Category: #Silenti

Hampshire skies

We stopped for a bite to eat at a specialist car seller based in a huge converted barn in the middle of beautiful Hampshire – long one of my favourite counties. On the way back to the car this beautiful sky was above us. No words needed… And for the fellow petrol-heads among us, here’s my pick of what was on offer in this … Read More Hampshire skies

The power of three

There is a mysterious power about the number three. For some deep reason it is associated – in the human consciousness – with ‘completeness’. Designers and gardeners will advise that you need an odd number of ‘arranged things’ to look good. The number one is exempt from this, as it, itself, is associated with unity – and not multiplicity, where the design considerations apply, … Read More The power of three

Giant mushrooms in the sky

I did a short post on the striking ‘Setas de Sevilla’ back in February 2025, shortly after we returned from our Spanish city break. There was a lot of interest in that exotic structure in the sky and I promised to return with a fuller post – and some more photos. Here it is… Where is Seville? Andalusia is an autonomous region, located on … Read More Giant mushrooms in the sky

Niagara (3- final) Into the Canadian Falls

Continued from Part Two. With a final look back, we say goodbye to the American Falls. It was worth the trip, alone, but now a deeper resonance calls us round the dark headland that partly obscures the larger Canadian basin. Our boat now passes close to a dark headland from behind which a far great roaring sound is coming – one that speaks of … Read More Niagara (3- final) Into the Canadian Falls

Harbour Light

Twilight can sometimes be the photographer’s best friend. Although the light levels are poor, you can still take a good ‘mood shot’ if you can jam the camera (iPhone here) against a solid object and let it absorb what it needs. The presence of an harmonic single colour in the scene – as here with the orange/peachy shed light – can set a contrast … Read More Harbour Light

Niagara (2) the American Falls

The lower basin of Niagara Falls, from which the water-borne tours originate, can be approached in many ways; some more expensive than others! Most visitors arrive on foot, being funnelled into the large and streamlined ticketing system, which culminates with the issuing of the ubiquitous red plastic raincoats that are recycled at the end of tbe trip. Niagara comprises two giant waterfalls. They lie … Read More Niagara (2) the American Falls

Niagara (1)

Passengers cling tightly to the boat’s metal rails. Everyone on board the Niagara Thunder is jammed down the port side of the vessel. No-one is screaming… the intensity is colossal. We are all too absorbed in the sheer ‘presence’ of millions of gallons of water thundering down in front of us on the Canadian side of the falls, turning the basin of the waterfall … Read More Niagara (1)

Finally made it to Canada!

We’ve finally made it to Canada! After years of wanting to, the presence of my son on a two year contract to Toronto has enabled a week-long trip to this lovely – and very friendly – city. We feel entirely at home here. As a special treat, we’re being taken to Niagara Falls, today. Can’t wait! Lots more photos to follow! The opening shot … Read More Finally made it to Canada!

Hidden Valley

Alness: about ten miles north of Inverness on the famous A9 highland road to John O’ Groats and the port of Thurso. We hadn’t planned to visit Alness but an internet lookup for a decent pharmacy showed it was the closest supermarket town to where we were staying on The Black Isle. We bought our supplies at the supermarket then parked up and wandered … Read More Hidden Valley

The Afterwhere

What secret value do I hold That this – with dying seconds – Bestows its once-glory on my eyes And now on yours…? —- What is this act of seeing That knits the view and viewer new In such a way and with such love They were not ever two but twin? —- And yet… —- And yet kaleidoscope of ‘it’ Mocks egoscope of … Read More The Afterwhere

With Labyrinthine Grace

With labyrinthine grace Not lacking pace The human mind: The snake devourer of the here Makes shapes of what it likes And doesn’t… —- The sum a palette:  A well-stuffed wallet ‘Embrace, avoid or pass’ The money says As hissing head explores in dread A painting made by self In which its power of choice Is just a word…  — Come heart and flower … Read More With Labyrinthine Grace

St Peter Parasol

St Peter Parasol With higher vision Perceives the Earth rotating Round and around The endless quest for truth In human mind revolves Crucified by greed And children’s slaughter His gaze seeks out The pretenders… That they, one day, Might know themselves In heart and share The tears… ©️Stephen Tanham 2025