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Gnome on Wall

It was a stunningly beautiful day today.  The temp hovered around 82 and the humidity was about 32.  The sun was shining and there was a little breeze.  

After I went to the grandkid's lesson this afternoon, I drove around looking for some photo ops.  I finally parked the car and got out to walk around with my camera, and I found this little single layer of brick wall in between two larger brick walls.  I almost missed the gnome painting.

How cute is this?

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Frog Decor

I was leaving a friend's house today when I noticed this cute little frog decor in the front yard of the house next door.   

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Dragonfly

I bought this dragonfly for my car quite a few years ago.  

I've never even considered changing it out for another piece of decor.

I just love this one.

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Reindeer on a Light Post

The other day during daylight I made an image of this reindeer on a light pole.  No lights were on, and it looked ok but I didn't think I'd get back when it was darker and the lights would be on.

Today is was a balmy 75 degrees so I forced myself to get out and get to town at dusk.  

Many of the light poles near the park were decorated like this and they sure looked pretty.

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Minimalist lighting

While I was in the park trying to decide what images to make, I turned around and saw the building across the street with this single strand of lights across the roof area.  There are no other lights or decorations on the building. I wonder how many people actually look up to see the lights?

As I'm getting older I'm becoming more minimalist, so I really appreciate the simplistic effort of this building decorated for the holiday season.  

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Christmas Tree Ornaments

This display of large ornaments is situated outside a childcare center.  Simplicity at its best.

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Large Wreath

This wreath is on the same church where the angels are on display.  Just a simple green wreath and red bow.  At night the wreath is decorated with lights.

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Christmas Tree Topper

While I was waiting for my coffee in my favorite coffee shop, I noticed this tree topper.  I only had my cell phone with me, but I think the image came out pretty nice  

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Dining Hall Decorations

There's a dining hall in the Children's Home.  Usually the food is taken to the children in their living areas, but they go to the dining hall for one meal a day.  The area was still being decorated as we had our "early" tour, but it was already so inviting. 

This scene was on one of the fireplace mantles, 

By the time we were done seeing and hearing about the home and the effect it had/has on the children who spend years there, I was almost in tears.  

Thank God for those people and the hearts they have for those kids.

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Sunflowers

A few years ago one of my photo groups held a workshop led by a woman who is a seriously good photographer and we had the opportunity to photograph random still-life scenes with flowers and other items. 

One day I impulsively purchased these three sunflower canvases.  Maybe someday

I'll give them to someone as a gift.

Until then, I'm really enjoying them.

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Hanging Baby Clothes

I was at my daughter's the other day and was changing her 1-year old.  It's been a while since I've been in that room, so this was the first time I saw this sweet site.  

My daughter is a little more creative than I am, so I was really impressed with this decor.

I only had my cell phone with me so the quality isn't great. 

I just love this.

My heart is grateful that:

my kids are more creative than I am

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Hopscotch on the Bridge

This hop scotch design is painted on the walkway of the pedestrian bridge that goes across the Chena River in downtown Fairbanks, Alaska.

What a treat for the kids as they walk with their parents.  Maybe a treat for the adults too.

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Living Room Decor

I've had this rattan cube for a long time.  I store extra blankets in it.  Once upon a time I saw a photo in a magazine about decorating by putting books in a pile and then some kind of knick-knack on top and I loved the idea.  There's a spot in my living room where I can't really put a piece of furniture, so I put the cube there with the books on top of it.  It makes me smile every time I look at it.

My heart is grateful:

That I have something pleasing to fill that space

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Artwork at the Bank

I was in my bank the other day in a room by myself trying to reconcile a my account when I noticed this artwork on the wall.  Throughout the bank lobby there were various piecers of artwork created by local artists. 

I don't really like abstract art, but for some reason this one appealed to me.

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Hallway Decor

One of the buildings I go into frequently has this plant as part of the decor at the end of the hallway.  It looks like it's doing pretty well with the light from the window.  I think it's a pretty new addition.

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A sitting area in my fave coffee shop.

I'm grateful that:

the holiday season is almost over

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Two striped Ornaments

These two red and white striped ornaments are seen on an artificial Christmas Tree at the Abilene, Texas Zoo.  The zoo decorates every holiday season with many trees and ornaments as well as other

decor.  There are on-going holiday activities throughout the months leading up to Thanksgiving and Christmas.

My heart is grateful that:

My youngest son and his wife will become parents for the first time this coming spring

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I was at the coffee shop, A.G.A.I.N., yesterday and there was this pumpkin decorating the table with the faux fireplace in the background, so of course I had to get a photo of it.

My heart is grateful for:

changing seasons even though it's mostly summer here all the time

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Three Blankets

Three ladies in my church are having babies within a month of each other at the beginning of the year.  I decided to crochet blankets for them and I wanted to be done with them so I wouldn't be scurrying around at the last minute to finish them.

There will be two girls and one boy.  

These are fun to make, but three right in a row....I'm glad to be done with them.

My heart is grateful for:

new life

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Happy Harvest

One of the decorated areas at the local zoo.  The zoo goes all out when they decorate for the Fall season.

My heart is happy today for:

smiles