In August of 2012 there were 62 fires burning in seven western states of United States. Smoke was filling the atmosphere both day and night giving the moon an unusual haunted appearance. This painting was an attempted to capture the image of the full moon in the smoke-filled sky. Although this smoke was experienced by everyone living in the western states, the reactions by individuals ran the entire gambit from fear and anger to wonder and amazement at the spectacular red sunsets and the smoke-wreathed moon.
OBSTACLES
By Al Vester
Brooks wouldn’t bubble
If it weren’t for the rocks.
Bells wouldn’t ring
If it weren’t for the knocks.
No day has ever dawned
Without first the night.
No victor is ever crowned
Without first the fight.
There is weight in every load
And rocks in every road.
Life is full of struggles
Everywhere we go,
But if we set to work,
The blessings soon will flow.
While off the coast of Vietnam, our crew coped with many discomforts, not the least of which was the extreme heat within our own submarine. Continue reading “Facing Obstacles”