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Self Portrait - John F. Messley Photographer
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John Messley

International Landscapes nature photography. Traveled extensively over the years on 5 of the 7 continents and do presentations on various countries for various groups & the Rock Valley College Center for Learning in Retirement. “Petra Bedouin Desert Dwellers of the Kingdom of Jordan”; Israel; Turkey; Italy; Peru; Botswana; Egypt & Morocco as well as various parts of the US to name a few. Website: JFM-Photography.com 

John Messley, photo 1 of 6The shallow north porch of St. Edwards Church, a medieval-built Church of England parish church, serving Stow-on-the-Wold ('Stow'), Gloucestershire, is from the 17th century masks a 13th-century molding on the north door, which is framed by yew trees. The trees are estimated to be 300 years old. It is suggested that JRR Tolkien who frequently stayed in Stow used the North Door as the bases for his visualization for the “Doors of Durin or the Westgate of Moria to Middle Earth” in his book the “The Fellowship of the Ring”. You decide if it makes sense or not. The door was replaced in 1923 as a memorial for George Edward Hookham who died at age 31. The information about this person appears above the door on the inside. It is as follows: "To the glory of God. These doors presented by Mark Hookham are in memory of his son George Edward Hookham late Capt. Royal Gloucester. Hussars, who died 6th of April 1923, Aged 31 years, having served in the Great War in Palestine and Egypt." .Bedouin - Bedu, or "desert dwellers" are nomadic inhabitants of the Persian Gulf who claim descent from two male lineages: Adnani and Qahtani. They retain a life style similar to the early biblical characters of Abraham, Isaac & Jacob. They still hold on to the ancient Arab values of generosity, hospitality and good virtues. They are Muslims and Islam permits a man to take up to four wives, though the practice varies greatly among different Muslim communities, often depending on education and income. While most Bedouin tribes used to be fully nomadic, only about 2 % are today. Amenities like hot water and electricity pushed more Bedouins to adopt a modern lifestyle over the last 100 years.John Messley, photo 4 of 6The tall stately white birch trunks stand as sentinels in the blue twilight hues as the fall foliage of Peninsula State Park is enveloped in the darkness of the night. The bark of the stately white birch tree rising to the canopy appears to have eyes. The ancient lore, says the birch tree “eyes” served as guides along arduous mountain journeys so that travelers would be seen safely home.John Messley, photo 6 of 6