Elise Creations & Passions

Saturday, November 21, 2015

Photo In Vermont Magazine

This photo of the Fall Fence Line, at the entrance of All Souls Interfaith Gathering Center in Shelburne, Vermont, has been published in the Winter 2015/2016 issue, of Vermont Magazine, on page 39. It Got an Honorable Mention in the 7th Annual Reader's Photo Contest.

Refugees, Fear and Who We Are By Don Mayer

I think this says it really beautifully. Thanks Don.

Our hearts are broken not only for the victims of the senseless acts of terrorism in Paris but also to the victims of less publicized but equally horrible violence in Kenya, Syria, Iraq and other areas. Whether it is senseless shootings in the USA or fanatical terrorists abroad it is truly boggling to comprehend. But we do grieve for the victims as we search for ways to make our world a safer place.

Refugees, Fear and Who We Are By Don Mayer

If the sadness and shock of the terrorist attacks in Paris were not enough, I was in shock this week as Islamaphobia and fear overwhelmed politicians and citizens. Some politicians were tripping over themselves to stoke the flames of fear by turning on the Syrian refugees. I don’t know about you but if I lived in Syria and there was a war in my neighborhood with madmen from both sides going berserk, I’d be a refugee, too. Oh, by the way, did you know that Steve Jobs father was a Syrian refugee?
This was seemingly fueled by what turns out to be a very sketchy report that one of the terrorists posed as a refugee. That has since been discredited but the conclusion jumping was already in full swing. Some politicians tried even to separate their distain for refugees by religion but there is no religion that makes terrorism its creed and there have been terrorist from many religions. It is when hypocritical fanatics of any religion feel that they can impose their will upon others that conflicts arise.
Way back when the USA was young, our friends in France sent us a gift. The Statue of Liberty proudly stands by our shores with the inscription that defines who we are as a nation:
Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses, yearning to be free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore,
Send these, the homeless, tempest tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door.
When we succumb to the fear the terrorists win. When we change who we are, the terrorists have won. When we let prejudice trump common sense, the terrorists have won. We must lead by example and the example of shunning refugees is the wrong one. In the height of the worst terror since WWII, President Hollande of France recommitted to taking Syrian refugees saying “We have to reinforce our borders while remaining true to our values.”
We cannot change who we are – unless you are a native American, you are a descendant of refugees and immigrants. This anti-immigrant, anti-Islam, anti-refugee wave of fear is unAmerican and is born of ignorance and hate.

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Alpacas With Interesting Colors & Markings

Doubletake

I love the colors & markings on this alpaca, not to mention the ear tassels.

Abby (Moonacre Absolute Prestige)

Allie & Abby

Mattie (Material Girl)

Glimmer with photobomber Novette

This photo was Awarded Photo of the Day on Capture My Vermont, for November 21, 2015

Pintada

There are two kinds of alpacas. These are Huacaya alpacas, (pronounced Wuh-kai-ya). Huacayas are fluffy like teddy bears and Suris have long shiny locks like very soft, slightly curly hair. Alpacas are bred specifically for their fiber. High quality fleece from both species fetches top dollar on the international market. Some hand spinners like to spin alpaca fiber mixed with cotton, wool or Silk. Alpaca fiber is used for making knitted and woven items, similar to wool. These items include blankets, sweaters, hats, gloves, scarves, ponchos, sweaters, socks, coats, bedding, and a wide variety of textiles.

My photographs are available for purchase through EliseCreations.artfire.com

Thanks for your visits, favs and comments. As always, appreciated very much!

OUR DAILY DOSE, a film by Jeremy Seifert

Ending water fluoridation must become one of the greatest public health achievements of the 21st century.

Saturday, November 7, 2015

Baby Squirrels

A friend rescued a couple of baby squirrels. They are now with a wildlife rehabilitator, who does soft releases. This couple knows their stuff, and have released hundreds of squirrels over the years.

Squirrel Baby Drinking Formula

Baby Squirrel Looking For More Formula

My photographs are available for purchase through EliseCreations.artfire.com

Thanks for your visits, favs and comments. As always, appreciated very much!

Saturday, October 31, 2015

HallowWed & A Hedgehog

I went downtown to the Farmers Market and on my way back to my car, saw these 4 strolling down this alleyway towards me. I told them a photo of them in those costumes & the alley, would make a great album cover. The couple on the right, told me they just got married. So I asked if they would like their picture taken & they happily said yes.

At the Farmers Market, I saw one of the best handmade costumes I've ever seen. How great is this Hedgehog?

This is Joanne Kalisz of Happy Fantastic Designs.

My photographs are available for purchase through EliseCreations.net

Thanks for your visits, favs and comments. As always, appreciated very much!

Thursday, October 29, 2015

Sky Over Color In Waitsfield

I just love the feeling of movement that these wispy clouds over these colorful mountains creates.

My photographs are available for purchase through EliseCreations.net

Thanks for your visits, favs and comments. As always, appreciated very much!