Anthony's Literary Lens

Author: Anthony Thomas

  • Less is more

    Less is more

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    In the world of photography, “less is more” is the essence of minimalism. It’s about distilling a scene down to its purest form, capturing simplicity and beauty in a single frame. Take, for example, a lone blade of grass against a vast expanse of sand. In this minimalist masterpiece, the power of emptiness becomes evident. The empty space around that single blade of grass speaks volumes, highlighting the elegance of simplicity. It’s a reminder that often, in the absence of clutter, a photograph can tell a more powerful and captivating story.

    Then I saw it. A single blade of grass, standing tall and proud in the middle of a sand dune. It was a miracle, a sign of life in the midst of death. I felt a surge of excitement and curiosity. How did it get there? How did it survive? How did it look so beautiful and graceful? I knew I had to capture it.

    Anthony
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  • The Devon Rex: A Quirky Charmer

    The Devon Rex: A Quirky Charmer

    The Devon Rex is a captivating breed of cat that defies convention with its whimsical charm. With its short, curly coat, large ears, and impish grin, this feline is a delightful wonder in the world of cats.

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    Their oversized ears are not just for show; they’re like radar dishes, tuned into every sound and rustle. Nothing escapes their keen auditory perception. They’re not shy about expressing their opinions either, often engaging in vocal conversations with their human companions. It’s as if they believe they have some critical insight to share with the world, and you’re the lucky recipient.

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    Devon Rex cats are not your typical lap cats; they prefer to be where the action is. With their animated faces and endearing quirks, they bring joy and laughter to your life. Embrace a Devon Rex, and you’ll embark on a delightful, unpredictable adventure with one of the most fascinating feline companions around.

    What makes Devons truly unique is their personality. They are inquisitive, mischievous, and engaging. They love human interaction, often perching on your shoulder or joining in your activities.

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  • Simple Beauty

    Simple Beauty

    As in a dream the petals of a white rose hold you in their fragrant embrace like fresh bed linen

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    The beauty of a white rose is striking in its simplicity. Its clean and unadorned appearance has a unique charm. White roses symbolize purity and innocence, making them perfect for various occasions.

    White roses have a long and fascinating history that dates back to ancient times. According to legend, the first white rose bloomed when Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, was born from the sea foam. She then gave a white rose to her son Eros, the god of love, who used it as a symbol of his passion and devotion.

    Their fragrance, though subtle, adds to their appeal, inviting you to take a moment to appreciate their essence. In a world filled with vibrant colors and complex patterns, white roses stand as a reminder that sometimes, the unembellished and straightforward things can be just as captivating.

    These flowers are often used to convey messages of love and respect. Whether in a wedding bouquet or as a token of remembrance at a funeral, white roses hold a special place in our hearts due to their timeless and universal symbolism.

    The simple beauty of a white rose is a reminder that elegance can be found in the most straightforward forms, and its significance extends beyond aesthetics to convey deep emotions and meaning.

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  • How the Lifeboat Gem Saved 11 Lives

    How the Lifeboat Gem Saved 11 Lives

    The lifeboat house at St Justinian’s harbour is the current St Davids Lifeboat Station, which has been operating since 1869 and has been involved in saving over 360 lives at sea. The station has both an all-weather and an inshore lifeboat and is run by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). The station has received 14 medals for gallantry for its brave rescues. The harbour is also used for boat trips to Ramsey Island and other activities such as kayaking and speedboating.

    They answer every call for help No matter what the cost They are the guardians of the coast They are the lifeboat men we trust

    St Justinian’s lifeboat station
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    Imagine being stranded on a capsized lifeboat in the middle of a stormy sea, with no hope of survival.

    Saving Oscar

    One notable piece of history about the St David’s lifeboat station is the rescue of the Norwegian barque Oscar on 9 December 1894. The Oscar was a sailing ship that was wrecked on the rocks near St David’s Head. The ship was on its way from Cardiff to Norway with a cargo of coal, when it encountered a severe storm and lost its rudder. The captain tried to anchor the ship, but the anchor chain broke and the ship drifted towards the shore. The crew of 11 men abandoned the ship and took to the lifeboat, but the lifeboat capsized in the rough waves. The men clung to the overturned boat and shouted for help.

    Fortunately, their cries were heard by some fishermen on the shore, who alerted the St Davids Lifeboat Station. The station launched its lifeboat Gem, which was a 10-oared self-righting boat that had been in service since 1885. The lifeboat crew braved the gale and heavy seas and reached the wrecked ship, where they found the survivors clinging to the lifeboat. The lifeboat crew managed to rescue all 11 men and bring them safely to land. The rescue was made in difficult conditions and required great skill and courage from the lifeboat crew.

    The rescue of the Norwegian barque Oscar was one of the most notable achievements of the St Davids Lifeboat Station in its history. The lifeboat crew received silver medals from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) for their bravery. The captain of the Oscar also presented a gold watch to the coxswain of the Gem, John Rees, as a token of gratitude. The wreck of the Oscar can still be seen at low tide near St David’s Head.

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  • To Bear Witness

    To Bear Witness

    I am a polar bear, and this is my home.
    Or at least, it used to be.
    Now, all I have left is this fragile shard of ice,
    Drifting in the endless sea of darkness.

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    Where did you go wrong, humans?
    Why did you destroy the world that we shared?
    Why did you burn the forests, melt the glaciers, and pollute the air?
    Why did you ignore the warnings, the signs, and the cries?

    Do you not care about me, or any other living thing?
    Do you not see the beauty and the balance of nature?
    Do you not feel the pain and the sorrow of your actions?
    Do you not fear the consequences and the impact of your choices?

    Please, humans, I beg you.
    Help me, and help yourselves.
    Stop this madness, and reverse this damage.
    Restore this planet, and heal this wound.

    I am a polar bear, and this is my home.
    But I cannot survive here alone.
    I need you, and you need me.
    We are all connected, and we are all one.

    Anthony Thomas
    Polar bear distribution
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  • A Pumpkinshire Tale

    A Pumpkinshire Tale

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    In the whimsical land of Pumpkinshire, where witches wear gingham gowns,
    And ghosts with gourds for heads parade through haunted towns,
    Beware the mystic Jabbergourd, my friend, its tentacles so warty,
    It prowls the pumpkin patches, stirring up a spooky party.

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    With broomsticks made of candy canes, the witches take to flight,
    Their laughter echoes in the night, as they whirl and twirl with delight,
    Their cauldrons bubbling with pumpkin spice, and spells they cast in rhyme,
    Concocting brews of pumpkin ale, with flavors quite sublime.

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    Ghosts, like wisps of mist, emerge from Jack-o’-lantern’s glow,
    They giggle in the moonlight, putting on a spectral show,
    Their costumes made of spider silk, as they dance in eerie grace,
    And in their gourd-head lanterns, there’s a flicker of a ghostly face.

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    Oh, beware the Jabbergourd, my friend, with eyes so hollow and dark,
    It slumbers in the pumpkin patch, where the witches make their mark,
    But if you cross its path, my friend, you’ll join their spectral spree,
    In the fantastical Pumpkinshire, where nonsense runs wild and free!

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  • Tales of Tiny Whirlwinds

    Tales of Tiny Whirlwinds

    In the dance of butterflies, magic is spun, and destinies unfurl

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    In a land where whimsy reigned supreme, there lived a marvellous, enigmatic butterfly named Flora. Flora was no ordinary butterfly; she possessed the magical power of the butterfly effect. With each graceful flutter of her iridescent wings, she could set in motion a chain of events that would ripple through the world in the most unexpected and fantastical ways.

    What a beautiful butterfly

    One sunny morning, Flora took flight, her wings shimmering like a rainbow in the clear blue sky. She landed on a dandelion and, with a dainty sip of nectar, set her plan into motion. Little did she know, her actions were about to create such a whirlwind of happenings.

    As Flora took off again, the dandelion’s seeds developed and were whisked away by the breeze. One of them landed in a nearby garden, where it sprouted into an extraordinary flower. This flower, known as the “Whimsy Blossom,” had petals that changed colour based on the emotions of those who touched it.

    A passing poet, inspired by the ever-changing colours of the Whimsy Blossom, composed verses that tugged at the heartstrings of all who heard them. His words carried on the wind and spread joy and understanding to the world.

    And so, thanks to the seemingly insignificant sip of nectar by Flora the butterfly, the world was forever changed. The butterfly effect, in all its magical glory, continued to dance through the lives of people, reminding them that even the smallest actions could create grand and fantastical adventures.

    In this land of wonder and imagination, it was a reminder to always pay attention to the flutters of butterflies, for you never knew what whimsy they might bring to your world.

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  • Llandeilo’s arching achievement

    Llandeilo’s arching achievement

    Hello there! Let me tell you about the charming bridge at Llandeilo. It’s a Grade II* listed road bridge that gracefully spans the River Towy in the picturesque town of Llandeilo, nestled in Carmarthenshire, Wales. This bridge is a vital link for the A483 road heading towards Ffairfach.

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    The story behind this bridge is quite fascinating. The brilliant William Williams, Llandeilo’s very own county bridge surveyor, designed this single-arch wonder. Its construction took place between 1843 and 1848, a project that replaced a previous three-arched bridge. This older structure had itself replaced a mediaeval seven-arch bridge that sadly collapsed back in 1795.

    J.M.W. Turner painted Llandeilo Bridge and Dinefwr Castle in 1795.

    William Williams initially led the project, but the complexities of building on challenging foundations drained the budget entirely, leading to his dismissal. Unfortunately, he passed away before the bridge’s completion. In 1846, Edward Haycock stepped in to finish the job, though the cost had escalated significantly to a staggering £23,000.

    The new bridge was a vast improvement over its predecessor, with enough room for a double carriageway. Its single arch impressively stretched 143 feet across the river, rising 35 feet above it, which was quite a feat at the time and made it the third longest single arch bridge in Britain. This height also reduced the road’s gradient towards the town, making it more accessible.

    The bridge’s architectural details are a reflection of its craftsmanship. The bridge, arch soffits, parapets, and buttresses are adorned with chisel- or hammer-dressed masonry. The voussoirs of the arch are lengthy and finely finished with ashlar. The bridge is also flanked by substantial stone buttresses at each end of the arch, which extend in both directions to support the lengthy causeways leading to Llandeilo and Ffairfach. It’s not just a bridge; it’s a piece of Llandeilo’s rich history.

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  • Flowing through Time

    Flowing through Time

    In the heyday of the Brecon Canal, life as a canal man was a world unto itself. The waterways were the lifeblood of our community, and I was a humble steward of this liquid highway, where tales of toil and camaraderie flowed as freely as the water beneath our narrowboat’s hull.

    Brecon canal
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    Each morning, well before the sun could kiss the Welsh hills, I’d begin my day by stoking the coal stove, its warming glow chasing away the chill. The calloused hands of a canal man were well-acquainted with ropes and capstans, and as the first light broke, I’d cast off, my trusty steed of waterways setting forth on another journey.

    The Brecon Canal wove a serpentine path through stunning countryside, with rolling green hills and quiet villages dotting the landscape. The echoing clip-clop of our horse’s hooves on the towpath, our loyal four-legged companion, was a soothing soundtrack to the day’s work. We were a team, the horse, the boat, and I, moving in harmony with the ebb and flow of life along the water.

    We navigated a complex network of locks, each one a different puzzle to solve. The rhythmic turning of the lock gate winches and the gushing of water was a dance, one that only those who spent their lives on these canals truly understood.

    The real charm of being a canal man lay in the camaraderie with fellow travellers. At the end of the day, we’d moor in a quiet spot, and often a pub was not far off. The tales spun in those dimly lit corners, fueled by pints of ale, were like treasures of the canal. Stories of cargo, mishaps, and chance encounters with colourful characters all found their place in the oral history of the waterway.

    As night descended and the stars painted the sky, I’d lay in my bunk, the gentle rocking of the boat beneath me, and feel a profound sense of peace. Life as a canal man was simple, yet it held the beauty of a bygone era.

    The Brecon Canal in its heyday was more than just a transport route; it was a way of life. I was a humble navigator of those waters, and in return, they revealed to me the quiet majesty of the Welsh countryside and the enduring spirit of those who plied their trade on its tranquil surface.

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  • Through the Shutter’s Eye

    Through the Shutter’s Eye

    Photography, at its core, is a dance with serendipity. It’s an art that thrives on capturing moments of beauty, wonder, and the unexpected. The magic of photography lies in being in the right place at the right time, a concept that couldn’t be more evident than in your two striking images.

    Sun kisses the sea
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    In the first photograph, the sun seems to have carefully settled upon the water’s surface, casting a golden path that glistens like liquid fire. It’s a visual marvel that reminds us of the exquisite alignment of celestial bodies and the fleeting nature of light. To capture this moment required being present at that precise instant when the sun kissed the sea, illuminating both with a warm, ethereal glow. It’s as if nature conspired with the photographer, inviting them into its grand performance for a brief, exquisite encore.

    Lucky White horse
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    The second image, featuring a rainbow emerging behind a white horse, is equally mesmerising. Rainbows have long held a mythical allure, symbolising hope, promise, and the ephemeral nature of beauty. In this instance, the horse, symbolising grace and freedom, stands at the confluence of earth and sky, while the rainbow, a harmonious blending of light, forms a breathtaking arch. To capture such a scene requires more than just photographic skill; it calls for patience and an almost spiritual connection with the world around us.

    In both instances, the photographer found themselves at the intersection of perfect timing and sheer luck. They harnessed the magic of the natural world and transformed it into two timeless images, reminding us that the beauty of our world is ever-present, but often hidden, waiting for us to be in the right place at the right time to reveal itself.

    But being in the right place at the right time is not solely a matter of happenstance. It requires patience and persistence, a willingness to wait for that perfect alignment of elements. It involves understanding that each moment carries its own unique narrative, waiting to be captured. The most captivating photographs often emerge when the photographer embraces the unpredictability of life.

    These photographs are a testament to the enchantment of the universe and the photographer’s gift for seeing the extraordinary in the ordinary. In a world that often moves too fast to notice the subtle wonders around us, they invite us to pause, to appreciate the beauty of happenstance, and to understand that the lens through which we view the world can often be our most powerful tool for capturing the fleeting moments that make life truly extraordinary.

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