming village of San Marco d'Alunzio. Along the way, the Babbaluti pace their steps, accompanying the mournful and plaintive jugular vein that invokes the Lord. Devout men and women walk alongside the Babbaluti, walking alongside the float, touching it, sometimes caressing it... just to have physical (and spiritual) contact with it. Finally, after completing a specific route, the procession returns to the ancient church (of Norman origins) of Aracoeli. Every time I attend this touching event, I am completely overwhelmed by emotion (which, however, I cannot abandon, lest I lose concentration while taking photos). The highlight is when the crucified Christ is removed from the hook fixed to the wall by expert men, and then carried (it seems to float) above the heads of the devotees, supported aloft with their hands, and hoisted and secured to the float. In these moments of intense emotion, it is common to see in the eyes of the devotees, shining with tears, that profound emotion of their relationship with this Christ, which has lasted forever: it is as if they were in the presence of the true Christ, in flesh and blood. This is the atmosphere experienced in those moments, this is the magic of the procession of the Most Holy Crucifix and His Mother, represented by the painting of Our Lady of Sorrows pierced by seven swords (an iconography of Spanish origin).

 

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Il presente racconto fotografico, con testo, che propongo come ultimo mio lavoro per Flickr dell’anno 2025 (oramai mancano pochi minuti al 2026) parla della processione del Santissimo Crocifisso di Aracoeli che si è tenuto nel marzo di quest’anno 2025 nel paese di San Marco d’Alunzio (in provincia di Messina). La processione normalmente inizia la mattina dell’ultimo venerdì del mese di marzo di ogni anno, c’è però una eccezione a questa regola, quando si realizza la coincidenza col Venerdì Santo, allora la processione viene anticipata al venerdì precedente. Quella del SS.Crocifisso di Aracoeli è un antico rito penitenziale, il giorno della festa del Crocifisso, a San Marco d'Alunzio si celebra la S. Messa nella Chiesa dell'Aracoeli, in questa occasione il SS. Crocifisso (che si trova nella chiesa in fondo alla navata di destra, ai suoi piedi è posto il quadro della Vergine Addolorata trafitta da sette spade), il Cristo sulla Croce viene tolto dai devoti dal gancio sul quale è appeso, viene portato all’esterno della chiesa, qui viene innalzato e fissato sulla vara, subentra il sermone del sacerdote salito sulla vara accanto al Crocifisso, sotto alla Croce viene fissato il quadro di sua Madre Addolorata, quindi vengono portati in processione dagli uomini (e donne) incappucciati di colore blu detti “babbaluti”, essi procedono invocando la pietà e la misericordia del Signore con un costante e ritmato lamento, dicendo “Signuri, Misericordia, Pietà!”; questa è la norma, ma quest’anno il cattivo tempo ha portato qualche cambiamento, la vara sulla quale hanno issato il SS. Crocifisso con i babbaluti messi in ginocchio, non si trovava sul sagrato davanti la chiesa, ma era dentro la chiesa, il Cristo veniva ricoperto con un ampio foglio di cellophane per proteggerlo dalla pioggia, mentre il quadro della Madonna con le spade nel cuore, è stato messo ai piedi di Suo Figlio solo al rientro della processione nella chiesa. San Marco d’Alunzio è un ameno paese del territorio Messinese, sito sui monti Nebrodi, in Sicilia; la processione si svolge proprio in onore del Santissimo Crocifisso di Araceli, è questa una ricorrenza religioso-penitenziale conosciuta anche come "processione dei babbaluti", essi sono coloro che per voto o per grazia ricevuta, hanno deciso di portare in processione sulle loro spalle il fercolo con il Crocifisso ed il quadro; essi si dirigono nella vicina Chiesa di Santa Maria dei Poveri o in qualche abitazione privata lì vicino dove, al riparo dalla curiosità dei fedeli, indossano un semplice ma caratteristico saio di tela di colore indaco, costituito da una tunica e un cappuccio di forma conica tale da coprire l'intero corpo e lasciare liberi solo gli occhi e le mani, non è raro purtuttavia che tra i penitenti, resi anonimi dal saio che indossano, vi siano anche delle donne, le quali per evitare qualsiasi possibilità di riconoscimento, indossano un paio di guanti; i babbaluti sono in numero di 33 per rievocare i 33 anni di Cristo, il numero è dispari, infatti il 33° babbaluto non porta la vara, egli (dovrebbe essere il “capo vara”) procede all’indietro, rivolgendo lo sguardo al Cristo ed a sua Madre, e nel contempo controlla che tutto sia in ordine tra i babbaluti, guidando la vara lungo il percorso, anche se il suo andamento è a ritroso, (questo è un modo di procedere nel portare la vara o fercolo, presente in diverse processioni religiose siciliane). Quindi, i 32 (+1) "babbaluti" portano sulle loro spalle la vara che reca il Santo Crocifisso della chiesa dell’Araceli (la statua del Cristo è stata creata da Scipione Li Volsi, nell'anno 1652, egli fu uno scultore e stuccatore del barocco SIciliano), ai cui piedi, sulla vara, viene legato il quadro della Madonna Addolorata, il cui petto appare trafitto da sette spade ( è un dipinto del XVIII secolo), purtuttavia come già descritto, quest’anno il quadro, per proteggerlo dalla pioggia, è stato messo sulla vara solo al rientro della processione in chiesa. I babbaluti prima dell'inizio della processione avanzano a piedi scalzi indossando solo delle pesanti calze di lana grezza realizzate a mano, devono percorrere, prima di entrare in chiesa, un cammino di purificazione: quando essi giungono in prossimità dell'antica chiesa dell'Araceli, essi si chinano e baciano in terra, ricevendo in tal modo il permesso per poter accedere dentro la chiesa, questo però avviene da una porta laterale, chiamata "falsa porta" (In dialetto siciliano “porta fausa”), una volta entrati in chiesa lateralmente, ora fuoriescono dall'ingresso principale, potendo così prendere posto, inginocchiandosi sul davanti ed alle spalle, della vara; i babbaluti per accedere alla “porta fausa” procedono in coppia, l’ultimo babbaluto procede da solo, lui è il più anziano tra i babbaluti; seguirà l'atteso discorso del sacerdote, terminato, potrà iniziare la processione che si svolge per le vie del pittoresco ed accogliente paese di San Marco d'Alunzio. Lungo il percorso i Babbaluti cadenzano la propria andatura accompagnandosi alla mesta e lamentosa giugulatoria che invoca il Signore . Ci sono uomini e donne devoti che procedono assieme ai babbaluti camminando a lato della vara, toccandola, ora accarezzandola...pur di avere un contatto fisico (e di rimando spirituale) con essa. Infine, dopo aver compiuto un preciso percorso, la processione fa rientro nell'antica chiesa (di origini Normanne) dell'Aracoeli. Ogniqualvolta sono presente a questa toccante ricorrenza sono completamente inondato da emozioni (alle quali però non posso abbandonarmi, perderei la concentrazione nel realizzare le foto), il momento clou è quando il Cristo Crocifisso viene tolto dal gancio fissato sul muro da uomini esperti, per poi essere portato (sembra galleggiare) sopra la testa dei devoti, sostenuto in alto con le mani, ed essere issato e fissato sulla vara; in questi momenti di intensa emozione è comune vedere negli occhi dei devoti, lucidi di lacrime, quella emozione profonda del loro rapporto con questo Cristo, che dura da sempre: è come se si trovassero al cospetto del Cristo vero, in carne ed ossa, questa è l’atmosfera che si vive in quei momenti, questa è la magia della processione del SS. Crocifisso e di Sua Madre, rappresentata dal quadro dell’Addolorata trafitta da sette spade (iconografia di origine spagnola).

 

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Water, is taught by thirst.

Land -- by the Oceans passed.

Transport -- by throe --

Peace -- by its battles told --

Love, by Memorial Mold --

Birds, by the Snow.

 

Emily Dickinson

 

"The sky isn’t more beautiful if you have perfect skin. Music doesn’t sound more interesting if you have a six-pack. Dogs aren’t better company if you’re famous. Pizza tastes good regardless of your job title. The best of life exists beyond the things we are taught to crave." - Matt Haig

 

Thanks for visiting, much appreciated. Enjoy your weekend!

We are taught to live and be small... follow the rules, be quiet, don't disturb the bubbles people have spent their lifetime creating around themselves. BUT I SAY LIVE BIG! Be heard! Love on blast! Pop some bubbles! Because the bubbles might protect us from the bad, but they also keep out the GOOD!

  

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It was the Ash-throated Flycatcher that taught me - indirectly - how to get decent images of any flycatcher. I'll tell you how in about two paragraphs.

 

The ash-throated flycatcher (Myiarchus cinerascens) is a passerine bird in the tyrant flycatcher family. You must read this if you have ever been stymied by the names given to birds: "First described in 1851 by George Newbold Lawrence from a specimen collected in western Texas in the United States, the ash-throated flycatcher was initially given the scientific name Tyrannula cinerascens. The species was mistakenly described again in 1851 as Tyrannula mexicanus — an error that was corrected in 1859 when Philip Lutley Sclater analyzed the tyrant flycatchers known from Mexico and realized that both scientific names referred to the same species. During the same analysis, Slater moved the ash-throated flycatcher from the genus Tyrannula to its current genus, Myiarchus. In the past, the ash-throated flycatcher has sometimes been considered to be conspecific with Nutting's flycatcher, but there are morphological and vocal differences between the two.There is disagreement as to whether the two species hybridize."

 

Now that you know what to look for, here's how to get a decent photo: all flycatchers have this behavior: they start off from a branch or post or, as with the ATF, almost always from barbed wire. They take off to catch whatever suits its feeding fancy, and returns to the same perch! Focus on the perch. In one minute or less, the flycatcher will return to the same perch, and you have an 80% chance of success. Too bad it took me six years to discover this behavior.

 

For eight or nine years, I followed the Western Bluebird. I cleaned the nest boxes, etc. I felt like an innkeeper, preparing the bedding in the nest box, cleaning up after the previous tenants had headed south, and made sure they were safe. One day, I opened a box, and instead of Western Bluebird chicks, I found ATF eggs - which you'll see tomorrow.

 

Whenever I came upon eggs or fledglings, I'd look around, and most of the time one of the parents would be sitting, watching me. That's what the flycatcher was doing. He was watching me from the meadow where he had been hunting, but behind me was his mate who was watching the box. I always worked fast to get out of their way, but the price they had to pay was to sit in one place for five seconds.

You taught my heart a sense I never knew i had

 

Rose & Thorn Poses - Acid Burn - Couple Pose

  

FREYA// CYN hoodie

FREYA// BASIC fishnet v10/leggins

 

VCO ~ BENI Hair

 

.PALETO.Backdrop: MUIIH

I taught myself to live simply and wisely,

to look at the sky and pray to God,

and to wander long before evening

to tire my useless sadness.

 

When the burdocks rustle in the ravine

and the yellow - red rowanberry cluster droops

I write down happy verses

about life's decay, decay and beauty.

 

I come back. The fluffy cat

licks my palm, purrs so sweetly,

and the fire flares bright

on the saw mill turret by the lake.

 

Only the cry of a stork landing on the roof

occasionally breaks the silence.

If you knock on my door

I may not even hear.

 

Anna Akhmatova

 

Brady

 

"He taught me to appreciate the simple things - a walk in the woods, a fresh snowfall, a nap in the shaft of winter sunlight".

~John Grogan

 

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Quote by John Grogan

 

Shot for the 52 Weeks for Dogs Project: It's been a crazy busy week and the dogs and I have been limited to navigating a field under construction most days. Saturday was going to once again busy but I was determined to take the dogs to our favourite park for some quiet time and a nice walk. It also presented the opportunity to try and get a different perspective of Sampson in the woods rather than shots of his usual run-away freight train I am so happy to be in the woods mad dash :). Toward the end of our hike Sampson decided he needed a break and presented me with this shot opportunity to show that he can stay still in the woods!

 

We are heading out for a week of camping in Tobermory, Ontario. The dogs will be joining us and the camp ground (we have never been there before) advertises wireless internet so I am keeping my fingers crossed I will be able to have some Flickr time each day. If not I will catch up with you all on my return on the 27th of July.

 

(July 18, 2009 Explore #171)