The Rock of Gibraltar is a monolithic limestone promontory so strong and sturdy it was known in ancient times as one of the Pillars of Hercules. It marked the end of the known world. 30,000 years ago one of its caves sheltered a little band of Neanderthals. In 710 A.D. a Moorish castle was built by the Berber chieftain Tariq inb-Ziyad, who gave the Rock his name. In Arabic it is Jebel Tariq, or the Mount of Tariq. It has endured 14 sieges throughout its rocky history. Against all odds, the British held The Rock against the Nazis in WWII. It has proven such a stronghold that it inspired the saying, “solid as the Rock of Gibraltar,” and is used to describe a person or situation that cannot be overcome and does not fail.
It makes me reflect upon the people in my life who are as solid as the Rock of Gibraltar, who I can count on without fail.
Thank you, Thom, my dear husband, for being my rock. In so many ways, you marked the beginning of my world. Thank you, Con, my dear sister, for the friendship of a lifetime that began with two little Neanderthals sheltering in the shadow of The Rock–but our little tribe has withstood the test of time.
Click here for more interpretations of the Weekly Photo Challenge: Reflections.
All images and words c2012 Naomi Baltuck
Writing Between the Lines 
a beautiful post!
Thank you, Shimon, for your visit, and your very kind words. That means a lot to me. It is a wonderful surprise to hear from you! (Catch any fish yet?)
Yes, lots of tasty fish, and a great array of creatures amusing me from all directions… It is just that I’ve put all other obligations aside… and let the river run past me without any work on my part. The results are very good so far.
That is a wise and wonderful thing to do every so often. I am happy for you! Wishing you peace.
Fabulous photo, and beautiful words. 🙂
Thank you, ad! I appreciate the visit, and your generous words.
It’s always good to reflect and actively think of those who are important in our lives. So many people just let life drift past without a second thought.
Lovely post, Naomi.
Hi Marianne,
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts, and a lovely image.
It is time anytime to give credit to your rocks. Lovely bit of history too Naomi
So true! Thank you for your visit, Lesley. It is always good to hear from you.
Lucky to have such great rocks in your life, Naomi, and a brilliant way of expressing it. The Rock isn’t so very far from the Algarve and I mean to go have a look for myself one day.
Dear Jo,
You are so generous! I hope you do go one day. It’s a little surreal, to step out of Spain and find yourself in Great Britain, using pounds sterling, red telephone booths, and stopping for tea and fish and chips! But not only is the view great, the history compelling, the Rock Apes fascinating, but it is such a global collective frame of reference. When you go, I will look forward to seeing your pictures and hearing your tales.
Our loved ones are our rock. Very nice photograph.
They are indeed. Thank you for your visit, Walter.
“The Rockies may crumble/ Gibraltar may tumble/ They’re only made of clay…but/ Our Love is Here To Stay” humming along happily with you
Perfect!
The title drew me in and the content made me think. Great combo! Thanks for reflecting…
Thank you so much for stopping in, and sharing your thoughts.
Filled with sentiment of dear Love. I am sure he feels the same for you
We are both very fortunate. My mother said it would take someone with the patience of a kindergarten teacher to handle me!
🙂 and our Mother’s KNOW US 🙂
Have a great day
Eunice
🙂
I loved your title, story and photograph. I’d also like to offer the lifeguard at that location if he or she would mind if I substituted for them once in a while.
🙂
Ha! That would be a sweet summer job, wouldn’t it? Thank you for your very generous comment, Elisa.
I nominated you for the “Blog of the Year 2012” award. Please go to Teacher as Transformer at this link http://ivonprefontaine.com/2012/12/04/blog-of-the-year-2012/ for information. Congratulations!
Dear Ivon,
That is so kind of you–I am honored, and I look forward to passing along that honor.
I look forward to visiting the blogs you pass it on to Naomi.
I have some good ones to share, and look forward to that.
Warm wishes, Naomi
Beautiful, Naomi. Thank you for sharing your sentiment!
Dear Amy,
Thank you for your very kind comments.
This is awesome!
Thank you, Pam!
Beautiful. I never knew the meaning behind the Rock of Gibraltar saying. I especially like that it was equated with one of the pillars of Hercules. I learn something new every day!
Thanks for sharing, Naomi. 🙂
Hey, Mike, it is definitely my pleasure! It is always nice to hear from you.
I really love to hear the stories connected to a place, especially if it is a pourquoi or ‘why’ story, that is connected with the geography of a place or explains why the world is the way it is.
I loved this. Beautiful words.
Thank you, Chantel.
Great post, and reflection. Thankful for the blessings of the Rocks in our lives.
Thank you, Patti. Yes, what would we do without them? Thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts.
This rocks. Stuff is shaking and sliding on the shelves here. Well done.
Wow! That’s a good sign, I think! Thanks so much for making me smile.
Hi Time for another STAR!!!!!!
http://nutsfortreasure.wordpress.com/2012/12/03/please-check-the-list-blogger-of-the-year-2012/
Enjoy
Eunice
Wow! I am overwhelmed, Eunice. You are so kind!
I love you place with us in the BLOG World
Enjoy your STAR
Eunice
Thank you, Eunice. I love being here!
🙂 Me too
great post Naomi
Thank you!
Wonderful post, Naomi.
Love the photo. Talk about reflection…
Thank you, Tess!
A wonderful entry for the challenge – reflections of the best kind!
Thank you, Carol!
Great post Naomi 🙂
Thank you, Jake!
That’s so sweet, my eyes are watering. There’s just so much love in your family 🙂
Dear Sarah, you are so generous!
love, love, love ♥
Thank you, Paula!
This is beautiful, Naomi. As always.
Hi Jessica,
I appreciate your visit, and your taking the time to make a generous comment.
Totally cool! You Rock! 😎
Hi Elizabeth, thanks so much. You rock, too!
This is so touching, Naomi ..it feels gooeed to read it, and it reminds me of how precious the relationship to our beloved ones is…
and your photo is beautiful 🙂
Dear Ocean,
What a very sweet response to this post. Thank you so much for taking the time to visit, and to share your thoughts. It is always a pleasure to hear from you.
oops – sorry for the typing error, I’ve no idea of how that could happen – I mean “good” 🙂
Beautiful and this one as well, “It makes me reflect upon the people in my life who are as solid as the Rock of Gibraltar, who I can count on without fail.” Bless the people who gave us courage, hope and strength.
We are both so fortunate to have loved ones we can count on. I know enough about you and your family to say with absolute certainty that you are also their Rock.
I didn’t know much of ANYTHING about the Rock of Gibralter (except that it’s a BIG rock). Thanks for all the background.
Hi J.A.!
Thanks for the visit. For such a tiny piece of Real Estate, a lot has gone on there. It was almost surreal to step out of Spain into Jolly Olde Britain! And just as surreal to be walking about on this big rock, guarding your purse and valuables from the ubiquitous Gibraltar Apes! That was a story in itself, and one of these days, I’m going to tell it! Best wishes for a happy holiday!
Thanks for following me! Your blog is wonderful-love the way you interwove history, your life & visuals into a cohesive flow of understanding. Look forward to more from you.
Aw, Naomi, you make me want to thank my Gibraltars too. 🙂 Amazing reflection photo too. 🙂
I’ve been saving that shot for the right moment. When the theme came up, I didn’t even know what I was going to write, which is often the case. I love the way it always seems to work out. Thanks so much for the visit, Kourtney. Best wishes for the New Year.
What a beautiful way to acknowledge the ‘rocks’ in your life! That stunning shot complements your words perfectly! Just perfect!
Thank so much, Madhu. I appreciate your visit.