Robert L. Terrell

You may have noticed that I have been away for awhile. This was due to several factors, the most important being the fact that I had the site comprehensively remodeled in order to make it more convenient for me to post photo galleries and other material. I have also been on sabbatical for the past few months while trying to figure out the communication options and possibilities provided by Facebook. Lastly, I have been engaged in serious reflection regarding ways in which I want to register my thoughts via this unique and special forum.

I am pleased with the remodeling, and feel empowered by the posting options currently available to me. Facebook has many wonderful dimensions. But, alas, it is not a setting conducive to engagement in serious dialogue about important matters. I know this from attempting to do so, and being repeatedly rebuffed by so-called friends. In any event, Facebook provides me an extraordinary opportunity to share my photography with people with whom I normally have little or no contact. That’s more than sufficient, and I have made a personal vow to leave it at that, and not aggravate those who prefer to restrict their commentary to cute puppies, what they ate or drank last evening and, of course, the many reasons why they believe Christianity is the solution to all problems.

During my time away from this site, I have amassed a plethora of impressions and opinions I want to share regarding the state of the world. Thus, during the weeks and months immediately ahead I intend to relax and let the thoughts flow.

At this moment, I am paying close attention to the catastrophic oil spill underway in the Gulf of Mexico. My hope is that we will learn important lessons from this tragedy that will result in us becoming better stewards of the Earth. But my persistent fear is that this will not be the case. In any event, BP has apparently stopped the flow of oil and gas–for now. That’s all well and good, but my strong sense is that this tragedy will continue to plague us for years to come.

In an