During Christmas and New Years in Russia you will always see pictures of Santa Claus (or “Father Frost” as he is called here) being accompanied by a beautiful “Snow Maiden” who is supposed to be his grand-daughter.
The Snow Maiden is portrayed as a beautiful girl with long blond hair who delights in the snow flakes that fall around her.
Well it’s always interesting to see just how closely fact can follow fiction.
And in the case of our lovely Elena below I think you can see why..
Russian Women - The Real Truth 
December 30, 2008 at 8:31 am
I vote for Elena for the next Bond girl 😀
December 30, 2008 at 1:49 pm
Magnificent shots, GL. Elena’s skin appears to be flawless, and her general appearance is almost otherworldly. Where were these shots taken? You gotta love that hat, too!
December 30, 2008 at 4:33 pm
Yes there was absolutely no retouching done on these photos.
We were caught in a pretty heavy snow storm as you can see from the nearly horizontal lines of snow in the pics and she was standing and skating on a completely frozen river.
Otherworldly is a great world to describe her for sure 🙂
December 30, 2008 at 7:37 pm
rw_man,
In my whole life there has only been 2 or 3 things that would make me WANT to go outside in a blizzard. Well, I have just seen one more reason to do so. I would dust off my skates to spend an afternoon on a frozen river or lake with someone as beautiful as Elana any day of the week. And as a photographer myself, I have to say that your pics just keep getting better all the time.
Happy New Year to you and all of your lovely friends.
December 30, 2008 at 8:18 pm
rw_man,
I don’t yet know the history of Father Frost and the Snow Maiden but I started to imagine what the folk lore might be. This is my first shot at something seasonal regarding Father Frost and the Snow Maiden. I’ll try to do a little research on the legends for future ideas.
Snow Maiden starts to dance again
As diamonds gently fall
Ecstatic as a thankful child
The world becomes her all
Father Frost rejoices
As winter winds do blow
The maiden’s happy laughter
Echoes through the streets below
The children’s wishes tightly locked
Behind their dreaming eyes
As parents sit before the fire
Outside the wind still cries
Begin your magic, Father Frost
Keep dancing Maiden Snow
We wait in dark and silent sleep
‘Till morning lights your show
Again a new year beckons forth
The world is draped in white
And Father Frost retreats once more
With his Snow Maiden into the night
December 30, 2008 at 9:09 pm
Well, since hokey poetry is one of my “things” here’s another that comes from looking at these new pics. Of course I don’t know much about her but Elana sets my imagination in motion.
Elana glides around the ice
Hands in pockets deep
Friends across the river wait
The cider starts to steep
Each breath flows through her golden hair
Her smile bright as the sun
All who watch this lovely girl
Share in her childlike fun
A maiden blessed with angel eyes
And skin as smooth as cream
She flows in silence through the snow
Like some enchanted dream
Who owns the heart and favor of
This lovely winter miss
What suitor meets the challenge
For Elana’s tender kiss
Alas my friends her heart is free
True love yet makes no claim
So court with care this gentle soul
To lose her would be a shame
December 30, 2008 at 9:46 pm
Snow Maiden indeed! More beautiful pictures, GL. I think Elena should be careful skating though. She is so hot, she just might melt the ice:)
I am personally not a fan of the cold, but I do enjoy ice skating. Though, if there is one thing I do like, it is sitting by a warm fire in my fireplace drinking hot chocolate. Winter time does bring up memories of the past for me; a time to reflect on the past, present, and future. I wonder, “next year, will I be sitting by that same fireplace, only this time, will I be holding and cuddling with MY Elena in my arms, feeling our smiles warming both our bodies and hearts?” I hope the coming year is that kind to both of us, Miss Elena! Happy New Year to all:)
December 30, 2008 at 10:01 pm
Very pretty pictures. Personally, I love snow and can’t wait till February when I go to Moscow 🙂
December 30, 2008 at 10:16 pm
GL,
great shots and thanks for bringing this topic of snow maiden up!! I`ve just made a post on it –
enjoy and HAPPY NEW YEAR!! S NOVYM GODOM!!!
🙂
December 30, 2008 at 11:28 pm
Elena is simply beautiful…
-M
December 30, 2008 at 11:32 pm
axinia,
I have spent the last hour or two reading about Father Frost and the Snow Maiden. There are some wonderful stories about them. I also just went to your site to read what you’ve posted.
With so many interesting and exciting things to learn about this part of the world, the dawn of a new year seems very appropriate timing for some of us start searching.
There is something unique in every culture and the FSU is certainly no exception. I think that the cold war years left North Americans like me completely in the dark as to all of the fascinating history there.
My year is closing on many hurtful and depressing situations and challenges. I look forward to a brighter year as this corner is turned. Hopefully, growing in knowledge and possibly a visit to Russia will add some of that light.
December 31, 2008 at 4:08 am
Hello 🙂 I am happy to have stumbled upon this website. I am of Russian decent and I find these women absolutely inspiring! Such beauty inside and out…
December 31, 2008 at 4:32 am
Thanks everyone for the great comments! 🙂
Yes Elena truly is the real deal folks.
Gentle, kind, caring and just absolutely radiant.
A real lady for sure.
Elena certainly didn’t mind that we went walking in the middle of a -18 C blizzard to capture these images.
In fact she just seemed to thrive in it hence the Snow Maiden title we’ve given her.
December 31, 2008 at 4:36 am
Axina thanks for your own little write up on the Snow Maiden.
Sprasnikom! NOVYM GODOM!
(Congratulations! Happy New Year!)
December 31, 2008 at 4:38 am
Privyet Jessica Meres!
I’m inspired that you’re inspired 🙂
So please share more of your inspiration with us 🙂
December 31, 2008 at 9:59 am
She’s yummy!!!!!!!!!!!
December 31, 2008 at 2:59 pm
Richard, I whish you all the best for the next year and really, it woudl be a great beginning if 2009 you would start with thinking of visiting Russia 🙂
I was visiting Moscow last week and again and again I am amaized about the beauty of the girls and the totally different feeling of people than in the west…
ENJOY!
December 31, 2008 at 3:25 pm
I needed to write to express my appreciation for all you do here.
I have been divorced for almost ten years now and have all but given up on finding a loving woman again..untill I found Russian women. The more I learn the more questions I have, and the more I appreciate this site.
I have meet some amazing women threw this experience, and it has given me new hope for my future and the future of the family values I have always believed in.
It is good to know that I am not as alone as I thought I was. Ihave had many conversations with some men of my age, (I’m in my 50’s) and we considered ourselfs dinasours, that their were not many of us left, and our way of life would die with us.
Now I now that our kind will live on, thanks to young men like you.
It has been a bit frustrating for me to weed threw all the letters from many women intrested in me, but I know I will endure and prevail in finding the loving woman I deserve. You have given me much, and I thank you.
One of the most profound things that you have said here, and men need to get it is, that its time to be aman again, and step up to the plate, and be the man these women deserve. I know I have a long road to hoe, but hope is alive and well in my soul, and am determined to live the life that I as a man deserve.
The most kind, loving thing my ex-wife ever did for me was to walk out the door, and give me the freedom to find a real, loving, feminine woman.
I know I will never find her untill I come there, and to show her who I am.
Thanks!
December 31, 2008 at 5:56 pm
Richard, good poetry, quite good. Elena might just frame one of those and hang it on the wall with one of GL’s photos.
December 31, 2008 at 6:38 pm
axinia,
Thank you for your thoughts. My hope is to visit Velikiy Novgorod this year during their anniversary celebration. It is such an old city and there is so much history there to learn about.
sam,
Thank you for the compliment. I might also frame Elana’s skating pictures with the poem.
(if its okay with her and GL) I like your idea.
December 31, 2008 at 11:20 pm
Greetings KC,
I’ve read your moving story carefully and I’d have to say that you probably found the right place to start your quest.
Like many men who have been around the block a few times I understand the space you are coming from.
And the fact that you are learning to walk tall again as a man means a great deal to me. As I’m sure it does to many other men who visit.
The same is true for the women who visit as well.. I certainly want them to walk with pride knowing their own true identities as real feminine women.
Thanks again for your words of appreciation. Please do your part to spread the word on your side too!
December 31, 2008 at 11:36 pm
Hi! Nice pictures! I like your photos. Keep doing such photos!
December 31, 2008 at 11:42 pm
If she looks that good in her winter clothing, imagine what she looks like when she dresses for a hot summer day!! 🙂
January 1, 2009 at 2:13 pm
Elena is indeed a lovely young lady of the snow. The company of women like her are the cure for the winter blues…..:-)
Taras
January 1, 2009 at 9:26 pm
I like that photos.
January 2, 2009 at 10:09 pm
KC,
It is reassuring for all of us ‘dinosaurs’ who have been around the block a few times to know that we are not alone in our feelings about the decline of femininity and family values. We were witness to the old ways and had to watch them disappear. Most likely we didn’t all live the Leave It To Beaver life at home but at least we knew where our mother was whenever we wanted or needed her. There was still a meal around the table with everyone there to eat it once or twice a day. We didn’t come home to an empty home on this day and need to wonder or worry about tomorrow.
You are right about all of us men needing to act like men again. Especially those of us who have the years of experience and background as to recognize the drastic changes that have occurred in our life time.
All young men need to understand the importance of what is being promoted here. It goes far beyond simply finding a good mate. This is about the future being livable or destitute. And the young women need to see and feel what being a woman is really all about; that it is not about competing for a penis but rather about appreciating and enjoying the glory of being a woman.
Great insights and input. Good luck in your search.
January 6, 2009 at 12:27 am
Russian women and women from former USSR countries are exceptionally beautiful. And I’m not saying this because I am from there, but because there is “proof.”
In media, Russian women are always being presented as sexy and beautiful. In fashion, many high fashion models are Russian/Eastern European/Central Asian.
BUT, American Culture is slowly poisoning beautiful and innocent Russian chicks. They are starting to overtan and pout their lips. 😦
I also think that young women who have experienced poverty and suffering from a young age are much more elegant than those who haven’t. And to truly be a Russian, you have to experience the poverty, the decay of Soviet buildings, the school system, the cold winters and dry summers. 😀
January 6, 2009 at 1:04 am
May I also suggest that you should add pictures of Russian speaking women of ethnicity other than Russian. I think it’s important to show how diverse Russia is.
I’m a 21 year old Azerbaijani raised in Russia and relocated to Canada as a pre-teen. And here in Canada and probably U.S.A., very few people know how diverse Russia can be.
January 6, 2009 at 4:17 pm
What does it mean to, “pout their lips?”
“I also think that young women who have experienced poverty and suffering from a young age are much more elegant than those who haven’t. And to truly be a Russian, you have to experience the poverty, the decay of Soviet buildings, the school system, the cold winters and dry summers.”
This is why western women are so bad. They have never experienced these things. They think having a bad hair day is the worst that can happen.
It’s like they are given pillows and parachutes for every time they might fall. While men are told to hit the pavement and deal with it. It’s no wonder we cannot relate anymore.
January 6, 2009 at 5:20 pm
Kamilla said:
“BUT, American Culture is slowly poisoning beautiful and innocent Russian chicks. They are starting to overtan and pout their lips.”
Not to mention those body piercings and tattoos. Ugh! 😛
January 6, 2009 at 5:20 pm
P.S. That emoticon was intended to be a face with the tongue sticking out.
January 6, 2009 at 7:21 pm
Kamilla, are you a Tatar?? Or is there such a thing as a native Azerbaijani who is not Tatar??
BTW, what part of Canada??
January 6, 2009 at 10:52 pm
LOL! No, I am definitely not a tatar. And most Azeris aren’t.
Tatars have a little bit of Mongolian/Uralic flavour to them and are more nomadic. Whereas, Azerbaijan is an independent country…very much influenced by neighboring Turkey and Iran.
May I also add though, that NOBODY.. and I mean.. nobody in Russia and neighboring places have pure blood. Always mixing! which is why people look so beautiful there. 😀
Also, “pouting lips” means you stick your lips out and try to look like you’ve just had a shot of Botox. x_x
January 6, 2009 at 11:15 pm
“This is why western women are so bad. They have never experienced these things. They think having a bad hair day is the worst that can happen.
It’s like they are given pillows and parachutes for every time they might fall.”
It’s a cultural problem. Overconsumption, having too much freedom, and too much power. It’s very easy to become spoiled…and poisoned. There is an overload of everything. And people stop thinking.
January 6, 2009 at 11:36 pm
Kamilla,
Hi there. Nice to see your thoughts.
You mentioned moving to Canada as a pre-teen; have you and your family gone back to visit since coming here to NA? Do you still have close relatives back in Azerbaijan? If you do, how did they feel about your parents immigrating to Canada?
I hear many stories about families being very happy when some of them are able to come to NA but also many who feel it is wrong to leave their homeland.
How do you like Canada compared to your Azeri childhood?
Also, do you mind adding your thoughts on the feeling that there is a much stronger sense of ethics and morals where you come from as compared to North America?
Thank you for any answers you can give me. These are the type of curiosities that always cross my mind.
Best wishes,
January 7, 2009 at 12:26 am
I can barely tolerate being around most American women, their attitudes are insufferable to me. Perhaps they should spend a day in the Gaza strip right now, or anywhere else where innocent people are dying in droves at the hands of hostile invasion forces. Maybe then some of them would lose the attitude and realize they’ve been handed a priceless gift and a blessing too. They would know how good they have it here. That is what most Russian and other women from the Former Soviet Union understand very well. If I ever do find someone with whom I would want to raise a family, I would do it in her country, not bring her here to the U.S.
Taras
January 7, 2009 at 1:06 am
Thank you Kamilla for your answer. are Azeris like the Tatars whereby they say that becasue I’m tatar, I’m muslim?? Are most Azeris muslim??
Only because I dont’ know, I ask. Ther region is right for that kind of thing to happen.
I have a christian tatar friend. She tole me that the only reason that she wasn’t persecuted for being Tatar and Christian is becasue she had very few Asian features. She has mostly white features.
Although, I do agree with you, Asian features can be very beautiful.
January 7, 2009 at 1:49 pm
“I can barely tolerate being around most American women, their attitudes are insufferable to me.”
Same here. I’ve worked with a Russian woman before who was married to an American. She was one of the few “nice girls” I’ve ever met. I constantly heard the AW talking crap about her behind her back. They were probably jealous or something. I’ve sworn them all off now. I will only deal with them on a non-personal basis. No more American raised women for this guy.
January 7, 2009 at 3:46 pm
Agree with people being spoilt/not realising how lucky they are.
Every night if nothing else I say 10 things I am grateful for. It is said to really improve mental health. I recommend it ;]
January 7, 2009 at 5:30 pm
Bella,
I love your personal practice of remembering what you have to be thankful for.
Whether it is a prayer or a simple self reminder or whatever else, I think we should all count life’s blessings every day.
When all seems dark, my thought is, what my life would be like; without my daughter, my health, friends and family and even the fact that we have a warm, dry home. My daughter is only 9 yrs old but she is very aware of the fact that her life is much more secure than many other children she knows.
I agree that such an attitude improves mental health. I even read a university study which said that people who simply acknowledge the good parts of their life are less likely to suffer from depression.
January 7, 2009 at 7:16 pm
“Also, “pouting lips” means you stick your lips out and try to look like you’ve just had a shot of Botox. x_x”
Oh that. Ya that makes them look pretty alright… Pretty stupid.
“It’s a cultural problem. Overconsumption, having too much freedom, and too much power. It’s very easy to become spoiled…and poisoned. There is an overload of everything. And people stop thinking.”
Right. Most of the media here encourages and glamorizes this behavior. Even most of the men here are brainwashed and they’re just as bad as the women.
A free, critical-thinking population is not what those in power want it seems. Thank God for the internet.
January 8, 2009 at 12:10 am
Mike,
You have hit the nail on the head. It is very much a cultural problem and one that is somewhat unique to NA.
The opening lines to an article I once wrote on the subject of “Greater Freedoms = Greater Responsibilities” are;
“North America has lived as a glutton, ravaging the land and the social fabric through massive over consumption and moral degradation. The once pristine continent now looks all but destitute under the weight of rampant waste and unchecked consumerism”.
When I wrote that, my focus was on how blind and wasteful I thought we were becoming environmentally. But you have it exactly right culturally because it seems that all of these “symptoms” are simply reinforcing what we have “thrown away” as a society, which is our dignity and self respect.
Good on ya’, man.
January 8, 2009 at 12:16 am
Kamilla,
My apologies. I forgot that the statement about ‘over consumption and becoming spoiled’ was from you originally.
Please, I beg your pardon.
January 12, 2009 at 6:51 am
I’ve moved to Vancouver with my parents. Some of my relatives from Russia and Azerbaijan visited Canada a couple of times. But the only person brave enough to visit motherland was my dad.
My parents are proud to be in NA, and proud to be Canadian citizens. I personally know many Russian immigrants who always complain living in Canada or the United States, but once they visit Russia they realize how lucky they are to be in Canada.
“How do you like Canada compared to your Azeri childhood?”
From the age of 7-12 I’ve lived in Volgograd, Russia. I found it depressing. Old and decaying streets, corrupted police, harassment, swearing, and drunks sleeping on the streets. I’ve dealt with a HUGE culture shock when I landed in Canada. The only thing I loved about Vancouver is huge East Asian population. I think Russia is culturally closer to East Asia than North America. Personally, I have more in common with Chinese men than Canadian men.
To be honest, some women in Russia can be as bad and as shallow as American-born white women.
One thing that stands out a lot is how the majority of Russian women are obsessed with marriage.
I would know because I have cousins who are 18-22 and already married, and some Russian friends who are desperate to get married. They want the man to support them…completely…which is very sad, but that’s what poverty and lack of democracy do to you. eh.
Wolverine, I have no idea why you are trying to link Tatars with Azeris. Azerbaijan is muslim, but so is Malaysia, Turkey, Kazakhstan, and Chechnya. I’m just trying to say that there is a ton of muslims all over the world. Ohhh. this is from Wiki: “modern-day Azerbaijanis are believed to be primarily the descendants of the Albanian and Iranic peoples who lived in the areas of the Caucasus and northern Iran”
I am Azeri, but I am also Polish/German/Lesgin. But now I’m also Canadian.
This is just to prove how complicated ones ethnicity can be.
“Ther region is right for that kind of thing to happen. “ Nice one. x__x
January 12, 2009 at 7:56 am
Thanks for clearing up that Kamilla. I wasn’t obsessed, just curious.
BTW, how are you liking snow in Vancouver?? 😀
January 12, 2009 at 8:08 am
I don’t like snow. 😦
A little bit is OKAY, but there’s been too much. It’s impossible to get anywhere–we don’t have underground subway, and this area is very mountainous. Besides, it costs a lot of $$$ to clean up the streets.
January 12, 2009 at 9:00 am
Kamilla,
Thank you for all of the feedback on your childhood and your homeland.
I also live in the Vancouver area and your comment about the snow is well timed. This has been quite a winter so far and its only early in the season. I have lived in this region for quite a long time and this has been the most snow I have seen around Christmas since moving out here from the Midwest. Normally we get a good snowfall of maybe 5cm and in a day or two it has gone. This year has been something rare.
Looking forward to more of your thoughts and comments.
January 13, 2009 at 4:56 pm
Anna Kurnikova is an alias for a video cam pornographic site. Those darn people seem to infect every site on the web eventually! GL, I hope you will remove the link at your first opportunity.
January 13, 2009 at 11:10 pm
Regarding part of comment 44:
“They want the man to support them…completely…which is very sad, but that’s what poverty and lack of democracy do to you. eh.”
Not necessarily.
An important question to ask is this: Do they also want to take care of their men, in feminine ways, completely?
January 16, 2009 at 6:47 am
^
Yes, support completely. ie. marriage.
It’s a part of the Russian mentality.
I personally don’t let my bf pay for me at all times, but a Russian chick would look funny at me and say: “What? YOU SHOULD NEVER PAY!”
January 17, 2009 at 3:09 pm
My point was that it is not “sad”, in any sense, for a woman to be supported completely in masculine ways, if she also supports completely in feminine ways.
And such a woman tends to be continually caring, especially in small ways that add up to an amazing relationship, which becomes a marriage long before there is any official announcement.
By the way, the behaviors and qualities that women find attractive in men are not always the same ones that men find attractive in women.
For example, a woman who emphasized her “strength and independence” or her business successes and financial portfolio would not be attractive to me. I am looking for a woman with complementary needs, not a pale imitation of me who is looking for a male version of a wife.
The woman that I want would be naturally nurturing and invest just as much in the relationship, in feminine ways. She would work equally hard to be my complement, to be my “other half” and not a competitor. I already have competitors, they are called men.
January 20, 2009 at 2:36 pm
Mate,
I was drawn here looking for pictures to help me comprehend the classic beauty of Russian women. I have recently started courting (yes courting!!) a beautiful Russian lady who found her way down under. At 40+, she is so pretty she could easily stand in the company of your younger subjects.
My thoughts to other readers are that, I am no film star to look at, but have a gentlemans manners, trades-mans skill, homely ways, and cultured interests in literature, folk music and art. Now, on any day, this lady could take home any man in any room, but she is drawn to me for the values, capacities, and interests we share.
The only sad remark I have ever heard from her is a lament of the sex slave/gold-digger depiction of Russian woman in the global media. Know this all travelers, she is the most instinctively soulful, spiritual, nurturing and complete woman I have ever encountered.
My advice fella’s ~ brush up your courting skills, weed and polish your attitude, and have a chivalrous tilt!
Finally, what a superb job you have done with this site. Dignified, respectful, helpful, positive,… mindful and distinguished. Great effort, fantastic result.
January 20, 2009 at 4:28 pm
What a stunningly beautiful and fashionable young lady.
February 19, 2009 at 7:18 am
Tim:
Your gentlemen’s demeaner just adds more meaning and wisdom to your words. I like your “Chivalrous tilt” comment. Very true and appropriate.
One of the engineers that I work with who recently retired met a woman from Russia a few years ago through her sister who lives in the area (USA, Oregon). He would come to work and couldn’t stop talking about her. He said she was the most beautiful person inside and out that he had ever met, and had the faith of a child. So I have heard about, but never witnessed the beauty that you speak of.
So did you meet this woman by chance, or did you seek her out?
Elena. Wow! What a beuatiful sweet heart. Her eyes and smile say a lot. Happy, appreciative and sincere. Three traits hard to find here in the states. A person can have everything and have nothing. Without love life is empty.
February 20, 2009 at 8:06 am
Anthony:
Nice to see you picked up on the core of my message, that is, to yield the feminine qualities we aspire to, we fellows have to cultivate ourselves as well. Focus on the self, want nothing, and then create what you seek.
In this sense, the answer to your question is that I think we actually created each other. Look into this idea and best of luck fellow Traveler.
Tim
February 26, 2009 at 11:06 pm
I agree Kamilla, everyone in Russia and all the surrounding nations is a Heinz 57 thanks to the numerous invasions by the likes of the Mongols, Greeks, Teutons, Vikings, Turks, Huns and untold others, not to mention the widespread intermarriage that has been the norm in this region of the world for a long time. There are not many people where I live who have Slavic, Celtic and even Native American bloodlines like I do. In many areas away from the cities here in the U.S., it is quite the opposite!
Taras
February 27, 2009 at 3:54 am
I couldn’t agree more about the diversity of Russia.
Taras, it’s nice to know someone with similar bloodlines as I have… I’m a young American guy in his mid 20’s with Slavic and Celtic bloodlines. My father’s family is comprised of Poles, Russian and Prussians… My mother’s family is almost 100% Irish. Some people told me that I look Russian, but other people said that I look more of a Brit.
BK
February 27, 2009 at 3:54 pm
Yup, that’s true. Being the odd man out definitely has it’s drawbacks, especially when you live in an area where people who are different are looked down upon. Not that I care what other people think, if they don’t want to even bother to try to at least get my name right, then they don’t need to speak to me at all. My first name is Taras and some people made the mistake of thinking I was a woman, LOL.
Taras
February 27, 2009 at 4:58 pm
What do you think the differences are between Slavic and Celtic? I have both as far as I know too, and I wonder whether someone would be able to tell.
February 27, 2009 at 4:58 pm
Urgh, my comment.
I mean, facially :]
February 27, 2009 at 9:31 pm
Elena looks swell! Beautiful smile and she’s well dressed =)
See, I can be objective.
February 27, 2009 at 10:22 pm
Goooood Girrrl Kisha..
We almost have you trained to be a Real Lady I see.. 🙂
February 27, 2009 at 10:24 pm
Oh by the way..
Care to send me any pictures of yourself Kisha?
February 28, 2009 at 12:58 am
Look no farther than the lovely Zarina whose pictures are still here and you will have your answer Bella…….:-) Perhaps you should start looking into your family tree and find out who your ancestors were. In my case, I knew my father’s parents and all three spoke Russian in my presence.
Taras
February 28, 2009 at 4:32 am
Just in case when you are looking for Zarina… It’s located in the “photo 39” link under the Images link at the top row of this website. That fine young lady from Kazakhstan with a desire to master the Chinese language…
When you look at the 2nd picture of her when she’s looking at that little electronic device, her facial shape looks very Russian to me. Anyone may disagree with me, but it’s just the way how I see it. However, there is no “perfect” Russian face because Russia is so diverse with so many different facial shapes, hair colors and eye colors. It’s pretty subjective.
As for Irish, it’s usually those people with red hair and oodles of freckles like one of my cousins from my mom’s family. He looks like a typical Irish boy with a pure red hair and all freckles. My uncle has an auburn hair with lots of freckles as well.
My facial shape and eyes shape look so much like Elena on this page, the snowmaiden’s Slavic look except for the gender. Just imagine the male version of Elena’s face with a short brunet curly hair. That’s me. I got my glossy-like blue eyes from my babushka who grew up in Galicia (it’s currently located in the southeastern part of Poland where it used be a part of the Austrian Empire before WWII. It’s not far from Ukraine).
Taras, that’s quite a wonderful Ukrainian masculine name! I understand about attitude of people here in the US because my father’s family had to deal with American people’s misconceptions and stereotype of those people from Eastern Europe when they arrived here in the states back in early 1900’s such as those Americans calling those Poles “dumb Polock” and so on…
If it was not for my grandfather’s decision to change my family’s last name, my last name would be pretty Slavic where people would mispronounce the name so easily. I’d rather to have people to pronounce my old last name in its pure and natural Slavic sound such as “ch” is supposed to be pronounced like a Russian consonant sound, “X” such as a Russian word, “yxo,” which means “ear” in English. But, Americans don’t speak Russian or Polish, anyway…
March 2, 2009 at 12:31 am
When my father arrived in the U.S., he changed his surname. Because of the fact tensions between the U.S and the now former Soviet Union, he changed the last three letters from ski to cki so people would think he was Polish. This was a time when the U.S. and Russia came within a hair’s breadth of turning the launch keys on each other. Even so, people mangle my first and last name so I go by my middle name among strangers. And people here keep thinking Taras is a girl’s or woman’s name, or they call me Tara. I’ve come up with some snappy comebacks for that believe me. As for me, I have a thinner face than Elena, but steel gray eyes instead of blue and heavily graying hair. Unfortunately, I wasn’t blessed with the perfect teeth she has, it took many “Torqemada” style sessions in the oral surgeon’s chair to fix my teeth.
Taras
April 24, 2009 at 8:44 am
Kamilla says of America
“having too much freedom”
.. is one of the problems. I couldn’t disagree more. On the contrary, we don’t have enough, or near as much as we used to. This country is a shadow of it’s former self.
In fact, I think much of the responsibility for the decline of the American family lies on the shoulders of federal policy.
This is my favorite thing about everyone’s preferred country of derision. As an American I will fight to my dying breath for my right to decide for myself what is right for me, for my right to be selfish, or to be wrong. There are strong liberal (I mean classically liberal) traditions here, and I’m so proud of my heritage, and what America could one day be once again.
The problem is that our country has become corporatist, where corporations basically decide policy now. And with federal control of education, indirectly control public thought as well.
The true source of our cultural, moral, and economic decline is the large decrease in freedom, and the ability of special interests, including feminists, to hijack policy making.
Also, this lovely lady is stunningly beautiful. I swear it, I could be happy the rest of my days with only a real woman like her and a family, knowing I can, and she wants me to, be a man for them.
May 2, 2009 at 3:29 am
The countries with little or no freedom for their people are the most violent. Put simply, freedom is the right to be left alone, not do whatever one pleases without regard for the consequence. It does not mean being able to harm or violate the rights of others with impunity. It means to be able to live without government interference, or worse. That’s slipping away fast here in America, and our already violent society is going to get a lot worse when we have no more freedom. Not to mention the dangerous streaks of extremism festering here. More freedom, not less is the answer. A helluva lot of people died fighting for nothing more than their own freedom all over the world in the past century alone.
Taras
May 3, 2009 at 9:02 pm
Taras,
I totally agree with you. You make some good points about freedom but we must all remember that there is NO ideal, plan or life experience which is completely one way or another. There is only ‘one’ white and ‘one’ black but several shades of grey. Freedom, like every other aspect of life, must be continuously flexible and ready to compromise. An oak tree will lose large branches in a 30 mph wind but a willow will hardly lose any leaves in a 60 mph storm. Yes, indeed, the fundamental rights and freedoms must be assured but we have taken the letter of the law to such extremes as to make a mockery of the very foundation of our system. Without common sense (an unbelievably rare commodity now days) the laws and support systems are all worthless.
My neighbors have more say in what I do on my own land than I do. The local government has more say in what I do on my own land than I do. The federal government has more say in what I do on my own land than I do. I can buy it, own it and maintain it but have lost my right to build on it, grow on it, or develop it as I please. I can’t knock down and old garage, put up a storage shed, clear a tree, plant a tree, fill in a hole, dig out a pond or even park a few extra cars, without someone else’s approval and somebody getting paid. Who owns MY land? I can’t even reasonably protect my land but if someone trespasses on it and twists their ankle it is MY responsibility.
What I’m saying is that freedom is another of life’s two edged swords. We must ‘use’ it but once ‘abused’ it will destroy us. Where are we now? We have allowed the minority to abuse the freedom that gave them their voice and now that very freedom is a renegade monster crushing or consuming everything and everyone in its path.
Each time we vote for an incumbent, we feed the monster. Each time we allow our elected officials to redecorate their government office, we feed the monster. Each time we ‘let someone else handle it’, we feed the monster. Each time we pay more taxes as an individual than any corporation pays in taxes, we have gorged the monster. Each time we search for someone to blame, we need to look in the mirror.
Unfortunately we have fed the monster for far too long and there is no way to train it to eat less now. It needs to be put down and we need a new ‘family pet’. Henry Ford said, “If it works, don’t fix it”. Sadly, our government no longer works. What’s more, I think it is well beyond ‘fixing’.
May 3, 2009 at 11:09 pm
You are exactly right Taras. Freedom is not about doing whatever you want with facing consequences or stepping on other people’s freedom. However, we have people on top who think they are above having to answer to anyone. Granted it isn’t that bad since we can bring this up. But the idea that they think they can control other countries is funny. They for example do not have control over China (our country like it or not is indebted to them). Of course our government isn’t the only ones that want to tell us what to do. Even Osoma has cconditions and even has his view how much a gallon we should be paying for oil. This of course can be researched.
May 4, 2009 at 7:27 am
Read Atlas Shrugged. This is what we’re becoming.
If everyone lived by 3 very simple laws, things would be a whole lot easier.
They are:
Harm no one (Unless they are threatening to do imminent harm to you)
Harm no one’s property
Treat everyone as you would wish to be treated
My two cents…
May 26, 2009 at 10:31 am
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May 26, 2009 at 1:15 pm
Of course there is a balance between personal freedom and the welfare of society. The problem is, the pendulum has been swung off the charts in the favor of the few at the expense of the many. The pendulum being very heavy cannot be kept where it is forever, and when it swings back anyone or anything in the way is going to be wiped out.
Taras
June 24, 2009 at 9:12 pm
I dont get it…
i just….
i dont have words to describe this pleacent and beautiful image…
Am in Love….
🙂
June 9, 2010 at 1:08 pm
who know who is this girl?She is a model?What is her name and surname????????