  I just can't find poetry lately so I have been working with some computer graphic programs to find a new outlet for creativity, so my blog may end up as a posting of experiments if I deem them worthy enough to publish….i also hope to learn more about the “old fashion” way of developing pictures as I would love to open a darkroom in my basement this year.
I am about ¾ of the way done with Red Haired Girl from the Bog…and it is interesting, I just don’t like the way it is written….it’s all over the place. However, it has opened my mind into researching some topics of interest…here is what I have found… •I was amazed to discover that a place that some now associate with war and hostility was once a center of peace and reflection….Yesterday, I found out that Afghanistan, especially the city of Bamyan was considered once one of the most sacred and holy places for Buddhists. The Buddhist religion was the main religion there until the 9th century when the Hazaras, people of the region converted to Shiite Islam. In the town of Bamyan the worlds largest standing Buddha structure was built, carved into a mountain side.
The statue was 175 ft tall and named Solsol, meaning “year after year”, he was built between the 3rd and 5th centuries. Sadly, the Taliban who have been enemies of the Hazara people destroyed the statues in May of 2001. •Definition: Cairn-pronounced ‘kern’, a heap of stones piled up as a memorial or as a landmark •Another fascinating topic I have stumbled upon is the Urumchi Mummies of the Tarim Basin in China.
They were found in the Tarim Basin which is the saltiest place in Central Asia and are dated to be as old as 4,000 years. They are known for their amazing preservation and were actually made by accident. They have been found between the towns of Loulan and Cherchen. The reason why these mummies are so interesting is that their features are Caucasian and based upon their physical features as well as the intricately woven clothing they wear (one man was even found wearing ten hats!
) they have been said to originate from Celtic tribes of Central Europe. Those are the only topics as of late that I have found interesting enough to research further. I hope to find more stories or artifacts or historical information worth delving into. If anyone happens to stumble upon my blog, please feel free to comment with interesting topics…and ever hungry mind should not be allowed to starve. 
