It’s all a great mystery…Look up at the sky and you’ll see how everything changes~Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Some days I am so busy at my desk that I forget to look out my window at the ever-changing palette of color and motion in the skies above. The same is true when I am out shooting with my camera. Sometimes the most startling image isn’t at eye level. It’s right up there above my head. Changing my perspective opens up new possibilities. All I need to do is simply Look Up.
In these 3 shots, my eyes were drawn upward. The view at this angle was surprising. In the first shot, I couldn’t help staring at the spires and intricate stone work of the Duomo di Milano, a Gothic masterpiece, which took nearly six centuries to complete. The cathedral is the third largest in the world, but it has a fatal and costly flaw: it was constructed of Candoglia marble, which needs to be continually restored section by section.

Vision looks inwards and becomes duty. Vision looks outwards and becomes aspiration. Vision looks upwards and becomes faith. — Stephen Samuel Wise
Like many tourists, I walked past Santa Maria Novella in Florence several times before entering. I’m so glad I did. The domed ceilings and the black and white arches were startlingly beautiful. This vast interior space was supposedly designed by Brunelleschi, the same architect who created the iconic Duomo cupola several blocks away.

Looking Up, Santa Maria Novella, Firenze. Shot with a Fuji X-T2.
Changing your perspective can reveal details that aren’t immediately apparent at eye level. At first glance, these yellow roses seemed ordinary. But when shot from below, the flower had a unique look. Its color also seemed more vivid against the blue sky.

Giardino delle Rose, Firenze. Shot with a Fuji X-T2.
For this week’s Lens-Artists Photo Challenge, we invite you to “Look Up” and share what you see. We are looking forward to seeing your interpretation.
If you are looking for some photography tips about shooting at this angle, click this link from the Digital Photography School.
HAVE YOU SEEN THESE?
There were many terrific responses to Tina’s “Path” challenge last week. Thanks to all who participated!
- Amy of Photography Journal Blog showed us where the path splits at Derwent Edge in the U.K.
- Murtagh’s Meadow and Miriam Hurdle of The Showers of Blessings showed us some gorgeous paths in Ireland and Portland, Oregon.
Ann-Christine will post the next challenge on Saturday, October 6th at noon. For more information on how to join the Lens-Artists Photo Challenges, click here. Most importantly, remember to TAG your post “Lens-Artists ” so it appears in the Reader.
And finally, have an inspiring week!
Categories: Lens-Artists Photo Challenge, Photography
Here’s mine!
http://junkboattravels.blogspot.com/2018/09/look-up_29.html
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Wow! You’re fast, Jackie! Thanks for joining the challenge. I’ll check out your post.
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Thank you, Patti, for the mention. Your photos are magnificent. I’ll be back with mine!
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You’re very welcome, Miriam. So glad you like the photos! Looking forward to seeing your post.
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I hope to get it done today. We have a first birthday party for my granddaughter today at the park!
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No rush, Miriam. Your granddaughter will be 1 year old only once in her life. 🙂 Enjoy!
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Thanks so much for the pingback Patti. Love your “up” photos, particularly the Giardino delle Rose, what a beautiful colour.
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You’re very welcome, MM. So glad you like the roses. They are a gorgeous shade of yellow, aren’t they? They were also my mother’s favorite flower. 🙂
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They are a beautiful shade. You may spot another rose in my looking up photos later!
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I hope so!
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Gorgeous post Patti, and great challenge idea. Love that first capture especially. Amazing they have to keep refurbishing it!
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Thank you, Thank you! It’s always wonderful to get your thoughts on the posts. 🙂 I kept thinking how the people in Milan were making money from tourists who visit the site and then spending it on the refurbishing! Revolving door.
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I am gobsmacked Pattie. The cathedral is stunning, something out of a gothic novel , wait you did say it’s a gothic structure and the curves in the interior shot really draws ones attention infinitely upwards. So much to see and marvel. Your blog was a gem of a find. More power to you.
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Wow! I’m smiling–which is quite an accomplishment since we’re surrounded by boxes as we get ready for our move. 😦 You lifted my “ugly” mood. Thanks!
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Here is my contribution: https://chava61.wordpress.com/2018/09/29/lens-artist-photo-challenge-13-look-up/
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Your shots of NYC were great for this challenge. 🙂
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Thanks!
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Love this theme, Patti! Here’s my post: https://suejudd.com/2018/09/29/lens-artists-photo-challenge-13-look-up/
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Great post, Sue. We’re glad you joined the challenge. 🙂
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Thank you! Looking forward to next week!
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Great theme and a reminder to just change your perspective sometimes! Thanks very much also for the mention of my blog, I do appreciate it 🙂
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You’re very welcome, Amy! Glad you like the theme. Looking forward to your post.
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Yes, hopefully I will be back with something good 🙂 haha
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Of course you will. 🙂
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Sorting, packing does put a damper but moving to a new place means more new adventures. Looking forward to reading about them already.
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Yes, you’re absolutely right. Thanks for the encouragement to look ahead to more adventures instead of contemplating boxes!
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each photo so unique – but the first is my fav here – and the faith quote with it was well paired.
hope you have an inspiring week too –
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Thank you, Prior! I loved that quote too.
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Love hearing from you. Let me know if you hit L.A. Me & mine can put you up! xxxoooxxx Henny
Sent from my
Sent from my
>
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Hi, Henny. We’d love to see you in L.A.!
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Fantastic architectural shots, Patti. The interior shot is terrific and your composition on the first is very appealing. 😊
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Thank you so much, Jane! 🙂 🙂
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Beautiful cathedral – your shot really captures the soaring spires!
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Thank you, Albatz! I’m glad that comes across in the shot. They were monumental!
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What a beautiful selection for an interesting theme.
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🙂 🙂 Thanks, Rupali!
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A topic I love. And here is my looking up (with a quick glance down too) https://travelwithintent.com/2018/09/30/looking-up-at-romanity/
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Gorgeous post, Debbie! Glad you joined us!
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Wonderful responses to the challenge!
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Hi, Anne. It’s great that so many people are participating. 🙂
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While on a photo walk with space as a point of departure, I encountered a smile when my gaze turned upward. Thank you for this challenge.
https://ameditativejourney.wordpress.com/2018/09/30/lens-artists-photo-challenge-look-up/
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Thanks for joining us, Brenda.
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Beautiful images Patti xx love the image of the flowers..
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Thanks so much, Bren! 🙂
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You are welcome xx
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Oh, I LOVE looking up, even if I don’t often pause to capture it in a photo!
Here’s my little contribution for this challenge:
https://naamayehuda.com/2018/09/30/fleecy-sky/
Na’ama
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Hi, Na’ama. Thanks so much for joining us. I love those fleecy clouds. 🙂
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🙂 I enjoy joining y’all whenever I manage to. 🙂
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Good morning all!
Some nice photos here.
Here’s my contribution for the week.
https://stupidityhole.wordpress.com/2018/10/01/lens-artist-photo-challenge-13-large-reaching-sea-spray/
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Beautiful shot, Stupidity.
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And doubly-glad!
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Ha…I just finished scheduling my “Paths” challenge post…. Sigh…..
Beautiful photos!
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No worries, Dawn. Glad you’re participating in the challenge. Thanks so much for your kind words. 🙂
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The architectural photos are just beautiful! Such a great photo challenge too! It was fun to join in. Thanks!
https://365daysblog.com/2018/09/30/267-273-of-365/
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Glad you’re joining us, Kathleen! Thanks for your kind words. 🙂
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Thanks for taking me back to Florence Patti!
Here’s my entry, https://lucidgypsy.com/2018/10/01/up/
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I enjoyed your shots of Marseilles. 🙂
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Hi Patti, we had a wonderful birthday party for my granddaughter Autumn yesterday. Here’s my post. Thank you for the excellent prompt.
https://theshowersofblessings.com/2018/09/30/lens-artist-photo-challenge-13-look-up/
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Wonderful architectural shots, Miriam!
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Thank you so much, Patti!
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Love your photos, love this challenge! 🙂 Here’s my entry:
https://angelafurtadophotography.com/2018/10/01/lens-artist-challenge-look-up/
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Beautiful shots, Angela! Glad you joined us!
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Thanks so much! 🙂
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My late entry 🙂
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Thanks for joining the challenge!
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The inside of Santa Maria Novella is so beautiful and light too. I love vaulted ceilings and the contrasting decorative stone work. And there is nothing better than photographing leaves or flowers against a blue sky!
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Isn’t it gorgeous, Jude? We all see so many cathedrals in Europe, but this one really stood out. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the challenge. Glad you like the flowers too.
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All of your photo choices are splendid for the ‘look up’ prompt. I enjoyed all of them, but the colors of the flowers against the blue sky really popped to me! Thank you for the opportunity to participate! Happy October!
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Hi, Shelley. Glad you’re joining us. Thanks for your kind words about the roses. The color is great, isn’t it?
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All beautiful shots, Patti! I especially love the flowers.
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Thanks so much, Sue. 🙂 🙂
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A great new challenge Patti and I especially love your first image of the spires and intricate stonework against the blue sky. My contribution for this week is here: https://whippetwisdom.com/2018/10/01/haibun-a-new-adventure/
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Thank you so much, WW. Glad you’re enjoying the challenges and the images. I’ll take a look at your entry next. 🙂
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If there was still a WordPress Blogging class, I’d fail for sure! Is this how I share my post? Are you the right person? I know I’ve asked before but am still confused.
https://chosenperspectives.com/2018/10/01/lens-artist-photo-challenge-13-look-up/
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It’s all good. You’ve chosen the right person because I posted challenge #13 at noon on Saturday. Next Saturday it’s Ann-Christine’s turn to post challenge #14 at noon. Your link works too! Thanks for joining the challenge!
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Thank you!
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Oh, glorious shots, Patti! Tonight I’m back from a short vacation, and …I will see what I can find this week!
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Hope you had a great time, Ann-Christine! Thanks too for your kind words. 🙂 🙂 Looking forward to seeing your “take” on the challenge.
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We had a great time all of us – five of my best friends joined in!
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Thank you for being part of sponsoring Lens-Artist photo challenges. Love the theme this week!
https://lindylecoq.com/2018/10/01/lens-artist-photo-challenge-13-look-up/
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Beautiful post, Lindy. I’m glad you joined us. 🙂
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hi patti, wonderful and mixeed pictues for this week, here is my post for this challenge theme, https://wp.me/p2AvI7-2Sc.
greetings robert
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Thanks, Robert. I enjoyed your post on this theme!
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A piece of Poland – Look Up! https://lagottocattleya.wordpress.com/2018/10/02/lens-artists-photo-challenge-13-look-up/
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What a perfect event for this week’s theme. Glad your plans coincided! It looks like a lot of fun.
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It was really interesting and enjoyable, thank you! Sometimes things just work well together.
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Hi Patti your topic coincided with photos I took this week-end. That rarely happens so thanks. This weekend I was wearing a t-shirt with a note to self:travel, inscription. That i what I will have to do more in order to take photos of these gothic type detailed buildings you photographed. in the mean time I will experience life in South Africa via my lens.
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Hi, Abrie. I’m glad the theme and your weekend plans coincided. Isn’t it nice when that happens! I am enjoying your shots and stories about South Africa. It’s a beautiful place.
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Hi Patti. Loved your shots and challenge topic. Thanks!
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I’m so glad you enjoyed them! Thanks! I really thought that the change in perspective made the shots more interesting.
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Definitely.
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Loved all your pictures!! Here is mine – https://ramyatantry.wordpress.com/2018/10/02/beauty-of-bhuleshwar-temple/
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What a great spot, Ramya. Beautiful.
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You have some real cool and awe-inspiring photos for your topic.
Here is my entry for the week.
https://ceenphotography.com/2018/10/02/lens-artists-photo-a-week-challenge-look-up/
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Hi, Cee. I love that ferris wheel shot! Thanks for your kind words too.
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Your photos are very beautiful
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Thank you so much, Alice! I’m glad you stopped by.
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Never know what you’ll see while looking up. https://odaciuk.wordpress.com/2018/10/02/lens-artists-photo-challenge-look-up/
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Thanks for joining the challenge, Olga!
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It was a pleasure. Patti. 🙂
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Great challenge and wonderful photos! Here is mine for now: http://vegasgreatattractions.com/slotzilla-zip-line/
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Glad you enjoyed the challenge and the photos. I’ll take a look at your shots next. Thanks for joining us!
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I’m back Patti, my take this week is a bit of a cheeky take on the theme. I took “look up” more in the sense of to look something up or do your research. It’s here:https://wp.me/p2owKx-12m
I do hope you like my bit of a stretch for this week. I really enjoyed putting the post together, so thanks for the theme.
Cheers, Amy
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I did like your unique take on the challenge. I want to try the “photo within a photo” some time. Thanks for the inspiration!
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🙂 I find it to be a fun exercise.
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Patty…All shots are really interesting…liked the flower one….
Here is our entry
https://wp.me/p9S2Sa-bI
Happy Photo Blogging..
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Thanks, HHY. Glad you liked the flower. It really helped to change my perspective and see it in a new way. I love your shots of storks. 🙂
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Beautiful post! I too miss the WP Weekly photo challenge so I’m trying my best to participate in the Lens Artists challenge when I can. Thanks for the inspiration!
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I’m so glad our challenges are inspiring you! It’s fun coming up with the themes. Thanks for joining in too.
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Great pics Patti, this is my entry:”https://balance440.wordpress.com/2018/10/04/lens-artist-photo-challenge-13-look-up/”
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Glad you joined us!
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I love that cathedral. Great photos 🙂
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Thank you so much, bushboy! The cathedral is stunning, isn’t it? How sad that it costs so much to keep it restored.
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So many places have cost issues
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True.
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Your entry reminded me of Orvieto Cathedral where I was last week with special visitors. WordPress uniting people. 🙂
https://manjameximovie3.wordpress.com/2018/10/05/lens-artists-look-up-to-beauty/
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Thank you, MMM. I haven’t been to Orvieto, but I will look at your post which I’m sure will inspire me. 🙂
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