Léonie Cooper

New Boots! 30th December 2020

2020

December

31st

Alright, a few frozen images.

Close-up view of a plant's leaves and stems heavily coated in frost. The frost creates a delicate, crystalline texture on the green and burgundy leaves. The overall effect is one of cold, wintry stillness.

Close-up view of a frost-covered seed head of a plant. The seed head is brown and spiky, with a delicate coating of ice crystals. It hangs from a thin, frost-covered branch, against a blurred background of other plants and foliage. The overall impression is one of winter and the quiet beauty of a cold, natural landscape.

Shallow body of water, partially frozen over. The ice displays intricate patterns of swirling lines, likely formed by the movement of the water before freezing. Several small trees and branches are partially submerged in the water, their trunks and branches visible through the thin layer of ice. The overall tone is cool and serene, emphasizing the natural textures of the ice and the woody elements.

Sheet of ice that has formed over a patch of ground, revealing intricate patterns created by the freezing process. The ice is translucent, showing the underlying ground and some debris. A patch of moss is visible at the bottom right, contrasting with the icy surface. The overall impression is one of cold, stillness, and the beauty of natural formations.

From traversing the Wysis Way (Chalford).

30th

A few days ago, a thoughtful and caring friend bought me a pair of new walking boots that have prevented my feet from getting frostbite.

Close-up view of a pair of tan leather hiking boots standing in the snow. A portion of a knitted scarf in shades of pink, gray, and purple is visible draped around the ankles. The boots are laced up and appear to be worn, with some snow clinging to the soles. The snow on the ground is undisturbed except for the impressions around the boots.

Close-up view of a branch with dried, brown leaves, lying on a ground covered with a thin layer of snow. The contrast between the warm brown of the leaves and the cool white of the snow is striking. The overall impression is one of late autumn or early winter.

Close-up view of a forest floor in winter. A fallen, moss-covered branch lies across the foreground, with many dried, brown leaves clinging to its branches and scattered on the ground around it. Patches of snow are visible among the leaves and debris. The background shows the trunks of trees and some evergreen foliage.

They fit perfectly and got to me the day before the first snow fell. Upon my return to England, I strolled through a forest near the highest peak in Gloucestershire; seasonal signs were evident.

28th

Snow-covered Cotswolds.

Four horses standing in a snow-dusted field. Two are predominantly black and white piebald, and two are dark brown. They appear to be in a paddock, possibly near a fence line, with patches of mud visible under the snow. The background is foggy and indistinct. The overall mood is quiet and somewhat melancholic.

Long, dark bench covered in a light layer of snow, sitting on a concrete slab. The bench is situated in a snow-covered, open field under a foggy, overcast sky. The overall mood is bleak and desolate. There is a sense of emptiness and isolation conveyed by the vast, empty space and the solitary bench.

These two images convey a message.

27th

I captured a photograph of this bothy, which stands at an elevation of 1001 feet, Spithope bothy was unlocked and well-maintained, a clean and orderly interior.

Small, stone building, possibly a shelter or utility shed, with a dark green door. It's situated in a rural landscape, with a low stone wall partially covered in moss to the left, and a sparsely vegetated area in front. A leafless tree stands prominently near the left side of the structure. In the background, there's a dark line of evergreen trees under an overcast sky.

Tranquil landscape at dusk or dawn. In the foreground, a low stone wall, covered in moss, provides a rustic border. Beyond the wall, the scene unfolds with a gently sloping hillside, sparsely dotted with evergreen trees. Further back, a larger expanse of darker evergreens covers a higher hill, creating a layered effect. The soft, pastel colors of the sky suggest a serene and peaceful atmosphere.

Line of dark, silhouetted evergreen trees at sunset. The sun is visible, low on the horizon, casting a purplish-pink hue across the sky. The foreground is composed of dry, brown grasses. The overall feeling is one of serene, natural beauty at twilight.

Serene landscape at sunset. The sun, a bright orb, is partially obscured by clouds, casting a warm golden light across the scene. In the foreground, there's a field of low-lying vegetation, perhaps frost-covered, leading to a line of dark evergreen trees silhouetted against the glowing sky. Behind the trees, a hill or mountain range rises gently in the distance. The overall atmosphere is peaceful and contemplative.

While I have developed a fondness for wandering, it is enjoyable to shed the numerous layers of clothing and unwind, cognizant of my presence within a transient, heated vehicle that is warmed by superficial creature comforts.⁣

Selfie of a Leonie sitting in a car. She is wearing a blue and red knitted hat and scarf, and a red top with small white flowers. She also wears two necklaces, one with a large moonstone pendant and the other with a circular metallic pendant. Her expression is somewhat serious or pensive. The car's interior and a part of the outside are visible in the background.

The bright reborn sun today shone low but clearly and crisply through the atmospheric freshness of the windy, wild, cold climate. We turned off before Otterburn onto an empty, deserted road into the Kielder Forest.

Long, straight road stretching towards a bright sun in a partly cloudy sky. The road is wet, reflecting the light. The surrounding landscape is flat and appears rural, with fields and a line of trees in the distance. The overall mood is serene and slightly melancholic, with a sense of openness and journey.

As the wind gently pushed ripples east across the water, we ate breakfast at Kilder Lake, where we were parked by the dam. I regard the cash crop forest as acrid with the lingering odour of stomach bile, rather than a sanctuary of the permanence of nature, due to the small amount of moved-on wildlife that endures the fungus-infested darkness. The rainfall was thin, sharp, and bitter.

Tranquil lake scene under a cloudy sky. The foreground is dominated by a rocky shoreline composed of numerous dark grey and greenish-grey stones of varying sizes. In the mid-ground, the relatively calm water of the lake stretches to the far shore, which is lined with dark green trees and hills. A section of a man-made dam or retaining wall is visible along the right edge of the lake.

Stone castle-like building under a cloudy sky. The building appears to be undergoing some form of renovation or maintenance, as scaffolding is visible. In the foreground is a low stone wall covered in moss and vegetation, with a grassy field separating the wall and the building. There are also wooden signage posts and a utility pole visible. The overall impression is one of a somewhat secluded and possibly historic site in a rural setting.

I anticipated a roadblock with number plate recognition as we briefly passed through Scotland, a border that was supposed to be secured with Tier 4. However, windblown plastic wheelie bins obstructed the road after the border had already been crossed. We returned to Bonnie and then continued on to Blighty. Upon crossing the border again on the A7, I arrived at the Castle Rigg Circle stones to fulfil our three-year appointment. Since there wasn't much to do and not many tourists around, I used my phone to take some pictures to remember the day.

Stone circle situated in a grassy field, with snow-capped mountains in the background under a cloudy sky. The stone circle appears ancient and weathered, and some puddles are visible on the ground within the circle. The overall mood is somber and somewhat atmospheric.

Stone circle in a grassy field, set against a backdrop of snow-dusted mountains under a cloudy sky. The stones are various sizes and shapes, some upright, others lying down. The scene evokes a sense of ancient history and the wildness of the landscape. There are puddles in the field suggesting recent rain or melting snow.

Stone circle in a grassy field, with a snow-dusted mountain range in the background. The sky is partly cloudy, and there are some puddles visible in the field. The overall mood is serene and somewhat melancholic.

Stone circle set against a backdrop of snow-dusted mountains under a cloudy sky. The foreground is a grassy field with some puddles. The stone circle appears to be partially incomplete or eroded. The overall mood is serene and somewhat melancholic.

Occasionally, I am perplexed by the fact that my photographs in the United Kingdom are devoid of people, while they are replete with individuals in India.

5th

I received a package full of goodies today from my good friend in Stroud.

Inside of a cardboard box containing various items. Most prominently are several packages of incense sticks (Satya Nag Champa and Vijayshree Fragrance brands), and a box of what appears to be incense charcoal. There are also several pairs of socks, some appearing new and some worn or damaged, in various colours (grey, dark blue, burgundy). The overall impression is of a care package or a box of miscellaneous personal items.

The socks are warm and there is frankincense to burn.

4th

Arrived at Paddington Station early.

Front and side of a British Rail Class 57 locomotive, number 57604. The locomotive is predominantly dark green with a yellow front end. It's situated in what appears to be an indoor train station, under a curved metal roof. The number is clearly visible on a brass plate affixed to the side.

British Rail Class 57 diesel locomotive, predominantly dark green with a yellow front, standing at a train platform. The train is partially visible, suggesting it's part of a longer passenger train. The platform is located within a large, arched train station with an ornate, metallic ceiling structure. The overall mood is calm and somewhat nostalgic due to the classic design of the locomotive and the architecture of the station.

Close-up selfie of a woman on a train. She's wearing a pink sweater, a patterned dress underneath, a knitted hat, and a light-coloured scarf or shawl covering her mouth and nose. The train window, showing a blurred landscape and tracks indicating the train is moving, is visible in the background. The woman’s expression is partially obscured by the scarf, making it difficult to read her emotion fully.

British Rail Class 57 diesel locomotive, predominantly dark green with a yellow front, standing at a platform in a large, arched train station. The train is partially visible, suggesting more carriages are attached. The station's architecture is prominent, with a high, ornate, vaulted ceiling. The overall mood is one of quiet stillness, perhaps late evening or early morning, with few people visible in the background. The focus is largely on the locomotive itself, creating a sense of industrial beauty and possibly nostalgia for railway enthusiasts.

Crazy to be subjected to this totalitarian intrusion.

November

29th

Think I am over a rocky road today.

Close-up portrait of a fair-skinned woman with shoulder-length reddish-blonde hair. She, Leonie, is wearing a dark-coloured knitted beanie, a multicoloured knitted scarf (primarily shades of red, blue, and purple), and a black jacket. She also has two necklaces with circular pendants. The background is blurry but suggests an outdoor setting at night, possibly a patio or balcony, with some greenery visible. The woman's expression is neutral to slightly sombre.

Rosie rag doll, seemingly homemade or vintage, with pale skin, large teal eyes, and rosy cheeks, dressed in a white dress. The doll is nestled in a dark-coloured hooded garment, possibly a jacket or shawl, which obscures most of its body. The setting appears dimly lit, with the doll situated near a lit pink candle resting on what looks like a rough-hewn stone or mineral. The background is blurry but suggests a sparsely furnished room. The overall ambience is subdued, mysterious, and somewhat melancholic.

It can be challenging to prioritise one's well-being when others perceive your selflessness as insignificant.

25th

I have known him as Bryan for twenty years; however, he has adopted the name Koala since relocating to Cornwall.

Candid shot of a man and a woman in what appears to be their home. The man is seated, wearing a dark zip-up jacket and camouflage pants. He is smiling at the camera. The woman is seated next to him and is wearing a knitted hat and a cream-coloured jacket over a red floral blouse. She looks directly at the camera with a neutral expression. A dog is partially visible in the foreground. The background is cluttered, showing bookshelves filled with books and other items, creating a lived-in and somewhat chaotic atmosphere. A computer monitor is visible behind the couple. The overall impression is one of intimacy and everyday life within a cosy but disorganised space.

I called him Bryan, but he said, "Don't call me that; the Dominican nuns named me Bryan." So I called him Koala.

Needle-felted fox figurine sitting on top of a black speaker. The fox is predominantly orange-brown with white fur on its chest and black paws. It has a cheerful expression. The background is dimly lit, with a string of fairy lights visible behind the fox. The overall atmosphere is warm and cosy.

Most of my friends are toy animals, since I don't really have any real friends. This one, I call Foxy, came from Stroud to keep me company.

24th

As an "over the head" angel of the north, Lucifer has come to Truro for a Dominican Christmas.

Street scene during the late afternoon or early evening. The street is lined with two-story buildings, many of which appear to be shops or businesses. Some shops display signage for charities such as Cornwall Hospice Care and the British Heart Foundation. The street is adorned with festive Christmas decorations: strings of lights and illuminated angel figures hang overhead. The overall atmosphere is quiet and peaceful, with few people visible. The sky is overcast, adding to the subdued mood. The perspective is from a point on the sidewalk, looking down the street.

Street scene in a town or city centre, likely in the UK. The street is cobbled and relatively quiet, with a few pedestrians visible. Buildings line both sides of the street, a mix of commercial and residential properties. Christmas decorations, specifically strings of lights, hang across the street, adding a festive atmosphere despite the overcast sky. One building is under scaffolding, suggesting ongoing construction or renovation work. The overall impression is one of a peaceful, slightly subdued, yet festive town centre.

The design is written by LITE Ltd to be "based on an elegant cosmopolitan warm white thematic style".

Repurposed tin, painted blue and decorated with various elements. The most prominent features are the handwritten words Blues and With a Feeling, a musical note symbol, and a circular sticker featuring the number 21 in gold against a dark background with stars. The tin shows some wear and tear, suggesting age or intentional distressing. The overall impression is one of a personalized, possibly handmade, object with a melancholic or reflective theme.

Lisa, a neighbour, presented me with a tobacco tin that evoked the melody of the Carpenters' song "Rainy Days and Mondays."

23rd

This neighbour of mine and I both deal with historical issues brought on by cultured disparities.

Close-up selfie of two women outdoors. The woman on the left has bright blue hair and is puckering her lips for a kiss. The woman on the right has blonde hair and is wearing a knitted hat. Both women are wearing necklaces. The background is a slightly blurred out park-like setting with trees. The overall impression is one of casual intimacy and friendship.

People call her Lisa Loud because she can usually be heard wherever she is.

While we were walking one day, Lisa told me some things that were really bothering her. This peaceful spot offers a scenic view of Truro.

21st

I planted a tree with my neighbour today in our shared garden.

I did not know at the time, but the tree is an acer tree.

19th

I went into our flat building garden to get some fresh air and heard screams and cries. As I peered through a thick patch of Japanese knot weed, I noticed a distressed neighbour sobbing while sitting in his chair. The commotion was coming from a wide-open side window. When I asked him if he was okay, another neighbour came over and said, "he was not well." Upon entering the shoebox flat, I found that he had slashed half of his face with a razor blade. The distressed man claimed that he wanted everyone to know how much pain he was experiencing on the inside.

While looking through his sparsely furnished flat, I asked him where the razors were. He whispered incoherently, I didn't get a clear response. His mother and family had signed a get well card, which caused my heart to sink deeply. After making him a hot beverage to soothe his nerves, they found that he had gone back to the bathroom to cut himself once more. His neighbour leaned against the door and begged him to stop. The noise got the attention of a male support worker, who told us right away to leave. I asked the neighbour if she would mind if we left.

We walked through the freezing, misty streets to the cooperative supermarket to purchase some groceries. Upon our return to the flat block half an hour later, I discovered that the commotion was still ongoing. I assisted her in transporting her shopping to her flat and briefly conversed with her before a service worker arrived to remove me (we are prohibited from entering each other's flats). This dangerous and life-threatening event was careless in my opinion, because:

Untrained residents (each with their own problems) were at the scene attempted to manage a potentially life-threatening situation
After instructing us to go, the service worker took responsibility for the scene without assistance.
No emergency services who could have correctly dealt with the situation were called, first responders such as ambulance or police.
The man who has cut his face after calming don was left on his own inside his flat to mop up the blood splats from his injuries at 3am.

From my point of view, the police should have been called right away to restrain him, take away his weapons, and search him for possibly more razors. The individual should have been detained under 136 of the Mental Health Act and transported to a "place of safety" where he could be psychologically evaluated and, if necessary, admitted under section 12 of the Mental Health Act. I've had significant experience of mental health procedures (as a detained patient)

In the early hours of the morning, he was mopping up blood from his kitchen floor. It was quite distressing to observe a man with such internal conflict, as the world showed no genuine empathy for his mental anguish. Single occupation flats, accompanied by this extent of isolation, seem to have become suicide boxes, where life rests upon death until one becomes akin to each other. In addition, it is probable that he will never be rehabilitated and reintegrated into the community.

18th

We're unsure of the owner of the banana canoe in our garden.

According to the support worker, the canoe belonged to a former resident.

16th

Today, a cooker was delivered and installed.

The old cooker died.

15th

My legs were severely bruised in a BMX accident that was crushed by a bike, so I'm not happy today. Shocked and bewildered that some guy from the sleep rushed to the scene and inquired if I was OK, BMX is written completely off, no push-bike :)

Undoubtedly, people who have been through a lot of trauma have a lot of accidents, not just those who are trying to medicate their rambling thoughts.

14th

Shards of memories slice vision

I do this alot, because my life is in pieces.

11th

After a particularly severe collision, the mongoose BMX has been declared a total loss.

To mitigate my visibility, I painted this BMX bicycle a shade of green.

The accident tore at my legs, hurt alot.

8th

Coding HTML and CSS

on my computer today.

1st

Back of my flat, I don't care about material things because I've been a rolling stone for so long.⁣

The lighting in my sparsely furnished flat hides how empty it is. Do not expect and most likely will not get many visitors here.ⁿ

October

31st

I frequently spend hours riding my bicycle in search of a kind person to chat with, but I hardly ever find one.

I spent a few hours hanging out on a railroad bridge one day.

30th

Although I don't belong to any secret societies, I look really suspicious for the camera.

Even if I was foolish (desperate) enough to participate in the tom jokes, they wouldn't have me.

22nd

My computer runs an open source.

Operating system named Debian Linux.

Police were called out to a problematic neighbour.

20th

I rest calmly upon our light, forever there between a stare but never a glare.

Felt good today.

18th

Everything and yet.

nothing in my eyes.

14th

Today.

I was coding HTML5.

13th

There was one cup that got away before I went away.

Because the cup wanted to return moldy.

Put this sticker in my window today, purchased in Glastonbury.

I was out for a drink with a woman I had met occasionally, including one occasion when her boyfriend had been inconsiderate.

12th

Typically, a horse-drawn traveller, who is a friend of a friend, sells wood carvings he creates aside the road in Dorset; however, in this case, Somerset.

The High Street is teeming with downward cranks, including but not limited to that grumpy glory crawler Ronald Lloyd Spencer, also known as the self-proclaimed "Buddha Maitreya." Glastonbury has long been a deadpan mashup of Co-freemasonic Theosophy.

There is a worthless house, church hall, shop, and temple where ugly middle-aged women practice demonic possession and dispossession through transfiguration while saying they are channelling the universal mother. This is a lie because acting makes their motives worthless to everyone.

Has Stella Moon read you're Tarrot?

As a depressing Somerset town that I can only characterise as a ridiculous New Age tourist trap, I have never encountered people more godless than I did in Glastonbury. I have always felt compelled to leave this town and thought it was a mistake that I had been there.

To catch the train to Cornwall, a friend dropped me off at Temple Meads railway station. Is it your opinion that I appeared to be struggling? The platform caused me to feel anxious.

But I was not alone :)

11th

Went for an afternoon stroll through the Savernake Forest and captured some images to share with you.

The forest was bustling with activity; I have been visiting this location for years and have never observed it so crowded. An endless line of parked cars on both sides cut through the forest.

During slower times in 1996, a male pagan friend camped in this forest for two weeks without being seen.

He was glowing with the energy of the forest when I discovered him in pain in the heart of Swindon. I bought him breakfast at a nearby café.

Many Hawthorn trees can be found north of the Savernake, and there is always enough wood available to start a campfire there. I have rekindled my spirit numerous times while camping here from dusk to dawn.

9th

Went for a nice meal tonight in Cheltenham.

My faery friend is such good company.

4th

On the train leaving kernow.

Covid-19 restrictions are in farce.

3rd

Drinking a pint at the City Inn, Truro.

I often go to the pub alone, groups of people are not inclusive.

1st

Rode under the railway arches.

By Dalbuz nature reserve Truro.

September

29th

The Mongoose BMX:

My first BMX since I was 14, I had a Raleigh Burner back then!

21st

Food parcel arrived today from a faery friend, check out the Vegan Haggis!

Yummy nut roast also :)

17th

More and more plants growing, look at this Geranium:

I have never been able to stay in one place to nuture life, how truly amazing this experience is.

14th

What is going on here, that round cicle underneath the military helecopter.

Is this some sort of radar or a weapon.

13th

I rode out to Saint Clement side of the Tresillian River.

If you cycle away from Tresillain around the river you arrive at St Clement and then futher on to Malpas, known for its scenic panoramic view. Between St Clement and Malpas is gated, and the river path is difficult to ride on a bicycle.