2010:365:182 Hello!

I've driven this route many, many times.  It's the junction where the West Link joins the M3/Sydenham bypass if you're travelling towards the Belfast City (George Best) Airport.  My friends were heading off to England this morning and Ken, sitting in the back, suddenly says, "That's 'Hello'".  

What's "Hello"?

"The sign".

Well... no dedicated 365Project photographer is far from a camera!  While the lights just about stayed red I took a quick snap in the hope that it might record the moment.  Ken was a boy scout.  Now, I'd not like to guess when that was, but let's say, 'it wasn't yesterday'!  Semaphore was part of their programme and for the first time the sign that I've often noticed but never understood made sense.

I can't remember what the second one reads.  Unfortunately a poster has been stuck over it ... maybe that will be removed at some stage.  (If anyone knows when these were put on display, or who made them, or anything at all about them, I'd love to hear from you.)

Isn't it fun?  It never dawned on me that there was a message in the odd artwork under this flyover.  I'm going to return on foot some day and take pictures of all of the pieces.  

The 365Project submission is this collage to try to give a closer look at "Hello".  There wasn't time to set camera - just point and shoot in hope!  All things considered I am quite happy with the result. 

I expect that this incident will end up in a sermon!  If you're not speaking a language that people understand then you can shout it out day and night but just don't expect a response!

After the airport drop off a quick cuppa at IKEA felt like a nice thing to do on my day off.  Well... it is the first day of school holidays and was raining so guess what... every parent and child in the country was there!  Hardly a table to be had and certainly not a quiet corner in the entire café.  It was a quick mug of hot chocolate and a wee walk through the Market Hall where another unusual plant caught my eye.

This is it: Tillandsia Cyanea. 

Common name: Pink Quill and comes from Ecuador.  

The plant collecting has to stop now!  Enough unusual specimens.  Enough special care instructions.  At least this one will remain a small plant unlike some of the others!

Lord Jesus Christ, we thank you

for all the benefits you have won for us,

for all the pains and insults you have borne for us.

Most merciful redeemer, friend and brother,

may we know you more clearly,

love you more dearly,

and follow you more nearly, day by day.  Amen. 

Book of Common Prayer.

Prayer of Saint Richard of Chichester.