August 16, 2021 – Beautiful Photographs

Cee’s FOTD Challenge: August 17, 2021

Published on August 16, 2021 by Russell Smith2 Comments

At Home Depot they were calling this Dragon’s Breath. I found the name Celosia.

Flower of the Day

Working Title: Ripples (1)

Published on August 16, 2021 by Russell Smith1 Comment

Butterfly

Published on August 16, 2021August 16, 2021 by Russell Smith2 Comments

After yesterday’s exciting offering of two Fiery Skippers caught in flagrante delicto, today’s photo may seem a bit humdrum. If that is the case, I apologize; however, I think this photograph has its merits. I like the shadows on the Monarch’s wings. Also, if you look closely, you can see the tip of this butterfly’s proboscis. That’s a rare sight. Additionally, I like the contrast of the pink background against its wing.

Ludwig’s Monday Window Challenge: August 16, 2021

Published on August 16, 2021 by Russell Smith13 Comments

I don’t know if this is supposed to be a representation of Christ or an Old Testament prophet. Jesus Christ is typically depicted with a triradiate nimbus; that is, a hallo that emits three rays from the top and sides. That being said, I think it a beautiful window and it makes me think of God. Isn’t that what it is supposed to do? This is the last of the stained glass windows that I photographed during my brief visit to Lewisburg, Pennsylvania in June.

All of the recent stained glass windows are from the same church- a Methodist Church, at that. Across the street from this temple is a Baptist Church and it too is adorned with lovely, representational stained glass windows. It has been my observation that most Protestant churches shy away from this kind of artwork. Most Baptist churches that I’ve visited, if they had stained glass, it was abstract.

Lewisburg is a small town in Central Pennsylvania. It is home to Bucknell University and a big, Federal prison. It is in the Susquehanna Valley and surrounded by dense, lush forests. While it is a bit remote, it is accessible from major highways and it is far from a cultural wasteland. They have an annual art fair to which much energy and attention is devoted. Besides the University, there is a large auditorium/concert hall nearby in the city of Williamsport. It is a charming place in the Amish heartland. It is definitely worth visiting.

Monday Windows

Ragtag Daily Prompt: Luminosity

Published on August 16, 2021 by Russell Smith9 Comments

Drawing his sword, GarGar shouted, “En guard!” He charged directly at Diego Diablo who barely had time to parry GarGar’s thrust. GarGar’s one conscious companion followed suit and the forest was filled with the sound of steel clashing against steel. What Monsieur Diablo had hoped would be a routine hold up devolved into a life or death struggle with the best swordsman in the Kingdom.

Meanwhile, GarGar’s long suffering valet regained consciousness, shook off the fog in his head and acting quickly, grabbed one of Diego’s boots in an effort to pull him from his mount. Thanks to this distraction, GarGar was able to knock his opponent’s sword from his hand. Seeing their leader disarmed shocked his fellow robbers and they immediately fled the scene, leaving Diego Diablo to his fate.

“Yield!” Shouted GarGar, le comte des Deux Chats, his eyes flashing with the luminosity of the righteous. “Yield, or die!”

Diego tried to spur his horse to flee, but with the tenacity of a pit bull, the valet held onto Diego’s boot, slowing his progress. GarGar and his companion quickly seized Diego by the arms. “Well done, Jacques!” Shouted GarGar to his valet.

“I beg your pardon, my lord, but my name is Felipe,” replied the valet.