Creativity is intelligence having fun.―
Today is a very special day for us here at Lens-Artists – the one year anniversary of our Challenge. While we were all initially saddened by the discontinuation of the WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge, for us it became an opportunity to expand our blogging horizons and to create some amazing new friendships.
Salvador Dali Tells Time. Madrid, Spain
Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life’s coming attractions.~Albert Einstein
On our end, we have transitioned from four independent photography bloggers to a tightly-knit team that supports, encourages and helps each other as we develop and create our weekly challenges. We’ve also been fortunate to have expanded our follower base thanks to bloggers like you who support and inspire us.
Modern Tile Art. The National Azulejo Museum Lisbon, Portugal
Imagination is not a talent of some people but is the health of everyone.~Ralph Waldo Emerson
As a result, our challenge has become near and dear to each of our hearts. We’ve gone well beyond being individual members of a team and have become four good friends. We are tremendously thankful to you for your appreciation of our efforts; and for making us smile or feel touched by your responses. As our thank you for your support and encouragement, we’re suggesting that you respond to today’s challenge with any subject that’s near and dear to YOUR hearts, as we’ve done with our images today. If you’d prefer some guidance, choose any of the four subjects we’ve selected this week–Friendship (Tina), A Country That’s Special to You (Ann-Christine), Imagination (Patti), and Connected (Amy).
“Quiet Mind,” Scarlett Kanistanaux, 3D, Clay. Art Prize 2014 Entry, Grand Rapids, MI
Reality leaves a lot to the imagination. – John Lennon
Each of us has included several captures that are special to us in some way. Mine are focused on Imagination–the creative impetus that has inspired all the artists whose works are displayed here. Imagination is also the key component that drives all of us in the blogging community to create and share our work. It’s so easy to postpone creativity, to find dozens of more pressing things to do. But all of us have made a commitment to take the time to honor the spark of imagination, and explore where it takes us. This commitment may seem indulgent at times, but our creative community is richer because of your presence here on WordPress. So, we thank you for joining our challenges and taking part in the fun and mystery of creation.
1885. Kroeller-Mueller Museum, The Netherlands.
Thank you again from the bottom of our hearts for making this such a terrific experience. If you have a subject that you feel might inspire us, please feel free to suggest it – we’d love to hear from you. Should you be new to our challenge and interested in joining us, please click here and be sure to include the Lens-Artists TAG so we can all find you. Happy Blogging to all of our loyal followers and friends, and Happy Anniversary to us!
Each week on Lens-Artists, we highlight several responses from among our followers. This special week we’d like to thank ALL of our followers for their thoughtful, funny, often-feisty and always wonderful posts. We hope you enjoy them as much as we do, and will continue to join us as we move into year two of the Lens-Artists Challenge.
See you next week when we resume our normal schedule right here at Pilotfish.
Categories: Lens-Artists Photo Challenge, Photography
P.A. Moed 
Happy anniversary 🥳
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Thank you so much, Jez. 🙂
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Thanks for all the efforts guys. It’s been great fun. Long may it last!
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Thank you so much, Mike. It’s been fun getting to know you too through your posts.
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Congratulations to you Patti, Amy, Ann-Christine and Tina and thanks for the Len’s Artists Challenge!!!
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Thank you too, Paulo, for participating! We enjoy your posts and getting to know you through your blog. 🙂
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Oh, fab! Happy Anniversary to you, Tina, Amy and Ann Christine…well done
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Thank you so much, Sue. In turn, we thank you for your participation! You’re one of our regulars, for sure! 🙂 🙂
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That’s all my pleasure!
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Thanks to all for these challenges. Here is my contribution for this week: https://chava61.wordpress.com/2019/07/06/lens-artist-photo-challenge-53-your-choice/
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You’re very welcome, Chava. We’re so glad you’ve joined us this year. 🙂
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You are all such different characters, Patti, with such different styles as photographers, and it’s very special the way you have been able to work together to let US use our imaginations. Thanks so much, and I hope the challenge continues to delight and inspire. 🙂 🙂
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Hi, Jo. Thanks so much for your kind words! You’ve been a wonderful supporter and promoter of our project! We truly appreciate that. The challenges have really helped us define our interests and styles. I’m so glad you mentioned that. I was wondering if that was immediately apparent from our posts!! Once again, thanks for your fabulous encouragement, Jo. It means a lot to me. 🙂
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Congratulations! Has it only been one year? Your challenge is so well known, I’d think it was longer. Good work!
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Hi, Sandy. Thanks! Yes, it’s been 1 year. It has flown by for us too! We’re glad you’re a part of the fun/
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Love the art! And congrats on the anniversary
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Hi, PH. Thank you! I’m glad you like the art. The Dali was a lot of fun. I enjoyed the kids’ reactions. And thank you so much for your support and participation this year! You are helping to make sure that the challenges continue and that our community continues to grow.:) 🙂
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I can see why the Dali was fun…. and I really like the art tiles – looked a few times –
– and here is my entry for this week
:
https://priorhouse.blog/2019/07/07/between-the-lines-lens-artists-53-triumph-song-lay-it-on-the-line/
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Congrats on a year of great challenges; it’s been fun to take part! An interesting selection of art this week. I like the Dali and the azulejos the best 🙂 There will be some Portugal in my response this week, too!
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Hi, Mei-Mei. Thank you! We’re so glad you’re joining us! I loved the azuelos in Portugal. I’ll check out your post so I can see more of them. Again, thanks for participating in the challenges!
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Wonderful examples of creativity Patti! Your many strengths include it in spades. You’ve chosen a terrific subject for our celebration, and both described and illustrated it perfectly. Have enjoyed sharing our efforts and growing our friendship. Happy anniversary my friend 😊
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Thank you, thank you, Tina. 🙂 🙂 I have really enjoyed our collaboration this year and our friendship! It has made me grow as a photographer and I’ve very grateful for that. A very happy anniversary to you too, Tina. The LAPC has been a great experience!
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With you all the way Patti!
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Happy first anniversary to all the lens-artist team. It has been great following and contributing to your challenges over the last year (where has the time gone?!). Thank you so much for hosting and being so inspirational. These are beautiful objects – thank you for sharing.
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Thank you so much, MM. I’ve enjoyed seeing your “world” in your beautiful posts and getting to know you this year! And yes, it has been a year! Hard to imagine, but true. I’m so glad we’ve inspired you! We hope to do the same in our next year! That’s a wonderful compliment!! 🙂 🙂
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Imagination is perfect for our anniversary theme, because “Imagination is also the key component that drives all of us…”. so well said, Patti!
You eloquent writing and beautiful photo captures are inspiring, touching… They have opened the door for us to view the world you have traveled. I’m humbled to be part of the team. Thank you so much for our friendship and support.
Hope you had a good flight back home. 🙂
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Thank you, Amy! I’m touched by your kind words and delighted by our friendship this year. You are a valued member of our team, Amy, and I’ve really enjoyed our collaboration. It has been inspiring for me as well. Many thanks too! Our collaboration has been wonderful. 🙂 🙂
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💗😊
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Wow!! My kind of art, Patti … fantastic pieces you have captured. My favourite is Salvador Dali. Thank you for keeping this “game” going … and good luck with the new year.
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Hi, Viveka. I have valued your participation and feedback this year! Many thanks! Yes, Dali’s tongue-in-cheek art is delightful. I loved how the children were mesmerized by it! Looking forward to seeing more of your work this year. 🙂
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Patti … see you next week. *smile
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Thank you four for your commitment. I learn so much and really enjoy the challenges.
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Thank you, VJ! It’s been great getting to know you and your work this year. I hope your health continues to improve! We value your participation and presence here at LAPC!!
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That is sweet Patti!
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I am someone who enjoys the opportunity to show everyone my little part of this wonderful world. I am glad we now have a new Fab Four to inspire, test our imagination and provide an outlet for what we love to do – take photographs.
I do so love all of your face photos Patti.
I hope you, Amy, Ann-Christine and Tina have the strength to continue. Your efforts are much appreciated
Much love
Brian xxxx
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Thank you so much, Brian! I was very touched by your kind words and I love our new name–“the Fab Four!” That’s the wonderful thing about these challenges–to inspire others and to get a glimpse into creative minds and learn about others and their world. You live in a gorgeous part of this world. I look forward to seeing more of it in the next year and learning more about you, too! Again, many thanks!
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You’re welcome Patti 😀 oh yes you will see more of my stuff for sure
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Enjoyed your themes and the combination of images and quotes. Einstein quote is a gem.
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Thank you so much, Sally! It’s been a great year. I am delighted you are a regular visitor to our weekly posts. 🙂 🙂
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Happy Anniversary – thank you for keeping this going!!
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Hi, Nora. Thank you so much! We’re having a lot of fun doing this, Nora. We appreciate your enthusiasm and your participation in the challenges. It’s been fun getting to know you and your world. 🙂
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You may say that I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope someday you’ll join us
And the world will be as one
…Lennon (John)
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What a great poem/song, John. I share your hope as well. Thanks so much for joining us on this adventure in photography and creativity. Your presence here means a lot to us. 🙂 🙂
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Hi, Patti. The diversity of imagination is as rich as the diversity of people! Thanks for allowing me to participate in the LAPC, and I hope all of your efforts continue and be met with great success. 👍🏽
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Hi, Henry. That is very true. Diverse people, diverse imaginations. We’ve been delighted that you’ve joined our challenges. Your work is a visual delight! I love seeing your “take” on the world. As you say, there are as many interpretations as there are people! Thanks again for sharing your work with us. 🙂
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Happy anniversary, Patti. I like your examples today as well.
janet
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Hi, Janet. Thank you for the anniversary wishes! I’m delighted that we’re getting to know each other here and I thank you for sharing your work with us. I love how you’re always learning new things. You are helping me learn them as well!
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Thank you Patti, Amy, Ann-Christine and Tina. Happy anniversary!
https://theshowersofblessings.com/2019/07/06/lens-artists-photo-challenge-53-flowers/
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Thank you, Miriam for your support and your participation! I love seeing and learning about all your creative endeavors. That’s part of the fun of these challenges. I’ll look at your post next! Again, thanks so much for joining us and contributing to the creative conversation. 🙂 🙂
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Congratulations!!!
I can’t imagine a world without imagination. Great post!!!
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Hi, Ana. Thank you!! It would be a very sad world, wouldn’t it, without inspiration!! Thanks so much for joining us this year. I’ve enjoyed seeing your creativity!
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Such patient “coaches”, all of you. I have enjoyed the little I have participated. Your anniversary note today inspires me to post more often.
I think my topic today will have to be poultry or fowl……huh?
https://chosenperspectives.com/2019/07/07/lens-artist-photo-challenge-53-your-choice/
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Now you’ve got me very curious, CMP! Poultry or fowl?? Thanks for joining us this week. I hope you can join us more often in the next year. I’m so glad we inspired you!!
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Thank you!
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Happy anniversary dear Patti and thank you so much for hosting this lovely challenge! 🙂💜 xxx
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Thank you so much, Xenia. We value your presence in our challenges and enjoy your beautiful photographs. It’s wonderful to see all these diverse “snapshots” of people’s lives from all around the globe. Your images and poetry are fabulous…and your dogs too!
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Thank you Patti 🙂🐾💖🐾 xxx
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thank you patti for the great and wonderful year and I’m looking forward to the next, here is my post for this week https://wp.me/p2AvI7-389.
greetings robert
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Hi, Robert! You’ve been a wonderful participant in the challenges this year. I’m looking forward to seeing more of your creative work in the next! Glad you joined us this week. I’ll take a look at your post next. 🙂
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Just like I said in my last challenge: I can only imagine. Gosh, these arts are out of this world, Patti. Thank your continuous guidance and support in encouraging us to expand our artistic ability through the lens.
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Hi, Perpetua. Many, many thanks! That makes me feel great. We’re so glad you’re joining us!
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A very happy challenge birthday. Thank you for taking over and nurturing this community of bloggers.
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Hi, I.J. Thank you so much! I’ve been gratified by all the wonderful wishes by our blogger-friends! Thank you too for participating in the challenges. I always enjoy your thoughtful posts. 🙂
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Happy anniversary! Love your choices
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Thanks for your kind words, Aletta, and joining us this year. Your participation means a lot to us!
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Thank you so much for all the hard work to get this going
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Thank you so much, Aletta. It has been great sharing this project with 3 terrific women. We value your participation and creativity!
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Thank you
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Many congratulations on you, Tina, Ann-Christine and Amy on Lens-Artists’s first anniversary. The very collaboration of yours certainly have opened new doors for WordPress community to not only share part of the world we live in, but also what we dream and cherish about.
Which is a big feat, I say 🙂
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Thank you so much, Hammad. Your comment really made me smile! It’s been our pleasure too–to host the challenges and get to know everyone in the WP community. Our world is richer for that! We appreciate your participation and point-of-view!
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Happy Anniversary, Patti! Thank you for challenging and inspiring us with your beautiful photos and topics. All those interesting images and thoughts you’ve shared have certainly stimulated our imagination and creativity.
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Hi, Ana. I am so touched by your eloquence
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Beautiful images and poignant words, just right for the celebration. Thank you so much for the whole year of your wonderful challenge, Patti. To many more!
Here is my choice: a selection of 20 images from 20 posts for Lens-Artists photo challenge:
https://manjameximoving.wordpress.com/2019/07/08/one-year-of-lens-artists-photo-challenge/
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Lovely idea, MMM! And thank you so much for your kind words too. The challenge has been a lot of fun for us. So glad you’re a part of it! I’ll look at your post next. 🙂
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Lovely post Patti, not surprised you chose imagination. Thanks for dreaming up new challenges for us throughout the year. I’m glad this has been a nice project for you.
Cheers,
Amy
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Oh, I posted this for this week: https://wp.me/p2owKx-1d7
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Happy anniversary!! 👏
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CONGRATULATIONS …!!!
I always enjoy the challenges. I must say a year goes by real fast.
You’ve all done a fabulous job. Thanks to all of you for hosting and keepong the challenges coming.
Enjoy my entry … a little late due to the 4th holiday … but wanted to get something in.
Isadora 😎
https://isadoraartandphotography.com/2019/07/11/lens-artists-photo-challenge-cold-cold-margarita/
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Thank you so much Isidora! Your posts are wonderful. Thank you for joining us throughout the year. I will check your post now.
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Terrific choices! So well photographed and written, as usual. I am so grateful to being a member of this group and the fun work we do together! Thank you for an inspiring year!
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