That is truly an amazing artwork, Mac. Even then your unique artistic talents were thriving. I never tire of seeing your wide range of awesome artwork.
Following your lead of going back about 10 years, here are some of my photos from that era, back when I was teaching English and Australian Commercial Law at a private high school in Zhengzhou, Henan Province.
A bridge not too far...
.
NewsTalkers member USA1 and his wife helping celebrate my wife's birthday at our school apartment. The Headmaster told me my apartment was better than his. Mine had 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a huge living-dining room and 2 balconies.
.
The school was out in the suburbs of Zhengzhou, and this photo looking down from my balcony indicates that it was really WAY out in the suburbs.
.
They might still be looking for this paddleboat.
.
"There is a crack in everything. That's how the light gets in." (from Anthem, by Leonard Cohen)
.
The fragmentation of a fireplug.
.
The spooky tree.
.
Just fishin'
.
The little hotel next to the school.
.
A gaggle of geese pondering about taking a slow boat IN China.
When I had my house I had a lot of different flowers, and for some reason, they bloomed very nicely in the even years, and not so good in the odd years. I checked with our local nurseries to see why that might be, but, they all said something different from each other, so there was no real answer. So I just chalked it up to Mother Nature and be happy with what I got.
Great photos, G. And really like your unique artistic editing of them as well. Makes the usual become unusual, yet, keeping with the true effects of the sights. Very nicely done, G.
Having traveled through Monument Valley at different times of the day, the warmth of the setting sun and late at night with the glow of the bright moonlight and stars above, are my two favorite times. They were very Spiritual experiences for me.
OK....I'm back!! Yes, the extended project I have been working on for some time has finally been approved and put to bed! While it was both a fun and rewarding project, I really missed my time here on NT with my NT Family.
So to kick off my return to norm here on NT, here is a new creation....
The meaning of this creation is whatever/however you see it. Let your imagination be your guide.
Let’s start with the tree, a bristlecone pine a long-lived tree, highly resilient to harsh weather and bad soils. One of the three species, Pinus longaeva, is among the longest-lived life forms on Earth. The oldest of this species is more than 4,800 years old, making it the oldest known individual of any species.
So, RW, is your image a visual metaphor for endurance or persistence and the reward of a long life because of those qualities?
My 2 cents.
Are the birds crows or vultures, or perhaps RAVENS ... an ingenious signature!! - and, a knife in each of the hands of the subject, symbolic of total commitment and preparedness to meet the adversities of life with “both hands,” again, a visual metaphor?
visual metaphor for endurance or persistence and the reward of a long life because of those qualities?
In a manner of speaking, yes. Much like the Bristlecone Pine, Native Americans have lived in this land called America for thousands of years, and endured many hardships and disasters over the years, those of the European immigrant being the most devastating, which Native Americans are still having to endure in many ways. But, in spite of those hardships and devastation, Native Americans of all Tribes had the determination to endure and survive stronger than ever.
And indeed, the knives in both hands depicts their willingness to stand firm and continue to fight for their land and rights as a people, and as American citizens.
or perhaps RAVENS ... an ingenious signature!!
Ah....you guessed it! (big grin)
p.s......Your critiques are worth far more than 2 cents to me.
I think if I were to provide a caption, I would say There is Beauty in Distortion, and then it concerned me how he was looking at the dog, while holding knives in his hands.
A very good caption, Buzz. But....that is not a dog with him, it is a Wolf. Native Americans are the defender of all wildlife on Mother Earth. So the knives in his hands also speak to the Warrior standing strong to fulfill his obligation to defend the Wolf, as well as all other animals.
We are on a roller coaster of temps here, shona. 99 tomorrow, and down to upper 70's by Tuesday. It's been that way for months now. The temps move between upper 90's for a couple of days, then down into the mid to upper 70's for a few days, then rinse and repeat. So we get to have revolving cool and hot days.
But, I can't complain...I'll take our weather compared to what is going on in the mid-west and east.
We have some very high temps out here in the Inland Empire during the summer, and often down to freezing in the winter. And in the Spring and Fall the temps are normally a roller coaster of varying temps, which are what we are having now.
The area where I live is the hottest part of L.A. when it's hot, and the coldest part of L.A. when it's cold. We don't ever get freezing weather, although an occasional low temperature at night during the winter can be in the low 30s.
They sure are. Every now and then I'll see one perched near a feeder and guarding it. Not eating or anything, just waiting there to run other hummingbirds off when they show up.
Not eating or anything, just waiting there to run other hummingbirds off when they show up.
Indeed! They won't even let the sweet little 'lady birds' have a sip. Unless, or course, it's mating season. Then they will entice the girls to come and help themselves in exchange for a l'il tête-à-tête. (wink wink)
The late Ojibwe artist George Morrison — a founding figure of Native American modernism — has been honored with a pane of U.S. postage stamps featuring his vibrant abstract landscapes drawn from childhood memories and a deep connection to the natural world. His Ojibwe name was Wah Wah Teh Go Nay Ga Bo (Standing In the Northern Lights)
From Chippewa City MN he was acquainted with some of the greats including Jason Pollock. His works are in many museums and galleries around the US including the Philadelphia Museum of Art. He is waiting for you to visit Mac.
This painting is entitled ''Lake Superior Landscape.
“I seek the power of the rock, the magic of the water, the religion of the tree, the color of the wind, and the enigma of the horizon,” he said of his artwork in the book, “Modern Spirit: The Art of George Morrison.”
I remember seeing it, and I was excited to see you off to a good start in creating your own artwork. It's great to see how far you have come since then.
I really enjoy seeing how you are stretching your imagination in so many areas since your first creation. Are you using the Microsoft PowerPoint software much? That and CorelDraw are the primary software I use in creating my artwork. I also sometimes use a couple of others for some special effects.
Hey everyone, there's a total lunar eclipse tonight. They're calling this one the Super Flower Blood Moon.
It's a pretty early one, too – the partial starts at 10:28 p.m. EDT, the total starts at 11:29 p.m., and the maximum is at 12:11 a.m. The times are earlier as you go west, of course.
It's stormy here so I don't know if I'll be able to see it, but if you have clear skies then get your cameras ready.
This is all I could get of the eclipse. I missed the beginning because of clouds, and then once it got past where it was in the crappy second pic it was too dim for my camera to even find a focus.
It's in totality right now and it's so dim I can barely see it with my eyes, let alone through the camera, so I'm not going to bother trying to take any more pics.
Not a very good moon if you ask me. Too low in the sky, too far away, and the air is too humid and hazy after the rain. I was hoping it would be higher and closer, being a supermoon, but no.
First things First - Check the article at this link.
And we're back!
"The Hand of Fate" is VERY spacey - could be a great poster for a Sci-Fi film.
a great creation amac.
That is truly an amazing artwork, Mac. Even then your unique artistic talents were thriving. I never tire of seeing your wide range of awesome artwork.
Following your lead of going back about 10 years, here are some of my photos from that era, back when I was teaching English and Australian Commercial Law at a private high school in Zhengzhou, Henan Province.
A bridge not too far...
.
NewsTalkers member USA1 and his wife helping celebrate my wife's birthday at our school apartment. The Headmaster told me my apartment was better than his. Mine had 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a huge living-dining room and 2 balconies.
.
The school was out in the suburbs of Zhengzhou, and this photo looking down from my balcony indicates that it was really WAY out in the suburbs.
.
They might still be looking for this paddleboat.
.
"There is a crack in everything. That's how the light gets in." (from Anthem, by Leonard Cohen)
.
The fragmentation of a fireplug.
.
The spooky tree.
.
Just fishin'
.
The little hotel next to the school.
.
A gaggle of geese pondering about taking a slow boat IN China.
Arvo Buzz..love the spooky tree..
Wonderful series of unique photos, Buzz.
it's not the Easter Bunny...
It has beautiful fur - good thing for it is that people aren't wearing real fur coats so much any more.
Reminds me of my Calico fur baby I had many years ago. A weally lubly bummy wabbit, EG.
Cool. Is that a snowshoe hare with summer coloration? We only have cottontails around here.
My front garden area.
Really lovely flowers, Veronica. They really stand out against the white fencing. And the bright red tulips stand out on their own.
Thank you. They bloomed beautifully this year. Last year they didn't pop like this year.
When I had my house I had a lot of different flowers, and for some reason, they bloomed very nicely in the even years, and not so good in the odd years. I checked with our local nurseries to see why that might be, but, they all said something different from each other, so there was no real answer. So I just chalked it up to Mother Nature and be happy with what I got.
Yea, I believe she likes to play with me. My lilac bush still has closed blooms. Driving me batty.
Very nice.
Thank you.
love the pink!
A Brief Visit to the Land Down Under
Beach At Noosa, Queensland
Leaping Kangaroos at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Brisbane... with an Emu, too!
Sydney Harbor Bridge at Sunset
Sydney Opera House
Beach at Noosa (Different View)
Great photos, G. And really like your unique artistic editing of them as well. Makes the usual become unusual, yet, keeping with the true effects of the sights. Very nicely done, G.
Thanks, Raven Wing.
I was going to say that, but then I read that you already did.
But a warning - if you ever see a dark purple cloud like that, run for cover.
dude, please...
Morning...ahhh my home...the Great Southern Land..🐨🐨🦘🦘
It was an interesting place to visit.
Bonzer!
Thanks, Dig.
Monument Valley, Late Afternoon
© A. Mac/A.G.
Having traveled through Monument Valley at different times of the day, the warmth of the setting sun and late at night with the glow of the bright moonlight and stars above, are my two favorite times. They were very Spiritual experiences for me.
what the hell? is this let's give dev a flashback this weekend group?
Yes.
A monument, yes, but it looks like a middle ages castle. In any event , beautifully displayed.
Really well done.
OK....I'm back!! Yes, the extended project I have been working on for some time has finally been approved and put to bed! While it was both a fun and rewarding project, I really missed my time here on NT with my NT Family.
So to kick off my return to norm here on NT, here is a new creation....
The meaning of this creation is whatever/however you see it. Let your imagination be your guide.
That's fantastic.
ditto
Thanks G.
Thank you very much, dev
Let’s start with the tree, a bristlecone pine a long-lived tree, highly resilient to harsh weather and bad soils. One of the three species, Pinus longaeva, is among the longest-lived life forms on Earth. The oldest of this species is more than 4,800 years old, making it the oldest known individual of any species.
So, RW, is your image a visual metaphor for endurance or persistence and the reward of a long life because of those qualities?
My 2 cents.
Are the birds crows or vultures, or perhaps RAVENS ... an ingenious signature!! - and, a knife in each of the hands of the subject, symbolic of total commitment and preparedness to meet the adversities of life with “both hands,” again, a visual metaphor?
In a manner of speaking, yes. Much like the Bristlecone Pine, Native Americans have lived in this land called America for thousands of years, and endured many hardships and disasters over the years, those of the European immigrant being the most devastating, which Native Americans are still having to endure in many ways. But, in spite of those hardships and devastation, Native Americans of all Tribes had the determination to endure and survive stronger than ever.
And indeed, the knives in both hands depicts their willingness to stand firm and continue to fight for their land and rights as a people, and as American citizens.
Ah....you guessed it! (big grin)
p.s......Your critiques are worth far more than 2 cents to me.
I think if I were to provide a caption, I would say There is Beauty in Distortion, and then it concerned me how he was looking at the dog, while holding knives in his hands.
A very good caption, Buzz. But....that is not a dog with him, it is a Wolf. Native Americans are the defender of all wildlife on Mother Earth. So the knives in his hands also speak to the Warrior standing strong to fulfill his obligation to defend the Wolf, as well as all other animals.
Storm forming over the Atlantic, Gulf Stream, FL. 7 am this morning.
The clouds are getting darker and the wind is picking up at 7:30 am this morning.
Those clouds don't bode well for those in its path.
Can't remember if I posted this one before …
Meadow Sunset, Montgomery County, PA
© A. Mac/ A.G.
I don't recall seeing it before, but, I'm seeing it now and enjoying its true beauty.
It's well worth looking at more than once.
An oldie....hope you still enjoy.....
One of my favourites.
Thanks, Buzz. I remember how well you liked this one.
One of mine, too.
Thank you, G.
More photos from Gulf Stream, FL.
Great photos, Kavika. Makes me want to head to the beach, especially, since tomorrow it will 99 degrees and sunny.
Arvo Raven...99 sob...I will be right over...
Windy, cold and it just Bucketed here... currently 14oC and falling. Will have to turn the heater on shortly. Can feel the cold moving in.
We are on a roller coaster of temps here, shona. 99 tomorrow, and down to upper 70's by Tuesday. It's been that way for months now. The temps move between upper 90's for a couple of days, then down into the mid to upper 70's for a few days, then rinse and repeat. So we get to have revolving cool and hot days.
But, I can't complain...I'll take our weather compared to what is going on in the mid-west and east.
I just checked. It is supposed to get down into the 70s. I can't wait!
We have some very high temps out here in the Inland Empire during the summer, and often down to freezing in the winter. And in the Spring and Fall the temps are normally a roller coaster of varying temps, which are what we are having now.
The area where I live is the hottest part of L.A. when it's hot, and the coldest part of L.A. when it's cold. We don't ever get freezing weather, although an occasional low temperature at night during the winter can be in the low 30s.
Wren singing away.
Petunias.
Dueling orioles.
Climbing rose.
Dueling hummers.
Hanging ivy geranium.
Holding her ground.
Iris.
On the lookout.
Another iris.
An absolutely superb series of photos.
Thanks.
An awesome series of photos, Dig. I have seen more than a few hummer duels when I had my 5 feeders. Very territorial little tweeters they are.
The array of beautiful flowers are wonderful. Thanks for sharing them with us.
They sure are. Every now and then I'll see one perched near a feeder and guarding it. Not eating or anything, just waiting there to run other hummingbirds off when they show up.
Indeed! They won't even let the sweet little 'lady birds' have a sip. Unless, or course, it's mating season. Then they will entice the girls to come and help themselves in exchange for a l'il tête-à-tête. (wink wink)
A well created “Spring Bouquet” of imagery.
Wonderful photos, Dig, as always.
The late Ojibwe artist George Morrison — a founding figure of Native American modernism — has been honored with a pane of U.S. postage stamps featuring his vibrant abstract landscapes drawn from childhood memories and a deep connection to the natural world. His Ojibwe name was Wah Wah Teh Go Nay Ga Bo (Standing In the Northern Lights)
From Chippewa City MN he was acquainted with some of the greats including Jason Pollock. His works are in many museums and galleries around the US including the Philadelphia Museum of Art. He is waiting for you to visit Mac.
This painting is entitled ''Lake Superior Landscape.
“I seek the power of the rock, the magic of the water, the religion of the tree, the color of the wind, and the enigma of the horizon,” he said of his artwork in the book, “Modern Spirit: The Art of George Morrison.”
Fascinating artwork, Kavika. Thank you for sharing it with us so that we might enjoy it as well. His story behind his artwork says it all.
That is a beautiful work of art.
This is George Morrison
USPS Honors Native American Modernist Artist George Morrison
A great way to honor a great artist.
Migration by Moonlight
© A. Mac/A.G.
That reminds me of one of the first pieces I did when I decided to try to get creative with my photos last year. I posted this then.
"Butterfly Migration"
I remember seeing it, and I was excited to see you off to a good start in creating your own artwork. It's great to see how far you have come since then.
I knew my inspiration had to come from somewhere! Nice work!
Thank you, Raven Wing. I do think I've made a lot of progress.
Your work inspires me constantly.
I really enjoy seeing how you are stretching your imagination in so many areas since your first creation. Are you using the Microsoft PowerPoint software much? That and CorelDraw are the primary software I use in creating my artwork. I also sometimes use a couple of others for some special effects.
I use a combination of the Microsoft PowerPoint software, Microsoft Paint3D and the basic Microsoft editing tools for almost every piece.
I have not tried the MS Paint3D yet, I've just been too busy with other work. But, I'll have to check it out.
Whatever you are using, it sure pays off well with the results of your artwork.
Canada Geesetronauts
Listen (link) ->
Quite an interesting concept, Mac, and well displayed.
A Mother and her newborn child......
Lovely.
Thank you, Buzz.
That is so nice.
Thanks, G. It is one of my very first creations when I was using mostly wood burls of all kinds as backgrounds for my artwork.
Hey everyone, there's a total lunar eclipse tonight. They're calling this one the Super Flower Blood Moon.
It's a pretty early one, too – the partial starts at 10:28 p.m. EDT, the total starts at 11:29 p.m., and the maximum is at 12:11 a.m. The times are earlier as you go west, of course.
It's stormy here so I don't know if I'll be able to see it, but if you have clear skies then get your cameras ready.
Thanks, I thought it was tomorrow. Might be cloudy but I will be looking for it
This is all I could get of the eclipse. I missed the beginning because of clouds, and then once it got past where it was in the crappy second pic it was too dim for my camera to even find a focus.
It's in totality right now and it's so dim I can barely see it with my eyes, let alone through the camera, so I'm not going to bother trying to take any more pics.
Not a very good moon if you ask me. Too low in the sky, too far away, and the air is too humid and hazy after the rain. I was hoping it would be higher and closer, being a supermoon, but no.
Not very good shots at all.
Thanks for trying, Dig. What you got looks good, and gives us an idea of what the rest of the eclipse might look like if we could see it.
Well, at least you got to see it, but it wasn't visible here.
Thanks to everyone; will close this down soon.