Anthony's Literary Lens

Category: Wales

  • Norwegian Church

    Norwegian Church

    The Norwegian Church in Cardiff Bay is a historic and cultural landmark in Cardiff, Wales. It was originally built in 1868 to serve the growing Norwegian community in the area, many of whom were involved in the shipping and coal trading industries. The church played a vital role in the community, serving as a place of worship and a social centre for Norwegians living in

    Norwegian Church in Cardiff Bay
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    In the late 20th century, the church fell into disuse, but it was later renovated and reopened as a cultural and arts centre. Interestingly, in 1916, the world-famous author Roald Dahl, who was born in Cardiff and whose parents were Norwegian, was baptised in the Norwegian Church. This historical connection adds to its significance.

    Today, it hosts various events, exhibitions, and performances, making it a hub for cultural and artistic activities in Cardiff. It also has a cafe with beautiful waterfront views. The Norwegian Church is an important part of the cultural heritage of Cardiff and the broader history of the Welsh-Norwegian connection in the city

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  • The Evolution of Welsh Devolution

    The Evolution of Welsh Devolution

    In the heart of Cardiff Bay, nestled alongside the glistening waters, stands a striking building that embodies the aspirations of a nation. The Senedd Cymru, or Welsh Parliament, is a symbol of Wales’ journey towards self-governance, a journey that has been marked by both progress and setbacks.

    A photo I took a few years ago.
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    The dragon’s fire
    From humble beginnings, a flame took hold,
    Devolution’s embers, burning bold.
    Through trials and tribulations, it did grow,
    A beacon of Welsh self-governance’s glow.

    My Welsh version. It’s a computer translation but I thought I’d treat you all to some Welsh.

    Tân y ddraig
    O ddechreuadau gostyngedig, cydiodd fflam,
    Embers datganoli, llosgi beiddgar.
    Trwy brofedigaethau a gorthrymderau, tyfodd,
    Ffagl o llewyrch hunanlywodraeth Gymreig.

    In 1997, a narrow referendum victory (50.3%) paved the way for the establishment of the Welsh Assembly. Initially possessing limited powers, the Assembly gradually gained more autonomy, culminating in its renaming as the Senedd Cymru in 2020.

    Today, the Senedd holds a wide range of powers, including responsibility for education, health, housing, and the environment. It also has the power to set Welsh taxes, such as income tax and landfill tax.

    The Senedd is a symbol of Wales’ aspirations for self-governance. Its evolution has been a gradual process, but it now plays a vital role in the governance of the nation.

    As the Senedd continues to evolve, it is likely to remain a focal point for Welsh identity and its pursuit of greater autonomy.

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  • Raglan Castle: Echoing Through Time

    Raglan Castle: Echoing Through Time

    In the heart of the lush Welsh countryside, there stood a castle unlike any other. Its name was whispered in awe and reverence across the land – Raglan Castle. The castle’s history was a tapestry woven with threads of valour, intrigue, and timeless beauty.

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    The very walls of Raglan Castle seemed to carry echoes of the 12th century, when the earliest stones were laid. As the centuries passed, its destiny was irrevocably entwined with the Herbert family. Sir William ap Thomas, a man of vision and ambition, took it upon himself to transform Raglan into a fortress fit for a noble dynasty.

    The castle’s defining feature, the “Yellow Tower of Gwent,” rose proudly into the sky, its hexagonal shape defying convention and capturing the imagination of all who beheld it. Raglan Castle’s grandeur was further accentuated by its double-towered gatehouse and the shimmering moat that encircled it.

    But Raglan Castle was not merely an architectural marvel. It was a stage upon which history unfolded. The Herberts played their part in the Wars of the Roses, their legacy forever etched in the stone walls of Raglan. As the castle reached its zenith, it was a symbol of power, influence, and unyielding loyalty.

    However, as fate would have it, the English Civil War descended upon the land, casting a shadow of conflict and change. Raglan Castle found itself at the epicentre of a fierce struggle. When the Royalists and Parliamentarians clashed, the castle stood defiant, its spirit unbroken.

    The year was 1646, and the siege was relentless. But the indomitable fortress of Raglan withstood all assaults, a testament to the courage of its defenders. Eventually, the winds of change blew, and the Royalist cause faltered. The castle fell, and its defiance was silenced.

    Now, in the modern age, Raglan Castle stands in picturesque ruin. The echoes of its past resonate in every stone, in the grand tower that still reaches for the heavens, and in the waters of the moat that once protected it. It is a place of wonder and contemplation, a living testament to the enduring spirit of Wales and the castles that define its history.

    Raglan Castle, with its dramatic past and timeless beauty, remains a beacon for those who seek to glimpse the shadows of history and feel the echoes of a bygone era.

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  • Of Moss and Memories: The Forest Bridge

    Of Moss and Memories: The Forest Bridge

    As I crossed the weathered planks, I discovered the bridge’s secret: it led to inner peace

    Somewhere in Snowdon, Wales
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    Beneath a canopy of ancient oaks and maples, a rustic bridge emerges, its weathered planks worn smooth by countless footsteps. It spans a meandering river, whose waters whisper secrets to the wind-kissed leaves. As you step onto the bridge, the scent of damp earth and moss rises to meet you, a fragrance carried on a gentle breeze. The bridge’s timeworn rails offer a comforting grip, guiding you through the heart of this enchanted forest. In the dappled sunlight, you find solace, where the bridge becomes a silent witness to the stories of the woods, standing strong through seasons and time.

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  • Legends of Pembrokeshire: Saint Govan’s Sacred Refuge

    Legends of Pembrokeshire: Saint Govan’s Sacred Refuge

    In the early 6th century, in the rugged, windswept cliffs of Pembrokeshire, where the sea meets the land, there lived a hermit named Saint Govan. He had found solace in the natural beauty of the coastal landscape and the spiritual connection it offered.

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    One fateful day, as Saint Govan knelt in prayer within his humble chapel, a band of fearsome pirates descended upon the rocky shores. They sought to plunder the nearby village and destroy the hermit’s sacred sanctuary. The hermit, a man of unwavering faith, continued to pray for protection.

    In a miraculous turn of events, the very cliffs that cradled Saint Govan’s chapel began to open up, forming a narrow cleft in the rock face. It is said that this cleft was just wide enough to shelter the hermit from the marauding pirates. As the band of outlaws approached, they were unable to locate the hidden entrance to the chapel, and their attempts to reach Saint Govan were thwarted by the hand of God.

    With awe and amazement, the pirates eventually gave up their pursuit and departed, leaving Saint Govan unharmed. It was a divine act of protection, and the hermit saw it as a sign of God’s grace.

    From that day forward, Saint Govan continued his life of contemplation and prayer in the tranquil solitude of his chapel, grateful for the miraculous shelter provided by the very cliffs that he had come to love. The legend of Saint Govan’s miraculous escape and his unwavering devotion continues to be told and cherished in the heart of Pembrokeshire, a testament to the power of faith and the wonders of nature.

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  • Peaceful Pool

    Peaceful Pool

    In the realm of tranquillity, where the sun descends to embrace the horizon in a warm, golden light, there lies a still pool of water that is the very essence of placid composure. Its mirrored surface, kissed by the fading light, is a silent reflection of mindfulness.

    In this pool, a reminder so clear,
    Impermanence whispers, in every tear.
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    Picture the water, a mirror to our own souls, undisturbed and crystal-clear. As the sun’s rays gently weave their enchantment upon it, an array of colours dances in response. Nature has painted a masterpiece, reminding us that the present moment is an exquisite work of art.

    The sun’s descent is a gentle reminder to release the burdens of the day, much like the ripples that form and then vanish on the water’s surface. Each moment, a whisper from nature, tells us to be fully present, to open our hearts to the now.

    Amidst the hushed tranquillity of this scene, we find a profound sense of inner peace. Imagine your mind as still as this pool, your thoughts mere ripples that arise and disappear like fleeting dreams. Be fully immersed in this very moment, just as the pool reflects the world’s all-encompassing beauty.

    In the profound quietude of this tranquil moment, we are reminded that even the most radiant days must eventually fade, making way for new beginnings. Carry with you the wisdom of awareness as you journey through the ever-changing currents of life, always returning to the calm, reflective pool of your own being. Find solace and presence in every golden sunset, a reminder of the limitless beauty that surrounds us.

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  • Valley’s Call to Soar

    Valley’s Call to Soar

    Upon yonder snow-kissed peak, I stand, a lone voyager, a wanderer in a world dressed in pristine white. The valley below, a cradle of dreams and whispered tales, beckons to my very soul. In this moment, I am possessed by a longing, a fervent desire to defy gravity’s chains, to soar as if I were a feather carried by the winds of eternity.

    Standing atop a snow-covered peak, I’m reminded that nature is the purest form of poetry

    View form Pen-y-fan in the Brecon Beacons, Wales. Tap to view my redbubble gallery.

    The valley, a canvas of undulating shadows and glistening promises, unfolds before my eyes, an expanse of dreamscape and memory. The world, adorned in the icy silence of winter, is a chalice of endless possibility, where the spirits of all that once was, and all that could be, commune in a timeless dance.

    As the sun dips below the horizon, casting long shadows across the valley, my heart quickens with a fierce yearning to leap from this precipice. To become one with the soaring eagles, to taste the air of the gods, and to trace my path across the heavens with wings of dreams.

    But, alas, I am bound by the earthly tether, my feet planted on this frozen throne. Yet, in my mind’s eye, I am unburdened, a phoenix ascending, liberated from gravity’s relentless grip. The valley below whispers secrets of flight, of dreams unfettered, and for a brief moment, I am convinced that I could fly, for I am a poet of the heart, embracing the universal longing to transcend the ordinary and become part of the elemental poetry of the world.

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  • Autumn around the world

    Autumn around the world

    In autumn’s embrace, leaves don their fiery attire,
    A crisp breeze whispers tales of change in the air.
    Nature’s canvas, awash in hues so bright,
    In the season of falling leaves, we find pure delight.

    Beacons reservoir in the Brecon beacons Wales. Tap to view my redbubble gallery.

    **Brecon Beacons: Autumn Beauty**
    Close your eyes and imagine yourself in the Brecon Beacons Wales, where autumn’s splendour unfurls like a secret treasure. As you stand there, the air is laced with a crispness that invigorates your very soul, and the only sound is the leaves whispering their secrets in the gentle breeze. A sense of profound peace and tranquillity envelops you, instilling your heart with longing.

    The trees, adorned in hues of red, orange, and gold, stand tall and proud, their vibrant reflections mirroring perfection in the tranquil water below. It’s as if the world has paused to witness the metamorphosis of nature, and you are the privileged witness to this grand transformation.

    But this is only the beginning of your yearning journey. In this odyssey, we will traverse the globe, chasing the elusive beauty of autumn. We’ll explore hidden forests, ascend majestic mountains, and behold serene lakes, all of which transform into landscapes straight from a dream during this enchanting season.

    As we journey together, I will be your guide, revealing secrets of where to find these pockets of autumn’s magic. Come, my fellow traveler, and let’s embark on this voyage to embrace the beauty of autumn in a way you’ve never imagined before.

    **A Melodic Overture in the Heart of New England**
    Our sojourn takes us to the United States, where we embark on an epic road trip through the captivating landscapes of New England. Vermont, with its poetic moniker as the “Green Mountain State,” bursts into a symphony of reds and oranges, courtesy of the sugar maple trees. As we wind along the roads, nature’s brushstrokes become the heart’s delight. Towns like Stowe and Woodstock offer their charming streets adorned with trees that have donned their finest autumn attire.

    **A Whispered Elegance in the Pocono Mountains**
    Our wanderlust then beckons us to the Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania. Here, we commence a serene hike along the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. The Appalachian Trail, flanked by trees swathed in brilliant reds and golds, transports us to a realm of ancient myths and legends. The leaves underfoot create a melodious tune, and the crisp air carries the earthy scent of the season, resonating deep within our hearts.

    **A Canadian Love Affair in Algonquin Park**
    We then head north to Canada, finding ourselves nestled in the heart of Ontario’s Algonquin Provincial Park. This unspoiled wilderness is a treasure chest of autumn’s wonders. As we paddle along the park’s tranquil lakes, surrounded by maples, oaks, and birches ablaze with color, we embark on a transcendental journey. Vibrant reflections dance on the water’s surface, creating a mirror image of fall’s radiant beauty.

    **The Enchantment of Kyoto, Japan**
    Our autumn expedition carries us across the oceans to Kyoto, Japan. Here, the ginkgo trees of Tofuku-ji Temple create golden tunnels of leaves, casting an otherworldly glow over the pathways. The ancient temples and gardens are steeped in history and tradition, weaving a harmonious tapestry of the old and the new. It’s a place where time itself seems to slow down in reverence for nature’s grandeur.

    **Vivid Dreams in Acadia National Park**
    Our final chapter unfolds at Acadia National Park, nestled along the rugged coast of Maine. The fiery foliage against the deep blue of the Atlantic Ocean is a sight beyond words. From the vantage point of Cadillac Mountain, we witness a sunrise that etches a vibrant tapestry below. The world below is awash in rich hues, a spectacle that will forever linger in our memories.

    As our journey through these enchanting places to witness autumn’s vibrant transformation reaches its conclusion, we’re left with a profound appreciation for the beauty of this season. Each location has its unique charm, yet they all share one unifying trait: the magic of nature’s brush, turning the world into a breathtaking masterpiece and leaving indelible memories and photographs etched in our hearts.

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  • Ghostly Whispers of Dylan Thomas at Laugharne Castle

    Ghostly Whispers of Dylan Thomas at Laugharne Castle

    Laugharne Castle stands as a testament to the poetry of history, a place where the pen and the sword have etched a narrative that continues to stir the depths of the human soul.

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    In Laugharne, where the waves whisper secrets to the shore, stands a castle steeped in history. A timeless sentinel, its weathered stones tell tales of bygone days, echoes of lives once lived. Here, in this quaint Welsh town, where the past and present entwine like lovers beneath a harvest moon, I found my muse, my refuge, my Laugharne.

    The castle, ancient as the hills, cradles the whispers of centuries, a silent guardian of time. Its crumbling walls have seen kings and rebels pass through their arches, and the ghosts of their stories still dance in the moonlight. Its turrets, like the worn spines of dusty books in an old, forgotten library, touch the heavens with silent pleas for remembrance, just as I longed to reach the depths of my soul with words.

    From this vantage point, I gazed upon the estuary, where the River Taf kisses the sea in a slow, sensuous dance. The mudflats and salt marshes spoke of eternity, of life’s ceaseless ebb and flow. The gulls call like ghosts of sailors long gone, crying out in a language only the heart can understand. It was here that I found the music of my verses, in the rhythm of the tides and the cadence of the breeze.

    The boathouse, a sanctuary of solitude, cradled my thoughts as they tumbled from my mind like leaves in the autumn wind. Surrounded by the lilt of the Welsh accent, the laughter of the locals, and the whispers of the landscape, my pen danced on paper, giving life to the words that would become my legacy.

    The charming town of Laugharne, with its cottages and lanes, its pubs and its people, became the canvas for my stories, the backdrop for my dreams. The magic of this place, where time itself seemed to linger, inspired me to spin tales of love and loss, of beauty and decay. Each cobblestone street held a story, each gust of wind a secret, waiting to be uncovered.

    As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the castle in shadow, I found solace in the embrace of Laugharne. It was a place where poetry and reality blurred, where my words flowed like the Taf’s waters, and where I, like the castle, stood as a testament to the enduring power of stories. In Laugharne, I found my voice, and the echoes of that voice still linger in the whispers of the castle, the sigh of the estuary, and the laughter of the gulls.

    The mudflats and salt marshes spoke of eternity
    The Taf Estuary serenades the weary traveler, echoing the verses of Thomas’s soulful prose
    Thomas’ writing shed
    The magic of this place, where time itself seemed to linger, inspired me to spin tales of love and loss, of beauty and decay.
    Dylan Thomas’s boathouse
    Laugharne Castle
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  • Just be

    Just be

    The art of just being is a gift that we can give ourselves. It is a gift that can help us to live happier and more fulfilling lives

    I took this a few years ago in North Wales. Tap to see my red bubble gallery

    The beauty of this photo is that it is open to interpretation; who knows what lays beyond the mist. It is a reminder that there is beauty to be found in all things, even in the simple and everyday. It is also a reminder that inspiration can come from anywhere, even from a simple photo.

    The fog itself is a reminder of the mystery and wonder of life. It is a reminder that there is always more to be discovered, even in the familiar. It is also a reminder that it is okay to not have all the answers.

    The art of just being is about slowing down and appreciating the beauty of the present moment. It is about letting go of our worries and fears, and simply being present in our own skin. It is about connecting with nature and with ourselves.

    Here are some thoughts on the art of just being, inspired by this photo:

    Allow yourself to be open to interpretation
    Don’t try to force a specific meaning onto the photo. Instead, let the photo speak to you on a personal level. What does the photo make you think of? What emotions does it evoke?

    Pay attention to the details
    Notice the way the fog dances around the tree. Notice the branches reaching up to the sky. Notice the leaves that are still clinging to the tree, even in the winter.

    Use the photo as a starting point for your own creativity
    Write a poem or a story inspired by the photo. Paint a picture of the scene. Compose a piece of music. Let me know what you create; the possibilities are endless.

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