My Friday Image: Juniper Artland Sculpture, Firmament by Anthony Gormley

Firmament by Antony Gormley

Exposure 2010

This litte poetic ditty was inspired by this wonderful sculpture which I had the pleasure of seeing in all its splendour at Juniper Artland, Wilkieston, Scotland. You may remember that I mentioned this wonderful inspiring Artland before in a much earlier blog post, on the 15th of June 2014.

The Puzzle of Unforgiving Turf

Black space, a jigsaw of blue, confusing skies.

A giant piece of white mystifying lies,

Still we twist, baffle, and turn,

While blackened steel pieces confuse and burn.

My fingers decipher thoughts, raw and aching,

Questioning layers of paint work mercilessly flaking,

I turn to discern the last bewildering step,

I piece the puzzle, too late, the enigma lies cold and wet.

I trip, and fall, unravel, flip an ankle,

In scattered pieces I confusingly entangle,

But there’s no bewildering cuddle,

Just a gap, no cushion, in air’s baffling puzzle.

A pocket of relentless sky and bemused clouds,

Blankets the confused sounds,

As I fall in pieces, scattering, to the perplexed earth,

Triumph hitting the newly solved, but, oh so, unforgiving turf!

Words, and Photo, good or bad, are my very own!

That was such fun!!!! Love poetry, just wish I was better at writing poems. Still, it’s nice to try. Please, if there any poets out there reading this, do give me feedback, I’m looking to improve 🙂

Links:

https://www.jupiterartland.org/

http://www.antonygormley.com/

Unauthorized use and/or duplication of all copyrighted material in this blog without permission from this blog’s author is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to this blog’s author with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. Many thanks.

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February 6, 2015 7

My Friday images: Bonsai Bonkers

untitled Pins from bonsaiempire by Luis Vila — Bonsaiempire by Luis Vila on Pininterest

images3DE9EAGR Bonsai Tree Art by Takanori Aiba waycoolmusicblogspot. — Bonsai Tree Art by Takanori Aiba

Bonsai Bonkers! Yes, why not? It’s Friday, so anything goes.

I just heard on twitter that I’m one of the lucky winners to have won a copy of Summertime by Vanessa Lafaye via Holly at https://bookaholicconfessions.wordpress.com/ Author Vanessa Lafaye is also on WordPress: https://vanessalafaye.wordpress.com/

Sounds good, looking forward to reading Summertime.

This brightened me up no end as I’ve got a cold at the moment, so feeling a bit sorry for myself! I’m a bad, grumpy, patient. On the positive I’ve got an excuse to lie in bed and read a book so that’s got to be a plus. But, my head hurts so much I can only read a chapter at a time. Ugh…….

So I’m cheering myself up by celebrating, Bonsai style! While blowing my nose, sniffling into a handkerchief, gulping down two paracetamols and sucking on a sore throat tablet, I’m typing up this post, that’s a bloggers dedication for you. Madness……

Ok, a Bonsai celebration seems a bit bonkers but that’s me, I’m a bit random!

Here’s some little Bonsai Bonkers thumbnails to get you smiling:

Cute aren’t they? Oh, and some spectacular colours and settings too, even found a Bonsai in the desert:

Have a wonderful weekend. Keep away from people like me, we’re full of germs. No hand shaking, or kissing strangers, they’re full of germs!

Bonsai Links:

Noelanders Trophy: http://www.bonsaiassociation.be/en/gallery.php?gal=trophy

http://www.bonsaiempire.com/blog/top10-juniper-bonsai

https://uk.pinterest.com/explore/bonsai/

https://www.facebook.com/BonsaiKohChang/timeline

https://www.pinterest.com/astrith/bonsai/

THIS BLOG claims no credit for any images posted on this site unless otherwise noted. Images on this blog are copyright to its respectful owners. The majority of images on this blog are from http://www.pixabay.com or google/bing search. All images are copyright free images. If there is an image appearing on this blog that belongs to you and you do not wish for it to appear on this site, please contact me with a link to said image and it will be promptly removed.

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January 30, 2015 2

My Friday Winter Images

A yellow leaf sitting on a bed of sparkling snow. Sometimes the most beautiful images are just so simple. It’s the Fifth of December who could possibly believe it, where does time go? I’m sure Father Christmas leaps into the year earlier every winter and steals a bit of time so that he can get on with his job. Cheeky fellow!

I decided that on this first Friday in December that I would post some lovely images of winter for you and myself to enjoy. Thought it would be therapeutic! I’m not a winter person, as soon as the clock goes back a tiny switch inside me goes click, and I become lethargic and grumpy, Seasonal Affective Disorder, no doubt. I love warm weather, blue skies, and the seaside. I live in Cambridge, a beautiful University city but the sea is a bit of a car drive away, and it isn’t warm enough, not for me. Maybe one day I’ll live abroad again, somewhere sunny who knows?

With the change in the clocks I turn into a miserable so and so, with each tick of the clock I become more Scrooge-like. This winter I am battling against the hands of time to boot out the Scrooge in me and launch myself into the spirit of Christmas. Christmas is a double celebration in our house as it is also my eldest daughter’s birthday, so I have to be extra enthusiastic! She was born two weeks early nineteen years ago on the 25th of December. An unexpected but very welcome Xmas present. I ended up eating my Christmas dinner in the delivery ward! My youngest was born exactly on her due date. Two sisters with very different personalities, what can I say? Anyway, I’m digressing a bit, so without further ado here are some wonderful winter images to enjoy.

Let’s start off in a playful mode with this fellow who looks just like Kermit and see where he takes us! He suggested reading a book to escape, what a wonderful idea, always one of my favourite things to do. At the moment I’m reading David Mitchell’s The Bone Clocks, so I’m leaping in and out of a multitude of bodies, travelling through centuries of time. Kermit decided to follow suite and leapt out of the confines of his stone body to go out and play in the snow!

kermit-70118__180 — Kermit, I heart you.

kermit-70115__180 — Kermit on his bum in the snow

After playing in the snow Kermit began to get restless and he remembered some of the wonderful adventures he had experienced while reading. Books take you to incredible places so Kermit wanted to make this journey a really memorable one. An adventure…..

Kermit reckoned that you might like to see an Ice Sculpture? So off we go to…………………….

peace-50056__180 — Ice sculpture Lake Louise Alberta

Just one of many amazing ice sculptures in Lake Louise. Great suggestion Kermit.

We’ve all heard of Cinderella but what about an ice slipper anyone?

A trip to Bryce Canyon?

bryce-canyon-552978__180 — Bryce Canyon, Utah

How about some winter shadows now?

snow-86125__180 — Wonderful winter shadows

winter-430173__180 — Hay Tedders, Hoar Frost

Or spectacular blue skies?

colle-di-fuori-168766__180 — Colle-di-fuori France

Twinkling lights in a winter cabin?

Amazing Artic skies…………..

A sleigh ride anyone?

Or a trip to Canim falls?

canim-falls-436101__180 — Canim Falls, British Columbia, Canada

A touch of frost, and a glimpse of the moon?

Some falling snow?

More falling snow!

What about some winter berries?

Don’t forget the snowman, otherwise his nose might get out of joint.

And our chirpy little friend the robin:

A sleepy doggie too:

Rudolph he’s invited.

And of course Father Christmas too:

Whatever you do this Winter holiday, have fun, and don’t be a grumpy Scrooge!

Links:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canim_Falls

http://www.banfflakelouise.com/Area-Events/Festivals/Winter/SnowDays/Ice-Magic-Festival

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bryce_Canyon_National_Park

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December 5, 2014 6

My Friday Secret Images: The Corpus Christi Clock

In my earlier blog post today, Secrets and Lies, I mentioned that I would be revealing one of my secret sources of inspiration. Well here it is, The Corpus Christi Clock in Cambridge, a stunning timepiece that is featured in my writing. The clock is a very popular tourist attraction that’s frequently photographed. People tend to respond to the clock in many different ways. I found the grasshopper thought provoking and weird looking. What do you think? Are you enticed by its fine gossamer wings, or repelled by its stinging tail?

I discovered a couple of interesting videos on Youtube about the Corpus Christi Clock and I’ve shared these on my Tumblr site, here’s the link: http://kyrosmagica.tumblr.com/.

I’m not going to tell you any more about the grasshopper other than to say he plays a very interesting part in the mysterious Crystal Cottage.

I’m excited to say that writing inspiration can be found everywhere, all you have to do is look with a keen eye. Museums, Art and Photography displays can provide such a wonderful source of ideas. In fact, I’m desperate to visit the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge to view the Silent Partners Artist & Mannequin from Function to Fetish exhibition. Sounds weird but interesting! It’s free too, where else can you get entertainment for free? Ok, libraries you say. C’est Vrai. Absolutely.

Here’s the link and trailer about the Fitzwilliam’s Silent Partner’s exhibition: http://www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk/whatson/exhibitions/silentpartners/

Enjoy. Have a very Happy Weekend, and if you’ve been shopping this Black Friday hope you’re aren’t too exhausted. I’ve ignored the Blackest of temptations and stayed well away from the shopping queues. How about you?

Photos: My own.

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November 28, 2014 2

My Friday Image Antelope Canyon Arizona

Let me introduce you to Antelope Canyon. I’m totally captivated by these wonderful photos. The canyons are without doubt one of the most beautiful wonders of the world. I had fun arranging these images into an order, the top few are more shadowed, having less light filtering in than the last. They are all exquisite. Enjoy. Antelope Canyon is located near Page, Arizona, on Navayo, native American tribal land. Antelope Canyon consists of two photogenic slot canyon sections, Upper Antelope Canyon or The Crack; and Lower Antelope Canyon or The Corkscrew. The Navajo call Upper Antelope Canyon Tsé bighánílíní, which means “the place where water runs through rocks.” Lower Antelope Canyon is called Hazdistazí (“Hasdestwazi”) by the Navajo Parks and Recreation Department), or “spiral rock arches.” Of the two canyons Upper Antelope canyon is the most frequently visited by tourists. This is because its entrance and entire length are situated at ground level, requiring no climbing. Thank goodness! Like the sound of that! Also, direct beams of sunlight from the openings in the top of the canyon are much more common in the Upper than in Lower canyon. In the summer months these beams occur most often, as the sun is high in the sky. Winter colors tend to be a little more muted. Lower Antelope Canyon is more difficult to visit. Before metal stairways where installed visiting the canyon meant that you had to climb along pre-installed ladders in certain areas. Even after the stairways were installed, it is more difficult to access Upper Antelope as it is longer, narrower in places, and footing is not available in all areas. Not for the faint-hearted or your granny! Also to leave the canyon, the climb out requires several flights of stairs. So for those who enjoy climbing this sounds the one to visit! Despite this Lower Antelope Canyon is still a challenge that many photographers can’t resist, and no wonder as the views are breath-taking. Photography within the canyons is no easy feat due to the wide exposure range (often 10 EV or more) made by light reflecting off the canyon walls. Antelope Canyon is a true photographers dream. Many are attracted to come see this wonder of the world. It has been a source of tourism for the Navajo Nation. Since 1997 it has been possible to access the canyons by tour. The Navajo tribe must be so proud of its status now as the Navajo Tribal Park. Well, I’m so glad that I found Antelope Canyon and made it my Friday image. It really makes you realise how wonderful the world is. What a lovely thought to start the weekend with! Have a fabulous weekend.

If you want to see more I’ve posted a wonderful video of Antelope canyon to my Tumblr, here’s the link to my blog where you can see Jason Ward’s stunning video: http://kyrosmagica.tumblr.com/

Photography courtesy of Pixabay: http://www.pixabay.com

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November 14, 2014 2

My Friday Image Dhammakaya Cetiya

The Dhammakaya is a symbol of World peace. It is a Buddhist parkland and sanctuary, located at Pathum Thani Province in Thailand.

Find out more about it at http://www.peacefulweb.com/dhammakaya-pagoda.html.

And Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Dhammakaya_Centre

Isn’t it an amazing sight? To give you an idea of the scale of the endeavour the outer shell is decorated with 300,000 Buddha images.

Image : http://pixabay.com/en/photos/dhammakaya%20pagoda/

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October 10, 2014 4

A bit of fun for Friday!

Reblogged from A Writers Live For Me. More Friday fun. I had a go and got E.B.White’s Charlotte’s Web. This is what it said: Kind and understanding, your are the epitome of empathy, and have a true gift for confiding in others. You tend to be an optimist, or try to be anyway, but have had your fair share of grievances. You are a rare individual in your ability to recognize that no one would be able to appreciate the good times, without having first experienced the bad.

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September 19, 2014 2