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@ Molten Universe
Akiko 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
"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 Akiko.
"Wow indeedy!" responded Trinity.
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
"It's turned a bit hot, Akiko. They must have put the heating on! I'm going to take my scarf off," said Sly.
"Good scheme! I'll do the same," said Akiko.
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
Akiko and ~smiggle~ shook paws, said “How do you do?” and posed for a souvenir photo. “Why am I always on the left?” grumbled Akiko. “Let’s change sides.”
“No,” said ~smiggle~. “This is my best side.”
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
"Misha, 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, Akiko, that's what it's supposed to do! See that exhibit over there?"
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
"Art galleries can be hard on the paws, can't they, Akiren Kurumiya (Joker)?" remarked Akiko.
"Just think of the café and gift shop at the end, Akiko! That keeps me going!"
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
"Art galleries can be hard on the paws, can't they, Lilly?" remarked Akiko.
"Just think of the café and gift shop at the end, Akiko! That keeps me going!"
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
"Hey, this is interesting, Akiko!" declared Garth. "It says here that if the entire world’s water were fit into a 4 litre jug, the fresh water available for humans and pets would equal only about one tablespoon."
Akiko fidgeted with the corner of her brochure. "I'm not sure I follow, Garth!"
"It's a proportion thing, Akiko. Nearly 97% of the world’s water is salty or otherwise undrinkable. Another 2% is locked in ice caps and glaciers. That leaves just 1% for all of our needs!"
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
"Did you know that kite flying and fire fighting featured at the 1900 Olympics in Paris, Cookie?"
"That's amazing, Akiko!"

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
"Firefly, 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, Akiko, that's what it's supposed to do! See that exhibit over there?"
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
"A trivia question for you, Oliver!" announced Akiko. "Who is the largest consumer of fireworks in the United States?"
Oliver pondered. "I don't know, Akiko, who is it?"
"It's Walt Disney World. The park launches the fireworks with compressed air instead of gunpowder to reduce fumes and gain better height and timing."
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
The fastest gust of wind ever recorded on Earth was 253 miles per hour.
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
"There's a fun project in our brochure on how to make a weather vane from an ice cream container lid, scissors, a marker pen, a skewer, a straw and a pin," remarked Akiko.
"Cool!" responded Splodge. "We could make a start when we get back to our hotel tonight."
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, Mr. Panda! 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 Akiko.
"That is ironic for sure!" responded Mr. Panda.
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
"A trivia question for you, Tassie!" announced Akiko. "Who is the largest consumer of fireworks in the United States?"
Tassie pondered. "I don't know, Akiko, who is it?"
"It's Walt Disney World. The park launches the fireworks with compressed air instead of gunpowder to reduce fumes and gain better height and timing."
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
In Greek mythology, the Anemoi were four wind gods, causing wind from the four compass points.
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
A gale is officially defined as a wind of between 32 and 63 miles per hour. A wind blowing from 4 to 31mph is a breeze.
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
"Did you know that kite flying and fire fighting featured at the 1900 Olympics in Paris, Azure Beauty?"
"That's amazing, Akiko!"

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
"At the time of the Great Fire of London in 1666 there was no fire brigade such as we have today. Men from the Navy used gunpowder to blow up houses in the path of the fire to halt its spread!"
"Goodness me, Hoppy! Drastic, or what? Did it work?" queried Akiko.
"It sort of worked—eventually! But it took some days, during which time a large part of London had been destroyed."
Festive Candle
Find the matches, turn down the lights, light the candle and enjoy.

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@ Meditation In Pink
"Debbie, 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, Akiko, that's what it's supposed to do! See that exhibit over there?"
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
A natural gas vent in Iraq known as The Eternal Fire has been burning continuously for over 4000 years, and it has been mentioned by Herodotus, Plutarch and in the Old Testament Book of Daniel.
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
"I think there'll be quite a few tired paws, wings and flippers when we get back to the tour bus," said Corgalicious, after she and Akiko had spent some time exploring another wing of the art gallery to its end.
"Is there a gift shop after this?" enquired Akiko. "The thought of that generally keeps me going!"
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 Akiko'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.
Akiko has completed her exploration of "Earth and Fire"! Please select another pet as visitor, so it can also explore the Elements!