This week was a very special one in our house, because my baby boy turned six years old. Wow. Most parents will tell you that as soon as you lay eyes on that beautiful bundle of joy, things begin to change, speed up, and suddenly before you know it, those sweet babies are b-i-g. People tell you, but until you experience this schism of time and space for yourself, it’s difficult to really grasp how whole years can fly by in a blink. It’s humbling and magical – like parenthood as a whole.
It’s been like that since Z & G went public too – I look up and here it’s Friday again, and time to assemble my Pics of the Week. This is the nineteenth installment! Hard to believe.
A couple of days back, I debuted a new series, Z & G Giggles, dedicated to the fine art and glorious joy of laughter. The 3 Golden Sisters’ synchronized swimming video I posted (here) struck me as hilarious and a pleasure to watch for two reasons: 1. Old ladies with potty mouths in swimming gear and “dancing” can be nothing but funny, and 2) It’s not a cutting, malicious humor, rather a jubilant, tender sort. That’s very special, possible only when those creating the moment share a deep respect and affection for one another. Loving laughter, in my opinion, is the most delicious kind. And it’s something else that marks time, beautifully.
I want to take this opportunity, much loved reader, to say thank you for sharing in a great deal of laughter and happiness here too. Time flies, they say…and flying with you has been a most wonderful experience, indeed. Cheers to many more flights of fancy, together.
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PICS OF THE WEEK
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A PORTAL, PERHAPS?
One wonders what this tiny seahorse is thinking as he peers into the other-wordly “window” on a hairy arm.
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RED BEACH
Bill Blass once said, “Red is the ultimate cure for sadness”. This striking “beach” in the Liaohe River delta (China) gets its distinct colour from 6,000 acres of red grass. Colour us impressed…and happy!
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SUCH JOY IN PLAY
The sheer joy of young boys at play (just look at that child on the left!) alongside the rich texture and vastness of the landscape is beautifully captured in this shot by photographer Huzzatul Mursalin.
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FIT TO GRILL…DAY OR NIGHT
Professor David Wilson (MIT) has developed a solar technology and grill that has one thing other solar powered grills don’t: the ability to absorb and store the sun’s rays for power later. This not only makes for a more environmentally friendly grill (no propane, charcoal or wood means no harmful emissions), but one which can be used after dark, and also in developing countries where constant sources of fuel can be scarce. The grills may be ready for market within the next year.
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PRETTY PINK FLOWER
This lovely hair design is modern, yet whimsical, edgy yet romantic. A most charming take on “putting a flower in your hair”
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TO THE GREAT SCI-FI HALL OF FAME IN THE SKY: MAKE ROOM! MAKE ROOM!
Harry Harrison, March 12, 1925 – August 15, 2012
Harry Harrison, American satirical science fiction and comic book author, illustrator, Damon Knight Memorial Grand Master and Nebula award winner passed away this week in England at 87.
I was not, until recently, familiar with his most famous series character, the curiously named, Stainless Steel Rat, but I am a fan of his 1966 novel, “Make Room! Make Room!”. This fine piece of dystopian lit. was the basis for the classic 1973 film, “Soylent Green”. The horror I felt, at ten years old, watching Charlton Heston shriek “It’s PEOPLE! It’s PEOPLE!” cannot be adequately expressed here 
Sufficed to say, Mr. Harrison, did have an impact on me, even at a very young age.
Connecticut born Harrison was a prolific author who worked under various pen names and also served as the president of the Birmingham Science Fiction Group. He was a man of many talents, a wearer of many hats, but is, perhaps, best summed up, by his old friend and fellow writer, Neil Gaiman who said on his blog, very simply, “[Harry] was crusty, curmudgeonly, opinionated and a real delight to know.”
Rest in peace, Harry Harrison.
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Summary of Last Week’s Daily Shots
08/10/2012 – Always laugh when you can…
08/11/2012 – Kitten and Sewing Machine
08/13/2012 – Inspired by Life…Osh Bazaar In Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
08/14/2012 – If you ask me what I came to do…
08/15/2012 – Stunning Close Up Of Hummingbird
08/16/2012 – What is a Friend, Cookie Monster
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This Week’s Oldie But Goodie:
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CREDITS
Butterfly image courtesy of EnglishGraphic.com
Seahorse image courtesy of Wow! I love these pics!
Red Beach image courtesy of Flights From Reality
Children At Play image by Huzzatul Mursalin via National Geographic’s My Shot
Cooking With The Sun image by Bridgette Meinhold via inHabitat
Pink Rose Hair image courtesy of 1,000,000 Pictures
Harry Harrison image courtesy of Grognardia
Soylent Green movie poster image courtesy of Ebay
. Enter obscure fact lists.
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