...Lest We Forget...

It's been nearly a century since the "War to End All Wars". We're now some 4 generations removed from the Second World War. Nearly all those who fought in those two wars have crossed Onward. We have to remember the blood that was shed for the freedoms we now enjoy through those conflicts.

To remember not just soldiers, but resistance fighters and ordinary men and women and children who did what they could to keep the light of Humanity shining in its own darkest hours. Not too long ago, I was privileged to visit several memorial sites in Normandy. I thought it timely to mount some images of those locations; including a ceremony with actual veterans.

As you look at them, do remember the current wars that rage around the globe. Many of our brothers, sons, daughters, sisters and mothers and fathers and friends fight in them, have been maimed by them...and have died in them. Please...let's just pause to remember those who's blood has been shed fighting for our sakes; regardless of politics. As Time moves forward--leaving its winnowing marks on our current generations--we must pledge to never ever forget...

On The Eve of All Saints' Day - Sacred Spaces Con't

To push things into the sphere of the sacrosanct.; here are some more snaps of the Cathedral of Coutances in northern France. It's a part of the Sacred Spaces series that I am working on. All Saints' Day (also called All Hallows or Hallowmas) commemorates all those who have attained the beatific vision in Heaven in Western Christianity. The day is observed principally in the Roman Catholic Church; as well as some branches of the Anglican denomination on November 1st. Enjoy.

In The Spirit of the Season...

Keeping in theme with the Halloween season, I'm posting a few pics of some graveyards that were taken in a photo shoot experiment in Normandy. Enjoy 'em and Happy Halloween. (insert the sound of ethereal malevolent laughter) ;)

The Normandy Cat Story

So I, and my buddy Josh, are traveling along the highways and byways of Normandy and stumble upon a WWII site that has trenches and old war equipment on display. Figuring it'd be a great photo op; we decide to stop. On site, we see all this cool military equipement and stuff. I'm taking photos like a man possessed.







As I take a photo of a trench, my pal Josh decides to stride into my shot...yet (expletive-ing) again; with his usual "too-cool-for-school" attitude in full effect to boot. I mean, honestly! (chuckle) The jerk. Lol! I yelled at him to get outta my shot. He made some kind of gesture after this photo was taken. One which I took and may publish later--or better yet--use for blackmail purposes. Hmmm...I'll figure it out eventually. Heh-heh...





In any event, we make our way 'round the trenches and bunkers...awesome stuff...




only then to behold the following around a turn in the trench...a family of seemingly orphaned kittens. Right in the middle of a old battlefiled. Now both I and JK are thinkin': "Odd! But cool photo op."




Soon enough, the Mom shows up and has a mouse in her mouth--family dinner presumably--and is mewling for her kids. It's an oddly bucolic event in the middle of a place with such dark history.






However, in the rush to photograph this little family, I failed to see one of the little tykes was right near my leg just behind me. I stepped back and felt the ground softer than it should've been. Black on Black violence is so sad. It really has got to stop. Heh-heh. Well, the poor thing yeowled in pain and the mom hissed and almost was ready to scratch my eyes out. Don't mess with a mama and her baby. In any case, as you can see below, the little wee one was none the worse for wear. And Mom and I made peace. I don't have a photo of it but she'd even came and rubbed up against my legs twice and purred...so all's forgiven.



So in the end, Josh and I, hit the road and left this little feral family to itself in the middle of the WWII trenches. With a parting photographic shot, mom gave me a last look of admonition; as her family sat down to fresh mouse for dinner. Feeling sheepish, I promised her I'll do penance and do better by my four-legged friends.

Mont St. Michel - Redux

Here's a few more photos of both the interior and exterior of this rather inspirational place. Enjoy.