pixel skylines
No title available
No title available
Cosimo Galluzzi
⁂
will byers stan first human second
🩵 avery cochrane 🩵
he wasn't even looking at me and he found me
@theartofmadeline
taylor price
PR's Tumblrdome
Misplaced Lens Cap
Keni
Product Placement
Cosmic Funnies
TVSTRANGERTHINGS
untitled
$LAYYYTER
Game of Thrones Daily
izzy's playlists!
seen from Bangladesh
seen from Iraq
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from Malaysia
seen from Philippines
seen from Venezuela
seen from Germany
seen from Spain
seen from Mexico
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from Singapore
seen from Mexico
seen from United States
seen from Ukraine
@mellbriley
Sahara Over Greece
Every so often, dust from the Sahara blows across the Mediterranean and envelops the Southern Greek islands and sometimes reaches the Greek mainland…such was the case on February 1st.
I’ve always had this unexplainable fascination with Africa.
I stepped outside and found myself in this silver-glowing world, tiny elements of Africa swirling around.
The Ancient Greeks must have been used to…
View On WordPress
Thankful for Greece
Living in such an unstable country where you never know what you’ll wake up to – I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Every morning I am thankful to wake up under the Mediterranean sky.
Surrounded by Godly landscapes and magnificent archeology.
Thankful for all the regional ingredients and food prepared with love.
Thankful the locals are so patient with my elementary Greek.
This tiny country…
View On WordPress
Epiphany 2015
Early morning, before sunrise. Moonset over the Corinthian Gulf, just as the first light of the day strikes the mountains.
Thirty six degrees Fahrenheit and two degrees Celsius, I walked down the promenade and shivered against the wind. Distant mountains were capped white from last nights storm. The cold stung the air and froze the senses but at least it wasn’t raining.
I did not envy the…
View On WordPress
2014 has journeyed to an end so here are photos of its last days; the elements were raging as snow and dangerous winds swept over Greece – but as we know, it is when the Earth is showing her power she is most beautiful.
The Ancient Greeks would have interpreted these as omens. Of what, I truly wish I knew. There are countless theories.
But let us take a look and let our hearts be the judge.
December 31, 2014
While it was snowing in the mountains, a cloud that looked like a Phoenix swooped over the Corinthian Gulf and then over the coastal town of of Loutraki.
The entire Corinthian area became engulfed in a fog, Modern Corinth slowly faded as the mountains were rendered invisible. Loutraki began to blur.
Engulfed in a mist – many ancient cultures believed this phenomenon to be the spirits of those who drowned at sea, approaching the land in greeting. To me it looked like an otherworldly dance – a celebration of space and time.
And as for the rest of the night, it was difficult to see. That night and next morning the winds reached up to 150 km (93 mph) and though much of the mist was gone, the winds still screamed.
January 1st, 2015
Snowfall in the mountains over Modern Corinth.
Looking above Loutraki and at the Gerania Mountain range.
A cross high up in the Gerania. And looking at the Acrocorinth where archeology was covered in snow.
Seagulls group up and brave the winds while a rainbow manifest over Perachora -
- and over the small port of Loutraki where a bird soared to the end of a rainbow.
And slowly the return of blue – the first blue sky of a New Year.
Omens http://wp.me/p20dor-12W 2014 has journeyed to an end so here are photos of its last days; the elements were raging as snow and dangerous winds swept over Greece - but as we know, it is when the Earth is showing her power she is most beautiful.
These are some of the worlds first photographs contributing to the Greek archaeological record.
Let us go on a quest, tracing in the footsteps of these pioneering photographers, and compare then to now.
Trying to pinpoint the exact location of each photograph was a challenge – with respect to the original photographer I did my best to keep true – however geography, nature, circumstances and rules have changed. Places once ventured are now off limits – for example one cannot simply stroll inside the Parthenon or climb up to the roof of the Erechtheum Temple.
The glorious complexity of Ancient Greek design made it even more a challenge. My angles are far from perfect, but still I hope it will give you an idea of how chilling it can be to compare the past with present.
Strange coincidences occurred. While I was sifting through literally thousands of my older files I found uncanny matches, waiting to be discovered. The romantic in me theorized that the same Muse who held the hands of the photographers before me, were with me as well.
While looking at these photos you will see that much has changed but much remains the same. The displacement of archeology is alarming. The restoration of the Acropolis site feels unnerving. But above this, a pattern is revealed. Our enchantment and love for Greece. The spirit of Ancient Greece and all her wonders continue to call to us, no matter the generation.
So let us go back in time, and compare then to now.
The Propylaea, the ancient gateway into the Acropolis. 1882.
After entering the Propylaea, and taking a look back. 1961.
This man and the photographer are both unknown, and all we have is a date was February 29, 1923.
The Parthenon in 1961 and the Parthenon today, currently undergoing restoration.
The Parthenon from a slightly different angle. This photo was taken by the Italian historian, Giuseppe Gerola, during the early 20th century. The woman in this photo is unknown.
Isadora Duncan – a legend in her own right – in 1920. This photo was taken by Edward Steichen.
Note we are looking at the northside of the temple, at the Porch of Caryatis, also known as the Porch of Maidens.
Today, there are five replicas of the Maidens on site. The originals are displayed at the Acropolis Museum.
During the early 19th century, the sixth Maiden was looted by Lord Elgin, and used to decorate his mansion in Scotland. He later sold the Maiden to the British Museum to clear his debts.
Returning the Maiden to her sisters in Greece is one of the most fiercely debated topics in the world today.
Mary Paraskeva infront of the Erechtheum, late 19th century.
A clipping from 1930 reads “Modern Athens from the Acropolis”. Then just as now, we have the same reaction as we peer over the city.
And looking a little closer: the Lycabettus Hill in 1922.
And even closer but further back in time, the Parliament in 1875 which was then a palace.
Photographer is debated, either Peter Moraitis or Felix Benfils.
The East side of Parthenon in 1961 compared to today.
View of the Odeon of Herodes Atticus from the Acropolis. Early 19th century and today.
Entrance to the Odeon of Herodes in 1905.
One of the most difficult and chilling images to line up. The Germans approaching the Acropolis in 1941.
And finally, view of Athens from the Pnyx Hill, the very birthplace of democracy. Photo taken in Anthony Stewart in 1940.
Then and Now These are some of the worlds first photographs contributing to the Greek archaeological record. Let us go on a quest and compare then to now. These are some of the worlds first photographs contributing to the Greek archaeological record. Let us go on a quest, tracing in the footsteps of these pioneering photographers, and compare then to now.
As thunderstorms passed through the area, I wasn’t very optimistic about getting a shot of the rising September supermoon.
However, while looking toward Athens, there was the briefest break of clouds.
3am moon light over Loutraki park and the Corinthian Gulf.
[metaslider id=3539]
Early morning blues
[metaslider id=3540]
September Supermoon setting.
[metaslider id=3541]
Sunrise
[metaslider id=3688]
September Supermoon 2014 over Greece, in pictures As thunderstorms passed through the area, I wasn't very optimistic about getting a shot of the rising September supermoon.
As September 9th approaches, the third and last of our Summer Supermoons will rise.
However tonight is the Harvest Moon.
Looking toward Athens from Loutraki, the Harvest Moon rose at 7:30pm.
Illuminating the clouds as it climbed up the sky.
Zooming in for a close up.
As I write this, it’s 11:30pm. I expect in the next few hours, it will be beautiful over the Corinthian Gulf- storm clouds are passing over head, but not enough to fully block out the nightsky.
Standby! As the night unfolds, I’ll post more photos of the Harvest Moon here. :)
Photos of the 2014 Harvest Moon in Greece. As September 9th approaches, the third and last of our Summer Supermoons will rise. However tonight is the Harvest Moon.
Hope
Hope - whatever you focus on is what you get.
Whatever you focus on is what you get.
But what if thoughts are chaotic?
If pictures could tell my story, then this would be this mine.
Manifestation of fear appears in the sky. But let the rain fall, this day will go on.
Hope breaks through -
– making colors of the rain.
Clear mind, tranquil thoughts.
Instincts are sharper, chaos is tamed.
You and I are endless.
We don’t always have to…
View On WordPress
On the morning of August 18th, two of the brightest planets in our night sky came together in a brilliant conjunction.
Timing the exact rise of planets can be a challenge in mountainous areas. So I woke up early, went upstairs to the terrace and sleepily gazed at the stars.
As everybody knows, when you are waiting for something, it is the moment you divert your eyes it will happen.
When I returned my gaze from west to east, I was momentarily confused – it seemed as if the hills had exploded in a ball of fire.
Jupiter and Venus were ascending.
Caught between panic and excitement, I grabbed my camera and struggled for stability against the strong winds. However, much to my frustration, none of the shots could bring justice to those few moments of beauty.
*
These two worlds would slowly separate. But the Moon would slowly come into view, joining Venus and Jupiter and creating a cosmic triangle.
August 22, 23, and 24th I woke before sunrise and vowed to chase these majestic planets.
August 22nd: The Moon at a waning crescent at 9% visibility with Earthshine. Jupiter and Venus are lingering behind.
August 23rd: Moon visibility at 4%. This is the cosmic triangle at its brightest.
August 24th: The cosmic triangle disperses. The rising Moon at 1% visibility and rapidly vanishing – the sun was not far behind.
Cosmic Triangle - the most beautiful conjunction. On the morning of August 18th, two of the brightest planets in our night sky came together in a brilliant conjunction.
Child Spirit
Child Spirit: I am not a mother - not by choice but by circumstance. This is how I direct all my maternal energy and instinct.
While sitting here at my desk and pondering over today’s Monday Zen, a philosophical muse must have been riding the northwest winds and noticed my open window.
She had much to say.
Today is for the child spirit. How we originally came into this world, in all our curiosity and pureness.
I am not a mother – not by choice but by circumstance – so I direct all my maternal energy and instincts to the…
View On WordPress
After Sunset
Video of powerful winds blowing over the Corinthian Gulf.
Last week, strong winds blew over the Corinthian Gulf creating powerful, gorgeous waves.
These are the winds we all hope for during summer months, especially to break the spell of a heatwave.
While taking pictures, I thought it would be fun to also film the local atmosphere after sunset.
Enjoy!
View On WordPress
Adding to our vault of Tuesday Perspective, this is for the observing crab I saw yesterday.
Lingering on the rocks and enjoying his meal.
He briefly glanced up at me. I was afraid he’d scamper off. But if crabs have facial expressions, then his was that of amusement.
After his meal, he just sat there and stared out into the Corinthian Gulf.
What is our world like through the spirit of this small creature – the one who graces both sea and land. Crabs may have poor eyesight, but they have an astonishing ability to detect vibration.
Perhaps he does not watch a sunset – he experiences it.
So I sat silently next to him.
Together, we experienced the sunset.
What is our world like through the eyes of this small creature? Adding to our vault of Tuesday Perspective, this is for the observing crab I saw yesterday.
King of the Sea
King of the Sea - May Poseidon keep his waters safe.
Life in a small coastal town is a test of discipline.
The forest air that blows from the Geraneia mountain and swirls over the Corinthian Gulf before settling over the coastline is constant meditation.
It’s easy to understand why the Greeks make a run for the cafes. If not for caffeine, one might fall into a slumber only to wake up with that terrible sense of under accomplishment.
Yet…
View On WordPress
The water was clear with wavelets.
Heads bobbed up and down in the sea. Some were groups of friends, some were old men shouting political jokes at one another. Others were Yia Yia’s exchanging gossip and recipes while treading water. And then there was me.
I was very annoyed because when I gazed over the water, there was a sea-tanker disrupting the perfection of the Corinthian Gulf. Enormous and horrid, like unsaid words – like an elephant in a room.
When the Water is too Deep
As a child I’d routinely lock myself up in my bedroom with a bottle of cough syrup. My father was in the background slamming things around the house while cursing my existence. He had wasted years of his life changing my diapers and I was a financial burden. A waste of space. A leach to oxygen, a disgrace to life.
So in my child body with an adult mind, I surrendered to silence. So great was my desire to exit this world, yet nothing I attempted worked.
In later years, I was horrified to discover a diary from when I was 7 years old. Inside it’s worn pages I had scribbled I want to die over and over again. I believe it was around then I set my greatest goal in life: to not kill myself and die a natural death.
I have long since walked away from the poison that broke my spirit.
My soul originally entered this world as laughing, curious baby. So one must forgive me as I shout from the mountain tops of my imagination, my love for humanity and beauty of this world and belief in the kindness of strangers will never be diminished!
We are in this water together.
Oh captain my captain..
Nobody talks about the suicide attempt survivors. There is so much the community could learn from these beautiful sad-eyed misunderstood souls who walk among us silently, everywhere.
My inner child stills battles with the guilt of being born.
But on a deeper level I am still a laughing, curious baby and it is through this energy I live.
I will share with you my greatest secret: Everyday I take a moment to write down an experience I would have missed if I were not alive. From the taste of fruit, to a glorious sunset, to a kind stranger who smiled while crossing my path.
Here are honest, nonjudgmental resources I turn to when thoughts are dark: Waking up Alive and Attempt Survivors
May you keep swimming, my fellow warriors.
We are in this together and you are never alone.
A tribute to suicide attempt survivors. The water was clear with wavelets. Heads bobbed up and down in the sea. Some were groups of friends, some were old men shouting political jokes at one another.
After an awkward fight with humidity and a broken tripod, I was feeling ready enough to call it in a night and sleep through the August Supermoon.
To be fair, the tripod is from the early 90’s and was salvaged from an Atheinain dumpster and then gifted to me.
Truly it was the best gift anybody has ever given me.
Attempt to capture the rising August supermoon through humidity.
Taken from my rooftop in Loutraki, looking toward Athens.
Around 3:00am. Looking toward Modern Corinth, fields and sea drenched in moonlight.
The Sleepless Dream
Only one thing can get me up before sunrise: the anticipation of something beautiful happening out there, waiting to be immortalized in a picture and shared with the world.
After 40 minutes of sleep, I walked down to the beach, took a deep breath and made a small tripod out of rocks.
Sunrise was approaching and stars were vanishing. The moon was quickly fading and I had to move fast.
Looking toward Modern Corinth from the Loutraki coastline.
A few hours later, this photo was published in EarthSky
I literally cried with happiness.
August Supermoon After an awkward fight with humidity and a broken tripod, I was feeling ready enough to call it in a night and sleep through the August Supermoon.
Remembering Athena
Wise Zeus himself bare her from his awful head, arrayed in warlike arms of flashing gold, and awe seized all the gods as they gazed...
-Homeric Hymn #28 to Athena
In Greece, there is a running theme. When I’m talking to people the question always seems to come up: which god or goddess are you?
While on the train or bus, I silently play this game. I’ll look at somebody and guess if they are a Zeus…
View On WordPress
One cannot simply schedule daydreams. They simply drift, embrace and stay for awhile.
It was a humid morning and I was returning from the farmers market, my hands weighed down by the bags. I was feeling extremely thankful for these local treasures, it is difficult to find food of this quality back in New Jersey.
Suddenly my mind drifted into the realm of storytelling and when I returned to reality, I was surprised to find myself half way home.
Isn’t it amazing – the power of our thoughts and strength of our daydreams.
It was around then I noticed a girl on the beach. She is a waitress and before starting her shift, she was starring into the water lost in her own thoughts.
Only she knows what she sees.
Waves approaching.
Waves crashing.
The Sun begins to set.
But before doing so, the wings of an angel appear in the sea.
The day ends, night begins.
When daydreams drift, embrace and stay for awhile. One cannot simply schedule daydreams. They simply drift, embrace and stay for awhile. It was a humid morning and I was returning from the farmers market, my hands weighed down by the bags.