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This little palace belongs to the Schleißheim palace complex. It was built in 1684 for the wedding of Kurfürst Max Emanuel with the Austrian princess Maria Antonia.
© All Rights Reserved - you may not use this image in any form without my prior permission.
Flickr-users from the US will be familiar with those legendary commercials for BUD(WEISER) beer, some years ago.
Curious Germans who are wondering now what it is all about
can easily find endless clips on youtube...
Für die deutschen Fotofreunde:
In der englischsprachigen Welt assoziiert man mit "bud"
nicht nur eine Biermarke, sondern eben auch "Knospe".
["So sorry!" an alle, die gerade genervt aufgestöhnt haben...]
Seguimi/Follow me ♥
INSTAGRAM - instagram.com/rhymeofsugar
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THANK YOU for stopping by and all your faves, and comments
Have a great weekend
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IMPORTANT: for non-pro users who read the info on a computer, just enlarge your screen to 120% (or more), then the full text will appear below the photo with a white background - which makes reading so much easier.
The color version of the photo above is here: www.lacerta-bilineata.com/ticino-best-photos-of-southern-...
THE STORY BEHIND THE PHOTO:
So far there's only been one photo in my gallery that hasn't been taken in my garden ('The Flame Rider', captured in the Maggia Valley: www.flickr.com/photos/191055893@N07/53563448847/in/datepo... ) - which makes the image above the second time I've "strayed from the path" (although not very far, since the photo was taken only approximately 500 meters from my house).
Overall, I'll stick to my "only-garden rule", but every once in a while I'll show you a little bit of the landscape around my village, because I think it will give you a better sense of just how fascinating this region is, and also of its history.
The title I chose for the photo may seem cheesy, and it's certainly not very original, but I couldn't think of another one, because it's an honest reflection of what I felt when I took it: a profound sense of peace - although if you make it to the end of this text you'll realize my relationship with that word is a bit more complicated.
I got up early that day; it was a beautiful spring morning, and there was still a bit of mist in the valley below my village which I hoped would make for a few nice mood shots, so I quickly grabbed my camera and went down there before the rising sun could dissolve the magical layer on the scenery.
Most human activity hadn't started yet, and I was engulfed in the sounds of the forest as I was walking the narrow trail along the horse pasture; it seemed every little creature around me wanted to make its presence known to potential mates (or rivals) in a myriad of sounds and voices and noises (in case you're interested, here's a taste of what I usually wake up to in spring, but you best use headphones: www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfoCTqdAVCE )
Strolling through such an idyllic landscape next to grazing horses and surrounded by birdsong and beautiful trees, I guess it's kind of obvious one would feel the way I described above and choose the title I did, but as I looked at the old stone buildings - the cattle shelter you can see in the foreground and the stable further up ahead on the right - I also realized how fortunate I was.
It's hard to imagine now, because Switzerland is one of the wealthiest countries in the world today, but the men and women who had carried these stones and constructed the walls of these buildings were among the poorest in Europe. The hardships the people in some of the remote and little developed valleys in Ticino endured only a few generations ago are unimaginable to most folks living in my country today.
It wasn't uncommon that people had to sell their own kids as child slaves - the girls had to work in factories or in rice fields, the boys as "living chimney brushes" in northern Italy - just because there wasn't enough food to support the whole family through the harsh Ticino winters.
If you wonder why contemporary Swiss historians speak of "slaves" as opposed to child laborers, it's because that's what many of them actually were: auctioned off for a negotiable prize at the local market, once sold, these kids were not payed and in many cases not even fed by their masters (they had to beg for food in the streets or steal it).
Translated from German Wikipedia: ...The Piazza grande in Locarno, where the Locarno Film Festival is held today, was one of the places where orphans, foundlings and children from poor families were auctioned off. The boys were sold as chimney sweeps, the girls ended up in the textile industry, in tobacco processing in Brissago or in the rice fields of Novara, which was also extremely hard work: the girls had to stand bent over in the water for twelve to fourteen hours in all weathers. The last verse of the Italian folk song 'Amore mio non piangere' reads: “Mamma, papà, non piangere, se sono consumata, è stata la risaia che mi ha rovinata” (Mom, dad, don't cry when I'm used up, it was the rice field that destroyed me.)... de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaminfegerkinder
The conditions for the chimney sweeps - usually boys between the age of 8 and 12 (or younger, because they had to be small enough to be able to crawl into the chimneys) - were so catastrophic that many of them didn't survive; they died of starvation, cold or soot in their lungs - as well as of work-related accidents like breaking their necks when they fell, or suffocatig if they got stuck in inside a chimney. This practice of "child slavery" went on as late as the 1950s (there's a very short article in English on the topic here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spazzacamini and a more in depth account for German speakers in this brief clip: www.youtube.com/watch?v=gda8vZp_zsc ).
Now I don't know if the people who built the old stone houses along my path had to sell any of their kids, but looking at the remnants of their (not so distant) era I felt an immense sense of gratitude that I was born at a time of prosperity - and peace - in my region, my country and my home. Because none of it was my doing: it was simple luck that decided when and where I came into this world.
It also made me think of my own family. Both of my grandparents on my father's side grew up in Ticino (they were both born in 1900), but while they eventually left Switzerland's poorest region to live in its richest, the Kanton of Zurich, my grandfather's parents relocated to northern Italy in the 1920s and unfortunately were still there when WWII broke out.
They lost everything during the war, and it was their youngest daughter - whom I only knew as "Zia" which means "aunt" in Italian - who earned a little money to support herself and my great-grandparents by giving piano lessons to high-ranking Nazi officers and their kids (this was towards the end of the war when German forces had occupied Italy).
I never knew that about her; Zia only very rarely spoke of the war, but one time when I visited her when she was already over a 100 years old (she died at close to 104), I asked her how they had managed to survive, and she told me that she went to the local prefecture nearly every day to teach piano. "And on the way there would be the dangling ones" she said, with a shudder.
I didn't get what she meant, so she explained. Visiting the city center where the high ranking military resided meant she had to walk underneath the executed men and women who were hanging from the lantern posts along the road (these executions - often of civilians - were the Germans' retaliations for attacks by the Italian partisans).
I never forgot her words - nor could I shake the look on her face as she re-lived this memory. And I still can't grasp it; my house in Ticino is only 60 meters from the Italian border, and the idea that there was a brutal war going on three houses down the road from where I live now in Zia's lifetime strikes me as completely surreal.
So, back to my title for the photo above. "Peace". It's such a simple, short word, isn't it? And we use it - or its cousin "peaceful" - quite often when we mean nice and quiet or stress-free. But if I'm honest I don't think I know what it means. My grandaunt Zia did, but I can't know. And I honestly hope I never will.
I'm sorry I led you down such a dark road; I usually intend to make people smile with the anecdotes that go with my photos, but this one demanded a different approach (I guess with this latest image I've strayed from the path in more than one sense, and I hope you'll forgive me).
Ticino today is the region with the second highest average life expectancy in Europe (85.2 years), and "The Human Development Index" of 0.961 in 2021 was one of the highest found anywhere in the world, and northern Italy isn't far behind. But my neighbors, many of whom are now in their 90s, remember well it wasn't always so.
That a region so poor it must have felt like purgatory to many of its inhabitants could turn into something as close to paradise on Earth as I can imagine in a person's lifetime should make us all very hopeful. But, and this is the sad part, it also works the other way 'round. And I believe we'd do well to remember that, too.
To all of you - with my usual tardiness but from the bottom of my heart - a happy, healthy, hopeful 2025 and beyond.
Great crested grebe
This bird is especially beautiful in the spring, when she is given a "cap" and a "crown" of black feathers.
Additional photos about #Great_crested_grebe are placed in the album at the Russian photo hosting (fotki.yandex.ru/users/bogky/album/2070847).
#BogKY #Western_Siberia #Spring #Great_crested_grebe
Tech.details-brief: Sony Alpha 7 / ILCE-7 (FF)(ISO500), Sony LA-EA3 + Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di USD (A011)(600mm f/9), 1/500s; +1ev.; RAW
Rus.: Чомга дефилирует (по весне ей выдали "шапочку" и "корону" - хвастается;-)
Весной эта птица особенно красива.
Перед смотровой площадкой ( #Птичья_гавань в г. #Омск )
Больше фото о #Чомга размещены в альбоме на российском фото хостинге (fotki.yandex.ru/users/bogky/album/2070847).
September 1, 2018 - Kearney Nebraska US
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Oh Yeah... Lightning Storm that evening... It came in late, and I had gear packed and ready in case a storm started to brew. Only a 30% chance but that means its gonna storm in Nebraska.
NWS had just issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Phelps & Kearney Nebraska Counties and it was moving right in my direction. I had time to get into position and wait for the show to begin! I ALWAYS have front row tickets to this type of show!
*** Please NOTE and RESPECT the Copyright ***
Copyright 2018
Dale Kaminski @ NebraskaSC Photography
All Rights Reserved
This image may not be copied, reproduced, published or distributed in any medium without the expressed written permission of the copyright holder.
#ForeverChasing
#NebraskaSC
Partial view of a landscape park, known as Britzer Garten /
Teilansicht eines Landschaftsparks, bekannt als Britzer Garten
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Please do not place advertising, images or comment code on my Flickr pages. It disturbs other users while reading.
Many thanks to all who commented on this photo! / Herzlichen Dank an alle, die dieses Foto kommentiert haben!
⦁ Today, he decided to let Lunielle play in the mud for a while. She seemed to love it her tiny hands pressing into the soft earth, her curiosity brighter than the afternoon sun. Every new texture was a discovery, every squish and smear a lesson she didn’t yet have words for.
⦁ He watched quietly from behind the mudpit, a faint smile settling in as she explored without hesitation. Lunielle was still learning the world through touch, through wonder, through the simple joy of being allowed to get a little messy.
⦁ They got the Kitty Kate Little Mudlings Playground, a set designed with calm, neutral colors. He had chosen it carefully. If She ever invited friends, he wanted it to feel welcoming to everyone no loud themes, no expectations, just space to play and imagine.
⦁ She looked back at him once, her cheeks dotted with specks of mud, her eyes shining. Then she laughed a carefree, bubbling sound and returned to her small, muddy world. And in that moment, he felt certain he had made the right choice.
→ 💎Decor:
{KK} Little Mudlings Playground //Upsies Autoplay ready - perfect for users of the upsies hud and bot babies.
⦁ Playhouse with animations on the slide, at the top, the bottom and the two sets of stairs at the front and the back.
⦁ Mudpit & Playtruck; animations are uniquely created to bring the mud pit to life with digging, jumping, playing, being silly, being messy and lots of fun.
⦁ Playtruck; sit in the front or play with the mud at the back - many animations for hours of fun.
⦁ Playswing has animations for up to 2 avatars at any time.
⦁ Bench has parent animations for single and couples. It also has parent and child animations for one parent and a Lullabeeb or one parent and a TD.
⦁ Dino fence with shrubbery is also included in the full set and adds a great finishing touch to the overall look of the playground.
August 15, 2017 - North of Kearney Nebraska, US
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These were not severe storms. In fact it was about 100F and humid. Normal for us here this time of year. We were right on the edge of a passing front. Day 3 of 3 for storms in south central Nebraska.
These small spurts of cells were trying to form, and one did eventually, but wasn't able to catch up or get into position to get that special shot. There were a few good captures from this day but not many.
*** Please NOTE and RESPECT the Copyright ***
Copyright 2017
Dale Kaminski @ NebraskaSC Photography
All Rights Reserved
This image may not be copied, reproduced, published or distributed in any medium without the expressed written permission of the copyright holder.
#ForeverChasing
#NebraskaSC
19/365
And when finally the bottom fell out
I became withdrawn...
The only thing I knew how to do
Was to keep on keepin' on...
like a bird that flew...
Tangled up in blue.
Fluidr | Flickr Hive Mind | DNA | Website
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Please add COMMENTS and FAVES. I hope to replicate as soon as possible!!! :)
July 6, 2024 - East of Overton Nebraska
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Watch that afternoon's chase (on Flickr) Click Here
Prints Available...Click Here
All Images are also available for...
stock photography & non exclusive licensing...
Dark, threatening supercell storm clouds dominate the sky over a vast, open field, creating a dramatic contrast with the bright horizon. A dirt road stretches into the distance, flanked by tall grasses and sparse trees.
*** Please NOTE and RESPECT the Copyright ***
Copyright 2024
Dale Kaminski @ NebraskaSC Photography
All Rights Reserved
This image may not be copied, reproduced, published or distributed in any medium without the expressed written permission of the copyright holder.
#ForeverChasing
#NebraskaSC
Sculpture réalisée et installée le 18 août 1997 à la demande de Handicap International pour appeler tous ses Etats à signer la Convention d’interdiction des mines anti-personnel et tenir leurs engagements à assister les victimes et à déminer les territoires pollués.
July 1 2024 - East of Arapahoe Nebraska
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Watch PART 1 of that days chase (on Flickr) Click Here
Watch PART 2 of that days chase (on Flickr) Click Here
Prints Available...Click Here
All Images are also available for...
stock photography & non exclusive licensing...
Dark storm clouds loom over a vast, open field with a hint of sunlight peeking through, casting a dramatic atmosphere. A small tree stands on the horizon, adding depth to the expansive landscape.
*** Please NOTE and RESPECT the Copyright ***
Copyright 2024
Dale Kaminski @ NebraskaSC Photography
All Rights Reserved
This image may not be copied, reproduced, published or distributed in any medium without the expressed written permission of the copyright holder.
#ForeverChasing
#NebraskaSC
Finally :"O !
i'm Canon User !
Thanx Dad 7bibi ! , j3lneee Man7rm Mnk y el.'3aly :* !
Trd Le B el.Salma <33 !
Twinzy : Fdeet 3mrch ! To Manwrt Q6r Brj3tCh !
Miss yeew Mn el.5a6r :| ! Mtaaaaaaa Ashof Facech el.jmeeeeeeeel <33 !
LOVEu (L) !
Spicalle Thanx For Shlon b9br 3 Kl Shy Sweeth 4 Me , :* LUVyew Mn el.5a6r Walla (A) !
______________________________
All rights reserved
Just a crop of this infrared panorama (due to Flickr's "best display size" which obviously seems to vary between free and pro users):
www.flickr.com/photos/197010762@N05/52623755573/in/dateta...
Also black & white, 8:5 aspect ratio, 7157 x 4474px (32MP).
It's cool how the ripples on the lake are confined to a certain area, outside of it, the water is flat like a mirror.
Nikon D90 (APS-C, fullspectrum mod)
Tamron 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 Di ll VC HLD
Hoya R72 (720nm infrared pass-filter)
ISO200, 24mm, f/6.3, 0,8sec
panorama head, tripod, remote
This image is the copyright of © Neil Holman. Any users, found to replicate, reproduce, circulate, distribute, download, manipulate or otherwise use my images without my written consent will be in breach of copyright laws. Please contact me for permission to use any of my photographs
all canon users say HOOORRAAAAAAAAAAAY =P
and yea Nikon - sony - Fuji users =P
too bad u can't say hoooray
out of picture
out of ideas =P
and btw. that colorful thing is eatable =P LOOOL i jst did it to take this shot =P
Created for dA Users Gallery Challenge 144 – 181
With thanks to....
Background • Nathies-Stock
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For all commissioned work, please contact me via the contact form on my Website
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© Copyright Parée Erica. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this image in any form without express and written permission from me is illegal
I spotted this beaten-up old timer on Well Street, Hackney.
Thanks to comments from better informed Flickr users I now know it to be a rat rod style Austin 7, a model of car from the mid-1930s.
patrickjoust | flickr | tumblr | facebook | books
...
Mamiya C330 S and Sekor 80mm f/2.8
Kodak Portra 160