Welcome to ideas-and-images.com, the website for Gene Barnes and Sue Rautine whose varied interests include philosophy, astronomy, poetry, photography, cooking, and quilting. Gene is the author of What Then Is Truth? A Philosophical Dialogue, as well as an avid astronomer, golfer and tennis player. Sue is a quilter, photographer, writer, and editor. Here you will find information on Gene's book and other writings, his astronomy photos, as well as Sue's writing, quilts, quilting advice, and some of her photos. Follow the links to learn more.

In the middle of all natural and “homemade” turmoil we live through, it is probably safe to say that beings in every era since consciousness arrived have suffered as we have—with different sets of circumstance. They have suffered in their own way. I’m grateful for the pleasures of my family, of reading and writing, being educated, quilting, seeing other cultures, and many everyday events like visits with friends, cooking and eating tasty, fresh local foods, walking, and sharing my life with my husband. It’s easy for me to find things to be thankful for.