ON A QUEST...

In search of the illusive Wild Pink Dolphin...

We pulled anchor bright and early, leaving the cozy confines of Kalpitiya on the Northwest coast of Sri Lanka, and headed out into the open sea waters of the Dutch Bay. Having been promised 'thousands of pink dolphins', after two hours of bruising, bottom busting in choppy waters we gave up the search. It wasn't our day...We didn't find what we were looking for, but did not despair. We kept our hopes up and faith alive and were miraculously deposited in a garden of delight (coral that is), the impressive Bar Reef.
No dolphins this time, but we did come across a lovely Wild Pink Duwa...

Jacques le Harley                                                           the Aqua Monk    

In troubled water and turbulent times, you turn to see who's still with you and still smiling...

I have nothing but affection for those who dare to sail with me...
in this till the end...
Tom

THE NOTHING MAN...

I heard of a  man who lived on the coast in a time when every word had meaning and none of them fell to the ground...when it did make a difference what one believed. Truth was not obscure and wasn't subject to men's opinions.
Those days it wasn't such a struggle to be alive and to find purpose in living.
He was not carefree but was free to care and he did...a lot.
One day, all the ships stopped coming in and he made it his business to do something about it...
Tom

UNFADING BEAUTY...

A friend recently told me that I always seems to be around beautiful women. He was teasing of course, but I took the opportunity to tell him that beauty is in the eye (heart) of the beholder. You've  gotta have an eye for it. I believe it's a gift...something about being attentive and appreciative. 

I think it was Mr. Twain who said all women are beautiful, especially the older ones...

And the ones who gracefully embrace the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit...Ooo la la!!!

The most beautiful of all came to me in a dream the other night...

She approached me and took me in a deep embrace...and, I wouldn't let her go. Nothing was said, but everything was understood...and I mean EVERYTHING! I miss her so much, still here in time on this side.

There was a wise man once who said, the more the words, the less the meaning... 

I tend to agree.

nuff said,

Tom

LIFE IS FOR...

Sriyani and I took a New Year's jaunt down South of Colombo to see what was happening at the Hikkaduwa beach...

 Hanging out with my island girl at the Drunken Monkey... Now, that's what I call...

 We went for an evening walk down the beach as the sun was setting and surfers were calling it a day. We parked ourselves on the sand next to this sign which I liked a lot. It became an interesting prop and the time turned magical...

 

 She still loves me, which is great!


My advice for 2012... Stay close to the ones who love you sincerely, especially the One from whom all blessings flow. It could be a rough ride, but He makes all things right in the end, and for now, life worth...

Hearty blessings to all for 2012,
Tom and Sriyani

THE SMILELAND...

Sri Lanka has long been known as the country of smiles. Natasha is a great example and reason for many...

 See you soon,
Tom

MY HOMIES...

We are soon heading back to Sri Lanka to be with family for the holidays...
Looks like my homies are missing me...

See you soon, fellas...
Uncle Tom

LINCOLN TODAY...

Once every year we publish this guide to good living magazine featuring the city of Lincoln in Nebraska. 2012 is the 20th edition. Here is a look at the cover and the page advertising my website.

Thanks to Sriyani. She always does a nice job...and to Rayna. Thanks also to Subha, Courtney, Standing Bear and of course, Abraham... all inspirators,
Tom

THEY SAY YOU CAN'T SHOOT THE WIND...

sure you can...

 At least I shoot the breeze a lot...
Here is Courtney just before she blew away.
I love it when things come together...
Here are a few pix (composites) I managed to bring together for nice effects... This is Howard Wolf surveying the herd.

 ...and a couple with Nadeeka advertising the business.
She always makes it sparkle!

It's all about coming together,
If you like this kind of thing, contact me to schedule a shoot...
Tom

MY HERO...

...my Dad

Here is a photo of my father, John L Tidball, posing in front of the B25 bomber he piloted out of the Aleutian Islands during WW2. (I didn't shoot the picture.) Part of 'The Greatest Generation', he and many like him were responsible for the liberation of many countries and the freedoms we've enjoyed since those days. We just celebrated my Dad's 90th birthday! 
We all salute you, Dad...
It's been a great ride!
Thanks again for your sacrifices and all you've done...
And, a special thanks from me for coming home...
Tom

FUN WHILE IT LASTED...

...so, I sez to the kid...I sez, I don't doubt you can climb out there, but are you sure you can get back? 
Kids these days! They just won't listen...
Tom

THE OUTER MAN...

"...unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains alone: but if it dies, it brings forth much fruit."  Yah Shua
One drop...
One stop...
Tom

DOES SWEET COUNT???

If so, Stephanie's the winner!

 Stephanie Siriwardhana is the reigning Miss Sri Lanka. She'll be competing in Sao Paulo, Brazil for the title of Miss Universe on Sept 12. She is a stunning beauty for sure, but having spent a little time with her recently, it's easy to see her beauty radiates from the inside. She is a real genuine person and a great ambassador for the island. Here are a few pix from our little photo shoot we did together. You can see what I mean...

Good Luck, Stephanie!
I hope you win it all...
Tom

WOULD YOU TAKE A CHECK?

Congratulations Steve!!!

With an awesome stretch run finish, Steve Friesen ran away from the field, recently finishing 1st at the Nationwide Tour event, the 22nd annual Price Cutter Charity Championship in Springfield, Missouri (26 under par...not bad!).
On his whirlwind tour, Steve made a quick stop in Lincoln to celebrate with family and friends. Here he is posing with Chiho, his lovely new bride and his big check for his efforts.
See you on the big tour next summer, Steve and blessings to you and Chiho for all your days ahead. You're off to a great start!
Couldn't happen to a nicer or more well deserving guy...
Keep it rolling, Steve...
Tom

SHE'LL TAKE YOU WHERE YOU WANT TO GO...

Rosie is the best darn tour guide in Malaysia!
She knows her stuff, knows how to get you there and back and is a whole lotta fun along the way!
That's all I'm sayin'...
Tom

YOGIC HINDOO TEMPLE MONKEY...

Keep your balance and remember to always use a spotter...
Tom