Anthony's Literary Lens

Category: rocks

  • Popty Ping and Other Reasons to Love Welsh

    Popty Ping and Other Reasons to Love Welsh

    So, Welsh. Yeah, it’s a real language, and no, it’s not just random consonants tossed into a Scrabble bag. It’s one of the oldest languages in Europe, spoken in Wales, where people know their sheep as good as their weather forecast (usually rain). But seriously, it’s a living, breathing language with a rich history and, let’s be honest, a bit of a PR problem. I mean, have you ever tried convincing someone that *Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch* is a legitimate place and not the sound of a cat walking across a keyboard?

    Abermawr Beach
    Llyn Llydaw. With Snowdon in the background

    Welsh, or ‘Cymraeg’ as the locals call it (pronounced “kum-RAIG,” by the way), is one of the Celtic languages. Think Gaelic, but with more ll’s, which, in case you were wondering, is not just a double “L.” It’s a soft, breathy sound that feels like trying to whisper to someone with a mouthful of marshmallows. It’s oddly satisfying once you get the hang of it. 

    For Welsh people, the language isn’t just words; it’s identity. It’s how they connect to their ancestors, their culture, and their sense of place in the world. Speaking Welsh is like wearing a badge that says, “I survived centuries of cultural suppression, and all I got was this vowel-deficient language.” But they wear that badge proudly. 

    Now, let’s talk about how it sounds. Welsh has this sing-song quality that makes everything sound like it should be sung from the top of a windy hill in a BBC period drama. Even the most mundane phrases feel poetic. Take “Sut wyt ti?” which means “How are you?” It’s pronounced something like “Sit OO-ee tea,” and it makes you feel like you should answer with a sonnet instead of a shrug. 

    Then there’s the word ‘hiraeth’. Oh, hiraeth. It’s one of those untranslatable words that’ll make you feel all philosophical and deep. It roughly means a longing for a home you can’t return to, or maybe one that never really existed. It’s the emotional equivalent of looking at an old photo and feeling like your heart’s been dunked in tea. 

    But not everything in Welsh is wistful and poetic. Some words are just plain fun to say. Like ‘popty ping’, which is slang for microwave. Yes, ‘popty ping’. How can you not love a language where heating leftovers sounds like a kid naming a spaceship? 

    Want to impress your friends? Try this: say ‘diolch’ (DEE-olkh). That’s “thank you.” Or ‘iechyd da’ (yeh-CHID dah), which is “cheers.” But watch out for that “ch.” It’s like clearing your throat, but, you know, politely. 

    Learning Welsh is like joining an exclusive club. Sure, it’s a small club, but it’s mighty. And the members? They’ll welcome you with open arms because every new speaker is a little victory for a language that’s survived against the odds. 

    So, whether you’re planning a trip to Wales, have Welsh roots, or just want to spice up your life with some extra consonants, give Welsh a shot. You might not master the ‘ll’ sound on day one, but you’ll definitely feel like you’re part of something special. And who knows? You might even find yourself yelling “Cymru am byth!” (“Wales forever!”) at a rugby match one day. 

    Until then, ‘hwyl fawr’! That’s “goodbye” in Welsh, and it’s pronounced, well… just trust me on this one.

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  • A Snapshot of Welsh Tranquility

    A Snapshot of Welsh Tranquility

    Wales in stillness breathes,
    Sheep beneath the twisted tree,
    Time folds into now.

    Sheep, Stones, and Sunlight

    There is a moment in every journey where time seems to pause. For me, it happened in the quiet Welsh countryside, where a simple sheep under a gnarled tree stopped me in my tracks. The air was crisp, carrying the scent of moss and bracken, and the landscape stretched wide, untamed yet inviting. This single, unassuming scene—of stone walls, dappled sunlight, and the curious gaze of an animal—felt like a distillation of everything Wales represents. 

    The sheep, a quintessential emblem of this land, stood framed by a spindly tree that clung to the rocky ground. It had the air of an accidental guardian, standing atop ancient stones as if overseeing a realm where history, nature, and humanity blend seamlessly. It didn’t flee or flinch when I approached with my camera, just watched with an intensity that made me feel like the visitor I was. And in that exchange, wordless and fleeting, I felt an unexpected sense of calm. 

    It’s easy to rush through life, ticking off sights and experiences like items on a to-do list. But here, in this quiet moment, I was reminded of the value of stillness. Of the beauty in ordinary things. The lichen-covered stones beneath the sheep’s hooves hinted at stories far older than mine—walls built by hands long gone, dividing fields that have seen generations of life. The sunlight filtering through the tree branches cast shifting patterns on the ground, a reminder of time’s gentle, inevitable flow. 

    Wales has a way of grounding you. Its hills and valleys aren’t just landscapes; they’re vessels of memory. The sheep, as ubiquitous as they are, embody this spirit. They are not just creatures grazing absentmindedly—they are part of the rhythm of the land, living symbols of its enduring character. 

    As I walked away from the scene, I felt lighter. The world seemed a little quieter, my thoughts a little clearer. That single sheep, perched on its stone stage, had given me something unexpected: perspective. It reminded me that not all moments need to be grand to be meaningful. Sometimes, it’s in the simplest of scenes that we find what we didn’t know we were looking for. 

    And that’s the magic of Wales—a place where even the smallest details invite you to slow down, look closer, and feel more deeply.

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  • A postcard with a real breeze

    A postcard with a real breeze

    Candy-colored homes,
    Softly leaning toward the sea,
    Memories linger.

    Tenby South Beach

    Tenby. Charming? Yes. Confusing? Also, yes. Imagine, if you will, a seaside town that’s part postcard, part labyrinth. Pastel houses, almost edible. Like candy. But taller.

    Wander. That’s the word. Wander through streets where every turn leads to something… unexpected. A fisherman’s cottage here, a mediaeval wall there. And did someone say castle? Oh yes, that too. Perched on a rock, casually guarding the coastline, as if to say, “Oh, this old thing? Just a relic from another era.”

    Beaches—plural, of course. They couldn’t just have one. North Beach, with its perfect arc. South Beach, more of a rebel, stretching out like it owns the place. Sand? Golden. Water? Blue enough to make you question reality. And the island! You can walk to it. St. Catherine’s, with a fort that’s seen better days. But who hasn’t?

    Ice cream. You’ll need it. Flavours you didn’t know existed, like “mango fruit ice” that tastes suspiciously like happiness. Don’t ask why, just go with it. And fish and chips. Obviously. Somewhere, a seagull plots to steal them. You’ve been warned.

    Shops. Cute ones. With things you don’t need but will buy. A pirate hat? Sure. A painted rock? Why not? Everything smells like saltwater and sunscreen. Or is that just nostalgia?

    Boat trip? Absolutely. Choppy seas, a mysterious island where  monks create perfumes from the furze bushes, and seals that pop up like they’re in on some joke you’ll never understand. Laugh anyway. It’s contagious.

    Tenby. Tiny streets, larger-than-life personality. Just when you think you’ve figured it out—bam! A secret garden or a pub that’s been there since forever. You’re not lost, you’re discovering.

    And then, there’s the sky at sunset. All fiery and dramatic, as if Tenby needed more character. You could watch it forever—or at least until your ice cream melts. Decisions, decisions.

    Leave? Eventually. But not without wondering if it was all real. Or just a very detailed, very enjoyable dream.

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  • A Raven’s Call

    A Raven’s Call

    Black wings cut the sky,
    Whispers from the shadow’s edge,
    Light fades, truth takes flight.

    Lightless eyes see all.

    “Ah, there you are, wandering in the light, so blissfully unaware of the shadows lurking just beyond your reach. I see you, human, with your fragile flesh and feeble spirit, clinging to the sun’s warmth as if it could save you. But what is light without darkness? What is warmth without the cold? Your world is a fleeting illusion, a brittle shell that will crack and crumble with the passing of time.

    Come closer, yes, closer still. You’ve seen me before, perched on the edge of your vision, haven’t you? A flash of black feathers, a caw that echoes in your dreams, a fleeting shadow that sends a shiver down your spine. You tell yourself it’s just a bird, nothing more. But I am more. Oh, so much more.

    Caw in the cold night,
    Shadows beckon from the trees,
    Darkness holds the key.

    The light, it blinds you, dulls your senses, keeps you soft and weak. You stumble through your days, oblivious to the truth, content in your ignorance. But I can show you what lies beyond the veil. I can guide you to the darkness where true power lies. There, in the cold embrace of shadow, you will see the world as it truly is—without the lies, without the masks.

    Do you hear it? The whisper in the wind, the rustling in the trees, the soft cawing in the night? That’s the call of the dark, the ancient song of the forgotten and the forsaken. You’ve felt it, haven’t you? The tug at your heart, the pull of something deeper, something darker. It’s been with you all along, growing stronger with each passing day, each sleepless night.

    Come to the dark side, human. Embrace the cold, the shadow, the truth. Let the light fade from your eyes and see the world as I do—sharp, clear, free of the lies and illusions that bind you. In the darkness, you will find power. In the shadows, you will find freedom. And in the cold, you will find me.

    I will be waiting for you, in the place where light fears to tread. When you’re ready, when you’ve had enough of the lies, come find me. Together, we will soar into the night, into the darkness that has been calling your name since the day you were born.”

    Raven over Wales
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  • Shark tooth fossil

    Shark tooth fossil

    Shark tooth fossils can range in age from hundreds of thousands to millions of years old.

    The brown shiny bit is about 5 cm long.
    One of my prized possessions 🙂

    How fossils are formed

    Dude, check it out – fossils are like rock stars of the past. So, here’s the deal: when a rad critter kicks the bucket, and it gets buried in the dirt, the underground party begins. Minerals from the Earth’s VIP list start sneaking into the remains, swapping out the organic vibes for hardcore mineral beats. It’s like a slow-motion transformation, man. Molecule by molecule, the original stuff gets the boot, and the minerals take center stage.

    Before you know it, you’ve got a fossil – a rock-solid relic of the ancient scene. It’s like nature’s remix, where the original material gets replaced by these mineral maestros. And bam, you’ve got a fossil that’s tougher than Ozzy Osbourne. It’s the way the fossil rocks roll, dude! 🤘

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  • Stepping Stones Through Darkness

    Stepping Stones Through Darkness

    Amidst the tranquil embrace of twilight, a photograph captures a river adorned with stepping stones, a scene that mirrors the path of life itself. As the sun descends, casting long shadows and enveloping the world in darkness, these stepping stones emerge as metaphors for our journey through life.

    Tap to view my redbubble gallery. Taken at Ogmore castle.

    Each stone symbolizes a choice, a decision to be made, and an opportunity to move forward. With the sun setting, we are reminded that sometimes we must traverse our path in the dimness of uncertainty, embracing the obscurity that shrouds our way. Just as in life, we often find ourselves walking into the unknown, with danger lurking in the shadows.

    The river, a symbol of time and change, flows beneath the stepping stones, a constant reminder of the ever-moving nature of existence. In our quest to cross it, we must tread carefully, for there are hidden perils, just as there are unforeseen challenges in our personal journeys.

    Yet, it is in these moments of darkness and danger that we truly discover our resilience and courage. We take each step, firmly planting our feet on the stones, acknowledging the uncertainty and fear that may accompany us. The journey is not without its risks, but it is in these challenges that we grow, learn, and evolve.

    As the sun sets on the photograph, it also rises on our understanding of life’s complexities. With each step on the stepping stones, we not only confront the darkness but also illuminate our path with the light of our own determination. It is in these moments that we come to realize that, just like the river, life keeps flowing, and we must keep moving forward, one stepping stone at a time.

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  • Stumbling Upon a Hipster Walkway

    Stumbling Upon a Hipster Walkway

    Rocky path
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    The other day, I was out for a walk and stumbled upon a path made out of old slate slabs and gravel. As I strolled along, I couldn’t help but think to myself, “This is the epitome of a hipster walkway.”
    The slate slabs were clearly salvaged from some old building, probably an abandoned schoolhouse or a decrepit barn. And the gravel? It was obviously sourced from a local, organic quarry. I mean, it’s not like they just went to Jewson’s and picked up a bag of generic pea gravel. No, this was artisanal gravel, hand-selected and placed with the utmost care.

    But the real kicker was the fact that the path was slightly uneven and uncomfortable to walk on. I mean, who needs a smooth, level surface when you can have a treacherous minefield of jagged slate and loose gravel underfoot? Clearly, the creators of this path were going for the “rustic” look, and they definitely achieved it.

    As I continued my walk, I couldn’t help but chuckle to myself that this path was the perfect representation of hipsterdom: it was funky, quirky, and just a little bit uncomfortable. And that’s why I love it. So here’s to you, old slate slab and gravel path. You may be rough around the edges, but you’re definitely one-of-a-kind.

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  • Exploring the Natural Wonders of the Brecon Beacons.

    Exploring the Natural Wonders of the Brecon Beacons.

    Rolling green hills
    Ancient stones, a peaceful land
    Nature’s beauty lies

    Wild Welsh Sheep

    The Brecon Beacons National Park is a stunning natural landscape located in South Wales, UK. It covers an area of over 520 square miles and is home to a wide range of flora and fauna, as well as many interesting geological and historical sites.

    The Brecon Beacons are named after the Brecon Beacons mountain range, which forms the centerpiece of the national park. The highest peak in the range is Pen y Fan, which stands at 886 meters (2907 feet) above sea level and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

    The national park also includes the Black Mountains and the Fforest Fawr massif, which offer equally impressive vistas and a range of outdoor activities.The Brecon Beacons are known for their rolling hills, picturesque valleys, and stunning waterfalls, making it a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers.

    The national park boasts a number of long-distance walking trails, including the Beacons Way and the Taff Trail, as well as shorter routes that are suitable for all fitness levels. The Brecon Beacons also offer excellent mountain biking, horse riding, and rock climbing opportunities.

    In addition to its natural beauty, the Brecon Beacons are also rich in history and culture. The national park is home to a number of ancient castles, such as Brecon Castle and Hay Castle, as well as historic churches and other landmarks.

    The Brecon Beacons are also home to a number of small villages and towns, each with its own unique character and charm.The Brecon Beacons are a truly special place, offering something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to enjoy the great outdoors, learn about the area’s history and culture, or simply relax and take in the stunning natural beauty, the Brecon Beacons are sure to have something for you.

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  • The Incredible Story of Fossilized Shark Teeth. From Organic Matter to Mineralized Treasures

    The Incredible Story of Fossilized Shark Teeth. From Organic Matter to Mineralized Treasures

    Fossilized Wonders

    Fossilized shark teeth are formed through the process of permineralization, which occurs when minerals in the surrounding sediment replace the organic matter of the tooth over a long period of time. This process results in the preservation of the tooth’s original shape and structure, including any enamel or dentine present on the tooth.

    The type of mineral that is deposited during permineralization can vary, with common minerals including quartz, calcite, and pyrite. The specific type of mineral that is deposited will depend on the composition of the sediment and the chemical conditions present during the fossilization process.

    Fossilized shark teeth are often found in sedimentary rock formations such as sandstone and shale, which are created through the accumulation of sediment over time. The type of rock in which the tooth is found can provide clues about the environment in which the shark lived, as different rock formations are often associated with specific types of environments.

    In addition to providing information about the shark itself, fossilized shark teeth can also give insight into the wider ecosystem in which the shark lived. By studying the type of tooth and the rock in which it is found, scientists can infer the types of prey that were present in the environment and the relationships between different species.

    Overall, fossilized shark teeth are an important source of information about the evolution of sharks and the ecosystems in which they lived. They provide a glimpse into the past and offer a unique window into the lives of these ancient creatures.

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