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@ Molten Universe
Barbar Bear begins his 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 Gold 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
"It says here that 'fire' is from the Old English fȳr, of West Germanic origin; related to Dutch vuur and German Feuer," remarked Barbar Bear.
"That's interesting!" responded Arthur.
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
"Today's trivia question, Flicka!" announced Barbar Bear. "When were the first ever windmills built?"
"Oh, goodness! I've no idea, Barbar Bear, but I imagine they're pretty old!" responded Flicka.
Barbar Bear grinned. "Windmills have been in use since 200 BCE. They were first developed in Persia and China."
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
"Did you read what it said under that exhibit earlier, Maggie Moo?" asked Barbar Bear. "It stated that early windmills' sails turned anti-clockwise but later makers shifted mainly to clockwise."
"Wow, Barbar Bear! It's one of those things I'd never have thought about!"

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
"When was silver identified as an element?"
"Eek—no idea, Mandy!"
"Don't worry, Barbar Bear! It was as far back as 4000 BCE!"
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
"Ivy, 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, Barbar Bear, that's what it's supposed to do! See that exhibit over there?"
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
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.
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
"The Great Fire of London in 1666 gave rise to many changes, you know, Barbar Bear," remarked why.way. "Many streets were widened across London. New building regulations meant that instead of wood, brick had to be used for all houses."
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
"It's turned a bit hot, Barbar Bear. They must have put the heating on! I'm going to take my scarf off," said Owen.
"Good scheme! I'll do the same," said Barbar Bear.
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
Barbar Bear and chendler were entranced on reaching this exhibit and eagerly posed for a picture standing on either side!
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
Ray Bradbury wrote a book called The Fireman, but the editors found the name boring. They called a local fire station to ask at what temperature book paper would burn at. The firemen put Bradbury on hold, burnt a book, and reported that the temperature it burnt at was 451° Fahrenheit. The rest, as they say, is history.
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
"This is an extremely varied set of exhibits, Barbar Bear!" remarked Mystic. "We're going from really cosy pictures of pets to amazing scenic landscapes!"
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
"The Great Fire of 1666 started in London, on Pudding Lane, in a baker's shop. The baker believed he had put the fire out but in the middle of the night the fire grew and his house was in flames. Pudding Lane is still there today. If you want to visit it, Monument is the nearest tube station. The place where the fire started is also marked by a monument topped by a fiery gold ornament," said Barbar Bear.
"It makes it sound like it's the only monument in London, Barbar Bear!" chuckled shotzee.
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
The strongest winds in the solar system are on Saturn where they reach speeds of over 1,100mph.
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 fastest gust of wind ever recorded on Earth was 253 miles per hour.
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
The ancient Greeks believed that there were four elements that everything was made up of: earth, water, air and fire. This theory was suggested around 450 BCE, and it was later supported and added to by Aristotle. Aristotle also suggested that there was a fifth element, aether, because it seemed strange that the stars would be made out of earthly elements. He would be surprised to learn that they are in fact made up of many elements found on earth, and are so hot they could be said to be on fire all the time!
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, Hadee Nidmorth?” asked Barbar Bear. “It looks very full!”
“I’ve come prepared for anything, Barbar Bear,” responded Hadee Nidmorth. “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
"Why do we get sea breezes, Barbar Bear?" queried Selene.
Barbar Bear looked baffled. "I don't know, Selene! We just do!"
Selene 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."
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
"Did you read what it said under that exhibit earlier, Splat?" asked Barbar Bear. "It stated that early windmills' sails turned anti-clockwise but later makers shifted mainly to clockwise."
"Wow, Barbar Bear! It's one of those things I'd never have thought about!"

Festive Candle
Find the matches, turn down the lights, light the candle and enjoy.

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@ Meditation In Pink
"What unit of measure is used for wind speed, Barbar Bear?" asked Zelda.
"Um—I don't know—miles per hour?" hazarded Barbar Bear.
"No. The knot."
"Oh, Zelda, I thought that was to do with sailing?"
Zelda consulted the tour guide. " 'A knot is a unit of speed equivalent to one nautical mile per hour, used especially of ships, aircraft, or winds.' There you go."
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
"Wind direction is given by the direction from which the wind comes," said Barbar Bear.
"That makes sense!" replied Slushie.
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
When humans and animals breathe, we give off an odorless gas called carbon dioxide, or CO2. Plants use this gas, along with sunlight, to make food—and oxygen too! This process is called photosynthesis.
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 Barbar Bear's experience of "Earth and Fire" comes to an end, he 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.
Barbar Bear has completed his exploration of "Earth and Fire"! Please select another pet as visitor, so it can also explore the Elements!