I'm sliding in the trees... again : )

The forest brings a smile to my spirit -

an unshakable peace with no distractions, no stress, I just breathe in the fresh air.

HSS & wishing you all a peaceful Sunday ♥︎

♫ Davichi (다비치) - Aloha [SketchBook / ep.459] ♫

Credits: Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ Lis.Blog

The Aloha Spirit Law.

A Akahai – meaning kindness (grace), expressed with tenderness;

L Lokahi – meaning unity (unbroken), expressed with harmony;

O‘Olu‘olu – meaning agreeable (gentle), expressed with pleasantness;

H Ha‘aha‘a – meaning humility (empty), expressed with modesty - A Ahonui – meaning patience (waiting for the moment), expressed with perseverance. - Aunty Pilahi Paki

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SANTA MARIA DELL'ISOLA DI TROPEA

Aloha

A candle in the dark, a wineglass filled with our promise

I will always stay by your side and protect you because you've always believed in me

Drumknott

The only thing I've been dreaming of is eternal happiness with you

It doesn't have to be fancy or perfect, the only thing I want is you

Don't worry (l believe) Always (l believe) I won't forget this moment

In my arms (l believe) your smile will never lose its light

Cause your love is so sweet, you are my everything

I'm not just saying this because I'm happy

I will never change, I won't change

I'll only have eyes for you

You're the light of my life, you're the one in my life

Even if I lose everything,

I will never regret it, and keep loving you

With the everlasting love in my heart

From this moment on, the most important person in my life isn't me, it's you.

I can't show my true feelings with words, but I love only you.

Like friends, or like lovers,

Until my last breath, I will only love you.

With the mind of one, and an unshakable trust in each other,

I hope we'll comfort each other in misery and celebrate happiness together

I promise you (I believe) when things get hard (I believe) I'll protect you

In my arms (l believe) your smile will never lose its light

Cause your love is so sweet, you are my everything

I'm not just saying this because I'm happy

I will never change, I won't change

I'll only have eyes for you

You're the light of my life, you're the one in my life

Even if I lose everything,

I will never regret it, and keep loving you

With the everlasting love in my heart

Drumknott

You're the light of my life, you're the one in my life

Even if I lose everything,

I will never regret it, and keep loving you

With the everlasting love in my heart

For when you're looking...

You never asked me what else lingered. And in my haste to stand on solid ground, I never quite told you. I never quite gave you the recount of what else I carry with me.

Like the unshakable feeling of walking on thin ice – the creaking, the cracking, the visible fractures expanding with every footfall. The fear of the ice giving in, the fear of the frozen dark waters underneath consuming me whole, inhabited by someone else’s monsters of the deep. The apprehension, like a living, breathing creature, sucking the air out and exhaling black, oppressive smoke that made it impossible to see or even breathe.

There’s an omnipresence to it– it echoes in the deepest recesses of my consciousness. Well and truly embedded, that I am robbed of any certainty as to my recoil – is it the memory, or the actual sound? Is it a treacherous footstep, or the imagination of one? Has my foot truly gone through – is it touching those dark waters – or is it just that odd precipice like a night start or a lucid dream?

And there it was, a sense of dread you instilled. A clamping, silencing proverbial hand, because so much as a breath threatened to break the ice…

Yet it broke anyway. Not fractured by my weight, nor by a whisper of an exhale. It was the things that lurked beneath, rearing their heads. I’d glimpsed them, ghost-like, through the thinnest ice. I’d heard their wails. I knew they existed as surely as I knew I existed. And now I saw them, free at long last.

They’d been ravenous, and now they demand to be fed.

Do you truly begrudge me the aversion to being cannibalized by your monsters?

Philadelphia Navy Yard.

Champion

By Carrie Underwood

Song: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Htu3va7yDMg

[Carrie Underwood:]

I'll be the last one standin'

Two hands in the air, I'm a champion

You'll be looking up at me when it's over

I live for the battle, I'm a soldier, yeah

I'm a fighter like Rocky

Put you flat on your back like Ali

Yeah, I'm the greatest, I'm stronger

Paid my dues, can't lose, I'ma own ya, ay

I've been working my whole life

And now, it's do or die

I am invincible, unbreakable

Unstoppable, unshakable

They knock me down, I get up again

I am the champion, you're gon' know my name

You can't hurt me now, I can't feel the pain

I was made for this, yeah, I was born to win

I am the champion

When they write my story

They're gonna say that I did it for the glory

But don't think that I did it for the fame, yeah

I did it for the love of the game, yeah

And this is my chance, I'm takin'

All them old records, I'm breakin'

All you people watchin' on the TV

You go ahead and put your bets on me, ay

I've been waitin' my whole life

To see my name in lights

I am invincible, unbreakable

Unstoppable, unshakable

They knock me down, I get up again

I am the champion, you're gon' know my name

You can't hurt me now, I can't feel the pain

I was made for this, yeah, I was born to win

I am the champion, ooh

[Bridge: Ludacris:]

Born champion, Luda!

The C is for the courage I possess through the trauma (Yeah)

H is for the hurt, but it's all for the honor

A is for my attitude, working through the patience (Hey)

Money comes and goes, so the M is for motivation

Gotta stay consistent, the P is to persevere

The I is for integrity, innovative career (Career)

The O is optimistic, open and never shut

And the N is necessary 'cause I'm never givin' up

See, they ask me how I did it, I just did it from the heart

Crushin' the competition, been doin' it from the start

They say that every champion is all about his principles

Carrie!

[Carrie Underwood:]

I am invincible, unbreakable

Unstoppable, unshakable

They knock me down, I get up again

I am the champion, you're gon' know my name

You can't hurt me now, I can't feel the pain

I was made for this, yeah, I was born to win

I am the champion

[Ludacris & Carrie Underwood:]

I'm the champion, yeah, surpassed all rivals

It's all about who wants it the most

I am the champion, oh

Fight for what we believe in

That's what champions are made of

I am the champion (Yeah, champion)

She Walks Alone .

♫ WALK ALONE

LYRICS :

Whoa, oh

Whoa, oh

Whoa, oh-oh-oh

Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh

I walk alone

I'm at peace when I'm on my own

It can be hard, it can be tough

Chasing greatness can be a lonely road

Sometimes I look back and think

Look how far I've grown

Sometimes I look back and think

Look how far I've flown

Those who fly alone have the strongest wings

I've got a few scars

And if I had to do it again

I wouldn't change a thing

All the tough times, all the cold nights

I learned to fight alone, it made me strong alone

You aren't weak if you cry

After the tears dry, they evaporate

And you begin to rise

I don't need the attention or the recognition

And I still thrive

I made a choice to live my life on my terms

I can't keep the real me locked inside

So I walk alone

I walk alone

I'm okay on my own

The journey made me strong

I walk alone, I walk alone

Oh-oh-oh

I can handle any challenge in my life

I walk my own path, there's nobody by my side

I keep on moving, I won't let pain stop my strides

I walk alone

Oh-oh-oh

I walk alone

I pull myself up when I'm feeling low

I've survived deep darkness and heavy hardships

I have character most will never know

The inner strength I've built will never be broken

I'm unbreakable

Even if the sky falls, I'm unshakable

There's no limit to what I'm capable of

Living the life that I love

I had no one so in myself I trust

No one believed in me, but I believed in myself

No one helped me, so I helped myself

Nobody gave me support so I supported myself

I kept going, I kept growing, no slowing down or giving up

Now I'll be honest

I used to feel useless and worthless

But now I walk with a purpose

I'm proud I had the strength to overcome

I'm proud of what I've become

I walk alone

I walk alone

I'm okay on my own

The journey made me strong

I walk alone, I walk alone

Oh-oh-oh

I can handle any challenge in my life

I walk my own path, there's nobody by my side

I keep on moving, I won't let pain stop my strides

I walk alone

Oh-oh-oh

I walk alone

I walk alone

And I walk alone

And I walk alone

And I walk alone

And I walk alone

I took this photo at Sunny's photo studio using back drop

Let me be !

Location maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Sunny%20Photo%20Studio/50/...

In Her fullness She is The Mother

Aspect of The Divine

The Great Mother

Composed entirely

Of pure, unconditional love

Shining her light in all the dark places

It is to this aspect I connect

Blessed with many children as I am

It comes as easy as breath

To feel this love

This immutable truth

Unshakable core

Point of Balance

Perch

And I know it does not matter

What or if my children call me

What paths they take

Who they love

I will love them regardless

And I am just a Mama Bear

The Divine is Endless

A page from Lake's book:

There are so many adages written about life, death, and the importance of our time on this earth.

One thing we all know for certainty is that we are born with a physical expiration date.

However, I'm one who believes that the divine energy that sustains our souls never dies. It continues to ascend and travel into other dimensions.

On the sixth of August, 2024, a very good friend of mine passed away. He was young, full of life, and he died prematurely and unexpectedly. It took a few days for this news to knock on my door. I used to feel extreme sadness at the passing of a loved one. And while it still weighs heavily on my heart, my belief in going to a better world when we die is unshakable, and that gives me strength. Did I cry for the loss of my good friend? Yes. Did I raise a glass and wish him glorious travels to his next dimension? Heck yes!

David, thank you for all our conversations about life, sports, relationships and the world. You were a true gentleman, a caring man. Your jovial personality and your shining smile were like magnets. You were one heck of a sportsman. I will miss seeing you play hockey.

One last goal for you, my friend.

I will see you again.

Peaceful travels.

R.I.P.

sᴏʟᴅɪᴇʀᴇᴅ ᴏɴ

passion

She never sought applause, yet every step taken was a silent triumph, carried on a steady breeze of strength. Wore resilience like a second skin, knew the value of quiet endurance, moved through life with a grace that left no trace, yet somehow, the world couldn’t help but feel the power of her presence. The victories were not shouted from rooftops; they were lived in the soft yet unshakable rhythm of her resolve.

Time to shout. Another private victory.

Various torments, with which they wanted to force the renunciation of Christ from the good sufferer of Christ, were powerless, and the tormentor himself was at a loss why he, with all his might, could not bend to his wickedness one servant of Christ, firm in his confession, like strong and unshakable pillar.

Nikita was executed in 372 by burning within the Tomitan diocese, in Bessarabia. According to the life, the fire did not burn the body of the saint.

In the name of St. Nikita, the thrones of many Christian churches around the world were consecrated.

Микита або Микита Готський - готський воїн і святий, шанований у лику великомученика.

Святий Микита був готським воїном і жив на східному боці річки Дунай у межах нинішньої Румунії в середині IV століття.

У молодості його навернув до християнства і охрестив готський єпископ Феофіл, учасник I Вселенського собору. Святий Микита згодом висвятився на священника. Атанаріх, король остроґотів, криваво переслідував християн, змушував їх поклонятися поганському божкові, а тих, хто відмовлявся, вбивав. Микиту, який проповідував християнство, ідолопоклонники спалили живцем 15 вересня 378 року. Друг святого Микити, християнин Маріан, вночі відшукав тіло мученика, переніс його і поховав у Кілікії. Згодом воно було перенесене до Константинополя. Частину мощей Микити пізніше перенесли у Сербію.

The wind roars around her, making the sails crackle in a fierce symphony. Her face tense, she shouts to her crew, her voice cutting through the chaos of the waves. It’s not a command but a rallying cry, a challenge to the elements. Armed with her spyglass and unshakable courage, she defies the blazing horizon, ready to face any storm or battle that lies ahead. Her heart beats with the rhythm of the waves, and every shout she lets out is a vow to the sea: nothing will stop her.

♪

"Ensigns log. It's my first day aboard the USS Olympus as a commissioned Starfleet Science Officer. As I move about the ship, and see all the different faces, some I knew from the Academy, some I will come to know, I am filled with immense and unshakable pride that I have already come this far - and yet - there is still so far to go."

„The passage of time - immutable - unshakable

The clarity gives way to the fog

The color gives way to the gray in gray

Light and dark will soon balance each other

It's getting quieter, bit by bit

Soon the silence will follow

To be continued...“

„Der Lauf der Zeit - unveränderlich - unerschütterlich

Die Klarheit weicht dem Nebel

Die Farbe weicht dem Grau in Grau

Hell und Dunkel halten sich bald die Waage

Es wird leiser, so nach und nach

Bald folgt die Stille

Fortsetzung folgt…“

„I would like to take this opportunity to thank all followers, all new followers, and all those who just stop by. I say thank you for all previous and for all the new fav's and comments. 🙏“

„Ich danke an dieser Stelle allen Followern, allen neuen Followern, und all jenen die einfach so mal vorbeischauen. Ich sage Danke für alle bisherigen und für Sie all die neu hinzukommenden Fav‘s und Kommentare. 🙏“

My personal challenge for 2022 - I'll try - and do my very best...

Meine persönliche Herausforderung für 2022 - ich werd's versuchen - und mein Bestes geben…

Contemplation is the highest expression of . . . intellectual and spiritual life. It is that life . . . fully awake, fully active, fully aware that it is alive. . . . It is a vivid realization of the fact that life and being in us proceed from an invisible, transcendent and infinitely abundant Source. Contemplation is . . . [an] awareness of the reality of that Source. . . . Contemplation is a sudden gift of awareness, an awakening to the Real within all that is real. A vivid awareness of infinite Being at the roots of our own limited being.

-Thomas Merton’s encounter with Buddhism and beyond: his interreligious dialogue, inter-monastic exchanges, and their legacy / Jaechan Anselmo Park, OSB.

/********

“. . . the unshakable certainty, the clear and immediate knowledge that heaven was right in front of me, struck me like a thunderbolt and went through me like a flash of lightning and seemed to lift me clean up off the earth.”

-Thomas Merton, The Secular Journal of Thomas Merton (New York, NY: Farrar, Straus & Cudahy, 1959), 76–77.

There was a time when the skies went quiet.

The once-bustling airports fell into eerie silence. Rows of gleaming red AirAsia aircraft—symbols of ambition, energy, and endless adventure—sat idle on the tarmac. No laughter echoed through the cabins, no boarding calls filled the gates. A global storm had rolled in, swift and merciless. And for AirAsia, like many others, it was a moment of reckoning.

The pandemic grounded more than just planes. It clipped the wings of dreams, disrupted lives, and left an entire industry in limbo. For an airline that had built its legacy on making travel accessible to all—on connecting people, cultures, and economies—the impact was devastating. Staff were furloughed, routes suspended, and futures uncertain.

But behind the scenes, something remarkable was taking shape.

AirAsia didn’t sit still. It pivoted, it adapted. It explored digital ventures, launched logistics services, invested in training, and leaned into innovation. From a low-cost airline, it started to evolve into a tech-driven ecosystem—one that could weather future storms. It kept its people close, its values intact, and its mission alive.

And when the skies slowly began to open again, so did hope.

One morning, after a rain-heavy night, a rainbow stretched across the sky above the tarmac. It arched gently over the fleet, casting a surreal glow over the AirAsia livery. That very moment was captured—a photograph of silent aircraft beneath a symbol of resilience.

It was more than a rainbow.

It was a promise.

A promise that no matter how fierce the storm, the spirit of flight—the will to rise again—would always remain.

Today, the engines roar again. The red birds soar over mountains and oceans, carrying millions to the places and people they love. Pilots who once feared their final flight are back in the cockpit. Cabin crew who waited patiently for their uniforms to matter again now welcome guests with renewed warmth.

AirAsia is no longer just an airline that bounced back—it is a symbol of grit, vision, and the unshakable belief that even in the darkest skies, there’s always a dawn.

After the storm, we fly again.

There’s a quiet, unshakable charm to old, rusted cars sitting sun-warmed and still by the side of some dusty road, like memories that refuse to fade. They wear their years with dignity—faded paint, cracked leather seats, and the scent of oil and dust clinging to the metal like stories. Every dent has a tale. Every squeak of the hinge, a ghost of laughter.

And then there are the old gas stations—paint peeling, Signs bleached by decades of sunlight, maybe a bell that still dings when you pull up. They're the kind of places where time doesn’t move as fast. Where someone once leaned on the hood of a Chevy, drinking a cold soda and talking about the weather, or forever.

These places aren’t forgotten. They're remembered. Not by the world, maybe, but by the ones who passed through—on road trips that smelled like freedom and sounded like summer. A first kiss under flickering neon. A phone call from a booth that changed everything. A pit stop that became a chapter.

Sometimes, it's not about going anywhere. It's about where you've been. And those old cars and stations—silent now—are still whispering the best parts of the past to anyone willing to stop and listen.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBVAsTNrKVc&list=RDWBVAsTNrKV...

Alan Jackson -- Drive

There he was — arms folded, perfectly still in midwater, hovering like it was the most natural thing in the world.

No need to pose. Just that quiet, unshakable presence — like a big brother who’s always got your back, even 20 meters deep.

A calm silhouette, suspended in the blue — the kind of diver who makes the ocean feel safe.

Now that’s how you display cool.

[Smile on Saturday! :-)] [display the D...]

✨ "Guardian" — A Story in Stillness ✨

Three African masks stand tall — each carved with its own soul, each whispering the wisdom of generations. Beside them, the graceful statue of an African woman 🌍, her gaze steady, her presence unshakable — a silent protector of heritage, beauty, and truth.

A Guardian is more than a watcher. It is the keeper of stories 📜, the shield against forgetting, the bridge between yesterday and tomorrow.

In every culture, guardians take many forms — warriors, elders, spirits, even art itself. Here, they stand together, reminding us that protection can be powerful and poetic.

️ Fun Fact: The word Guardian comes from the Old French garder, meaning to watch over, to preserve. In essence, a guardian is a promise — to keep safe what matters most.

📍 Live at the Dubai Event — where tradition meets timeless design.

Welcome Home,

CHAI.

🍵 Follow our Socials : linktr.ee/chai.sl

When I visited Canyonlands National Park in early December 2024, there was a stillness in the world. The presidential election was complete, and half the country was in shock, the remainder was hopeful.

Now, over 100 days have passed since the inauguration and much of the world is in shock. America, which was once a rock-solid partner to democracies around the world, has started to crack. The institutions of American government are crumbling as is its economy, slowly, but unmistakably.

As I work through the images from that trip in December, I stumbled upon this one, taken near Musselman Arch, which shows the remains of another - much older - arch, which has long since fallen under the winds of change. What remains are crumbling sandstone pillars, and broken pieces of a once mighty structure that seemed unshakably solid in its day.

Congrats on Explore!

#49 ⭐ May 6, 2025

Unshakable Rock in the Wild Waves caption: Strong foaming waves at Fangshan beach on a warm golden afternoon with receding waves colliding with the in-rushing waves creating tiny golden sprinkles at the water surface; taken in Pingtung County, Taiwan with black card. link: www.gettyimages.com/detail/photo/sunshakable-rock-in-the-...

If you are interested in my works, they are available on Getty Images and 500px; prints on Photos.

.

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Tyr is more than a warrior – he is the archetype of the one who dares to stand alone for what is right. In the seiðr tradition, he can be experienced as the force that sharpens the will and strengthens the heart when we are faced with impossible choices. He is the inner voice that reminds us of the promises we have made, and the responsibilities that follow. His rune, Tiwaz, opens the way to victory, but also to self-discipline and sacrifice. When you invoke Tyr, you call forth the clear courage, the willingness to sacrifice for the community, and the unshakable truth that cannot be bent.

The hotel lobby breathed with muted luxury—dim chandeliers dripping soft amber light, marble floors echoing the click of heels, and shadows stretching like secrets between velvet armchairs. It was a place designed for fleeting meetings and whispered betrayals.

Lia stood at the edge of it all, cloaked in a dress that clung like a second skin, her poise unshakable. Her skin glowed under the soft lights, her eyes trained ahead with quiet precision.

Across the room, leaning against the bar like a dark prophecy, was Cassian Vale. Known among high society and low places alike, he was the kind of man who didn’t chase—he waited. Waited for people to hand themselves over.

He was elegance marinated in danger. A reputation wrapped in silk and steel.

Just as Lia felt her pulse sync with the throb of tension in the air, Mara leaned in from behind. Her breath grazed Lia’s ear, voice like a warning slipping through perfume and fear.

“Don’t fall for him.”

Lia didn’t flinch.

“He’s poison in a tailored suit,” Mara continued. “And you're not immune. No one is.”

A half-smile crept over Lia’s lips. “Maybe I’m the antidote.”

Mara’s fingers closed around her wrist.

“No, Lia. You’re the challenge. And he devours those.”

They both looked across the room.

Cassian hadn’t moved—but his eyes were already on Lia, gleaming like obsidian under firelight. His smirk was slight, but undeniable. He had noticed everything—the whisper, the warning, the way Lia's spine had straightened just a little more.

He wanted her to walk to him.

Wanted her to think it was her idea.

But Lia, for all her allure, was more than a pretty game piece. She and Mara hadn’t come here by accident. They’d studied him. The way he toyed with influence. The trail of women who spoke of him with equal parts hunger and regret.

They were the hunters tonight.

Or so they thought.

“Let’s make him trip first,” Lia whispered, adjusting her earring with cool confidence. “Let him taste his own poison.”

Mara’s voice softened, just above a sigh.

“Just don’t confuse control with immunity, love. Some fires don’t burn you… they brand you.”

Lia exhaled slowly, stepping toward the man whose name was already laced with danger.

And as Cassian’s smile widened—just slightly, knowingly—she realized:

She hadn’t moved.

She had been pulled.

And the game had already begun.

Located in the heart of Kampot, Cambodia, lies an enchanted spot known as the Kampot Secret Lake. Locally called Tomnop Tek Krolar, this hidden gem is a picturesque natural wonder that offers a relaxing retreat from the hustle and bustle of your everyday life.

Kampot Secret Lake locates between the Kampot pepper plantations and the Phnom Chhnork cave. The beautiful lake is in the middle of lush greenery and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and mountains.

What’s amazing about the lake is that it was dug out of a former rice paddy and is fed by underground springs. The water is crystal clear and is home to a variety of fish and other aquatic life.

The Secret Lake Kampot history is very interesting to know. In fact, the lake is a dam that was built by slave laborers during the Khmer Rouge regime. The lake has an enormous size, and simply glancing at it might make you catch a glimpse of an unshakable time in Cambodian history.

Die guten Geister. In einer Kurve entlang der Straße festgesteckt.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

So they can't blow away, the good spirits of the street – the trees are pretty steadfast. And unshakable, despite the wind and freezing cold. And – such a flurry of snow can do magic. Right?

/

Although it seems like I gave my last in image editing, my camera did a great job here and conjured up this mood in advance :-)

///

So können sie nicht wegwehen, die guten Geister der Straße – die Bäume sind hübsch standhaft. Und unerschütterlich, trotz Wind und Eiseskälte. Und – so ein Schneetreiben kann zaubern. Oder?

/

Obwohl es so scheint, als hätte ich mein Letztes gegeben bei der Bildbearbeitung, hat meine Kamera hier ganze Arbeit geleistert und schon vorher diese Stimmung gezaubert :-)

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Series »Winter's Bone«

A marvel of both grace and strength, the Citadel de Seraphis stands as the unshakable heart of the Southern Kingdom. Its towering spires reach toward the heavens, sculpted with an elegance that speaks not only of the artistry of its builders but of the might that drives its purpose. Perched proudly above the city, the Citadel surveys the vast landscape, its alabaster walls gleaming in the sun like a beacon of hope and power.

A sanctuary for the brightest minds and most gifted souls, the Citadel beckons all who seek the pursuit of knowledge. Within its hallowed halls, the boundaries between beauty and strength blur, as the Citadel de Seraphis embodies the very spirit of the Southern Kingdom—radiant, unyielding, and eternal.

Sisters of Opposing Magic: The Perilous Path

by... me, if I can ever finish it

He sat where the thunder had passed,

boots dusted with the silence of aftermath.

The scent of oil and earth clung to him like memory—

thick, unshakable, honest.

Behind him, the sky burned gold and ash,

and the engines quieted like hearts between battles.

Yet in his stillness, there was motion—

the coiled energy of a man who has seen the edge

and chosen, still, to ride toward it.

And as the smoke drifted upward

to meet the bruised sky,

he lit no fire, made no oath.

He simply waited,

for duty,

or dawn—

whichever came first.

✦ HAILEY PLATFORMS – BUILT TO RULE ✦

Some walk. You command. The Hailey Platforms are made for those who own every moment—bold, unshakable, and dangerously stylish.

With their towering height, fierce studded details, and customizable zipper accents, these heels are a perfect fusion of raw power and high fashion.

✦ Designed to Dominate: 26 mix & match colors at Fatpack to define your presence.

✦ 8 metallic finishes for that rebellious shine.

✦ 16 sole options to complete your vision.

✦ HUD-controlled studs & zipper visibility, so you can switch between sleek and battle-ready.

✦ Perfected for Strength & Elegance:

✦ Rigged for Legacy, eBody, LaraX, and Kupra—because every queen needs the perfect fit.

Commanding high-platform silhouette, built for those who refuse to blend in.

Power is not given. It’s taken. Walk like you own it.

· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·

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GIVEAWAY Status: CLOSED

Winners:

· · · · Noire Starlight - HAILEY

· · · · Anaa Mollari - HAILEY

· · · · Gaya Gothly - HAILEY

· · · · Lebelleame - HANNAH

· · · · Aqua Frostbite - HANNAH

· · · · Medhina - HANNAH

Winners will be announced on 7th!

A true architectural wonder, the Basilica of Our Lady of Victory stands as a tangible symbol of one man's unshakable faith and devotion to his patroness, Mary. It is a place of wondrous beauty, radiating hope to all those who arrive at its doors in desperate need. Its hundreds of paintings, sculptures, and mosaics dazzle the senses and evoke awe in even the hardest of hearts. But, above all, the Basilica is a gift of thanks. A gift, offered by Msgr. Nelson Baker, V.G., to his helpmate, Our Lady of Victory, for more than 50 years of inspiration and spiritual assistance.

The Gift

The year was 1921. Although Father Baker was 79 years old, he was still a visionary with great dreams -- and he had one more that needed attention. At a routine parish council meeting, the humble priest shocked all in attendance as he calmly unveiled ambitious plans for a shrine that would rival any within the U.S. Speaking before an astonished crowd, Father Baker outlined his desire for the finest materials and artists to come together for a true masterwork -- a way of paying homage to the Blessed Mother who provided him with so much throughout the years. Astounding all with his infectious vigor, construction was begun almost immediately.

Knowing that he had not set aside a penny for the new shrine's building did not seem to upset him either, as Father Baker was confident that Our Lady of Victory would again look kindly upon him -- and She did. The "Padre of the Poor" sent out a call of support and it was answered by thousands of citizens from around the nation, happy to support such a divine project. Some contributed through the Association of Our Lady of Victory, Father Baker's pioneering direct-mail fundraising club (via per-brick sponsorships of $10), while countless others sent offerings both large and small.

By late1925, construction of the great Sanctuary of Our Lady of Victory was completed and the first Mass was held there on Christmas of that year. Amazingly, when it opened the following year, the Basilica had no debt, having been completely paid for at a cost of $3.2 million. On May 25, 1926, a very special consecration ceremony took place. Attended by thousands of local dignitaries, priests, nuns, and well-wishers, the event was presided over by Father Baker, Bishop William Turner of the Diocese of Buffalo, and Cardinal Patrick Hayes. Within two months an even higher honor was bestowed upon the shrine as it was officially designated a Minor Basilica via an apostolic decree from Pope Pius XI. Father Baker's greatest dream had been realized: the gift had been given

Through the Years

Although the Basilica has seen many years, it has not seen too many changes. Only three events have altered the original design of the shrine significantly.

In 1941, a freak and violent lightning storm caused major damage to the Basilica's original twin towers. Father Baker's first successor, Msgr. Joseph Maguire, led the efforts to refurbish the structures, replacing the marble towers with the lower, enclosed, copper-dome-tipped towers that can be seen today.

The only other change to the Basilica's exterior took place some 60 years later. Piles of snow and ice caused by the harsh winter of 2001-2002 took its toll on the National Shrine, forcing Msgr. Robert Wurtz to replace the shrine's greenish-hued roof. When the Basilica was first built, the dome and the roof were made of a shiny copper, but, over time, those features turned green due to prolonged exposure to the elements (the same chemical change seen on the Statue of Liberty). A new copper roof was put up, and although, it doesn't match the other greenish highlights, the structure will begin to turn colors in upcoming years and is expected to blend right in with the other sections of copper in about 50 years.

Father Baker Comes Home

March 11, 1999, was a date which would see a profound change in the shrine, and in the minds of thousands of Western New Yorkers. It was on that day, that Father Nelson Baker came home.

In July 1998, Msgr. Robert Wurtz, pastor of OLV Parish announced that the earthly remains of Father Baker would be transferred from nearby Holy Cross Cemetery into his most beloved of creations, the OLV Basilica. The move, which was ordered by the Congregation for the Causes of Saints in Rome, would help raise awareness of Father Baker, his mission, and his legacy. On that brilliant morning in March, Father Baker's casket, carried by six men who were raised by the Padre of the Poor himself, was placed in a sarcophagus within the Grotto Shrine to Our Lady of Lourdes, found on the southern end of the Basilica's transept. A truly unique area, the Grotto is hewn out of black lava rock from Mount Vesuvius in Italy. At the time of its construction, Father Baker insisted on finding a material that was untouched by humans to pay tribute to the vision of Our Blessed Lady to St. Bernadatte in Lourdes, France. It is estimated that nearly 6,000 people passed through the Basilica's doors that day just to honor the humble priest and all of his accomplishments.

Today & Beyond

In 2001, a celebration 75 years in the making was held as the OLV Parish celebrated the National Shrine's Diamond Jubilee. As the 75th Anniversary of consecration approached, a committee of parishioners and OLV Institutions' staff members banned together to plan a truly special day. On May 26, a special Mass was followed by a dinner party, at which hundreds of dignitaries, clergy members, and friends came together to celebrate the OLV Basilica and its saintly founder, Father Nelson Baker.

Today, the Basilica continues to draw close to 2,000 visitors every month. Pilgrims and well-wishers of all faiths from every state gather to offer prayers to Father Baker, enjoy a calm moment of reflection, or just to admire the breath-taking architecture. The future will no doubt hold even more promise, as Father Baker advances down the long Path to Sainthood. Beatification (the next step and the second of three in the process), would, in itself, cause attendance to jump, while canonization is expected to bring tens of thousands of visitors to Lackawanna and its wondrous shrine.

Simply stated, the OLV Basilica is what it is: a shrine of unparalleled beauty, a place for all to dream, hope and believe in. But it is also this: a gift offered by a humble servant to a provider of great things, the Blessed Mother. It is, and ever will be, a symbol of Father Baker's steadying faith and a dream that was very much worth dreaming.

www.ourladyofvictory.org/Basilica/bashistory.html

A true architectural wonder, the Basilica of Our Lady of Victory stands as a tangible symbol of one man's unshakable faith and devotion to his patroness, Mary. It is a place of wondrous beauty, radiating hope to all those who arrive at its doors in desperate need. Its hundreds of paintings, sculptures, and mosaics dazzle the senses and evoke awe in even the hardest of hearts. But, above all, the Basilica is a gift of thanks. A gift, offered by Msgr. Nelson Baker, V.G., to his helpmate, Our Lady of Victory, for more than 50 years of inspiration and spiritual assistance.

The Gift

The year was 1921. Although Father Baker was 79 years old, he was still a visionary with great dreams -- and he had one more that needed attention. At a routine parish council meeting, the humble priest shocked all in attendance as he calmly unveiled ambitious plans for a shrine that would rival any within the U.S. Speaking before an astonished crowd, Father Baker outlined his desire for the finest materials and artists to come together for a true masterwork -- a way of paying homage to the Blessed Mother who provided him with so much throughout the years. Astounding all with his infectious vigor, construction was begun almost immediately.

Knowing that he had not set aside a penny for the new shrine's building did not seem to upset him either, as Father Baker was confident that Our Lady of Victory would again look kindly upon him -- and She did. The "Padre of the Poor" sent out a call of support and it was answered by thousands of citizens from around the nation, happy to support such a divine project. Some contributed through the Association of Our Lady of Victory, Father Baker's pioneering direct-mail fundraising club (via per-brick sponsorships of $10), while countless others sent offerings both large and small.

By late1925, construction of the great Sanctuary of Our Lady of Victory was completed and the first Mass was held there on Christmas of that year. Amazingly, when it opened the following year, the Basilica had no debt, having been completely paid for at a cost of $3.2 million. On May 25, 1926, a very special consecration ceremony took place. Attended by thousands of local dignitaries, priests, nuns, and well-wishers, the event was presided over by Father Baker, Bishop William Turner of the Diocese of Buffalo, and Cardinal Patrick Hayes. Within two months an even higher honor was bestowed upon the shrine as it was officially designated a Minor Basilica via an apostolic decree from Pope Pius XI. Father Baker's greatest dream had been realized: the gift had been given

Through the Years

Although the Basilica has seen many years, it has not seen too many changes. Only three events have altered the original design of the shrine significantly.

In 1941, a freak and violent lightning storm caused major damage to the Basilica's original twin towers. Father Baker's first successor, Msgr. Joseph Maguire, led the efforts to refurbish the structures, replacing the marble towers with the lower, enclosed, copper-dome-tipped towers that can be seen today.

The only other change to the Basilica's exterior took place some 60 years later. Piles of snow and ice caused by the harsh winter of 2001-2002 took its toll on the National Shrine, forcing Msgr. Robert Wurtz to replace the shrine's greenish-hued roof. When the Basilica was first built, the dome and the roof were made of a shiny copper, but, over time, those features turned green due to prolonged exposure to the elements (the same chemical change seen on the Statue of Liberty). A new copper roof was put up, and although, it doesn't match the other greenish highlights, the structure will begin to turn colors in upcoming years and is expected to blend right in with the other sections of copper in about 50 years.

Father Baker Comes Home

March 11, 1999, was a date which would see a profound change in the shrine, and in the minds of thousands of Western New Yorkers. It was on that day, that Father Nelson Baker came home.

In July 1998, Msgr. Robert Wurtz, pastor of OLV Parish announced that the earthly remains of Father Baker would be transferred from nearby Holy Cross Cemetery into his most beloved of creations, the OLV Basilica. The move, which was ordered by the Congregation for the Causes of Saints in Rome, would help raise awareness of Father Baker, his mission, and his legacy. On that brilliant morning in March, Father Baker's casket, carried by six men who were raised by the Padre of the Poor himself, was placed in a sarcophagus within the Grotto Shrine to Our Lady of Lourdes, found on the southern end of the Basilica's transept. A truly unique area, the Grotto is hewn out of black lava rock from Mount Vesuvius in Italy. At the time of its construction, Father Baker insisted on finding a material that was untouched by humans to pay tribute to the vision of Our Blessed Lady to St. Bernadatte in Lourdes, France. It is estimated that nearly 6,000 people passed through the Basilica's doors that day just to honor the humble priest and all of his accomplishments.

Today & Beyond

In 2001, a celebration 75 years in the making was held as the OLV Parish celebrated the National Shrine's Diamond Jubilee. As the 75th Anniversary of consecration approached, a committee of parishioners and OLV Institutions' staff members banned together to plan a truly special day. On May 26, a special Mass was followed by a dinner party, at which hundreds of dignitaries, clergy members, and friends came together to celebrate the OLV Basilica and its saintly founder, Father Nelson Baker.

Today, the Basilica continues to draw close to 2,000 visitors every month. Pilgrims and well-wishers of all faiths from every state gather to offer prayers to Father Baker, enjoy a calm moment of reflection, or just to admire the breath-taking architecture. The future will no doubt hold even more promise, as Father Baker advances down the long Path to Sainthood. Beatification (the next step and the second of three in the process), would, in itself, cause attendance to jump, while canonization is expected to bring tens of thousands of visitors to Lackawanna and its wondrous shrine.

Simply stated, the OLV Basilica is what it is: a shrine of unparalleled beauty, a place for all to dream, hope and believe in. But it is also this: a gift offered by a humble servant to a provider of great things, the Blessed Mother. It is, and ever will be, a symbol of Father Baker's steadying faith and a dream that was very much worth dreaming.

www.ourladyofvictory.org/Basilica/bashistory.html

Well, it's been a while, but, I dun dunnit. I wrote me another Country song. lol As always, what I lack in talent, I more than make up for in complete absence of creativity. LOL I'm kinda the grey and white bits in a kaleidoscope. Not unlike this photograph.

Remember Promises

Do you remember when your promises

Gave me life to face the day?

And, all you really had to say

Was, “I believe in you”

Do you remember when your promises

Blest my day, and sped the night?

Your smile, the fires of love ignite

Yeah, I believe in you

Through the pages of years

Through the storms of tears

Over hills that seemed insurmountable

Valleys deep and yawning

Future, dark and daunting

Our love remains, incontrovertible

Thank God for promises

Yeah

Thank God for promises

Yeah

Do you remember when your promises

Gave me life to face the day?

And, all you really had to say

Was, “I believe in you”

Do you remember when your promises

Blest my day, and sped the night?

Your smile, the fires of love ignite

Yeah, I believe in you

When I look in your eyes

What I see there clarifies

All the love for me, unmistakable

I know that you can feel,

My love for you is real

It’s steadfast, and it’s unshakable

Thank God for promises

Yeah

Thank God for promises

Yeah

No Post for a long time .. I Really Hope that everyone likes it!!

Thank You All ;-D

Impressionnisme and Expressionnisme in classical painting

Have unshakable lofty status and dignity respect

I try to apply it in creative photographic work

Never confuse my desire for peace with a lack of resolve. Restraint is not weakness, nor is mercy a lack of strength. I choose peace because I know the weight of violence, the scars it leaves, and the cost it demands. But threaten those I love, and you will find my will unshakable, my defense unwavering. The same hands that offer comfort can strike with precision, and the heart that seeks harmony can burn with righteous fury. My patience is boundless, but my protection is absolute: a force immovable, unyielding, fierce.

“The mountain has left me feeling renewed, more content and positive than I’ve been for weeks, as if something has been given back after a long absence, as if my eyes have opened once again. For this time at least, I’ve let myself be rooted in the unshakable sanity of the senses, spared my mind the burden of too much thinking, turned myself outward to experience the world and inward to savor the pleasures it has given me.” ~ Richard Nelson

Explored September 9, 2012

Woke up this morning to a beautiful day; crisp, cool, a feel of autumn in the air, and it reminded me of our first night in Banff. We visited this area back in 2003 and both recalled thinking to ourselves and to each other that the Canadian Rockies are one of the most beautiful places on earth, so we were eager to return to the area last month and see if we still felt the same. Our friends, Joe, Lorien, and Bev, had suggested that we take a scenic route from Glacier to Banff via Kannanaskis Country, and WOW, what an incredible journey...lots of oohs and aahs the entire trip. We enjoyed a beautiful day with our friends before heading out to Vermillion Lakes for sunset, and this is just one of many tranquil scenes we were treated to; hope you enjoy :-)

Be sure to check out our friend's photostreams as well, JoLoLog and Bev's pics; you won't be disappointed. Have a great Sunday, and as always, thanks for stopping by to visit :-)

© Darlene Bushue - All of my images are protected by copyright and may not be used on any site, blog, or forum without my permission.

I want it all…

Skin to skin cuddling on quiet nights, your warmth pressed against mine like we’re made to fit… fingers tracing patterns on on each others' backs, soft whispers in the dark, breathing in sync until sleep takes us both. I want holding hands in all the little moments… walking to the car, sitting side by side, reaching for each other like it’s second nature, like letting go isn’t an option.

I want your hand on my thigh during car rides, a quiet gesture that says, “I’m here… and I’m not going anywhere.” I want those fleeting glances while the world passes by, your fingers drawing lazy circles on my skin as we drive toward nowhere, toward everywhere.

I want smiling in between kisses, that soft, giddy kind of love where lips curve because being this close feels too good not to smile. I want to sit next to you at food dates, not across, not apart… next to you, close enough to share bites, to lean into your shoulder, to feel you beside me while we talk about everything and nothing.

I want us to travel together, new cities and old streets, hands intertwined across continents, making memories that only we’ll understand. I want us to see the world together and still always feel like home is wherever you are.

I want constant laughter… belly laughs, snorts, tears from laughing too hard, the kind of joy that bubbles up just because we’re together. I want shared goofiness, silly dances in the kitchen or on the driveway, off-key singing in the car, inside jokes that only we’ll ever understand.

I don’t just want love… I want friendship, comfort, passion, faith, laughter, peace… all wrapped up in you. I want a love that feels like a safe place and an adventure all at once. A love that holds me close but never holds me back. A love that’s gentle, but deep. Soft, but unshakable.

I want us. Every little moment. Every ordinary day made extraordinary just because we’re in it together.

In a forest, there are always some trees that stand seemingly unshakable and some that fell over. Together they give us an impression of nature and life.

I'm not really satisfied with this picture. I like the framing. I struggled very long with the white balance, and feel only partly satiesfied. I didn't bring a tripod with me, so 1/13th was the lowest possible handheld shutter I could manage. I didn't want to increase the ISO for the fear of losing even more dynamic range. Well, there are days like these ...

October 2011

Dawn summons gale-force winds and tempest waves to the shores of Lake Michigan and the unshakable bulwark of the Grand Haven South Pier Lights.

Copyright © 2011 Richard Thompson. All rights reserved.

This was taken during a recent stay on a farm in the Newlands Valley in the Lake District. One morning we saw these delightful fellows being herded into a pen adjoining a colourful and nicely textured outbuilding. Sheep are obviously known for their unshakable desire to make photographers' lives as difficult as possible so it made for a fairly shambolic scene. Amidst the chaos I did manage to get a few interesting and quirky shots though.

Unwinding and finding peace in the calm of dusk... ♥

Take a moment to unwind and let her thoughts wander. Sometimes the best company is herself... ♥

ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ

. . . Pursuit of 'Us' . . .

She was aware that she needed a hero to strengthen her weaknesses, and that hero turned out to be none other than herself..

She chose to surround herself with men who have big hearts and unshakable confidence, and who are dedicated to her happiness without hesitation. She left behind those whose hearts were too small and only fought for themselves and the collective 'us', never considering her needs as an individual..

If they keep searching for a collective 'us' to fight for and settle with, they will never find true purpose and fulfillment with her. The sense of belonging to an 'us' only comes after they have fought for and settled with 'her' already..

ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ

Us is ... You + 'ME'

Us is not ... You + Beautiful Planssss 'WITH' Me

Some relations never been relationship and was nonexistent, as there was no "you AND me" or "Us."

Between you and me

... never have us

... never about us

... nothing is us

And also there was never 'our' story because there was never 'us'

Between you and me

... it's just you and your plans to have them 'with' me. it never 'for' me and it never had us. There was never a single minute of 'our' story.

There cannot be a shared story between us since you are solely focused on making plans without considering who I am.

ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ

☑ mutual Agreement 'is not' mutual Commitment

☑ mutual Agreement 'is not' Us

It is quite evident that ambiguity can be a straightforward explanation for some types of relations. If an individual has not assigned any status or label to another person or taken steps to advance to the relationship, it is apparent that there has never been a mutual commitment between them.

That is why she forbids certain individuals from using the words 'us,' 'our,' or 'ours' when addressing her or others. It is not within their authority to use such words and terms.

ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ

" Among men who are easily broken and can quickly lose faith in a harsh world, he insisted on not letting his good heart succumb to such influences. This impressed her, winning her heart and soul in a way that no one else could.. 💞"

ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ

. . Zeboran . .

He, a swirl of charisma and sarcasm, danced through life with unwavering good-heart. No matter the slings and arrows flung by a cruel mistress, his core of goodness held firm. Even amidst her worst, he refused to dim his light, choosing grace over malice.

This silent strength, this refusal to let bad beget bad, stunned her. He was a lighthouse in a storm, her admiration growing with each unwavering flicker of his soul. In a world where darkness swallowed easily, he shone, a testament to the unyielding beauty of an unbroken heart.

He created a story about two souls with extremely different personas, made possible for her. Love blossomed, not for the man, but for the resilience that made him a beacon in the night.. 💕

ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ

. . A Love Note from His Miss . .

"Ah, this charming devil—a heartthrob with a twinkle and a swagger that could melt glaciers, yet beneath it all, a core of goodness so solid it'd shame a diamond. In a world where beliefs crumble and promises vanish, he stands tall, a monument to unshakable decency.

A smooth talker and heartbreaker, yet beneath banter and bedroom eyes lies a steel core of honor and unbroken goodness.

Life throws punches like a drunken boxer, but he dodges with quick wit and a devilish grin. He takes his lumps, yeah, but they just fuel the fire. He laughs in the face of darkness, throws back sarcasm like confetti, and keeps that good heart of his burning bright, even when she tries to drown it in her tears.

His unwavering decency and refusal to let her bitterness tarnish his soul are like watching a phoenix rise from the ashes of every betrayal. He's a lighthouse in a storm, a melody in the chaos, a whisper of hope in her cynical symphony.

She falls for him, hard. Not just for the dazzling surface, but the unyielding man underneath. Proof that in the coldest night, a single ember can set the whole damn world on fire.

There you have him: a rogue with a heart of gold, a bad boy with a soul shining brighter than stars. A love story in tequila shots and whispered promises—a testament to the enduring power of a good man in a wicked world.. 💕"

ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ.-:**★**:-.ღ

Full Version

www.flickr.com/photos/161478161@N05/53451390778

Whoever was born must die. Even in the face of death my faith will be unshakable

Delusional disorder, previously called paranoid disorder, is a type of serious mental illness called a "psychosis" in which a person cannot tell what is real from what is imagined. The main feature of this disorder is the presence of delusions, which are unshakable beliefs in something untrue. People with delusional disorder experience non-bizarre delusions, which involve situations that could occur in real life, such as being followed, poisoned, deceived, conspired against, or loved from a distance. These delusions usually involve the misinterpretation of perceptions or experiences. In reality, however, the situations are either not true at all or highly exaggerated.

People with delusional disorder often can continue to socialize and function normally, apart from the subject of their delusion, and generally do not behave in an obviously odd or bizarre manner. This is unlike people with other psychotic disorders, who also might have delusions as a symptom of their disorder. In some cases, however, people with delusional disorder might become so preoccupied with their delusions that their lives are disrupted.

---------------

i look like some crazy evil monser that just emerged from beneath your bed

remember this mirror?

ooof. dont look at the mirror. it said "perfect" from another long-ago shoot... and i forgot it was there =/

anywhooo dont we all wonder if we suffer from this at some point or another? probably. its like "clasic crazy"

day 124

Finding a solution for having a better society must be the preoccupation of governments of all countries. Eradicating the poverty is a necessity. Countries in the middle east can work on similar projects, instead of giving the chance to the growth of enmity.

"Breaking the cycle takes time. Be patient and gentle with yourself. Set long term goals. And be persistent! Remember to stretch, laugh and be unshakable!" - {Sri Sathya Sai Baba}

A true architectural wonder, the Basilica of Our Lady of Victory stands as a tangible symbol of one man's unshakable faith and devotion to his patroness, Mary. It is a place of wondrous beauty, radiating hope to all those who arrive at its doors in desperate need. Its hundreds of paintings, sculptures, and mosaics dazzle the senses and evoke awe in even the hardest of hearts. But, above all, the Basilica is a gift of thanks. A gift, offered by Msgr. Nelson Baker, V.G., to his helpmate, Our Lady of Victory, for more than 50 years of inspiration and spiritual assistance.

The Gift

The year was 1921. Although Father Baker was 79 years old, he was still a visionary with great dreams -- and he had one more that needed attention. At a routine parish council meeting, the humble priest shocked all in attendance as he calmly unveiled ambitious plans for a shrine that would rival any within the U.S. Speaking before an astonished crowd, Father Baker outlined his desire for the finest materials and artists to come together for a true masterwork -- a way of paying homage to the Blessed Mother who provided him with so much throughout the years. Astounding all with his infectious vigor, construction was begun almost immediately.

Knowing that he had not set aside a penny for the new shrine's building did not seem to upset him either, as Father Baker was confident that Our Lady of Victory would again look kindly upon him -- and She did. The "Padre of the Poor" sent out a call of support and it was answered by thousands of citizens from around the nation, happy to support such a divine project. Some contributed through the Association of Our Lady of Victory, Father Baker's pioneering direct-mail fundraising club (via per-brick sponsorships of $10), while countless others sent offerings both large and small.

By late1925, construction of the great Sanctuary of Our Lady of Victory was completed and the first Mass was held there on Christmas of that year. Amazingly, when it opened the following year, the Basilica had no debt, having been completely paid for at a cost of $3.2 million. On May 25, 1926, a very special consecration ceremony took place. Attended by thousands of local dignitaries, priests, nuns, and well-wishers, the event was presided over by Father Baker, Bishop William Turner of the Diocese of Buffalo, and Cardinal Patrick Hayes. Within two months an even higher honor was bestowed upon the shrine as it was officially designated a Minor Basilica via an apostolic decree from Pope Pius XI. Father Baker's greatest dream had been realized: the gift had been given

Through the Years

Although the Basilica has seen many years, it has not seen too many changes. Only three events have altered the original design of the shrine significantly.

In 1941, a freak and violent lightning storm caused major damage to the Basilica's original twin towers. Father Baker's first successor, Msgr. Joseph Maguire, led the efforts to refurbish the structures, replacing the marble towers with the lower, enclosed, copper-dome-tipped towers that can be seen today.

The only other change to the Basilica's exterior took place some 60 years later. Piles of snow and ice caused by the harsh winter of 2001-2002 took its toll on the National Shrine, forcing Msgr. Robert Wurtz to replace the shrine's greenish-hued roof. When the Basilica was first built, the dome and the roof were made of a shiny copper, but, over time, those features turned green due to prolonged exposure to the elements (the same chemical change seen on the Statue of Liberty). A new copper roof was put up, and although, it doesn't match the other greenish highlights, the structure will begin to turn colors in upcoming years and is expected to blend right in with the other sections of copper in about 50 years.

Father Baker Comes Home

March 11, 1999, was a date which would see a profound change in the shrine, and in the minds of thousands of Western New Yorkers. It was on that day, that Father Nelson Baker came home.

In July 1998, Msgr. Robert Wurtz, pastor of OLV Parish announced that the earthly remains of Father Baker would be transferred from nearby Holy Cross Cemetery into his most beloved of creations, the OLV Basilica. The move, which was ordered by the Congregation for the Causes of Saints in Rome, would help raise awareness of Father Baker, his mission, and his legacy. On that brilliant morning in March, Father Baker's casket, carried by six men who were raised by the Padre of the Poor himself, was placed in a sarcophagus within the Grotto Shrine to Our Lady of Lourdes, found on the southern end of the Basilica's transept. A truly unique area, the Grotto is hewn out of black lava rock from Mount Vesuvius in Italy. At the time of its construction, Father Baker insisted on finding a material that was untouched by humans to pay tribute to the vision of Our Blessed Lady to St. Bernadatte in Lourdes, France. It is estimated that nearly 6,000 people passed through the Basilica's doors that day just to honor the humble priest and all of his accomplishments.

Today & Beyond

In 2001, a celebration 75 years in the making was held as the OLV Parish celebrated the National Shrine's Diamond Jubilee. As the 75th Anniversary of consecration approached, a committee of parishioners and OLV Institutions' staff members banned together to plan a truly special day. On May 26, a special Mass was followed by a dinner party, at which hundreds of dignitaries, clergy members, and friends came together to celebrate the OLV Basilica and its saintly founder, Father Nelson Baker.

Today, the Basilica continues to draw close to 2,000 visitors every month. Pilgrims and well-wishers of all faiths from every state gather to offer prayers to Father Baker, enjoy a calm moment of reflection, or just to admire the breath-taking architecture. The future will no doubt hold even more promise, as Father Baker advances down the long Path to Sainthood. Beatification (the next step and the second of three in the process), would, in itself, cause attendance to jump, while canonization is expected to bring tens of thousands of visitors to Lackawanna and its wondrous shrine.

Simply stated, the OLV Basilica is what it is: a shrine of unparalleled beauty, a place for all to dream, hope and believe in. But it is also this: a gift offered by a humble servant to a provider of great things, the Blessed Mother. It is, and ever will be, a symbol of Father Baker's steadying faith and a dream that was very much worth dreaming.

www.ourladyofvictory.org/Basilica/bashistory.html

"Nobody is immune to a nationwide evil unless he is unshakably convinced of the danger of his own character being tainted by the same evil."

[Jung]

First of all I want to apologize for adding the writing long after adding the photo. I just didn't have the time for the write up. I hope this writing doesn't change your comments which you already added. Thank you.

Something appealed to me when I took this photo and that's because it reminded of heaven (or more of Garden of Eden). It appealed to me not because I know how heaven feels or looks like, but because around the day I took the photo I was thinking about heaven. Here were my thoughts:

What is the advantage of having a relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ? Can we say that we now have peace, but before we became Christians we didn't? Well, yes, now we have inner peace that's unshakable and transcends understanding. But we can't say that before we became Christians we never had peace, or at least peaceful moments. Even if it was false peace, such as feeling peace after doing "good works" as if we can please God by our own efforts without grace.

Can we say that we now have joy, but before we became Christians we didn't? I don't need to put a lengthy argument here because we all know that non-Christians laugh, and have sincere joyful moments. So what is the real blessing that we have as Christians that we never had before? Eternal salvation? Yes, but that's after we die. What blessing do we have now that we didn't have before we became Christians?

Then it hit me, "Knowing this wonderful, gentle, loving, wise, powerful, creative God of the Bible: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit…is our real and unique blessing". Knowing God the Father is a blessing we can never attain without the Son, Jesus Christ.

Isn't God's presence what heaven is all about? Wasn't this—knowing God personally and walking with Him, and being in His presence—Adam's and Eve's biggest loss of sinning against God and being banished from the Garden of Eden?

Saint Augustine wrote, "Our heart is restless until it rests in you [God]." What is the point of laughter here and there, and occasional false peace if our hearts are not continually resting in Him? And how can our heart rest in Him if we are banished from His presence? All thanks are to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ who through His death made it possible for God's just to forgive us our sins and His holiness to look upon us. We are truly blessed to have access to His presence.

(Ontario Place, Toronto, ON; summer 2009.)

"Unshakable Sunset" No PP, just KISS (Keep it simple stupid)

No HDR, No Edition without Retouching No Photoshop @ ALL...SOOC