WATERMELON GIRL...

 HERE'S A SHOUT OUT TO ONE OF THE SWEETEST GIRLS I'VE EVER MET AND TO A REALLY LUCKY GUY... 

DARCY AND PAUL,


BLESSINGS FROM ABOVE FOR ALL YOUR DAYS TOGETHER...


TOM

IT'S ONLY A GAME!!!

 I've been known to be occasionally exuberant about the good State of Nebraska, especially over the camaraderie shared by fans of the local college football team. It may look a bit strange from the outside, but that's OK... From my perspective, it has been a shared thing taught by my dad and encouraged throughout the State for generations.  When people who don't even know each other are hugging, high fiving and enjoying a unified identity all year long, it just plain feels good. 
I've heard many church goers say, if all those people can get so excited about football, why can't we praise God with the same enthusiasm? ...hmmmmm.  I'd say if they knew Him, they certainly would. Indeed, even the rocks would cry out! That day is coming...
For now, we thank Yah Veh for all these many blessings, including this great day in the sun... 

We just scored!!!

                                                        Me and my brothers...

                                                          Me and my date...


GO HUSKERS!!!


Tom

WILL WONDERS NEVER CEASE?

    Composting the Nebraska way...

  

On our little road trip through the Sandhills, Sriyani and I were amazed by a not-so-natural phenomenon just outside Alliance in Northwestern Nebraska...
Was it someone's creative car parts junkyard?
Or, was it a really slow motion recycling center?

 

 No, it was Carhenge! Built in 1987 by Jim Reinders with the help of 35 family members to honor his father who had farmed the land where it now stands. Jim's idea was to replicate the layout of the famous Stonehenge in England where he had previously lived and had opportunity to study the ancient ruins...this time using retired vehicles in place of stones. Check it out! We, along with 100,000 visitors from all over the world, were impressed. 

Here I am, feeling right at home.

 And, here is Sriyani...a long way from home.

 We decided to stay until the sun went down, but as it got dark we heard the distant wailing horn of a 1954 Studebaker. We thought it was a good time to move on.

It's the same game...but on another level.

just passing through,

Tom

POW WOW.....

 For me, some of the most visually loaded and exciting events in North America are the traditional Native American Pow Wows. Packed with deep meaning and purpose, these celebrations are terrific to experience. One of the most powerful moments is the opening ceremony, the intertribal grand entry. With voices wailing over the loudspeakers and drums beating out the rhythms, everyone fills the arena in a massive overload of color and camaraderie... a wonderful display of brotherhood and unity. It is awesome to behold! 

This summer we made our way to the Pow Wows in Macy and Winnebago. Here are some pix of those times and these beautiful people. To view a few more, please check my website at http://www.tidballphoto.com/motiongallery/latest.htm

Still standing, still looking up and still dancing to the beat of the drum...................

Tom

...SPEAKING OF KILLING FIELDS!!!

December 29, 1890 is still remembered as one of the darkest days in American history...

At Wounded Knee, South Dakota in the bitter cold of winter, 300 native men, women and children were unnecessarily slaughtered by the US Seventh Calvary. To this day, Wounded Knee symbolizes all the wrongs inflicted on Native Americans through the years, and we continue to marvel at what inspires such cold hearted cruelty...

A solemn cemetery stands at the top of the hill... Many crosses are there also commemorating the One Great Warrior who sacrificed it all, proving that the heart of a true warrior and friend is measured in willingness to lay down his life for the good of the tribe.

At the site, a stone marker stands with the names of some of the fallen inscribed, beginning with Chief Big Foot... (for a closer look, click on the pic)

Having embraced the homeland and being fierce warriors at heart, an impressive number of Native Americans have served under the same flag which flew on that day in the hands of their slayers.

It is most humbling to witness the honor and hero's welcome those who serve in the military receive from their community.

As I was leaving, I spotted two young men on their way home from a basketball tournament. They called themselves the 'Wounded Knee Warriors', the name of their singing group...

...still singing to the beat of the drum

Hoka Hey,

Tom