(Inspiration) is an untroubled state of mind. Of course, we know that an untroubled state of mind cannot last, so we say that inspiration comes and goes, but it is there all the time waiting for us to be untroubled again.~Agnes Martin
This week, the Lens-Artists return from their summer break and pick up the gauntlet again with a new photo challenge. But first , we’d like to take a moment to extend a special thanks to our 5 guest hosts who led the challenges so wonderfully and skillfully in our absence–John Steiner of Journeys With Johnbo, Anne Sandler of Slow Shutter Speed, Rusha Sams of Oh The Places We See, Beth Smith of Wandering Dawgs, and Ana Campo of Anvica’s Gallery. Your themes inspired some terrific photographic fun.
As we move ahead to LAPC #160, we are inviting you to share photos of your inspiration. What does your inspiration look like? It can be a place, a subject, a person, or a book, for example. Actually, it can be just about anything that inspires you.
To get your creative “wheels” spinning, I’d like to share a small gallery of images which illustrate my inspiration. Throughout this post, I’m including quotes from the artist Agnes Martin, who wrote beautifully and thoughtfully about inspiration. Her insights have given me a valuable “window” on the creative process.
Like Agnes Martin, inspiration “finds” me when my mind is untroubled and I am “in the moment.” This can happen spontaneously on my daily walks, or during a visit to a special place—like the Pemaquid Lighthouse in Maine.
When I lived in New Hampshire, I was inspired by the iconic lighthouses guarding the rocky New England coast. Apparently, I wasn’t the only one who was inspired by them!
‘The light was extraordinary, the feeling was extraordinary’ is the way in which many adults describe moments of inspiration. Although they have had them all their lives they never really recall them and are always taken by surprise. Adults are very busy, taught to run all the time. You cannot run and be very aware of your inspirations. ~Agnes Martin
Agnes Martin pinpoints two key elements of inspiration–the quality of light in a place and our feelings at that moment.
As many of you know, I’ve been inspired by Wallis Sands Beach during the pandemic. The light and beauty of the beach are breathtaking. I always end my walk feeling happier than when I started. No wonder it’s inspiring!
Beauty illustrates happiness; the wind in the grass, the glistening waves following each other, the flight of birds, all speak of happiness.~Agnes Martin
For Martin, happiness and beauty are interconnected. Both are conduits of inspiration. I totally agree. When I’m out exploring with my camera and I notice something beautiful, I am deeply happy. In those moments, even a “simple” sheaf of corn is revealed as a stunning example of nature’s exquisite design and intricate beauty. This visual gift gives me incredible joy.
The clear blue sky illustrates a different kind of happiness and soft dark night a different kind.~ Agnes Martin
A moment of inspiration captured on camera generates a mood–both in the photographer and the viewer. For me, this photo shot on a trip to Osoyoos with my husband and son, reflects a joyful calm at the end of a day of exploring.
That which takes us by surprise-moments of happiness-that is inspiration.~Agnes Martin
One last thought on inspiration….
It always takes me by surprise…like this moment on a recent walk in New York City. I stopped for a light on the corner of Central Park West and 59th Street and looked up, startled by the skyscrapers emerging from the clouds.
This week, we invite you to join us for LAPC #160 Your Inspiration. Please include a link to my original post and use the Lens-Artists tag so we can find you in the WP Reader. Your creativity is always inspiring and your continued support means so much to us.
Looking back, Ana’s Postcards theme inspired you to share samples of old postcards from your collections or create new ones of your own with captions! What a treat for all of us. I’m always looking for antique postcards which I use as visual inspiration when I’m working on a historical novel.
Looking ahead to August 14, Ann-Christine will lead LAPC #161. In the meantime, have a wonderful creative week and please stay safe.
Categories: LENS-ARTISTS, Lens-Artists Photo Challenge, Photography
P.A. Moed 
top, Patti. You found a couple of inspiring scenes.
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Hi, Andre. I love those moments of inspiration! Glad you joined us! Wow, you posted so fast!!
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😊 the post was prepared and I was just sitting at my computer when it was time for checking for the link. so, I only had to update the link to you post and publish 😊
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I love that, Andrè. You were ready!!
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Thank you so much, Patti 😊
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Patti beautiful images and what a wonderful inspiring theme! I’m going to think on this one.
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Hi, Anne. Thank you! I’m delighted you like this one. Looking forward to seeing what you come up with. 😀😀
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Excellent.
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😀. I hope you can join us!
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Inspired by nature: https://photographyocd.com/2021/08/06/taking-a-stand/
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Gorgeous sunflower, Mike.
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I always feel photographers like you can find inspiration anywhere – even in a bucket and mop perhaps. But these are lovely examples of when the less mundane has tickled your imagination and produced lovely results.
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Oh, Margaret. You made my day!! (Big smile.) Bucket and a mop. 😀😀. I’m delighted you enjoyed them. Hope you can join us!
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I’ve not joined you for a few weeks, and probably won’t this week either. It’s complicated (but in a good way). But I will come back, because these challenges are always … challenging (in a good way)
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Although I am taking a break from photo challenges, I am still enjoying the photos posted by others.
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A break! It’s great to recharge your creative batteries, Chava, and get new ideas at the same time. I totally agree. I did the same thing!
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Beautiful, inspiring shots, Patti. Agnes Martin’s quotes are perfect for this theme. I can feel the joyfulness of your trip to Osoyoos with you and your son. The skyscrapers of NYC is stunning!
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Aren’t her ideas wonderful? I read an article about her and decided to use her quotes for that reason. I am certainly very happy when I’m with my two favorite guys–Rich and Alex!! Thanks so much, Amy. I’m looking forward to your post.
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Great theme, great post. I love that soaring skyscraper in the clouds. Tall!
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Hi, John. The new “cigarette towers” are amazing, but very controversial. I was struck by their height that morning when I took the shot. They literally are in the clouds!! Looking forward to your post, too.
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A very inspiring post, Patti! That shot of the corn is awesome!
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Hi, Sue. Wonderful!! I love those moments when inspiration strikes. I loved the intricate design of the corn husks. So beautiful! I am so glad I switched the image to black and white. I am delighted that you shared your inspiration, too.
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All such different examples, Patti, but all beautiful. I’d probably surprise myself and go with the skyscrapers in this instance. Have a great week!
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Hi, Jo. Wow! The skyscrapers! Are you missing the city? Somehow I don’t think you are!! I hope all’s well and you are enjoying your walks this summer. Hopefully, it isn’t too hot.
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I’m about to spend a couple of weeks in the city, Patti – Leeds and Nottingham to visit the youngsters. Not my preferred venue but you can see the attraction. 🤗💕💕 I just really like the drama of that shot.
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I’m thinking the rest of us are inspired by your post this week Patti! Your quotes are wonderful and work perfectly with your images. Like Amy, I loved the image you made with your husband and son. Somehow it comes through with a sense of joy. Also loved your painter – so very New England!
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Hi, Tina. I really enjoyed your thoughts on inspiration. I’m delighted you found this post inspiring! I was inspired by Agnes Miller, so it’s my pleasure to pass her thoughts along to everyone! And yes, the iconic New England lighthouses! I’ll continue my quest to photograph more of them when we come back to NH. Take care and enjoy the weekend.
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https://onemillionphotographs.com/2021/08/07/37999-finding-inspiration-in-nature-horse-tail-falls-oregon/
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Hi, Liz. I’m delighted you joined us! Your quest to post 1,000,000 photos of a beautiful part of the USA is inspiring!
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Thank you so much for the kind words!
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What a great challenge! Being present in the moment, with a mind at peace, is necessary for inspiration to find a way in to our thoughts.
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Hi, Anne. I agree with you ,and we both agree with Agnes Martin! I was thinking of you when I was watching the Olympics dressage competition earlier today! I hope all’s well with you.
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I loved watching the dressage. What a gift it was to see those amazing riders and horses. I wrote a post on how it had inspired me and posted it yesterday but the photos are not mine they are professionals’ photos so not right for LAPC. We are all well here and I hope the same for you. Great Challenge Patti!
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Hi, Anne. I’ll take a look at your post. I’m sure you loved the competition. It must be so exciting to see the top riders in the world.
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I love your variety – that photo of the corn is great in monotone!
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Hi, Nora. Many thanks! I was delighted how that shot looked in b & w!
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Hi Patti
I hope your July time off was replenishing! Welcome back. I really like your lead quote from Agnes Martin. The photo of the painter doing art from the scene en plein air is an inspiration. I admire artists who can work that way. Your joyful calm at the end of the day was perfect – it really is imbued with calm
Here’s my submission this week:
Best, Babsje
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Hi, Babsje. It’s interesting how the images make you feel a certain way–based on the light, shadows, etc. It’s fascinating to experiment with that. And your heron inspiration was wonderful!
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Hi Patti. You’re right about the impact of light and shadows! Wonderful post and photos and glad you liked the Great Blue.
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Simply wonderful!
Here is mine, also inspired by yours:
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I enjoyed your post, Sofia! Lovely images. I was also delighted that you liked Agnes Martin’s quote about an untroubled state of mind. It’s so necessary for me, too. When I’m preoccupied or worried or upset, inspiration flies out the window!
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A great post again, Patti – and inspirational! I can see the inspiration having your family and being together – and that special image there is my favourite. I so loved the quotes woven into your post/images, that I had to refer to them in my own post. They are simply brillant and so fitting. I thoroughly enjoyed your post and the whole challenge idea.
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Hi, AC. I’m delighted that you liked this one. I just happened to read an article about Agnes Martin a few days ago and thought her ideas were inspiring. I’m glad you agree! She was a quirky, brilliant artist who spent years in the New Mexico desert, living and working in isolation, so she knew a lot about her own creativity. It’s so true what she wrote about inspiration. I have found the same thing to be true. Now, today, I’ve got to clear my mind and get back to writing or shooting photos. I hope you have many inspiring moments this week, AC, with your friends and family.
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Interesting lady and artist, Patti. And yes, we will try to get some days off and go to Denmark this week. If possible… Good luck with your writing and shooting!
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Thanks so much, AC.
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You’ve picked a hard topic for me, Patti. I will be giving some thought to what inspires me when taking images. I must say, though, your images are inspirational in composition. I especially like the story that’s being told by the image of the artist and the lighthouse.
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It seems to me that landscapes and nature inspire you, John. I think you also love documenting places you’ve visited and using new technology. Maybe that’s what inspires you?? I’m delighted that you found the lighthouse image inspiring!! Wonderful!
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I can’t argue with your comment. 🙂
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Hi, John. Can you repost the link to your post? The link didn’t work. I didn’t see it on your site, too.
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I accidentally published it immediately instead of scheduling it for my usual publication day. I then resaved it as draft and scheduled it for Thursday. I forgot you get notified of the link or I would have let you know what happened. It will publish again on Thursday. Sorry for the confusion.
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I have to agree with Martin’s quote and how simple things inspire us. Your photos demonstrate the countless ways we are inspired, especially as photographers! It helps to have a feature for weekly inspiration, but I agree that just walking around in our favorite places inspires us when the mood strikes. It happens my Sunday Stills feature used song lyrics or poetry as inspiration this week. Thanks for hosting, Patti! https://secondwindleisure.com/2021/08/08/sunday-stills-song-lyric-photo-challenge-summers-of-my-dreams/
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Hi, Terri. I enjoyed your musical inspiration this week and your photos of wonderful memories. Enjoy your anniversary and the trip to Sedona! Thanks too for your kind words about the images and Martin’s thoughts on inspiration!
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Thank you, Patti! It is wonderful to be human and therefore inspired 🙂
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I loved reading your thoughts about the things that inspire you, especially photographically speaking – like those skyscrapers in New York 🙂
I’m running a bit behind but I finally got there with my take on inspiration: https://www.toonsarah-travels.blog/travel-inspiration-where-does-it-come-from/
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Wonderful travel post, Sarah. I really enjoyed learning about your sources of inspiration. Glad you liked my inspiration, too! That skyscraper “moment” was wonderful. I love how NYC always inspires me!
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Yes, NYC is a special place. I still remember my first visit with my husband (I’d been once before but he had never been), back in 1982 – coming out of the subway in the middle of Manhattan and seeing his face as he looked up at the soaring skyscrapers all around!
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I am sure. It’s an amazing sight! So inspiring.
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Oooh! I love the black and white photo of the grass seed head. Perfect for a monotone image.
I am inspired by the skies where I live in Central Oregon. My contribution: https://bendbranches.com/2021/08/08/high-desert-clouds-clogyrnach-poem-lapc/
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Hi, Siobhan. Thanks!! I love how the b & w really highlights the design. I’m happy I tried it. I’ll look at your post next. I’m sure Oregon is inspiring!
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Your wonderful photos illustrate your argument very well. Inspiration is always the outside world striking your mind, whether it is the calm and quiet of long afternoon shadows, a beach or a lighthouse, skyscrapers scraping the sky, or the superb stacking of grains in a head of grass. Beautiful photos all, and a topic that does exactly what it asks us to write about.
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Your kind words are a great way to start the day for me!! Thanks, IJ. I’ll look at your post next.
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Wonderful post!!! I liked it very much, I think I will read it more than once, to see if I can find my inspiration in your wise words and beautiful images.
I’m on holiday in the Pyrenees, so if I can find that inspiration and get something done with the laptop, I’ll try to prepare my answer during the week.
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Wonderful, Ana. I’m delighted you’re visiting your favorite, restful place in the Pyrenees. I’m sure you’ll find some inspiration there! And thanks for your kind words about my post!! Agnes Martin inspired me!
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Lovely shots.
I’m drawn to the last two mostly. I really like the contrast in light levels from the land to the water, and the difference in building heights almost makes it seem like they’re reaching into the clouds.
Here is mine for this one:
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Hi, SH. Yes, the difference in height of the buildings struck me, too. The new, slim cigarette buildings are very controversial….but they are dramatic! Thanks for your thoughts and joining us this week!
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Hi Patti. Inspiration is difficult for me to find these days. I agree that exploring with a camera is one of the best ways to find inspiration. I look forward to having more mobility in a few months. Here’s my take. https://odaciuk.wordpress.com/2021/08/12/inspiration-in-limbo/
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Hi Patti,
I’m so happy to be able to post again. It’s been awhile.
I enjoyed viewing your photos. The sheath of corn has a quiet feel when viewed.
The NY skyscraper is awe inspiring. The clouds surrounding thw top speaks of how
Mother Nature can create a beautiful painting in a city of hustle and bustle. Great capture …
Hope you are well and staying safe … 😷
Isadora 😎
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Thanks so much, Isadora. We are delighted you are participating this week. Stay well!
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A post about me getting back to the basics of photography while using modern technology:
https://davidmsphotoblog.com/2021/08/10/my-inspirations/
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This is a fabulous response to the challenge, David. You’ve inspired me, for sure.
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What an inviting topic this is — and one that had me at the word “light!” Here’s a place that continues to inspire me and one I could return to often: https://ohtheplaceswesee.com/2021/08/10/lens-artists-challenge-160-your-inspiration/
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Hi, Rusha. Yes, it is all about the light, isn’t it? I totally agree. I loved your post, too. I didn’t know you taught English! So did I!
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My heart goes out to all educators this week as schools opened August 9th. These are tougher times with many things to consider. But even with all that’s going on, I still miss connecting with kids!!!
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These are great, Patti! I’m all for good light, so here’s mine: https://suejudd.com/2021/08/10/lens-artists-photo-challenge-160-your-inspiration/
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Hi, Sue. It is all about the light, isn’t it? I really enjoyed your gallery. The mines are so hauntingly beautiful.
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It is indeed all about the light, Patti…and glad you like those mines
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This is great
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Thank you!!
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There is just something inspiring about the roses this time of year:
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They’re gorgeous! I love the color.
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Thank you so much!
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A beautiful series Patti, there’s so much to inspire us out there! I find most of my inspiration in nature and the people who care to protect our wildlife and natural habitats and my contribution for this week’s lovely challenge is here: https://tranature.com/2021/08/11/caring-for-river-wildlife/
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Hi, Xenia. Thanks! Yes, I agree. I am also inspired by nature and our caretakers. I’ll look at your post next.
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Hello again Patti, Eivor and Pearl’s contribution for this week’s lovely challenge is here: https://whippetwisdom.com/2021/08/11/wordless-wednesday-eternal-inspiration/
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What wonderful sources of inspiration, Xenia!
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hi patti, an interesting and wonderful mix that you are presenting to us this week, I like it very much. here is my contribution to the challenge theme, https://wp.me/p2AvI7-3Rm.
many greetings robert
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Hi, Robert. Your photos are wonderful. I love your choice of subjects and the filters you used. Glad that you enjoyed the challenge and shared images of your inspiring city.
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Thank you for this challenge. Nice to see your gallery, as well as others’.
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Hi! I’m delighted you enjoyed this one. As I said on your blog, I love that you included a book, too! Have a great weekend.
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Here is mine for the week
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Hi, Nora. I enjoyed your inspiration this week. The imperial moth is fascinating. Thanks for sharing! Enjoy the weekend, too.
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Thanks
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Hi Patti
I hope its ok for me to participate again on your wonderful Inspiration challenge?
I adore this week’s topic, and the amazing variety of feathers strengthens my desire to fly, to wheel on the wind and soar like the birds.
Here’s my new focus on Blue Herons and their feathers.
Best, Babsje
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Wonderful gallery, Babsje! I love the feather detail shots.
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This a fun idea Patti. Love these photos and your writing ..Here is mine .,,
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HI, Anita. Thank you! I was really inspired by Agnes Martin this week! I thought her quotes on inspiration were marvelous! Glad you enjoyed the post! And I enjoyed your collection!
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Thanks Patti. 😊
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Excellent topic, and one that somehow leads us to expose ourselves a bit more.
Congrats to Patti and to all participants!
Here’s my contribution: https://florinpopa.blog/2021/08/12/moments-in-time/
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Hi, Florin. I’m delighted this theme inspired you! It does reveal a bit of ourselves…what makes our creative minds leap with joy! I enjoyed your inspiration, too. Thanks for joining us.
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Thank you for this inspiring theme. Here is my post on my new blog:
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Hi, Manja. Thank YOU for inspiring me!! A wonderful collection.
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Love your photograph of the lighthouse in background and artist painting it in the foreground! Here’s my offering for this week. Glad you were able to have time off last month!
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Hi, Lindy. Thank YOU for your inspiration…both in images and in words. I love the addition of human kindness and beagle love.
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Thank you for being an inspiration Patti and sorry for my very late reply this week.
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No worries, Karina. I’m late too in responding! It’s been a crazy week. Wildfires, record temperatures, the virus….Your post reminds me of the tranquility of nature. Thanks for that!
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Hope all safe and well there Patti
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Sorry for posting too late. Oh well… here it is.
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Hi, Teresa. No worries about being late! It’s a crazy time. I love your reminder of those wonderful moments of fun with friends and family which are inspiring. Take care and I hope some inspiration finds you this weekend!
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I sure hope so. Be safe.
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These are beautiful. I love how you wove the inspirational thoughts around your post. That is what makes all of your posts so much more than beautiful photographs.
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Thank you, Marsha! I read an article on Agnes Martin last week and I really like what she wrote. I’m delighted you enjoyed this one! I hope all’s well.
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I’ll have to check that out. Your post was a great read and intro to her work. 🙂
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Thank you!!
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Thanks for sharing your post!
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