The Enduring Blend: The Origins, History, and Modern Celebration of Halloween

 

"Happy Halloween" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

The Enduring Blend: The Origins, History, and Modern Celebration of Halloween

Halloween, celebrated annually on October 31st, is a vibrant, global celebration characterized by costumes, candy, and all things spooky. Yet, Halloween’s playful façade belies a complex history rooted in ancient religious rituals and the collision of cultural traditions across centuries. From the harvest festivals of the ancient Celts to the Christian observances of Allhallowtide, and finally to its modern commercialized form, the story of Halloween is one of continuous evolution, blending reverence for the dead with lighthearted mischief and community celebration.

To the Beach - PC Wallpaper

 

"To the Beach" - Bahamas AI Art

©A. Derek Catalano

  

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After the Storm

 

"Devastation" - Bahamas AI Art 

©A. Derek Catalano

 

After the Storm

The sky turned bronze, a fevered, sickly hue,
Before the great wind claimed the world it knew.
It came not whispering, but with a tearing roar,
A thousand fists against the fragile shore.
The ocean rose, a frantic, hungry thing,
And broke the vows that gentle waters sing.
Homes built on hope became a splintered wreck,
As nature pressed its boot upon the neck
Of this small jewel, where laughter used to dwell,
Now echoing the hurricane's fierce knell.
We locked the doors and prayed the walls would hold,
But morning dawned upon a tale untold.

The day arrived, but brought no golden light,
Just silent, sodden ruins in the white
And heavy air. The sea had claimed its due,
A field of wreckage stretching into view.
We saw the roofless skeletons of steel,
The wounds that time alone can never heal.
For in the debris, where the water lay,
Were gentle souls the tempest stole away.
The count of loss was whispered, low and deep,
A shared, profound, and solitary weep.
The act of God had left its cruelest mark,
And plunged the island into endless dark.

But sorrow cannot build a broken wall;
The memory of ruin can’t be all.
From scattered lanes, where grief began to cease,
A few emerged, the fragile dawn of peace.
No single voice commanded, yet we saw
The ancient wisdom rise above the law
Of self-preservation, fear, and pain—
The simple knowledge that we must remain.
A neighbor reached for timber, wet and vast;
A stranger helped secure a lifeline fast.
We must all come together, mind and might,
And turn our backs against the endless night.

Bahamas Cruise - PC Wallpaper

"Bahamas Cruise" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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EABIC Celebrates 95 Years of Divine Legacy

 

 𝐄𝐀𝐁𝐈𝐂 𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝟗𝟓 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐜𝐲

 

𝕽
𝕶𝖎𝖓𝖌𝖉𝖔𝖒
𝕾𝖙𝖆𝖓𝖉
𝕱𝖔𝖗𝖊𝖛𝖊𝖗!

𝐸𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦 𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑛𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑟 𝑜𝑤𝑛 𝑣𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑓𝑖𝑔 𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑒.
𝐴𝑓𝑟𝑖𝑐𝑎 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐴𝑓𝑟𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑛𝑠, 𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑠𝑒 𝑎𝑡 ℎ𝑜𝑚𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑎𝑏𝑟𝑜𝑎𝑑. 

𝐄𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐚-𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚, 𝐌𝐭. 𝐙𝐢𝐨𝐧 
𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐, 𝟏𝟗𝟑𝟎: 𝟕𝟐 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐞𝐝..
𝐑 𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐣𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 
𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐫 𝐇𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐞 𝐈,  𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐧 𝐀𝐬𝐟𝐚𝐰
𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐙𝐢𝐨𝐧 

𝐄𝐀𝐁𝐈𝐂 𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝟗𝟓 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐜𝐲 
𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐍𝐨𝐯 𝟎𝟐, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓
𝐁𝐨𝐛𝐨 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐩, 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐑𝐝
𝟖𝐩𝐦

7 𝑃𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑠 𝑜𝑛 𝑀𝑒𝑙𝑐ℎ𝑖𝑠𝑒𝑑𝑒𝑐 𝐺𝑜𝑙𝑑𝑒𝑛 𝐴𝑙𝑡𝑎𝑟
𝑁𝑦𝑎𝑏𝑖𝑛𝑔ℎ𝑖 𝐷𝑟𝑢𝑚𝑠𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑
𝐹𝑟𝑒𝑒 𝐴𝑑𝑚𝑖𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛
𝐹𝑜𝑜𝑑 & 𝑅𝑒𝑓𝑟𝑒𝑠ℎ𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑠

Visit EABIC Bahamas on Facebook.

Bahamian and Creole Cultural Festival

Bahamian and Creole Cultural Festival

 

 

Wednesday, November 5th, 2025

5:00PM - 7:30PM

Performing Arts Centre

University of The Bahamas

Oakes Field Campus

Nassau, Bahamas 

 

This event will be organized around International Creole Heritage Day, as proclaimed by UNESCO in 1981, and will honor the linguistic and cultural creativity of Haitian and Bahamian societies by recognizing their roles in the development of post-Columbian Creole societies. The celebration will highlight the pluriculturalism of the Caribbean region and the creole speech communities.

The event will feature academic presentations by University of The Bahamas faculty; cultural sketches, dances, songs, and performances by the UB Goombay Ensemble; as well as the screening of a portion of the new movie Kidnapping by Bruno Morall, followed by a Q&A session with members of the movie production. 

Don't Let Politics Cloud Your Judgment

 

"Protest" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

Don't Let Politics Cloud Your Judgment

In the modern landscape, politics has ceased to be merely a sphere of public policy and has morphed into a core component of personal identity. This transformation has intensified societal polarization, making it increasingly difficult to separate one's ideological commitments from objective reality. The resulting phenomenon—the clouding of judgment by political bias—poses a significant and often unseen threat to rational decision-making, affecting everything from professional competence to personal relationships. The increasing totalization of political identity thus demands a conscious and sustained vigilance to uphold objective, merit-based judgment in all facets of contemporary life.

Bahamas 500 - PC Wallpaper

 

"Bahamas 500" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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"Bahamas 500" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
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The Storms of Life

 

"Stand Strong" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 The Storms of Life

The sky was glass, the morning air was mild,
A field of promise, beautifully beguiled.
We stood upon the sunlit, steadfast ground,
Where peace was sovereign, and no threat was found.
Then on the edge, where blue embraced the grey,
A shadow gathered, stealing light away;
A distant murmur, a vibrating hum,
The chilling prophecy of things to come.
It started slow, a gentle, restless breeze,
A shiver running through the ancient trees,
Then swiftly swelled to fury, dark and vast,
The signal cannon of the coming blast.

The wind arrived, a brutal, roaring fist,
That clawed the sightline, leaving only mist.
The sun was swallowed by the bruised black cloud,
And all the certainties we knew were bowed.
This was the trial, the comprehensive test,
The tempest tearing comfort from the nest.
Life's sudden sorrows, debts we could not pay,
The harsh betrayal that consumes the day,
The crushing failure, sudden, sharp, and deep,
The silent losses that the heart must keep.
They merged as one, a torrent of despair,
A lightning bolt that split the startled air.

Travelling Storm - PC Wallpaper

 

"Travelling Storm" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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Lily of the Valley Corner Association Meeting

 

 

 A.S.P. Tony Sands-Austin of the Urban Renewal Centreville  speaks at The Lily of the Valley Corner Association meeting.

 

 

The Lily of the Valley Corner Association held it's latest meeting on Sunday, October 26, 2025 at Cheryl's Place #29 Lily of the Valley Corner.

 

A.S.P. Tony Sands-Austin of the Centreville Urban Renewal office was invited to speak to the Association accompanied by Mrs. Joanna Ferguson, also from the Centreville Urban Renewal office.

 

Issues addressed were abandoned and derelict vehicles, abandoned homes and vacant lots.

The Bible and AI

 

 "The Bible and AI" - Bahamas AI Art

©A. Derek Catalano

 

 The Bible and AI

What does the Bible have to say about artificial intelligence?

The Bible does not mention "artificial intelligence" directly, as it is a modern concept. However, biblical scholars and theologians apply timeless scriptural principles to understand and evaluate this new technology, primarily drawing on themes related to creation, human nature, stewardship, wisdom, and idolatry.

Here are the key principles and relevant biblical themes often discussed in relation to AI:

Flamingo Wallpapers

 

"Morning Sunshine Pink Flamingo" - PC Wallpaper

Bahamas AI Art - ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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"Pink Flamingo Sunshine" - Phone Wallpaper
Bahamas AI Art - ©A. Derek Catalano
 
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Pressure and Influence: US Over The Bahamas

"Pressure and Influence" - Bahamas AI Art

©A. Derek Catalano

Pressure and Influence: US Over The Bahamas

 

Does the United States, a democratic nation, has the right and power to dictate to The Bahamas, another democratic nation?

 

1. The Nature of “Democratic Nations” and Sovereignty

Both the United States and The Bahamas are sovereign democratic nations.
That means each has full authority over its own:

• Laws

• Governmental systems

• Internal and external affairs

Under international law, particularly the United Nations Charter (Article 2), every sovereign state has the right to self-determination and political independence. This means no state has the legal right to dictate or impose its will on another sovereign state’s internal matters.

So legally, the United States has no right to dictate to The Bahamas what to do as a nation.

 

 

Sammy, CJ an' da Boys - Junkanoo Jam - ©A. Derek Catalano

 

Joe Billy Park, Fowler St.
Nassau, Bahamas.

 

Junkanoo: Securing Cultural Heritage Through Youth Engagement

The rhythmic pulse of the goatskin drum, the incessant clang of the cowbell, and the kaleidoscope of crepe paper costumes—this is Junkanoo, the quintessential cultural expression of The Bahamas. More than a celebratory street parade held on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, Junkanoo is a vibrant, living repository of Bahamian identity, history, and artistic genius. However, like any cherished tradition, its survival is not guaranteed. The intentional, detailed, and comprehensive transmission of the Junkanoo culture to the upcoming youth is not merely desirable but foundational to the nation's cultural future, ensuring that this ancestral celebration continues to evolve while honoring its profound roots.

Bush Medicine Pot

 

"Bush Medicine Pot" - ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 Bro-in-law preparing to boil another batch of bush medicine to drink.

We have a tradition of using homeopathic remedies in The Bahamas and Caribbean.

 

Using these leaves:

Moringa
Guava
Avacado
Soursop

 

After boiling, pour in a cup and drink it down.

Good for various ailments and keeps you in good health.

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Related pic: Bush Prep

Related article: Bush Medicine in The Bahamas

 

Bahamian Native Dishes by Tracy Catalano

 ©A. Derek Catalano

The Culinary Jewel of the Caribbean: An In-Depth Look at Bahamian Cuisine

The Bahamas, an archipelago famed for its blinding white sands and impossibly clear turquoise waters, offers more than just postcard-perfect scenery—it offers a vibrant, comforting, and unforgettable culinary experience. Far from the generic "tropical" fare, Bahamian cuisine is a distinct cultural expression, blending African, European, and Caribbean influences into a tapestry of unique flavors.

This isn't just vacation food; it’s a lifestyle steeped in the ocean’s bounty, powered by rich, earthy starches, and punctuated by tropical fruit. To truly experience The Bahamas is to dive fork-first into its culinary soul.

Coral Towers

 

"Coral Towers" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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Bahamas: Contractors Not Being Paid

 

"Work Stopped, Payment Due" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

Bahamas: Contractors Not Being Paid 

 

The Bahamas PLP government has hired various contractors for various services. These contractors are complaining of not being paid. Why are these contractors not being paid?

 

There are several inter-related reasons why contractors working for the Progressive Liberal Party government (PLP) of the Bahamas are reporting delays or non-payment. Some are structural/government-system issues, others are more situational. Here’s a breakdown:

Granpa Fishin' on da dock

 

"Granpa Fishin' on da dock" - Bahamas AI Art
©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

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Work With the System

 

 "Achieve" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

Work With the System

The boundless fields of your ambition lie,
Beneath the gaze of a structured sky.
You dream of peaks, of banners widely flung,
The silent anthems that remain unsung.
But pause, before you charge the towering wall,
And heed the wisdom whispered to us all:
For best results, for progress sure and deep,
Work with the System before you leap.

The System is the river, vast and cold,
The channeled path where fortunes are unrolled.
It is the ledger, and the law's embrace,
The established current, setting time and pace.
It is the network woven fine and strong,
The way the world decides what's right and wrong;
Not perfect, no, for human flaws reside,
But still, the vessel on the surging tide.

Grammy Rockin' in da Mornin'

 

"Grammy Rockin' in da Mornin' " - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

   

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Related poem: Our Grammy, Theresa Elizabeth Major

Joseph Spence: Bahamian Master Guitarist and Folk Legend

 Joseph Spence - © Guy Droussart

 

 

Joseph Spence: Bahamian Master Guitarist and Folk Legend

Joseph T. Spence (August 3, 1910 – March 18, 1984) was a highly influential Bahamian guitarist and singer, whose unique, virtuosic fingerstyle guitar playing and distinctive vocalizations left an indelible mark on folk and acoustic music globally.

Tropic Swim

 

"Tropic Swim" - Bahamas AI Art

©A. Derek Catalano

 

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Sunset Dance

 

"Sunset Dance" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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Sometimes We Go Too Far

 

 "Gone Too Far" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

Sometimes We Go Too Far

The spark ignites, a whisper of a slight,
A tiny shadow cast across the light.
The mind, a forge, begins its frantic heat,
To pound a weapon out of quick defeat.
The injury, perceived or truly felt,
Is magnified until all reason's smelt
Down to a slag of vengeance, burning bright,
And all we see is taking back the right.

A simple misstep, a casual word,
Transformed into a massive, steel-winged bird,
That darkens skies and blots the sun from view,
Demanding tribute, rigid and untrue.
The counter-attack is drafted in the dark,
A calculated, soul-extinguishing mark.
It’s not for balance, not to mend the tear,
But to inflict a hundredfold the fear.

We marshal forces, though we stand alone,
Against a phantom on a paper throne.
We sharpen edges on a trivial claim,
And whisper ruin, breathing out its name.
The escalation is the fevered need,
To plant a poison and ensure the seed
Of future dominance, a crushing hold,
A narrative where only we are bold.

The Future Is Now

 

"The Future Is Now" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

The Future Is Now

 

The air is thick with whispers, a hum beneath the skin,
Of circuits burning brighter where a new epoch begins.
No chariot of fire descends from cloud-wracked height,
The coming revolution is forged in silicon light.
The future is not waiting, a phantom yet unseen,
It breathes within the fiber, it pulses on the screen.
We stand upon the precipice, the boundary frayed and thin,
Where what will be and what is now spectacularly begin.

The Architecture of Ascent

The algorithm awakens, a mind without a heart,
Learning, iterating, tearing the old world apart.
From massive, deep-sea cables that lattice the ocean floor,
To satellites in orbit, demanding evermore
Of bandwidth and of power, a planetary mesh,
Our consciousness extends, in code and in the flesh.
We hold a small glass brick that grants us access vast,
To all the knowledge gathered from history’s boundless past.
No library could hold it, no single mind could know,
The ceaseless, flowing river where digital seeds grow.
The cloud is not a metaphor, it's server banks that gleam,
The cradle of synthetic thought, the engine of the dream.

To the Beach

 

"To the Beach" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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Baha Men: A Global Pop Phenomenon

Baha Men

(image source)

Baha Men: A Global Pop Phenomenon

Baha Men is a Grammy Award-winning Bahamian band best known for their infectious, globally successful 2000 hit, "Who Let the Dogs Out?" However, their story is much more extensive than a single novelty track. For decades Baha Men have been pioneers in modernizing and popularizing Junkanoo, the vibrant, traditional street-parade music of the Bahamas, fusing it with contemporary pop, dance and hip-hop.

Rise and Shine

 

"Rise and Shine" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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Don't Live Above Your Means

"Don't Live Above Your Means" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

Don't Live Above Your Means

The world presents a gilded cage, a screen
Where every stranger seems to live a scene
Of effortless abundance, grace, and light,
Their days a feast, their shadows banished quite.
A brand-new car, a vacation far away,
The latest gadget marking every day.
The silent pressure, sharp as broken glass,
To match the speed of lives that quickly pass.
The voice that whispers, "You deserve this too,"
A siren call designed to ruin you.

Across the Sea

 

"Across the Sea" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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"Across the Sea" - Bahamas AI Video
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
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Lily of the Valley Corner Association SOUSE-OUT 2025

  

The Lily of the Valley Corner Association held an All Day Souse-Out at #29 Cheryl's Place, Lily of the Valley Corner, Nassau Bahamas on Oct. 13, 2025, National Heroes Day in The Bahamas. ©A. Derek Catalano.

 

Visit the Lily of the Valley Corner Association on Facebook. 

Happy National Heroes Day Bahamas

 

What is a National Hero? A Comprehensive Exploration

 

Introduction

Throughout history, nations have celebrated the lives and legacies of individuals who have played pivotal roles in shaping their futures. These individuals, often called "national heroes," transcend ordinary achievements and become symbols of a nation’s values, culture, and identity. The title "national hero" is not given lightly; it is often reserved for those who have made significant contributions, whether in the realm of politics, military, culture, or human rights. But what exactly defines a national hero? This article delves into the criteria, historical significance, and the evolving role of national heroes in modern society.  Read full article>

 "Worldwide Healthcare" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

The Big Business of Healthcare: Economics, Ethics, and the Search for Equity

 

Introduction

Healthcare, fundamentally a social necessity predicated on compassion and human well-being, has simultaneously evolved into one of the largest and most profitable sectors of the global economy. This dual nature—caring profession meets aggressive enterprise—creates inherent tension. As a commercial market, the industry is valued in the trillions, driving innovation and technological advancement, but also generating enormous profits for insurers, pharmaceutical companies, and private hospital systems. The commodification of health services has created an economic behemoth characterized by high profits, opaque pricing, and structural inequalities. This essay will argue that the modern healthcare industry is a powerful economic engine whose profit-driven motives often challenge the fundamental ethical imperative to prioritize patient well-being, necessitating a global re-evaluation of its structure and regulation.

Ceremony

 

"Ceremony" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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"Ceremony" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
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Chippie's Reason to Rush! - FREE Culture Show & Competitions.

 

Chippie's Reason to Rush!

 

FREE Culture Show & Competitions.

 

Saturday, November 1st, 2025

 

Chippie's Estate - West Bay St.

(Across from Fish Fry)

 

5pm - 9pm 

Midnight Dip

 

"Midnight Dip" - Bahamas AI Art

©A. Derek Catalano

 

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Seeing Is Believing

 

 "Seeing Is Believing" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

 Seeing Is Believing

I.
In the quiet dusk of dreams untold,
Lies a whisper, a tale, in shadows bold.
It moves through hearts, unseen, unheard,
A secret unspoken, a half-formed word.
Promises dance in the realm of air,
Fingers reaching, grasping at prayers.
"Just wait," they say, "soon it will be—"
But still I stand, blind and empty.

Faith, they claim, is the key to trust,
Yet trust is fragile, worn by dust.
How can I believe in things unseen,
When all I’ve touched are the cracks in between?
I want to know, to hold, to feel—
Not just the vision, but the real.
And so I wait, and doubt, and sigh,
Until I see it with my own eye.

Tropic Vacation

 

"Tropic Vacation" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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"Tropic Vacation" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
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"Tropic Vacation" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 Download full size: 1280x720