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Kindness in the WordPress World

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The great wide world of WordPress is filled with talented, creative people.

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Some put words to paper that inspire me, make me think, and bring a tear to the eye.  Others fill my screen with photographic images that are so visionary and incredible that I exclaim out loud.  History and humor are found here, too, as are recipes, travel tips, gardening ideas, and of course, motorcycles!

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And then there are the crafty ones.

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The ones who spend hours using their creative spirits and their hands to make items that have the rest of us wondering how they do it.  The quilters, painters, scrapbookers, knitters, crocheters, candymakers, and artists of every sort.

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Since beginning my blogging journey with WP, I’ve been blessed to be the recipient of valuable friendships, and gifts of photography, handmade cards, folded books, t-shirts, and most recently a chrocheted bunting, which arrived all the way from Australia!  Incredible! How on earth did Dani from Teddy and Tottie find the time to make so many festive buntings and then to mail them to friends all over the world?

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 How did she know that, because of family, work, and civic commitments, I have not yet put even one Christmas decoration out?  How did she know that her gift of time and kindness would be so welcome in my home.

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Thank you, Dani.  You are, in addition to being talented, a kind and generous woman.

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These gifts, and the people who make them, inspire me to up my game!  I frequently read blog updates where one blogger is sending gifts to another.  Their planning and organization is impressive; the generosity incredible. You all know who you are.

You inspire me.

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Brighter

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The event was a success and the monies will help many in our community.

Children, the elderly, the hungry, the abused, and those without homes.

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The future is a teeny bit brighter for them.

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Finding Calm with Photography

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Preparation for an important community event has challenged my time management, and my organizational and leadership skills.  My heart has been racing and my body has been in what seems like non-stop motion.  As I prepared to run out the door for the final trip to the store, I was stopped by the sight of the flowers a friend had given me before Thanksgiving.

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While their beauty is starting to fade just a bit, I find that the muted colors are deeply appealing.

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Even better though, the flowers, so pretty in the morning sunlight, made me stop and grab the camera.

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And I found myself relaxing.

Those of us who are addicted to our cameras and to what our eyes move us to capture, know that photography is a form of therapy.

Time, often spent alone, to shoot, and breath, and then to shoot some more.

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Before I knew it, I was heading out the door with a smile on my face.

Perhaps you’ll find a little therapy today, too!

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Feeling the Holiday Spirit

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It had been a busy day in the office, but the staff found time to put up the Christmas Tree and to add some pretty lights to the waiting room.  I was the last one out at the end of the day and as I prepared to walk out the door, I had to stop and admire the decorations.

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 The lights on the tree cast a soft reflection on the glass of the window.

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The building was quietly empty and a soft rain was falling outside,

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and the cars passing by on the highway added to the glow in the window.

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And suddenly, I was feeling the holiday spirit.

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Harley

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How wonderful to have a photo of me on my bike serve as an illustration in a blog post. Please visit Meditation Travelogue to view the photos and read the thoughts from Noelle. Her blog is a lovely place to visit.

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Photo by Laurie Buchwald from http://lifeonthebikeandotherfabthings.com Photo by Laurie Buchwald from http://lifeonthebikeandotherfabthings.com

On the soul highway it doesn’t matter if you’re souped up on a Harley or riding a tricycle. Speed is not determined by the vehicle, but rather the clarity in vision of the driver.

Thank you Laurie Buchald for the great Harley shot. If you’d like to see some other great photography from her travels on her bike please visit her blog at http://lifeonthebikeandotherfabthings.com

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Warm Enough to Ride

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Just one week ago, it was so cold that I had to jump start the bike.

 Today though, for a brief time it was 60 degrees and while I had not yet finished with the post Thanksgiving clean up, I knew I wanted to ride, even for just a little while. With the sun low in the sky, I pulled away from the house.

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I’d only been riding for 20 minutes when I pulled over to get the camera out of my the saddlebag.

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The setting sun cast everything in a golden glow, and when back on the road, the wind was cool but comfortable.

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Safety dictated that I get on back home, but I’m grateful to have had even a little time with the wind in my face.

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Gathered ‘Round

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I’m quite sure that there is no better holiday than Thanksgiving.

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If fortunate, the food and drink are plentiful,

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 and family and friends are near.

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From my home to yours, I wish you warmth, shelter, sustenance, and peace.  I’m thankful to have you in my WordPress World.

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My son, Andrew, and me.  

Do you have a favorite holiday?

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All Natural

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Last night’s sunset – straight from the camera

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Let’s all try to do more to care for this precious earth we call home.

Wishing the happiest Thanksgiving to all those who celebrate it and a peaceful, happy day to everyone else.

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Scenes from The Shop

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It was hard for me to believe, but it had been FOUR weeks since I’d been on the bike!  While travel, weekend conflicts, and sub-freezing temps kept getting in the way, Saturday promised a break in the schedule and from the 20 degree temps. It was time to ride!

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Friends who own an independent bike shop called The Shop, were hosting a party to celebrate the end of another great riding season. Many of us will continue to ride through the winter as weather permits, but that didn’t keep the owners from throwing a “thanks for supporting our business” party anyway.

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Despite temps in the 40s, it felt so great to be riding!  The sky was blue, the sun was shining, and I was smiling the whole time.  When we got to The Shop, we heard the music, and saw adults and children alike enjoying the food, drink, and sunshine.

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The party was a time for enthusiastic conversation,

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festive bike decoration,

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 smiling face masks,

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 colorful clothing,

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and the shedding of leather coats.

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 And me? After shooting a few pics, I put up my feet and set to relaxin’ before heading back down the road for home.

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Happiness!

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Go Hokies!

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A few weeks back, some dear friends and I gathered along the river for a weekend of Gifts.  The cabin we rented was situated beside the New River, and was surrounded by trees.  The Japanese Maples were vibrant with color, and the two growing next to each other just outside the cabin door captured in nature the colors of Virginia Tech.

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Chicago Maroon

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Burnt Orange

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I could not stop taking pictures of the beautiful contrast between the two colors.

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People have questioned the Hokie colors, wondering why a school would choose orange and maroon.

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Fans of Virginia Tech respond by saying “If God wasn’t a Hokie then why do the leaves turn orange and maroon in the fall”?

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Go Hokies!!!