Bob Helmig Photography

08/05/2023

Discarded gravestones on the beach, in the park, and under the highway? Yikes! You can help preserve history by using the BillionGraves app.

07/16/2023

07/16/2023

Socrates: 'Before you speak, ask yourself these 3 questions'

Socrates (469 – 399 BC), the great Greek philosopher, was once stopped by an acquaintance as he passed through the markets.

“I’ve something important to tell you,” he said. “It’s about your friend.”

“That’s very kind of you,” Socrates said. “But, don’t tell me just yet. I run all information through the Three Filters Test to ascertain if I want to know it.”

The man looked somewhat puzzled as Socrates continued, “First is the filter of truth. Whatever you want to tell me, have you seen or witnessed it first-hand?”

“Umm…I actually heard it from someone,” the man said, “and, it is from a trusted source.”

“Alright. But that does not pass my first test,” Socrates added, “since you don’t know whether it’s true.”

“Second is the filter of goodness. Is that a good statement you want to make about my friend?”

“Not really. That’s the reason I wanted—”

Socrates interjected, “So, you want to tell me something bad about someone but don’t know if it’s true.”

“The last is the filter of utility.” He continued, “Your statement about my friend, is that gonna be useful to me?”

“Not really as such. I just wanted to share”

“Well, if the information is not necessarily true, it is not good, and, it is of no use,” Socrates concluded, “please, I don’t want to know about it.”

07/16/2023

07/14/2023

I hear we had a cow moose walk down the street here one day. These days there’s no telling what you’re liable to see in town.

05/01/2023

Soon to be moving to Southern Utah which I think is one of the most diverse and beautiful states we have. I’m really anxious to create some new wall-hangers to share with you all. Stay tuned!

05/31/2022

Just one little area in one National Cemetery in one state. So much more than stones standing at attention line upon line. These are men and woman with names and loved ones who died in some faraway conflict. Or who lived to come home with the physical and emotional scars to remind them of things no one should ever see. Finally to be set free to lie in quiet repose with their comrades. And the snow falls silently.

05/20/2021

Heceta Head Lighthouse and keepers house - Oregon

05/20/2021

Sea Lions - Oregon