Animedragon

10 hours ago, Zeref said:

Very cool. Nice blog entry I learned something reading this, it was very informative and I like the pictures you've included too. It seems as if it's very deep in the mountains or forest judging by the pictures of the outside? 

Thank you. I'm pleased that you found it interesting and informative. Slate bearing mountains tend to be a long way from anywhere and are very bleak and desolate places which is why they need their own workshops and repair facilities.

6 hours ago, Sakura said:

I'm so glad you started your blog *-* These are really awesome pictures and that's so interesting about the quarry. That museum looks really neat too I love the fact it really looks like something from another time period  like, all of this looks really well preserved and set up great : D 

Thank you. The pictures really do look like something from another time period, because they really are and it's so fascinating having a glimpse into that now long gone way of life. The works would have been state of the art when they were built. I forgot to mention it in the descriptions of the pictures but those long rods along the tops of the walls were the drive shafts that transferred the power from the waterwheel to drive the various machines. There would have been straps attached to the shaft which then led down to the machine that needed the power.

We came very close to losing the whole place because when the quarry closed the plan was to auction everything off, fortunately someone had the foresight to stop it and preserve the area's heritage for future generations.

Thank you.

Another set of beautiful photos, they're so bright and colourful.

It sort of appeals to my (slightly warped) sense of humour that  a boat trip was cancelled due to flooding

Thank you for sharing your story. The things every child wants is love, support and recognition from their parents, and it's so sad that that wasn't what you had.  It's so good that you were able to turn your life around and get to a place that you've made your very own. I wish you all the best with your writing and future role as an English teacher.

I'm so sorry to hear that your exams didn't go too well. 76% so close and yet so far I can understand how disheartening that must have been for you. But you've got a positive attitude and are looking forward with optimism and that's good. At least you're not the only one in your group who is under the 80% mark, so a bit of group study and support hopefully will get your grades up.

Those are really beautiful snow pictures. I really like the filters and effects you've used on them as they really make the photos stand out. I've always liked taking photos in the snow but we so rarely get snow here. I remember many years ago waking up at around 4am and finding that it had snowed overnight and going out into the street and taking some photos.

I'm not going to do lots of "quote" bits, it's too compicated

@Sarada. I'd like to see your photographs. As a photographer I'll give you this little bit of advice: just go and photograph whatever you see that interests you, don't get hung up on lighting and angles and all that technical stuff, that will all come as you progress. The important thing is just to take photos of things that you like.

@Sakura. Another batch of really great photos. I suspect that you could manipulate some of those graveyard photos in Photoshop and produce some "atmospheric" images without the risks of going into a graveyard at night. Don't even think of climbing into a deep dark hole, they're not the sanctuary they appear to be, they're just the opposite in fact, and you'll never find the clarity you want in one of them.

It sounds like you had a really great time hosting your friend and going out as a group with the other exchange students. It's a shame that you missed out on going to Japan as an exchange student, but you had a good taste of what it would have been like which was nice, I'm sure you'll get to Japan one day. It was really good of you dad for providing you some money so you could enjoy the time with the group even though money is tight right now.

Welcome to the club. I've been single all my life and have never met a girl who wants me as their boyfriend. I get the same feelings as you when I watch some anime series, but I've come to the view that it's just not my lot in life to have a partner. I've learnt that single people can still have a lot of fun and can do things that married people can't. I have several hobbies and interests that can be enjoyed as a single person, although they would be nice to share with a partner. While I don't think there's much chance I'll find anyone now I haven't given up and still hope that one day I'll meet that special someone. In the meantime I'll just carry on enjoying the life I have.

It's not as if Las Vegas is nearby to Chicago!

Forcing yourself out of the house against your wishes can be such a good thing to do .

I really liked all those photos of the trees, as I've said before you have such a good eye for a photo. I also liked the photos of the old houses they look really amazing with all that carved detailing. I like looking at the architecture of old buildings.

I'm looking forward to seeing your riverfront photos.

5 hours ago, Sakura said:

Yuh I'm gonna definitely work on doing that <33

That's true lol I just get so overwhelmed sometimes at the thought of telling someone no x.x I dunno where that comes from lol 

It can be very difficult to say No to someone, especially if you've become friends with them. But @Sarada is right, if they keep pushing they're not a real friend and are just out to make use of you.

I really like the warm weather, but 27C is close to my limit as I don't cope well when it gets above 30C. Anyway, those snow photos are great I'd really like to be able to take some like that but we hardly ever get snow were I am and when we do it's only a few flakes that don't settle. Those night photos are amazing and you've even captured the stars as well which makes the photos even better. Don't fall into the trap of thinking you must have an expensive hi-tech camera to take great photos, the best camera in the world won't take good photos if the photographer doesn't have an eye for a good photo, and you most definitely have a good eye for a photo.

Yeah, it's really bad when you put yourself out to help and support someone and then find they just turn round and stab you in the back. Sadly there's a type of people around who go out looking for kind caring people that they can pretend to be friendly so that they can take advantage of them and then when they think they've got all they can off their victim they cut them off and sometimes even bad-mouth them.  I really hope that you will be able to sort out your various life issues and be able to enjoy life.

6 hours ago, Sarada said:

The struggle is real when it comes to eating cute things, you never want to :v 

When I was little I could never eat sweets or cookies in the shape of cute animals. Even now I don't buy things like that.

Those are really beautiful photos, I really like the bright colours and the butterflies are a bonus.

Those are really nice photos, you've got a great view from the top of your house.

5 hours ago, Sakura said:

You're more like an unpaid chauffeur XD 

That's what I was for my parents

5 hours ago, Sarada said:

Agree good idea. Bring the thing :v

Never underestimate the power wielded by the owner of the Car Key it's one of the most powerful objects you'll find in any game.. To gain the help of the wielder you may need to ask nicely and offer food .

What beautiful photos. I just love the autumn colours and the photos with the refections of the trees in the water are great. You have a good eye for what makes a good photo.

Those restrictions sound overly draconian and excessive. Is you mother trying to ruin your social life and turn you into a hikikomori ?

Sadly at present the only thing you can do is hang on in there and hope things will improve.

6 hours ago, Sakura said:

WHY ARE YOU THREATENING ME I'M DOING MY BEST 

I suspect that they think you're not sorting things out quickly enough. Take your time, work things through slowly and carefully and you will get there.

Those are really lovely sunsets, I really like looking at sunsets no two are ever the same. Standing somewhere on your own and watching the sun slowly set is a great way to think things through. Don't hold on to the past, it's never coming back. Look forward to the future. Don't spend your time thinking about what might have been or might be, live for what you can do now. Take it from someone who wasted a lot of time seeking for something and never finding it before realising that it wasn't necessary for having a happy life.

It's really good that you have a definite aim and goal for your future life after school and that you're working steadily towards it in a sensible and responsible way.  I wish you all the best for your career.

Some nice photos with some great memories.

8 hours ago, Zeref said:

After you finish you can always go back home - there's no reason why not. I know you haven't liked living here very much but it won't be for too long

Zeref is right, once you've finished the course you can go back home. Look at it as a reward for finishing your college course.

Never forget that expensive camera gear does not equal great photos. It's the eye and mind of the photographer that makes great photos.