Hugh B. Long's Blog, page 2
August 30, 2017
Postcards From Iceland, #6 – Flashback?
Dear Friend,
The heart of Reykjavík is the oldest part of the city and is nicknamed 101, the postal code for the area. It’s a vibrant cultural nexus, a place where the old and new intermingle in the most interesting ways.
The quaint, multicolored houses butt up against the distinctly modern Harpa Concert Hall. I snapped this shot in the window of a used bookstore. It reminded me of a scene from the 1960’s.
#6 – Flashback?
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.
[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
Kaun
(Kahn)
Old Icelandic
Kaun er barna böl
ok bardaga [för]
ok holdfúa hús.
flagella konungr.
English
Ulcer = disease fatal to children
and painful spot
and abode of mortification.
Icelandic Magical Staves
Symbol
[image error]
Icelandic name
Lásabrjótur
Manuscript Description
To open a lock without a key.
Behind the Scenes
I hope you are enjoying the photo. Many of the photos you’ll see in the coming weeks were shot with a Canon SX540HS but the Flashback? photo was taken with my iPhone 6s Plus then processed through Adobe Lightroom CC. The main adjustments were to desaturate the picture to give it an old B&W look.
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, #6 – Flashback? appeared first on Author Hugh B. Long.
Postcards From Iceland, #6 Flashback?
Dear Friend,
The heart of Reykjavík is the oldest part of the city and is nicknamed 101, the postal code for the area. It’s a vibrant cultural nexus, a place where the old and new intermingle in the most interesting ways.
The quaint, multicolored houses butt up against the distinctly modern Harpa Concert Hall. I snapped this shot in the window of a used bookstore. It reminded me of a scene from the 1960’s.
#6 – Flashback?
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.
[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
Kaun
(Kahn)
Old Icelandic
Kaun er barna böl
ok bardaga [för]
ok holdfúa hús.
flagella konungr.
English
Ulcer = disease fatal to children
and painful spot
and abode of mortification.
Icelandic Magical Staves
Symbol
[image error]
Icelandic name
Lásabrjótur
Manuscript Description
To open a lock without a key.
Behind the Scenes
I hope you are enjoying the photo. Many of the photos you’ll see in the coming weeks were shot with a Canon SX540HS but the Flashback? photo was taken with my iPhone 6s Plus then processed through Adobe Lightroom CC. The main adjustments were to desaturate the picture to give it an old B&W look.
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.
I always need people to BETA READ. Help me shape The Covenant!
Write a Review!
Choose a book to review
Subscribe to my mailing list
Subscribe
Become a Beta Rader
Download Beta Copies
The post Postcards From Iceland, #6 Flashback? appeared first on Author Hugh B. Long.
August 21, 2017
Postcards From Iceland, #5 – Two Tongues
Dear friend,
This was one of my favorite vistas on the entire six-day trip. The dark foreground was comprised of sheets of ebony volcanic sand and gravel, like the surface of a black ocean leading to what could easily have been mistaken for an isolated island, but were actually two of the tongues of the Vatnajökull glacier – the most massive ice sheet in Iceland, and one of the top in Europe – flanking the central peak of Hvannadalshnúkur and oozing through valleys in the mountain range.
This felt like I was looking out across a barren planet in one of my favorite space operas. That is the magic of Iceland – the beauty and isolation, balanced on a knife edge, leaving you caught between a scream for help, and a shout for joy.
#5 – Two Tongues
Wow airlines was an appropriate carrier for us to fly in with, because I said wow a lot. I mean … a LOT! (can you blame me?)
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.
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
Reið
(Rayth)
Old Icelandic
Reið er sitjandi sæla
ok snúðig ferð
ok jórs erfiði.
iter ræsir.
English
Riding = joy of the horsemen
and speedy journey
and toil of the steed.
Want to learn how to pronounce all these arcane Old Norse words? https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Old_Norse/Grammar/Alphabet_and_Pronunciation
Icelandic Magical Staves
Symbol
[image error]
Icelandic name
Stafur gegn galdri
Manuscript Description
Staves against witchcraft.
[image error]
All of the signs and staves seen here can be found in Icelandic grimoires, some from the 17th century, some from later times though all of them seem to be related. The origin of this peculiar Icelandic magic is difficult to ascertain. Some signs seem to be derived from medieval mysticism and renaissance occultism, while others show some relation to runic culture and the old Germanic belief in Thor and Odinn. Much of the magic mentioned in court records can be found in grimoires kept in various manuscript collections. The purpose of the magic involved tells us something of the concerns of the lower classes that used them to lessen the burden of subsidence living in a harsh climate.
(From the website of: http://www.galdrasyning.is/ The Museum of Icelandic Sorcery & Witchcraft, Hólmavík)
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.
I always need people to BETA READ. Help me shape The Covenant!
Write a Review!
Choose a book to review
Subscribe to my mailing list
Subscribe
Become a Beta Rader
Download Beta Copies
The post Postcards From Iceland, #5 – Two Tongues appeared first on Author Hugh B. Long.
Postcards From Iceland, #5
Dear friend,
This was one of my favorite vistas on the entire six-day trip. The dark foreground was comprised of sheets of ebony volcanic sand and gravel, like the surface of a black ocean leading to what could easily have been mistaken for an isolated island, but were actually two of the tongues of the Vatnajökull glacier – the most massive ice sheet in Iceland, and one of the top in Europe – flanking the central peak of Hvannadalshnúkur and oozing through valleys in the mountain range.
This felt like I was looking out across a barren planet in one of my favorite space operas. That is the magic of Iceland – the beauty and isolation, balanced on a knife edge, leaving you caught between a scream for help, and a shout for joy.
#5 – Two Tongues
Wow airlines was an appropriate carrier for us to fly in with, because I said wow a lot. I mean … a LOT! (can you blame me?)
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.
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
Reið
(Rayth)
Old Icelandic
Reið er sitjandi sæla
ok snúðig ferð
ok jórs erfiði.
iter ræsir.
English
Riding = joy of the horsemen
and speedy journey
and toil of the steed.
Want to learn how to pronounce all these arcane Old Norse words? https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Old_Norse/Grammar/Alphabet_and_Pronunciation
Icelandic Magical Staves
Symbol
[image error]
Icelandic name
Stafur gegn galdri
Manuscript Description
Staves against witchcraft.
[image error]
All of the signs and staves seen here can be found in Icelandic grimoires, some from the 17th century, some from later times though all of them seem to be related. The origin of this peculiar Icelandic magic is difficult to ascertain. Some signs seem to be derived from medieval mysticism and renaissance occultism, while others show some relation to runic culture and the old Germanic belief in Thor and Odinn. Much of the magic mentioned in court records can be found in grimoires kept in various manuscript collections. The purpose of the magic involved tells us something of the concerns of the lower classes that used them to lessen the burden of subsidence living in a harsh climate.
(From the website of: http://www.galdrasyning.is/ The Museum of Icelandic Sorcery & Witchcraft, Hólmavík)
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.
I always need people to BETA READ. Help me shape The Covenant!
Write a Review!
Choose a book to review
Subscribe to my mailing list
Subscribe
Become a Beta Rader
Download Beta Copies
The post Postcards From Iceland, #5 appeared first on Author Hugh B. Long.
August 14, 2017
Postcards From Iceland, #4 – Purple Haze
Dear friend,
Iceland is possessed of constantly brooding weather, but it seems to suit my personality. I love the power in the storms – that fierce beauty of the clouds juxtaposed against the soft fields of purple lupins.
What some may find oppressive, I find both humbling and inspiring at the same time. The weather matches the land – after all, Iceland is the land of Fire & Ice, home to both volcanos and glaciers.
.All of this majesty perched near the top of the world. – I can’t get enough!
#4 – Purple Haze
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.
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
Óss
(Ohs)
Old Icelandic
Óss er algingautr
ok ásgarðs jöfurr,
ok valhallar vísi.
Jupiter oddviti.
English
God = aged Gautr
and Prince of Asgard
and Lord of Valhalla
Icelandic Magical Staves
Symbol
Icelandic name
Brýnslustafir
Manuscript Description
For use on whetstones
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.
I always need people to BETA READ. Help me shape The Covenant!
Write a Review!
Choose a book to review
Subscribe to my mailing list
Subscribe
Become a Beta Rader
Download Beta Copies
The post Postcards From Iceland, #4 – Purple Haze appeared first on Author Hugh B. Long.
Postcards From Iceland, #4
Dear friend,
Iceland is possessed of constantly brooding weather, but it seems to suit my personality. I love the power in the storms – that fierce beauty of the clouds juxtaposed against the soft fields of purple lupins.
What some may find oppressive, I find both humbling and inspiring at the same time. The weather matches the land – after all, Iceland is the land of Fire & Ice, home to both volcanos and glaciers.
.All of this majesty perched near the top of the world. – I can’t get enough!
#4 – Purple Haze
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.
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
Rune Name
Óss
(Ohs)
Old Icelandic
Óss er algingautr
ok ásgarðs jöfurr,
ok valhallar vísi.
Jupiter oddviti.
English
God = aged Gautr
and Prince of Asgard
and Lord of Valhalla
Icelandic Magical Staves
Symbol
Icelandic name
Brýnslustafir
Manuscript Description
For use on whetstones
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.
I always need people to BETA READ. Help me shape The Covenant!
Write a Review!
Choose a book to review
Subscribe to my mailing list
Subscribe
Become a Beta Rader
Download Beta Copies
The post Postcards From Iceland, #4 appeared first on Author Hugh B. Long.
August 7, 2017
Postcards From Iceland, #3 – Kissing Icebergs
Dear friend,
I was mesmerized watching the icebergs make their final journey to the sea from the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon. It’s a humbling experience.
I suppose it puts all of life into perspective really; we are all of us on a journey somewhere. This iceberg, looking more like a pair of lovers kissing, reminded me of the most important journey of all — the one I share with my wife.
We are well on our way to the sea, like the icebergs, holding on to each other and watching the magic of the world unfold around us.
#3 – Kissing Icebergs
This is a series of pics about Iceland, so you should expect lots of pictures of ice 
Postcards From Iceland, #3
Postcards from Iceland is a 52 week project 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!
#3 – Kissing Icebergs
This is a series of pics about Iceland, so you should expect lots of pictures of ice
July 31, 2017
Postcards From Iceland, #2 – Life Is A Highway
Dear friend, the dramatic is common place alongside Icelandic highways, so much so, it was hard for me to get anyplace without stopping to take pictures! Driving was my favorite activity in Iceland. Though the roads are narrow, the magical vistas make up for it, urging you to keep exploring the ring road. The North Sea / Atlantic was ever present on our right side, Peeking out from under brooding skies, myriad mountains and waterfalls beckoned to us from the left.
#2 – Life Is A Highway
You’ll see quite a few highway pictures in this 52 week series. I love the open road, and almost as much, I love pictures of the open road! The Icelandic ring-road is terribly narrow (1/2 the width of a typical Canadian highway) in most places, making for some hairy driving. Thankfully the natural beauty makes up for it.
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.
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
Rune Name
Úr
(Oohr)
Old Icelandic
Úr er skýja grátr
ok skára þverrir
ok hirðis hatr.
umbre vísi
English
Shower = lamentation of the clouds
and ruin of the hay-harvest
and abomination of the shepherd.
Icelandic Magical Staves
Symbol
[image error]
Icelandic name
Að unni
Manuscript Description
So a girl loves a man.
Behind the Scenes
I hope you are enjoying the photo. Many of the photos you’ll see in the coming weeks were shot with a Canon SX540HS but the Life is a Highway photo was taken with my iPhone 6s Plus then processed through Adobe Lightroom 5. The main adjustments were to increase the contrast and adjust the exposure, and of course, to crop it.
[image error]
Uncropped, unaltered
[image error]
After adjustments in Lightroom 5
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.
I always need people to BETA READ. Help me shape The Covenant!
Write a Review!
Choose a book to review
Subscribe to my mailing list
Subscribe
Become a Beta Rader
Download Beta Copies
The post Postcards From Iceland, #2 – Life Is A Highway appeared first on Author Hugh B. Long.
Postcards From Iceland, #2
Postcards from Iceland is a 52 week project 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!
#2 – Life Is A Highway
You’ll see quite a few highway pictures in this 52 week series. I love the open road, and almost as much, I love pictures of the open road! The Icelandic ring-road is terribly narrow (1/2 the width of a typical Canadian highway) in most places, making for some hairy driving. Thankfully the natural beauty makes up for it.
Download as Free Wallpaper
Dear friend, the dramatic is common place alongside Icelandic highways, so much so, it was hard for me to get anyplace without stopping to take pictures! Driving was my favorite activity in Iceland. Though the roads are narrow, the magical vistas make up for it, urging you to keep exploring the ring road. The North Sea / Atlantic was ever present on our right side, Peeking out from under brooding skies, myriad mountains and waterfalls beckoned to us from the left.
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
Rune Name
Úr
(Oohr)
Old Icelandic
Úr er skýja grátr
ok skára þverrir
ok hirðis hatr.
umbre vísi
English
Shower = lamentation of the clouds
and ruin of the hay-harvest
and abomination of the shepherd.
Icelandic Magical Staves
Symbol
[image error]
Icelandic name
Að unni
Manuscript Description
So a girl loves a man.
Behind the Scenes
I hope you are enjoying the photo. Many of the photos you’ll see in the coming weeks were shot with a Canon SX540HS but the Life is a Highway photo was taken with my iPhone 6s Plus then processed through Adobe Lightroom 5. The main adjustments were to increase the contrast and adjust the exposure, and of course, to crop it.
[image error]
Uncropped, unaltered
[image error]
After adjustments in Lightroom 5
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.
I always need people to BETA READ. Help me shape The Covenant!
Write a Review!
Choose a book to review
Subscribe to my mailing list
Subscribe
Become a Beta Rader
Download Beta Copies
The post Postcards From Iceland, #2 appeared first on Author Hugh B. Long.
