Anthony's Literary Lens

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  • Midnight Performance: Video of cactus flower opening

    Midnight Performance: Video of cactus flower opening

    I’m so pleased with how this turned out.
    Tap to watch the video

    So, I’ve been growing cactus (or is it cacti?) for a while now, and I’ve always been fascinated by their unique blooms. One of my favourite cacti to grow is the Echinopsis subdenudata, also known as the Easter Lily cactus. This cactus produces large (up to 4in or 11 cm across), white flowers with a beautiful scent that usually open at midnight and are fading by midday.

    Echinopsis subdenudata.

    I was determined to capture the magical moment when one of mine opened. I decided to use my phone to record the process using the app Stop Motion Studio.

    The night before, I saw the flower was bursting to open.I set up my phone on a tripod and positioned it right next to the cactus. I then opened the Stop Motion Studio app and set it to take photos of the flower every few seconds. I left the phone on all night, so I could capture the flower as it slowly unfurled.

    The next morning, I was excited to check my footage. I was amazed to see how clearly the app had captured the entire process of the flower opening. The video is only 11 seconds long, and, as you can see, it shows the flower unfolding its petals until it is fully open.

    I was so happy with the results of my experiment. I was able to capture a beautiful and unique natural phenomenon that I could share with others. If you’re interested in trying this yourself, I highly recommend it.

    The Echinopsis subdenudata is a large, barrel-shaped cactus that is native to the Andes Mountains of South America. It can grow up to 3 feet tall and produces large, white flowers. These blooms open at night, attracting nocturnal pollinators such as hawkmoths and sphinx moths. The flowers have a beautiful scent that is similar to jasmine (they fill my greenhouse when they open).

    Echinopsis subdenudata is a popular houseplant because it is relatively easy to care for. It can be grown in a pot or container with well-draining soil. It should be watered infrequently, and it should be given plenty of sunlight. I think the secret of making it flower is not to water it at all through the winter.

    If you’re looking for a cactus that will reward you with beautiful flowers, the Echinopsis subdenudata is a great choice.

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  • Pink lily, white koi, a perfect match

    Pink lily, white koi, a perfect match

    Water lily blooms
    Above – a koi swims below
    Two worlds, one beauty

    Anthony
    A photo I took a few years ago.
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    A water lily and a koi carp fish are two symbols that have a lot of meaning and significance in Asian cultures, especially in Japan. They are sometimes depicted together in art and tattoos, as they represent a combination of purity, enlightenment, and rebirth.

    A water lily is a beautiful aquatic plant that grows in muddy water but emerges clean and radiant. It has large, round leaves that float on the surface of the water and colourful flowers that bloom above the water. It symbolises purity, beauty, and spiritual awakening. A water lily is also associated with Buddhism, as it represents the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. A water lily can close its petals at night and open them again in the morning, symbolizing the ability to rise above the darkness and ignorance.

    A koi carp fish is an ornamental carp that can swim upstream against strong currents. It symbolises courage, determination, and transformation. According to a legend, a koi fish that can reach the top of a waterfall will turn into a dragon. A koi fish is also a symbol of luck, success, and prosperity. A white koi fish with a red spot on its head is called a kohaku, and it is one of the most popular and valuable varieties. It represents happiness, love, and passion.

    Koi fish swims upstream
    Water lily opens wide
    Both seek the light

    Anthony

    The relationship between a water lily and a koi carp fish is that they both symbolize the attainment of enlightenment and the overcoming of obstacles. They also complement each other in terms of color and meaning. A white koi fish with a red spot on its head and a red water lily create a harmonious and balanced image of peace and passion. Together, they create a beautiful and inspiring scene of nature and spirituality.

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  • Oreo: a tale of two eyes

    Oreo: a tale of two eyes

    In the quiet hamlet nestled ‘neath the shroud of time, there dwelt a colossal Great Dane, christened Oreo in the tongue of the townsfolk. His fur, a patchwork quilt of ebony and alabaster, concealed a secret known to those who dared peer into the windows of his soul.

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    Oreo, a creature of the night and the day, bore witness to the celestial dance in his very gaze. One eye, an obsidian pool, cradled the secrets whispered by the moon in the stillness of midnight. Its velvety depths held the mysteries of nocturnal realms, casting an otherworldly allure upon all who chanced upon its depths.

    Contrasted against this cosmic canvas, his second eye, a sapphire jewel, mirrored the tender caress of the sun’s golden fingers. Bathed in daylight’s warmth, it spoke of sunlit meadows and endless azure skies, a portal to the day’s vibrancy.

    In the shadowy corners of the town, rumours brewed like the evening mist – tales of a canine blessed by the lunar and solar embrace. The storytellers, their voices trembling with the weight of folklore, spun yarns of Oreo’s eyes as conduits to realms unseen. Whispers echoed through cobblestone streets and shadowed alleys, engraving a narrative of ethereal enchantment into the town’s history.

    Clara, the matronly keeper of Oreo’s heart, cradled these murmurs with a knowing smile. Her weathered hands, etched with the passage of countless sunrises and moonlit vigils, stroked Oreo’s majestic frame. She understood that his gaze transcended the mundane, a communion with celestial forces sown into the very fabric of his existence.

    And so, under the watchful eyes of moon and sun, Oreo and Clara sauntered through the chronicles of their days. Their tale, a lyrical dance in the moonlight and a serenade beneath the golden dawn, etched itself into the annals of the hamlet’s collective memory. Oreo, the spectral guardian of celestial secrets, and Clara, the earthly custodian of a bond forged in the crucible of night and day.

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  • First Welsh Photo

    First Welsh Photo

    The first photo to be taken in Wales at Margam park, Port Talbot

    It’s interesting to be taking photos here as very few people know Margam Park was the location of the earliest known Welsh photograph. It was a daguerreotype of the castle taken on 9 March 1841 by the Reverend Calvert Richard Jones. A daguerreotype is an early type of photograph that was produced on a silver-plated copper sheet. The Reverend Jones was a pioneer of photography and a friend of William Henry Fox Talbot, who was also a frequent visitor to Margam Park and experimented with his own photographic methods. The Margam daguerreotype is now kept at the National Library of Wales and is considered a valuable historical document.

    Took this photo of Margam Park a few years ago.
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    In the early 19th century, the estate passed to the Talbot family, who built “Margam Castle”c a neo-Gothic country house that was designed by Thomas Hopper and completed in 1840. The castle was the seat of the Talbot family until the end of the Second World War, when it was used by the army and suffered from neglect and vandalism.

    In 1973, the Margam Estate was acquired by Glamorgan County Council, and in 1977, the park was opened to the public. Since then, the park has been restored and enhanced, offering a variety of attractions and activities for visitors, such as a sculpture park, a farm trail, a narrow gauge railway, a fairytale village, and a discovery centre.

    Margam Park is a place of exceptional historic and scenic value, and has some of the country’s finest architectural treasures in its magnificent setting. It is a rare and valuable learning resource and a heritage attraction of considerable distinction.

    I hope you enjoyed learning about its history. 😊

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  • Foxy Fox

    Foxy Fox

    “Red fur coat gleams bright
    Fox wears virtue and deceit
    Nature’s dual sprite“

    Anthony
    Tap to view my red bubble gallery. Ai pic

    The fox is a fascinating animal that has been featured in many stories and cultures. The character of a fox is often portrayed as clever, cunning, and adaptable. Foxes can use their intelligence and charm to get out of tricky situations or to achieve their goals. However, they can also be seen as tricksters, deceivers, or troublemakers. Foxes may use their skills for good or evil, depending on the context and the perspective.

    In Native American culture, the fox is a symbol of wisdom, creativity, and nobility. Some tribes consider them as a clan animal or a spirit guide. Foxes can teach people how to survive, how to use their talents, and how to respect nature.

    In Japanese culture, the fox is called kitsune, which means spirit fox. It is a messenger of the gods and a symbol of divine intervention. The fox can shape-shift into human form and has magical powers. They can be benevolent or malevolent, depending on the situation and the type of fox.

    In Chinese culture, the fox is a symbol of fertility and longevity. They can also transform into a human and has supernatural abilities. They can be a friend or a foe, depending on the intention and it’s morality. The fox can also represent the balance between yin and yang, the feminine and the masculine forces.

    In European culture, the fox is a symbol of cunning, slyness, and trickery. It is often depicted as a clever animal that can outsmart or outwit its enemies or rivals. They can also be a symbol of mischief, curiosity, or playfulness, being a hero or a villain, depending on the story and the moral lesson.

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  • Ginkgo Biloba: A Symbol of Hope

    Ginkgo Biloba: A Symbol of Hope

    Autumn’s golden gift
    Ginkgo’s fan-shaped leaves descend
    Cycles never end

    Anthony
    A single leaf.
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    Deeper roots. In the heart of Japanese landscapes, the Ginkgo biloba tree, known as “icho,” stands as a representation of endurance, resilience, and a deep-rooted connection to history. This ancient tree, with its distinctive fan-shaped leaves, not only graces the surroundings with its unique beauty but also carries profound cultural significance in Japan.

    Resilience Amidst Adversity. The Ginkgo biloba tree has earned its place in Japanese culture as a symbol of resilience. Planted near temples and shrines, these trees have weathered the tests of time, standing tall even in the face of environmental challenges. One notable example is the Ginkgo at the Anrakuji
    Temple, a living witness to the atomic bomb’s devastation in 1945. Despite the destruction, this Ginkgo tree not only survived but continues to grow, becoming a powerful symbol of hope and the indomitable spirit of life.

    The Spirit of Endurance. The Ginkgo is a dioecious tree, existing in male and female forms. The female trees, although producing seeds with a distinctive, somewhat pungent odour, symbolise fertility and the cycle of life. However, it’s the male trees that are often preferred for landscaping due to their cleaner appearance and the absence of seeds.

    Connecting Past and Present. Beyond its physical endurance, the Ginkgo biloba is a living fossil, dating back around 270 million years. Its presence in gardens and landscapes serves as a bridge between the past and the present, emphasising the importance of preserving history and the natural world. The Ginkgo’s longevity echoes the cultural values of tradition and the interconnectedness of all living things.

    Medicinal and Cultural Significance. In addition to its cultural symbolism, the Ginkgo biloba holds medicinal significance in traditional Japanese medicine. Extracts from its leaves are believed to enhance cognitive function, although scientific consensus on its efficacy remains varied. This dual role as a cultural icon and a potential source of healing adds layers to the Ginkgo’s importance in Japanese society.

    On to the future. As the Ginkgo biloba graces the landscapes of Japan, its symbolism goes beyond mere aesthetics. It embodies the resilience of a nation, the endurance of nature, and the hope for a harmonious future. In the shadows of temples, amidst the bustling urban centres, the Ginkgo stands as a silent but powerful reminder of the intertwined threads of history, culture, and the indomitable spirit of life.

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  • Insights into the Water Rabbit Year

    Insights into the Water Rabbit Year

    “In the Year of the Rabbit, gentleness conquers where force fails, and fortune favours the heart at peace.”

    Anthony
    Managed to get this photo when I was working in somebody’s garden.
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    The Year of the Rabbit in the Chinese zodiac is characterised by the gentle and graceful nature of the rabbit, combined with the influence of the element water in 2023. People born in this year are believed to possess qualities such as kindness, tact, and artistic sensibilities.

    The Rabbit is often seen as a symbol of good fortune and is associated with longevity in Chinese culture. Those born in the Year of the Rabbit are thought to lead a life of tranquility and charm. They are believed to be diplomatic individuals, capable of navigating social situations with ease due to their innate tact and grace.

    The element of Water further enhances these characteristics, adding a touch of adaptability and intuition to individuals born in 2023. Water is associated with fluidity and emotional depth, and it is believed to bring a sense of balance and harmony to the Rabbit’s inherent elegance.

    In Chinese folklore, the Rabbit is also associated with the Moon, contributing to its connection with creativity and artistic pursuits. People born in the Year of the Water Rabbit may find themselves drawn to creative endeavors, whether in the arts, literature, or other expressive outlets.

    Overall, the Year of the Water Rabbit is seen as a time when individuals may find success through a harmonious blend of sensitivity, diplomacy, and creative expression. It’s a year that encourages adaptability and the pursuit of artistic passions, all under the auspicious influence of the gentle and fortunate Rabbit.

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  • Nature’s Whisper Amidst Ruins

    Nature’s Whisper Amidst Ruins

    “In the crevices of despair, nature composes a ballad of renewal, each leaf a lyric in the unwritten song of life’s enduring melody.”

    Anthony
    Took this photo in the Welsh hills. I love how nature reclaims man’s constructions.
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    In the gloomy recesses of our fractured existence, where the shadows of despair lengthen and the echoes of discord reverberate, there exists a profound truth—nature, that eternal force, ceaselessly endeavours to reclaim dominion over the desolation we’ve wrought. Through the fractures and crevices of our broken world, it weaves its resilient tendrils, a manifestation of the indomitable spirit of life.

    Oh, the lamentable tale of our folly, where progress has become the architect of its own undoing. The ceaseless march of industry, the relentless pursuit of mastery over the elements, has left our once-vibrant world battered and bruised. Yet, in the midst of this man-made labyrinth, nature persists, an undaunted force that refuses to be silenced.

    Behold the tenacity of the weed, that humble interloper pushing through the unforgiving concrete. A symbol of defiance against the cold hand of human order. Through the cracks in the pavement, nature extends a green rebellion, reclaiming its birthright inch by persistent inch. It is as if the earth itself, wearied by our excesses, whispers a quiet protest, reminding us that it, too, has a voice—a voice echoing through the crevices of our misguided endeavours.

    In the murk of our industrialization, nature’s resilience becomes a beacon of hope, a reminder that despite our ceaseless march towards progress, there exists a sublime balance we dare not disrupt. The wind through the shattered windows, the wildflowers in the neglected corners, each a chorus singing the hymn of an untamed world seeking to endure.

    And so, as we stand amidst the ruins of our own creation, let us not forget that nature, in its quiet rebellion, persists—a testimony to a world that always finds a way to push back against the encroaching darkness, through the cracks and crevices of our broken existence.

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  • Lily Pads: Nature’s Art

    Lily Pads: Nature’s Art

    “Canvas of stillness
    Water lily’s quiet dance,
    Monet’s brush whispers”

    Anthony
    Took this photo at the botanical garden Wales.
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    Monet’s Musings

    Monet: Ah, my dear water lily, you seem to have mastered the art of silent reflection. Your petals, a palette of nature’s finest hues.

    Water Lily: Thank you, Monsieur Monet. Your artistry has captured my essence, immortalising the dance of light upon the water.

    Monet: Your presence transforms the pond into a living masterpiece. How do you maintain such serenity amidst the ripples of life?

    Water Lily: It is in stillness that I find my strength. Embracing the water’s surface, I learn to dance with both the sunlight and the shadows.

    Monet: A dance indeed, and with every ripple, a new verse is written. Tell me, do you converse with the frogs and dragonflies?

    Water Lily: In whispers, Monsieur. The frogs share their tales of the land, and dragonflies speak of the breeze’s adventures. We form an opus of nature’s secrets.

    Monet: Nature’s symphony, a melody only few can hear. Your petals, a delicate crescendo in this harmonious composition.

    Water Lily: And your brush, Monsieur, orchestrates the colours of our aquatic ballet. Each stroke a note of our shared existence.

    Monet: Together, we create a timeless duet – you, the muse of stillness, and I, the humble composer of your liquid stage.

    Water Lily: A duet that echoes through ponds and galleries alike, uniting the realms of art and nature.

    Monet: Merci, my dear water lily, for gracing my palette with your quiet elegance. Together, we paint the poetry of a tranquil pond.

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  • Sipping Sunshine

    Sipping Sunshine

    “The fading warmth lingers in memories, a bittersweet echo of carefree moments that danced with the breeze.”

    Anthony
    Summer breeze. Took this photo in the summer.
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    Quench yourself with the taste of summer in every sip! This non-alcoholic delight combines the floral notes of elderflower cordial, a zesty twist of lemon, and the aromatic essence of juniper berries, topped off with a fragrant sprig of rosemary. As the sun sets on summer, let each drop transport you back to those sunny memories. Embrace the refreshing concoction of flavours – it’s not just a drink, it’s a celebration of summer’s farewell. Indulge – taste the essence of sunshine in a glass! 🌞🍹

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