Have you ever found yourself stuck?  Like writers get writers block I find myself not really knowing what I want to shoot.

So, to help me on my quest to become more creative and think outside the box I know I put myself in, I have been participating in a new class.

“Big Picture ”

Picture the Holidays.

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These are EXCELLENT classes, taught by the best!

Each day an email prompt is sent out with suggestions and directions for us to go out and shoot the lovely world around us.

The top photos prompt was Framing the season– thus the framed wall I came upon while shooting the new fallen snow.

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This prompt was  ALL you need is love!

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Forgive the duplicated posting — Prompt = The View from here

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I did however embellish this one a bit more.

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Lastly the Prompt was — It’s all in the details

That’s me catching up with the past week.

Thanks for stopping by — as always I adore your time and especially your comments!

Enjoy the miracles and beauty around you.

TTFN~~ Claudia

I am still enjoying a photography class that I have been participating in–  the prompt was for us to find something that was “still lingering”

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The prompt from last week was to share something that was “Precious and unexpected” to us…

He was 5 yrs old; as I unwrapped it he told me I should have something “pretty and not something to clean with.”

This was 25+ years ago… he had just gone shopping with his Dad who had bought me a vacuum.

It’s plastic and still one of my most cherished gifts ever.

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For this mono-tone shot — the assignment was to keep it simple with few colors.   I love the many grasses that surround us.

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Today will be our FINAL — Friday Finding Beauty.

It’s been so much fun meeting you all on Fridays and seeing all the glorious things you find Beautiful in your life.

I know that this time of year it is just crazy in many of your lives— I appreciate all of you lovelies who tried to remember to join us on Fridays– but the number’s have been dwindling and the last thing I want any of my friends to HAVE to do — is feel obligated to participate.

I certainly will be here in blog land– joining in with many of you in the various memes.

Be sure to register to my RSS feed (located on the side bar — the Far right ORANGE button.)  All you have to do is enter your email address and it will remind you when I post something. AND — ahhh heck if you can’t get that to work, just check back now and then and see what’s new!

I know many of you don’t turn up your music — but just for today — turn on your music and listen to this cute lil song I found JUST for today.

Please post your link for today — and comment if you want to.

I adore you!  You are certainly something I found every Friday that was BEAUTIFUL!

Hugs!!
♥~~Claudia~~♥

I’ve never been able to wrap my brain around how an enormous metal tube can “fly” … with people AND their luggage…

In science classes I had a difficult time keeping a paper airplane aloft.  (btw– visit SKYWATCH for some awesome sky shots) oh and Mary at Little Red House

None the less, there in a huge metal tube, along with my luggage (that I had to pay $25.00 extra to check— this will be another topic of conversation)

I sat looking out the window this past week.  The clouds were fluffy and fast changing.  It is such a different perspective about our world from up there.

I had never been to Portland and went there for a workshop.

I learned tons!

… Mostly I learned that I have a lot to learn.

I arrived late in the evening—I had reserved a mid sized car but this  big Guy was all that was available — the Rental girl called it her “Mafia” car!  (lucky for me there was no dead body in the trunk.)

One of the BEST items I rented was the Garmin!  This little gem helped me get around Portland with not one twinge of worry.

The weather and scenery was perfecto!

This bridge was just out the door of my hotel.

I had one suggestion to go to the Pearl District– but the Garmin couldn’t find it with me just typing in those words,  so I just took a ride up and down some very cool streets.  I came upon a street that had some interior design stores and cafes, I parked and started walking.

To mark my car I looked at the street sign…    Wow… another perfect example of how the Universe has always got a way of giving you what you put out there.

Cafe’s were on every street corner… I couldn’t help but notice a very busy one with smiling happy patrons!  Smiles = good food and happy people.

Come to find out it was a Peruvian Restaurant– I had no idea what to order… so I told my waiter to bring me what he knew was fantastic.

Voila!  Look at what was delivered.

See that purple and yellow tower?  While I really couldn’t understand everything that was explained to me… it was something along the lines of potato salad atop some chicken salad.

That was unbelievably yummy… as well as the others.

Admittedly, I get a wee nervous venturing off by myself… but I was blessed by this new adventure.   If I push myself, I am seldom disappointed at the view I get from another perspective.

Just another way of looking at things………………….

Join with us — Celebrating Beauty that is around you!

Please don’t forget to link YOUR post to us… and please leave a comment.

Tell me about something you have tried that changed your perspective?

TTFN~~ Claudia

It was only a minute ago that I was complaining that Spring would not allow Summer to come with full gusto!

Summer seemed to last forever when I was young

(only a couple of years ago I might add– hold on Im choking) 

Now, I seemed to have blinked and it’s on the way out!

But– what this fantastic blog has taught me, is to try and capture my day to day wonderfulness, and with my DipityRoad I can review easily what has gone by.

This fast journey as been a good one!

Case in POINT!!

(When you change the way you look at things the things you look at change.) Wayne Dyer

Taking a moment to stop – look a wee bit closer– Mr. Hornet is modeling for me!

I’m posting this late at night and love hearing the very talented Melody Gardot — Sleep tight! She is what I sound like in my DREAMS

BTW…

I have a little tease coming on Friday — it has to do with some very fun DIY Halloween ideas!

Hope you will check back and for sure… plan on joining with us on Friday Finding Beauty.

HUGS!

TTFN~~ Claudia

Each week as I go about my life and think  how I will share my vision of beauty … I often turn to mother nature.

She takes my breath away…

This week however, I have decide to take a bit of a side track and share a couple of videos that really bring a smile to my heart–

and OFTEN a tear to my eye.

I imagine you have seen all of them — but re-watching just goes to show how beautiful FUN can be.

NOTE: go to my side bar and turn OFF the music this week and listen to the music in the videos. —>

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I remember the first time I watched this — the looks on the by standers were just precious!

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I was totally sucked into this one and watched it over and over — I love the TRUCK driver

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JK Wedding Entrance Dance
Uploaded by DemetriAuthor. – Discover videos of people, family and friends.

Lastly — this one kills me!  These kids obviously didn’t have tons of money for the wedding– but oh my goodness the joy they must have had planning and sharing and then to KNOW how many millions they have touched. Well done!  Chokes  me up every time.

Pink Saturday is a favorite of mine for you to visit!  Beverly would love your company.

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Now is YOUR time to share what you find is beautiful in your life.  Be sure to link back to this post and mention it in your blog post.

I love your comments as always.

Have the BEST weekend! And … remember

Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson~

~~TTFN~~  Claudia

This might be the last post on my Vegas trip. (Heavy on the MIGHT)  Thanks for indulging me.   The Atrium at the Bellagio is so full of fantastic visuals I just had to share a wee bit more.

In the evening there are so many more people out and about… remember it was only 105 (degrees) at 9pm in the evening.  So, my first visit was in the evening.  I just had to return the next morning… not only because of the beauty …BUT  the roulette table was being very nice to me– so of course I didn’t want to be rude — I had to return some of the money they had so generously given me  (not much but SOME)

The glass flower was stunning in the evening…but by day the Bumble Bee was very showy.

The Song: What a difference a Day makes – REALLY works here don’t you think?

What a difference a day made, twenty four little hours
Brought the sun and the flowers where there use to be rain
My yesterday was blue dear
Today I’m a part of you dear

This frog was about 6 feet long and 3 feet tall.  And those yummy hydrangeas were really that BLUE.

Then we headed off to the Paris — The Eiffel Tower By night is glowing– by Day the statues really become apparent.

“They” (not sure who They are) say, that the Vegas Eiffel Tower is about 1/2 the size of the original.  It was so cool and huge!  I would really like to visit Paris to see the original. (Did you know it’s the most photographed building EVER??)

Then there were these boys on the Bus –

(how did this photo get in here??)      They were really REALLY cute. (Hey…just appreciating the beauty)

Caesar’s Palace has the greatest statuary.

Then the replica of David — simply GORGEOUS.  But I have always had an issue with this statue.  Have you?  Do you notice a proportion issue at all?

His HANDS seem overly LARGE.

Lastly–  the presentation of the Gelato!  Not only was it so creamy and cool… but the art work that went into the show case did NOT go unnoticed.

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Remember to visit Beverly at Pink Saturday.

Need some inspiration? Stop by Melissa’s Inspiration Room

I’m hoping that Mary at Little Red House will be back with Mosaic Monday, so check her out as well.

Now it’s your turn to LINK up with us on Friday Finding Beauty.  Please make sure you link BACK to us so that your visitors can see with the rest of us are celebrating.  Also, I always adore you sweet comments!

Have the Best weekend!  TTFN~ Claudia ♥ ♥

I am wondering how many post I can get out of my Vegas trip?

It’s been some time since I have taken a real vacation. (you know the REAL kind — where you plan and scrimp and save and anticipate the very hour you GET OUT OF DODGE.)

Truth be told, I did none of the above about my Vegas adventure, but on a whim grabbed a buddy and set out for Vegas!

Visiting the Bellagio was tops on my list.

The glass artist Dale Chihuly said:

“Steve Wynn started talking to me about the ceiling at the Bellagio long before construction even began. He wanted me to make a “spectacular” piece in the lobby of the hotel that would rival the aquarium at the Mirage, and generate more interest. Back in Seattle, we built the entire seventy-by-thirty-foot ceiling, full-scale, at my studio. The commission, as contracted, called for a whole new armature type and about a thousand new “flowers.” Steve visited several times, loved it, and wanted even more glass. Finally FIORI DI COMO was installed with over two thousand hand-blown glass elements.”

A bit closer…

Closer still…

Close!

People watching is one of my favorite past times and since I returned home I’ve been kicking myself for not taking photos of Bellagio visitors as they emerged  from the revolving doors–their heads immediately popped up as they stared at the ART FULL ceiling. “Wow!!” was  often the response. (next visit I will remember to do this)

(Some one remind me of this some day

I read a post some time back where the blogger felt that a summer vacation was her opportunity to reboot her life. Functions and features were still the same, but life had just become a bit sluggish, so like our computer systems we just need a reboot or reset.

My simple goal for my get away was to have maximum fun in the short period of time. (I’m a firm believer one can stay too long in Vegas.)

Especially if your pocket is EMPTY.

Goal accomplished! Thanks for joining with me on my revisit to the Bellagio’s lobby.

Here’s just a tease and glimpse of the atrium– I can probably pull a couple of posts out of that gorgeous place.

There’s a saying that says, “you could cut the energy with a knife.” Well, it was true!   Visitor’s were all smiles, as we wandered in awe.  I ran into  life long friend who greeted me with a huge hug.  She made my day, my month and maybe my year with her beautiful smile and greeting.

Be sure and visit Beverly with Pink Saturday and all the gals there.

Also, a new meme I am joining is Romantic Home where its Show and Tell day!

Need some Inspiration?  Stop and say hi to Melissa at the Inspired Room.

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Friday~~Finding Beauty

Now’s your time to shine!  Show us all that you are enjoying this HOT summer!
Make sure you link back to this post and mention Friday Finding Beauty in your post.
Of course, I love hearing from you in the comments! Please say hi.

Enjoy your weekend. I hope to get by and say hi to all of you soon!

~~ ♥ ♥ ~~TTFN~~Claudia~~ ♥ ♥ ~~

With new camera in hand I wanted to visit our local zoo; so who better than Mr C to be my guide?  Isn’t he just the most handsome? (very serious checking out the zoo map) By the way — look at those darn eyelashes! (What is it with the good lord giving BOYS and gorgeous animals all the eyelashes?– another topic for later)

Momma and 1 year old baby were featured today…

Perfect example of the eyelashes — She is so darn cute! I offered her my tweezers for her chin hairs but she wanted nothing to do with them.

*sigh* More eyelashes 

These gorgeous monkeys have the coolest long tails. It was very hot, so they just lounged around. (I am still working on my camera settings) I was trying to get the animals BEHIND the chain fences — but have to admit I got some lovely shots of fences instead. (I will work on that) anyone have the magic trick for that — send it my way.

I don’t know for sure but something just tells me he is NOT having that much fun. He kept playing with this hanging ball just to amuse all us people who were saying…”ahhh, look how cute.”  He was thinking… “uh huh… sure … I’m cute… this is what I get paid the big bucks for.”

Mr C was kinda worried the beautiful Giraffes would gobble his hair, thus the concerned look…

Yet another example of the eyelashes…

But seriously, I wouldn’t put him in harms way… he was pretty far away.  (now my sister can breath again — break out the resuscitator) I told you I would take good care of him.

Then we rounded a corner to find a fenced in area… Sign said: RED PANDA… I looked and looked.

“ahh Bud… doesn’t look like he is out for us to see today.”

“nope… I know he is here, I remember from when I was here last.”

“When were you here last?”

“In Kindergarten.” (That was 3 years ago.)

So he kept looking then pointed to the tip tip top of the tree…

“look!  I told you he would be here!”

” Are you sure? I can’t see him.”

“Ahem! Look right up there!” pointing to the top of the grove of trees.

“Well, darlin I am not so sure… seems like we are just looking at a bunch of branches and leaves.”

“Nooo, come around here! You will see him!”

So I walked a bit closer to him and looked up.

“Well, what do you know! Look at that cute guy. You are the best Zoo tour guide I have EVER had!”

“Yah, I know.”

(lovin my new Zoom lens)

This nervous female  was obviously behind a pane of glass that needed our local window washers!  She walked back and forth…

… and Back and Forth…

This sweet heart loved posing for me. I am sure she was saying,  “hello, yes I am lovely and fluffy and don’t you think my ankle bracelet is the coolest?”  Yes, I did in fact.

Last but not least… PERFECT example of something on a typical, ordinary day I do NOT find Beautiful… but today, behind that lovely safety glass I think this green guy is kinda cool. *shivers*

Biggest thanks to my MR. C who brought me more laughs and smiles than I have had in a very long time. You brightened my heart like you will never know. Thanks for having the patience to put up with me. Smooch! you cute thing!

Please stop by Beverly’s for our PINK SATURDAY meme.

Now, let’s all link up and share with everyone what you are finding Beautiful!

Remember to Link with in your blog BACK to this one and please leave a comment and tell us what you are doing this summer just for fun!

Thanks so much for joining us — I so appreciate all the comments and lovely friends I have made with this weekly meme.

TTFN~~Claudia ♥ ♥

Welcome To Friday~~Finding Beauty

Another hick up in my system again– sigh– Thanks for the patience on the post.

When you change the way you look at things — the things you look at change.

Wayne Dyer

Straight out of the camera (SOOC)

Change — a little Sepia boost

Or maybe a little Gritt

This is called ” Holga” … reminds me of an old Movie

Love this Orton-ish

The same photo…just looked at a bit different –  Which do you prefer?

I like them all in a personal way… try this with a drive home from work?  After picking the kids up from school go a different way… Look at your home from the opposite way you drive home.

Change your perspective and I am betting that your vision will be a bit different.

Just a thought

TTFN~~ Claudia ♥ ♥

Stop by Beverly’s for the Pink Saturday fun!

Also, a new found spot… Lovey’s place Fabric Photo Memories.

Join with us as we celebrate Finding Beauty…

Be sure to link back to this post WITH in our blog post today. Thanks!

***I added a NEW  FOLLOWER button (see the right side bar below the music player)– if you get a minute I would love you to follow me, and leave me a comment so I can do the same for you! ***

For years and years I have kept a journal. I recall one of my English teachers telling our class that if we kept a journal, some day we could look back and see how far we had come.

That concept, in part, was why I started DipityRoad. One recurring theme through all the years of keeping my journal has been  my constant yearning to “become a better me”.

A couple of weeks ago I finished reading Geneen Roth’s Women Food and God. I took one entire rainy day and stayed in and read and cried and became inspired. Then Oprah had Geneen on her show yesterday. This woman had me spot on. The women on their video journals could have been me.

Day after day, while I put on a smile and greet most with a positive me, I realized I  have been a fraud for most of my life. The voice inside my brain tells me daily that I am ugly, not good enough and certainly don’t deserve to be loved.  

I have tried more ways (reading every parenting book or marriage rescue guides to tons of self help)   to become a better me– it wasn’t until I read Geneen’s book did I realize that for the most part I have been trying to not face or feel my pain. I am the head Ostrich — putting my head in the sand thinking that if I don’t look at the pain it will go away. So goes my relationship with food.

Like spring and the flowers that follow many of us share the same belief… We want to become what we were born to be; to bloom and grow and inspire.

I have got to stop my daily mantras in my head — I have to face my pain.

Never before has my favorite quote been more profound than right now.

“When you change the way you look at things– the things you look at change.”

I intend to be that change!

Like the lyrics of Defying Gravity– I’m through with playing by the rules of someone else’s game.

If we think for one moment its about the food — we are wrong. (but then like one of the titles in her book says… Its Not not about the food)

Whether you have any issues with food, depression, alcohol, drugs; this book hits right at the core. It all stems from how we view ourselves and whether we think we deserve love and kindness.

Have you read her book? I would love to hear your feelings.

Join with me as I work on my pain and find the love, kindness and beauty we all deserve.

By the Way here are her food guidelines.

Eat when you are hungry.

Eat sitting down in a calm environment. This does not include the car.

Eat without distractions. Distractions include radio, television, newspapers, books, intense or anxiety-producing conversations or music.

Eat what your body wants.

Eat until you are satisfied.

Eat (with the intention of being) in full view of others.

Eat with enjoyment, gusto and pleasure.

 Join in with us on Friday~~ Finding Beauty  (Please be sure to link this post to yours — other wise I will have to pull it– I would hate to do that!

On Monday join Mary at Little Red House — every one participating there is sooo good. Check them out!

We have a new link operator — it will be really fun an colorful– let me know what you think of it!

Please be sure and comment after you link!

TTFN~~ Claudia ♥ ♥