Here's Looking at You, Kid!

Grrrrrr.....

No, that isn't what the bear says....well, I guess it could be ... but what I'm saying right now. My website, www.sunhusky.com took a nose dive when the provider suffered a crash. Everything uploaded since Aug. '05 went missing and has yet to be recovered. As a result, I've posted a selection of my bear pix here for those who've asked to see them. See the "A Bear-y Good Day" post for another shot (My Favorite) and the original date.

Wet Bears

Let's Fight!!! (Bears)

Make a beeline...

Okay, so what does one do to entertain themself on a rainy day in Alaska? You go out and stalk "wildlife" in-between the raindrops. I've tried to capture bees with the camera before, but this is probably my best effort so far. Even better, only had to go as far as my own front yard!

Russian Orthodox Influence

Just about anywhere you go in Alaska, you'll find evidence of the Russian Orthodox influence. A bit of research revealed this basic facts about the "onion"domes and unique crosses that represent the religion.

One dome represents Christ as the one true head of the Church, two domes, the human and godly nature of Christ. Three domes represents the Holy Trinity of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and five domes Christ and the Apostles Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

A blue dome represented the color of the heavens and mankind's desire to one day unite with the heavenly church. Gold domes represent Christ as the king, while green symbolizes the Holy Trinity. The domes are elongated for a very earthly reason, however. The slender, elongated domes are meant to represent the flame of a candle, one leaping up toward heaven.

Each bar on the cross has a meaning. The top bar represents where the words written on Christ's own cross were carved, words reading "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews." The second bar marks where Christ's arms were spread and nailed. The third bar where his feet were placed as he hung on the cross. Finally, if the third bar is slanted, it might be deemed directional. The side pointing upward (to Heaven) represents the man crucified alongside Christ who asked Christ for forgiveness, guaranteeing hm a place in Heaven. The side pointing downward is meant to remind of of the man who did not repent of his his sins and would not make it to heaven.

Beauty in the Front Yard

I'd like to wax eloquently about this one, but sometimes pictures should be allowed to speak for themselves. Just another example of the simple pleasures in life to be had as close as my own front yard.

A Perfect Place for a Picnic

"Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing." -- Helen Keller

Lake Lucille, behind Lake Lucille Inn, in Wasilla, AK. I can't imagine a better place to put your picnic table! Looks like the dog wants to steer!

Blue Skies

Every now and then, we have skies so blue as to make you simply stop and go, "Wow!" Wednesday was one of those days.

More Under the Sea

Hey, if you're going to be warped, it's so much more fun to be warped with similarly warped friends. These two versions from Donna Quante.

All that's missing is a Yellow Submarine...

"We all live in a yellow submarine, yellow submarine, yellow submarine..." The Beatles, albeit not one of their more profound lyrics

In an octopus' garden...

I'd like to think that each and every photo I take will be wonderful and worth sharing, but, well, who are we kidding? On the other hand, with an assist from Photo Shop and a quirky mind, even an otherwise forgetable picture can be fun. I'd just read a story about the Beatles, so my thoughts that these flowers seemed to be swimming around in the air quickly lead me to dub this one "In an Octopus' (Alaskan) Garden."

Friendship

Friendship...
...is the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person,
having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words,
but pouring all right out, just as they are, chaff and grain together, certain that a faithful friend will take and sift them,
keep what is worth keeping, and with a breath of comfort,
blow the rest away.

I have no clue who wrote this, but it's SOOOO true....

Delicate Beauty

Don't overlook the simple, delicate beauty to be found in your own front yard.