The Eagle Nebula (M16): Peering Into the Pillars of Creation (A nearby star-forming region about 7,000 light years from Earth.)

A: I can't imagine a single time that I haven't contemplated the origin of all things, but I think about the origin of the universe more – all things are a result of one cosmic event … if I could figure that out, I might be able to understand the logic behind why everything else exists. I think about the patterns in different species and environments … why trees look like veins or why a circle is the most efficient and perfect shape imagined. I don't think about religion because there are so many more magnificent and elegant questions to ask.

What do you think about? What animal, plant or other natural element makes you contemplate its origin? Leave your comments!

Each of those breakups meant the beginning of another thing for me – a continuation of a whole new life.

I ended my first engagement four months before the wedding due to some major conflict; my partner was heavily involved in substance abuse and spent five years feeling like I was drowning with him. When I ended the relationship I threw myself into my education, trying to make a better life for myself and reach my goal of being the first female in my family to hold a bachelor degree. That was the end of an abusive relationship for a life long relationship in art and journalism.

My second engagement ended more as a result of that relationship with journalism and art. People who know me, know that I tend to throw everything I am into what I believe in and what I'm passionate about.

Unfortunately, it tends to come at the exclusion of all other things, like relationships. It's hard to share or be with a partner who perceives your career as almost a lover – and therefor a threat. Believe me … you have no option or ability to console or ease that perception.

I was nearing the completion of my degree, had secured a fellowship and then an internship that would lead me across the US for about 18 weeks. My intent was to go back to school for my masters that following winter, but, sadly, because I couldn't commit the time to the relationship or provide the reassurance that I was coming back – he left me.

In the end it worked out for the best – he moved forward with his life, making excellent choices that I couldn't be more proud of or feel somewhat responsible for (although he doesn't know this!). As did I. In the three years since that happened I've seen and experienced a lot that I would otherwise not have. I understand, now, the reason for why either of those things happened and rejoice in the wisdom that I've gained from being a part of their lives.

My mom's family is quite literally an amazonian clan of women and I take these experiences to my young cousins and hope that it helps them realize how relationships will shape their lives. My only hope is that they will never be involved in one, at the sacrifice or expense of a dream or a passion.

Dani, Julia and I greeted everyone in the morning at PodCamp Nashville.

If you came to PodCamp first thing in the morning, you were likely greeted by @chaoskitten82 and myself. Check it out and be prepared.

So, of course I clicked. And I was brought to a simple, yet all encompassing page where I could learn about the earthquake, add context to the earthquake or provide relief. What an amazing way to educate and push the public into action.

I hope that in some small way, I can support the efforts either through conversation and exposure or my meager monetary means.
My thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by this.

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1) I remember the first time I saw snow when I was 7 or 8 and lived in Pensacola, Florida. My dad and I made a snowman outside and it melted the very next day.

2) I remember driving up to Kyoto with my mom and sister during the winter months. It snowed so hard that we had to have chains on the tires and driving took forever, but it was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen – so much snow on all of the mountains.

3) When I lived in Indiana, I worked at the student newspaper and lived off campus – we had a breaking news story (the weather) and I drove through a blizzard to get to the newspaper. I left later that evening and there was about a foot of snow. The plow trucks had come through and I couldn't find a parking space and had to go several blocks to a fast food restaurant and walk back home. My boyfriend's dog had so much fun in that snow, though, leaping through the snow drifts.

It's hard to pick from, but probably the top of Mt. Fuji. It was such a ridiculously hard ascent and the descent was even worse (for us); this made the setting more memorable.

Wow … this was from my graduation year.
Found via Facebook / Alan Smith