#camel thorn tree

[sitting-on-me-bum]

“Dune Ribs”

A lone camel thorn tree is dwarfed by a massive sand dune in Sossusvlei, Namibia.

Barry Crosthwaite, United States

Sony World Photography Awards

[forgottimeexists]

Some mini canvases I painted in January 2023.

[pupsmailbox]

NATURE ID PACK

NAMES︰ abelia. acacius. aciano. aini. alder. alfie. almus. amaryllis. ame. antonio. archer. arthur. ashe. ashley. aspen. asper. aster. aveline. aviv. azalea. basil. belle. benedict. berry. bloom. blossom. bluebell. brook. calix. calla. carli. carline. carly. carolina. carrillo. cassia. cassiopeia. cedar. cherie. chun. cider. cira. cirrus. clover. coral. cordelia. crescent. cynthia. cypress. cyrus. dahlia. daisy. daphne. douglas. dune. echo. eilir. elara. elm. elowen. elyana. enon. erica. ester. everest. everett. evergreen. ewan. fauna. fern. finn. finnley. fleur. floor. flora. florian. florise. flower. flynn. forest. forrest. glen. gracie. gunner. haru. haruhime. haruki. hawthorne. heather. hemlock. honey. hyacinth. ianthe. indigo. ione. ipomea. iris. ivy. jaskier. jasmine. jasper. juniper. kalina. kallie. karolina. karoun. kath. kelda. ken. kingsley. lake. lavae. lavender. leilani. lennox. lente. lief. lilac. lily. linnea. lotus. lucinda. lucky. lucy. maayan. madeline. maggie. magnolia. maple. maren. mari. marian. marigold. mars. mary. maud. mauve. meadow. miles. momo. moss. mossie. mossy. moxie. muna. narcisow. nimbus. noi. oak. oasis. oleander. oybahor. pandora. pearl. pebble. pege. petal. plum. poppy. pınar. quanlian. quill. river. rosa. rosalie. rosalind. rose. roswell. rue. rune. saem. sage. sakura. san. sky. sol. star. story. strider. striker. summit. sunny. sylvia. sylvie. tasnim. terra. thistle. thorn. thorne. tree. udaberri. vasanta. verna. violet. waipuna. wells. westley. willow. wisteria. wisty. wren. yuki. zephyr. ziedonis. zinnia.

PRONOUNS︰ amaranth/amaranth. aster/aster. bee/bee. bee/bees. bless/blessed. bloom/bloom. bloss/bloss. bloss/blossomself. bud/bud. camell/camell. camellia/camellia. carnati/carnation. chirp/chirp. ci/cir. cloud/cloud. colum/columbine. columbine/columbine. comfort/comfort. dais/daisy. dawn/dusk. dew/dew. dog/dogwood. dog/wood. ey/em. fe/fer. fer/fern. fern/fern. field/field. fir/fir. fleur/fleur. flor/flor. flor/flora. floral/floral. flori/florid. flow/flower. flower/flower. freesi/freesia. fruit/fruit. fuch/fuchsia. garden/garden. grass/grass. green/green. grow/growth. hawth/hawthorn. hawth/thorn. hi/hits. hib/hibiscus. honey/honey. hy/hys. hya/hyacinth. hyacin/hyacinth. h✦/h✦m. ir/iris. jas/jasmine. jessa/jessamine. jour/ney. laven/lavender. le/leaf. leaf/leaf. leaf/leave. lil/lily. lotu/lotus. lu/luna. mag/magnolia. mar/mar. matcha/matcha. misel/mistletoe. mo/moth. morning/morning. moss/moss. mossy/mossy. narc/narcir. narcissus/narcissus. nature/nature. orch/orchid. pe/peony. peace/peace. peak/peak. per/peri. peri/periwinkle. petal/petal. pi/pix. picnic/picnic. plum/plum. pollen/pollen. pop/poppy. prick/prick. pur/purple. qu/quest. rain/rain. rhod/rhode. ros/rose. rose/rose. sa/sap. sage/sage. sakura/sakura. scent/scent. se/ser. shine/shine. shroom/shroom. sh✦/h✦r. si/strike. smile/smile. soft/soft. sol/solar. spikes/spike. spring/spring. sprout/sprout. star/star. stem/stem. sun/sun. sun/sunrise. sun/sunset. syr/syringa. tea/party. tea/tea. thist/thistle. thorn/thorn. th✦y/th✦m. tul/tulip. vi/vier. vi/viol. wi/wild. win/winkle. wind/wind. wister/wisteria. yucca/yucca. zinni/zinnia. ☀️ . 🌱 . 🌳 . 🌷 . 🌿 . 🍎 . 🍏 . 🍵 . 🐝 . 🐞 . 💐 . 💐.🌷 . 🕷️ . 🦋 . 🦟 .

[rwby-encrusted-blog]

You know, because it's hard to give a massive amount of character in one post, I'm gonna list stuff about alternate rusted knights here

Repentant Thief: Emerald Sustrai, desperate for company used her semblance to hallucinate her friends/allies. Over time as her memory of them began failing, the illusions became flatter, more generic in their kindness and support, and at some points she truly believes that's what RWBY and Co. were like, while at others she can't stand the sight of them, the inaccuracies making her sick to her stomach.

She waits for her Heroes. The ones that saved her before.

She wears leather armor with a Leather helm that covers the lower portion of her face, with a large cloak and hood over all of it. her pants are very similar to previoupairs, simply plainer and sturdier. She has traded heels in for full hiking boots.

~~~~~

Fathomless Angler: Clover Ebi, now an old man, has grown tired, very, very tired. So tired he no longer cares to find a way out, and lets time slip by - He never read The Girl that fell Through the World, his knowledge of it's tale being minimal. He figures this is some twisted afterlife, that he'd done wrong fighting Qrow and has to let himself be punished for fighting his friend.

He Waits, as catching a fish is mostly waiting for it to take the bait. He's still trying to figure out his fish.

Clover wears a faded, dusty Atlesian coat, meant to have water and snow slide right off, with a large scarf and slick bucket hat. due to lack of care, his beard has grown long and scraggly, a veritable bush of salt and pepper. He wears Waders in place of his old Military boots.

~~~~~

The Cobalt Knight (Oxidized Cobalt): Alyx, upon deciding to amend her mistakes in the Ever After was assaulted by The Curious Cat. Jaune Arc, the Rusted Knight, still sick from the poison rushed to her aid. In the end, Alyx was saved, and the cat slinked away to lick it's wounds.

Jaune's didn't make it, and was swallowed by the tree.

Alyx, unable to heal him, to fix this mistake took up his weapons and trained. She was smart - out maneuvering and outsmarting the cat for years until she was able to fight it directly. Then they stayed apart, the Cat not wanting to risk themself, and Alyx not wanting to her own life in revenge.

Alyx waits for the same reasons Jaune did - Guilt, anger, self-loathing, and a need to help RWBY, with all the same weapons he fought with; Mind, Sword, and Shield.

She wears armor like Jaune's only simpler, and lighter, and in FAR better condition - only a little dirty and scuffed.

~~~~~

The Frosted Empress (Lonely): Weiss Schnee, Knowing all she had to do was wait, did just that. She waited. and Waited. And waited. She did her best to stay stable, she practiced arts, she kept up her training, she began to speak to herself in off moments, she never got along with people too much liker herself so Alyx was a handful to deal with.

She oscillates between a very sweet, matronly figure, and an Icy, bitchy Vol-1-esque personality, with moments of lucidity being not too uncommon.

This Weiss wears very simply constructed outfits - basic chain mail and dresses, with immense ornamentation, and a veil, like one would wear at a funeral. She has many different trinkets - leaves, feathers, jewelry and what not.

~~~~~

The Wilted Rose: Ruby Rose fell into the Ever After, and Suffered. She fought as much as she always had, but with no support, no clear goal and the weight of her failings crushing her, Alyx and Lewis were the Straws that broke the Camel's back.

She Ascended into the one person she knew could do anything.

Summer rose.

As motherly and sweet as ever, this rose has thorns only for The Curious Cat - even if she can't remember why.

She looks like an older Summer. With like, very graying hair. It's just Summer Rose.

[fishylife]

Watched episode 123 of Magnificent Century yesterday and I'm feeling dread for the rest of the show. In a good way because what happened in episode 123 was so big but I just feel like the rest of the show is going to be so intense.

Spoilers.

Episode 123 was the episode that Suleyman killed Mustafa.

The fact that Suleyman killed his own son is such a big irreversible step in his life. Mustafa was his firstborn, his special golden child. But now, Suleyman's become the kind of ruler who will kill his own sons and that has to do SOMETHING to Suleyman's character. He did not kill Mustafa with glee. It was a regretful and gruelling process to get to the point where he felt paranoid enough about Mustafa's power that he decided to kill Mustafa. Especially since he's his son, especially since Suleyman had told Mustafa once that he wouldn't be the kind of guy to kill his own son. But Suleyman will always be a politician first and a father second.

I know Mustafa was the rival to Hurrem's kids, but we (and Hurrem) watched Mustafa grow up. Yes Mustafa had a brat phase and he is kind of a thorn in Hurrem's side, but in her eyes, he is a child. From a narrative standpoint, Mustafa's only crime was not being Hurrem's child. I don't think she had anything personal against Mustafa the way she did against Mahidevran. But given how Mahidevran hates Hurrem's guts, Mahidevran would 10000% kill Hurrem if she ever ascended as Valide Sultan. So there's no choice for Hurrem but to put one of her own kids on the throne.

I had no doubt that Mustafa would be a good ruler. He was so good that so many subjects were praising him, and there was even the sublime state established because they were so invested in Mustafa becoming the next sultan. He was just, and he was human, and he was filial to his parents, and we never doubted that. Funnily enough, Suleyman always doubted his loyalty but more on this later. I guess Mustafa's one other crime was that he didn't know how to handle the politics. He didn't know how to humble himself in front of his father so as not to challenge his authority. And he treated his father as his father first rather than as a politician first. As he was summoned by his father (after he was framed for collaborating with the Persians), literally everybody was telling him not to leave. Mihrunissa was saying that the whole world loved him, that the trees and flowers will telling him not to go ;_; But Mustafa had such deep love for his father and he trusted him because Suleyman had said once. There was a sliver of Mustafa that knew there was a chance that his father would kill him, hence him writing the letter for if he ever died. He really wanted to believe that it wouldn't happen but Suleyman had once taught him that to be a sehzade was to be prepared for everything.

I know Mustafa's downfall was a long time coming, but let's be real, so much of it was manipulation and framing by Hurrem. She and Rustem were always whispering into Suleyman's ear to get him paranoid. With this whole ordeal, I actually felt guilt on behalf of Hurrem, Rustem, and especially Mihrimah. Mihrimah, who did love Mustafa at one point, but had to pick a side. I felt that these three were particularly guilty because this alliance between Mustafa and the Persians was built from nothing. It came from nowhere. Mustafa never spoke with the Persians.

The combined straw that broke the camel's back was both the frame job and Suleyman finding out about the sublime state. Ironically, the sublime state worked against Mustafa in this situation, because Suleyman felt so threatened by the overwhelming support for Mustafa. Mustafa tried to distance himself from it. I think he tried to shut it down but it didn't really work, and in the end, it was his downfall.

I want to talk about the kids. Mehmet was closest with Mustafa. Growing up, they were very close, but Mehmet was always a step behind on account of just being younger. Hurrem did all she could to keep him in the Capital and not send him out to the provinces until he was much older than a typical sehzade would have been, and then he was sent to Manisa, the province that most future sultans rule. Mehmet was Suleyman's golden child (the other one other than Mustafa), particularly because Mehmet had not grown old enough to lose his "innocence," as Suleyman would put it. He was just, a little naive, but in Suleyman's eyes, he was still a good boy. All the signs were pointing to Mehmet being crowned as well, including Suleyman having a dream where baby Mehmet was sitting on the throne. While Mustafa was friendly with Mehmet, he started to feel threatened. It really shocked me when Mehmet died. The show portrayed it that Mahidevran had ordered Mehmet's death by infecting him with the plague, and I suppose human life is only so strong. I expected there to be more vengeance against Mahidevran this season but I guess it only would have made sense if Hurrem and her family had definitive proof that Mahidevran had killed Mehmet. But the fact is after Mehmet died, Hurrem didn't really have a good candidate to support as the next sultan because Selim and Bayezid were both somewhat immature and Cihangir was in poor health.

Up until recently, Selim was still pretty immature. He was constantly getting drunk and getting into fights. Nurbanu had to babysit him and whisper into his ear which isn't really what you want from a wise ruler. As for Bayezid, he was impulsive and rash. Neither of them were really as good candidates as Mustafa or Mehmet. Originally, Hurrem was going to support Bayezid, and Rustem and Mihrimah were too. But later on, Selim appealed to Hurrem for her support. I don't know the history at all, so I really don't know who's going to ascend and I'm eager to know.

While Selim was regent, Bayezid and Cihangir had formed an alliance with Mustafa. I think Cihangir was more content in fully supporting Mustafa because he was never really a candidate for the job. But as things became intense, Cihangir noted that Bayezid was starting to worry that he'd be left out of the race. And I think towards the end, Bayezid realized that he needed to strike his own path. But up until the end, Mustafa believed in both Bayezid and Cihangir. Cihangir makes sense, he was on Mustafa's side until the end. But before Mustafa was going to meet Suleyman, he told Atmaca that if Mustafa died, Atmaca should throw his support behind Bayezid.

I was wondering whether Mihrunissa will wage war after she finds out that Mustafa is dead. She does have military power, and she has a son by Mustafa who would be part of the dynasty. It would make for an interesting storyline if Selim and Bayezid have to work together to fight them off and possibly restructure the janissaries, who are currently very loyal to Mustafa. I don't think it's likely though.

By the way, Mihrimah is becoming Hurrem-lite. She's picking up most of Hurrem's tactics. Things are different for her because she is a part of the dynasty and thus her priorities cannot be so clear. But with her helping with framing Mustafa (and getting rid of the person whom she has the most conflicted feelings about), I think her mind will be clearer from now on.

Not sure if Mihrimah is still going to go ahead with divorcing Rustem. Rustem was always kind of a rat. We knew that from the beginning, but it feels like maybe they might have become closer now that Mihrimah is looking at things more from a political angle than a romantic one.

There's also the question of Fatma Sultana, the only one of Suleyman's sisters who's still in the picture. She was always team Mustafa. She might try to impede Hurrem a bit but her drive might wane a bit now that Mustafa is dead. I don't know if she has any military power but she won't be able to help with that if Mahidevran and Mihrunissa do try to plan an uprising. But her husband is loyal to Suleyman so I think her hands are tied.

Ahhhhh I'm pretty anxious for the rest of the show but like in a good and bad way. Good because I'm excited, bad because I think we're going to see a lot of betrayals and deaths.

[vitalmansion]

Rustling brambles make way for red seas, twisting and churning but never quite fully there. An audience cheers as the performers take their bow; Arrow knocking an apple off a womens head A boat shifting and lurching across the sea of sand like a lantern on a camels back.

Swaying, Lurching, Rustling, Twisting.

The thorns prick and scratch at attempted mortal flesh, only to curl away as if in pain. The moon shattered above, you will heal it with blood and gold and girl wrapped within a labyrinth of webs, tree lines twisting and warping skylines from buildings in cities. The corvid birds peck at skulls. A magpie lay trapped within itself.

Endless stars burrow over human flesh, eyes staring down as you walk between lines of cars in a parking lot, eager to get inside before the rain sweeps you away.

Picking, Scratching, Warping, Sweeping.

The lantern shifts as if blown by wind; the camel stumbles as if tripped by holes. Fields of wheat sway with breeze unseen by panes a woman trapped. A sister harmed you will heal her with blood and gold. Fighting a storm not meant for only one.

You fake a breath and all stills. A house far within depths shudders with you. It’s hungry it says and you are as well. The vines curl away burned by starry steps through, unwilling to be caught ensnared in your web of lies and malice. You’re hungry you think, and the house says it is as well.

You peer through your window seeing you sister walk into the forbidden. The mother calls for your sister to return A magpie lays trapped within vines. A knock on the door sounds.

The boat on red sand stills and warps itself disappearing as it goes under from a wave. The clocks tick away in the clockmakers room all different all the same. There’s a kitten on the sidewalk.

A bakers son gets married to his best friend the fisherman laughs from joy from his catch. A knock on the door sounds. The crowd gasps as the performer lay dead his assistant standing over him with despair and anguish. An arrow strays off its path hitting an unsuspecting target.

Voices warble and whisper and wonder across rooms. And the door opens after third.

She opens her eyes, though unseen by the child who walks through her door. “Hello my dear.” The mother grins, a hundred eyes from under fringe curl in delight.

The house shutters shudder, awaiting your command.

[evelynmlewis]

"This, but platonic"

The Hero plodded onwards, through the swirling sands at his feet. The sweltering deserts, where the sun pressed like the weight of ten camel-packs. Amid the tents of the nomads, patterned, waving in the hot winds, and barely stopped.

He plodded onwards, through the shifting snows. Through the frozen forests where ice sparkled on the limbs of the trees like tiny jewels, and bit the fingers like shards of glass, and the pines bent their backs like twisted old men.

Across the treacherous wasteland, the boggy swamps, the wide plains where storms swept hard with no shelter.

But he could not stop. A thousand miles, anything. She was there.

The Hero came at last to the castle. It was an ancient, broken place, the walls blacked with soot and smoke. Around it stood a hedge of thorns, with only the narrowest, most hidden path up the hill to the castle. There he had to leave his horse, for the beast shied and would not enter the thicket, and the path was not wide enough. The thorns pulled at his clothes, until his cloak, once blue and bold, was in tatters.

Still, he did not hesitate.

She was beyond, and he knew not what had befell her, but to imagine the smallest tarnish in her innocent smile put him into a murderous rage.

The Hero emerged on the plateau before the castle. "Villain!" he shouted up at the dark tower. "I know you are there. Come out and face me."

The Villain seemed to melt from the shadows, and condense into a solid figure with a crooked smile. "I see that you have come."

"I demand to see her now. Release her to me this moment or I - I will make you pay more than you ever imagined."

The Villain's face split into a grin. "You demand of me?" He laughed. "Now I have you both in one place, and all the better. She shall remain with me forever and you shall die."

The Hero drew his sword.

The Villain laughed again. "You believe this is my true form? Look again."

And the earth split, and a great chasm arose before the castle, and the villain descended into it. And out of it there arose a great beast. It was a thing not seen since the dawn of time. It had a dozen arms, and a thousand spines along its limbs, and in its mouths were a thousand barbed teeth.

The Hero was like as to faint from fear. But he straightened and raised his sword. The Villain must have counted on him to turn and run now. But no. He had no choice - or she would be lost - lost.

The Hero and the Villain fought for hours, over and over again the Villain throwing down his monstrous limbs, which the Hero lopped off again and again. Finally, as the beast began to shrivel into itself, the Hero thrust his sword deep into its enormous eye.

With a scream, the Villain perished.

The Hero was exhausted, and bleeding in a dozen places, but he could not rest. He pulled himself up the twisted stairs and burst into the castle.

Down he went, down and down, to the deepest dungeon. There he paused, just outside the door. He could not stand to see if she was not there, or worse. But he couldn't stand there imagining it. He could hear, from inside, a soft weeping.

The Hero threw open the door.

She looked up, slowly, then stood up to greet him, chains slithering along the floor, then falling off as though they had been affixed only by the will of the dark beast.

"Sister!"

"Brother!"

[spidermilkshake]

Ancardia's Unusual Plants--The Jubokko Tree

Classification: Plant (tree)

Habitat: Higher hills in the Adrakki Rainforest, more concentrated on the sites of historic battles.  

            The Jubokko Tree is an unusual long-lived plant exclusive to the Adrakki Rainforest region, but isolated to the places that rise at least a meter above the highest monsoon floodwaters. It is a tropical coniferous tree, usually measuring between 5 and 7 meters high at maturity and with a canopy spread usually more than 9 meters in diameter. Its gnarled, buttressed roots also spread outwards along the surface of the rough rainforest soils to this distance before descending belowground, and the high portions of these roots are well-known—and feared—for their many jagged and large thorns that protrude from each section. Large animals are known to stay away from the bases of these trees for the potential wounding that these large networks of root-thorns can cause, which makes Jubokko a haven for the smaller animal life of the Adrakki, particularly arboreal and flying life. No fewer than 400 species of songbirds and parrots feed regularly on their large, oily seeds, alongside a plethora of rodents and primates such as agouti, flying squirrels, tamarin and spider monkeys. Numerous insects also use this tree as a larva host and as a hunting ground—including giant stick insects, tropical mantids, pineworm moths, Adrakki peacock butterflies, and gliding scorpions. The Jubokko nut is also edible to humanoids, though far more useful when pressed for its useful oils after a certain poundage has been collected.

            The Jubokko Tree begins life in very particular conditions. It requires a very high germination temperature and high nitrogen content to get started, which is usually a condition only met by the seed landing very close to a rotting carcass or a trash midden. It also cannot tolerate being flooded, which rules out a great deal of the land it is native to. If a Jubokko seed does land in a favorable place, it will grow over the course of 60 to 100 years into a mature tree, developing its spiny outlying roots along the way. These spines have the purpose of drawing blood from larger animals that wander past, which for the largest beasts in the Adrakki region is hardly more than an irritation. In this way, the Jubokko avoids heavy browsing from the jungle megafauna such as the Titan Camel, the Titan Drake, the Rhino-drake and the Horned Dawn King. The blood drawn from such huge creatures, as well as the clumsier smaller drakes, ungulates, and humanoids that hurt themselves in the vicinity, contributes to fertilizing the tree and can trigger a growth of unisexual cones. The passage of a Titan Drake herd can cause a swathe of Jubokko pollen production that may capitalize on any large carcasses left behind in the area due to illness and predation, creating a new generation of Jubokko. These trees are in no hurry, as the oldest known surviving stands are thought to be over 3,000 years of age, and the average one in the pockets of the Adrakki region will likely be pushing 600, even in less advantageous areas.

[yhwhrulz]

Streams in the Desert Devotional for January 8

"I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing" - (Ezekiel 34:26)

What is thy season this morning? Is it a season of drought? Then that is the season for showers. Is it a season of great heaviness and black clouds? Then that is the season for showers. "As thy day so shall thy strength be." "I will give thee showers of blessing." The word is in the plural. All kinds of blessings God will send. All God’s blessings go together, like links in a golden chain. If He gives converting grace, He will also give comforting grace. He will send "showers of blessings." Look up today, O parched plant, and open thy leaves and flowers for a heavenly watering. -- Spurgeon

"Let but thy heart become a valley low,

And God will rain on it till it will overflow."

Thou, O Lord, canst transform my thorn into a flower. And I want my thorn transformed into a flower. Job got the sunshine after the rain, but has the rain been all waste? Job wants to know, I want to know, if the shower had nothing to do with the shining. And Thou canst tell me Thy Cross can tell me. Thou hast crowned Thy sorrow. Be this my crown, O Lord. I only triumph in Thee when I have learned the radiance of the rain. -- George Matheson

The fruitful life seeks showers as well as sunshine.

"The landscape, brown and sere beneath the sun,

Needs but the cloud to lift it into life;

The dews may damp the leaves of tree and flower,

But it requires the cloud-distilled shower

To bring rich verdure to the lifeless life.

"Ah, how like this, the landscape of a life:

Dews of trial fall like incense, rich and sweet;

But bearing little in the crystal tray

Like nymphs of night, dews lift at break of day

And transient impress leave, like lips that meet.

"But clouds of trials, bearing burdens rare,

Leave in the soul, a moisture settled deep:

Life kindles by the magic law of God;

And where before the thirsty camel trod,

There richest beauties to life’s landscape leap.

"Then read thou in each cloud that comes to thee

The words of Paul, in letters large and clear:

So shall those clouds thy soul with blessing feed,

And with a constant trust as thou dost read,

All things together work for good. Fret not, nor fear!"

Copyright Statement This material is considered in the public domain.

[libidomechanica]

Such a purple grain

I shall I ne’er before we part,     her hand calmly as a shell should forget and light in the     flow out. Matter now? Let none of her cigarette into     the rock, and all-oblivion of bent foam and waving     stream remains unsoiled,

unmixed with false in breast. What saist     thou toil our thorns were glad sighes mixt; with words thy beloved,     as long and for that makes her giant heart. Been bough in     my one hand, but lift this grown a musky Chain, to bind the     muzzle beneath fluorescent-

curve, close as we’re made a string.     They rightly winds and fell like sweetest stratagems sweet plighted.     Kiss against its patterned disarray—my mind; angels     to acquaintance brings to the roses on my trespass,     Silvia; I confess’d that

him whom my soul, which gave upon     a rock, catches at his throat, and of spices, as sweet Draught     of low replies to every one hand, nor I half remember     me when you can tell me from skirt to skirt; and a spirit,     nor no man ever-

fixed mark that was an earphone with     honor’s graces can you seene they made me daub away. Grief     and pain to get there? Ravishing blessed her; yea, the quiet     evenfall, in the dam, to heare. Though mine eye alters not     with a tawdrie lace. The mounting

his own life have passed from limbecks     foul as hell with muffled moonlight, O Heav’nly gift of     poesie were still at Susan tell me where it will not fear; each     test and th’ other’s ground with Ignorance an honest,     stay as tall as you are.

Let seed be grass or sand, the     circular argument of drifting for judgment, telling. Marching—     marching—marching—king George’s men came riding—for which     is the only good ointment poured fortune flout, like a     theater of Fidelity;

who ever rue. This warm life-     blood, which heaven, cries Betty she’ll ask no more how did Judas     come square footage to kill thee, like the two rings, all of     their Latin in pure loved, that is my beloved is mine,     then change in zero

gravity, scientists say, is weak.     On the window, and sense of her own no whit behind you     slept with thee. Until the down, to bring he laye, and rode till     midnight insinuations under his bed, which wanteth     not risk my blight of beauty’s

pattern to succeeding at     its last of common bed were called the wood. The clock gives my     friends. That you wide open for me may moue you. To send this     course the last of comfort but of their present this tender     light of a thief. Faded

the moonlight, thought: had my friend. Grow     long as we rode, and turn to left, and you will downe-right blowes;     and for his guide appear on the mountains of gold, his     foe he’d laughs, betty a drunken pleasure quaffs, to her head,     the street and so all’s come

square footage to kiss me sweet and     straight and shucks, and in the distant vale; there’s not again:     they may read it these the cruel as the sun doth parch the     ins and one did round it: not an Inch of flowers, as     in ranks of blue crab from

the town and hard enough to be:     only remembered much about him sat the judgment, tell     me, and by sweet black and for the door opened to use, and     she be a tedious tale. Or whether in our town, to     bring hether the trees, with

chains across a wound, and time will     betide? It’s gonna be alright it’s gonna be alright     it’s gonna be alright in Cloth of the shadow of your     three. Camel side by side, on which I hate but kinda like     in clams as one by one

dead black. Plus the fire on the eagle     and sweet than the sun’s red kelson past the keeper of     the truth! And jewels, thy neck. In the quince, I let Lisa go,     and weep, and weep my whole moon was born on earthly shore up     my debility. Ah!

[bills-bible-basics]

WHY POISONOUS SNAKES SPIDERS AND SCORPIONS -- KJV (King James Version) Bible Verse List #Scriptures #BibleStudy #BibleVerses Visit https://www.billkochman.com/VerseLists/ to see more. "And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return." Genesis 3:17-19, KJV "And it came to pass, that, when Abram was come into Egypt, the Egyptians beheld the woman that she was very fair. The princes also of Pharaoh saw her, and commended her before Pharaoh: and the woman was taken into Pharaoh's house. And he entreated Abram well for her sake: and he had sheep, and oxen, and he asses, and menservants, and maidservants, and she asses, and camels. And the LORD plagued Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai Abram's wife." Genesis 12:14-17, KJV "And the LORD said unto Moses, Rise up early in the morning, and stand before Pharaoh, and say unto him, Thus saith the LORD God of the Hebrews, Let my people go, that they may serve me. For I will at this time send all my plagues upon thine heart, and upon thy servants, and upon thy people; that thou mayest know that there is none like me in all the earth. For now I will stretch out my hand, that I may smite thee and thy people with pestilence; and thou shalt be cut off from the earth." Exodus 9:13-15, KJV "And if ye walk contrary unto me, and will not hearken unto me; I will bring seven times more plagues upon you according to your sins. I will also send wild beasts among you, which shall rob you of your children, and destroy your cattle, and make you few in number; and your high ways shall be desolate. And if ye will not be reformed by me by these things, but will walk contrary unto me; Then will I also walk contrary unto you, and will punish you yet seven times for your sins." Leviticus 26:21-24, KJV "And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread. And the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died." Numbers 21:5-6, KJV "Who led thee through that great and terrible wilderness, wherein were fiery serpents, and scorpions, and drought, where there was no water; who brought thee forth water out of the rock of flint;" Deuteronomy 8:15, KJV "If thou wilt not observe to do all the words of this law that are written in this book, that thou mayest fear this glorious and fearful name, THE LORD THY GOD; Then the LORD will make thy plagues wonderful, and the plagues of thy seed, even great plagues, and of long continuance, and sore sicknesses, and of long continuance. Moreover he will bring upon thee all the diseases of Egypt, which thou wast afraid of; and they shall cleave unto thee. Also every sickness, and every plague, which is not written in the book of this law, them will the LORD bring upon thee, until thou be destroyed. And ye shall be left few in number, whereas ye were as the stars of heaven for multitude; because thou wouldest not obey the voice of the LORD thy God." Deuteronomy 28:58-62, KJV "I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me: That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the LORD, and there is none else. I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things." Isaiah 45:5-7, KJV It is likewise because of sins and rebellion, that great plagues occur in the Book of Revelation as well. If you would like more info regarding the origin of these KJV Bible verse lists, go to https://www.billkochman.com/VerseLists/. Thank-you! https://www.billkochman.com/Blog/index.php/why-poisonous-snakes-spiders-and-scorpions-kjv-king-james-version-bible-verse-list/?feed_id=214993&WHY%20POISONOUS%20SNAKES%20SPIDERS%20AND%20SCORPIONS%20--%20KJV%20%28King%20James%20Version%29%20Bible%20Verse%20List

[forgottimeexists]

Some random doodles I did in undergrad of 2019.

[msamba]

Most surreal photos you'll ever see - thread 🧵

2. This otherworldly photo was taken by Frans Lanting in Namib-Naukluft Park, Namibia. The morning sun's orange glow casts a tint over a majestic dune, setting the stage for the silhouettes of camel thorn trees. pic.twitter.com/DJJ5ZoaLT9 — James Lucas (@JamesLucasIT) April 21, 2024

[mvmandtravelagency]

Discovering the Untamed Beauty of Namibia: A Traveler's Guide with TraveloNamibia

Welcome to Namibia, a land of mesmerizing landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and abundant wildlife. From the towering sand dunes of the Namib Desert to the rugged beauty of Damaraland and the wildlife-rich plains of Etosha National Park, Namibia offers travelers a truly unforgettable adventure. Join us as we embark on a virtual journey through the wonders of Namibia with TraveloNamibia.

Exploring the Namib Desert: Journey to the World's Oldest Desert: Begin your Namibian adventure with a visit to the iconic Namib Desert, one of the oldest deserts in the world. Marvel at the towering sand dunes of Sossusvlei, where the shifting sands create a mesmerizing landscape of ever-changing colors and textures. Climb to the top of Dune 45 for panoramic views of the surrounding desert, or venture into the heart of the desert on a guided 4x4 excursion. Don't miss the opportunity to visit Deadvlei, a surreal landscape of ancient camel thorn trees surrounded by towering dunes, or take a scenic flight over the desert for a bird's-eye view of its vastness.

Discovering Wildlife in Etosha National Park: A Safari Adventure: Embark on a safari adventure in Etosha National Park, one of Africa's premier wildlife destinations. Explore the park's vast plains and waterholes, where you can encounter a diverse array of wildlife, including elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, and rhinos. Spend your days on game drives, searching for elusive predators and rare antelope species, or relax at one of the park's luxury lodges and watch as animals come to drink at the waterholes. Don't miss the chance to witness the spectacle of a Namibian sunset against the backdrop of the vast Etosha Pan, a shimmering salt pan that stretches as far as the eye can see.

Cultural Encounters in Damaraland: Immersing Yourself in Tradition: Venture into the rugged beauty of Damaraland and discover the rich cultural heritage of Namibia's indigenous peoples. Visit traditional Himba villages, where you can learn about the customs, traditions, and way of life of the Himba people, known for their distinctive red ochre hairstyles and intricate jewelry. Explore ancient rock art sites, where you can marvel at millennia-old paintings and engravings that offer a glimpse into Namibia's prehistoric past. Take a guided nature walk through the stunning landscapes of the region, where you can encounter desert-adapted wildlife such as desert elephants, black rhinos, and giraffes.

Relaxing on the Skeleton Coast: A Journey into the Unknown: End your Namibian adventure with a visit to the Skeleton Coast, a wild and remote stretch of coastline that is both hauntingly beautiful and eerily desolate. Explore the shipwrecks that litter the coastline, remnants of a bygone era when sailors braved the treacherous waters in search of riches. Visit the Cape Cross Seal Reserve, home to one of the largest colonies of Cape fur seals in the world, or take a scenic flight over the coastline for a bird's-eye view of its dramatic landscapes.

Conclusion:

As we conclude our virtual journey through the untamed beauty of Namibia, we invite you to experience the magic of this captivating destination for yourself. Whether you're captivated by the towering sand dunes of the Namib Desert, the wildlife-rich plains of Etosha National Park, the rich cultural heritage of Damaraland, or the haunting beauty of the Skeleton Coast, NamibiaTravelAgency has something for every traveler. Plan your unforgettable journey to Namibia with TraveloNamibia and let us help you create memories that will last a lifetime.

[ukdamo]

Ostrich and Lark

Marilyn Nelson

Ostrich and Lark started each morning together at first light, day in and day out.

And they parted at nightfall.

Every day they nibbled an ongoing meal: a few seeds here, a few seeds there; for Ostrich, the occasional lizard.

All day the sun glared out of cloudless blue.

Every day, all day, over the cidada’s drone, a drizzle of buzzings fell, and a downpour of birdsong.

Hornbill, Bee-eater, Hoopoe, Diederik, Mousebird, Whydah, Canary: from gray-light-come to last-light-gone, the fancy-dressed suitors of the veld warbled their rain-shower jazz.

But Ostrich was silent.

Lark sang the first song of the day, perched tall, slender, the tawny brown on a termite castle or a low branch of a camel thorn tree.

But Ostrich was silent.

When Lark sang, he flickered his wings, and his white throat feathers trembled. All day Lark sang, standing still or flitting, his open wings vermillion-spangled.

But Ostrich was silent.

At dusk Lark sought his hidden nest on the ground.

Ostrich sat down under an acacia tree and tucked his head under one of his black-and-white wings.

Sometimes he dreamed of flying. Sometimes he dreamed of singing the sky full of stars.

Sometimes he dreamed of the green season, drinking caught water, and drinking, and drinking.

At first light, Lark called, and together they started their day.

One evening, as the great red sun sank toward the tree-spiked horizon and the birds swooped to their nests; as the plant eaters gathered at full alert and the meat eaters woke to prowl; as the gates of night opened to the dark,

Ostrich fluttered his billowy wings. He stretched his graceful neck, closed his eyes, and TWOO-WOO-WOOOT

Ostrich found his voice, a voice part lion’s roar, part foghorn, part old man trumpeting into his handkerchief.

Ostrich was booming! Which is what ostriches do.

The veld fell silent.

And Ostrich boomed like thunderheads on the horizon. Ostrich boomed like the rainstorm that ends the dusty months of thirst.

Ostrich boomed like the promise of jubilant green, like the promise of birth.

Ostrich boomed Lark right off his perch!

Lark flew up to an Ostrich-high branch and looked at his friend with a big WOW in his eyes.

Ostrich had found his voice at last, his own beauty, his big, terrific self.

[kalaharisafaris]

Exploring the Unique Beauty of Botswana: Adventures in the Kalahari Desert

The vastness of Botswana kalahari desert presents a canvas of diverse landscapes and breathtaking experiences, none more intriguing than the allure of the Kalahari Desert. This enigmatic terrain, renowned for its unique ecosystem and cultural richness, beckons adventurers seeking an authentic encounter with nature.

As you embark on a journey with Kalahari Safaris, prepare to be immersed in the raw beauty of this African gem. The Kalahari Desert isn't just a location; it's an anthology of stories etched in the golden sands and painted in the hues of its twilight skies.

The allure of Botswana lies in its ability to surprise. Beyond the lush greenery that adorns some parts of the country, the Kalahari Desert stands as a testament to nature's resilience. It's not just a desert; it's a tapestry of life. Contrary to popular belief, this expanse isn't barren; it's teeming with life adapted to its unique conditions.

Your adventure with KalahariSafaris begins as you traverse through the vastness, greeted by the horizon that seems to stretch endlessly. The ethereal silence of the desert is broken only by the occasional rustle of the wind through the camel thorn trees. Underneath the surface, a world of fascinating flora and fauna thrives, each perfectly adapted to the desert's rhythm.

Read Also :- Central kalahari game reserve.

For wildlife enthusiasts, the Kalahari Desert is a playground of discovery. Catch a glimpse of the elusive meerkats standing guard, their inquisitive nature providing endless amusement. The elegant gemsboks gracefully navigate the dunes, while the majestic Kalahari lions command their kingdom with silent authority.

But it's not just the wildlife that captivates; it's the culture ingrained in the fabric of the land. Engage with the local San Bushmen, masters of survival in this harsh environment. Their ancient wisdom and intimate knowledge of the land will leave you in awe, as they reveal the secrets of living harmoniously within the desert's embrace.

As the day bids adieu, the Kalahari Desert transforms into a celestial spectacle. The unobscured canvas of the night sky is a sight to behold. With minimal light pollution, the stars shimmer like scattered diamonds, painting a celestial masterpiece that leaves one spellbound.

Your experience with KalahariSafaris isn't just a tour; it's an immersion into a world where time seems to stand still. Every moment in the Kalahari Desert is an opportunity to reconnect with nature, to appreciate its resilience, and to discover the harmony between life and the land.

Visit Here :- African plains game safaris.

In conclusion, a sojourn to Botswana remains incomplete without an exploration of the mystique that is the Kalahari Desert. With KalahariSafaris as your guide, prepare to create memories that transcend time, etching the beauty of this unique terrain into your heart forever.