Bird Feeders

Seed and suet for the birds

Tourists and Diamond Head

Seaside, Oregon

SEASIDE, OREGON 2019


This weekend marked the 15th year of vacationing in Seaside, Oregon, in a funky motel with a great view and kitchenette at the Prom.

The beach is right out the window.

I took this picture of the Prom and the Turnaround (the  spot that marks the end of the Lewis and Clark Expedition) at 3am.  Why?  Who knows?

Our view of Tillamook Head at dawn.

The Turnaround on a Saturday afternoon.

Figure in Grief

FIGURE IN GRIEF

Hugo Robus

Mona Mahmudnizhad

Someday, everyone will know of and be inspired by the story of Mona Mahmudnizhad, who was sentenced to death and hanged in Shiraz, Iran, on June 18, 1983 for her unwavering belief in  Baha'u'llah. She was 16.

The official charges ranged from "misleading children and youth", to being a "Zionist".  The latter charge is based on the fact that the Baha'i World Center is located in Israel.  That Baha'u'llah was banished to the prison at Akka, Israel,  by the Ottoman Empire because of a perceived threat to the authority of the Islamic clergy is a reality completely lost on the accusers.

Peanut Pouch

I bought a pouch to carry peanuts for the squirrels and crows I meet.

Mosaic

Mosaic

 Joe Paczkowski

Preparing for the Next World

6 July 1912

Talk at 309 West Seventy-eighth Street, New York

Notes by Emma C. Melick

In the world of existence man has traversed successive degrees until he has attained the human kingdom. In each degree of his progression he has developed capacity for advancement to the next station and condition. While in the kingdom of the mineral he was attaining the capacity for promotion into the degree of the vegetable. In the kingdom of the vegetable he underwent preparation for the world of the animal, and from thence he has come onward to the human degree, or kingdom. Throughout this journey of progression he has ever and always been potentially man.

In the beginning of his human life man was embryonic in the world of the matrix. There he received capacity and endowment for the reality of human existence. The forces and powers necessary for this world were bestowed upon him in that limited condition. In this world he needed eyes; he received them potentially in the other. He needed ears; he obtained them there in readiness and preparation for his new existence. The powers requisite in this world were conferred upon him in the world of the matrix so that when he entered this realm of real existence he not only possessed all necessary functions and powers but found provision for his material sustenance awaiting him.

Therefore, in this world he must prepare himself for the life beyond. That which he needs in the world of the Kingdom must be obtained here. Just as he prepared himself in the world of the matrix by acquiring forces necessary in this sphere of existence, so, likewise, the indispensable forces of the divine existence must be potentially attained in this world.  

 What is he in need of in the Kingdom which transcends the life and limitation of this mortal sphere? That world beyond is a world of sanctity and radiance; therefore it is necessary that in this world he should acquire these divine attributes. In that world there is need of spirituality, faith, assurance, the knowledge and love of God. These he must attain in this world so that after his ascension from the earthly to the heavenly Kingdom he shall find all that is needful in that life eternal ready for him.

  

That divine world is manifestly a world of lights; therefore man has need of illumination here. That is a world of love; the love of God is essential. It is a world of perfections; virtues or perfections must be acquired. That world is vivified by the breaths of the Holy Spirit; in this world we must seek them. That is the Kingdom of life everlasting; it must be attained during this vanishing existence.


By what means can man acquire these things? How shall he obtain these merciful gifts and powers? First, through the knowledge of God. Second, through the love of God. Third, through faith. Fourth, through philanthropic deeds. Fifth, through self-sacrifice. Sixth, through severance from this world. Seventh, through sanctity and holiness. Unless he acquires these forces and attains to these requirements he will surely be deprived of the life that is eternal. But if he possesses the knowledge of God, becomes ignited through the fire of the love of God, witnesses the great and mighty signs of the Kingdom, becomes the cause of love among mankind, and lives in the utmost state of sanctity and holiness, he shall surely attain to second birth, be baptized by the Holy Spirit and enjoy everlasting existence.

--Abdu'l-Baha, Promulgation of Universal Peace  Source

Bay Bridge Builders

Men sail home at the end of a day of construction work on the San Francisco Bay Bridge in 1935. 

(Via Dan Lee)

Baha'is May Not Enter

A sign on a door of a shop in Iran that prohibits Baha'i's from entering.