Smokey Sunset on Labor Day from Pittock Mansion, Portland.

The beautiful view of the sunset we experienced from the mountain will now be a view of the devastation. It is so sad to watch a beautiful forest burning like this, now it will take years to replenish. My heart goes out to innocent wildlife and to those who had to move from their homes. 😥

My thoughts are with firefighters and everyone affected by this heartbreaking incidents.

Yesterday we saw the Animal Ambulance near the pond. The volunteers stayed for so long I asked what was wrong.

They were called in because one of the Egyptian goslings was tangled up in fishing lines and one of its legs had got stuck so badly they could not remove it on the spot They managed to catch the gosling, but then their car was stuck in the mud and they had to wait for hours until they were towed out. I brought them a drink as they were thirsty, they did not expect to be there for so long.

The gosling will be taken care of in a special goose facility and will be brought back to the pond once his poor little leg's healed.

The parents have been calling for their baby all night and all morning. It is quite heartbreaking they don't know their kid is taken care of, in their world he/she is missing forever. They are very very protective of the other four young now.

I just with they would prohibit fishing. This sure won't be the last victim of stupid humans who don't clean up after themselves.

A couple of the many flooded residences on the banks of the River Severn today.

Whilst I was painfully aware of Rhino and elephant poaching, the lesser known problem which happens in all parks is Lion poaching. It's certainly been problematic at Glen Garriff with Lions being killed for their heads, bones, skin, teeth and even claws.

Made worse is previously, there was a ban on flying any 'trophies' from Africa to America, a policy recently and ignorantly reversed by Trump.

Many of these lion rescues came from circuses and they are used to humans which makes it all the more heartbreaking when they may approach the poachers, little knowing the poacher's plans.

Bright eyes photographed with love at Glen Garriff conservation, Harrismith, South Africa

As some of you know, today I was due to fly to the Greek island of Skiathos, then take a boat to the equally Greek island of Skopelos for a week of late summer sun, Mythos & baklava for breakfast, and lots and lots of photography. BUT (obviously there’s a ‘but’ because I’m still here!) as I was due to fly with Thomas Cook, if you’re in the UK you will know why our trip was cancelled. In fact if you’re not in the UK you will probably know anyway, as the impact to the tourist industry of the demise of this well-established airline and tour operator is going to be worldwide.

It’s been heartbreaking to see how the TC employees have been treated- thinking of those thousands of people who, this time last week had a job, and now don’t. Keeping things in perspective, the inconvenience/disappointment of a cancelled trip is nothing compared to what’s happened to them. I strongly feel that those ‘at the top’ should be donating some of their multi-million-pound bonuses into the redundancy pot for those people.

So as I’m not in Greece, here is a photo taken at the equally exotic location of…..Ipswich Waterfront!! Not sure why I chose this one really- maybe it represents the lock on my suitcase which never got to see the light of day!

Wishing you all a fabulous weekend :)

youtu.be/VgCjJmdYNIE

youtu.be/WdGGk9w3EB8

youtu.be/beEw1JLGSik

Sadly, the right hand side of the river shows the devastation of the Eagle Creek fire. For those of you not familiar with this area, the burned area is comprised of a network of trails, gorges, creeks, stunning rock formations and waterfalls. It will be a few years for many of the trails to be repaired and opened, and beyond my lifetime to return to what it was. It is heartbreaking for those of us who live nearby. It was started by a young teenager playing with fireworks. :(

I can't describe how beautiful and meaningful this encounter was for me amidst all the horrible things both our governments, here in the US and also in Finland, are currently implementing to eradicate wolves and other big predators of these countries from this planet! World has gone crazy with hatred and demonizing of these animals for their natural behaviors that are crucial to ecosystems!

Disconnect from nature is a real thing today, misinformation and fear heavily instilled in people's minds by ranching and hunting groups. Scientists and biologists with their fact-based research are not listened to. Majority of Americans and Finns, including ranchers and those who live close to wolves, do not support the senseless killings. Yet our opinions don't matter. Yet the war on these innocent beings who have as much right to live on this planet as humans do, is happening. It's heartbreaking.

My encounter was not with a wolf but with a little bit smaller, wolf like, magical creature - coyote. I have been seeing their tracks, scat, urine markings and yes, bloody pieces of rabbit and squirrel fur on the ground for weeks. Yesterday morning when once again surveying the landscape in nearby nature area I was delighted to see a coyote jogging towards me. I quickly kneeled down in the snow, waiting for the coyote to get closer. And she did. She came within twenty yards (or meters) of me before stopping and giving me this look. Telling me I was in her way, where she wanted to go. I looked at her, my heart melting. I admired her presence, wild nature and pure innocence. Oh, the intelligence and wisdom in those amber eyes!

She turned around and jogged few yards to where she came from before turning towards me again. I got up slowly so not to scare her and begin walking away. She watched me go a safe distance before resuming her original path. Be safe, precious one, for your predator brothers and sisters are not safe anymore.

“Life is amazing. And then it's awful. And then it's amazing again. And in between the amazing and the awful, it's ordinary and mundane and routine. Breathe in the amazing, hold on through the awful, and relax and exhale during the ordinary. That's just living heartbreaking, soul-healing, amazing, awful, ordinary life. And it's breathtakingly beautiful.”

― L.R. Knost

Last year the Cameron peak fire was the largest wildfire in Colorado history. I went back last week and the devastation is heartbreaking. It was a breath of fresh air to see this little one and his mother eating wildflowers in the burn area.

That´s what she told me when Phoibe dashed off after a squirrel...Her simple logic is so heartbreaking...

www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFF9pLfxhCI&feature=fvst

She´s got a point though, there was plenty of sunshine when Febe was with her...

www.flickr.com/photos/rockymountainroz/7985902842/in/phot...

Watching pictures and stories from Ukraine these days is heartbreaking. Our cats hope Putin and his Russian invaders will get kicked out soon...

Dushara Tatters and Rags & Dushara Cathal Caithlin (Somali cats), 09.10.2021.

Olympus OMD EM5 Digital Camera

i’m leaning into the complicated, raw, heartbreaking ways, as a white american, i’m enmeshed with the status quo. a status quo that allowed george floyd and thousands of others to die. five years ago, i began volunteering in prison, teaching meditation and mindfulness. it’s the most meaningful work i’ve done. i’m inspired by the stories of prisoners, raised in hell realms, yet making transformation and change.

i realize my work and my way of being has separated me (in my mind) from racism. racism is over there (not within me—look what i’m doing!), but if i dig deeper, i’m part of the system, not separate from it. as a white person, I’m part of the privileged majority. such turbulent times invite us to wake up. first the pandemic, then a brutally honest look into unrelenting racial injustice. i’m trying to lean in with my whole—tender, raw, loving—heart.

I have tried to document my observations in the series below.

This gang brood is an amalgamation of two Canada Geese families. In this case the fourteen goslings came under the care of only two of the adults. Maybe this is Nature's way of protecting the flightless goslings from predators such as coyotes, foxes and neighbourhood dogs.

This was such a sad turn of events for me. Over the past ten years we have observed and enjoyed two to three independent families raised in the wild here on Bluebird Estates. It was heartbreaking therefore to see the other set of parents eventually give up and fly away.

PS There is another Independent family with three older goslings that were not hatched on our acreage but live here under the watchful eyes of their parents.

REGIONE UMBRIA

The towns featured here, Norcia and Castelluccio, suffered a major earthquake on 30 October 2016. It was heartbreaking to learn that the damage to both was extensive, and unfortunately their appearance today is rather different from what is seen in these photographs. Though thankfully there was a limited number of victims, there are still tens of thousands of displaced families and I would like to pay tribute to the amazing work of the Emergency Services and the Italian Red Cross. I would also like to invite all of those who, like me, have enjoyed the cultural and natural wonders of Italy to also take this opportunity to give something back, and make a donation to the Italian Red Cross on www.cri.it/terremoto-centro-italia

Thank you for your generosity.

I took the photo of this Rosella today, it is almost as though he is asking a question...what have you hoomans done to my world! ...of course he isn't asking any such thing, I'm using his pose as a symbol... but I have to say something, people have lost their lives, homes have been destroyed by the savagery of the inferno engulfing many parts of Australia including the vast forests filled with unique creatures in their thousands, it is heartbreaking.

There were fires early in spring here in Queensland but not at the moment.

There are heroes out there though, they are the hundreds of Fire Services people and volunteer fire fighters, unbelievably difficult and dangerous and terrifying in all areas. Our heartfelt thanks go out to them.

This is a another shot of the same Puffin I posted earlier. As well as the sand eel and the feather, I'm sure I can count at least nine bits of nylon or plastic in this little guy's bill, all of which were presumably intended as nesting material.

The BBC Blue Planet II series had a global impact and reached over 37m people in the UK alone. As a result, so many of us have been inspired to want change on reducing plastic waste and, of course, for something to be done about the devastating pollution that already exists.

The photo I posted earlier was shown on BBC Springwatch Wild Academy on 7 June (mainly aimed at school children) and BBC Springwatch on 14 June 2018 as part of a feature on the problem of plastic pollution affecting our oceans. Hopefully, images like this, as heartbreaking as some of them are, will help to bring about positive change to one of the biggest environmental issues of our time.

Taken on the Isle of Lunga, May 2018.

As always, thank you so much for stopping by and for leaving any comments or faves, they are very much appreciated.

So I was laid off last week. It was one of the most heartbreaking and jarring things I've ever been through because it caught both me and everyone I worked with off guard. But as hard as it is, I have so much to look forward to in my career! And also... there's only 5 months left until my favorite time of year: Spooky Season.

In the face of tragedy I will always find a reason to smile.

~~~

-The Look-

Top - S23 londonshirt - CHEERNO

Available NOW! at Man Cave Event HERE!

Visit the CHEERNO Mainstore HERE!

Pants - Mani Leather Pants - THIRST

Shoes - Mani Leather Boots - THIRST

Rings - Luxe Set Rings Nirvana - Ysoral

-The Scene-

Chair with pose and cigarette - Gentleman 3 - B(u)Y Me

Available NOW! at Man Cave Event HERE!

Backdrop - Insomnia Dining Room - MINIMAL

Courtesy of Backdrop City

My Bob has had a rough week... last Thursday we had to rush him to the emergency vet because he was staining to make.... he was yowling all over the house, staining while he was walking.... the vet said his bladder was full and he had a blockage.... after flushing him out in both areas, we took him home... a few days and he still acted strange... constantly going in and out of the box and nothing... but then he did make and what a relief...

On Monday I took him to our vet and she did a lot of tests, even a urine culture.... thank goodness his levels are not bad and he's acting like his old self.... he is 17 years old!

She put him on an antibiotic for a week and I'm hoping that will also help him feel better.

It's so scary and heartbreaking when you know they don't feel well and they can't tell you what is wrong...

Thank God he is doing better... so we want to wish everyone a Happy Caturday and enjoy the rest of the weekend!!

To all the people who have lost their loved ones

and are hurting deeply during this avoidable and heartbreaking pandemic.

And also for those of us left behind who feel lost and alone, frightened, and uncertain of the future.

We feel helpless and rightly so, angry.

Keep your hope and spirit alive.

And when it's over,

let's ensure no one ever does this to the world again.

'You will be sent to an abandoned island on your own, you will be allowed only one piece of music, just one melody, one song you wish to carry with you.

Which last melody would you chose to bring?''

I chose Black by Pearl Jam. It’s a song that has accompanied me from my teenage years to the present. I used to listen to it on those grey, sad days alone in my room. Even though it’s a heartbreaking song, as the years passed I began to see it differently than I did in my adolescence. Back then it felt cruel, full of goodbyes and sadness. But with time I have come to understand that life itself carries suffering, and the sooner you recognize that, the better you might be able to endure it stoically.

Thank you, Elizabeth, for the nomination and challenge!

I will nominate 4 for this challenge.

photo rights reserved by B℮n

Bosnia and Herzegovina often known informally as Bosnia, is a country in Southeast Europe, located within the Balkans. Sarajevo is the capital and largest city. Bosnia is not entirely a landlocked country as it may appear on a map – to the south it has a narrow coast on the Adriatic Sea long and surrounds the town of Neum. Many people still associate the country with the break-up of Yugoslavia in the heartbreaking civil war of the 1990's. The scars from that time are all still visible. But today's tourist are likely to remember the country for its friendly, modest and warm people. The country has turned into an exciting and versatile travel destination, with beautiful mountains, numerous medieval castle ruins, seven major rivers, impressive waterfalls. Overall, nearly 50% of Bosnia is forested. A country where Eastern and Western civilizations have met over the centuries. Today integration into the European Union is one of the main political objectives of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The local currency is the Bosnian mark. The euro is also accepted. Islam is the majority faith in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but also Orthodox Christianity, and Roman Catholicism are all present. The wild and unspoilt nature makes it an ideal place for both adventurers and nature lovers. Mostar is the largest city in Hercegovina, with a small but thoroughly enchanting old town centre. Mostar has been most famous for this beautiful historic Ottoman-style Stari Most bridge, which spanned the Neretva river in what is considered the historic center of the city.

Mostar is situated on the Neretva River. Mostar was named after the bridge keepers (mostari) who in the medieval times guarded the Stari Most (Old Bridge) over the Neretva. The Old Bridge, built by the Ottomans (Turkish tribes) in the 16th century, is one of Bosnia and Herzegovina's most visited landmarks. The bridge was destroyed during the Bosnian War. The European Union has spent more than $ 15 million on restoration. The restoration was finished in 2004. In 2005, UNESCO inscribed the Old Bridge and its closest vicinity onto the World Heritage List. Today it is the city’s crown jewel, a grand stone bridge which sweeps across the water, making it the most photographed landmark in the entire country for good reason.

Bosnië en Herzegovina informeel bekend als Bosnië, is een land in Zuidoost-Europa, gelegen op de Balkan. Sarajevo is de hoofdstad en de grootste stad. Veel mensen associëren het land nog steeds met het uiteenvallen van Joegoslavië in de hartverscheurende burgeroorlog van de jaren negentig. De littekens uit die tijd zijn allemaal nog zichtbaar. Maar de toerist van vandaag de dag zal het land waarschijnlijk herinneren vanwege zijn vriendelijke, bescheiden en warme mensen. Het land is een opwindende en veelzijdige reisbestemming geworden, met prachtige bergen, talloze middeleeuwse kasteelruïnes, zeven grote rivieren, indrukwekkende watervallen. In totaal is bijna 50% van Bosnië bebost. Een land waar oosterse en westerse beschavingen elkaar door de eeuwen heen hebben ontmoet. Tegenwoordig is integratie in de Europese Unie een van de belangrijkste politieke doelstellingen van Bosnië en Herzegovina. Mostar ligt aan de rivier de Neretva. Mostar is vernoemd naar de brugwachters mostari die in de middeleeuwen de Stari Most oude brug over de Neretva bewaakten. De oude-brug, gebouwd door de Ottomanen Turkse stammen in de 16e eeuw, is één van de meest bezochte bezienswaardigheden van Bosnië en Herzegovina. De brug is tijdens de Bosnische oorlog verwoest. De Europese Unie heeft meer dan 15 miljoen dollar uitgegeven aan restauratie. De restauratie is in 2004 voltooid. In 2005 heeft de UNESCO de Oude Brug en de dichtstbijzijnde omgeving op de Werelderfgoedlijst gezet. Tegenwoordig is het het kroonjuweel van de stad, een grote stenen brug die over het water is gespannen waardoor het niet voor niets het meest gefotografeerde monument in het hele land is.

It's always nice to come home, but leaving all this behind is heartbreaking.

photo rights reserved by B℮n

Bosnia and Herzegovina often known informally as Bosnia, is a country in Southeast Europe, located within the Balkans. Sarajevo is the capital and largest city. Bosnia is not entirely a landlocked country as it may appear on a map – to the south it has a narrow coast on the Adriatic Sea long and surrounds the town of Neum. Many people still associate the country with the break-up of Yugoslavia in the heartbreaking civil war of the 1990's. The scars from that time are all still visible. But today's tourist are likely to remember the country for its friendly, modest and warm people. The country has turned into an exciting and versatile travel destination, with beautiful mountains, numerous medieval castle ruins, seven major rivers, impressive waterfalls. Overall, nearly 50% of Bosnia is forested. A country where Eastern and Western civilizations have met over the centuries. Today integration into the European Union is one of the main political objectives of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The local currency is the Bosnian mark. The euro is also accepted. Islam is the majority faith in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but also Orthodox Christianity, and Roman Catholicism are all present. The wild and unspoilt nature makes it an ideal place for both adventurers and nature lovers. Mostar is the largest city in Hercegovina, with a small but thoroughly enchanting old town centre. Mostar has been most famous for this beautiful historic Ottoman-style Stari Most bridge, which spanned the Neretva river in what is considered the historic center of the city.

Mostar is situated on the Neretva River. Mostar was named after the bridge keepers (mostari) who in the medieval times guarded the Stari Most (Old Bridge) over the Neretva. The Old Bridge, built by the Ottomans (Turkish tribes) in the 16th century, is one of Bosnia and Herzegovina's most visited landmarks. The bridge was destroyed during the Bosnian War. The European Union has spent more than $ 15 million on restoration. The restoration was finished in 2004. In 2005, UNESCO inscribed the Old Bridge and its closest vicinity onto the World Heritage List. Today it is the city’s crown jewel, a grand stone bridge which sweeps across the water, making it the most photographed landmark in the entire country for good reason.

Bosnië en Herzegovina informeel bekend als Bosnië, is een land in Zuidoost-Europa, gelegen op de Balkan. Sarajevo is de hoofdstad en de grootste stad. Veel mensen associëren het land nog steeds met het uiteenvallen van Joegoslavië in de hartverscheurende burgeroorlog van de jaren negentig. De littekens uit die tijd zijn allemaal nog zichtbaar. Maar de toerist van vandaag de dag zal het land waarschijnlijk herinneren vanwege zijn vriendelijke, bescheiden en warme mensen. Het land is een opwindende en veelzijdige reisbestemming geworden, met prachtige bergen, talloze middeleeuwse kasteelruïnes, zeven grote rivieren, indrukwekkende watervallen. In totaal is bijna 50% van Bosnië bebost. Een land waar oosterse en westerse beschavingen elkaar door de eeuwen heen hebben ontmoet. Tegenwoordig is integratie in de Europese Unie een van de belangrijkste politieke doelstellingen van Bosnië en Herzegovina. Mostar ligt aan de rivier de Neretva. Mostar is vernoemd naar de brugwachters mostari die in de middeleeuwen de Stari Most oude brug over de Neretva bewaakten. De oude-brug, gebouwd door de Ottomanen Turkse stammen in de 16e eeuw, is één van de meest bezochte bezienswaardigheden van Bosnië en Herzegovina. De brug is tijdens de Bosnische oorlog verwoest. De Europese Unie heeft meer dan 15 miljoen dollar uitgegeven aan restauratie. De restauratie is in 2004 voltooid. In 2005 heeft de UNESCO de Oude Brug en de dichtstbijzijnde omgeving op de Werelderfgoedlijst gezet. Tegenwoordig is het het kroonjuweel van de stad, een grote stenen brug die over het water is gespannen waardoor het niet voor niets het meest gefotografeerde monument in het hele land is.

En ces journées lugubres de fin octobre, en ces journées navrantes pour les Français (le vol rocambolesque au Louvre, le Parlement sans majorité, le Président qui s'accroche à son siège après plusieurs vestes électorales, les partis politiques inconscients qui s'entre-déchirent, la dette abyssale, ...), retour vers un rayon de soleil susceptible de faire espérer en des jours meilleurs: l'humour belge avec les statues de Geluk exposées au Parc de la Tête d'Or depuis début octobre.

Celle-ci s'appelle "Juste retour des choses" avec en sous-titre "Pour une fois, c'est une voiture écrasée par un chat". La voiture a une plaque minéralogique belge commençant par "CKC"....

In these gloomy days of late October, in these heartbreaking days for the French (the incredible burglary at the Louvre, the Parliament lacking majority, the President clinging to his seat after several electoral defeats, the unconscious political parties tearing each other apart, the abysmal debt, etc.), let's return to a ray of sunshine that can give hope for better days: Belgian humor, with the statues of Geluk on display at the Parc de la Tête d'Or since the beginning of October.

This one is called "Juste retour des choses" (Payback time) with the subtitle "For once, it's a car crushed by a cat." The car has a Belgian license plate beginning with "CKC" (if pronunciated in French, it tones like "c'est cassé", i.e. "it's broken")

Queensgarden at Fantasy Faire

photo rights reserved by B℮n

Bosnia and Herzegovina often known informally as Bosnia, is a country in Southeast Europe, located within the Balkans. Sarajevo is the capital and largest city. Bosnia is not entirely a landlocked country as it may appear on a map – to the south it has a narrow coast on the Adriatic Sea long and surrounds the town of Neum. Many people still associate the country with the break-up of Yugoslavia in the heartbreaking civil war of the 1990's. The scars from that time are all still visible. But today's tourist are likely to remember the country for its friendly, modest and warm people. The country has turned into an exciting and versatile travel destination, with beautiful mountains, numerous medieval castle ruins, seven major rivers, impressive waterfalls. Overall, nearly 50% of Bosnia is forested. A country where Eastern and Western civilizations have met over the centuries. Today integration into the European Union is one of the main political objectives of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The local currency is the Bosnian mark. The euro is also accepted. Islam is the majority faith in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but also Orthodox Christianity, and Roman Catholicism are all present. The wild and unspoilt nature makes it an ideal place for both adventurers and nature lovers. Mostar is the largest city in Hercegovina, with a small but thoroughly enchanting old town centre. Mostar has been most famous for this beautiful historic Ottoman-style Stari Most bridge, which spanned the Neretva river in what is considered the historic center of the city.

Mostar is situated on the Neretva River. Mostar was named after the bridge keepers (mostari) who in the medieval times guarded the Stari Most (Old Bridge) over the Neretva. The Old Bridge, built by the Ottomans (Turkish tribes) in the 16th century, is one of Bosnia and Herzegovina's most visited landmarks. The bridge was destroyed during the Bosnian War. The European Union has spent more than $ 15 million on restoration. The restoration was finished in 2004. In 2005, UNESCO inscribed the Old Bridge and its closest vicinity onto the World Heritage List. Today it is the city’s crown jewel, a grand stone bridge which sweeps across the water, making it the most photographed landmark in the entire country for good reason.

Bosnië en Herzegovina informeel bekend als Bosnië, is een land in Zuidoost-Europa, gelegen op de Balkan. Sarajevo is de hoofdstad en de grootste stad. Veel mensen associëren het land nog steeds met het uiteenvallen van Joegoslavië in de hartverscheurende burgeroorlog van de jaren negentig. De littekens uit die tijd zijn allemaal nog zichtbaar. Maar de toerist van vandaag de dag zal het land waarschijnlijk herinneren vanwege zijn vriendelijke, bescheiden en warme mensen. Het land is een opwindende en veelzijdige reisbestemming geworden, met prachtige bergen, talloze middeleeuwse kasteelruïnes, zeven grote rivieren, indrukwekkende watervallen. In totaal is bijna 50% van Bosnië bebost. Een land waar oosterse en westerse beschavingen elkaar door de eeuwen heen hebben ontmoet. Tegenwoordig is integratie in de Europese Unie een van de belangrijkste politieke doelstellingen van Bosnië en Herzegovina. Mostar ligt aan de rivier de Neretva. Mostar is vernoemd naar de brugwachters mostari die in de middeleeuwen de Stari Most oude brug over de Neretva bewaakten. De oude-brug, gebouwd door de Ottomanen Turkse stammen in de 16e eeuw, is één van de meest bezochte bezienswaardigheden van Bosnië en Herzegovina. De brug is tijdens de Bosnische oorlog verwoest. De Europese Unie heeft meer dan 15 miljoen dollar uitgegeven aan restauratie. De restauratie is in 2004 voltooid. In 2005 heeft de UNESCO de Oude Brug en de dichtstbijzijnde omgeving op de Werelderfgoedlijst gezet. Tegenwoordig is het het kroonjuweel van de stad, een grote stenen brug die over het water is gespannen waardoor het niet voor niets het meest gefotografeerde monument in het hele land is.

(B&W) 710 CE... going upstairs to second level... the breeze was strong in the stairwell and it was much cooler here than outside...

Walls are very thick stone and mud mortar with mud and lime plaster... the construction was done during the Umayyad period and is characterized by early Islamic architectural influences...

Hat tip to the Jordanian Department of Antiquities... I see so many wonderful antique structures that are national treasures in so many countries I have worked just lying in ruin... heartbreaking!

After a huge week at work and an incredibly hot and humid one too . . . (very unseasonal for Autumn) , I survived the days knowing that at weeks end I could return to our favourite little haven down the coast . . . something I've been longing to do since we were evacuated from the bush fires on Christmas Day.

We left home last Friday night a lot later than planned which meant that it was dark when driving through the fire ravaged areas but the faint smell of fire still filled the heavy and damp, salty sea air. The bare and blackened trees and bushes eerily stood out, even in the dark of the night and the rough patchy roads a tell tale sign of the damage the bush fires caused just over two months ago now.

We know well the areas the fire had spanned but it wasn't until seeing it first hand (even in the dark) you realise just how vast the fire ravaged areas are and just how scarily close they came to us too.

While the devastation is heartbreaking, it's regeneration is quite beautiful, even if hauntingly so. The contrast of the blackened charred trees that remain and the scorched rusty red leaves against the almost luminous green of the bracken is quite a spectacular sight.

Apologies for posting and running . . . another crazy week but I will catch up with you all over the weekend.

There have been many incredibly difficult, long lasting seasons in your life. And with all the challenging, intense, long term, internal work you’ve done at a rate that is appropriate and healthy for you, you’ve been able to catch glimpses and notice sometimes the seasons collide—the painful, harmful, isolating, unspeakable seasons and the seasons filled with a little more support, safety, hope, some recovery, and ongoing healing. As you notice these seasons collide you are reminded that both the intensely painful and the healing seasons can exist together. Thank you for looking for the uplifting, encouraging moments among the devastating effects of your unspeakably heartbreaking experiences.

____________________________

One day while at a local park I noticed the beautifully colored, fallen autumn leaves flattened underneath melting snow and slush that had tire tracks visible in it from being run over by a vehicle. This showed me a beautiful story that felt relatable to me and I was drawn to try to capture this meaningful scene I found in nature.

[Image created on 10/31/2019]

Appreciate my work? One way you can support me is through ordering my zines. This helps me to be able to continue my practice of therapeutic photography or with out of pocket neurofeedback therapy costs which is essential in my recovery and healing process. Any support is greatly appreciated—thank you!

Clouds zine: www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/2289133

in the moment | collection 1 zine: www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/2357266

in the moment | collection 2 zine: www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/2383037

A day in the life of Peter Quill aka StarLord

A very moody morning at Cullernose Point, Northumberland. Taken @ sunrise, but the sun never got through the clouds. Oh, and those rocks are the same type and just as bad as those to the north of Dunstanburgh; they’re very, very, slippery. When stood on the big flat outcrop in the foreground, even my tripod kept slipping. I ended up moving to another location as I just couldn’t navigate around those rocks.

It was quite heartbreaking though to visit this scene this year as the bird colonies in the area have been decimated by avian flu; there was only a fraction of birds on the rocks as in previous years.

This has been a heartbreaking week with the Santa Ana winds causing "apocalyptic destruction" because of the fires that always seem to come along with them. Rena was terrified by the winds here where they were much lighter than 60 miles north of us where the fires are.

She hid under the bed for a day and a half, coming out only to go to her litter box and then she crawled, not walked. No food, no water, no treats. She wanted only to hide and watched the windows when she came out.

This was taken yesterday when she came out to eat, do her treat puzzle and snuggle, snuggle. Here she does have her eyes on the window.

We've had not one inch of rain since last March. A very sad Winter Mood for Southern California.

I took this pic yesterday and you can see the female is panting in the heat.

www.flickr.com/photos/pumpkin8/ wrote on one of our friend's photo this: "It’s the one thing I hate about Flickr ~ unknown people become friends through their work and through their generous comments on my own and then they disappear."

I have the same feeling, and it's heartbreaking, maybe because, as in real life, I choose just a few friends, but the ones I have I cherish.

Lady Owlmopish and Crake Brothers 4

If two worlds from two different time periods combined their powers, Earth could rise from the ashes like a phoenix. They believed this; now all they had to do was give Humanity another chance.

Lady Owlmopish, watching the heartbreaking scene, said to her new friends,

-

"Now that I know what I'm looking for and where to find it, I can surrender myself to you with peace of mind. Please do whatever is necessary."

- What you found is very valuable and you are lucky to find it, we will help you, just be strong.

My Bob has had a rough week... last Thursday we had to rush him to the emergency vet because he was staining to make.... he was yowling all over the house, staining while he was walking.... the vet said his bladder was full and he had a blockage.... after flushing him out in both areas, we took him home... a few days and he still acted strange... constantly going in and out of the box and nothing... but then he did make and what a relief...

On Monday I took him to our vet and she did a lot of tests, even a urine culture.... thank goodness his levels are not bad and he's acting like his old self.... he is 17 years old!

She put him on an antibiotic for a week and I'm hoping that will also help him feel better.

It's so scary and heartbreaking when you know they don't feel well and they can't tell you what is wrong...

Thank God he is doing better... so we want to wish everyone a Happy Caturday and enjoy the rest of the weekend!!

It is heartbreaking to see this beautiful place being engulfed by a scorching wildfire. We need to develop better strategies and plans to deal with extreme weather events which has become a part in our day to day life.

It is always nice to see them resting! Most of the time nature is wonderful and amazing to witness and brings so much happiness to my heart. This winter has been a heartbreaking winter for the snowy owls because many of the snowy owls caught the bird flu and died. They had been hunting and eating the ducks that were infected with the bird flu and caught it that way. I was heartbroken and some of the owls I had photographed had passed. I am happy to hear that some snowys have been seen lately and hopefully they are hunting rabbits and mice instead.

Do not want this thing has come, the silence of a night he said we broke up, too heartbreaking to go, whether u know it feels so real surprise. In the past he had told many people daughter, that he love someone and that only one . But to the me, but he went further to say the following. It's not what I want Oh, because love was all he do now? Could it be said I love you so? So it is really unfair to me, when u do not love it, but said he really loved u I wish i love me. Do not blame what to do because for me is sad, when u do not love nobody fully with the other he has chosen .love split is not nobody aches, pains my heart he was not happy to have accepted blame u not to be as well sentence and then say goodbye tomorrow u will love what .love expires before he was forced to resign after it every level to keep everyone away I do not blame u more because u also know that he hurt when he walked !

IT

“Quella luce non è l’alba, ne son sicura, io.

È una meteora, emanata dal sole per illuminarti la strada

e scortarti, stanotte, come un servo con la torcia,

sino a Mantova. Ecco perché puoi ancora restare:

non c’è bisogno che te ne vada.”

EN

"Yon light is not day-light, I know it, I:

It is some meteor that the sun exhales

To be to thee this night a torch-bearer

And light thee on thy way to Mantua:

Therefore stay yet; thou need'st not to be gone."

Romeo and Juliet, Act III, Scene V

William Shakespeare

IT

Il dipinto "L'ultimo bacio di Romeo e Giulietta" di Francesco Hayez, realizzato nel 1823, è una delle opere più significative del Romanticismo italiano. L'opera raffigura il momento struggente dell’ultimo saluto tra i due celebri amanti shakespeariani, Romeo e Giulietta, poco prima della loro separazione definitiva.

EN

The painting "The Last Kiss of Romeo and Juliet" by Francesco Hayez, created in 1823, is one of the most important works of Italian Romanticism. The artwork portrays the heartbreaking moment of the final farewell between Shakespeare’s famous lovers, Romeo and Juliet, just before their definitive separation.

www.villacarlotta.it

I wish I could lie and say I’m having an amazing vacation, but the truth is, being here and watching my homeland burn is heartbreaking. What was supposed to be a time of beautiful days has turned into pain—anguish, and a need to let it out. People have died trying to save the country, and many have lost everything they’ve worked for their entire lives. And here I am, angry at the criminals who intentionally set fires and harm others. Since Monday, I haven’t been able to see sunlight—everything’s foggy from the fires, and the smell is unbearable. Luckily things are getting better, just the people pain remains..

Six of the wonderful horses of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, having a drink on a very hot day. If the horses are removed, I simply will no longer visit. Heartbreaking to think of.

Telle une ronce.

Je t'entortille,

D'un mordant,

Si déchirant.

Cri muet.

Plus tu tires,

Plus je m'accroche.

Épineuse et délicate.

___________________

Like a bramble.

I twist you,

With a bite,

So heartbreaking.

Mute cry.

The more you shoot,

The more I hold on.

Prickly and delicate.

The fair never lacks for extra little details to take in, but have you noticed there are perhaps a few more birds around than you remember from years past?

Try taking some time and give them a listen.

You just might make a new friend or few!

(I will posted my own quest adventure *after* FF21 to avoid spoilers!)

______________________________________________

The Quest Takes Wing

They lift our spirits. They adorn our world. They are revered as the messengers of heaven. Yet, you might not know that birds and their beautiful songs have long been deep in the fight against the Unweaver.

Take heart and take wing — your challenge awaits!

Begin the quest by purchasing Hunt HUD in any of the landing points in the Fairelands, for example here in the Fairelands Junction.

Are you stuck? Do you need help?

Read the FAQ & Troubleshooting Page!

Jani-Lee

One hour out of the nest!

What a day it has been! We have had a nest that we just leave every year up in the rafters of our front entrance. It is a perfect hideaway to start a family! It has been renovated quite a few times and we have been privy to watching the dynamics of watching the passage of time of new families of Robins. It is always exciting to see the ones that thrive after jumping, but then there are a few that do not make it. It is heartbreaking to see the time, patience and the struggle that the parents put into making a family, and to see that some do not make it.

This little one jumped out of the nest just a couple of hours ago and made it into our backyard. Another one just jumped as I was writing this! One more left.

I was so concerned about these babes as we have had a downpour of rain the last few days. This morning it stopped but now we have incredibly strong winds. They are tenacious though. We will do our due diligence and help mom chase away the crows and the magpies for the next few days as these chicks learn to use their wings. She is so busy finding worms.

No playing in the backyard for our dogs for a few days!

The Toronto Blue Jays lost the 2025 World Series to the Los Angeles Dodgers in a dramatic Game 7 (yesterday, 2025-11-01). Despite a strong postseason run and a tied series heading into the final matchup, the Blue Jays fell short at home in Rogers Centre. The Dodgers clinched the championship with a narrow 5–4 victory in 11 innings, capped by a solo home run from Will Smith. It was a heartbreaking end for Toronto, who were seeking their first title since 1993.

“To be fully seen by somebody, then, and be loved anyhow - this is a human offering that can border on miraculous.”

~Elizabeth Gilbert

i am learning to accept his offering, after over 20 years together you'd think i'd be okay with being loved so completely. but it's not easy for me, i keep waiting for the sky to fall, or for something dark and heartbreaking to surface.

poor guy.

he just loves me through all the drama my head creates, and i am so grateful.

photo rights reserved by B℮n

Bosnia and Herzegovina often known informally as Bosnia, is a country in Southeast Europe, located within the Balkans. Sarajevo is the capital and largest city. Bosnia is not entirely a landlocked country as it may appear on a map – to the south it has a narrow coast on the Adriatic Sea long and surrounds the town of Neum. Many people still associate the country with the break-up of Yugoslavia in the heartbreaking civil war of the 1990's. The scars from that time are all still visible. But today's tourist are likely to remember the country for its friendly, modest and warm people. The country has turned into an exciting and versatile travel destination, with beautiful mountains, numerous medieval castle ruins, seven major rivers, impressive waterfalls. Overall, nearly 50% of Bosnia is forested. A country where Eastern and Western civilizations have met over the centuries. Today integration into the European Union is one of the main political objectives of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The local currency is the Bosnian mark. The euro is also accepted. Islam is the majority faith in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but also Orthodox Christianity, and Roman Catholicism are all present. The wild and unspoilt nature makes it an ideal place for both adventurers and nature lovers. Kravica waterfall, often called Kravice, is a large cascade on the Trebižat River, in the karstic heartland of Herzegovina in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is 40 kilometres south of Mostar. Its height is about 28 metres and the radius of the lake in the base of the waterfall is 120 metres. Kravica is a popular swimming and picnic area during the summer.

Kravica waterfall often called Kravice. Plunging from cliffs as high as 28 meters into a natural, watery amphitheater that is almost 120m across, the series of waterfalls at Kravice are nestled in a natural reserve southwest of the city of Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In spring, this gorgeous mini-Niagara pounds itself into a dramatic, steamy fury. The water becomes steamy as it dramatically falls into the shallow pools. In summer it's a more gentle cascade, but the emerald pool offers an idyllic respite from the sweltering heat for locals and tourists. The waterfalls are surrounded by the trees, giving the entire area a “hidden paradise” kind of a feel. The water temperature will never rise above 20 degrees because the spring of the Krebizat river is only 30 kilometers uphill from the waterfalls. Especially in summer the chill water is very welcome.

Bosnië en Herzegovina informeel bekend als Bosnië, is een land in Zuidoost-Europa, gelegen op de Balkan. Sarajevo is de hoofdstad en de grootste stad. Veel mensen associëren het land nog steeds met het uiteenvallen van Joegoslavië in de hartverscheurende burgeroorlog van de jaren negentig. De littekens uit die tijd zijn allemaal nog zichtbaar. Maar de toerist van vandaag de dag zal het land waarschijnlijk herinneren vanwege zijn vriendelijke, bescheiden en warme mensen. Het land is een opwindende en veelzijdige reisbestemming geworden, met prachtige bergen, talloze middeleeuwse kasteelruïnes, zeven grote rivieren, indrukwekkende watervallen. In totaal is bijna 50% van Bosnië bebost. Een land waar oosterse en westerse beschavingen elkaar door de eeuwen heen hebben ontmoet. Tegenwoordig is integratie in de Europese Unie een van de belangrijkste politieke doelstellingen van Bosnië en Herzegovina. De reeks watervallen van Kravica stort zich van kliffen tot 28 meter hoog in een natuurlijk, nattig amfitheater met een diameter van bijna 120 meter, in een natuurreservaat ten zuidwesten van de stad Mostar. In het voorjaar beukt deze als een prachtige mini-Niagara met dramatische, stomende woede. Het water wordt nevel terwijl het met vaart in de ondiepe poelen valt. In de zomer is het een zachtere waterval, maar het smaragdgroene water biedt een idyllische onderbreking van de zinderende hitte voor de lokale bevolking en toeristen. De watervallen zijn omgeven door bomen, wat het hele gebied een soort verborgen paradijs geeft. De watertemperatuur zal nooit boven de 20 graden komen omdat de bron van de Krebizat rivier slechts 30 kilometer bergopwaarts van de watervallen ligt. Vooral in de zomer is het kille water zeer welkom.