POACHERS

This is a framed picture in our kitchen. I took a few shots of stuff around the house today. There are more of the Bird of Paradise, also.
In the header, some recent reef shots with a special one for Evangeline. I hope it`s the one I said I`d find for her. It`s the Samurai Armored Hermit.
On Planet Earth, a stained glass window study.
I hope you all have a Happy New Year, & that with a combined effort, we might see a more peaceful planet.
The images I post are not only for your enjoyment but for mine also. If you`d like any special themes posted, shout out, I might be able to accomodate your wishes.
The slide show is where I could use some suggestions. Name a theme, & I`ll switch the show.
I`ll switch to beaches for tonight, so you can see how it works, if you hadn`t figured it out.
Good Night

NANDAY CONURE

This is a wild parrot from the flocks that follow the maturing fruit on local trees.
Beyond this image, besides the usual variety, is an update on the Bird of Paradise bloom that sped up it`s developement, more rapidly than I could record it.
There`s also a smiling pot to cheer some people up when I think they need it. You know who you are.
Have a nice day tomorrow, & make sure you get plenty of rest.

MEPHISTO

Some may easily be influenced by forces they presume they cannot control.
Others relinquish control voluntarily as a relief of burden. How foolish.
Still others feel they have to assume control of others.
I think self hypnosis is the cause of these feelings. We can all make ourselves believe what is most convenient for our agenda, but we should never lose track of the fact that personal accountability is the only trait that if practiced, one can`t be faulted for.
I`ve been mesmerized by a fool who has made me write giberish. I don`t know since when but it has got to stop now. One of you should have told me.

In the header, a Bird of Paradise takes wing. It`s on my deck & I`ll try & follow it`s opening till it can fly.
On Planet Earth, a venomous Rabbitfish. This particular image shows the fish with it`s spines extended out in a defensive posture. These are poisonous spines.
There are more images in all the usual hiding places.
Good night.

MALIBU FIRE

This is the kind of fire that keeps those who live here, warm.
Have a nice day & enjoy your respective families.
Bite your tongue, if you must, & realize, it`s not always about you.
All wounds, over time will heal & it`s nice to be remembered for the things that you do
rather than be remembered for the scars.
Open up a little bit, to that person you don`t quite remember why you don`t particularily like.
See, I told you it wasn`t important. Think of what it might mean to them, after wondering all these years.
This is really a reminder to myself. If it may prove useful to you, read it again to make sure I wasn`t putting a guilt trip on anyone.
Now I`m off & away!!
Up Homey, & Honey & Nicki & Bill
Come on & pull harder to get over the hill.
Up, up, Milo, one eyed cat from Berdoo,
Up Up my white winged one, like good Coconuts do.

BAMBOO CURTAIN

Taken last evening with the sun illuminating the young dreamer from behind.
MUST SLEEP.
Ooops Have a nice day of rest. I`ll try also.
There`s some interesting things in the header & on Planet Earth.
They are solely for your enjoyment & are absolutely gratis.

PRIVATE OBSERVATORY

This shot is from my new viewing spot at my house.
I had mentioned previously that the horizon was just below the tree line, in past shots.
Now, I have an elevated platform from which I can see the ocean`s horizon.
I`m thrilled with the new view. I hope you are also.
Connected to this, there are a few more & a couple that I modified for your viewing pleasure. One is a cove I made from the same sunset & the other is the eyes in the skies.
Have a bright sunny day & keep your skates sharp.
There is also a little blue eyed Blenny, observing also.

COLD STORAGE

This tree in deep freeze was taken up in BIG BEAR, during one of my ski trips some years ago.
I didn`t want anyone to think that we don`t have winter`s beauty to enjoy also.
No, don`t feel bad, it`s only a short trip from the beaches here to the ski slopes. We`re just fine.
Thank you though for thinking we were left out.
Am I bad to bring it up. NO.
The header has a sample of weavings done by weaver birds.
By clicking the header or Planet Earth, you`ll see a more detailed image of what these macrame makers can do.
If you leave a towel or a burlap bag within their reach, they will unravel it, & weave it back into what they think should have been done with the material in the first place.
The other remarkable thing about them is that they can weave a considerable amount in a relatively short time.
Tonight the little slideshow at the top right is of a fish theme. It is also linked.
Throw your credit cards away if you don`t trust your power of self denial.

BLENNY CHRISTMAS

Here`s Blenny, being coy. This little attention seeker is in an inverted clamshell.
Clicking on the image will bring you to a lapse in the space time continuum.
"First Blood" is the first digital image of the Bangaii Cardinalfish I ever took, while, "The Mime" is the last, about 1 hour ago.

If you haven`t noticed, there are a few different features of possible interest at my place.
At the top right is a themed slideshow of different photographers` artwork.
The images are all linked to the artists who created them, & I will be changing the theme of the running slide show on a daily basis hopefully.
The next new feature is the "Now Public" news digest, a compilation of news from around the world, by members of the world community of humans.
The "Now Public" called Gidget (the Widget) has an interesting article on the lower right of the opening page, (just click on NOW PUBLIC)
Titled, "Chicago, see a camera, call 911". It`s an article on what John Q Public is supposed to do immediately upon seeing one of us, practicing our right to take pictures. Hint: Alert Homeland Security, then immediately call 911.
The news site is a community effort & is ameliorated by the posting of images related in some way to the storyline, by people like us/you, (if there`s a difference).
Well I guess I`ve taken up enough of your time. Now, let`s see ,.. hmm I wonder how much patience you have .... I was thinking...
Oh, I know, have a great day.

PASTEL

I call these Pink Ladies of Malibu, although I believe someone told me their real name.
So I`ll stick with my AKA.
These blooms are found in the hills here, & in overgrown areas of untended gardens.
Maybe I like them because they seem to have an independant streak.
They seem to, all of a sudden, present themselves, as if they know that even without an invitation, they would never be turned away.
These were shot last summer I think. It`s been raining here for a couple of days, & revisiting these blosoms is a preview of what this welcome rain will bring.
The black hills will soon be an emerald green also. The cycle of nature here, although over time is a regular one, the individual chords of it are often seemingly catastrophic. Those times are fast forgotten, when the hills are born again in wildflower pastels.
I hid a sig on some of the linked images while leaving a few images with a discernable one. See if you can find the hidden ones.
Have a nice day.
Oh, wave at someone. They`ll wave back if you have the proper smile on.

TERI`S TREASURE

It`s ladies night again, so today this post will be to celebrate one of Teri`s little friends.
This is what Teri is about.
This is Iris, in an image I don`t think anybody has seen previously.
This is one I took when she lived in the house with the rest of the flock. She was a freeflyer so we had to be careful to not let her escape until she was ready for the big outdoors.
At this time, Iris had just begun to fly & it was imperative that she have the best of nutrients for her future wellbeing. That`s why I lived for a few weeks in a funeral parlor.
Actually, the new potted flowering plants that Teri brought in on a daily basis from the local plant shop down the road, made it seem like a funeral parlor. Nothing but the best for this little angel.
As you can see from linking to the header image, Iris was a tiny little thing but with the heart a million times bigger.
You can see her doing practice flights off of my hand. She has the daintyest landing gear I`ve ever seen, except maybe on a little shrimp I once had. (With ketchup)
There`s a little cold weather finch beyond the main post, & a series of ,"Hey, check these out honey" shots, from my tanks.
Stay safe & warm, please.
From the reports I hear, many of you have severe weather conditions to contend with. Don`t take chances that may put you or yours in harms way.

KENDRA, A special guest blog surprise.

This bird , in a sea of fire, was taken by Kendra, a young lady from Malibu. Many people, who only see Malibu from the screen of television, may not know that there are some beautiful & quite talented youngsters living in this paradise by the sea.
Kendra is one of these young people.
I hope you all enjoy her images, taken a short walk from her house on the southern edge of Paradise Cove, looking towards Point Dume.
In the header, some electronic christmas trees, a little satire on electronic cash registers that seem to be so important to the marketers of chinese junk.
On Planet Earth, A Brain Coral swollen to maximum extension. You can see the little tentacles on it`s border ridges, & also the transparent dorsal fin of Blenny the Lawnmower.
And Please have a safe & warm day tomorrow. Don`t forget the rice.

RED CROW, father of TALL BEAR

A nice man I met years ago, & talked to occasionally, has passed on. Strangely, I had a dream about him about a month ago. The next morning, while driving here in Malibu, I spotted Max Gail, a long time friend of this man & also a casual acquaintance of mine.
I parked my truck, & went across the street to talk to Max, & to recount that I had dreamt about Red Crow, & asked how he was. Max told me he was fine. He always asks about my daughter, & after a little small talk we said goodbye.
The End.
Today I read that Red Crow had died on Thursday. Here`s a link to a bio of
Floyd Red Crow Westerman.
I`m including a few quotes of his also. He was an American Indian activist, a songwriter, an actor & all around good guy.
http://delafont.com/music_acts/Floyd-Westerman.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Floyd_Red_Crow_Westerman

"And I told them not to dig for uranium, for if they did, the children would die. They didn't listen, they didn't listen, they didn't listen to me. And I told them if the children die, there would be no keepers of the land. They didn't listen. And I told them if they destroy the sky, machines would come and soon destroy the land. They didn't listen... And I told them if they destroy the land, man would have to move into the sea. They didn't listen... And I told them if they destroy the sea -- they didn't listen..." -From the Floyd Westerman song "They Didn't Listen" as Westerman recited the lyric concluding his testimony in 1992 at the World Uranium Hearings in Salzburg, Austria[1].

"There is an ancient Indian saying that something lives only as long as the last person who remembers it. My people have come to trust memory over history. Memory, like fire, is radiant and immutable while history serves only those who seek to control it, those who douse the flame of memory in order to put out the dangerous fire of truth. Beware these men for they are dangerous themselves and unwise. Their false history is written in the blood of those who might remember and of those who seek the truth." -Floyd Westerman as Albert Hosteen in The X-Files episode "The Blessing Way"

PAPERBARK

A Paper Bark tree.
I was out listening to the natural music but now just identified another back-up singer to the usual band members. I can hear a California Sea Lion barking down on the beach.
I don`t think they like snow.
Tomorrow, more beach images so you won`t forget winter is a short time. A lovely one from what I remember of it.

CLEARING THE WAY

A little corner for the grandchildren. Beyond this image is one depicting a weather scout about to catch some beetles with his net, as two others do some icefishing at Olivia`s hockey rink.
On Planet Earth, a rose shot today.

SEEING 3D

This is one of my easier to view 3D images. Just cross your eyes over the image & a 3D one will appear in the center. It may be easier to view it if you click on it for a larger version. On Planet Earth, you`ll see what the cat looks like when viewing the 3D pix.
In the header, last night`s sunset with a larger version beyond.
Have a great day, & do enjoy the snow you have. I don`t have any. Bwaaahaha

2147 AD

This trio is from a story I did for a little special friend of mine. I`ll be seeing him during the next few days & hopefully I`ll be able to take a few shots of us. There`s a slew of other family members attached to this image.
In the header, Teri`s reef garden. She transplanted this complete garden when we moved & it is doing as well as my tank reefs.
Beyond the reef garden is an assortment of wacko shots from the past.
Over on Planet Earth, I mellowed things out a bit, from having spying monkeys, to having flying spunkeys.
Except for the blue one, which belongs to a friend, the babies presented are all ones that we rescued, raised & for the most part, released.
Enjoy the images, & hopefully it will make for a little break in your otherwise busy lives.
I hope the prying eyed monkey didn`t bother you all too much.
Have a great day.

Here`s looking at you

This is a quick drive by. Have a great day, & I`ll see y`all later.

BACK OFF DUDE!!

This Hawkfish`s attitude of bravado, is merely misdirection. The gossip is that he`s been getting a little on the side, with a long legged beauty that has finally come out of her shell. It is exemplary to want to protect a ladies honor, but hypocritical to have an in your face attitude when busted. And you Mr. Hawkface, are busted. You may access the tabloid shot of the two of them in flagrens delecti by clicking on the image.
In the header, for all you writers out there, a challenge awaits.
The site is not only interesting & educational, but also helps feed the world.
It will improve your vocabulary & at the sme time I`m challenging you to best me in my knowldge of words. My score is linked to the header image. For each correct word, 10 grains of rice are added to the tons already ammassed for this project. My score reflects none wrong so far. A perfect score is fifty but 48 is rarely attained. If you make a mistake your score goes down. How good are you & do you want to improve?
Feed the hungry & challenge yourself.

MOM`S SUNSET

This image I took in 1970 from the shore on Hermosa Beach in 1971. I developed the film (maybe/maybe not) or used the slide to print this image myself using the Ciba Chrome color process. This was the first color printing I had ever done & coming after black & white I saw the world in a new light. I sent it to my mom, & it hung in the livingroom of our house till after she broke through to the other side. After my dad passed away, my family sent it to me a few years ago. I scanned it a while ago but now the original is hanging in my house. So on reflection, sunsets never go away, there`s always one going on somewhere. May the sun never set on your dreams.
Have a nice sunshiney day & sing a tune lalallaaala Goodnight. I`ve gone off the deep end.
A demain.

OPPOSITES A TRACTION

I did a little homework tonight, a study in light & motion.
I`ve been working quite a bit lately on some projects that are physically demanding, so I`m going to have to simply wish you a nice sunny day tomorrow. Even if it`s snowing or pouring rain, remember that wishes are meant to lift the spirit. I`m off for some much needed sleep. On Planet Earth, a little thought for us all to remember that there are some in this world that need the warmth of just knowing that some one cares.
The other images are only excercises in ice, transparency, light & how to shoot things that seem to not be present, but look like they`re moving.
Good night.
Hasta

QUEST FOR FIRE

I had a hard time tonight deciding which image to post out of the three slide shows attatched. If you would be so kind to pick one out of them all, so I might see any differences in what some of you prefer.
I wonder, if you all pick the same one, if you`re all crazy.
This post has a special set of images for Ms Nancy p, over on Planet Earth. It is Tuesday, ladies night. ( Not that there`s anything wrong with you other beauties out there)
Also, if you remember the "Innie Outtie" post, there`s a "Smootches" on the other side.
In the header, you can all see what a dog`s eye looks like, looking at you.
Have a perfect day tomorrow & try to smile, ..Please

BANANA P EEL

To start off the week, I figured on putting a smile on your faces.
There`s a few more edibles on the backside of the post image.
On Planet Earth, a Bangaii Cardinal cruises the reef face, & I put a few surprises in the header.
Have a nice fresh start this week, please.

PICKLES & PEANUTBUTTER

TRIBAL MARKINGS

A blue jeweled discus from the Amazon.

INNER OUTIE

BEST FRIENDS EVER

STANDOFF

A chance meeting between a BLUE CLEANER GOBI & a hermit crab.
Have a great day, all of you.

TUBE FEET, RAYS, SPINES & OSCICLES

This is the business end of a BRITTLE STAR, one of 1,600 species of the Class Ophiuroids.
It, as most in this class, is pentamerous, having body parts in multiples of five or body parts in numbers divisible by five.
In this image one can see five rays (legs) the little yellow "tube feet", the spines on the rays & the oscicles or plates modified for rasping encrusting coraline off of live rock. There are five sets of these plates, at the base of five bulbous smooth projections between each of the five rays.
If you ever see one, give it a high five.

A man was married on the fith day of the fifth month, in 1955. He had five daughters. He worked for fifty years at an insurance company on 5th ave. on the fifth floor. When he retired he received a $5,000.00 bonus. Knowing he had been involved in the number five all his life, he went to the racetrack, to make a wager.
He bet the fifth horse in the fifth race which incidently paid five to one.
His horse came in fifth.

FIREDAY AFTERNOON

This was taken at approx. 4:00PM.
The danger is now over till the next time. I believe over fifty people lost their homes & about thirty others have had theirs severely damaged.
Luckily, only a small number of people were injured, not seriously; a very good thing.
Thank you to all the caring friends out there. Does anyone really know for sure, that good wishes & best hopes extended to another, is a waste of time. At this point, I think not. Anyone?
So indulge me if I attribute our good fortune to the caring wishes of others. Good job.

KARAOKE NIGHT

Due to another massive fire (by the looks of it), I may be cut off from the outside world again, at any time.
I wouldn`t want you to be left out of the loop when talking about the three sisters I met at the Karaoke Bar last night.
They billed themselves as "THE SQUEALING PIGS". Appropriate, I`d say.
On Planet Earth, global warming is becoming apparent.
In the collection, which includes both of the above mentioned images is also a set called "IROQ & A HARD PLACE".
You may want to go see 'A hard man is a good thing to find' (for some). It`s a little study on one rock.

CANDYCORN FEET

This wild parrot, one in a flock of dozens of these Nanday Conures, lived at my old house. Since we moved a few have been flying over bekoned by the calls of one we have that we rescued a few years ago. There is also a large Red Tail Hawk that roosts in the tree off the deck & above our aviary, that may hinder a reunion.
On Planet Earth, a little study in effects, on an image I took of an award.
In the header, a few stoned images. Have a nice time with the stoners.
And please have a safe remainder of this weekend.

THE HITCH HIKER

You may have noted that I use the term "hitch hiker", when discussing specimens in my reefs. Here is a good example of one in this image. The green coral is a meandroid brain, with a conical base. A Trachyphyllia geoffroyi.
In the center of the image is a hitch hiker. It looks to be some kind of Polycheate somewhat like a "Feather Duster".
It is growing out of the coral skeleton of the coral & I noticed it flash me when I was feeding the tank tonight. It is a filter feeder. It extends, as in the photo, & filters food particles from the water currents. As soon as it comes into contact with food it immediately retracts into it`s tube home to feed. The retraction is instantaneous.
I got this Brain today from a friend who`s aquarium I went to check on today. He has a shop in the valley with one of the best selections of marine & reef specimens i have seen yet. He was stocking his new reef today when I went by.
His reefmain tank is 14 feet long by 36 inches front to back & 30 inches deep.
I`ll shoot some pix soon & brag on him a bit.
Beyond this image, are a few shots of the whole brain.
While my brain is still working, for those of you who celebrate thanksgiving, Have one to be thankful for. And good night.

MIDNIGHT FANTASY

In the fantastic land of dreams, things convulse & roil like a 60`s light show. This dream image is of the feeding mouth of a fluorescing Ricorda. The field of spheres surrounding the mouth are part of the body of this Coralimorph.
Beyond this, a set of images will hopefully make your day a little more light-stepped.
Over on Planet Earth, a friendly old man of the woods has volunteered to go on those early morning walks with Andif. His many different expressions were captured by surreptitiously taking shots while he was distracted by the numerous activities around the area. He always seems surprised & happy observing the most simple things.
In the header, a caution warning, hence the cones, should be heeded. If you go beyond the cones, a bunch of images will jump out at you. I`m kidding. Have a nice day & enjoy the White Knuckle trip.
And please, thank somebody.

METAL FREEDOM

I always liked this statue for it`s look of innocence & freedom.
It stands in a small pond that you can go visit. There`s a before & after pic of the pond where you can see I removed the pump box & replaced it with flowers & lillies.(NDD)
On Planet Earth, a planet I shot of a jar full of seashells.This is one of four CD cover art images I created for some gifts I made for people. I burnt them & packaged them as a set. Makes nice xmas presents & one doesn`t have to go near a mall.
In the header, more metal pieces & an angry looking Knucklehead. Not the little pig. The one riding the hog.
It`s an amazing night out here. I can see the moon through the fog, light up the yuccas. I hear the crashing surf from two sides because of the isthmus I`m on, & off in the mist, a cold coyote calls. Beyond the trees I can see the light from the moon raise a reflection against the fog from the ocean surface. Very cool.
Please have a mellow day tomorrow & save something for the less fortunate. A smile usually works if nothing else.
Hasta

FUR COAT

In the usual places, unusual things.
Sometimes the opposite is true, although I prefer this arrangement.
Nodding off is not the best way to end with best wishes for a sane week ahead, but I`m doing it anyway.
In the header, a setting sun, shot with a broken camera.
On Planet Earth, the mouth of the Green Bubble is larger than the fish.
Somewhere, in the set, a bleached coral. That white coral was a prized coral that I`ve grown for years & have watched over it & cared for it with pride & joy. On some of our reefs in the wilds, miles of coral reefs are bleaching like this. Global warming will make it ever worse.

VIRAL EMERALD

In keeping with the green mode, this tentacled animal, broken down to it`s electronic glow, is on the hunt.
In the header, a composite, is the lead-off to a set of images I took to keep track of the shelves in my office before hauling it to my new home. Planet Earth, usually holding a different set of images, is already connected to tonight`s post. A third set though, can be seen in the "Sherlock" collection.
Have fun sleuthing through my shelves. You`ve done a marvelous job so far, so why quit now. (sheesh)
Please have a nice day tomorrow & don`t take maybe, for an answer, to a yes or no question.

GREEN REVOLUTION

A collection of short stories awaits beyond this Elephant Ear`s oral vortex.

Barrel of Blues

This blue morph of a Discosoma or Coralimorph, is of an unusual color. Very easy to keep, hey do protect themselves with a toxic excretion that may burn other corals. On Planet Earth you can see a variety of images to make your day a little curiouser. The Tube Anemone is lit up with little LEDs it seems.Have a good one.

MUTATION

I fell asleep.

Room With A View

This is the view from my house now.
On Planet Earth is a shot from inside my office, which doesn`t really show much, but the other shots are from on the deck & reflect the exact same view. It`s a humble little spot with a view of the sunset. What else does one need. I also hear the crash of the surf which is just past the treeline. The images that look like a fire is approaching really show a fog bank rolling in off the ocean.
Have a nice week ahead everyone & be carefull out there.
Remember those who were left on the battlefield, & never, ever forget those who send them.

FREE AT LAST

The drama that unfolds in a reef is never ending. Beyond this image #3, are three more (#1 thru 4), that show a hermit in trouble & vulnerable to predation. There are also many more different hermits in various locations throughout the reef. I have no idea how many I have in my reefs but they are everywhere.
In the header, a lizard that was brought by my place today, by someone who found it on their roof. I suggested to put it back where they found it as it was probably living free to begin with. Over on Planet Earth, the strange bedfellows one meets in a reef always amazes. I think Pippi & Blenny are going steady. The Red Spotted Blenny is always making me laugh as it charges ahead of me & is always perched right in my face when I least expect him/her to be there.
A few quick ones to add also.
Hunger Happens is from a friend I`ve worked with for years helping out the National Food Bank.
The plains Indian using a white cloth to misdirect the antelope to get a better shot at one to feed & clothe his tribe.
The Holmes comet, not pictured on this post, is readily seen in the night sky. It has become an explosive burst of icy vapor that one may never see again. It is unpredictable & should be visible for the next couple of weeks. I just walked outside & could easily spot it. I`ll try & get more info on it by tomorrow.
Thank you all for the nice welcome back I received & may you all enjoy your time at this place.
I always try & keep it interesting.
REMEMBER

MANDARIN FRUIT

GREEN STRIPED MANDARIN
My most important challenge was the transfer of my charges with the least amount of stress to them. To demonstrate the success of this endeavor, I am posting this image of the most sensitive & fragile species in the collection. This fish does not eat any prepared foods, but survives only on live miniscule/microscopic life in a well established tank. It was a pleasure to see this fish hunting down food bugs after a few days in hiding. It is doing just great. It`s a barometer of the health of the tank in a way. In the header, a reflection of a reflection. Since I changed the tanks during the move, this grouping of species went from a cube tank to a long rectangular tank. At one end, I installed a mirror to double the look of the tank. In this image it is again doubled & reversed to get a header format image. On Planet Earth, Pippi Longstocking, showing a little leg, is about to step into a green day.
These images taken during constant monitoring of my reefs are a reminder of the relief I felt, each time a new species would pop out for a "head" count.
I`m glad to be back among friends & family. I did feel alone in my world, something that is not always a bad thing. I hope I find you all in better health than when I left, & if that is the case, hooray for all of you. If it gets worse, down the line, advise me & I`ll leave again. Hah. Have a nice week end & remember those who have fallen, for better or for worse.

BACK SHORTLY

As I mentioned I have been on a mission. My mission was to move my complete household compound away from here. Although I had been here for 18 years, it was becoming unsafe to reside here any longer. I had to move all the rescued birds a rescued dog a one-eyed cat, a complete workshop 7 reef tanks hundreds & hundreds of plants cactus palms gardens flowers & whatever one can grow & propagate in that amount of time. I also was setting up another expansion of a cabinet shop about 20 miles from here. Throughout all this I had to empty the house I was moving to of a lifetime of memories left for two years unattended since the owner a dear friend had passed away. We had to pack up her life & get rid of all the foodstuff in the cupboards & refrigerator. I then painted the complete interior & did all neccessary repeairs. The aviary for the birds was completed just today & they are all moved in. Coconut would rather stay on my shoulder though. All my tanks are now moved but one. I`ll complete that one tomorrow & never return to my house again. The Karma I showed you at the yard sale is the karma around here that was making it impossible to stay. On to better things. One of my famous cactus blooms decided to give me a send-off & blossomed again last night. I had tried to make this a seamless move but due to the fire damage to the fiber optic cables in the area, my transfer of service has been delayed till the 9th of Nov.
I will probabl be offline till then ,as of tomorrow. I wish to thank you all for your wonderfull comments & thoughts for me mine & others which you have so wonderfully blessed my heart with. Please remain safe so that you may be all welcome back upon my return. I will miss you all immensely. Goodnight & till a better tomorrow. I will be disconnected as of tomorrow at 6:PM. If you have any questions I shall be glad to try & respond. Farewell till I see you again.
I posted some images that if you only look at onne or two a day, I should be back before you`ve finished. The post image is a brittle star making spectacles of himself.
Tony
Knucklehead.

JUST A PICTURE BOOK

Tonight I`m beat. Not to disappoint, I found a folder of underwater posers for you. Please enjoy the other ones linked to this big Puffer fish. I took this shot in my friend Darbe`s tank. I built this about 5 years ago, I think. It`s a fish only tank. so there are no live corals in this tank. it`s 350 gallons.
Good night & thank you for the nice thoughts for Kidspeak & Teach.

KIDSPEAK & TEACH

As I mentioned a few posts back, someone we know has lost her brother. I didn`t mention Kidspeak`s name for my reasons. Kidspeak & Teach have been very nice to me & I know are both well regarded in our gang. I`m dedicating this sunrise to both Kidspeak & Teach so you all may reconnect with your friends also.
I also put a little group of shots for them on Planet Earth. They are from Teri`s new Reef Garden.
This is from Kidspeak a few minutes ago. & my response.
Hi, Head,
We're back in motor city now. I'm sad that Teach and I weren't able to see you - but the circumstances were pretty bad. We are glad you are safe, and we hope the beasts around you are also ok.

My brother did die (not sure if Teach told you that), and with Malibu evacuated, we were shuffled around. Hard to believe he went down so quickly, less than a week from teaching his last class. I know that people are much more important than animals, but the cat crawled up into my brother's chair and howled at one point once we got back into the house.

We saw some terrible fires - best view, ironically, from the hospital. We did make it into Malibu via Kanin, eventually. Fire came down about 50 years ( yards, my edit) from their house, but not much was hurt.

Still, a downer trip all the way around.

It's been a hard fall - I'm not coherent yet from loss of sleep, and Teach is as demoralized as I from various vexations locally.

I do enjoy your pictures and comments. Thanks for the beauty.

(Oh, it was fine had you used our names when you mentioned us a few days ago. We know most of the folks who comment here one way or another.)

October 29, 2007 9:56 PM
Knucklehead said...
Thank you so much Kidspeak,
I wanted to protect your privacy. I know many of the people here & I are all mutual friends & always have thought highly of you both. I`m also sorry we didn`t meet, especially since we were so close geographically. I`m very sorry for your loss & would not know how to even feel, if I lost one of my brothers. I`ve lost the mother of my daughter when she was almost three & time does temper things, but again, that was many years ago. My daughter is now 26. It doesn`t go away though. Good memories are a big help in overcoming sorrow.
May we sometimes meet. Maybe on a moonlit night. I think of you guys everytime I see your flight overhead. "Kidspeak`s Flight".

RAY BANS

Tonight`s sunset is from the same yard where the bottles are. I have been out of touch because of fire damage to the fiber optic cables in the area.
This is the first day of clean air as the ocean breeze has cleaned up the coastal zone.
This was taken during a rain shower.
There is another image from the same vantage point behind this one & for Olivia, (a major player in the creation of this picture window), I put in a set of the red flower from the header, in the collection, called "BLOOD ON THE SHEETS". The red flower in some provocative images of innocence is in the set named "Candle in the Wind".
On Planet Earth, a White Honeysuckle, I happened to notice. Strangely, it was the only one that decided to attract my eye, after days of dry winds & desicating heat & smoke. I put up a little study of this paired blossom.
Hopefully my fiber optics remain at 20/20.
You all enjoy a day of rest. I`ll be wicked for a little while longer, & as you know, there`s no rest for the wicked.

MENDED FENCES

These images mark the end of a day, the end of a time, the begining of a new night. The dark days of the past are shown in the multiple repairs in the fence. The spirits in the bottles through which many dreams were concocted along with the cocktails of despair, have gone with the wind & hopefully the mended fences will hold. A neglected one never will. I keep fixing the repairs & hope to one day banish even the fence, like the dissipated spirits in my mind. The harshness & spikes of doubt are gone along with the spines of guilt for things I have no direct knowledge of having done. That`s one reason why cactus blooms are so important to me. From gnashing & cutting of needles & pikes the underlying beauty of the blooms overshadows the darkness of the beast. With me the beast was always the bottles & the needles. In these shots I see the light through the bottles whereas in the past I only magnified my troubles when looking at them through the bottom of a glass. Many years have past & don`t you you think the fence looks good.
Here, kids are treated to as much fun as possible. On Planet Earth, you can see to what lengths adults go to scare the children. It`s a fun fear or as they say a "Good Grief".
Hah I love that one. I think Wavey Gravey coined that one.
In the header, an unidentified flower that I caught blooming today. I`d been watching it progress & did not expect this result. I have another I`m watching & hope I`m just as surprised, especially since I already have an expectation of something, which may or may not be, what I see it in the future, to be.

RESCUE MAIDEN

Who are we & why do we do the things we do. As you may have guessed, our home is filled with animals that come to us mostly by chance. They are always welcome to whatever help we can offer, some to stay permanently, others till we can find a suitable home that meets their needs. On Planet Earth is a beautiful Bearded Dragon, that I rescued to place in a home suitable for it.
This dragon was a therapy dragon for kids with special needs. You may remember my little buddy Shane that I sometimes write fantasy stories for. This dragon was in his classroom till the school closed. Shane`s mom, an amazingly loving person, could not bear to have the lizard at her house with nobody to hold it & take it out for walks, as it was used to at the school.
I picked up the dragon & brought her to my young friend down the street who`s brother has the large reef tank I help with.
So there you have it, another successful rescue. I should return to where I started this post.
The young lady in the posted image is also a rescuer. Here she is with two little kittens. Funny where things start. That young lady is my mom.
We only ever have one. Call yours, remember her if she`s gone & always be nice to ladies, they may eventually be someones mom.
Have a nice day,Please.

THANKS TO ALL OF YOU

As you can see from this image when compared to the last posted image, the fire has not advanced towards our place. This is in part, because of the nature of the beast itself & a steady onslaught of water droppers.
I know I`d told you I would be just fine & had been through these fires numerous times, but it obviously didn`t allay your concerns, for which I`m grateful.
Then there`s the "Why didn`t you call" gang. All roads were shut down except in Malibu itself. All fiber-optic cables were burnt through, & having my phones & internet connected to these fallible devices did not permit me to contact the outside world. It also kept most people here, having to depend on CNN or outside news feed for information about what was going on a mile away. We had no local news only satelite feeds. There was no gas for anybody because the power was out at many locales, so gas could not be pumped.
For everybody who expressed concern, you have no idea how bad I felt knowing you would be concerned, & that I was OK but couldn`t let you know.
For those who know me personally like Evangeline & Landsailor, you all know there`s a special place for me to burn & it`s not here. I may have the hellfires out before the devil gets me anyway. There`s also another sad story here. One of our friends from the BooMan Tribune & his wife are here in Malibu for a family tragedy. I don`t feel like I could name them here but will ask them. Please say a prayer for their family. I have been in touch with one of them by phone & hope to meet them here today but it`s hectic for them & with the roads closed & the sadness involved it may not be possible. I do hope to see them though.
Everything is as back to normal as could be expected here, so please don`t fret, & say a prayer for those who need one desperately at this time. It`s too late for me, hah.
Tony

MALIBU KARMA

These images are from earlier this morning. The power has been going off & on for hours, so I`ve had to be running around watching my reefs & trying to post. The winds have been the most extreme I have ever seen with gusts over 100 MPH. The fire is now burning homes in the Malibu Colony area, where many actors & monied people live. It`s just near where Suzanne Summers home burnt a few months ago. Hodge`s castle is burnt & is a total loss. On the other hand, what do you think happens when you beat your wife, burn your dog, Kill a protected snake (by me) & then have a yard sale. Karma strikes & does so, hard. Here`s what`s left of a yard sale. It`s called Karmic Debris.
Here at my compound, everything is fine 7 we are in no danger. I`ve been through many of these fires & respect them but am never afaid of them. Big difference. Have a nice day. Here, so far so good.