Life is not guaranteed. Scientists agree that the conditions necessary for life to occur and be nurtured and sustained on this planet are not only unlikely, but exist within such a narrow range as to be almost inconceivable. It's highly unlikely that they have occurred by chance. For so many intricate systems to balance in the way they do, is highly improbable and seems to the pondering human mind, to be virtually impossible.
If these conditions occurred by the hand of a Greater Power, they remain an equally improbable and delicate combination. For instance, if the ratio of just one element in our universe, carbon, for instance, were off only by a few degrees from where it is, life as we know it could not occur.
Whether by chance or by the hand of a benevolent Creator, or by combination of both, we cannot afford to skew or destroy the balance that makes our green, lush and gorgeous planet a haven of life for millions of species. Including us...
Personally, I hope to be part of the solution more than part of the problem. Each of us has many options for being a better earth steward. Imagine what our planet would be like if we continue to destroy land, air, water, and species. Picture a cold, stale, rocky mass, devoid of color and life. No breathable oxygen, no drinkable water, no food, no flowers, no children...
Let's speak out against the abuse of our planet. Let's get together to move our governments toward global solutions for global warming and irreversible pollution, before it's too late! Let's protect the flame of life.
"Flame of Life" is available at www.LyndaLehmann.com , or you can buy it framed at Imagekind. Text and image c Lynda Lehmann.
A long line of slatted wooden porch chairs in an abstract pattern, seems to be waiting for sitters, or perhaps something else!
The Center for Fine Art Photography has several exhibitions per year. The current exhibit is "The Art of Digital Imagery," which is a real-time gallery show at the center in Fort Collins, Colorado, and posted online as well. 
Another of my "Clock-Watch" Series that I photographed yesterday. Time is such an enigma. When I ponder time, I think about the tragedy of the human condition, and how fast our lives fly by. Then I feel a little sad, until I look for beauty in the world by the experience of doing art, of making another image, either a painting or a photograph. That experience never fails to lift me up. What do the concept of time and your creativity mean to you?
A romantic or nostalgic look at the personal timepiece. Sadly, no one can stop time to keep a moment real or preserve a memory. But we cling to our watches as if they have some special power. I have sentimentalized this shot intentionally, by my choice of color. I manipulated the original in Photoshop, part of a series of photos I took today. I hope you enjoy it. Image and Text c 2007 Lynda Lehmann.