November 11, 1918 at eleven in the morning was the official ending of the terrible carnage that was WWI. Unfortunately, people continued the madness with the encore of WWII. History for that massive conflagration showed a clear delineation of evil and the effort to stop it was a worthy goal. World War II ended with the surrender of the Axis, first of Italy, then Germany and finally Japan. The unconditional surrender of Japan took place on the deck of this battleship, the USS Missouri. A heartfelt thanks to all the veterans of every era.
Analog World /
From the WWII submarine docked at Pearl Harbor. A very busy place where lots of lives depended on you doing your job well.
Challenge /
This lava rock center stage of the photo had a difficult problem to resolve so it relied on the old adage, “two heads are better than one.”
You don’t get this insightful commentary laced with humor on just any old photo site.
(Thankfully)
I heard that!
Serious and Stoic /
Hulas are storytelling and most of them are well known to those who grew up in the Hawaiian culture. so that the story is seen, not narrated, in the actions of the dance. At this evening demonstration we were given aid with the story being explained to us and how it related to the dance. We watched several and most of them were lighthearted but this one was a serious subject about loss and sacrifice. The woman on the right is telling the story - for we did not know it, and when she spoke the dancer held this pose, unmoving for what seemed like a long stretch and the music stopped as well. Very impressive.
"Its beginning to look a lot like...." /
No, not me too. Just because it is red and green is no reason to leap into the seasonal fray with everyone else. Too early!
This red maple leaf was snagged in the pine tree on a remote road on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Because we saw so few colorful leaves it made the cut. Also, I am busy and behind on so much, and have to be four hours away this morning for a service. Back tonight. I intend to be caught up by the end of the week. Good intentions.
Photo is from the Blue Ridge Parkway. Sky was changed! /
Conch /
The conch shell in Hawaii is used by skilled practitioners for a variety of purposes, some are not shared with those outside of the natives to that culture. However, most events and ceremonies officially start with the blowing of the shell. We watched a trio and two dancers from the University of Hawaii one night in Waikiki. The presentation began with this man, who has been doing this for years, creating a loud, pure note that he did more than one time and in more than one direction. All of those details matter but it was done with little explanation. What was clear was how skilled this man was and how respected for his gift.
And now for something different. /
These photos are from two different Episcopal churches in Ashe County, NC. The contain striking frescoes done by the artist, Ben Long, a North Carolina native. People come from all over the world to view them. It is quite unique that both churches are open 24 hours a day and there is no charge. You push a button to hear a lengthy, very well done, talk about the art work and the meaning behind them. The churches are about 10 miles apart. Highly recommend the time and effort to see them if you are in the West Jefferson area of North Carolina. Holy Trinity is in Glendale Springs and St. Mary’s is in West Jefferson. I thought the last supper was really well done, visually distinct, and the effort in the expressions and details of the work are fascinating.
Forgotton /
An old shed along a Virginia byway.
Fan /
The array. colors and scope of the flowers in Hawaii - even though I had read about the beautiful colors, was still astonishing to see in person. I was especially surprised by those deep in the woods along trails. This one may or may not be a flower but at about 2 feet across it was stunning in the deep woods of Haleakala National Park.
"Sign of Good Taste" /
Coke slogan from 1957 when I think you could buy one here and sit on the porch. Near Halifax, Virginia on Route 57. Actually you can still sit on the porch.
Hope Your Day is a Howling Success /
Happy Halloween. This is my latest carving, a pumpkin head hobo. The last photo is the whole menagerie of seasonal carvings.
Photo taken (quickly) in Pittsburgh, PA /
Dressed Up for Fall /
Just off Route 57 between Chatham and South Boston I came across the old house that may be supported by the foliage around it. I liked the soft colors of fall.
Not Hawaii /
I shot this on a trail at Umstead State Park last week. I did not think of posting it, but the more I looked at it the more I liked it. In the frame are leaves both under and on the water, pine needles likewise with some both, sky and tree reflections and even a fern plus the different shapes and colors. Instant abstract painting.
So, do I have more Hawaii, snicker. But I felt like I was missing fall so next few days a bit of both leaning to the fall.
Upon Further Review /
We were hiking a longer trial that usual in Maui and I saw this interesting flower close to the trail and went to see if I could get close for a better shot. And I did. However I noticed the small bug on the middle petal on the left side. At the time I saw it I couldn’t quite reach the plant to shake it off but I took the photo anyway. I was standing in an awkward place and not too secure. So quickly back to the trail. I stopped to see if the shot was in focus AND THEN I noted the large, unpleasant, bight blue creature next to the first benign bug. I am glad I could not reach the plant.
If you enlarge this you can see the very long protruding rod from its head. I think that is what is uses to kill you.
"Thar She Blows"* /
This is a blow hole located on the very Northwest coast of Maui. We watched as several eruptions soared dwarfing the people who ventured near the outlet. The wind was strong and even yards away the spray would reach you.
Authentic dialogue from every old movie involving hunting whales ever filmed and most of them were hunting a white whale.
It was just as much fun to watch the column of water collapse.
Different - /
This photo differs a lot from my usual type of edit. I like sharp and colorful photos and this I did the opposite. I muted the color just a bit, softened and blurred the image and darkened the background. Then I enhanced the little silvery slivers shimmering in the water. I like the colors, mood and atmosphere of the lilies found in a garden in Hawaii. Thick foliage covered the whole canopy over the water with just a shaft of light touching the lily pads. I may try a few more like this, it was interesting and I really like the final image. Look out C. Monet.
Watching /
This is the Haleakala Observatory at the peak of the Haleakala National Park over 10,000 feet. It is owned by the university and currently has seven different facilities including some leased by the US Air Force. It glowed in the sunrise but 15 minutes later you could not see a single building when dense fog and clouds enveloped the mountain.
