#nature travel flowers image aesthetic

[vintic-girl]

[fairytaleprincessart]

[eroticlamb]

botanical park of haute bretagne , april 2011 ₊˚⊹ ᰔ

[mariam-kim-photos]

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mariam Kimeridze 📷 (@mariam.kimeridze)

[system-to-the-madness]

Ice - Zuko x Reader

Word Count: 2 582 Warnings: kidnapping, injury, war Summary: After kidnapping the Avatar at the Northpole, Zuko has an unexpected encounter with the person he was longing to see the most A/N: Can be read as a oneshot; Part Two of the series Perfect (10 times Zuko thought you were perfect and the first time he told you), Part One is here Dividers: original by @thecutestgrotto edit by me (colour only)

Zuko sat on the cold ground of the ice cave, his gaze absentmindedly pointed towards the cave’s exit, where a snowstorm kept raging on.  If it weren’t for that storm, he long could have gotten the Avatar back to the ship, the Avatar, who lay unconscious and tied up on the floor just a few feet away. But instead, he was stuck here, in this ice dessert.

How had people ever thought it would be a good idea to build a life up here, so far North? There was nothing here but freezing cold sea, ice and snow. Sure, he knew the territory of the Fire Nation was not necessarily more inviting; most of it was rough stone and dusty ground.

But it had not always been that way. Hundreds of years ago, there had been blooming gardens and tall forests, thriving on the nutrient rich ash the volcanoes spit out. When Fire Lord Sozin had declared the war, the gardens and fields with flowers had been neglected until everything had died or been paved over. Once beautiful parks had been turned into training centres for soldiers. The forests had been cleared to access the iron in the ground and to use the wood for firing up the engines.

Zuko vividly remembered the images in his schoolbooks about the “sacrifice of meaningless aesthetics for the great cause of uniting the world underneath the banner of the Fire Nation”. It had never seemed quite right to him, but he had known better than to question his ancestors’ decisions. Maybe that was why he enjoyed the trips to Ember Island so much: Because there was still nature there.

The storm outside carried snowflakes past the entrance, and in his slowly but surely sleepy mind, he was certain the white, glimmering crystals arranged themselves to your likeliness. A few weeks ago, the idea that his sleep deprived mind taunted him by recognizing your face in all kinds of unrelated patterns, clouds, stars, waves, had terrified him. Now it was almost comforting, imagining the snowflakes to form that face that had burned itself into his memory.

He hadn’t seen you since he had broken you and the Avatar out of Zhao’s prison. While he had run into the Avatar’s little gang of run-aways, you never seemed to have been around. Maybe you had split from the group, maybe you had recognized that betraying your Nation by helping their number one enemy was not the best choice in life. And while Zuko wanted to be satisfied with this explanation, he couldn’t help that empty feeling in his chest that told him that he might never see you again. If you had still been traveling with the Avatar, he could have met you again, but if you had left, the chances of finding you were close to zero. Sure, he knew what you looked like and what your name was. But unlike the Avatar, you wouldn’t stir up as much attention, which meant people wouldn’t notice you, the same way he barely had taken notice of you before getting you out of that cell. Which again in turn meant that when people didn’t notice you, nobody would be able to point him towards where you were.

Zuko shook his head. Was he seriously considering searching for you, someone who, without a second thought had betrayed their nation? He had captured the Avatar; his path was set. He only would have to get him onto a ship now and sail back to the Fire Nation. There he would hand over the boy to his father, who would welcome him home with open arms, and make him his right-hand man, as Zuko had always dreamt of being. He would get to sleep in his bed again, cool, silken sheets wrapping around his body and would get to eat all his favourite foods again.

Still, he knew that your face would haunt him forever, the way you had stood over these guards who you had defeated. The same way your cry would always haunt him, when he had burnt you. He hadn’t meant to, and he wished he could tell you that he hadn’t intended to hurt you. But he never had gotten the chance.

After he had been knocked out on the escape from Zhao, he had woken up in a forest, on a pile of leaves. The Avatar had talked to him, about old friends from the Fire Nation, but Zuko’s entire focus had been on you, who had sat curled in on yourself next to the Avatar. A stripe of orange cloth, doubtlessly from the Avatar’s clothing, had been wrapped around your left arm where Zuko had burnt you in his clumsy attempt to save you from the attacking Fire Benders. You hadn’t looked at him, but even from where he had been laying, it had been obvious, that you had been exhausted. Your eyes had seemed sunken in, you had looked sickly, and even from the distance Zuko had been able to see that you were shaking.

When the Avatar’s words had driven rage into Zuko’s blood, and he had tried attacking the boy, the two of you had simply disappeared. The Avatar had grabbed you as if you didn’t weight more than a small child even though you were taller than him, and together you had disappeared in the branches of the tall trees and Zuko had been left to wonder when or if he would ever get to see your eyes again.

When or if he would ever get to see you look at him with anything other than shock, fear or hatred.

Zuko was pulled out of his thoughts by the sound of the Avatar struggling against his restraints. So that little bastard was awake. Quickly Zuko jumped to his feet.

“Welcome back,” Zuko said, glaring at the small body wringing on the ground of the ice cave.

“It’s good to be back,” the Avatar responded, and before Zuko knew what had happened, he was thrown backwards against the wall behind him, his back forcefully knocking into the ice, making pain shoot through his skull and stars dance before his eyes.

As quickly as his aching body allowed, Zuko scrambled back to his feet, chasing after the Avatar, who had made it outside already, trying to wriggle across the snow.

“That won't be enough to escape,” Zuko hissed, pulling the Avatar up by his shirt. He wouldn’t let that kid escape again. He was the only way Zuko would ever get to go home; he needed the Avatar.

A familiar sound above him alerted Zuko even before the Avatar exclaimed: “Appa!”

No, no there was no way. He wouldn’t give up this chance. He had learnt from the past run-ins with the Avatar’s friends. They wouldn’t best him this time. Not now, that he finally had the Avatar so tightly in his grasp, not now, that he was so close to finally going home.

The Sky Bison landed a few meters away in the snow, and the Water Tribe girl jumped down from the beast’s back. But for a moment, just a short moment, Zuko’s attention was on something entirely different, someone different. From behind the saddle of the Sky Bison, a familiar pair of eyes stared at him, familiar hair whipping in the wind. So, you had not left the Avatar’s company, you just hadn’t been close by during the other encounters the group had had with Zuko since your escape from Zhao.

Zuko felt a weight fall off his shoulders. You were here, and you were okay. Even just from the short glance he gave you, he could tell that you were in far better shape than the last time he had seen you in that forest. You seemed to have recovered well after the strain of your imprisonment.

His attention focused back on the Water Tribe girl, who was glaring daggers at him in the dark, moon-lit snow desert. Pushing the Avatar aside, Zuko lifted his hands, ready to fight.

“Here for a rematch,” he challenged. There was no way he would make it home with the Avatar without defeating his annoying, little girlfriend and the others first. Even if it meant fighting against and hurting you again, he had to do it. He couldn’t let you – or anyone else – stand in his way, not when he finally would get the chance to go home.

“Trust me Zuko, it's not going to be much of a match.”

He wanted to scuff at the girl’s words, but before he could, he suddenly was lifted into the air. He only had a moment to realise what was happening. They were surrounded by snow; snow was just hard water. He had challenged a Water Bender while she was in her element and he in the one that was furthest from his bending skill. Which, objectively speaking, was an awful idea. But still, how was she so powerful that she could just throw him around like this? Had he lost so much of his skill? And if he lost this match, they would take the Avatar back with them, would take his only way to go home. He couldn’t let them take that from him, not again. Not after all these years he had spent chasing after the Avatar in the desperate hope to finally go-

The next moment he crashed into the ground, and everything turned black.

Zuko crashed into the ground and a moment later Sokka had already reached Aang, cutting his restraints with his boomerang.

“Hey, this is some quality robe,” he shouted, holding up the cut rope to show you, while you and Yue stayed seated on Appa’s back.

“We need to get to the oasis; the spirits are in trouble,” Aang explained while he undid the rope that tied together his ankles, before running over to Appa and floating himself onto his usual position between the Sky Bison’s horns, while Sokka came running back to settle down in the saddle next to Yue.

Concerned, your eyes flickered back to the Fire Nation prince. He was laying motionless in the snow where Katara had dropped him. You sure didn’t like him, and he had tried kidnapping Aang on more occasions than you could remember. The world would certainly be a better place without him in it, trying to chase all of you down the whole time. But he didn’t deserve being left behind in the snow desert like this. He was unconscious, and who knew for how long. You couldn’t just let him freeze out here.

You were about to speak up, when Aang’s voice sounded over the harsh wind.

“Wait,” he said, making you look at him. His eyes were focused on the unconscious boy laying in the snow. “We can’t just leave him here.”

“Sure we can,” Sokka disagreed. “Let's go.”

“No, if we leave him, he'll die,” Aang responded stubbornly.

 “We don’t know how long he’ll be unconscious for,” you added. “He might freeze if we leave him.”

Aang jumped off Appa, and down into the snow, grabbing Zuko and Air Bending them both back onto Appa’s back.

“Yeah, this makes a lot of sense,” Sokka complained sarcastically. “Let's bring the guy who's constantly trying to kill us.”

Appa took off with a slight growl and Aang dropped Zuko right into your lap, startling you.

“Let’s tie his hands at least,” Sokka whined, holding up the rope with which Aang had previously been tied up.

Rolling your eyes, you shifted the unconscious Prince out of your lap. He was kind of pretty, you thought, as you watched Sokka tie him up. The scar that covered half of the left side of his face was the trace of a bad burn, far worse than the handprint he had left behind on your arm, but it did little to lessen his beauty. The truth was, he had a beautiful face, soft features. If his hair hadn’t mostly been shaven, he might look almost gentle.

Quickly you chased the thought away. Sokka was right, Zuko had tried to kill you and your friends on multiple occasions. You shouldn’t be thinking about him as casually as this. But he had also saved yours and Aang’s life, even though if things had gone according to his plan, you probably would not have escaped. And still… you had a feeling there was more to his story than you were aware of at the moment.

Everything was hazy around him, the ground swaying underneath his body, soft, uneven movements. His wrists hurt, he realized, but his body felt too weak to even try to struggle against the rope that bound his hands. Being unable to move at all, he kept his eyes closed, listening to his surroundings instead. There was the rushing of wind, and the distant sound of people talking, of young people talking. Where was he? What had happened to him? The material he was laying on seemed to be leather, and the swaying was too soft to be that of a boat. Was he on an animal’s back? The ground seemed surprisingly even, not bent as it would have been had it been the saddle of an ostrich horse.

A searing pain shot through his head. Maybe thinking wasn’t the best way to solve the question of where he was right now. So instead, he carefully blinked open his eyes. Above him, the night sky opened up with thousands of stars glimmering in the dark, only a few clouds occasionally interrupting the seemingly endless abys of sparkling darkness. The sight was dizzying, making his head spin. And then suddenly someone leant over him. Zuko still felt so out of it, that he didn’t even flinch as the face appeared above him, the face that had kept haunting him in the past weeks as he had tried catching up to the Avatar.

“You better stay down,” you warned him, but the words barely registered in Zuko’s mind that was too preoccupied by processing just how beautiful you looked above him. The light of the moon reflected in your eyes, making them shimmer like a deep lake in which he only would have been all too happy to drown. Night wind whipped through your hair, pulling at your strands and blowing them over your face. A cut ran across your cheek, red and fresh, the blood barely dried.

A wave of anger shot through Zuko. Who had dared touching, dared hurting you? But then your voice pulled his focus away from the small wound again.

“Stay down,” you repeated.

Zuko’s eyes focused on your lips, the way they formed around the words. Soft looking, smooth lips, that made him wonder if you had ever kissed anyone before. Certainly you had. He couldn’t be the first to notice just how beautiful you were. And you weren’t just beautiful. You were a warrior, you knew how to handle yourself in a fight, you didn’t give up easily and pushed through hardship, no matter how exhausted you were. This much he had learnt from the short time he had spent with you during that prison escape. And you were stubborn and clever and if the look in your eyes as you watched him being barely able to keep his eyes open was anything to go by, you were also kind and sensible. You were perfect.

That was his last thought before he fell unconscious again.

Next Chapter (11. Oct. 2024) | Masterlist

Tags (it seems like some of the tags aren't working, sorry...): @ghoststookourlifes @ashcal99 @4acoffee @pxrplewalnxt @toomuchboredd @banished--prince @oddobsessionbutotay @makik0 @joysflower @hamdehlesmis @mitski9328373 @angstylittleb1tch @lovecalll

[serpentarii]

M O R D L U S T ; september 22nd, 2024

finally getting around to doing these more often now that i'm making money moves in the draft (this is a lie, i am making moves into my friends' dms to scream) so that means i have an excuse to make self-indulgent WIP edits.

my primary protagonist vératre, formerly known as voir, has been made sufficiently weird, and i think i've found a way to smoothly integrate all of the new scenes i added when i reformatted her half of the plot.

i've also been in my overthinking era to make sure that everything from color symbolism, animal motifs, to the specific variations of words characters use has a purpose. 90% of it will not be apparent in the actual draft so, to paraphrase myself, i'm like gay sisyphus opening and closing notion.

but, i do plan on making some character aesthetic intros, tv show edits, and finally getting around to that animal symbolism post 🐯

transcript below the cut:

Pale blue light flooded into the crate as the lid was pried off, then abruptly overturned, sending Aleksander tumbling out between a set of familiar armchairs. His attention traveled up the front of a familiar desk and landed at an unsmiling familiar face.  Sitting quietly on the other side of the desk was Lady Kos, regal as a queen and ten times wealthier, with pearl droplets woven into her dark braids, dressed in chiffon and lace from trailing hem to high, starched collar.  She was melting wax, her movements swift and assured as she poured a small pool onto the folds of an envelope and stamped it with a sigil Aleksander knew to dread. She took a sip of riesling, soundlessly replacing her glass onto the wood, before setting her sights on him.  “Herr Aleksander Fox,” she said at last. 

and since i haven't done this in like 4 years, surprise bitch. i'm doing a novel prep tag in here now.

first look ;

describe your novel in 1-2 sentences (elevator pitch) ;

a businessman-turned-thief finds himself entangled with a pair of opposing assassins and the roles they unknowingly play in a much grander conspiracy.

how long do you plan for your novel to be (novella, standalone, series, etc.)? ;

a standalone, thank god. the technical term would be roman fleuve, since i am planning future standalone works that take place within the same universe.

what is your novel’s aesthetic? ;

ancient buildings overtaken by nature, cemeteries at midnight, poisonous flowers, venomous snakes, whispering in shadowy alcoves, masquerade balls, bloodstained feathers, veiled truths

what other stories inspire your novel? ;

the his dark materials series by philip pullman, uprooted by naomi novik, classic gothic lit, fairy tales in general, and uh,,,,,,,exodus.

share 3+ images that give a feel for your novel ;

main character ;

who is your protagonist? ;

my two main protagonists/POVs are liferuiner and wannabe businessman aleksander fox, and vératre, a notorious poisoner struggling her way through a quarter-life crisis.

who is their closest ally? ;

aleksander's closest ally, at least in the beginning, is his friend heidi, an information broker with a secret :) and vératre begrudgingly accepts the help of salicaire, another assassin, since they are both nosy and want answers.

who is their enemy? ;

aleksander vs. the ospirin family (a fight he is nawt winning) and the church

what do they want more than anything? ;

so, to be cryptic, 3/4 of the leads in mordlust are all reflections of each other, what they could have been and what they want to be. the last of them is the mirror. they see in him what they want to see. and what they want, shockingly, is prestige, power, belonging, etc. they've always felt like strangers in their own skin and will go to terrible lengths to fit themselves into a society that was not made for them.

why can’t they have it? ;

dirty dirty politics for which they are mere pawns ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

what do they wrongly believe about themselves? ;

that because they've been hurt, they are justified in hurting others in pursuit of their goals.

draw your protagonist! (or share a description) ;

aleksander is a classic dandy with a hyperfixation on his vintage fox fur coat, which he wears even when it's wildly out of season and out of fashion because it's the nicest thing he owns. he's also usually seen wearing kid leather gloves and a golden cravat pin he received from his patroness. he's got green eyes, short auburn hair, lots of freckles, and more people would find him handsome if he didn't smile like he knew your fly was down and was refusing to tell you.

vératre's lips are stained purple due to. reasons. and so she wears a veil, which is not uncommon for particularly devout women. she has medium length brown hair she keeps pinned up into tight plaits and a notably long neck. also, she has pretty privilege because shits fucked and having attractive lay servants representing the house/church is common practice. since she works as a kitchen maid most of the week, she's often wearing her uniform w/ an apron. and sometimes she wears isme's black feathered cloak.

drawing wise, i do have this chart, courtesy of alex @bitethebard:

plot points ;

what is the internal conflict? ;

aleksander and vératre, being parallels of each other, have somewhat similar internal conflicts. they both came from nameless villages out in the countryside and share a burning desire to be more. in vératre's case it's v much a "be careful what you wish for" situation, because in receiving everything she thought she wanted she's no longer herself and unhappier than ever. aleksander is younger and earlier along in his journey, but barreling down the same path. except the choices he makes fucks shit up for the people around him more than they effect himself.

what is the external conflict? ;

again, cutthroat politics (literally). everyone has something they'd kill for.

what is the worst thing that could happen to your protagonist? ;

other than dying horribly, probably being tethered to an uncaring master, praying to uncaring gods, and trying to find comfort in an uncaring church for the rest of their miserable lives.

what secret will be revealed that changes the course of the story? ;

aleksander is entangled in a pseudo-liar revealed plot, which i kinda hate, but as an extremely unreliable narrator his priorities are not in proper order... vératre is witnessing the horrors.

do you know how it ends? ;

yeah

bits & bobs ;

what is the theme? ;

blind faith is dangerous. you must learn to take responsibility for both the good and the bad actions you take, and attaching yourself to someone or something at random to validate your own existence isn't healthy. holiness exists not only in gods but in small moments of happiness and in the people we love. and lastly don't fucking steal someone's skin and sell it on the black market.

what is a recurring symbol? ;

thorns.

where is the story set? (share a description!) ;

niederbrinn, the capital city of falkenreik, which is loosely inspired by pre-german empire prussia. it's filled with tons of gothic™ architecture and fun locations like cathedrals, catacombs, and creature shops. it's situated closer to the malevolent eldritch forest than most would like.

do you have any images or scenes in your mind already? ;

hell yeah

what excited you about this story? ;

mostly isme. and then the other 3 protags ig 🙄

tell us about your usual writing method! ;

these days, i usually write a rough outline and expand it using the snowflake method, incorporating ideas, themes, and worldbuilding along the way. then i make a proper outline where i figure out chapters, acts, the dreaded midpoint, etc. i don't write in chronological order so this helps a ton with out-of-context lines since i have a reference for where i want them based on the location/emotional state of the characters. getting myself to actually sit down and WRITE the damn thing is the problem, shout out to my fellow procrastinating perfectionists <33

if you made it to this point you are sexy and i love you, byeeee !!

[journalofanoldsoul]

Flower Power (Moon Edition)

In connection with my previous post on the language of flowers, I decided to offer you a list of associations between Moon signs and houses with flowers and plants:

Moon in Aries or 1st House: Red roses and cactus - Aries is a sign of courage, energy, and action, and red roses represent passion and courage, while cactus symbolizes resilience and survival. The 1st House is associated with the self and personal identity, and these flowers and plants reflect the strong and independent nature of Aries.

Moon in Taurus or 2nd House: Tulips and apple trees - Taurus is a sign of sensuality, luxury, and stability, and tulips represent abundance and beauty, while apple trees symbolize growth and prosperity. The 2nd House is associated with money, possessions, and values, and these flowers and plants reflect the material and aesthetic pleasures that Taurus enjoys.

Moon in Gemini or 3rd House: Lavender and ferns - Gemini is a sign of communication, curiosity, and versatility, and lavender represents clarity and adaptability, while ferns symbolize flexibility and growth. The 3rd House is associated with communication, learning, and siblings, and these flowers and plants reflect the intellectual and social nature of Gemini.

Moon in Cancer or 4th House: White lilies and willows - Cancer is a sign of emotions, empathy, and nurturing, and white lilies represent purity and motherhood, while willows symbolize sensitivity and intuition. The 4th House is associated with home, family, and roots, and these flowers and plants reflect the emotional and nurturing qualities of Cancer.

Moon in Leo or 5th House: Sunflowers and citrus trees - Leo is a sign of creativity, playfulness, and self-expression, and sunflowers represent vitality and self-confidence, while citrus trees symbolize joy and abundance. The 5th House is associated with creativity, children, and pleasure, and these flowers and plants reflect the fun-loving and expressive nature of Leo.

Moon in Virgo or 6th House: Daisies and herbs - Virgo is a sign of practicality, precision, and service, and daisies represent simplicity and purity, while herbs symbolize healing and nourishment. The 6th House is associated with work, health, and routines, and these flowers and plants reflect the practical and health-oriented nature of Virgo.

Moon in Libra or 7th House: Roses and ivy - Libra is a sign of harmony, beauty, and partnership, and roses represent love and beauty, while ivy symbolizes balance and stability. The 7th House is associated with relationships, balance, and justice, and these flowers and plants reflect the diplomatic and aesthetic nature of Libra.

Moon in Scorpio or 8th House: Black roses and blackthorn - Scorpio is a sign of intensity, passion, and transformation, and black roses represent mystery and hidden emotions, while blackthorn symbolizes protection and defense. The 8th House is associated with death, sex, and other people's money, and these flowers and plants reflect the deep and complex nature of Scorpio.

Moon in Sagittarius or 9th House: Daffodils and oak trees - Sagittarius is a sign of adventure, freedom, and optimism, and daffodils represent new beginnings and inspiration, while oak trees symbolize strength and endurance. The 9th House is associated with travel, education, and beliefs, and these flowers and plants reflect the adventurous and expansive nature of Sagittarius.

Moon in Capricorn or 10th House: Pansies and evergreens - Capricorn is a sign of ambition, discipline, and responsibility, and pansies represent loyalty and determination, while evergreens symbolize perseverance and resilience. The 10th House is associated with career, public image, and authority, and these flowers and plants reflect the disciplined and hard-working nature of Capricorn.

Moon in Aquarius or 11th House: Orchids and bamboo - Aquarius is a sign of innovation, independence, and idealism, and orchids represent uniqueness and individuality, while bamboo symbolizes adaptability and strength. The 11th House is associated with friendships, social networks, and aspirations, and these flowers and plants reflect the unconventional and visionary nature of Aquarius.

Moon in Pisces or 12th House: Lotus flowers and seaweed - Pisces is a sign of compassion, creativity, and spirituality, and lotus flowers represent purity and enlightenment, while seaweed symbolizes intuition and fluidity. The 12th House is associated with the unconscious, dreams, and spirituality, and these flowers and plants reflect the imaginative and intuitive nature of Pisces.

It's important to note that these are just some possible associations and that there are many other flowers and plants that could be associated with each Moon sign and house based on personal preferences and cultural associations. Additionally, some Moon sign and house combinations may resonate more with certain flowers and plants than others, so it's always good to follow your intuition and choose what feels right for you.

Stay tune for more astro posts…

xoxo

J.

[sophiabblog]

Final Assignment: Your Manifesto

Throughout all of my blog posts on Tumblr, I found a theme in several of my posts mainly about nature, landscape, and traveling around the world. Which led to my decision to name my manifesto, “A Voyager’s Manifesto,” to reflect the overall theme. I grew up and was raised overseas for most of my life; living in Australia, Japan, Germany, Thailand, and the United States. Therefore, after seeing so many breathtaking and astonishing sights all over the world it allowed me to have so much appreciation for nature’s beauty. My father also used to take me fishing all the time and on hikes which also helped develop my love for the aesthetic of the natural world and its environment. I value nature for its peacefulness and the way it relaxes me just by sitting outside and listening to the birds chirping, or the leaves rustling from the wind.

For my Representative work assignment (Module 2,) I wrote about an art piece I made from my AP Art high school class. This painting was of a few postcards I collected as souvenirs from different places I traveled to. The painting shows my appreciation and connection to nature,  and landscape in these countries. For example, the postcard on the bottom left displays the beautiful tulips and windmills in Holland. 

I would overall express most of my blogs to be imaginative. This can be seen in the Abstract images assignment (Module 3,) we had artistic freedom to pick whichever painting we liked. I chose a painting that reminded me of nature just by looking at the different fragmented shapes. In my blog I wrote “I could see trees shaped like water droplets with thin lines as the trunk of the tree…”. This shows what my visionary mind and love for nature could see just by looking at shapes. I also love going on nature trails or hikes with my dad so as soon as I saw a grey trail in the abstract painting it reminded me exactly of a trail.

 My creativity can also be seen in the most recent assignment, “Ekphrasis” (Module 14) I chose a painting by Vincent Van Gogh titled “Wheatberry Under Thunder Cloud”. I chose a Van Gogh painting because he is one of my favorite artists and what we both have in common is our love for nature. I have always loved painting since I was a little girl and it has always helped relieve my stress. When I paint nature or landscape I like to sit outside under a tree in the shade and it always makes me thankful for mother nature and what she created. For my ekphrasis on this painting, I spent a lot of time thinking not only what was happening in the painting, but also what potentially may be happening after that scene. Quoted below is my poem.

“A field of green, underneath the windy sky.

Rustling winds blowing by.

Strands of grass, blowing under the blue sky.

When the storm passes by, the sun will come up in the sky.

The dew on the grass will begin to pass.

The birds will begin to fly in the sky.

The bunnies will begin to play, and the foxes will come out to prey.”

As displayed from my poem, it is not only imaginative but also the words I used to describe the painting show my appreciation and connection to nature.

Another blog post I found that connects with my nature theme would be from the assignment “Not seen on TV” (Module 13). For this assignment we were to choose a video that interested us and create an analysis. I chose the video of crashing car windows with a flower because It caught my attention how half of the video was an urban area and the other half was of beautiful nature scenes. I wrote on my blog “I also think the video displayed human destruction of the Earth” Which overall made me think about how important the preservation of nature is to me. 

[vintic-girl]

[fairytaleprincessart]

[sceneloc8official]

Capturing the Beauty of Kashmir: A Photographer's Paradise

Often called "Paradise on Earth," Kashmir is a treasure store of fantastic scenery and cultural diversity that calls both content producers and photographers. Kashmir has an unmatched canvas for capturing special events with its breathtaking scenery, ranging from calm lakes to grand mountains. In this blog, we will discuss some of Kashmir's most famous photographic sites and provide helpful advice for maximizing these sites.

Famous Photographic Sites in Kashmir

Dal Lake 

For any photographer, Dal Lake—often referred to as the “Jewel in the Crown of Kashmir“—is a must-visit. The lake is well-known for its floating gardens, shikaris—wooden boats—and classic houseboats. Particularly around sunrise and dusk, the hypnotic image created by the reflections of the surrounding mountains on the still waters captivates one.

Photography tips:

Golden Hour: Get here early to catch the lovely morning light.

Local Interaction: Talk to nearby businesses for unguarded images highlighting lake daily life.

Gulmarg

Considered the “Meadow of Flowers,” Gulmarg is a dreamland for landscape photographers. It becomes a winter wonderland ideal for photographing snow-covered mountains and skiers in motion. Summer’s rich green meadows provide vivid colors that wonderfully accentuate the blue sky.

Photography tips:

Aerial Views: Think about riding the Gulmarg Gondola to have panoramic views.

Seasonal Changes: Visit over several seasons to photograph varied scenery.

Pahalgam

Often called the “Valley of Shepherds,” Pahalgam is encircled by the Lidder River, pine forests, and rich vegetation. This gorgeous town is perfect for wildlife photography and offers breathtaking mountain views and riverscapes.

Photography tips:

Betaab Valley:  This area is renowned for its cinematic beauty and provides many angles for striking images.

Wildlife Photography: Look for local fauna while you explore in your wildlife photography.

Sonamarg

Towering glaciers and golden meadows, Sonamarg, often known as the “Meadow of Gold,” is an amazing scene that gains peace from the Sindh River, which makes it a great place to capture glacier structures and alpine flora.

Photography tips:

Time Your Visit: Early morning light accentuates wildflower colours.

Adventure Shots: Get dynamic pictures of hikers against glaciers.

Shalimar Bagh

Perfect for architectural photography, Shalimar Bagh is one of the best Mughal gardens in Srinagar. It has tiered lawns, ponds, and flower beds. The lovely framing of the chinar trees against the complex Mughal construction is striking.

Photography tips:

Symmetry in Composition: Composition should be aesthetically pleasing using the garden’s symmetry.

Seasonal Blooms:  Visit in spring to see seasonal blossoms in full bloom for brilliant colors.

Thajiwas Glacier

Nestled next to Sonamarg, Thajiwas Glacier is breathtakingly surrounded by verdant meadows and snow-capped mountains. This spot is perfect for photographing ice formations and daring journeys.

Photography tips:

Action Shots: Show walkers negotiating ice or snow.

Nature Close-ups: Emphasise unusual alpine flowers or ice structures.

Betaab valley

Betaab Valley is very well-known for appearing in Bollywood movies. It presents verdant meadows surrounded by snow-capped mountains and flowing rivers. This lovely location is perfect for capturing both scenes and unguarded moments.

Photography tips:

Golden Hour Photography: Just before sunset, the valley seems enchanted.

Use leading lines— rivers or paths—to enthrall viewers in your images.

Practical Tips for Photographers

Strategically Plan Your Travel:

Research your sites to know the ideal times to visit and lighting conditions.

Engage with locals:

Local guides can reveal hidden treasures and original viewpoints rarely seen in travel publications.

Respect Nature:

While photographing, always employ environmentally friendly methods; leave no trace to protect these stunning sites.

Experiment with angles:

Try many angles or viewpoints; occasionally, the best views come from unusual places.

Capture cultural components:

Capture people, marketplaces, and traditional crafts next to natural beauty to include local culture in your images.

Conclusion

Kashmir is an experience every photographer should have on their bucket list, not just a place. From the calm waters of Dal Lake to the great mountains of Gulmarg, every place has a different chance to get breathtaking pictures with narrative value. Content creators may highlight Kashmir’s beauty via cameras by using this helpful advice and visiting famous sites. Thus, arrange your photography equipment and be ready to start a fantastic trip in this magical country!

Adventure, Content Creation, contentcreation, Explore Kashmir, film shooting, film shooting location, Kashmir., Location for photoshoot, music videos, Nature, photo shoot location, Photography, photography location, Scene Locate, SceneLoc8, travel, Travel Photography, vloggers

Follow Our Whatsapp Channel:

@SceneLoc8 India

@SceneLoc8 Mumbai

[mohitbansalchandigarh]

Creative Photoshoot Ideas by Mohit Bansal Chandigarh

Looking to spark your creativity and capture stunning images? Here are some exciting photoshoot ideas inspired by Mohit Bansal’s unique style:

Urban Exploration

Dive into the vibrant energy of city life. Capture candid moments, street art, and architectural details. Use leading lines and interesting angles to showcase the urban landscape.

Nature Portraits

Combine portraiture with the beauty of nature. Shoot in lush parks or gardens during golden hour for soft, flattering light. Incorporate natural elements like flowers or leaves for a dreamy effect.

Themed Fashion Shoot

Create a themed photoshoot that tells a story. Whether it's vintage, boho, or futuristic, curate outfits that fit your theme and choose a location that complements it.

Lifestyle and Candid Shots

Capture genuine moments in everyday life. Document friends laughing, family gatherings, or even a cozy morning at home. These candid shots can evoke powerful emotions.

Silhouette Shots at Sunset

Utilize backlighting during sunset to create striking silhouettes. Position your subjects against the colorful sky, highlighting their outlines and adding a dramatic touch to your photos.

Creative Flat Lays

Experiment with flat lay photography by arranging objects in aesthetically pleasing compositions. Use props that represent your interests—books, food, or travel souvenirs—to tell a story.

Black and White Minimalism

Challenge yourself with black and white photography. Focus on textures, patterns, and contrasts. This minimalist approach can create striking images that emphasize form and emotion.

Night Sky Photography

Take advantage of clear nights to capture the stars. Experiment with long exposures and different camera settings to create breathtaking images of the night sky.

Conclusion

With these photoshoot ideas inspired by Mohit Bansal, you can explore different styles and techniques. Whether you’re shooting portraits, landscapes, or creative concepts, the key is to experiment and have fun. Grab your camera and start creating!

[aditirkumar]

SDL: Contact Sheet for Wk 6 Photo's

In most of my shots I tend to focus on the facial regions of the objects; especially when I am shooting flowers or blossoms. Close-up or zoom lens is preferred by me here since it would ensure I capture the rough texture of the petals as well as the most accurate colour. I think that such a level of detail puts a lot of emphasis on the beauty of nature and gives the viewers the chance to zoom in on the flowers.

I also like architecture and travel photography, primarily photographing modern buildings, streets, and other objects. Such elements must be strictly balanced in these photos like the buildings, the sky and other features. Depending on the type of image, I use the rule of thirds to improve the general aesthetic of images. On occasions, I add features of orientation, for instance, roads, pathways or lines of guidance and they help in defining space as well as motion within the picture.

I also have taken a keen interest in shooting the sky, especially concentrating on the clouds and weather patterns. These images enable me to manipulate contrasts and lighting, the ideals behind the interplay of bright light with the darkening of the sky. The soft light that comes from cloudy conditions can alter drastically with the light difference which makes the whole look and feel of the shot whether it is from the natural setting or a city.

However, one of the things I also appreciate is photographing reflections or wet floors or any sort of glass building. These reflections enrich images and produce fun overlays, copying parts of the view or geometrical shapes within one picture. Some of the photo shots of umbrellas demonstrate that I use symmetry–balanced and recurring forms.

In general, the contact sheet can count as fairly good evidence of how various subjects can be photographed. The pictures show that lighting, point of view and composition in each of the shots were virtually jockeyed. The choice of subjects and techniques are based on the intention to consider the world in a way in which it is not traditionally portrayed, the qualitative and quantitative aspects of nature, as well as the multifaceted issues of modern cities.

[noisycowboyglitter]

Vintage Butterfly with Rocky Mountain and Flowers: Perfect Gift for Nature Enthusiasts

A vintage butterfly design set against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains and surrounded by wildflowers evokes a sense of timeless natural beauty and rustic charm. This image combines the delicate intricacy of a butterfly with the rugged majesty of mountain landscapes and the vibrant colors of alpine flora.

Buy now:19.95$

The butterfly, rendered in a vintage style, might feature muted earth tones or faded pastel hues, giving it an antiqued appearance. Its wings could be adorned with intricate patterns reminiscent of Victorian-era scientific illustrations, lending an air of nostalgic curiosity to the design.

In the background, the Rocky Mountains rise in silhouette, their jagged peaks reaching towards a warm, sepia-toned sky. The mountains are depicted with simplified shapes and lines, characteristic of vintage travel posters or old postcard designs.

Surrounding the butterfly and framing the mountain vista are an array of wildflowers native to the Rocky Mountain region. These might include columbines, Indian paintbrushes, and alpine

Buy now

sunflowers, rendered in a style that complements the vintage aesthetic—perhaps with slightly faded colors and simplified forms.

The overall composition balances the delicate beauty of the butterfly with the grandeur of the mountains, creating a harmonious scene that celebrates the diverse ecosystems of the Rockies. This design would be well-suited for nature-inspired home decor, retro-style apparel, or as artwork for those who appreciate both the minutiae and the magnificence of the natural world.

"Be Happy" is a simple yet powerful phrase that encapsulates a universal human desire. It's a gentle reminder to embrace joy and positivity in our daily lives. This concept encourages us to focus on the good, even in challenging times, and to actively seek out moments of happiness.

Buy now

Being happy doesn't mean ignoring life's difficulties, but rather choosing to approach them with a positive mindset. It involves practicing gratitude, nurturing relationships, pursuing passions, and taking care of one's mental and physical well-being.

The phrase can serve as a personal mantra, a decorative element in homes, or a message on clothing and accessories. It's a call to action, urging us to take steps towards our own happiness and to spread joy to others.

Ultimately, "Be Happy" is an invitation to live life fully and joyfully.

A butterfly souvenir captures the ephemeral beauty of these delicate creatures in a lasting memento. These keepsakes come in various forms, from intricately designed enamel pins to colorful glass paperweights. Some feature preserved real butterflies, ethically

Buy now

sourced and framed for display. Others might be decorative items like butterfly-shaped magnets or keychains, perfect for adorning a refrigerator or bag. Butterfly-themed postcards, bookmarks, or art prints offer a more portable option. These souvenirs not only serve as reminders of a special place or moment but also celebrate the grace and transformation symbolized by butterflies.

[printasia]

Modern Trends in Tours & Travels Visiting Card Design

In today’s fast-paced digital world, a business card might seem like a small player, but it remains a powerful tool for networking and establishing a professional presence. For the tours and travels industry, a modern, well-designed visiting card can serve as an extension of your brand, capturing the essence of your services and leaving a lasting impression on potential clients. As design trends evolve, so do the expectations and standards for business cards. In this blog, we will explore the latest modern trends in tours and travels visiting card design, highlighting how these trends can enhance your travel agency’s brand and connect effectively with clients.

1. Minimalist Design for Maximum Impact

Minimalism has become a dominant trend in business card design, and for good reason. A minimalist approach focuses on simplicity, clean lines, and effective use of space, making the information on your travels visiting card clear and easy to read.

Simplicity: Embrace a clutter-free layout with a limited color palette and a single, legible font. This ensures that the essential details of your tours and travels business card stand out without distraction.

Whitespace: Use whitespace strategically to create a sense of balance and elegance. This helps in guiding the reader’s eye to the most important information.

A minimalist design can convey professionalism and modernity, making your travel agency visiting card both attractive and functional.

2. Interactive and Smart Business Cards

Incorporating technology into your visiting card design can transform it into an interactive tool. Modern trends are leaning towards smart business cards that offer more than just contact details.

QR Codes: Include QR codes that link to your website, booking platform, or promotional videos. This allows potential clients to engage with your travel services instantly.

NFC Technology: Near Field Communication (NFC) chips can be embedded in the card to provide contactless data transfer. With a simple tap, clients can access your digital business card, website, or social media profiles.

These interactive features make your tours and travels visiting card not only functional but also memorable.

3. Creative Use of Imagery and Graphics

Visual elements play a crucial role in catching the eye and conveying the essence of your travel services. Modern designs often incorporate:

Travel-Themed Imagery: Use high-quality images or illustrations of landmarks, landscapes, or modes of transportation to reflect your business’s focus. This visual appeal can immediately communicate the nature of your services.

Custom Graphics: Incorporate custom-designed icons or patterns that align with your brand’s aesthetic. This can add a unique touch to your travel agency visiting card design.

Creative imagery can enhance the appeal of your visiting card for tours and travels, making it stand out in a stack of cards.

4. Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Materials

As sustainability becomes increasingly important, many businesses are opting for eco-friendly materials for their business cards. Consider:

Recycled Paper: Use recycled or sustainable paper products to reduce environmental impact.

Seed Paper: Business cards made from seed paper can be planted to grow flowers or herbs, adding a unique, eco-conscious element to your design.

Sustainable materials not only align with modern values but also showcase your commitment to environmental responsibility.

5. Bold Typography and Custom Fonts

Typography is a powerful tool in modern design. Bold and distinctive typography can make your travel agency visiting card more impactful.

Custom Fonts: Create or select custom fonts that align with your brand’s personality. This adds a unique touch and enhances brand recognition.

Creative Font Usage: Experiment with font weights, sizes, and styles to highlight key information and create visual interest.

Bold typography can elevate the design of your tours and travels business card, making it both eye-catching and memorable.

6. Unique Card Shapes and Sizes

Innovative shapes and sizes can set your business card apart from the conventional rectangular format. Consider:

Non-Traditional Shapes: Opt for shapes like circles, squares, or custom cut-outs that align with your brand or industry. For instance, a card shaped like a suitcase or travel ticket can be both thematic and memorable.

Variable Sizes: Explore different sizes, such as vertical cards or mini cards, to offer a fresh perspective.

Unique shapes and sizes add a creative touch to your tours and travels visiting card, making it stand out in a pile of standard cards.

7. Incorporation of Multilingual Information

In diverse markets, including multilingual information on your business card can be a significant advantage. For example, if you’re creating a tours and travels visiting card in Marathi, ensure that:

Dual Language Design: Incorporate both Marathi and English text to cater to a broader audience.

Cultural Sensitivity: Design elements and text should reflect cultural relevance and appeal to the local market.

Multilingual cards can help you connect with a wider audience and show respect for regional diversity.

8. Innovative Finishes and Textures

Modern business card design often includes unique finishes and textures that enhance the tactile experience.

Foil Stamping: Adds a shiny, metallic finish that can highlight your logo or key details.

Embossing/Debossing: Creates raised or recessed areas on the card for a sophisticated touch.

Spot UV Coating: Provides a glossy finish on specific areas, adding depth and contrast.

These finishes can elevate the perceived value of your travel agency visiting card and create a memorable physical experience for the recipient.

9. Inclusion of Social Media Handles

Incorporating social media handles into your business card design is essential in the digital age. This allows clients to:

Follow Your Profiles: Encourage potential clients to connect with your business on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn.

Engage with Content: Direct clients to your social media channels where they can view updates, promotions, and customer reviews.

Social media integration helps extend your brand’s reach and provides additional touchpoints for engagement.

10. Personalization and Customization

Personalization is a key trend in modern business card design. Customizing your cards can make them more relevant and impactful:

Personal Messages: Include a brief, personalized message or tagline that resonates with your target audience.

Tailored Designs: Adjust the design elements to reflect specific services or unique selling points relevant to your clients.

Personalized elements make your tours and travels business card more engaging and tailored to individual client interactions.

11. Augmented Reality (AR) Integration

Augmented Reality (AR) is an emerging trend that adds an interactive layer to your business card. With AR:

Enhanced Experiences: Use AR to create immersive experiences, such as virtual tours or interactive elements, that clients can access by scanning the card with their smartphone.

Innovative Presentations: Present special offers, promotional videos, or dynamic content through AR features.

AR integration can provide a cutting-edge experience that sets your travel agent business cards apart from traditional designs.

12. Functional Features

Modern business cards often incorporate functional features that go beyond traditional designs:

Appointment Scheduling: Include features that allow clients to book appointments directly through your card, such as embedded scheduling links or contact buttons.

Maps and Directions: Add a small map or directional cues to help clients locate your office easily.

Functional features make your visiting card for tours and travels not just a contact point but a practical tool for clients.

Conclusion

Modern trends in tours and travels visiting card design reflect a blend of creativity, technology, and functionality. By embracing minimalist designs, incorporating interactive elements, and using innovative materials, you can create a business card that not only captures attention but also effectively communicates your brand’s message. Whether you’re opting for bold typography, unique shapes, or sustainable materials, staying current with design trends ensures that your travel agency visiting card remains relevant and impactful in today’s competitive market. As you design your next tours and travels business card, consider how these trends can enhance your brand’s presence and connect with clients in meaningful ways.

[duxiaomin-blog]

The Allure of Chinoiserie — The Tension Brought by the Fusion of East and West

Let us now embark on a journey to China together, so you can discover some of its magnificence and treasures.

— — Marco Polo

In the latter half of the 17th century, European aristocratic society was engulfed by a frenzy for the East and the Chinoiserie style. Passionate collectors eagerly awaited the arrival of Spanish galleons, merchant ships, and East Indiamen, laden with embroidered silk curtains, exquisite lacquer cabinets and screens, masterful gilt craftsmanship, and blue-and-white porcelain vases. Chinese entertainments and balls became the center of fashion, with a craze for conical hats and mandarin-style beards.

After a day of hunting, gentlemen would spend their evenings at home perusing travel books about the splendors of the East for entertainment. These books were filled with indulgent romance, sparking their curiosity and desire for amusement. Meanwhile, the illustrations in these books provided inspiration for the artisans responsible for transferring these images onto noble artifacts. As for the ladies of the house, they adorned themselves in new garments made of soft Oriental fabrics and vibrant colors, embroidered with silk threads and Venetian gold. Their reading interests expanded from “various spots, such as flowers, birds, and fish” recommended by the “Knitting School” of 1624 to landscapes, floral motifs, and pagodas in the Chinoiserie style.

In this era, the French king himself attended a ball wearing a costume described as “half Persian, half Chinese” (‘un habit, moitie a la persiennes, moitie a la chinoise’). Meanwhile, his brother Monsieur, at a carnival ball in 1685, made a grand appearance after a series of costume changes, ultimately donning attire described as “dressed as a Chinese nobleman” (‘vetu en Grand Seigneur chinois’). This period marked the fervent pursuit of Oriental culture by European aristocratic society, which not only admired the exquisite artistry of the East but also integrated it into their own lifestyle and fashion, showcasing a profound interest in exotic allure.

The Chinoiserie Portrait of Ralph Bankes by Sir Peter Lely

Around 1660, Sir Peter Lely painted a portrait depicting Ralph Bankes, a descendant of the Dorset landed gentry, wearing an Eastern-style robe. These robes were typically worn indoors, representing the loose, casual comfort derived from the naturalism of Chinese Chinoiserie, while also hinting at a refined culture and wisdom. However, it is worth noting that not only the robe itself but also the oil painting is a mixed form with Chinoiserie elements. The robe in the painting represents an Eastern element, but the artist employs a purely Western technique emphasizing light and shadow relationships, which is one of the charms of Chinoiserie — the tension brought by the fusion of Eastern and Western forms.

ChuCui Palace Crane Dancing in Clouds Brooch

ChuCui Palace, with its captivating blend of Chinoiserie aesthetics, often employs Western techniques of inlay, yet its themes and artistic expression reflect the essence of Eastern aesthetics. One of its works, the “Crane Dancing in Clouds” brooch, embodies the asymmetric composition characteristic of Chinoiserie, where the crane gracefully emerges from one side into the clouds, mimicking nature. Drawing inspiration from traditional Chinese auspicious cloud motifs, the piece also embodies the dynamic features inherent in Chinoiserie, derived from Rococo style, employing flowing curves to render the clustered clouds full and the flowing ones ethereal, with lines intersecting smoothly, exhibiting a natural rhythm and imbued with the distinctive sense of movement typical of Chinoiserie.

The piece emulates the subtle and elegant brushwork of Chinese ink painting, using only diamond white and gold hues, radiating brilliance and sophistication. Its charm lies not only in depicting the noble and graceful demeanor of the crane but also in creating timeless qualities, highlighting its “non-temporal” nature — it is vivid yet eternal, worldly yet transcendent. The jewelry embodies artistic expression, while the artistic expression carries poetic sentiment.

English-style Chinoiserie silver jug

In Chinoiserie-style works, English-style Chinoiserie silver jugs are particularly distinctive. As there were no Chinese precedents for such pieces, they were purely inspired by Chinese patterns and motifs and created by European craftsmen combining them with local European styles, making them more creative and appealing in their mixed form.

Among Sotheby’s auction items, there is a British-made English-style Chinoiserie silver jug manufactured by Richards & Charles Brown in 1879. The jug is carved with Chinoiserie-style scenes — people dressed in traditional Chinese attire, holding Chinese umbrellas, and a merchant carrying goods on his shoulder, surrounded by bamboo groves and garden landscapes. In the pattern design, we can see not only the beauty of “natural disorder” in Chinoiserie but also the characteristics of abstract textures in modern aesthetics. The work does not simply focus on the beauty of Rococo-style curves but combines straight lines with interwoven curves, geometric abstract textures, and narrative lines to create a rhythmic and delicate scene. This demonstrates how Chinoiserie, with the development of time, has also changed its aesthetic details and characteristics.

The charm of Chinoiserie lies in its unique fusion of Eastern and Western aesthetics. From the fervent pursuit of Eastern culture by European aristocratic society in the latter half of the 17th century to the precious collectibles of today, these works showcase the perfect blend of Eastern artistry and Western aesthetics. Both English silver teapots and the brooches from ChuCui Palace are masterpieces of Chinoiserie, presenting the harmonious coexistence of Eastern and Western cultures through exquisite craftsmanship and unique patterns. This allure not only resides in the aesthetic expression of the works themselves but also represents a respect for multiculturalism and a longing for exoticism. The tension and charm they emit are vivid manifestations of the fusion of Eastern and Western cultures, as well as the infinite possibilities of human artistic creativity.