226/365

Admiral David Farragut

This sculpture of Admiral David Glasgow Farragut is located in Knoxville, Tennessee. The image was made on a winter day~~the sky was white and the trees bare.  He fought in the Civil War and is credited with saying, Damn the Torpedos, Full Speed Ahead.

 

163/365

Indian and War Hawk

This sculpture, Sacred Wind, of an Indian and a War Hawk is located on the campus of McMurry University in Abilene, Texas.  In 2011 the War Hawk became the new mascot of the school.

The hawk resting on the Indian's shoulder shows the cooperative relationship between the plains Indians and the hawk that represents the wind.

161/365

Anson Jones

A statue of Anson Jones in front of the Jones County courthouse in the center of Anson, Texas.

Anson Jones was the last President of the Republic of Texas.

154/365

Jack Frost Sculpture

This sculpture is seen near the entrance of the Abilene, Texas main office of the pubic library in downtown Abilene.  There's a plaque a few feet away explaining the sculpture and who the sculptor was.

72/365

Grant Teaff Statue

For the first time ever, I was on the inside of the campus of McMurry University in Abilene, Texas.  I saw this beautiful sculpture of Grant Teaff, former head football coach from 1960-1965.  I only had my cell phone with me but I think the image came out okay anyway. 

042/365

A Hand Up

This sculpture is located in a park in downtown Fairbanks, Alaska.  A Hand Up is a tribute to Walter Harper, a 20 year old Athabascan who was the first person to reach the peak of Denali, the highest peak in North America in 1913.

He's seen offering his hand to help others reach the peak.

The sculpture was created by Gary Lee Price.

247/366

Looking Up

Another very large nutcracker at the zoo against a beautiful blue sky.

246/366

Nutcracker with Tree

The zoo is already partially decorated for the Christmas season.  Kind of early as far as I'm concerned, but I guess it takes a while to get completely decked out for the season.

There are many nutcrackers scattered throughout the zoo and it's pretty difficult to pass by any of them without grabbing an image or two of them.

I think this one is really cute as he's holding a staff with a small Christmas tree on it.

144/366

Unknown First Family

A stunning statue of an Alaskan family seen in the Golden Heart Plaza in downtown Fairbanks, Alaska, sitting atop a fountain.

The park is situated alongside the Chena River and is host to many outdoor activities throughout the year.

68/366

Horton Hears a Who

Abilene is the "Storybook Capital of America" and has many  storybook character statues scattered around its two parks.  

I'm happy that:

I was able to move some things into my new living space today

6/366

Admiral David Glasgow Farragut

seen in Knoxville, TN

It's so nice to be someplace different and see different photo ops for a change.  This is a statue of Admiral Farragut, who was born in July 1801, joined the US Navy when only 11, saw his first combat at that age and commanded his first vessel at 12. By the time he died in 1870 he had been serving 

the US in uniform for 59 years.

He is quoted as saying, 

"damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead".

356/3656

Jacob's Dream 3

Just another version of Jacob's Dream.  This was sculpted by Jack Maxwell and dedicated in 2006.  Professor Maxwell was the art & design professor at ACU at the time.

My heart is grateful for:

the beautiful weather we're having today

355/365

Jacob's Dream2

I took a ride out to the Abilene Christian University Campus today hoping to find some photo ops.  I've been there before, so I didn't really expect to find anything, but this sculpture is just irresistible.

It's almost better to photograph in the winter because there are no leaves on the nearby trees so you can see the statue better.

My heart is grateful for:

God's Word

349/365

Whorton Hears a Who

Abilene, TX is known as the Storybook Capital of the US.  It has two areas where there are storybook sculptures on display.  Whorton Hears a Who is one of the characters.  

My heart is happy because:

there are happy stories to tell little people

345/365

Military Nutcracker

This beautiful red, white and black nutcracker is seen at the Abilene, Texas Zoo.  There are several other large nutcrackers located throughout the zoo, celebrating the Christmas season.  

My heart is happy that:

I was motivated enough today to sweep the leaves off my driveway

213/365

Hope for the Future

This is a small section of a beautiful sculpture seen on the campus of the Abilene Christian University in Abilene, TX.  The entire sculpture is of a mom and dad kneeling on each side of the baby, holding her skyward.  The inscription plate reads:

Hope for the Future

Gift to ACU from

Mr & Mrs Gayole Potter & others

1989

I'm grateful for:

The hope we have in God's providence for our future

147/365

Unconditional Surrender

This is one of the most beautiful and meaningful sculptures I've ever seen.  This one is at the marina park in Sarasota, Florida.  I saw another in San Diego years ago.  

I actually felt weepy today thinking about how these two and all of the world felt at the end of WWII. 

My heart is grateful for: 

the freedoms we still have today, knowing how hard we'll have to fight to keep them

110/365

Angel Blowing Kisses

Seen in a small town cemetery.

I'm grateful for:

a comfortable bed to sleep in each night

65/365

Eyes of the Lorax

Abilene has the nickname of "Storybook Capital".  There are a couple of parks in town where there are statues of storybook characters.  The parks are very sweet and very child-orientated.

These are the eyes of The Lorax. 

 The assignment of my photo club this month is eyes.  Ick.  I have no imagination so I figured I wouldn't submit anything for the assigned topic, then I happened upon the statue today during my walk around town.  

I love Dr. Suess and read a lot of his books to my children, but somehow I never read this one.

Apparently the book is about human greed being the cause of the destruction of the natural environment. 

The "lesson" is basically, "nothing will get better if no one cares".

My heart is grateful today for:

the friend I play racketball with every week

48/365

Davy Crockett Memorial Statue

This memorial is located in the town square of Ozona, Texas, Crockett County.

Ozona is the only town within Crockett County.

Davy Crockett lost his bid for the Tennessee Congress in 1835 and decided to head for Texas.  He left with this famous quote,

"You may all go to hell and I will go to Texas"

He was a strong advocate for Texas freedom from Mexico.

My heart give thanks today for:

morning coffee and flavored creamer