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@ Molten Universe
Hope begins her experience of Earth and Fire!
Molten Universe
Fire and water and earth combine, is this world emerging to join the universe, or is its time over, descending into oblivion.

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@ Plasma Phenomenon

Blue And Copper Egg
The first painted eggs came from Mesopotamia, and because eggs were forbidden food during Lent, people painted eggs while Lent was being observed—after Lent, they would eat the eggs on Easter Day.

Beautifully decorated eggs “pysanka” are associated with Ukraine, and the oldest painted egg that was unearthed in northern Ukraine is dated to the end of the 17th century.

Plasma Phenomenon
A beautiful purply-green plasma phenomenon. You can almost feel the energy fizzing from it!

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@ Earth Tones
Air was considered a “pure” element, but in fact the air that’s all around us is made up of a variety of gases: primarily nitrogen and oxygen, with almost 1% argon and even smaller amounts of carbon dioxide and other elements such as krypton and helium. The composition of air is just right for life on Earth, though.
Earth Tones
Don't you just love these rust-like, earthy, orange tones? They provide a brilliant way to embrace the calming properties of nature in your home and are very "in" at the moment!

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@ Nature in Neon
"When was silver identified as an element?"
"Eek—no idea, Rex!"
"Don't worry, Hope! It was as far back as 4000 BCE!"
Nature in Neon
This map of the continents has a stark black background that emphasises the colourful neon creatures in an eye-catching way.

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@ Firework Trails
"Depending on their strength, winds can be known as a breeze, gale, storm or hurricane. Wind is caused by differences in air pressure. Air rushes from high pressure areas to lower ones," remarked Hope.
"Mm-hmm?" responded Bunty Bondette.
Firework Trails
Sparks shoot out and leave trails of light, only for a moment, like the memories of all the fireworks gone before.

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@ Spark Of Celebration
Water expands by 9% when it freezes. Frozen water (ice) is lighter than water, which is why ice floats in water.
Spark Of Celebration
Celebrations bring people together to share their customs. Lights and fire have always been part of celebrations. The fizz and crackle of a sparkler held in hand bring delight, casting its tiny glow on happy faces.

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@ Celebrate With Candles
“Ooh, it's just starting to get a bit cold, Hope!” said Minerva. “Can you hold my map while I dig out my jumper?"
Hope good-naturedly took charge of Minerva's possessions while she emptied her rucksack of a pack of sandwiches, a Thermos flask, a pair of galoshes, a bag of toffees, a paperback novel, a bottle of mineral water, an address book, some postage stamps, an assortment of different coloured biros, a bottle opener, a couple of old train tickets, a handful of golden and silver moles, a door key, some shopping receipts, a screwdriver, a bottle of multivitamins, a lottery ticket and a selection of rather battered sachets of salt, sugar and tomato ketchup before locating the jumper right at the bottom. This she donned and then Hope helped her put everything back in her rucksack.
Celebrate With Candles
Ever since candles were invented by the Romans in 500 BC, candles have been a part of celebrations and life in general. A candle is a light to banish the darkness, placed in a window as a beacon for a weary traveller. Candles have been used to tell the passing of time, to warm a room, and as a symbol of hope. That tiny flame means so much to so many people.

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@ Campfire At Night
"When was silver identified as an element?"
"Eek—no idea, Choose a name!"
"Don't worry, Hope! It was as far back as 4000 BCE!"
Campfire At Night
The earthy, musky scent, the crackle, and pop as gas is released from the wood, the warmth and soft light emitted by the dancing flames, this is a campfire, a welcoming place to relax and tell stories when the adventures of the day spent outdoors are done.

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@ Remains Of The Light
"Choose a name, I've got something called "sepia effect" on my camera. I've got a feeling it’s faulty, though. It just makes everything go all brown!”
"Oh, Hope, that's what it's supposed to do! See that exhibit over there?"
Remains Of The Light
Wispy trails are all that remain when the candle is extinguished. The smoke swirls and curls and heads ever upward on currents of air until even the smoke has vanished.

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@ Flamboyant Phoenix
"Choose a name, just look at this exhibit! Isn't it amazing?”
"It certainly is, Hope! Perhaps they'll have it in postcard size in the gift shop!"
Flamboyant Phoenix
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's a phoenix of colourful smoke effects!

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@ Abstract of Smoke
"When was silver identified as an element?"
"Eek—no idea, Choose a name!"
"Don't worry, Hope! It was as far back as 4000 BCE!"
Abstract of Smoke
How can such prettily coloured smoke in shades of pink, grey and parchment, be so free-flowing and yet have the appearance of being almost textured in its twists and turns?

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@ Tender Life
"Why do we get sea breezes, Hope?" queried FiFi.
Hope looked baffled. "I don't know, FiFi! We just do!"
FiFi read out from the brochure: " 'Sea breezes occur because heat from the sun takes longer to warm the sea than the land, creating a difference in air pressure.' So—there it is."
Tender Life
Starting from seed and some moisture, warmth, and the ability to find water even though tiny cracks in concrete, the little plant struggles upward and continues to grow.

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@ A Little Fern Seeks The Sun
Air pollution is measured with the Air Quality Index, or AQI. The lower the AQI, the cleaner the air is. However, if you are outside when the AQI is over 100, it’s about the same as breathing in exhaust from a car all day! Things that cause poor air quality are forest fires and cities with lots of car traffic. If the AQI is higher than 100 you shouldn’t spend too much time outside.
A Little Fern Seeks The Sun
Tiny stem, delicate fronds, a new fern has struggled and pushed its way from beneath the soil to seek the sun as it continues to grow.

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@ Leave A Light On
“I could stay here in front of this image forever, Hope,” said princess ♥ sparkles. “This is an amazing place!”
“Well, you never know what lies ahead, princess ♥ sparkles. I wouldn't be surprised if the next exhibit is even better!” said Hope.
Leave A Light On
Light chases away the darkness and reveals what our imagination would make into horror as nothing more than a jacket over a chair. Light reveals dangers, so don't wander into that room without light, or you may encounter the legendary lego trap and your feet will forever feel betrayed.

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@ Firework Compilation
Oh look ... you won a pet!
Firework Compilation
A selection of fireworks—looking like a new form of firefly—caught the moment they burst into colour and light.

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@ Tillers of the Earth
"Oh, shotzee! It says in our tour guide that no one knows who invented the fire hydrant, because its patent was destroyed in a fire in Washington in 1836!" declared Hope.
"That is ironic for sure!" responded shotzee.
Tillers of the Earth
Whether it is on a small-scale domestic allotment or larger scale smallholding or farm, an annual task is to turn over the soil ready for crop-planting, to produce that satisfying harvest later in the year!

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@ River Thames From the Air
The doldrums is a wind-free area around the equator where sailing ships used to get stuck for weeks. Hence the phrase ‘in the doldrums’.
River Thames From the Air
Starting as a small trickle in the Cotswolds, the River Thames travels over 210 miles (338km) through the heart of some of England’s most picturesque towns, right into the centre of London and eventually, out into the North Sea. Here we see it snaking its way through central London.

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@ Determination Of Life
"When was silver identified as an element?"
"Eek—no idea, Pynelope!"
"Don't worry, Hope! It was as far back as 4000 BCE!"
Determination Of Life
Fragile green life fights against all odds to burst forth into the air. The determination of living things to grow and thrive is magical, inspiring, and perfectly natural.

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@ Aerial View, France
“What have you got in your rucksack, Daisy Lee?” asked Hope. “It looks very full!”
“I’ve come prepared for anything, Hope,” responded Daisy Lee. “There’s canvas deck shoes, tennis shoes, flip-flops, sandshoes, walking boots, sandals, loafers—you name it, I’ve got it!”
Aerial View, France
This panoramic aerial view of a patchwork of agricultural fields in rural France is an amazing image.

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@ Celebration Sparkler
"Wow! It says here in our brochure that there’s a bush called dictamnus albus which emits a flammable, oily substance which can be lit on fire, without burning the bush itself," remarked Hope.
"Wow indeedy!" responded Sunshine.
Celebration Sparkler
This is an ideal accompaniment to celebratory dark winter events, a hand-held firework emitting and fizzing with cheerful sparks! Try writing your name with one!

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@ Festive Candle
Hope and Rosie had shaken paws and took some time to enjoy the exhibits in a companionable silence!
Festive Candle
Find the matches, turn down the lights, light the candle and enjoy.

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@ Meditation In Pink
"Do you know how matches came to be invented, Amethyst?" queried Hope.
"No, how, Hope?"
"An English apothecary, John Walker, used a stick to stir a pot containing antimony sulphide, potassium chlorate & sulphur and some of the mixture stuck to the end of the stick. When he tried to scrape the lump, it easily caught fire and this led to the birth of friction matches. This was in 1827."
Meditation In Pink
Celebrations are made of this, looking back while anticipating what is to come. The soft glow of a lit candle catches the eye, draws you in, and erases the now—for a moment.

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@ Welcoming Warmth
"I'm going to buy that souvenir wind spinner, Rory," said Hope. "It'll be a nice colourful addition to my garden!"
"That sounds like a lovely memento, Hope!"
Welcoming Warmth
Where is the cat that should be basking on the warmed tiles, stretching in sublime relaxation? Where is the cat that should be sleeping, curled up in this welcoming warmth?

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@ USA at Night
“Let's just drink in this exhibit, shall we, Hope?” suggested Misty, sinking down on a convenient chair.
Hope agreed it was well worth spending some time there!
USA at Night
Using satellite imagery, this aerial view of the United States of America lit up at night presents a striking image.

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@ Magic Of A Candle
As Hope's experience of "Earth and Fire" comes to an end, she receives a wonderful gift!
Double Blooms Flower, Violet
Looking like a watercolour that Monet would be proud of, this delicate violet flower duo will add a touch of softness and romance to your art.

Magic Of A Candle
Candles are magical, they bring smiles when the room is darkened and the birthday cake is brought in with all the candles alight. Candles bring a feeling of coziness and romance when placed on a dining table and the lights are turned down low. Candles light the footpath, can warm a room, and light a darkened corner.
Hope has completed her exploration of "Earth and Fire"! Please select another pet as visitor, so it can also explore the Elements!