tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30306467461770121242024-02-06T18:24:08.794-08:00Crown + BoughChristiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18107748184124761940noreply@blogger.comBlogger196125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030646746177012124.post-9787872499145272722020-03-06T04:11:00.000-08:002020-03-06T04:11:44.874-08:00Christmas 2019<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU7BTZ48MPtF3y5c7Vi_V1wkf_AXibqc8mM4YeCjlZbXmkNayLzfa9TOdGNUhjQOruPqsNNmO9QNgpYgVHYryNcsoTpxkpgKmU7YxaqwhPR99MNywJ98DQihpKjUOHFdgpAuvptC8F2s9d/s1600/000001.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ-0tqEE789dY1tHEvgcHp4AnoBrdjDGsC4DY2QieUShAvO0e5tXBeYPTUxa6KwXwBhch4Xp95Ecc2pXiFLPzQ7pHgDh8Oz7ySTNImCbLlwcYJT-_jnE03kX4Jc-BqZpH2vnB4yDG24X4v/s1600/000010.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLjS-GTipRfQVrIWkuSslAIteL1cJcmqmClQyBKwQEfV3jxltHMGydMa4yT8wFutZz1V7umw1NX_-gRaPACIC8twPlScznBXBVEkk3SmMMFIwu0RAvtzDFsscGB7DX-xWXocc3DB6wY7CT/s1600/000012.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioYKQUutX7fob30H4w_m6g1pg0xZNap_y9IdJkOyZkAjq2XKpp5_qVIlSyTRIJ9_ojuK6iGRNsDa4cNl56Sew8lmMBE2jD50GKSWA2l2e-iIUooKAHmJCdAHAax63OyHeP9hvUdpJRz83k/s1600/000017.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigQI6KQombnQIpFnl_BHs34VauuWLzNmiElljnZxPmhIFsnxeCa2SbhP6kdT9UQph6rlLhuIpcg_l2ZjddabnuFxarcpmvnmnV_jCrdCogfkDdDm1zca4EyxxHVPavNk3n67nCigv8c8yM/s1600/000021.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqocPuiPFbb5fa6ifuJmsSz2jvmAHDn8v5ZciJmsfI47l7063xMtPccPDBXEXPwOst8psB1mYVlSI4oU3GF39-kc9AnXXL0RYooj8h5iQ741j8ANSYgRBlKvE_kL9KPBno0IbNF2-_TZBM/s1600/000024.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG78GGzKXyxOtVmmr1RKje-MfQa98Zpq-CUSnurF1wn2EXBBELjb004aib4Uta6hHRIuYhKuzyL5Xfd9KuKfhufqBPpELsnQPQi8T0Za4_bEVVIZVuDlbZoFiBiJ2dQfgyP16wR6S7lKrx/s1600/000025.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1081" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyXPTTAyEKRQS8Gbv_plYyawIP0gMPjPEnwCGyCIwkUpkl89i363ROuY4q7hyphenhyphenhEy-iRNXLFmojtnNlV8cOE7Sgb4s-BBhQxnxzhUg5dmF6ePI7WRv76I77DBTWXjN36WeSn_f1taq1oenA/s1600/000028.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6yoNhmYRkyuCLbodeDwwDl_1AG-3wyQx7bLYtctTADIg64wC-z70BqwgQg302jl3wxJ-VSGFwsnZhOSAW6rbE9-m2GJGLIatMBltZy02zeeIIyrZlf4ynznQl1h7al8JrDojjtjCLEO1K/s1600/000031.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgphTWhsvuob41Em0SXOBwqKwwfj0p-ZAAxMW4Tt8iVNOnhUZeldHo7OJx5CcxyabyRluh8Tfgcz8o7Wx2eWsYH2WIBBc8G46JKNPyo-07C8bnDztzXq_9N22XPMQ7GGjt0cvRF0VBWm45r/s1600/000035.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1081" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRSyqMF8K_F6gTSBJG5bTbCHZn3URixYIYCaC9WSagY7TLw3W_LNGMO2-Y85pd_LNYSPGngWArBsjdJcahfyh5NpiWtohOwh6KI_DMiI_WTXLTT1vzkp6Cmsl7LTQGoFPORlX1t1dd61zN/s1600/000037.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwBlwcVLpJXRhR_n76sZz_gM-KT1KWUTOwJnIHiKvAduD_coeTMMZHqQV67wqCnRCsQlEXZwflTV1QrXSRyzF7M_OBgLuJ9kLDT_-Ea6Kj4Fz75INwh_byuO15B_DBb88RkmE-AN0gqrO1/s1600/000040.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1081" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCkKsy9HnqHXKqDX4Rk2dR7rjZuAFSpbe7Lh_JlvfW92bGIiApKC2NX0vZiL1mBHAg2XsKlYoXNpDD6OiUKNhLdUJjYbPCaSr-323jjTVHqTlhHvjQkWweDGRoT9lQ4SF5xSVaGIbV9ahyphenhyphen/s1600/000041.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdZji5y3WZ7gYKB7o-0butgKOg4fg0qgemerf5mn5fm09fhOUZMKAiziB0VUCNVG7v6bPt7-ltRQYWqAm-vjYW8jQawcOSIUIU-aH_MpZrMGIcfVPxp6KsCrwwEv9NQhrsD0GEwuaaoPMC/s1600/000042.JPG" width="645" />
Christiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18107748184124761940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030646746177012124.post-49982253017529020542020-02-02T11:26:00.000-08:002020-02-02T11:26:41.686-08:00When I was 13 years old I acted in a community production of "Little Women."<br />
<br />
The director had us read for various roles; and of course, one look at me and she wanted me to play Marmee. I was sweet, soft-spoken, plump, and nurturing. I am good at reading aloud. Since it was the role she ushered toward me, I probably would have got it without any further consideration after only reading for the one part.<br />
<br />
But I didn't want to play Marmee. I wanted to play Amy. I wanted to play Amy because she was the least like me of all the other characters: plucky, a bit shallow, kind of a brat, concerned with social status; and later well-travelled, witty, and the one who landed the main male romantic interest. I insisted on playing Amy.<br />
<br />
What interested me about acting and what still does is that you get to be someone you're not. And you can be, within reason, anyone. For once, you are not limited by circumstances and personality. Your everyday boundaries and deficiencies don't apply. I had to almost-kiss a boy three to four years older than me: me, who hand't had a boyfriend and wouldn't until I was well into my twenties. I was horrified. But I did it. Acting freed me to do things that the otherwise insecure, bookish adolescent never would have.<br />
<br />
I can still recite the first line: "MY castle in the air is to go to Paris, become a painter, and become the best painter in the WHOLE world."<br />
<br />
After we wrapped our last show, the director gave us all lovely hand-written notes. She thanked me for pushing to play Amy; that in doing so I knew what I was doing.<br />
<br />
Almost ten years later, during my last year of college, I played Ariel in Shakespeare's "The Tempest." It was the last play I'd ever be in. I remember I kept asking for someone to provide me with the music to go with Ariel's song and that my request kept being forgotten. So one day, during rehearsal, instead of merely reciting the lines, I broke out into singing: "four fathoms five thy father lies..." It was my own melody, and I still remember it, and it was what I imagined when I read those lines.<br />
<br />
A professor-mentor of mine, with whom I had become estranged over the years and who has since passed away, approached me after the show. He didn't have to say anything to me. But he told me that mine was the truest portrayal of Ariel he'd ever seen, that I was more Ariel than any other who'd played the role.<br />
<br />
I've never, ever forgotten that.Christiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18107748184124761940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030646746177012124.post-39660416226400046702019-12-13T11:07:00.003-08:002019-12-13T11:07:46.049-08:00St. Lucy's Day<img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="660" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmngdkhmfSzWRIY2lOERT9kGcA5UgecwsNorqiY2dv_TgSVUn8_ai1iPtvCuA_hc1Hwbj6eX6cmb79BBY2LSMys6tXsab4fxrLpw5bbFlxfDQW1kEUZ1gE-2k9NBp9D6hRbbn-StThjv16/s1600/Francesco_del_Cossa_-_Griffoni_Polyptych_-_St_Lucy_-_WGA05387-660x350-1395682866.jpg" width="645" />
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Today is the feast of Saint Lucy, a Sicilian martyr particularly venerated in Scandinavia, there known as Saint Lucia. Her martyrdom was particularly gruesome: among other things, having her eyes gouged out. She is always depicted holding the dangling eyes, but completely whole. Perhaps a reference to the fact that her true sight was unaffected, that is, her willingness to suffer anything for the love of Christ. As such, she is the saint of light.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOy95hDEjhd1ESkSstw-Hj-hy8LqVP09kp1V9vchPBsXMxWU0uACauxfr_lL2pXwdpvL-s4pM_B2Zge6f2dleDBdCSgKbMWAtPsPNXMH8-qenlRWnBcvLCH9cM7jBTARP6Hx2s6zZV8nsH/s1600/a9a3a3c70047a923d81bf16ae1d5e103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="856" data-original-width="543" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOy95hDEjhd1ESkSstw-Hj-hy8LqVP09kp1V9vchPBsXMxWU0uACauxfr_lL2pXwdpvL-s4pM_B2Zge6f2dleDBdCSgKbMWAtPsPNXMH8-qenlRWnBcvLCH9cM7jBTARP6Hx2s6zZV8nsH/s1600/a9a3a3c70047a923d81bf16ae1d5e103.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Today is always ruthlessly dark in north Wales. I feel a particular kinship with Lucy, not so much in her historical personage as in the mystical immortal soul who lives in eternal glory with God. Like all saints, she transcends time and place, but for me it is this aspect of St. Lucy that most moves and kindles. She is what, I imagine, our pre-Christian ancestors would have called a god: someone who speaks to them out of the quiet part of the soul and points to something greater beyond.<br />
<br />
<img border="0" data-original-height="515" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUUShM8eeLhbjzfoOj4XAA9Kw15qpLfkxTD6dRdV-dZmB6khBMGE6MksawIHgen0O9_SGdUCKsd8VrSZlzPpoHZiUP7l0ZvSeZIcLfzblsxCMFXEOHRlWFdxStdNFORgCk0n8JIXdxnrtl/s1600/Ad%25C3%25A8le_S%25C3%25B6derberg_-_Christmas_card.jpg" width="645" />
<br />
<br />
In this sunless winter, St. Lucy is a steadfast beacon, joining in the ranks of all the Advent saints in pointing to the horizon where the star of Christ will soon rise.
Christiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18107748184124761940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030646746177012124.post-58774348352884834272019-11-11T02:01:00.000-08:002019-11-11T02:01:17.676-08:00Spring 2019 in Black and White<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdWYuIfVgl9l6ematX2mXfB1lDTaR7y3Joz7sLo74KnXwStzbwyLZB05QeOmawTa9rpyXVarlWDxTPL2JLGnRiZhjHKOR2F7hRROb0yhs70oRtAuqf9BB4Qf3EVSlurltvmrbwA8ExcEQl/s1600/000009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdWYuIfVgl9l6ematX2mXfB1lDTaR7y3Joz7sLo74KnXwStzbwyLZB05QeOmawTa9rpyXVarlWDxTPL2JLGnRiZhjHKOR2F7hRROb0yhs70oRtAuqf9BB4Qf3EVSlurltvmrbwA8ExcEQl/s1600/000009.JPG" width="645" />
</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQjqk9NjU5Sb9-3p3yANFUYoAmUT7fgAPbkvPDIXm3dW_woSWJHqNmQDOgiT2bPPW5v6OT0cLIEEDqOf5XWTrGMaqJENE5vyc8Ak6GxDlL1ZVuvqFutO1rl-v4ffcFwmQuTQ1azM0CJSGg/s1600/000010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQjqk9NjU5Sb9-3p3yANFUYoAmUT7fgAPbkvPDIXm3dW_woSWJHqNmQDOgiT2bPPW5v6OT0cLIEEDqOf5XWTrGMaqJENE5vyc8Ak6GxDlL1ZVuvqFutO1rl-v4ffcFwmQuTQ1azM0CJSGg/s1600/000010.JPG" width="645" />
</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkJwJnNJp2fB-EUjSrTkT-mCmMHUF_AqnN7rVAsC0tZxKoBsWQxZcUmkyvIF7Nc0OHpvv2BKK-pqqjEfj9ErmSSTxtjb-2RB13s32fTCN4Sq8m0EUuRz5bwSPpAvka4RUyKSIrzfi60sYr/s1600/000012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkJwJnNJp2fB-EUjSrTkT-mCmMHUF_AqnN7rVAsC0tZxKoBsWQxZcUmkyvIF7Nc0OHpvv2BKK-pqqjEfj9ErmSSTxtjb-2RB13s32fTCN4Sq8m0EUuRz5bwSPpAvka4RUyKSIrzfi60sYr/s1600/000012.JPG" width="645" />
</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKJW5yLcudI3D24MnIg4WQOav_0NVB-5eVwrHljO4Bkia2zRF-4yZJgDxoEpfA4UxdIf2F4wV2cZsL4Gg5x1PPlE0VLlTxxSZ62sXZW865pjVz0Tx-NfmbuHiYkT-GsEZM-LzROXvY_RXW/s1600/000013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKJW5yLcudI3D24MnIg4WQOav_0NVB-5eVwrHljO4Bkia2zRF-4yZJgDxoEpfA4UxdIf2F4wV2cZsL4Gg5x1PPlE0VLlTxxSZ62sXZW865pjVz0Tx-NfmbuHiYkT-GsEZM-LzROXvY_RXW/s1600/000013.JPG" width="645" />
</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8wfRlyMTe9S5p88fO70h0tTdKmPZPKt1_nUBH7IQhm48j3PfwqmAfLuBlMWmbClMSAGLmidqRZ_LjRtb5tuINYng4uY-920OGrJyWJWDnCaM1fTeH7LSDgJqvjnlsoxK2dvNPWlrQsSEi/s1600/000017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8wfRlyMTe9S5p88fO70h0tTdKmPZPKt1_nUBH7IQhm48j3PfwqmAfLuBlMWmbClMSAGLmidqRZ_LjRtb5tuINYng4uY-920OGrJyWJWDnCaM1fTeH7LSDgJqvjnlsoxK2dvNPWlrQsSEi/s1600/000017.JPG" width="645" />
</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRc3o0lA6ubwUHmePFk-VnXRadX3-XTxOliacSe3DciVObGYO7f6iEvXnFYHOBihA57diA4UMfXn6u3p2_7YuZn5q3j_ggcjsqzDSDjW0iHfCy3EmCgCdv8xwujWTtjzwbYwFRx-g-vDT4/s1600/000016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRc3o0lA6ubwUHmePFk-VnXRadX3-XTxOliacSe3DciVObGYO7f6iEvXnFYHOBihA57diA4UMfXn6u3p2_7YuZn5q3j_ggcjsqzDSDjW0iHfCy3EmCgCdv8xwujWTtjzwbYwFRx-g-vDT4/s1600/000016.JPG" width="645" />
</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOu_KAc8j0TU7GAZJ_TVj7vt91qgaNdZEJYY-NT-umA9egS6Dmc0n4qIUOOAb78InUz9tcHYpdS7oaAzSsRndQ0M4oDn_d9DTDIp437aTpRiCTQjgSU_kbGklmJz5g0aTQgydQtTEM8HGe/s1600/000025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOu_KAc8j0TU7GAZJ_TVj7vt91qgaNdZEJYY-NT-umA9egS6Dmc0n4qIUOOAb78InUz9tcHYpdS7oaAzSsRndQ0M4oDn_d9DTDIp437aTpRiCTQjgSU_kbGklmJz5g0aTQgydQtTEM8HGe/s1600/000025.JPG" width="645" />
</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipbKnRG_VUaScHtpzVSGA2guRvnuS-SKGPR5_XVNns72LyzqMSnIVAJjTUej69S3TOrQsDHVBYUAlVH2cs0ancvc4mZ5sVxljIFvxQJeXhsKedDWhlH_zZal2hpb8Ipzpn6rTnvR-5HTPj/s1600/000026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipbKnRG_VUaScHtpzVSGA2guRvnuS-SKGPR5_XVNns72LyzqMSnIVAJjTUej69S3TOrQsDHVBYUAlVH2cs0ancvc4mZ5sVxljIFvxQJeXhsKedDWhlH_zZal2hpb8Ipzpn6rTnvR-5HTPj/s1600/000026.JPG" width="645" />
</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6C-3zUxdjhXgx76kQFSm6U7lXOaDoE4fZXvW6hzuPUMpta2yyGhL9LL2ffaHn7hRjeSj6-Ygk71mXqqcXEAinJBsiHLl5BsVZ3AKbRNQnmRjRjF3RrDv-Oe5MMDcJR2o53SABRLcLIW22/s1600/000027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6C-3zUxdjhXgx76kQFSm6U7lXOaDoE4fZXvW6hzuPUMpta2yyGhL9LL2ffaHn7hRjeSj6-Ygk71mXqqcXEAinJBsiHLl5BsVZ3AKbRNQnmRjRjF3RrDv-Oe5MMDcJR2o53SABRLcLIW22/s1600/000027.JPG" width="645" />
</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2AiVvQ3yblADnaAbB7fHlKV6S3p8TmHBp0nskk9EWksRpnrrk73KVmJTP8GEolWD9pBfdinndcQWZWj2qmpcY6lHCPF80H3hIDUOweXB5VXzDVavovdmujtRn6X2PLu-fU3QRGSrAbGzR/s1600/000031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2AiVvQ3yblADnaAbB7fHlKV6S3p8TmHBp0nskk9EWksRpnrrk73KVmJTP8GEolWD9pBfdinndcQWZWj2qmpcY6lHCPF80H3hIDUOweXB5VXzDVavovdmujtRn6X2PLu-fU3QRGSrAbGzR/s1600/000031.JPG" width="645" />
</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirm6gZwikxoYvmOzJO_ATz9za4IpsUqmf_U6bAHScfx97yWxkU2B1nkYgArmy82qEv2GVjDu5tnH1zTNhQm3aT_AZDcPiX4zVKfKV5QD1ipcFNsH8KLdpQ_Aipkxyh-Tx6l2VQB0uj8jho/s1600/000032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirm6gZwikxoYvmOzJO_ATz9za4IpsUqmf_U6bAHScfx97yWxkU2B1nkYgArmy82qEv2GVjDu5tnH1zTNhQm3aT_AZDcPiX4zVKfKV5QD1ipcFNsH8KLdpQ_Aipkxyh-Tx6l2VQB0uj8jho/s1600/000032.JPG" width="645" />
</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkK3W4iWlc9eMdVwpNzpCJyccpswnBoyXRV-NuJ2GpKKBb7nIxFXts0U8i1S3kMQFSAPqasmxS9XBYDhl21z9wuF8EAKFuIGQFkTvraDiOpy95XbF2ogqIsW2cNEvefwGuFdXlpjhHbFZH/s1600/000033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkK3W4iWlc9eMdVwpNzpCJyccpswnBoyXRV-NuJ2GpKKBb7nIxFXts0U8i1S3kMQFSAPqasmxS9XBYDhl21z9wuF8EAKFuIGQFkTvraDiOpy95XbF2ogqIsW2cNEvefwGuFdXlpjhHbFZH/s1600/000033.JPG" width="645" />
</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKWOdgJwtQb7Wcrw58zMiJfIFSyv8KEuXSS0G0JmNEtTij-Ei1i6LkRIZQ7IFxWWUu31nnuLqROJr33rjSIbp-C-G86dfctUb4hFuQceD1IwXqKmupMaGctpYA6fI5dWJHUs54Uv9GDk_S/s1600/000034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKWOdgJwtQb7Wcrw58zMiJfIFSyv8KEuXSS0G0JmNEtTij-Ei1i6LkRIZQ7IFxWWUu31nnuLqROJr33rjSIbp-C-G86dfctUb4hFuQceD1IwXqKmupMaGctpYA6fI5dWJHUs54Uv9GDk_S/s1600/000034.JPG" width="645" />
</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuN2vJ-MA1PMoWeAnqCajRJGGtliuiDPHuHGCToheONLszQRbDuTyA32jatk96sZHDunxy5U5iy-HFnWPkpXSzvcNxjBmJLyKVeX80YsvgVaiPVNu98KseGISZASuw8jvZ9iJjcarCFDmZ/s1600/000035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuN2vJ-MA1PMoWeAnqCajRJGGtliuiDPHuHGCToheONLszQRbDuTyA32jatk96sZHDunxy5U5iy-HFnWPkpXSzvcNxjBmJLyKVeX80YsvgVaiPVNu98KseGISZASuw8jvZ9iJjcarCFDmZ/s1600/000035.JPG" width="645" />
</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAU8AK8HxhVbk4gxKYiDLzWocx-8iYSnqVnNVu1A4b1RbD2Xc-56etc-Lu6GFwFz866Baaz0UFesa2kB63m7t57B6thYBzTMq8ryAfXCzlQLu4_BNR76eENuUWMZQ4uJGiL5BSVUwed8Gb/s1600/000037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAU8AK8HxhVbk4gxKYiDLzWocx-8iYSnqVnNVu1A4b1RbD2Xc-56etc-Lu6GFwFz866Baaz0UFesa2kB63m7t57B6thYBzTMq8ryAfXCzlQLu4_BNR76eENuUWMZQ4uJGiL5BSVUwed8Gb/s1600/000037.JPG" width="645" />
</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjssTnZaSW6kkRa9nmEckwQTdgO4Z3pBtn7l16i9ZQ0Sv4fGgZf2yQhiJihYuPaBuWNwdIBPQhyphenhyphenSsEG5DVAS2mmkR3J7BggcOCL5_VXfiGWjD54Ekk4rfk2Ix0HkwBjRYd-vZKLM-dZth_8/s1600/000039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjssTnZaSW6kkRa9nmEckwQTdgO4Z3pBtn7l16i9ZQ0Sv4fGgZf2yQhiJihYuPaBuWNwdIBPQhyphenhyphenSsEG5DVAS2mmkR3J7BggcOCL5_VXfiGWjD54Ekk4rfk2Ix0HkwBjRYd-vZKLM-dZth_8/s1600/000039.JPG" width="645" />
</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU8VV1ZTFRZlg4ZnQzm4fC8CoGvb2h79IKQr041fS3UUkOTkKoa6_xVVrHCiLP5bX6JiwVQR0Ts9ZWESwkP3NznuT5esLiEanH_9bcVCAYeCw-kZ_1rAGpf169bT1AHrAuAbWb6AGL017Z/s1600/000040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU8VV1ZTFRZlg4ZnQzm4fC8CoGvb2h79IKQr041fS3UUkOTkKoa6_xVVrHCiLP5bX6JiwVQR0Ts9ZWESwkP3NznuT5esLiEanH_9bcVCAYeCw-kZ_1rAGpf169bT1AHrAuAbWb6AGL017Z/s1600/000040.JPG" width="645" />
</a>Christiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18107748184124761940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030646746177012124.post-59006191743915100722019-11-03T16:39:00.000-08:002019-11-03T16:39:06.394-08:00Beyond the Bridge<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNoP_5UL9pPjbGIPkqAJsnK3xiHj0YZdDv8fZj4hU_XxrrmcwV8omqm5RhMpmVFtHzAgwxg7GDsyoLQfc8FLB31Hk2Vh69oYfEao0kza9MwW1iynULR7dcKxVFo1zkQTinOSLSf-QCayXu/s1600/000015.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2LeUjEKaXIa00a4CZqbY_PueFEliPAeSu5C8xv2HA5_Hzi1BDBmAIERISbdftazYu2-_ljLoIGVREgM051cSOXxzqRQiBVMPvuEjcmZQ612udv9L64XfzZ_34KyFPCS_a3WpcQBrIZ6Lm/s1600/000030.JPG" width="645" />
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Today is the 8th day since our clocks turned back an hour, and I am feeling the effects: a bit lethargic, a bit melancholy. Suddenly we have turned the sharp corner toward winter.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
October felt like a blind charge from the recent memory of summer. And it was too rainy. I finally made it to Tu Hwnt i'r Bont, the "internet famous" tea room in our own little Llanrwst, made out of a 15th century coach house. Its name means <i>Beyond the Bridge</i>. We picked up some buckeyes beneath the giant horse-chestnut tree, and the following Saturday Roan and I drank hot chocolate, read books in bed, and punctured our buckeyes and tied them through with string to make <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conkers">conkers</a>.<br />
<br />
<div>
But autumn is still here! Early November on the Conwy coast is the height of color.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
November feels like a month of dormancy; of rest after the harvest and Hallowtide. Of turning inwards, into our warm glowing homes and our quiet inner thoughts, before the preparations of Advent.<br />
<br />
<div>
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyGh3-b6HT-E31RhLbV_zAdfvqQynrSp0zQVQpPCcosxxAp5m9NjmtRoI_PCtjERZKhSH5BU9m30NLMql0uHtqo6z_-l_mJx_YiMFaBGPj1SoXGJHTiz9r6J9QJJsX90jg4DBopw3NHhGt/s1600/000024.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCCPtiDL-195-5LXZ2T2UVNLSszUUPfQw-2t2BezWxKUOEZu6mOWuQxVX83kh-H98SPeYSP9OzpSjd96l09hpUXEprf83GM4V0bqWOjnIxuAd2azlXZgc1vjYEITTT97JUQzgOf6j0TocN/s1600/000032.JPG" width="645" /><br />
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Christiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18107748184124761940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030646746177012124.post-76264380966939639172019-08-21T10:39:00.000-07:002019-08-21T10:39:16.400-07:00June<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLcyoksSfCJvfvJ7TPveyGorSBSw-WMvoaD564agAY0fjS24wbCGKvCG98DpsrRT5-7UR-LAgXMLCTo2IoaG-dJp6pBmtmWyl-UVKne5Sxnz32QkBIlVKzGEFI3Rz6nu9XvDTR0nSfnaXB/s1600/000007.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1081" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWe2hS51-GQqK3NGQGgS01lQE6yzjJLbuSt5wXNp9JcLktdIYspsUNsI74bR-dGZkKkZieze2voqz8gjAIonUsX7p43-bC2M1WRXknGY_pXV70YTBt1dcirPhhw8LpLaNjVr5Gm0BSHRK1/s1600/000008.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEAZ9ECLVuXLmiNPQRIuu2XyGcJ5LeLEI08zXui-XEs4nHecq-u0cdAFqSPR9utuYcALynTzNI0wNydErkkRLkv0c5dVaBN-KdrnPDG_wZbfshfQWTH3gc-WNtT9Vf39HNc6SIZ3Kb3RFu/s1600/000009.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq-cGMTN3fnIo9TKORnFaacaqCyuyBfsmjOwotdL29Y-xQZZisO9N3F-zE-PvtmuGB3e7-1YyJ4yX_Ml842VEuxR-qO-wP7BkNyyR7SoTMQUDvgq3R0p_7Ev3OtlrWEvCKzyaOhpaQ4u_4/s1600/000010.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLAcOQQBi5BwX2MSQ5ZUEm9RtRR_yC9MXLH2RLpKq9dwrTmhRbzamrNptTPgcEN5sME31eYGGW6XK-hklPIe83x40HTvBWs4sqdZV39_bQ1oq2QEwDNrFCuqJfXH5EXvpqDK4Nwv8GW9F7/s1600/000014.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" img="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp_RDwJOtCuU_jUZeR2oxnmNWqP0gLNhAJYWTjIBNhyphenhyphenRPpdAb2X6XeNGdOUK5l-buPAXPdT0o5Mco4wTEKYEmYdMKLEqM8uUCQEVJR0p0ASnN1eOOZ-KPK9AAckulitj3NV4GovsyOKJ8k/s1600/000019.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Q8oyukzx8_a8mheIFsG7zVqka96OFjUytazVV_tDDx_5qZYfcYOMZ6nbanElMW7VTkAH1lw0qOblzkjJsTYHwhHUW69XSGpCo8H4PKlFz3BWOuhsinlMktTWudVW6hQ3NioUgy5lek2r/s1600/000021.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJcvqhDUWusCHbasLF8z3uQgxPTVugqaFpZoc3UPaQWVw2veG_GLRcL7LsoTgIr2OaSNUFYFjJ-SuTz_cubnDsLqBiZX80aBd46NNEquxaDPuaFmok2OgJnxbY9XSKA3oLNmD6NESj3CJB/s1600/000027.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7dRfmV45JHY4qMxJ9WQ8BdDHlbHHnIrqpyFVWGhrerT09iyPjwU-CMKYCzNuyOZ4VHZjwUfH9ES1SiM33fW_lYkrYL5cS_rpFXk63ZSb4BwQw16pdzBIKGhIM6w5rXE0ZYAkdPdATA73t/s1600/000028.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeJy7rOsv3MkMa94jfc3UH08AopR3mTN23c3EGocFDOLmS5OX40DeuCyrJl8__3I4l_m8HsP4W4Ydvbx0dvqUK_hyvDHGNq6OZMLASR-hhjQRG10Ap2PbETrjX9UlgRppeyjccddiKkfM6/s1600/000029.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWARbF-xpl9ipB8Wyn1Y-DnRVKlXaQeD05JFpK-4_VzL72gX6LpeTBPIPhqGTvZBt1_QIz0HTLYFrKH7dqDKHgyJRLL5Wutqhup1zuBMg_JjaxZFdw_5xvP3FSlUWJ6NJvrj8Etee2DTXR/s1600/000030.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE1AqoSBh6k_j9PYmgsV8Bh7mWo5a8YZPYDbD7CINuC8ld6BoMmP6H6Td4oBm9-XFOq3K5k3pcnGnM3jT0ycbXXL0HVi19J9YpqOKTygI3PoNq6CYAjbnUekMXmIHxJfCMcKXkONK8FDu1/s1600/000031.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixFH6N8mgje94cPC0AkT2gbld7uXRL7N3in_Vfk7mcKXV8rZbkwTcjlvSXRMPb7MMGutGUCcRWH4SYVckgkQqYxWQ9JItRBMYIuwDem_y5deEZhsFSWXqttG4YHDcTVLJE5psvh9QZFNDP/s1600/000032.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRht8asBNL2_ymbQbx4Ko76zhWLssbr5T7XGQPFudqNZEEmPDxsOLUosVOJP7RbMjKfPaCQ7Pc7hpff0A7vP2mB-7dkHZhm6wutWxTw6qHgL_Io89Jsz1bYW15-QEaO-LI2cjuGbAxRsPb/s1600/000033.JPG" width="645" />
Christiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18107748184124761940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030646746177012124.post-75729241333963228882019-05-27T19:10:00.001-07:002019-05-27T19:10:49.489-07:00I Wake Close to Morning<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdTD0HholJ3qDMM7G4iulnvqDsqEwAMOzoCiHfoJiwhsp89ByZhAXLkqtMuQc3_GBu_CZk-tivm841ODZNbWO-xTj4oUYrCzVnXTLUDozA6fe3z3tDXDYeEelX2CRwwexExHfN4IeZvxS3/s1600/000017.JPG" width="645" />
<br />
<br />
Why do people keep asking to see<br />
God’s identity papers<br />
when the darkness opening into morning<br />
is more than enough?<br />
Certainly any god might turn away in disgust.<br />
Think of Sheba approaching<br />
the kingdom of Solomon.<br />
Do you think she had to ask,<br />
“Is this the place?”<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
By Mary Oliver</div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<i>(robin, Betws-y-Coed, February 2019, film on Pentax k1000)</i><br />
<i><br /></i></div>
Christiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18107748184124761940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030646746177012124.post-82989244950380154622019-05-14T09:07:00.000-07:002019-05-14T09:07:20.138-07:00Victorian Extravaganza 2019<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBtrcDclR_4iCEEIGqRpiSE_hbNOVgJpaAKoHmTn0JLS0M9uaY4VAAHtk5PFn2rYjJR8Wsy-BNDNhhBpVGlA9662EEXk8CRLbyuupqkXN7PGlVSyMXiA3IFhmHo8goPToYyQEevCJbWknZ/s1600/000026.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLjWOWmzstp9MMCAGllmcPO6ktPWTgzJ51HnWBrHxRDNKKv4scb3vxE9mhcdhmIKCnJ5U0cmQGE9-b0e5PJjNPeD_4NUhIq0BGh6BwUjPbBwt8RramF0HMvTMhyphenhyphennByD9WboZKEC_AvWKeR/s1600/000031.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1081" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi055xlcaMJpf9lzzxzNoT-uRPrK4XZopM-2Fadt4oF0G5wm99dGhgbVtVUm-N2qIC2o41W-p8yIqKEHII3nZ0zvD7kgvb6Tb5UHQ4C8raSZu_tiss3gd0VSsIXyyJe3WXcHAUuP9uxltyl/s1600/000034.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1081" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG5U29IED68ksS4_QWdS4rx9Rm6Qzmj05AktbkiuM3Bj9qz_U_zqVkmwSjd-3Z0UsCdO2z0NOlQ9Qwv-PYYkUYwIo_rBMPwC4tnyx-vUWfN2D6CsoliY-ELkVG737Py29BMBoo-4bxbVWL/s1600/000036.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMmTDoiX0ICwscRNoHg7Oyl6rM1hFB2T0CCMOKewWx8YqVrHit-ePGWNPa3OHf47NjRJXRHn9j8JxSH_ZSrnpoexA7yxvTNsDDQKOqjHw5riQ-N3gXn1P4bgibYc0hxP_xj7lXTCeVYqpt/s1600/000038.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip9-YoT2qGVnbBeVXuGhW_x9cIEnTbFwzhah-qm2VGqeBHQ4BXsQhiQ79lcIGW-97_UHB3-3NghuUaWeKn8vNXQbOyAin5ffPvUf6YI3LIQiDCXVXc9aI-uo32gz3cDsTtTE434VT3VfqH/s1600/000039.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1081" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhglyUPDi1rEufWrMf5DFc-RqPQUGeivCQlQJy6KF3nv6eeoOCbZwg_7XUWC0BQq1nIKvtvKS9gUtBepJ77IjebjLUYp6u9eF1DoWvGSVJeEchlHppcQsI2UeHia9EAjivrHgPOEr0qnYfc/s1600/000008.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcpTVfcIcUwugi5gMnAqD-7SVPINhgkqFcaHi7x0_VGuC3U6UGAdcGAxtT0jPScooymMvMTjHT09xcqr8K4Ccegl-e96PRD4Q5e88FdM9inzzoSvXyGe_zy_HOB2HbPFCAjDoaCogx1eGV/s1600/000014.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNyl7RSlouC6Y4GY9rrYAFG6lHohvrlBJTpsQSnZwUOxCcF0_dyljrOyY-_z9RtaEUfVAlJ5xiAeQ0_LGuOn1Dc2KwhUg7fs2HJB6jccyLNJED9Bh4Ba1h-JCblnodIqFDCXAG8pihfFaF/s1600/000015.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRNjLRd8LPVgU2y798L7hVUbGyIkblAWytV7JoF4dCdFrYVsoX0CtSo7DltdCZoUZGe3Af7VG78JhsZbNlUAgqwTOwY9iJrLLv8JQItAFoV1JDe00p_mIW6fa2q-iaGgkYxxcyLDVCAbAG/s1600/000024.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNKOXpHxZCzZtrI9vHVK8Oy0swOnDsfrc733BkPz_2omRiTk9awHhmc-70KWurYfpv8ORDjDUg6Ymsviw3KFfdi26MlxjaRoctzQpifIHRiSNsMwZ1fsVa7TQmonAVryXF292DPxU-rE44/s1600/000025.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP3-5PTQyGREz-N6tDLm91784idSODIGTqRxgqZIf3fsE1-rCO2cVy_CpSjo9mWD9vvZJUoYu5HSZWVMlT5mkKjAmM6QPG3ZYwx6EUd2j4OHfM9BLAETiPkDgNuKMbJuAiqDO1PwvOq7kS/s1600/000027.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQaM7rwzEyxaexmksR7-o_njoxkxpHZaAv82yuDDkKfdFsyHzk6zGDaMK4gUUkWHD7XZb-25YjAC9sho87z37CldoRGXuBmT2hKOdq7GmSJk4uMJigAU83wcYb7-PctRW4ZVn-3iZ_7sth/s1600/000028.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj2zrGGdUBM1xpOOIS0XqLIgqjtoZ8AcLvYCl5Tbck8a9eOR5qQU6SkRSSbpXFZZ2CSLotMfTNjJXIit25uHKLiiiIqqeBjoAEI86Q1_FvpFW7pn7AYLTjNG0BUK0TohBuT_1p4aLRvJ6n/s1600/000030.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNqqN-0k8dRciH8Aj31xtbve6ZJcXU8z2QDtfRVjoCx9Afg84ZyezGPFnAYFAgSOiZpeRfTC3vZTumenjtmXsYpPLjk4RZCe99Q4GZ488OCsnIFS_zhzPchUJwDaioQ3PuQcMaqjyaehcu/s1600/000034.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRuwFocgAODm2o80993wQH1J9xAk8M17BfCv6nmt43XSVUQh2QjDNgSnsxTNREWgee4eQ2tDz5e8r4qQvb-hBV-bwGheT2MSGYNwR8SdV9zHc1mCMA6zo0UKWLBBXzN01o22XxlOVOm-H0/s1600/000035.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXXGazHK7heV6Kv_oJOPEFTtb1itzdwONM-cAZNWCQS9AvicaYVHtzkXe_hyphenhyphenPEKY5BRN758hyphenhyphenjXgsHDzR6O0zvd3VKEqjzYkFCVMVmLxPO-annskUlRUePnSji36BAHKjrz0W3P7H3WHnh/s1600/000036.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx6O4E9z-fFL-VMwtadUHRrD5a3U5hk-0Cpd1Enwi9UPBuJF77btsN9qSlTGYluk7gkzQzMWVwLUJClxRxbF8xMmM5VrB6LUP36WVGcgf8olyWYj_Pa-GHVpdNKq9UgxceRuh_3P-SYyKj/s1600/000038.JPG" width="645" /><br />
<br />
Notes: cold but dry, partly sunny, thinner crowds than last year. James wasn't wildly impressed with the Ferris wheel, and he didn't want to go to the circus, but I made Roan sit through it on Saturday. Roan got a Paw Patrol balloon on Sunday that he lost thirty minutes later. Two separate people asked us later that day if he was "the little boy who lost the balloon." Roan and James "won" some toy guns at the duck booth, and Roan's was predictably broken in less than twenty minutes. They played on the beach for a while, then some arcade games at the pier and some food. We saw a live Punch and Judy puppet show, which has some questionable content involving nooses, and the devil, and throwing the baby down the stairs!<br />
<br />Christiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18107748184124761940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030646746177012124.post-38847228967119703632019-05-06T13:52:00.002-07:002019-05-14T08:33:16.580-07:00Holy Week 2019<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrBRu9ZVf_sp0zRHtcpvxc9Y4HKDZscRxy9vyeAg4kQjmBZgZBCqhgZ5RKEqqO_xAFBoLNuuhFrjqh0slkwFJTMY9iM5BwQRJazwNA_-NnARZI4XJYqgX25IPmmP1UnCx6KcTTVrhkxwVo/s1600/000025.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" img="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKyygfKQHr8UVHdSN1TukdAL4UTj0naaCZxN6ug4TudMiMVGDBO4oO1vFzMttWdtC0e-n00g0H5IA5FJXCfdDV10Vmdl-KraPcS6eE7eN8_RJ2_zfM3OC9SZj02mYIr7J3iO2f9atg20Ol/s1600/000026.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjelYA05kaTkrk8hDwsWwfrNK6Ei8VVLv0SLhsVNIcON8I1w0d2ZVfafsiPrrYZK0Y6LLKaaLLFTPCYyQ1j2OMyRkU8FmRIme_I6JqzHcOMD2KoVUL30sq2l7tezgU_UZ5ilhTgP5Hqz_mG/s1600/000030.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCdpEmv6yCNxlbEHk8tW5XIh8OWMpF-fBusprF5YVvQuBuU94m6_GQ52MScZuJax9N4Ba6B-4X4l1LJWIFxgne1hG_aH7ZdUxyBzsfTKA2ES1LmoFjdCTPr1_20t644nBRT4hiDBffCGtx/s1600/000031.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXgJ086M7gQOEpISPB5sXoCiRfm2Vn7kGuGzlZZZ0-Ni2pOarT8SQt7hHlflJJHcPS1uY5pZuCY_sQimef_uQOs9O_H-6jfDABc-q73HB5g7A7deHeHEsxeSt4QKtVeu0a4NuVzn4t5OTO/s1600/000032.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifchFd5svMFebWB_cJuB-rjx4HtsmMgrGATOeTOLeK9luoZpvCrhz1P0wQBE3B5YiKIUvBqlQ24FNvX9TJxweL91tCcrDRx_82l4ilIItbBGCr5YtI3IgDCYqbHGSCvaqUiYkEkJ-cQOBJ/s1600/000034.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrQ-D2CNLWnBBJU3y7JKzKirTlFcS-j6_gw-JMOvXZKPoLW1tk1jwWuN6cYkRmuve2uQHkqDtP1rmp4-P8VDBxRF9hwCiXkd4X8OAiGrZPtQgeJei0wW_hBWa47IX9vyI-XXgq5eSlI-AN/s1600/000037.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtNUGpm7vu3dqvupnECym2ktzdRDhWY1dkSkAwPr6Qsw7baOD6w9KqWYYkZQ1oeSByI_Fq1xr94H7t54NxK_5GLE5ZDHNQOr6lcVkanfC_tmQmS65xG2z9bpGB9qVgPyjVcP8cW-_d4yzX/s1600/000038.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkfGoNj2k1_7aune7sZx13VvG4k5YNgYXPGFlMNFHT4cDLWILLU0xVl8d0dejVH-V2fA6hVR_3H_VqNA0_TVXkeT4FdSfDTNmT64wtyQBQhO_yCSFDtgf3wZZnKj-hKm2EvqSUqSHT_PGC/s1600/000040.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3meCldAzYCW_ghfbrymcno3G_3y5rTqbILVr35ehnqhZtMgSRRgR5bvpyXOqoxXJbkdOOmkzxwGg0EGtH46X23EW6GzUnZL3YM2zY-xiNMryuAFUHghu-pYsm0EZjg7bWYSsLGi9Hr_8R/s1600/000042.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5mhHiBu99Cus0nwVoH4k440wciaUV-NDb5XrqwurTXsbCUrWcFjnAVg46gGI-2RylcbwfcMMUC89tMj4CvxxTxwlPCiBcHM9_dPeraBRp3mexd3uJ1QYXxpA5jjPWbXvSznqlR1XJpLMm/s1600/000001.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjiirxtXZBEghlDEMwk7CvJz7CYlsOrPW-KUXpUOOnsWDuTUP0qw5WF4KlVH9Tlco-GgeNcj8gK8hKaLWnN35joO0rGYKclMCqoKPOJ2URntPLb2U9-pIGDAA5prw0ph1juYRBmlJm_6um/s1600/000007.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3isiVh-wOEOEXr6b_DEkSrzLwrDVUF_Zq8Xh1PF5CK2S5lDLrZF-fT-tiIAmgxIVfA02b_M4pVZ5adpFSLE0ZBzrPrSCdsYRRQbFtmZzNboN1ux9BW9Vk733hT1nLGhUpz0AJejUZmSzA/s1600/000008.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf63dNLPVmu7s9jFJWV5QVMTKoVn5wbjMHFKUl6_pU-vtmf2kVeriRNopfer7q-pJcVAOD0y8f8qB4abq4pXeZ4iFykGXkXOL9cbhrFIIr_RD7Ggl2IPYRNfYzwNiQxfWMpwikgmHO6f7w/s1600/000009.JPG" width="645" />
<br />
<br />Christiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18107748184124761940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030646746177012124.post-17337800592118917932019-05-01T14:03:00.000-07:002019-05-01T14:03:37.851-07:00<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTskREEqu-KLKyAUst2SDJsCvwWQp3YPs_7sm1-5_TFTxO3glafj5J55qhmdg1EbtJTd6k8gutISCmKT48weR0QdMCyhAW02lOJzN4Au2rzAzB3AqQxArQpsSc_r1PKAfGAcZ6Xx-wu4ma/s1600/000027.JPG" width="645" /><img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7d_C5pkEWu9BtguHWTLLW5cjfHgW04HDkhsrY8pm61sfqHtKi7uJ9PdtAQ0azhNRJizrduu3ZIIgIh40y6V240aHU9xVVAH-PisgG7DtrP2ovZGB2nw1-fPzNhGmj5bdJtQ0EkiulfdvL/s1600/000028.JPG" width="645" />
<br />
<br />
<b>Spring Equinox</b><br />
<br />
Do not say, referring to the sun,<br />
‘Its journey northward has begun.’<br />
As though it were a bird, annually migrating,<br />
That now returns to build in the rich trees<br />
Its nest of golden grass. Do not belie<br />
Its lusty health with words such as imply<br />
A pallid invalid recuperating.<br />
The age demands the facts, therefore be brief –<br />
Others will sense the simile – and say:<br />
‘We are turning towards the sun’s indifferent ray.’<br />
<br />
by R.S. Thomas<br />
<br />Christiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18107748184124761940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030646746177012124.post-68264182069715375522019-04-27T07:14:00.000-07:002019-04-27T07:15:42.781-07:00April, before Easter<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" img="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUswi4m9F8eWYYtF2dKm9sSxpIdsTtz_Hj_1lI-N_gD3IDxgVosUPXSCRESGWCI0mE9EECKCkgiOigsrlMHUx8LheD1KEXkL0ReE65uXRzCiaWh9XCLj-9u72bBdqsN0SBa-7p7PmI_jPo/s1600/000009.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlJDxsdE4xef5nDviAsp_OE9JG0Bkpt6LTQnqcoZqob0w4M54vNbmdlV5y0mR4_-nYC_eSVhgf5cOOQa85ST3P5W_1l0LFzw-IH3lPQAXPTSptJ8urxpmwURoo-fmOnNJE8DyGustrbC1X/s1600/000010.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia_dxAoLanZ5syKsSyoGgqukKLf2ohZqXw8Nt8ZqicyCI4oGsfP3ncGMxl-DEyXVipRUZb22II4RjsfxTSIXf4hFmahOxP7qQuuIq6RK9EmDwenM_dZmkAq-eo_sNyxCrwDKhqwHKXMPMI/s1600/000011.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" img="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmF_A32_UQxCelH3C6UpyvZhQ4gJ0cv0CkV-tY-uqs3FUiCLGSpD2kzv5ZgLDPM6wRG18pCx5BmQV9wxLJs0iootFWu1Yrp5gap0TCy0y7cZvkmILDDHFbzPbTPxfOr9ThBkRCZCETuhxD/s1600/000020.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRDV2gCAPsL9HHGfdZu39fX62Cd8li-0LBDIj2I4to4RG-7LGZbYfZjJBFeNYKZT6jSDslXFXHI7WJYwalyNJCQCozCtU4ITXO9sBTbchUJf9xDGuheAjQvODrF_TsbCRJLIvlCUwY2eDt/s1600/000022.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO5UXqN6wDsf_TuhtQlFUH5UuyyNXqKk8PnW6D5cJYnv9AwPVJHbhqXQtARsCAblWphFGUkKfAImRNK4dood0N4Od_ouGueHWDyhbISqFqJugqUJbn7gfI0COVV0MM0sW5EmmGKTO_RdYK/s1600/000023.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXXjYwpGigA0X3NiPiIgmwbwRy4VvWS1cWhz74rYC8__QR326j0tk-NFpbp0pZkOh3KzXGb7OQCu0XbvNAJBlH-wqbEqT4-fn90L3CFE4xAa9rEc7AeyQvbwvw5uXYoUvq-QJkORmLp1sk/s1600/000024.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBN2_2NFVKQnfXTBLfxI4B_pOcLr3Pmi77c7Dh2GVp56VaUymLKhNeY-Uxxatr_uPPqWChpEfmPmIqrO2Xptd8Sc1jcE8Wa21iwm02dLR43jkLYtyL9XoJDJNLIkOzo8Agn1W1yai-51TO/s1600/000027.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf2TqmD0hX6YQJC6m1qtw5Xm_MUT7mXovABnZREYPbSmuPfh5_3jIoZJFsvPTSbxrcBMtlSiNZY1KElqvp9AuV_h8LtQ5LmAh1wIbhPLdRCW0k-KvYu5Cfrp2DsmRA6BOndZR9lcntNGJ0/s1600/000028.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1081" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisKEmUaOdVJDQNWyqPX6L59fTDNQC_p7I0lVX46hAKdtSVZyDg8wccvFiCfcww8yKP7SwRoRNkU5lAZqDBXypmahRYGf_WWSxghNPQOouHN5OumM37OKrgey-O4frixSLTQrw13O81HUID/s1600/000029.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmbVIwbxG6Jg-eEgWMStwq6NTEnNURaY9napTjXD4DCsKuAJqUUzwGIW9csN6VJZC-mVBqn0sF0ooZyiZPO1jgrSONCZpow5ClkLbm2kGMsxoHTN4wOs6nTIRICi6Hp4xrSGky6Ll3L3ht/s1600/000035.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9-z4_j51AWogKvcrgXCXxp95nDe3t-HYgo-8jLUXN6JMlHcRTYx0PUIKamUz0WlRTt7soI99DX2ygi2g6uyicIoHpsiiRr-ikIUGkXWPtUIlGYpaTqPqGs11VmEFZkTW0MKwd1npl7Gmr/s1600/000040.JPG" width="645" /><br />
<br />
1 // daffodil season<br />
2 + 3 // view from Deganwy<br />
4 // Afon eating an apple<br />
5 + 6 // print workshop at the Welsh Learners' Festival, National Welsh Slate Museum, Llanberis.<br />
7, 8, 9, 10 // National Welsh Slate Museum, Llanberis<br />
11 // cherry blossoms in Llandudno Junction<br />
12 // stained glass at Our Lady and St. James, Bangor<br />
<br />
<br />Christiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18107748184124761940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030646746177012124.post-18889597784730643082019-04-14T01:13:00.002-07:002019-04-14T01:13:34.587-07:00Last Spring<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCkKlWtNghswzsV-ESBB4t3ifWGP_KjlXsnkuy8Q2uX6XUZ-4hbDojzIcpKB37FlPMIajKKVgiVJyW8JPLnGDlDTTUkCFHoSiBFHUXmrB77Qg-YrtzKOfg_tZCfTgOmDneVStwMyQOR8XS/s1600/000010.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvpZSomoEtT61Y0Kqo7NfIHQoh8W32ruvzqOzzX9jLSFpOIyGHJk4qIbAYCYOH-zHO4HgxjxUnTiByJfBlwCBRS2G-otUulEUfPKgu_VK3rQcBF_LPbN-MGAdjBzWJnT9LeShmjT599Dy1/s1600/000017.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQmqvNlwMFNqhRY1-NgWlCs8tozELK3YLKDPciduyAC_Y1uk1y31GgcM5Sv2G9iVeemW2SgjtRd6CM0Hg_11qtu7-rQcDfFhq1pNVfV2jASBnZSEeZRlVDFlg3VVn8oMn0I7MPniTsa8sz/s1600/000019.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-R07p-R_Yfpk0EkCOZAHYN0BRelCsTZu4gKWCgZIsi45dzpNAoS5bJA5OjGqPCQKXT4VZkQTAThCiOnyPhvTpmuzglcWiZDFqGDYn9BLewt2S6LZE1vtcJvumDDMZVnlH422W3ebu0qfz/s1600/000020.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfnZ0VpUTkSmEW-5Vk-WPv2bs6bn1YZMMEl_PxluZ9QdFjpybzSxVguPS0BRXPLpchm9pHKJCaEiMW3g78Kwgwn-hkoI5nCRTXezhc5tBkMyini7TN1AHp11OAeCF7eLxLNvLLM2kDLWfi/s1600/000021.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1EF1ak123OmmVHi1_yOu-3fUQ-MoPf5C7gumfTwj0jc1uFqQ424iWTcslPjPta8ER9yyRL5bwQtYd4F3II-oohVDEptmBDBDUEmFNfseaKgWbs6qZraKnMr3z849lJVib_W9x-l5ACe-5/s1600/000022.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpBMQJQWV7AVedhEdSq0lMLFaOcp6Sk8sok4VTMvsLumMunE1Zqqwq70I_vJnCjUmKQ-DN3n_NH-uhjkFHrHqe78sPWWHUCEF04m3HuIsJYMGG6Bt1kDYgxEcvgG9mnfONZKHuWgLGAnHY/s1600/000024.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha6GCKKkxwOA9hP62J-Rfd2BIKIk_7RC18dqw0rBqtdD6wQxYixT1eyNjxlBgaHWEWcA_b0Y2N9W9mLR9LYe5ao1ErLltfZCnq0SIWiOAUyvcqjjqHbR0E-PVu3u-yE3poC-su9QWd1Put/s1600/000029.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLF3k43TqqcUJSlYrK8T5AI5ciaP-td-29HVydNW4WPnc2ACjlwjsqk3Yk9bIjdtD-fRad399_G73TiNAxFzfhn1I0ArHyXN_vqBlo9Dbcst9Odbg4VVNV3WBkNgnN9iFuvbFC6ye5c_Sp/s1600/000032.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheRjIBGl3npm8lWYzrp2vbGDCOMxWzopQIVgVHgllImdYbPgnFmoPACyT5kCBUPaFhjK94SaB7GbNpr2FyjkpoTroeuez-EKQHPxmgjXYK77ozIQMPJnqdfvd2H2UnGaCwqo3GX_bhbgzQ/s1600/000034.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivQVcw7o3BlMx6JO4yUOFD3qAIb3JuydtCKBZ0JLgyebO33WX-cLnTsLArcIDg-1DJzpc282yUpHeDGwrQZ_zpvLQSXYZyQu99L9j0dMwIYPjFwxOJhtf6cRcO4Mwk-F-zSDXImrGm81tu/s1600/000036.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYbYM1K-K_HC8bAJFcAl0Mr_zupMDpksy2vvPYMJV74zxsL0iXkhCGqoySMtlji1MMNep81SkcEl-OFtUljVlLrLsSqS73btQuoM7r9TsVx02DSthDYnrpJApL2fRO05KIR5vCtLpSgnRU/s1600/000041.JPG" width="645" />
<br />
<br />
I am getting these old rolls of film developed one by one, and there is something to be said for the traditional medium, like having a baby: you never know what you're getting, but it's an unexpected and delightful benediction when you see what you got.<br />
<br />Christiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18107748184124761940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030646746177012124.post-8848826446193967372019-04-05T13:51:00.002-07:002019-04-05T13:51:58.805-07:00Sonnet<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJei8kBXuIejGrl_zBZ-FQn8eIVde655JmzujOFKFzFHiVaGW3zcfJWxahQRouSoH_gtNbRrHp5UlBFw8OG-a49zerLCuFmGBWSQIp3mc7JEJ4QTf-EfUpdMt47_2hVowv7HWlLSS2GXXj/s1600/000019.JPG" width="645" />
<br />
<div>
<br />
Here it is again, spring, "the renewal".<br />
<div>
People have written about this before.</div>
<div>
And the people who track the four seasons,</div>
<div>
the hunters who know the weather has changed.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Still, rains happen: there are slow roots that make</div>
<div>
progress; something has a hand in the earth</div>
<div>
and turns it. Clouds unknot the wind. Bulbs blow.</div>
<div>
Their threadbare minds gust outward, turn yellow</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
eyes to heaven. It answers with the sun.</div>
<div>
And the sun is a bulb, a mutual bomb.</div>
<div>
The daffodils crack. "Oh heavens!" they fret,</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
"Where's your terminus?" The flowers are wan</div>
<div>
travellers. They unpack their cases. All</div>
<div>
they know, they are. Renewal, rest. Renewal.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
by Emma Jones<br />
<br />
<i>* photo from Candlemas 2019, Betws-y-Coed, film on Pentax k1000</i><br />
<i><br /></i></div>
Christiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18107748184124761940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030646746177012124.post-50607524203257875982019-04-05T08:48:00.000-07:002019-04-05T08:48:46.565-07:00Blank Spaces<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLZAf9UCVR3I5zu_yWw8gJuqTQvxF8msDq-LZeaYoxiMO7pWuQdpQrFhvaKTt951aYfMZZvUUIppXIX1DOkBamVDUAHiGNjhjiPotAimCOgqqWUYeZTzS0mtPNCBrY0amYZfXm56_bFtPy/s1600/000007.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHPlhB1DLNkpwTxxcRQHkWDsnq90TTOD3M3FoCWm2CERq863YVwqvXm3oAjV1Rad2UQL_6YrLu0q-Avm4iYFc1TAvKaHT1-c64z4QGian5kK9nRSaR64AJHxp-rZYvFCfLbBFeysmnm0y7/s1600/000012.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK_EmBZvfbZhyRGGRRv-74Aeyf3Y4t75LmufSHXski11E1H7VOPdvbfkF0J63sfGxAKej_QDOM167OlDrhyphenhyphenCD1zCyX9-Dm_cs4SkvspzL_NW84jXzTbIG-a0Q3w_GbQsK6fluiF4iBJd0x/s1600/000013.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlxQyuRrBGYYy5YKH1zXEOFjwWTE66-NdIoOnNQ5DVHpylxKfNeIP591pJG4PIL4Q5yM4_gl5WbrIGEmF3JRrE7lOMPh8QVHPiJ1YHGVfLdOw7fOJfiuy3_iVcwh04hCL2kv-HVhFDYFLA/s1600/000014.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqbEoSJlR-SVxR81l3TlovcuOQpPan6XnhGw6SBttn92EO7XAzMtzzUmM8r82Z9iOIuoFDtTIn6IRwMcG_MXUQevrqa1upOnFL2Kac3hWgFHz3XxXsEjCVPH9zhc4ytZK6ywIUQ7IdtS6K/s1600/000022.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvjzX-Jm6uSRYD7v9U5dRxrTZFYt282FZy75kTGQTZNw1yzuwyJDEat9wM_4t02yBNft2JRv1nPzrW8Yoa_jI2ySSQoM807uPHmfK03jxjK7qeksVrv-4VQMoISjCV7Jpwk45od6Moi6fn/s1600/000025.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlpZON_0SMs6mcQChxuzFWjUIK5mjBV7G16P9CATlZVU21txOD6UMaTwBeeFoBA8LV-dihHGMRYb7NChibLklXFG1NcxFQZ0S5KdWY_HjkBfHH9VuN3yIW-MO7Qs5NJceyWkAbwVmRAWic/s1600/000026.JPG" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIw-MWtfu2TJWeDJfmGQSMjqFUATp-4T2_HJsjQBSaYI1-10AfUCQGPlr28J-kqZbcTWfUtd0kwwUwqMOI4WC2k-VEcjzI1DGWl6icoyVFNMBKEAzaEoOnws6dS4EaofWMEpSSni2cA3Er/s1600/000028.JPG" width="645" /><br />
<br />
Some uninteresting photos from last spring of 2018. Shot on Pentax K-100 vintage camera. Film ???.<br />
<br />Christiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18107748184124761940noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030646746177012124.post-16554557969623293332019-04-04T03:05:00.001-07:002019-04-04T03:05:20.817-07:0012 Days of Christmas<img border="0" data-original-height="639" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9VvQVNndOa1-47r4fdEYkeEjB_d1V2hzOM7XqmkkJcwdveBqofoymzGcFDeSyhPi0ERCgBQCcMJX9QL7TZeU7ntW6J34-_dZ8y7GchDa8H7sT6NbJLes8Epe86KYJbvn4Gu0VBl-gaTWs/s1600/49005421_10100332070696189_4063994086648971264_n.jpg" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDsZZiVysk9apEuc8NPAf5qA1SoCnS_ozrx3hCHvFHSMUCGsSPq_g03kDEFJ5DOhbIAD9B26a8vPm__8YeBvhK7hrl2Lnya8rn-II4vJqFOekirJ4Um1LRHCqCRVmtsWw_dogw7iUUBPw_/s1600/49192859_10100333122368629_7990888389098340352_o.jpg" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-CPHVuSDKFgcy69k02C-gBv4SlaVyj8d32ay7XQuxCNwYh4xosYPpqtOg03YAAtp44c2228d7AlGLuvJMxIxjwPlikH5L4G3vhpwcmXiQcdL3nAv9WCdVk_giefxStY_4HItL3r06l5ln/s1600/IMG_0614.jpg" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIfFf33eIqrrpRmmgR4AEeB68EDwQ3Z7yfYgUELR-_AIov0Emdmv2kaY7LmJuxqROMjjptLnhobRxtlN86sNH6ZYnMfJoO3L1kNWXD0y4-GcjyVJdHYeMBnCFLHnDvAITwsP2rDjJy7Xhp/s1600/IMG_0661.jpg" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgK-6hmvfB-h9g3Gfk4Na1K4nCRTEZWW7DnoJz0OYAnrX0IQbE7mi3aa0cBtO4VgJXCZC8O0jfOiTt3ekNGhxM6rcQSL_lS5ehYJ0xqFZltEWCyd-z5rPb1LD38WXPPYhhqvLwq3c_akZy/s1600/IMG_0624.jpg" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq4alxmF0tJIsMMCq87hURvEuiiLQ6nLGCAJyKXK5UvIk65_ePli1r79KYUjNlJLovqJocyNaa8pKEfzDdLbOq0y8ON4rlYQL_1zOhirUMg5O6N7AMlD3OuRYOCN8jTuWFwLPovSAG6bVm/s1600/IMG_0657.jpg" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQLUoMT2pf73brXHxKU1Y65wSSiHg9CBLUFxNCM1a4k_R6Zd9NSEAMUHbX4BJBqolVe3rOVHSlBM9tmYKgMp10yJlz9UDEm4z3lqbsR5Mkluqzzn5X69AiF1BU6_OqiX0XhEe7F7pt4AUH/s1600/IMG_0663.jpg" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpIq_Dkqm4-WVQlvtU87mucMoMBi6YfAFQyjlFHAmEWSqYUsT2VPW0lwiI5d1t0OreUOvtzHm6YOPHxiWGsavx32VV02C2dYXJopTE0u1VhttpsoGZiqwbidmu4_gclggW2maMDplMrmU-/s1600/IMG_0678.jpg" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZIhIKd22fnxQG1AtzVA1iIqV2zWSCBO_AwvMtS_M4qklxldWHynoPjUc-lb9kiFIB8z-61_iYxrkRvssrMkcP_mhpQNaikF356LqvFeQZV5GslZjXp6eXSNaCJK_15Gv-Qc0Yx6kaaRz_/s1600/IMG_0683.jpg" width="645" />
<br />
<br />
Some of the last photos I got before my Macbook (with its accompanying photo editing program) went to its rest.Christiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18107748184124761940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030646746177012124.post-34007377039637821772018-12-23T13:50:00.001-08:002018-12-23T13:50:25.949-08:00Autumn<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_WszFgoJOdqV2GECVs6Bw0PqYYGoE869I5HuUetCci_eE6yrCE_F7MXxBFYu99UY5qLgfuIzZwr_NUYqM89dr6vi4RLs4pXGwfXb7eF4zSAP5-0nNGTRHIw7LK15Wy5plWehiiu0YSApA/s1600/IMG_0083.jpg" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8IRsHZSMpF-7x4B_QiF6OyvquboOxZwx61IvJb_t89_O5Uos3UJ7A2RJJjB7gHDjVlED_ckVRI_YHYzhda6Dh7P1BCUKwrubfJfyfm7DfDmLT3BcSZKGqtxN3Nohw2vYXtti7cOHz9e4r/s1600/IMG_0122.jpg" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLCV2ks6na7ulP44kUjdChMwt0RCtfMXbBGVp8F0fBiimMws8erOMedkxu5WvFA4Ge133TdvXiarrg2Ud1lLYDFYC74B-ywL5Qhccv9Fsh_8PlkY0OAbrkGyfQ8IxgUiZCEuYX-xSSZXZ3/s1600/IMG_0140.jpg" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX_y_9lYdJ8-Pqi2G0sajM0weT_fJdKkeVK51giswPSpLy0H_ODEBua2bZHSoaRXRccUuqatPvBH-hjnZqaQC2rYHEmY9hE3HYhj_bYAs_N-OneJywDN8EhOYryvpqH5b738GsZpgkZYRz/s1600/IMG_0235.jpg" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ5LtaP_Aa5KUDc4hHIasaeK6LirQVmauwc8WJRB7Fw9Hybu3TG4Uul6X6JyJdMo_YjOTpYo1FRutRaU4XnwnSCiJsadzvdIUIdrH1pDp2ZyG0uEpElVcrSnTFYf-RfZ_qIVMPQf9fVFMg/s1600/IMG_0276.jpg" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9lKQx3vDXarCHFCdGLMZR8G2BwYD8tZ4YcXAc9Djquuh_bww1rRo0JE99qQqZSjRznCKbCmyVMA_tFTeTRh-SVWSl1sulpPVYKMs4RG52Q0ubmDxDzV7EDicR34Y3QxOGiaJLQx9OleEa/s1600/IMG_0284.jpg" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsByyKT0USlOjj6UhGiwZtkCuRPrH0PTWoLBdQybNpY_lyKmWbSZam1LZAhwTVbQUB4RRmPD7LtLK6c7qFsN7fGaATUsrwgA56cG319a5CazTu9MfS8k23SUuHBGfHsYFpuabEq90oawr6/s1600/IMG_0290.jpg" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQjWXCGTyKHOQDRkriOZICnCjHhHTE4U95GlY5VfSQSsIhh5C98tM-5aX1s_KvstA3U6U-FWLEqK1v4tNnZEwSs4n6aj-ywxIteJ-geXe-PP9e7SgNG24w5bACErLLzOvFS9Ub7-eqnBmy/s1600/IMG_0300.jpg" width="645" /><br />
<br />
Around mid-November I went to the doctor to see about getting treatment for my fibromyalgia. After being told there was nothing her or the NHS could do, I felt confident about taking matters into my own hands. After some research and advice, I started the ketogenic diet--what a difference! I am all but cured, and cautiously optimistic that this is the miracle I never knew I needed. God is good!<br />
<br />Christiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18107748184124761940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030646746177012124.post-67407181773468378232018-10-16T18:17:00.003-07:002018-10-16T18:20:31.063-07:00The Subversiveness of Halloween<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjatBBkDfvSpfiux3OX_D4EyoGR-M4-zbyb0j2CD7ccA0zWytKeynUBaEEoTSWNvpESRZrMfGTE2GxYhodx6X673TgWluoNuAunUNB4Q2t8Lmbmx6nGWNV-Y3AeiazyJGyTuvHaobJFNl-z/s1600/gallery-1474558454-halloween1924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="657" data-original-width="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjatBBkDfvSpfiux3OX_D4EyoGR-M4-zbyb0j2CD7ccA0zWytKeynUBaEEoTSWNvpESRZrMfGTE2GxYhodx6X673TgWluoNuAunUNB4Q2t8Lmbmx6nGWNV-Y3AeiazyJGyTuvHaobJFNl-z/s1600/gallery-1474558454-halloween1924.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
A friend of mine told me she wasn't allowed to celebrate Halloween growing up, so now participating feels subversive. That word landed like a dart in a target. Isn't that just the thing? A death-day turned into a festival, an inevitable grief turned into a celebration. We dress up to mock--or scare--those very things that forbid us from going out into the night and go out despite (to spite?) them. We look death in the face and say, "Be not proud. You're not all that." We wrap ourselves in the name of Christ (a garment far more real than a costume) and no harm will befall us.<br />
<br />
I love love love Halloween. It's intuitive and paradoxical, making up the pattern common to the ways of the Church. And we need ghosts. We need ghosts to whisper to us in the failing light that there is more to this world than meets the eye--that there is rhythm and reason (though perhaps not immediately obvious) in our existence, and if we embrace it it won't just make us happy; it'll bring us home.<br />
<br />Christiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18107748184124761940noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030646746177012124.post-26819751438473953942018-10-12T14:50:00.005-07:002018-10-12T14:50:52.932-07:00A still, small voice<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgUpqlcJj_vcDrdQPIGiqpM3NSstL09TCeSPRE0XPt8dcVJFtQN3kdYp4oo_e_ndRhGPk7QHhTzxsUz8sb1jM2KEO_WsE7U4kMwcVsKHfPG5Aeg2dsTC_h037mNKlGVY9RFiTZWrPhuXrU/s1600/IMG_0078.jpg" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPC10ctuCOCsnBAbAPkt9EJc5NaWIYQ1FsxdKc7u4iUEhOASL4P07iNSO_hngzkSDgp8FUSRSM9g9WF_mUA1WzN95ZXyxAXVsUQdtf4KVED539zxz661vuMG07VGhYrMu0kXan0g0HnTIM/s1600/IMG_0079.jpg" width="645" />
<br />
<br />
<i>Then the LORD said, “Go out and stand on the mountain before the LORD. Behold, the LORD is about to pass by.” And a great and mighty wind tore into the mountains and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake there was a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a still, small voice. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.</i><br />
<br />
-- 1 Kings 19: 11-13<br />
<br />
Never underestimate gentleness. There is so much power in being gentle.<br />
<br />Christiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18107748184124761940noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030646746177012124.post-66477767253366062972018-09-24T06:36:00.000-07:002018-09-24T06:37:11.881-07:00Mabon<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3AMQPxJjorIjtyh92K8dHpn0U2odqk5akcA3XVXLHp6JwohQzqW60ND3mUEqWusAZK2EuT0d_mr2GDXWWeqtzqYlJaUdou1wVuWfCTaLPg4CJMK_7gkJ_zgOkDCJ032ORAmzC_U__o3O3/s1600/IMG_9991.jpg" width="645" />
<br />
<br />
Between last Sunday and yesterday, we have put away our sandals and taken out or coats. The Ember days have shut the door on the threshold of the season. There is no going back now. It is well and truly autumn. Leaves turn like costume jewelry and the blackberries ripen in abundance. Everywhere smells of woodsmoke, fairy fog, leafmeal, and dying summer. I'm not prepared. The autumn equinox, then, is a wake-up call for the sleepy summer dreamer. The seagulls huddle in the wind on the roofs of houses. A big raven overlooked us walking down from Mass. The horse chestnut tree fans out its leaf-flames and is dropping <a href="http://projectbritain.com/conkers.html">conkers</a>. We feel the absence of light in the corners of evening, creeping in earlier and earlier. Soon, the ghosts will wake up and moan noisily in the hollows.<br />
<br />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLpDkYBWMwZrAgTTp-zbK7U6z1-3EoFTwPYtSXzVMMyAnyjpQytKLaLHawTJErLEWAq4WB1RZ1JDUHTS7dzcN9s6Q_m3qLqYUjG3RzqPRKHi-NetPZHSGIPXu58hSif1JdpQMSxUZgU13l/s1600/IMG_9990.jpg" width="645" />
<br />
<br />Christiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18107748184124761940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030646746177012124.post-2709777485680453292018-09-20T13:31:00.000-07:002018-09-20T13:36:46.657-07:00Blackberry-Picking<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgCpzxWxVB-Z1nE7Dc1MCKjwEHH_L4N4mVYBrAXPkmj-LjfgjchoylcM3-0YUAjJ9RHw03S-oTt-agOvOXeNLjPM27jg3Iw5D_1n4yRHHU78QMHl9WFG2T4fSvwwaRrvGH7LbQgegrXyG1/s1600/IMG_8580.jpg" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisr7byfKr0G8HdIN5GT_6LkQ87BY1W5lAddk5l8L0HIGluuVQtuJpj6cMYmgH-wbtbCmKmH7k8o_f3JnBw8y04btLa0OC9T7ocWagCbrzaVsqQfBoo3HJn6AvEgmocWa8zqcuRnOdrVEOp/s1600/IMG_8661.jpg" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMBf5CWRaiIiSpRo3butQ4hgXXLG70qb-8ttY1Vrx-6PWsZyvvOocBAEi5A1OMlLGuxc4zMjw1xaFz-bn6VWae0a8qC8I6XNTwhvHULXDrNJ8Di9vIFVALUjys0IzMR-uxK79szjCq6sC1/s1600/IMG_8669.jpg" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0NvpamF6cBCxqNz2mNh_VfHss0rzpV6Jp_QAWlRi-vHng8bFenotuPPFOWErhvzkMTVbX1t7yw3YhBocY16cfJT1MyVJs5RhuodzmTJizWFhxqOAq8ggjIf41n_ky_P4ehO1tfio0_qLF/s1600/IMG_8707.jpg" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimSznKB49jpkjVY-1P9FPCiW0g8zanukdsjjXvyxYUspBNZhwlCUiwhghJjnTcH6fm4Z86K8AHsfAqV56cX0S49HMmcpMk0vk118xIweNHZeiCa5bb2pyQcQOisvYQ_0aQUcgb97yFW7GF/s1600/IMG_8736.jpg" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtIrJyAaN5qN7HegehCDDJY-EXdqkVLekYI3VZWC9IkKAz2FBgOfjn5Sq2j_NCHQJd8jHZtuO_nR6lwd3GX2f68QtbbIXm_IIGahXYzwHHVoO_4S1k6qRTT8BeNAFz-4zhZ5pyqxfwTezF/s1600/IMG_8740.jpg" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXcxy8p9TZYUlL_n_1CSqaAPrDwcSqcU_NvbyD-X85ekSOwmuuzRAaUw7awYttqJyPwEjq-aLnaSHHhgtKr6mCMRBTbn0Tv_9iSa-lNHwtuezJcx6DWqoc786NLKwWV8JlR2iQnhd8TqZZ/s1600/IMG_8786.jpg" width="645" />
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Blackberry-Picking</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Late August, given heavy rain and sun<br />
For a full week, the blackberries would ripen.<br />
At first, just one, a glossy purple clot<br />
Among others, red, green, hard as a knot.<br />
You ate that first one and its flesh was sweet<br />
Like thickened wine: summer's blood was in it<br />
Leaving stains upon the tongue and lust for<br />
Picking. Then red ones inked up and that hunger<br />
Sent us out with milk cans, pea tins, jam-pots<br />
Where briars scratched and wet grass bleached our boots.<br />
Round hayfields, cornfields and potato-drills<br />
We trekked and picked until the cans were full,<br />
Until the tinkling bottom had been covered<br />
With green ones, and on top big dark blobs burned<br />
Like a plate of eyes. Our hands were peppered<br />
With thorn pricks, our palms sticky as Bluebeard's.<br />
<br />
We hoarded the fresh berries in the byre.<br />
But when the bath was filled we found a fur,<br />
A rat-grey fungus, glutting on our cache.<br />
The juice was stinking too. Once off the bush<br />
The fruit fermented, the sweet flesh would turn sour.<br />
<div>
I always felt like crying. It wasn't fair<br />
That all the lovely canfuls smelt of rot.<br />
Each year I hoped they'd keep, knew they would not.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
by Seamus Heaney</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Christiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18107748184124761940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030646746177012124.post-18571631911068986072018-09-07T12:06:00.003-07:002018-09-07T12:06:37.592-07:00First Day of Nursery<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ZYyzl8U4pBwJtfSKteCT8CWbfIZon8cc55dJNmeLMUnAF6aapMTibOmpHlaKcKWSUNer33E2O2eypuhe2VAo-lDB4CcUkYT5-iQB2O9dtSUCC0q88j8gBGRqKB1yjpAMtQUNVZENvdTm/s1600/IMG_8543-6.jpg" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXfpI9NW8UqK4PP9jkxmzuzSj7UirD-6ho1YXyiDIWEIaFnSi-t53e_Tu0Ho00GlPczirV5Oi2IBVUsoRSsHdKmZz_h-n7-tKce4zUQpi1LI5hKOo7FknCFu1PAOfvlDa0uBqCc8uOkv8X/s1600/IMG_8538.jpg" width="645" />
<br />
<br />
Roan came home with his cousin's Paw Patrol lunchbox and carried it around all day for the past few days, even sleeping with it. He was so stoked to go to school yesterday, he made me put on his jumper; he even made a grand show of going into his bedroom all by my himself, telling me to turn out the light, kicking me out, and staying there for all of ten minutes! He did not, of course, go to sleep in any reasonable time and was exhausted when we got him up this morning. He took a nap right away when he came home at midday.<br />
<br />Christiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18107748184124761940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030646746177012124.post-44283064896573819452018-09-04T14:44:00.000-07:002018-09-04T14:44:18.135-07:00First Day of School<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDXXmcxjtDnrcZvjL6VNgXBH5q7_a0WUjyawtFo158ZY_F4sL0Dtd3W7jz7b_fjITP-nd-mfYNQ1_8vhm1o9JavtQMuXfoNcmiew7uYNFxHR377c4G1DZwhYRDXi4vphN3SJhtAxvuy1Mt/s1600/IMG_8383.jpg" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPsz-adEzfTTs5gaT2FIfvk6leRjQ4YF8BXgYFIe8pEQb6x2gbg8xZbWe3CfeuCA_FYCq9LBWK5Zg8rkUSQ2x1z6KApXeF8VGN2jtlvGaO9Ii7G52w5XZefRhDJne5HJ74MBJKMXC-duY7/s1600/IMG_8473-2.jpg" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinCmzES4w0L_QBZbqnSiAWCXYpBHwXCeX25qFJw5uXzpwkmdTA6oaUk7uza0v0ypLhMwhABk7fX6erY8uZ1_udq-wS7u5S6yJHr8RjhJJ32pft1vYKQ_G02R_OSoRbb5slZAaeRcUmnZYe/s1600/IMG_8479.jpg" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" img="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdTY382liqu2ao1JURR0KKlk6JDMl-4JNYz55G3r_ttTvhnLivBVt9H3oHSpyNorZqyqdUw2XTJjzbJS1_mVb9ITXHKNIUAidL3DE1F2JxKhSmdroPUYAvQ5Jmhizk5of3OQB7gNjx7v3e/s1600/IMG_8489.jpg" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6qR52ae4j1DryzWqgPfLG-Ucoegw1igv4WajqqyLQ8SCrzzvoKH6LLQdTpGB54vuS1Zf0iGFL9ELmei9Divb1ya3WRHGF79p5rZkmTcYBg-e-8uAretLNOGZUqzmlr3hCuZsxUtYQxfT5/s1600/IMG_8315.jpg" width="645" /><br />
<br />
Mama and Afon went for a special after-the-first-day-of-school outing. 2018-2019 is going to be a great year! We can feel it!<br />
<br />Christiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18107748184124761940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030646746177012124.post-32230075683990337682018-09-02T18:42:00.001-07:002018-09-03T15:21:29.253-07:00Blackberry FiendThe blackberries are ripening, and I pointed them out to Roan. What have I done! I've turned the {<a href="https://crownandbough.blogspot.com/2016/10/blackberry-fool.html">blackberry fool</a>} into a blackberry fiend! He's been stopping and stuffing them in at every opportunity. I taught him to only pick the black ones. And if we eat a bug or two, well, a little extra protein never harmed anyone. All around us are the scents and sights of autumn. Maybe we will have a real blackberry fool dessert this Michaelmas!<br />
<br />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxm0_cCT34m42ZF9ASvz7fdlx5zO-aEPfXHrSxBeSDwHUfGrAR1gvBqP3yzgxd8OlKfVPCtrEh4kbDQrSOQHMYVXqm-ZHXBhCRq7AKYZB-EvgvusK_H6h9E-JnMcAClF4oVc8CAQxfgjMD/s1600/IMG_8100.jpg" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXKCK9T8so-iGarJUy5Yi2Pzv7a-p5t9mBJ1d10IHxaLbWh5-wTFMCACKGqi8RBtcHW2sWndmTNIWlVlFApT_ZxpBahQEgmPzPTx3pr_G5iMsNSltXFhmGo4UNH55iIxUTnkvaJu9b8KTu/s1600/IMG_8107.jpg" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN0IIyk5YJJj8VZ-btW7NVEEcsXKWnjpYS9YhwWkkqdPOrOlAC-gxL3jASzb2EdjSNSQwHs8Mtw3F9rfLMULbjfmQpaKHGtPsLPxKu2O7lQH6ogvZ-fQmbVSu3tHLAaSYUZ4n3WB8drfuq/s1600/IMG_8112.jpg" width="645" /><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC63XVDC7GyPppyT9UQmDM5MHphC0Qd_Yf6qlTUqCnmoUjP5PITfgG3NsQDZpAFGljnZO_AN3Vm1yyk0AzskP-VVrNhDtOi6ImgON573TjSJUJHiTBhdGsHW_c5uHOXVQNw2bJWTFJ8udp/s1600/IMG_8114-3.jpg" width="645" /><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisZ-leFZIHCrXMaSCGDO4Ga3GKqtJlXI57pFmvrhd2vzMHPSMTERq5MnpQyYEPxQsR7AXobchzneKz2E-EJOLUnJmrAv6rYpUWsg7MvnmB1tCa7GEjkrp99ek17SfqANma7GJn5sGZ-_Xi/s1600/IMG_8132.jpg" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsjL9pwyS1QYmTSOG68-IXAHBpDOSZmKMW3pBn6l7MNQXNpeQdWMmvDVuBXSrJFqfuOQzeTH1Yjt0K5zo5yZrEzNH_s3LVzJKhuyh1GYJgsTp4Ct_zpE9pbEeYsveVz7kX3UPqtqRllTAX/s1600/IMG_8147.jpg" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhod0XhcG2xsWAztRKfxEr1vqei6CjhKKY2qYGHzP_0UGgELsnjIrv_mvuCQ7UiISLro8d-ZLJj6_aygRT8-6Lt1Q8XsKhDeUYFBTJj2QGcIoNfIAGszb45HtIqPuo_JEA5WLJwCO8hPdUI/s1600/IMG_8185.jpg" width="645" /><br />
<br />Christiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18107748184124761940noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030646746177012124.post-36884356033387147162018-08-29T17:44:00.003-07:002018-08-29T17:44:49.072-07:00Summer's End<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoEuJDik03dqXkGlE-s9naIfXaSWiWci9LEHW4UbKHd9-xNw48vtkftgOZZGb1qJHhnytTAMnelu4tt16XH-WqWnJQGEEjWdXBVqYvVo5lFKIdYxBLsiHJFukRHYFJjebaaJvNMMJAtK4w/s1600/IMG_7765.jpg" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiouM6-_3lPQv4S88J190XAYd-0Lon6W4QjVOXnjXwWVF6sA64qT6zJFMkCJ2ezozTmeahsbi_oxKEzOzF-NXtVGjq3cg9_cTZ42br6BsTFaC7uyN7PROTakkN3dZdQEG9-2s8EIKYA8SXe/s1600/IMG_7767.jpg" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUtG2MVi12M0QcnDI6hAcl7au3yhwC8FW9oneZYj3jzmJGiwE5rRev7IWYbDCBgyvfxmKh5I-vx64KLU0Ylk0RZQTrn9_oisvT6RAaFmy9x4plDyireX76orlKl7NwHODMCG0ZDacu8II2/s1600/IMG_7750.jpg" width="645" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2G57kP5hjwQIC-MHPEjwAGD_ew-jpd6pX7sSZXgZwG7kmHgvhooADs4sOOzZQTZmHac8N0ZPo0mlHSKMsSKHdYoIRpzIL1dyMc7SBasnnPovVnhnKzqK8lY3QSU4GSXodvsf6E9dxfyfK/s1600/IMG_7734.jpg" width="645" />
<br />
<br />
Shorter days and cooler nights. Must be the end of summer. Sunflowers and harvest. Ember days and Mary-days. Michaelmas and the gateway to autumn. September is such a mellow and lovely month.<br />
<br />Christiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18107748184124761940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030646746177012124.post-22583797244172781712018-08-25T12:46:00.001-07:002018-08-25T12:46:58.227-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhHcsOO9bDUDeCxI67KLGiMFofR4sr4HRL_WSR_cddsDyZU730z-02V5Hqv1HQ9pbAPZd420Dqkn60brlJqe8Eb0mGHRLw9ql4do6ZAtqMAFQBsI8Wz1D8FHapUOWm8EpurI0Zss5LjKi1/s1600/IMG_6375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhHcsOO9bDUDeCxI67KLGiMFofR4sr4HRL_WSR_cddsDyZU730z-02V5Hqv1HQ9pbAPZd420Dqkn60brlJqe8Eb0mGHRLw9ql4do6ZAtqMAFQBsI8Wz1D8FHapUOWm8EpurI0Zss5LjKi1/s1600/IMG_6375.jpg" width="645" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>The Bright Field</b><br />
R.H. Thomas<br />
<br />
I have seen the sun break through<br />
to illuminate a small field<br />
for a while, and gone my way<br />
and forgotten it. But that was the pearl<br />
of great price, the one field that had<br />
treasure in it. I realize now<br />
that I must give all that I have<br />
to posses it. Life is not hurrying<br />
<br />
on to a receding future, nor hankering after<br />
an imagined past. It is turning<br />
aside like Moses to the miracle<br />
of the lit bush, to a brightness<br />
that seems as transitory as your youth<br />
once, but is the eternity that awaits you.<br />
<br />Christiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18107748184124761940noreply@blogger.com0