Hugh B. Long's Blog
November 28, 2017
Postcards From Iceland, #16 – Green Hills
Dear Friend,
I loved this spot in the hills west of Reykjavik. Open skies and rolling green hills have always tugged at my soul. Why is that I wonder?
Maybe the open skies remind me that I’m free. Perhaps the hills interrupt the monotony of daily life, hinting at the undiscovered waiting behind each crest. Of course, green things always imbue me with hope – new life blooming, and all that.
When the grind has you down, look out a window. When you think you’ve done it all, remember the next hill. When the green grass is dead, remember that it returns every spring.
#16 – Green Hills

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Postcards from Iceland is a series of 52 blogposts – delivered one per week – exploring the magic of Iceland through a series of Personalized Digital Postcards highlighting the stunning Icelandic landscape, the colorful cityscapes of Reykjavik; including the prolific urban art scene, and the mystery of Viking magic!
The postcard pictures are from my trip there for the Summer Solstice in 2017. We enjoyed a week exploring the country, driving south across the bottom of the island all the way to Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon. Of course we experienced the Golden Circle and the beauty of Reykjavik. Each of these posts includes a free wallpaper picture that can be used on your computer or mobile device. Feel free to share and enjoy these original pictures for non commercial use.
* This series of blog posts is dedicated to my amazing wife, with whom I’ve shared so many great adventures.
BONUS!
Icelandic Rune Poems & Magic
With the first sixteen Postcards From Iceland blog posts, I’ll also include one verse from The Icelandic Rune Poem, which has been called the most systemized of the rune poems. Rune poems are thought to encapsulate esoteric knowledge of the symbol. Such interpretations are used in modern divination and meditation. Learn More?
#IcelandicMagic #Runes #Vikings #Iceland #Reykjavik #PostcardsFromIceland #HughBLong #Amwriting #IndieAuthor

(pictured above is a rune wand that I carved about 10 years ago)
Rune
[image error]
Rune Name
Ýr
(Ear)
Old Icelandic
Ýr er bendr bogi
ok brotgjarnt járn
ok fífu fárbauti.
arcus ynglingr.
English
Yew = bent bow
and brittle iron
and giant of the arrow.

Want To Learn More?

The Runes in 9 Minutes

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The post Postcards From Iceland, #16 – Green Hills appeared first on Author Hugh B. Long.
November 23, 2017
Postcards From Iceland, #15 – Angles and Contrast
Dear Friend,
Two things in art, literature, and life, intrigue me: angles, and contrast. This picture my wife took of Hallgrímskirkja has both.
Angles and contrast annotate the world we live in. Consider the humble stop sign – it’s bright red and distinctly octagonal. Those two attributes tell us a lot, and we usually pay heed to its instruction.
I think we all need to pay more attention to angles and contrast. What’s his/her angle? How do they contrast with those who’ve come before, or those who may follow?
Angles and contrast – more important than you might think.
#15 – Angles & Contrast

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Postcards from Iceland is a series of 52 blogposts – delivered one per week – exploring the magic of Iceland through a series of Personalized Digital Postcards highlighting the stunning Icelandic landscape, the colorful cityscapes of Reykjavik; including the prolific urban art scene, and the mystery of Viking magic!
The postcard pictures are from my trip there for the Summer Solstice in 2017. We enjoyed a week exploring the country, driving south across the bottom of the island all the way to Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon. Of course we experienced the Golden Circle and the beauty of Reykjavik. Each of these posts includes a free wallpaper picture that can be used on your computer or mobile device. Feel free to share and enjoy these original pictures for non commercial use.
* This series of blog posts is dedicated to my amazing wife, with whom I’ve shared so many great adventures.
BONUS!
Icelandic Rune Poems & Magic
With the first sixteen Postcards From Iceland blog posts, I’ll also include one verse from The Icelandic Rune Poem, which has been called the most systemized of the rune poems. Rune poems are thought to encapsulate esoteric knowledge of the symbol. Such interpretations are used in modern divination and meditation. Learn More?
#IcelandicMagic #Runes #Vikings #Iceland #Reykjavik #PostcardsFromIceland #HughBLong #Amwriting #IndieAuthor

(pictured above is a rune wand that I carved about 10 years ago)
Rune
[image error]
Rune Name
Lögr
(Low-gur)
Old Icelandic
Lögr er vellanda vatn
ok viðr ketill
ok glömmungr grund.
lacus lofðungr.
English
Water = eddying stream
and broad geysir
and land of the fish.

Icelandic Magical Staves
Want To Learn More?

The Runes in 9 Minutes

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Northern Wisdom

Northern Lore

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The post Postcards From Iceland, #15 – Angles and Contrast appeared first on Author Hugh B. Long.
November 7, 2017
Postcards From Iceland, #14 – Urulu North?
Dear Friend, what a peculiar mound! For a brief second I thought I was staring at Ayer’s Rock in Australia – called Uluru by the Aboriginals. Is this Uluru North?
One commonality between Australia and Iceland, is the impact tourists are having on the land. Ayer’s rock will be off limits to climbers as of 2019, reflecting it’s sacred place in Aboriginal culture.
Iceland’s popular spots are not sacred, not in a religious sense, but are treasures that we must safeguard for future generations. This summer has been a particularly busy year for the Lögregla (police), ushering tourists out of forbidden areas or chasing stolen sheep (not kidding).
I want my grandchildren to be able to see what I have seen, though I know that it’s only a dream. What is, is not what will be.
#14 – Uluru North?

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Postcards from Iceland is a series of 52 blogposts – delivered one per week – exploring the magic of Iceland through a series of Personalized Digital Postcards highlighting the stunning Icelandic landscape, the colorful cityscapes of Reykjavik; including the prolific urban art scene, and the mystery of Viking magic!
The postcard pictures are from my trip there for the Summer Solstice in 2017. We enjoyed a week exploring the country, driving south across the bottom of the island all the way to Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon. Of course we experienced the Golden Circle and the beauty of Reykjavik. Each of these posts includes a free wallpaper picture that can be used on your computer or mobile device. Feel free to share and enjoy these original pictures for non commercial use.
* This series of blog posts is dedicated to my amazing wife, with whom I’ve shared so many great adventures.
BONUS!
Icelandic Rune Poems & Magic
With the first sixteen Postcards From Iceland blog posts, I’ll also include one verse from The Icelandic Rune Poem, which has been called the most systemized of the rune poems. Rune poems are thought to encapsulate esoteric knowledge of the symbol. Such interpretations are used in modern divination and meditation. Learn More?
#IcelandicMagic #Runes #Vikings #Iceland #Reykjavik #PostcardsFromIceland #HughBLong #Amwriting #IndieAuthor

(pictured above is a rune wand that I carved about 10 years ago)
Rune
[image error]
Rune Name
Maðr
(Mah-thur)
Old Icelandic
Maðr er manns gaman
ok moldar auki
ok skipa skreytir.
homo mildingr.
English
Man = delight of man
and augmentation of the earth
and adorner of ships.

Behind the Scenes
I wanted this image to appear like a vintage image, so I bumped up the contrast and muted the colors. I also bumped up the exposure on the rock.

Want To Learn More?

The Runes in 9 Minutes

Northern Plant Lore

Northern Wisdom

Northern Lore

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The post Postcards From Iceland, #14 – Urulu North? appeared first on Author Hugh B. Long.
October 26, 2017
Postcards From Iceland, #13 – Channeling Ansel Adams
Dear Friend, I’m in awe of Ansel Adams’s work. He didn’t have digital cameras or computers to create his masterful photographs, instead, hard work and an indomitable will propelled him to create some of the most iconic landscape photographs in America.
His famous pictures took months to capture, and required him to scale mountain peaks in search of the perfect composition.
Thankfully, I was able to drive a car right up to Jökulsárlón Lagoon to take this picture, then used a very slick set of editing tools on my computer to try to emulate what Ansel Adams did in a darkroom.
It’s hard to take a bad photograph in Iceland!
#13 – Channeling Ansel Adams

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Postcards from Iceland is a series of 52 blogposts – delivered one per week – exploring the magic of Iceland through a series of Personalized Digital Postcards highlighting the stunning Icelandic landscape, the colorful cityscapes of Reykjavik; including the prolific urban art scene, and the mystery of Viking magic!
The postcard pictures are from my trip there for the Summer Solstice in 2017. We enjoyed a week exploring the country, driving south across the bottom of the island all the way to Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon. Of course we experienced the Golden Circle and the beauty of Reykjavik. Each of these posts includes a free wallpaper picture that can be used on your computer or mobile device. Feel free to share and enjoy these original pictures for non commercial use.
* This series of blog posts is dedicated to my amazing wife, with whom I’ve shared so many great adventures.
BONUS!
Icelandic Rune Poems & Magic
With the first sixteen Postcards From Iceland blog posts, I’ll also include one verse from The Icelandic Rune Poem, which has been called the most systemized of the rune poems. Rune poems are thought to encapsulate esoteric knowledge of the symbol. Such interpretations are used in modern divination and meditation. Learn More?
#IcelandicMagic #Runes #Vikings #Iceland #Reykjavik #PostcardsFromIceland #HughBLong #Amwriting #IndieAuthor

(pictured above is a rune wand that I carved about 10 years ago)
Rune
[image error]
Rune Name
Bjarkan
(Bee-ar-kan)
Old Icelandic
Bjarkan er laufgat lim
ok lítit tré
ok ungsamligr viðr.
abies buðlungr.
English
Birch = leafy twig
and little tree
and fresh young shrub.

Behind the Scenes
This was a pretty dramatic set of adjustments in Adobe Lightroom CC. Mainly I converted it to B&W, then added heavy gradient filters to the top and bottom. I’m no Ansel Adams but I was very pleased with the results. The picture was shot with a Canon SX540HS, ISO 80, 4.3mm Focal Length, using the built in 4.3mm – 215mm lens.

Want To Learn More?

The Runes in 9 Minutes

Northern Plant Lore

Northern Wisdom

Northern Lore

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The post Postcards From Iceland, #13 – Channeling Ansel Adams appeared first on Author Hugh B. Long.
October 19, 2017
Postcards From Iceland, #12 – Arctic Buttercups
Dear Friend, tiny, yellow flowers blooming at the base of a glacier is such a beautiful, comforting sign. I may have been shivering on that cool June afternoon, but the light of Iceland’s midnight sun suffused the entire scene with a subtle, almost divine energy. It’s no wonder my Germanic ancestors revered the sun as a goddess – Sunna. Much of the ancient world associated the sun with masculinity – the ancient Egyptians with Ra, the Greeks with Helios, pulling the sun in a chariot. I embrace Sunna’s feminine energy. Her warmth on cold days always seems more like a mother’s embrace to me. Hail, Sunna!
#12 – Arctic Buttercups

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BONUS!
Icelandic Rune Poems & Magic
With the first sixteen Postcards From Iceland blog posts, I’ll also include one verse from The Icelandic Rune Poem, which has been called the most systemized of the rune poems. Rune poems are thought to encapsulate esoteric knowledge of the symbol. Such interpretations are used in modern divination and meditation. Learn More?
#IcelandicMagic #Runes #Vikings #Iceland #Reykjavik #PostcardsFromIceland #HughBLong #Amwriting #IndieAuthor

(pictured above is a rune wand that I carved about 10 years ago)
Rune
[image error]
Rune Name
Týr
(Teer)
Old Icelandic
Týr er einhendr áss
ok ulfs leifar
ok hofa hilmir.
Mars tiggi.
English
Týr = god with one hand
and leavings of the wolf
and prince of temples.

Want To Learn More?

The Runes in 9 Minutes

Northern Plant Lore

Northern Wisdom

Northern Lore

Enjoy my Stories? Want to Help?
REVIEW - authors live and die by reviews, especially in the time of Amazon.
SUBSCRIBE - sign up to my mailing list so you're up to date on new releases, and all the cool freebies.
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The post Postcards From Iceland, #12 – Arctic Buttercups appeared first on Author Hugh B. Long.
October 9, 2017
Postcards From Iceland, #11 – Stormy Glacier
Dear friend,
The winds howling through this glacial pass were fierce. Like Iceland, life is full of stormy weather; temperatures drop, winds pick up, rain and sleet drive us to take shelter.
Like weather, life’s little storms can come crashing on us unexpectedly. The key is to understand that these gales are a part of life, You can no more separate strife from human beings than you can the atmosphere from Earth.
How do you survive inclement weather – figurative or literal.? Be prepared, Make sure you have a safe harbor, and above all else, remember …This too shall pass.
#11 – Stormy Glacier

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Postcards from Iceland is a series of 52 blogposts – delivered one per week – exploring the magic of Iceland through a series of Personalized Digital Postcards highlighting the stunning Icelandic landscape, the colorful cityscapes of Reykjavik; including the prolific urban art scene, and the mystery of Viking magic!
The postcard pictures are from my trip there for the Summer Solstice in 2017. We enjoyed a week exploring the country, driving south across the bottom of the island all the way to Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon. Of course we experienced the Golden Circle and the beauty of Reykjavik. Each of these posts includes a free wallpaper picture that can be used on your computer or mobile device. Feel free to share and enjoy these original pictures for non commercial use.
* This series of blog posts is dedicated to my amazing wife, with whom I’ve shared so many great adventures.
BONUS!
Icelandic Rune Poems & Magic
With the first sixteen Postcards From Iceland blog posts, I’ll also include one verse from The Icelandic Rune Poem, which has been called the most systemized of the rune poems. Rune poems are thought to encapsulate esoteric knowledge of the symbol. Such interpretations are used in modern divination and meditation. Learn More?
#IcelandicMagic #Runes #Vikings #Iceland #Reykjavik #PostcardsFromIceland #HughBLong #Amwriting #IndieAuthor

(pictured above is a rune wand that I carved about 10 years ago)
Rune
[image error]
Rune Name
Sól
Old Icelandic
Sól er skýja skjöldr
ok skínandi röðull
ok ísa aldrtregi.
rota siklingr.
English
Sun = shield of the clouds
and shining ray
and destroyer of ice.

Icelandic Magical Staves
Want To Learn More?

The Runes in 9 Minutes

Northern Plant Lore

Northern Wisdom

Northern Lore

Enjoy my Stories? Want to Help?
REVIEW - authors live and die by reviews, especially in the time of Amazon.
SUBSCRIBE - sign up to my mailing list so you're up to date on new releases, and all the cool freebies.
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The post Postcards From Iceland, #11 – Stormy Glacier appeared first on Author Hugh B. Long.
September 26, 2017
Postcards From Iceland, #10 – The Lonely Mountain
Dear friend, my love affair with Iceland began when J.R.R. Tolkien introduced me to the Runes in his book, The Hobbit. That epic work of fantasy led to a lifelong fascination with the medieval and magical..
The 13 companions faced an impossible journey to a towering mountain in the north – The Lonely Mountain – where they had to slay the dragon, Smaug, to reclaim the dwarves’s long forgotten gold.
When I was snapping pictures and looked back and saw this mountain … I felt eight-years-old again! I was at The Lonely Mountain! (in my mind at least)
#ThePowerOfIceland
#10 – The Lonely Mountain

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Postcards from Iceland is a series of 52 blogposts – delivered one per week – exploring the magic of Iceland through a series of Personalized Digital Postcards highlighting the stunning Icelandic landscape, the colorful cityscapes of Reykjavik; including the prolific urban art scene, and the mystery of Viking magic!
The postcard pictures are from my trip there for the Summer Solstice in 2017. We enjoyed a week exploring the country, driving south across the bottom of the island all the way to Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon. Of course we experienced the Golden Circle and the beauty of Reykjavik. Each of these posts includes a free wallpaper picture that can be used on your computer or mobile device. Feel free to share and enjoy these original pictures for non commercial use.
* This series of blog posts is dedicated to my amazing wife, with whom I’ve shared so many great adventures.
BONUS!
Icelandic Rune Poems & Magic
With the first sixteen Postcards From Iceland blog posts, I’ll also include one verse from The Icelandic Rune Poem, which has been called the most systemized of the rune poems. Rune poems are thought to encapsulate esoteric knowledge of the symbol. Such interpretations are used in modern divination and meditation. Learn More?
#IcelandicMagic #Runes #Vikings #Iceland #Reykjavik #PostcardsFromIceland #HughBLong #Amwriting #IndieAuthor

(pictured above is a rune wand that I carved about 10 years ago)
Rune
[image error]
Rune Name
Ar
(Ahhr)
Old Icelandic
Ár er gumna góði
ok gott sumar
algróinn akr.
annus allvaldr.
English
Plenty = boon to men
and good summer
and thriving crops.

Behind the Scenes
When I saw this mountain, I was instantly transported to Tolkien’s Middle Earth. I knew the picture had to reflect that looming mountain and the dread in the hearts of the 13 companions. Every picture has a story to tell. In Adobe Lightroom CC, I darkened the sky with a (simulated) graduated ND filter and bumped up the contrast overall.

Want To Learn More?

The Runes in 9 Minutes

Northern Plant Lore

Northern Wisdom

Northern Lore

Enjoy my Stories? Want to Help?
REVIEW - authors live and die by reviews, especially in the time of Amazon.
SUBSCRIBE - sign up to my mailing list so you're up to date on new releases, and all the cool freebies.
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Download Beta Copies
The post Postcards From Iceland, #10 – The Lonely Mountain appeared first on Author Hugh B. Long.
September 19, 2017
Postcards From Iceland, #9 – Elf Door
Dear friend, the Icelanders’s belief in elves fills me with joy. That apparent whimsy adds a splash of magic in a mundane world. Every little hole or crack in the earth becomes a possible entrance to their domain.
By law, even major construction projects have to mind the possible homes of the hidden folk. I love that Icelanders choose to see the world this way. Whimsical? Maybe. Beautiful? Most certainly.
Like the poster in Fox Mulder’s office says – I want to believe.
P.S. The postcard shows a famous elf door at Thingvellir National Park
Want to learn more? https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huldufólk
#9 – Elf Door

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Postcards from Iceland is a series of 52 blogposts – delivered one per week – exploring the magic of Iceland through a series of Personalized Digital Postcards highlighting the stunning Icelandic landscape, the colorful cityscapes of Reykjavik; including the prolific urban art scene, and the mystery of Viking magic!
The postcard pictures are from my trip there for the Summer Solstice in 2017. We enjoyed a week exploring the country, driving south across the bottom of the island all the way to Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon. Of course we experienced the Golden Circle and the beauty of Reykjavik. Each of these posts includes a free wallpaper picture that can be used on your computer or mobile device. Feel free to share and enjoy these original pictures for non commercial use.
* This series of blog posts is dedicated to my amazing wife, with whom I’ve shared so many great adventures.
[image error]Thanks to Anthropics for providing me a copy of their @LandscapeProApp. This package makes dramatic photo touch ups possible with a few clicks.
#Anthropics #LandscapeProApp
BONUS!
Icelandic Rune Poems
With the first sixteen Postcards From Iceland blog posts, I’ll also include one verse from The Icelandic Rune Poem, which has been called the most systemized of the rune poems. Rune poems are thought to encapsulate esoteric knowledge of the symbol. Such interpretations are used in modern divination and meditation. Learn More?
#IcelandicMagic #Runes #Vikings #Iceland #Reykjavik #PostcardsFromIceland #HughBLong #Amwriting #IndieAuthor

(pictured above is a rune wand that I carved about 10 years ago)
Rune
[image error]
Rune Name
Íss
(Eee-ss)
Old Icelandic
Íss er árbörkr
ok unnar þak
ok feigra manna fár.
glacies jöfurr.
English
Ice = bark of rivers
and roof of the wave
and destruction of the doomed.

Behind the Scenes
The main portion of this image was perfect right out of the camera, but the sky was rather bland. I used Landscape Pro to add a more typical Icelandic sky.

Want To Learn More?

The Runes in 9 Minutes

Northern Plant Lore

Northern Wisdom

Northern Lore

Enjoy my Stories? Want to Help?
REVIEW - authors live and die by reviews, especially in the time of Amazon.
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The post Postcards From Iceland, #9 – Elf Door appeared first on Author Hugh B. Long.
September 11, 2017
Postcards from Iceland, #8 – Black Hole Sun
Dear Friend,
We live in a world of high contrast. Unimaginable wealth, sitting side-by-side abject poverty. Beauty, accentuated by ugliness, peace and harmony marred by discord.
There’s some old wise saying about how you need darkness to know the light … perhaps.
All I know is that life is quite a show. Hang on and enjoy the ride.
Peace out, from Reykjavik.
#8 – Black Hole Sun

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Postcards from Iceland is a series of 52 blogposts – delivered one per week – exploring the magic of Iceland through a series of Personalized Digital Postcards highlighting the stunning Icelandic landscape, the colorful cityscapes of Reykjavik; including the prolific urban art scene, and the mystery of Viking magic!
The postcard pictures are from my trip there for the Summer Solstice in 2017. We enjoyed a week exploring the country, driving south across the bottom of the island all the way to Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon. Of course we experienced the Golden Circle and the beauty of Reykjavik. Each of these posts includes a free wallpaper picture that can be used on your computer or mobile device. Feel free to share and enjoy these original pictures for non commercial use.
* This series of blog posts is dedicated to my amazing wife, with whom I’ve shared so many great adventures.
[image error]Thanks to The Omni Group (@OmniGroup) for providing me a copy of their latest version of Omnigraffle. I previously produced the complex graphics for this blog on my Mac, but am now able to do it on-the-go with my iOS device. There is nothing else like this on the market. https://www.omnigroup.com/omnigraffle/ios
BONUS!
Icelandic Rune Poems & Magic
With the first sixteen Postcards From Iceland blog posts, I’ll also include one verse from The Icelandic Rune Poem, which has been called the most systemized of the rune poems. Rune poems are thought to encapsulate esoteric knowledge of the symbol. Such interpretations are used in modern divination and meditation. Learn More?
#IcelandicMagic #Runes #Vikings #Iceland #Reykjavik #PostcardsFromIceland #HughBLong #Amwriting #IndieAuthor

(pictured above is a rune wand that I carved about 10 years ago)
Rune
[image error]
Rune Name
Naud
(Nod)
Old Icelandic
Nauð er Þýjar þrá
ok þungr kostr
ok vássamlig verk.
opera niflungr.
English
Constraint = grief of the bond-maid
and state of oppression
and toilsome work.

Behind the Scenes
This photo was an accident. I happened to snap a picture of downtown Reykjavik then apply some contrast. I had no idea it would look like a blackhole was opening up in the sky. That’s what I love about photography – there’s the joy of taking pictures, then there’s the joy of discovering what pieces of art you actually have. The main adjustments were to remove color and bump up the contrast. I didn’t do much more than that.

Want To Learn More?

The Runes in 9 Minutes

Northern Plant Lore

Northern Wisdom

Northern Lore

Enjoy my Stories? Want to Help?
REVIEW - authors live and die by reviews, especially in the time of Amazon.
SUBSCRIBE - sign up to my mailing list so you're up to date on new releases, and all the cool freebies.
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The post Postcards from Iceland, #8 – Black Hole Sun appeared first on Author Hugh B. Long.
September 4, 2017
Postcards From Iceland, #7 – Crystal Clear
Dear friend, the real beauty of Iceland is in its transient nature. What we find so breathtaking, the towering waterfalls, the roaring rapids, and the calving glaciers, are the processes of change … of death.
That torrent of blue water in my picture is the lifeblood of an ancient glacier; a sentinel that’s stood witness to the rise of human civilization over the last 12,000 years. That realization left me a bit hollow, if I’m being honest.
Did I help hasten that great sentinel’s departure?
#7 – Crystal Clear

This week’s runs is a perfect fit: Hagall, or Hail. It symbolizes violent change. But that change brings both destruction and the possibility for creation.
Download as Free Wallpaper

Postcards from Iceland is a series of 52 blogposts - delivered one per week - exploring the magic of Iceland through a series of Personalized Digital Postcards highlighting the stunning Icelandic landscape, the colorful cityscapes of Reykjavik; including the prolific urban art scene, and the mystery of Viking magic!
The postcard pictures are from my trip there for the Summer Solstice in 2017. We enjoyed a week exploring the country, driving south across the bottom of the island all the way to Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon. Of course we experienced the Golden Circle and the beauty of Reykjavik. Each of these posts includes a free wallpaper picture that can be used on your computer or mobile device. Feel free to share and enjoy these original pictures for non commercial use.
* This series of blog posts is dedicated to my amazing wife, with whom I've shared so many great adventures.
Thanks to The Omni Group (@OmniGroup) for providing me a copy of their latest version of Omnigraffle. I previously produced the complex graphics for this blog on my Mac, but am now able to do it on-the-go with my iOS device. There is nothing else like this on the market. https://www.omnigroup.com/omnigraffle/ios
BONUS!
Icelandic Rune Poems
With the first sixteen Postcards From Iceland blog posts, I’ll also include one verse from The Icelandic Rune Poem, which has been called the most systemized of the rune poems. Rune poems are thought to encapsulate esoteric knowledge of the symbol. Such interpretations are used in modern divination and meditation. Learn More?
#IcelandicMagic #Runes #Vikings #Iceland #Reykjavik #PostcardsFromIceland #HughBLong #Amwriting #IndieAuthor

(pictured above is a rune wand that I carved about 10 years ago)
Rune
[image error]
Rune Name
Hagall
Old Icelandic
Hagall er kaldakorn
ok krapadrífa
ok snáka sótt.
grando hildingr.
English
Hail = cold grain
and shower of sleet
and sickness of serpents.

Behind the Scenes
Crystal Clear was taken with my iPhone 6s Plus then processed through Adobe Lightroom CC. The main adjustments were to increase the vibrancy and saturation, and to get reduce the shadows on the mountainside. My original shot was underexposed, but what you see in the edited image better reflects what I saw.
Before:

After:

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The post Postcards From Iceland, #7 – Crystal Clear appeared first on Author Hugh B. Long.