Not sure where this photo was shot, but some passerby made his or her own Halloween holiday addition to the alabaster figure.

Though the economic roller coaster everyone seems to be riding out has made recent times pretty tough, hopefully, as we near Halloween and then rush headlong into the end-of-the-year holiday season, everyone remembers the spirit of giving. And, frankly, enjoys life just a little bit.

Take it from this stone goddess: It really is better to give than receive.

"An Offering" from the album On the Street, submitted by JHR.

-- Lori Kozlowski

Here's the thing about L.A. in the fall months: Sure, we don't have the changing of the leaves, and the cold weather. Instead, we get to enjoy the feeling of summer a little bit longer.

Sometimes that entails a particularly hot weekend in October. It certainly includes sunny days at the beach, even into November and December.

Just look at this little girl -- excited and running all the way to the end of the Hermosa Beach Pier. She knows it is always sunny in L.A.

"Into the sun" from the album At the Beach, submitted by Jennifer.

-- Lori Kozlowski

Because of its hilly nature, Los Angeles is locally known to have some pretty fantastic hiking areas. Runyon Canyon is a Hollywood favorite, and at the end of one of the trails, this is what awaits you.

Photographer Dardar writes in the caption: "Resting on top of Hollywood after an afternoon hike on a gloomy L.A. day."

A restful place, indeed. The three tired hikers hang out on top of a fantastic, big, old bench that lets most people (including me) hang your legs off, dangling above the ground.

"Runyon Canyon" from the album Hollywood, submitted by Dardar.

-- Lori Kozlowski

Poor Alfred (the goldfish) looks blissfully unaware -- as goldfish are of most things, I suspect -- that he's in the sights of Chester (the dog).

I'm hoping that submitter Mom will hop in here and tell us that Alfred emerged from this tricky situation none the worse for wear. 

Fingers crossed that the bowl is on a high shelf now.  To your health, little Alfred!

--Lindsay Barnett

"Chester Notices Alfred" submitted by Mom, from the album Man's Best Friend

Do elephants really never forget? I don't know. But this unique perspective takes us right up close, eye-to-eye with the big guy.

Photographer Miriam Mannak writes in her caption: "Who is not fascinated by elephants, the gentle giants of the African Savannah? Picture taken near by Cape Town at Fairy Glen Game Reserve."

"Gentle Giant" from the album Exotics, submitted by Miriam Mannak.

--Lori Kozlowski 

Wowza. 

Submitter Bill took this photo while motorbiking in Bali (tough life, eh?).  Perplexing times ten, right?

Well, you 'Sceners always come through, and this odd instance was no exception.  A commenter, El Marco, explains, "Cat is an alternate spelling for tsat, or 'paint' in Indonesian. A cat or tsat oven is where they bake the paint finish onto your car. Think Earl Scheib with an Indonesian accent."

You see?  I've learned something today already.  And it's only 5:17pm.  Thanks, Your Scene!

--Lindsay Barnett

"Cat Oven?" submitted by Bill, from the album Weird World

Precious little Beverly here is seen enjoying the Hamptons; I'm trying not to be jealous that she has been there and I (a human) haven't.  I guess we can't all be as lucky as this sweet little Yorkie!

--Lindsay Barnett

"Sand, Surf, Pup" submitted by Karyn Bosnak, from the album Man's Best Friend

For all the people who love the Art of Clown, but hate its exorbitant price tags, I bring you...

Bargain Clown Mart.

Your one-stop shop for all things boisterous and creepy. 

--Lindsay Barnett

"Bargain Clown Mart!" submitted by jack, from the album Strange Stores

Sometimes when times get tough, the idea of sailing away seems ideal.

In this photograph, we are brought aboard a ship. Is it the Titanic? Well, no. But if you find yourself with a sinking feeling (about the economy or anything else), just look at this photograph and smile. The view is lovely.

Looking out a porthole from a cabin inside the Queen Mary, this is one passenger's view of the Long Beach skyline.

"Long Beach at dusk" from the album Long Beach, submitted by gabi.

--Lori Kozlowski

All together now, everyone, a collective awwwww.  Don't you feel better now?  I know I do.

That is one comfy-looking Weimeraner, I've got to say.  The cat...slightly less so.  But what is love if not a willingness to compromise? 

The things we can learn from pets could fill a set of encyclopedias, I tell ya!  (Maybe two.)

--Lindsay Barnett

"BestBuds™" from the album Four-Legged Friends, submitted by ccrider