From time to time you see something in life that makes your jaw drop. This was one of those times. Seagulls are known as scavenger birds. It doesn’t diminish their place in nature, as a matter of fact I think it should remind all of us to be more thrifty and recycle when we can. Someone tosses food, seagulls eat it. But to witness the unusual is always a joy. At first, I thought he was playing with it, or perhaps was curious and it got stuck in it’s throat. After a little viewing it was obvious he was taking his time and making sure it would go down when swallowed. In one final gulp, it went into his throat and then proceeded into his stomach. A few beak openings and he was finished. Ahhhh! nothing like seafood.
With the Christmas Season upon us, there are many opportunities to enjoy the festivities. Christmas caroling, building snowmen, snowball fights, parades, tree lighting and concerts. My wife and I enjoyed the local Arroyo Grande Parade with it’s low budget floats, children dressed up riding bicycles and scooters. There was something personal about people decorating their cars and trucks for the parade. I did notice there was a lack of Christmas cheer as I’ve seen in past years. What is Christmas spirit anyway? is it the anticipation of Christmas gifts, spending time with family and friends, or perhaps all the work that goes into this holiday. For me, it has been all those things at various times. But the past few years since I have become a believer, Christmas has new meaning for me. With the truth revealed and as painful as it is to admit, I now see that God has taken a back seat to Santa Claus. The parade was filled with references to a Santa filled Christmas, but not one reference to the birth of Jesus, with the exception of some minor caroling that was hard to understand. What is so threatening about a baby born in a manger? The only true symbol of hope this time of year. He came for all mankind!
With the blessing of our upcoming holiday, “Christmas” Let me state it again, “Christmas.” May I remind everyone to please name the holiday what it is. It started as Christmas, let’s keep it Christmas, no “winter break,” no “happy holiday.” It’s the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Truth is becoming more and more opaque for most people. The more you allow yourself to be fooled, the more you will be fooled. Today’s illustration is in support of our “Christmas Season.”
We are updating golden-age/art deco illustrator Coles Phillips. The creator of the fadeaway girl. His wonderful images combined wholesome looking women that blended into the background. Very original and unique for it’s time! His art book with newer and larger images should be completed by December 15th.
Also, we are updating our own original photography image book; Birds, Birds, Birds. This is a personal and fun project that will increase from the current 100 images to more than 1000 images. Good thing we are placing it on DVD! The images will be large, averaging 2200 x 1800 screen pixels. Feel free to use them for all your personal projects. Commercial use will require licensing. This new book will be completed by the end of 2010.
