My Word with Douglas E. Welch http://welchwrite.com/blog Photography, Design, Products and More! Thu, 29 Oct 2026 21:14:54 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1.4 http://welchwrite.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/cropped-myword-artwork-lg-32x32.jpg My Word with Douglas E. Welch http://welchwrite.com/blog 32 32 Douglas E. Welch false Douglas E. Welch douglas@welchwrite.com © Douglas E. Welch © Douglas E. Welch podcast My Word with Douglas E. Welch http://welchwrite.com/blog/images/myword-artwork-itunes.jpg http://welchwrite.com/blog Waiting for Mr. Tumnus, Oxford, UK [Photography] http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/29/tumnus/ http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/29/tumnus/#respond Thu, 29 Oct 2026 21:09:11 +0000 http://welchwrite.com/blog/?p=36484 “Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you.”

This is part of a series of photos from our trip to Sicily and Oxford, UK in September 2026

A vertical photograph shows a person standing on a wet, dark cobblestone street beside a black lamppost and a black iron fence, with a large domed building in the background. The person, wearing a red jacket, blue jeans, and blue sneakers, holds a green and white umbrella and carries a small brown bag. A black lamppost with a glass lantern stands near the person, next to a black metal fence lined with green bushes and small purple flowers. In the background, a large, light-colored stone building with a prominent dome rises above dense green trees. The sky is bright and overcast, and a black car is visible further down the street on the left.

The lamppost that supposedly inspired C. S. Lewis when he was writing The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.

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]]> http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/29/tumnus/feed/ 0 full Castello di Milazzo, Milazzo, Sicily, Italy [Photography] http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/29/castle-1/ http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/29/castle-1/#respond Thu, 29 Oct 2026 20:41:40 +0000 http://welchwrite.com/blog/?p=36478 “Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you.”

This is part of a series of photos from our trip to Sicily and Oxford, UK in September 2026

A black and white photograph shows a massive stone fortification wall under a clear sky. A sharp diagonal shadow divides the wall, with the upper portion brightly lit and the lower portion in shadow. The stone surface is textured with cracks and small patches of vegetation clinging to the side. In the foreground, a paved walkway curves along the base of the wall, bordered by a dark metal railing. Small bushes and plants are visible near the foot of the wall.

“The Castello di Milazzo (English: Milazzo Castle) is a castle and citadel in Milazzo, Sicily. It is located on the summit of a hill overlooking the town, on a site first fortified in the Neolithic era. The Greeks modified it into an acropolis, and it was later enlarged into a castrum by the Romans and Byzantines. The Normans built a castle, which was further modified and enlarged during the Medieval and Early Modern periods. It is now in good condition, and open to the public.

The castle was built as a result of the strategic importance of the Milazzo peninsula, which commands the Gulf of Patti, the body of water that separates Sicily from the Aeolian Islands. It also commands one of Sicily’s most important natural harbours.[1] — Wikipedia

 

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Books about Sicily – Fiction and Non-Fiction




]]> http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/29/castle-1/feed/ 0 full Narnia Door, Oxford, UK [Photography] http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/28/narnia-door-oxford-uk-photography/ http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/28/narnia-door-oxford-uk-photography/#respond Wed, 28 Oct 2026 21:02:28 +0000 http://welchwrite.com/blog/?p=36473 “Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you.”

This is part of a series of photos from our trip to Sicily and Oxford, UK in September 2026

A vertical, eye-level shot shows an ornate, arched wooden door set within a decorative, multi-layered frame. The dark wood door features a central diamond-shaped carving, vertical panels, a brass knob, and a brass mail slot. Above the door is a dark overhang decorated with intricate, white-col white-colored scrollwork and a single green light fixture. Two gilded, ornate corbels support the overhang, positioned between a white-paned window on the left and a brick wall on the right. The door is set against a brick base, with a paved stone sidewalk in the foreground.

A carved lion face (or Green Man?) on the door and fauns as corbels for the portico.

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]]> http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/28/narnia-door-oxford-uk-photography/feed/ 0 full Capo di Milazzo 3, Milazzo, Sicily, Italy [Photography] http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/28/milazzo-3/ http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/28/milazzo-3/#respond Wed, 28 Oct 2026 20:31:59 +0000 http://welchwrite.com/blog/?p=36468 “Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you.”

This is part of a series of photos from our trip to Sicily and Oxford, UK in September 2026

A wide landscape photograph shows a rugged coastline meeting a deep blue sea under a clear, bright blue sky. On the left, light-colored, rocky cliffs with sparse green vegetation drop down toward the water. A long peninsula extends into the sea, featuring a prominent green hill topped with a thin, vertical structure. In the far distance, a range of hazy, light blue mountains is visible along the horizon. The sea is deep blue, with darker rocks visible through the clearer water near the shoreline.

Looking West from Capo di Milazzo

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Books about Sicily – Fiction and Non-Fiction




]]> http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/28/milazzo-3/feed/ 0 full Narnia Lamppost, Oxford, UK [Photography] http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/27/narnia-lamppost/ http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/27/narnia-lamppost/#respond Tue, 27 Oct 2026 20:10:48 +0000 http://welchwrite.com/blog/?p=36463 “Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you.”

This is part of a series of photos from our trip to Sicily and Oxford, UK in September 2026

A low-angle view of a large building made of tan stone, positioned alongside a narrow, wet street. On the left, the building features multiple windows with dark frames, a dark wooden door, and a vertical grey drainpipe. To the right, a taller section of the architecture includes a large, pointed arched window and detailed stone carvings. A black, traditional-style street lamp stands on the edge of the dark, wet, paved sidewalk.

The lamppost that supposedly inspired C. S. Lewis when he was writing The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.

Follow me on Instagram at @douglaswelch, @dewdesignphoto, and @agardenersnotebook and Pixelfed.





]]> http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/27/narnia-lamppost/feed/ 0 full Capo di Milazzo 2, Milazzo, Sicily, Italy [Photography] http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/27/milazzo-2/ http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/27/milazzo-2/#respond Tue, 27 Oct 2026 19:33:01 +0000 http://welchwrite.com/blog/?p=36458 “Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you.”

This is part of a series of photos from our trip to Sicily and Oxford, UK in September 2026

A scenic coastal view showing a deep blue sea and a rugged coastline under a clear, bright blue sky. The top half of the image is a large expanse of cloudless blue sky. To the right, a rocky coastline with sparse, dry vegetation and shrubs curves into the water. Two small white boats are visible on the calm surface of the sea near the shore. In the far distance, distance, a faint, hazy landmass sits on the horizon.

Follow me on Instagram at @douglaswelch, @dewdesignphoto, and @agardenersnotebook and Pixelfed.

Books about Sicily – Fiction and Non-Fiction




]]> http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/27/milazzo-2/feed/ 0 full Radcliffe Camera and Brasenose College, Oxford, UK [Photography] http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/26/radcliffe-2/ http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/26/radcliffe-2/#respond Mon, 26 Oct 2026 20:38:52 +0000 http://welchwrite.com/blog/?p=36452 This is part of a series of photos from our trip to Sicily and Oxford, UK in September 2026

Radcliffe camera 2.

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]]> http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/26/radcliffe-2/feed/ 0 full Capo di Milazzo, Milazzo, Sicily, Italy [Photography] http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/26/milazzo/ http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/26/milazzo/#respond Mon, 26 Oct 2026 20:14:22 +0000 http://welchwrite.com/blog/?p=36447 “Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you.”

This is part of a series of photos from our trip to Sicily and Oxford, UK in September 2026

A wide-angle shot shows a deep blue ocean under a vast blue sky, with a rocky coastline on the right. In the far distance on the left, a light blue landmass sits on the horizon. Two small white boats are visible on the surface of the water near the shore. The right side of the frame consists of a steep, rocky cliffside covered in green vegetation. Small, dark spots, probably birds, are scattered throughout the blue sky.

Follow me on Instagram at @douglaswelch, @dewdesignphoto, and @agardenersnotebook and Pixelfed.

Books about Sicily – Fiction and Non-Fiction




]]> http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/26/milazzo/feed/ 0 full Tower, University Church of St Mary the Virgin, Oxford, UK [Photography] http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/25/tower/ http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/25/tower/#respond Sun, 25 Oct 2026 21:30:10 +0000 http://welchwrite.com/blog/?p=36443 This is part of a series of photos from our trip to Sicily and Oxford, UK in September 2026

St marys 3 2.

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]]> http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/25/tower/feed/ 0 full Interior, Duomo, Messina, Sicily, Italy [Photography] http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/25/duomo-4/ http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/25/duomo-4/#respond Sun, 25 Oct 2026 18:57:35 +0000 http://welchwrite.com/blog/?p=36437 “Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you.”

This is part of a series of photos from our trip to Sicily and Oxford, UK in September 2026

A vertical photograph captures the ornate interior of a large building, featuring large, golden mosaics and a high altar. The uppermost arch contains a mosaic of a central figure with a halo flanked by two standing figures, with the text ST. LUCA on the left and ANTONELLA DA MESSINA on the right. Below this, a large mosaic in the apse depicts a seated figure in blue and gold robes surrounded by other figures. At the bottom of the image, an intricately decorated, gold-lit altar is visible, with a person in a white t-shirt standing in front of it. Dark wooden pews and stone columns frame the central altar area.

Follow me on Instagram at @douglaswelch, @dewdesignphoto, and @agardenersnotebook and Pixelfed.

Books about Sicily – Fiction and Non-Fiction




]]> http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/25/duomo-4/feed/ 0 full Liberty Station, San Diego, California [Photography] http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/25/liberty-station/ http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/25/liberty-station/#respond Sun, 25 Oct 2026 18:31:56 +0000 http://welchwrite.com/blog/?p=36432 A vertical photograph shows a long, sunlit arcade with a series of large, orange-colored arches. Bright sunlight enters from the left, casting large, large, curved shadows across the tiled floor. Two spherical light fixtures hang from the center of the hallway's ceiling. The thick pillars and the wall on the right feature black decorative line art. In the far distance, shadowy figures of people and a small chalkboard sign are visible at the end of the corridor.

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]]> http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/25/liberty-station/feed/ 0 full Stained Glass Windows, University Church of St Mary the Virgin, Oxford, UK [Photography] http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/24/st-marys-2-2/ http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/24/st-marys-2-2/#respond Sat, 24 Oct 2026 21:15:47 +0000 http://welchwrite.com/blog/?p=36427 This is part of a series of photos from our trip to Sicily and Oxford, UK in September 2026

A large, ornate stained-glass window set against a dark architectural wall, brightly illuminated from behind. The window consists of four tall vertical panels beneath a series of smaller decorative tracery lights at the top. Each panel features vibrant red, blue, gold, and green glass, depicting detailed biblical figures in central scene panels above heraldic crests and Latin inscriptions at the base.

Follow me on Instagram at @douglaswelch, @dewdesignphoto, and @agardenersnotebook and Pixelfed.

]]> http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/24/st-marys-2-2/feed/ 0 full Duomo, Messina, Sicily, Italy [Photography] http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/24/duomo-3/ http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/24/duomo-3/#respond Sat, 24 Oct 2026 20:49:41 +0000 http://welchwrite.com/blog/?p=36421 “Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you.”

This is part of a series of photos from our trip to Sicily and Oxford, UK in September 2026

An interior view looking down the main nave of a grand cathedral toward the high altar. Two long rows of marble columns connected by rounded stone arches line each side, framing a patterned geometric tile floor where visitors walk between dark seating rows. High above, an intricately painted and carved wooden beam ceiling stretches the length of the hall. Above the far sanctuary arch, a vibrant golden mosaic depicts religious figures, while a large metal chandelier hangs suspended in the center.

Follow me on Instagram at @douglaswelch, @dewdesignphoto, and @agardenersnotebook and Pixelfed.

Books about Sicily – Fiction and Non-Fiction




]]> http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/24/duomo-3/feed/ 0 full Interior, University Church of St Mary the Virgin, Oxford, UK [Photography] http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/23/st-marys-4/ http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/23/st-marys-4/#respond Fri, 23 Oct 2026 20:28:20 +0000 http://welchwrite.com/blog/?p=36416 This is part of a series of photos from our trip to Sicily and Oxford, UK in September 2026

A vertical, wide-angle photograph captures the interior of a grand, gothic- gothic-style cathedral, looking down the central nave towards a large stained-glass window. The high ceiling features dark, vaulted wooden beams, beams, and massive stone arches line both sides of the aisle. At the far end, a large, multi-paneled stained-glass window sits above a section of wall illuminated with bright green light. Dark wooden pews are arranged on either side of a central aisle with a black and white checkered floor. In the immediate foreground, a white horizontal surface holds two ornate, golden candlesticks on the left and right.

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]]> http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/23/st-marys-4/feed/ 0 full Piazza del Duomo, Messina, Sicily, Italy [Photography] http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/23/duomo-2/ http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/23/duomo-2/#respond Fri, 23 Oct 2026 19:53:29 +0000 http://welchwrite.com/blog/?p=36411 “Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you.”

This is part of a series of photos from our trip to Sicily and Oxford, UK in September 2026

An outdoor shot features a tall, ornate bell tower and a large stone cathedral building under a clear blue sky. The tower includes a clock face, face, several pointed spires, and golden statues set into arched niches. Adjacent to the tower is a stone building with a gabled, crenellated roofline, arched windows, and a large, ornate arched entrance. In the foreground, a multi-tiered white stone fountain with various sculpted figures is enclosed by a black metal fence.

Follow me on Instagram at @douglaswelch, @dewdesignphoto, and @agardenersnotebook and Pixelfed.

Books about Sicily – Fiction and Non-Fiction




]]> http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/23/duomo-2/feed/ 0 full Gate, All Souls College, Oxford, UK [Photography] http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/21/gate/ http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/21/gate/#respond Wed, 21 Oct 2026 22:13:33 +0000 http://welchwrite.com/blog/?p=36405 This is part of a series of photos from our trip to Sicily and Oxford, UK in September 2026

An ornate black wrought-iron gate is set within a large, rounded stone archway. The upper arched section of the gate features gold-colored scrollwork and a central coat of arms with red and gold patterns. The middle section of the gate is decorated with gold-colored leaves, a central gold seashell shape, and two gold lion heads on either side. The surrounding archway is constructed from large, tan-colored stone blocks with a decorative frieze of vertical grooves at the top. Through the gate, a white building with dark windows and a patch of green grass are visible.

Follow me on Instagram at @douglaswelch, @dewdesignphoto, and @agardenersnotebook and Pixelfed.

]]> http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/21/gate/feed/ 0 full Water Lily, Regional Museum of Messina, Sicily, Italy [Photography] http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/21/water-lily/ http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/21/water-lily/#respond Wed, 21 Oct 2026 21:44:55 +0000 http://welchwrite.com/blog/?p=36398 This is part of a series of photos from our trip to Sicily and Oxford, UK in September 2026

A dense layer of green lily pads covers the surface of a dark body of water. The pads vary in size and color, with some displaying bright green tones and others appearing yellowish. Two flowers are visible, including a small yellow flower near the top and a white flower with a yellow center near the bottom. Dark water is visible in the small spaces between the overlapping leaves. The view is an overhead shot of a pond filled with aquatic plants.

Follow me on Instagram at @douglaswelch, @dewdesignphoto, and @agardenersnotebook and Pixelfed.

Books about Sicily – Fiction and Non-Fiction




]]> http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/21/water-lily/feed/ 0 full Christmas is Coming!~ Order Now – Unique Christmas Cards Exclusively from Douglas E. Welch http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/21/christmas-2026/ http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/21/christmas-2026/#respond Wed, 21 Oct 2026 20:02:56 +0000 https://welchwrite.com/blog/?p=36390 If you like to send traditional Christmas Cards, here are some unique cards you won’t find anywhere else.. These cards are all designed with my own photos taken over the years. In some cases, these were the Christmas cards we sent out to our own friend and family.

I also have many vintage cards to choose from.

Order in sets of 8 to receive 20% off

Here is a selection of some of my favorite cards from my collection.

View my complete collection of Christmas cards and much more

California christmas 2016

Christmas cardinal 2016 Christmas cookies 2016

Country christmas

Christmas catania Winter=sentinal

Nativity

Nutcracker 1 Big christmas

View my complete collection of Christmas cards and much more

Christmas cards

]]> http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/21/christmas-2026/feed/ 0 Doorway, Radcliffe Camera, Oxford, UK [Photography] http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/20/doorway-2/ http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/20/doorway-2/#respond Tue, 20 Oct 2026 18:35:07 +0000 http://welchwrite.com/blog/?p=36387 This is part of a series of photos from our trip to Sicily and Oxford, UK in September 2026

An architectural close-up of a stone building's entrance featuring an arched doorway and a small window above. At the top of the image, a square, square, dark-framed window is positioned between two thick, light-colored stone columns. Below this, a triangular stone pediment rests atop a large, rounded archway constructed from heavy, textured stone blocks. A black metal gate with decorative gold-colored accents fills the arched opening. Through the gate, a glimpse of a brightly lit interior with an arched window is visible.

Follow me on Instagram at @douglaswelch, @dewdesignphoto, and @agardenersnotebook and Pixelfed.

]]> http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/20/doorway-2/feed/ 0 full Senatorial Sedan (1742), Regional Museum of Messina, Sicily, Italy http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/20/sedan/ http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/20/sedan/#respond Tue, 20 Oct 2026 18:07:26 +0000 http://welchwrite.com/blog/?p=36382 This is part of a series of photos from our trip to Sicily and Oxford, UK in September 2026

An ornate, gilded carriage is displayed in a museum setting. The carriage is covered in intricate carvings of figures, foliage, and complex patterns across its frame and wheels. It features large, spoke-style wheels and a passenger compartment with glass windows.

“The Senate Carriage of Messina was created in 1742 by the woodcarver Domenico Biondo and Letterio Paladino, among the finest interpreters of the new 18th-century pictorial language, who created the elegant painted decorations. The carriage comes from the Palazzo Senatorio. Constructed of carved, gilded, and painted wood, it represents one of the finest testimonies to the city’s glorious past. Used during solemn celebrations, it was pulled by three pairs of horses and carried the senators and the toga-clad “Master Notary.”” – Il Museo Regionale Di Messina

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Books about Sicily – Fiction and Non-Fiction




]]> http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/20/sedan/feed/ 0 full