Beaux Reflets

BLING

2011-12-11T11:01:00.000+01:00

A new title from Beaux Reflets

Keeping Fit

2011-12-07T22:20:00.004+01:00

A few exercises to unwind all those physical tensions in the body

I went to the doctors the other day.

He said "Gosh, I've not seen you for a while."

I said, "Ï know, I'm sorry, I've been ill."

https://sites.google.com/site/beauxreflets/keep-fit
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At What Cost

2011-11-16T15:12:00.006+01:00

The Environment, Motor Neurological Condition DPS and Treatments.

For more information on Destructive Pulse Syndrome

http://sites.google.com/site/beauxreflets/dps

It is interesting to note all the different chemical compounds being marked as potential causes for Neurological based disorders, when I have periodically worked with solvents, probably breathed in, and possible eaten toxin traces and elements on vegetables brought in the market! Who knows? While toxins and other environmental elements enter the body, the body is pretty good at cleaning itself during the course of time, provided we drink enough.

So, if the kick-starting toxins are removed and no longer in the patient's local environment, why do PD and MND continue to advance their grip on the body? Remembering those affected live in differing environments, both town and countryside all around the world?

In fact, we are probably more health and safety, green conscious today, than in the sixties; yet there is a rising trend, with more people effected by these conditions, and at a younger age too! Why?

Well, ponder this; We spend more time on our rears looking at TV or the PC, holding a poised position squeezing the moisture and bulk out of the discs in the spinal column; and then expect it to cope with pinpointed pressure, when we lazily yet hurriedly bend to lift our litter as the breeze blows it towards a puddle.

Through modern living, every day most of us stress our bodies; but when do we really stretch our spine, giving the discs the encouragement and physical space to re-hydrate and expand into, rather than expecting the daily water intake to be magically pumped back into the discs, ready for the next days hammering.

Yes, the research towards stopping the use of toxic substances is well worth every penny. However, whatever the kick-start is for each individual case, a change in lifestyle, with an increasing concentrated effort to decompress all those stresses away, may actually win the day and reverse the rising trend.

Advocating physiotherapy with prescribed exercises, that can then be undertaken by the patient at home, with the necessary check ups to ensure the treatment is successful, given the benefits I have felt, would appear to be the first step towards alleviating and perhaps in some cases curing such conditions.

In the short term, the increased costs in Physiotherapy, for treating both, injury including those without broken bone, and post surgery treatment of young and elderly alike, bearing in mind that some symptoms may appear a year or two later; May well out way, the substantial and rising costs of more expensive Neurological intervention, with on going nursing costs, and the palliative care required when a patient's condition spirals to immobility.

For more information on Destructive Pulse Syndrome

http://sites.google.com/site/beauxreflets/dps

What is that

2011-11-12T18:40:00.000+01:00

Out Of Nowhere

2011-11-07T10:18:00.004+01:00

Without tunnel vision; things occur with a seed at every root. Yield revealed!

Peace Within

2011-10-24T17:18:00.002+02:00

Contemplating Yin and Yang, the subject for the weekly competition at CameraCraniums.com

My thoughts were drawn to the idea and art in meditation towards a peaceful state of mind

Tell Me The Truth

2011-09-08T08:12:00.000+02:00

With the flower about 9mm across, it took a while connecting with this tiny white spider's eye, as it nestled in wait amongst the flowers of Common Centaury, awaiting a meal of fly to become entangled in its near invisible web. With so much detail unveiled by the bigger eye of the camera lens there is no escaping the true nature of the beast.

Playing dead may help unlock the secret of Parkinson's

2011-09-07T11:16:00.004+02:00

Parkinson's biomarker.

Reading an article on the search for a Biomarker towards early diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease written by Rachel Jones in the 26 August 2010 edition of Nature; as a sufferer I tend to agree that such will only be determined through a battery of tests, set out over ‘a flexible period of time’, dependant upon the ‘possible speed of such in the disease’ for each individual ‘possible’ case.

Any such useful Biomarker can only be determined through patient response and a generalised mapping of data via accurate record from sufferers, being combined with the growing knowledge within the Medical Institutes on a global basis; towards determining environmental parallels and abnormalities.

This said, in my particular case in Parkinson’s (confirmed at the age of fifty), the most earliest possible indication that something was perhaps not quite right, was in the understanding of the smooth flow of nerve signals through the body showing up in the differing responses in my legs during my early teens. In that, it was clearly apparent and noticeable to me (through another lifting my legs independently by scooping up each foot in turn), that my right leg took far longer to achieve a fully relaxed state than that of my left leg. The leg lifting, was a part of Drama class, involving some good exercise in running around the school hall, before dropping to the floor into a totally relaxed state, as though one had been shot dead; with the limb lift and drop being a test marker, towards one’s playing, a convincing role.

With the knowledge that Parkinson’s usually effects one side of the body first, and given today's technology in scanning equipment, I feel sure that monitoring the time scales from muscle tension to the fully relaxed state of each limb, may provide a Biomarker towards spotting possible neurological malfunction in the very early stages; that may or may not develop into a fully blown neurological disorder problem as identified in Parkinson's or Multiple Sclerosis. Indeed, by recording any noticeable differences over a period of time during the academic years, along with any local Environmental or dietary issues (from chemicals used in the home to eating Broad beans during hormonal activity in development) may well assist practicalities of an individual’s overall diagnosis, determining relevant remedial and medicinal therapies, while also assisting in identifying the specific regional Environmental factors that cause reaction in persons susceptible to them, enabling both preventative care, bespoke treatments and potential towards the eventual cure.

Muscle readings recording the time duration's from the totally contracted state to the fully relaxed state, may of course vary given an individual’s lead and follow limb (determining their corresponding right-handedness or left-handedness). However, growing disproportionate readings identifying an increase in one ‘sideness’ (taken over a period of time) and or deterioration of muscular function, may well correspond to the situation I have experienced over the years; bearing in mind that such progressing neurological conditions are often seen to fluctuate with periods of remission and progression relevant to, general health, levels of stress and or trauma.

Of course I am far from being any sort of a medic, yet a common sense approach seems to spring from the history of my situation, while looking back at the pattern of the various involuntary leg movement (or lack in a smooth function) over thirty plus years before diagnosis of the condition.

Pole Dancer

2011-08-17T05:18:00.000+02:00

By thunder, on a clear day you can see the clouds!

Creative Soul

2011-07-24T17:05:00.005+02:00

Capturing the internal joy with defiant crossed arms at the close of play, cemented the idea to create a tryptyche around the final shot.

For having created beautiful shadows for imagination and dream, here is the steadfast determination to seal and store their beauty with a natural wisdom; securing out any unwanted thought evoked by loose arms, that may undermine the real pleasure in life.

Just a Common Copper

2011-07-02T12:08:00.001+02:00

Leaving strips of wild meadow has increased the population of many insect species bringing more delight into the nearby gardens

Coprinus Aqueous

2011-06-30T14:10:00.002+02:00

More on the spitting mushroom

"It may also be determined, given that life evolved from the aquatic, that Coprinus Aqueous is affectively the immediate predecessor of Coprinus Cinereus, and through genetic mutation the developement of gills, the increase in fabric tissue, and its subsequent upward growth pattern has emerged; to the extent that evolution can be observed reoccurring (within this short time span) in the cycle of the Coprinus species."

More info: http://sites.google.com/site/beauxreflets/vanishing-fungi

Swing

2011-06-14T08:23:00.002+02:00

Photography by Rebekah Kemp

Photography is truly an Art

2011-06-14T07:56:00.003+02:00

-
Giving a monkey a paint brush will not provide prize art the like of Constable or Turner unless it is one exceptional ape !

Remember, don't bleat if he says Baaaar!; That just means he's thirsty!!

2011-06-09T08:31:00.004+02:00

Or - Remember, don't bleat if they say Blaaar!; It just means they're thirsty!!

Do you know what this is?

2011-05-25T14:35:00.002+02:00

Hairy dragonfly creature with strange leg formation and seemingly six wings!

A Plume Moth normally seen in Vietnam, enjoying a holiday in France.

Vanishing Mushroom

2011-05-19T10:05:00.003+02:00

An aqueous Coprinus or vanishing fungi. For more information visit https://sites.google.com/site/beauxreflets/vanishing-mushroom

Away On Another Planet

2011-05-08T11:49:00.002+02:00

A single exposure that perhaps sums up many of my thoughts as I reflect upon past events and the way of the world today.

One of my entries in Environmental Photographer of the Year 2011
http://www.ciwem.org/competition-and-awards/environmental-photographer.aspx/

And I am delighted that the shot was featured today as image of the week on Camera Craniums http://cameracraniums.com/forum/index.php

View on Flickr

2011-04-29T10:27:00.001+02:00

A high key portrait

Play It Again

2010-12-19T20:20:00.001+01:00

One of my favorite shots in 2010

Jazz n Blues, sunlight through the trees adding atmosphere to the Sax being played in the cool Autumn breeze as the notes resonate in the woodland

MISTS OF TIME

2010-09-05T15:04:00.004+02:00

Past, present and future, the mists of time roll, perhaps much faster or a lot slower; depending upon the determined mean within all the galaxies of existence. Slow motion within a flash! - Still within a flicker.

Elephant Wise

2010-08-20T22:25:00.003+02:00

.

Elephant, elephant, tell me why,
Why is your nose so long?

I don't know why, but I can reach the sky,
And pull down a tree 'cos it's strong.
I can lend you my ears,
They are lovely and wide,
And flap around in the breeze.
But I think by your size,
If you tried them on,
You'd end up stuck in the trees.

.

OUT ON A LIMB

2010-08-18T10:52:00.005+02:00

Out on a Limb. Still living the dream while reality alludes.

Is an enjoyable, amusing and surprising book of vibrant Photography, Photo Art and Poetry, that may constantly find its way onto your coffee, bedside tables. A book everyone can enjoy and relate too, with its inspirational observations upon life.

Above all, this is a book with an underlying message that may have an impact upon the Medical Profession and treatment of patients world wide. Highlighting the need for doctors to really listen to their patients while considering all aspects of possible illnesses and relevant side effects, before diving in with "experimental treatment" upon their prefered ideas in diagnosis and remedy.

Photographer of the Year 2010

2010-04-19T17:58:00.002+02:00

One of my entries into Photographer of the Year 2010. A glorious sunrise to start the day.
http://www.photoradar.com/photos/51965/beauxreflets

Bashful

2010-04-01T09:06:00.002+02:00

A delightful Fjord pony named Typhoon with heaps of gentleness and a zest for jumping ditches, provides a winning photograph.

Dreams of Summer

2010-03-29T18:33:00.006+02:00

Strawberries and cream, an early treat from warmer climates promising that Summer is on the way.

First Colours of Spring

2010-03-07T09:34:00.013+01:00

Rich reds and the golden yellow pollens herald in new greens as the Hazelnut blooms.

The 'female flower bud' is no larger than 3mm across and easily missed.

Catching the light in the translucent red crown, you can see the tiny 'dusting' of pollen stuck upon the fruity looking fronds.

The first sign this year, as Spring kicks in to bring new life, with the promise of fresh nuts in Autumn.

Golden Oldie

2010-01-24T09:54:00.010+01:00

The Heiress

A modern portrait with a twist, to an old fashioned Sepia style.

Taken using a digital camera, the image has been manipulated to appear as though it was done by plate photography, with a painted colour detail added, as may have been commissioned by the well to do, towards showing off their wealth in earlier times.

Utilising the lakeside rocks with a low camera position to provide the elevated air to the composition, and a fill in flash to illuminate the model against the strong back light of the scene.

A Winter Dance

2010-01-12T22:38:00.006+01:00

Strung along the edge of a tin roof, the row of icicles danced gently in the breeze; While their droplets in the thaw, played a tune on the ice below.

A New Year Resolution

2010-01-01T20:59:00.005+01:00

I hope you can work it out.

Well, that has set things off to a good start, in winning the weekly photo competition at PhotoRadar.com -

A Merry Christmas

2009-12-29T21:58:00.002+01:00

Light Painting

2009-12-17T08:30:00.002+01:00

Info on how I created the image Silver Phoenix :-

The basic principle of digital photography is 'the process of recording the light reflected off the objects or scene via the cameras sensor, and Light painting works in exactly the same way by recording the light source from a torch / illuminated object utilising a long exposure.

To create the image Silver Phoenix, the camera was set up outside in the dark, in manual mode as follows; ISO 100 (to minimise, avoid any digital noise) F stop f/8, and an exposure time of 4 seconds (although these settings can be increased or decreased to suit the desired effects you are after).

An LED torch was then swung around in the dark in front of the lens by my son (taking care not to shine it upon himself or adjacent objects) and each swing or successive stroke of the torch is accordingly recorded for the duration of each take, showing brighter when the light is directed at the lens.

Effectively, I ended up selecting two, of about 15 photographs, from simple streaks, to bundles of figures in 8s, circular configurations and ovals, With the notable 3 dimensional effect arising from the direction in which the torch pointed, and the physical shape of the beam of light provided by the three LED bulbs (set in a single row) producing the thick and thin effect, like an italic nib.

Choosing the 'globe' effect as a starting image, a colour balance adjustment was made to emphasise the Blue (and as with any post processing you can select small areas to tweak, introduce any effects you desire). A new layer was then opened, and the Phoenix element (created from a figure of 8 motion) was then pasted in, resized and positioned to suit the composition.

The combinations and creations are limitless - have fun.

Silver Phoenix

2009-12-14T17:48:00.013+01:00

With no time to take a picture of 'Motion' during the day for a weekly competition, there was little for it, but to play in the dark; Capturing the motion of a windup torch being swung around in the black.

Using a low ISO (100) to minimise digital noise, the timed exposures of 4 seconds provided some interesting 'light painting' effects, as the camera registered each sweep of the hand; including the three dimensional aspect, when drawing circles in the air, as the torch is turned away from the lens.

Combining a couple of these shots together in the digital darkroom with a small amount of post processing, provides a third dimension in motion, as the eye explores the three dimensional shapes of light and the relationship between them. And without too much imagination, perhaps you can see a rising phoenix hovering over a ball of blue fire.

In the Wind

2009-12-10T16:45:00.006+01:00

Gentle breeze sways the flame,
Fans a glowing flicker.
Rise and fall,
Twist to burn,
Molten flow, hot spitter.
Static tears set in wait,
Advancing, creeping, cindered.
Feeds the eye a little hope,
Naked knows,
Unhindered.
Swelling light, swift to warm,
Lacy plumes,
Breakout prances.
Dreamy sense restoring play,
Shadows making distant dances.
Purpled hue,
Silver fume,
Hints of red in golden haze,
Greens peacock blues embrace,
The spirit in the rays.

Addictive Fun

2009-12-02T18:06:00.005+01:00

A little photograph fun, combining two images
to hopefully make someone smile.

Crystal Ball

2009-12-01T23:49:00.008+01:00

Commenting upon my cousin's hair loss (caused by Chemotherapy) with the quip "Who cut your hair? I wouldn't use that hairdresser again." may have seemed to some standing nearby, as a rather heartless thing to say; in fact, Tom thanked me repeatedly.
He was so pleased, because this public banter had not underlined the ills or disabilities of having a brain tumour, and the effects of the treatment in his fast failing battle.

As he said, "It was like a fresh breeze blowing away all the almost constant conversations full of poor you, and words swamped in over sympathetic tones and syllables, that just keep drumming home sad predicament; doing little to lift one's spirit, which is an aspect that most people enjoy, in being alive and participating in Life."

Years later, I am facing each day not knowing where the next painful muscle cramp will turn up, if or when my arm and leg will suddenly start their uncontrollable involuntary jerks and shudders (that debilitate normal mobility and functions), or whether I will be able to hold a teaspoon steady while making a coffee, let alone a camera. So now it is my turn, to wish that things could be a little more normal.

There is little self pity, just the yearning to achieve despite the disabilities to keep me going; seeking the pleasure when a photograph looks good, and the golden warmth when others pay with a compliment upon my creative efforts (hopefully without bias to my predicament in Parkinson's).

Looking at the above photograph thunders home another memory of one of my last conversations with Tom.

His children were tucked up in bed and we were settling down in the sitting room with a drink after a lovely meal; When out of the blue and detached from previous conversations Tom simply asked, “Could you renovate an old house like this on your own” and noting my surprised expression continued, “I mean put in large beams on your own” as he pointed to the very large beam overhead stretching across the ceiling, and taking the weight of the walls and rooms upstairs.

In reply, I said I thought the company I had just started working for probably could before pressing him as to why he had asked the question. Tom swiftly closed the subject stammering “No matter, forget I asked!” And in my ignoring of his tone in voice (that had indicated he would not divulge more information on the subject) Tom firmly demanded that we should talk about other things.

Over twenty years later, glancing over my shoulder and looking up to the ceiling, there are quite a few big fat heavy beams, some seven metres long; that were cut out with a chainsaw (from Oaks felled in our wood) and then planed by hand, before being lifted into place single-handedly using a block and tackle. All of which begs the question. Did Tom have an invisible 'crystal ball'?
Was he actually given a glimpse into a specific point in my then future life, or did his mind just evolve those 'out of the blue' words, to later somehow subconsciously fashion my thinking into undertaking the path that I later followed.

We may never know, though I have to admit, in those days I never dreamt I would ever be living in France trying to renovate a home, let alone creating a Blog!

Caught in a Shower

2009-11-27T22:38:00.003+01:00

"I am pleased to tell you, you have passed your test."

" Thank you."

"And by the way, if we didn't do the three point turn or reverse around a corner don't worry; if I can fall to sleep in city traffic at this time in the day, your driving has to be pretty good."

While there had been just enough time left to perform an emergency stop, and to reverse into a tight parking space on the very steep hill outside the testing station. I often wonder how long my driving test would have actually lasted; had the examiner not been woken up by the noisy windscreen wipers on that little blue mini.

Bookmark

2009-11-27T10:32:00.009+01:00

Nadine,
Many thanks for your permission to photograph your book
for an entry in Photographer of the Year 2009

http://www.nadinelamanbooks.com/

http://poty2009.dcmag.co.uk/

Autumn's Fire

2009-11-27T09:10:00.003+01:00

Autumn unfurls with ruby Reds

Now these leaves have finally fallen, it seems good to remember their youthful blush.

Forgotten Doorway

2009-11-25T11:51:00.015+01:00

What stories can these doors tell?

Wandering past I stopped for a photograph, suitably choosing the camera's B&W mode to try and capture a little of the atmosphere, as I tried to picture the folk who may have opened new timbers to greet a visitor's knock.

Blonde curls over flushed cheeks, or jet black waves over thick rim spectacles, bearded gent or grey haired lady, with flour still upon her fingers, now drawn away from her toil on the kitchen table. A sniff of the Oak fire and the grunt of an animal from the adjacent quarters maybe; after all our sitting room used to house the cattle and still smelt like a stale dairy when we first moved into our old farmhouse.

Remembering the huge pile of empty cider bottles we found up over in the hayloft, I'm now wondering what dusty tales opening these doors may reveal, yet somehow the Brambles barring my way suggest the mystery should remain, and peering into the dark slit for a moment longer I'm soon making my way home in some urgency.

It's raining hard, I'm desperate for a wee, and the sound of rushing water is not helping one bit!
Plus I'm not sure if my little Fuji is waterproof or not.

Still, I managed a nice shot of a Forgotten Doorway and did not get too wet.

A colourful welcome to start the day

2009-11-25T08:11:00.003+01:00

Taken early one morning in the countryside of Brittany.

An almost magical dawn as the first light refracted through the dew.