Monday, September 5, 2011

september sun and a giveaway












(all photos taken with my new old vintage pentax and fuji film, the one i bought recently at a flea market,
i'm so happy it works!)


 the weekend brought fog again. if i wanted to see the sun i would need to go up. up into the foothills, so that's what i did. first to the vendanta temple and bookstore to browse and birdwatch (and enjoy the warm sun).  this place, vedanta, means 'knowledge', veda, and 'the goal of', anta. it's said that it is universal in it's application and equally relevant to all countries, all cultures, and all religious backgrounds. i thought of blogging and how we affirm the oneness of existence, and the harmony of religions.  the book i bought seemed to reflect this, it's written by twelve spiritual writers, six from the east and six from the west : rumi, st. francis of assisi, hafiz, kabir, st. teresa of avila, tukaram, st. catherine of siena, mira, st. thomas aquinas, rabia, meister eckhart, st. john of the cross.

sitting there in the peaceful surroundings thinking about all the blessings in my life i realized this blog recently had it's three year anniversary, and so did my etsy shop. i know if you blog, you feel like i do, and if your like me, how difficult it is to put into words just what it's brought to your life. i'm forever grateful to everyone i've met in and through this virtual world, which isn't really about technology at all. it's really full of real and kind and lovely people. like you.

in celebration of these last three years here i'd like to giveaway any one print in my shop, your choice. no, two, i'll choose two names, there are two anniversarys to celebrate. thank you for your friendship here and on etsy (oh and can't forget ravelry, i started there three years ago august too!) i say this all the time, but you really are the best.

x o lori

p.s. i'll choose the names next sunday september 11, around 6 p.m. pacific standard time.  :)


51 comments:

  1. Your photographs are so beautiful & inspiring. Wishing you all the best!

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  2. My dear Bonnie Lori,
    yes, I started blogging at the same time as you, and we "met" very soon after. Weren`t we lucky? Blogging has added so much to my life, I can hardly count all the good I gained from it. So many sweet people I have connected with, so many new insights I got, so much I learned along the way. I even got inspired by you to take up knitting again! My first booties are almost finished, I`ll send you a picture!
    I love the very first fog print of your shop, but also the oak tree and the very colorful one - can`t decide, really. You are such a great photographer, no wonder you are being printed in magazines!
    Must I stop chatting now? Leaving space for the others? Okay, an e-mail then! Hugs from Geli

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  3. Oh, how fun for both of us to have giveaways and celebrations on the same day! I am so blessed to have found your blog. I love to visit, gaze upon your beautiful pictures and drool over your knitting :).
    The book you found sounds like perfect reading and I must look for a copy on this side of the country. Lori, thank you for a beautiful giveaway and even though I won the yarn I would love to throw my name in for this giveaway too. I hope that doesn't make me sound greedy as that is not my intention. Have a wonderful day my friend. xx

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  4. Such beautiful photos and sentiments. Congratulations on three years! That's a big effort x

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  5. Lori,
    I can't remember the exact date that I started following you however I can tell you that I felt a kindred spirit in you from the very first post I read. I enjoy vistiting this space with its peaceful, organic feel and your creativity that never ceases to amaze. Hope you aren't missing your little one too much; and that in taking care of Mom you remember to replenish yourself. Looks like you were ... Gorgeous photos as usual and I especially like the texture of film. Hugs and congrats.

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  6. Blogging opened a world for me~~finding kindred spirits all over the country/world. A tribe I do not have locally. It is wonderful for the most part, frustrating when Blogger is in a hissy. I have things to SAY!
    I love that first photo and the one of the acorns...oh my!!!! And this is FILM, right? Good old fashioned film-we-get-developed? (am thinking of my dad's Rolleiflex and the scent of opening a roll of 620 out of the metal lined paper wrapper....oooooo)
    Lovely post~~Congrats!!!

    XXOO~~
    Anne

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  7. The virtual world is such a nifty place to be. I have "met" such talented people through blogs and ravelry. Happy Anniversary and it is so nice to know you!!

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  8. I love the poem and it immediately started my eyes and hands to roam.I am so happy you decided to get a close up of it.Beautiful images and words friend.Happy Anniversary.Hugs,Cat

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  9. Hi Lori,
    How wonderful your vintage Pentax works.Great photos! My very old Pentax cameras were my favorite cameras and unfortunately they don't work anymore...but I still love them!
    What a wonderful giveaway!
    Congratulations on the anniversary!

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  10. I'm green with envy, both at your new camera and your ability. The images are superb. Much more happy shooting to you!

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  11. is it three years - wow. Think we started around the same time too? how many events in each others lives have been shared since then? its been fun hey, and well worth a big celebration. thanks for bringing so much joy beauty and peace into our lives through your lovely words and pictures Lori xx

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  12. First, happy blogaversary...you have enriched all the lives you touch. I marvel at your sensitivity and your ability to convey that joy to those of us who love visiting with you. Thank you for what you give to us.

    I did NOT want to blog. Jeff signed me up for blogger in 2007 and I let it languish for a long time. Then, I was sick in bed and I picked up my computer and started to read blogs. I felt so connected to many people and it was helpful to me. I work alone all the time as I write and illustrate my books...I missed my interactions with customers at Heart's Ease, and the blogging really made me feel part of a community of like-minded souls.

    You are precious to us all.

    Love,

    S

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  13. Beautiful! Lori you are so dear and I am so happy you are a blogger buddy. I cherish the cards and feathers you sent me. I have made some wonderful friends on my blog and hope to make more. I am glad that you are one of them. xoxo

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  14. you are a dear, lori. love and compassion come through your beautiful blog with a very strong voice. i love the authors you are reading - st. john of the cross is a favorite, as is meister eckhart and teresa of avila. how appropriate that you read these moving words while looking at those gorgeous santa ynez peaks. those mountains have been calling to me lately....

    blessed be, lori, and congrats on 3 years of bringing beauty to the world through lori times five♡♡♡

    with love,

    amanda

    xoxo

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  15. Congratulations on blogging 3 years, I know how you feel about what having a blog means to you. It has brought much satisfaction to my life. Your photos and entries are a joy for me and I'm glad I've discovered you. Blessings.

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  16. I love that poem, Lori, and I was feeling so meloncholy when I read it. My oldest moved to far away Spain yesterday. Luckily, after I read your poem, Gizmo-the-pug head-butted me, wanting to be petted. :) I'm so happy to have met you here in BlogWorld! xo Pam

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  17. Happy Blog and Etsy anniversary! Your post is lovely and your photos are stunning!! I am new to your blog and am so happy to have stopped by :). Your day sounded like it was lovely, just the kind of day I would dream of having.

    p.s.
    I have been hemming and hawing about buying a vintage pentax. I want to learn how to use a manual slr camera and I hear this one is one of the best ever made. Yet my husband says that since digital is much easier I should just stick with that. Your pictures though push me to think otherwise again.

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  18. genevieve, thank you so much for the kind words!

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    ohangelina, thank you too!

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    geli, we did meet soon after aug 2008, i think it was more than just incredible luck, it was meant to be! thank you xxx

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  19. tracey, thank you so much, and happy happy birthday! i think the same and feel so lucky to have found you too. and btw, i can't believe you've only been knitting a year!

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    greer, i agree with you, although a labor of love! thank you!

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    lyn, yes, kindred spirits. we've been through a lot, watching our children leave the nest, africa, just to name a few. thank you so much for the kind words always. (and i love that, the texture of film.)

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  20. anne, thank you! haha, yes, film. it still plays a bit part around here. my husbands never converted to digital and is happy that way. i like both! and blogger, well...

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    swanski, thank you! and i totally agree! it's lovely to have you as a friend!

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    cat, thank you so much! i think when i opened the book it was to that poem and i knew i wanted to take it home.

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  21. nan, thank you! maybe you can get yours repaired? pentax really is a lovely camera with an elegant lens. (mine is a fixed 50mm). i am going to find that flea market seller and hug him!

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    dave, thank you! so kind! these cameras are around, if your interested in finding one, you can expect to pay as few as a few dollars up to a hundred and fifty. then just experiment!

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    val, i can't believe it either. i still giggle when i remember how our husbands said (when we met) what is blogging again? thank you for everything xxx

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  22. sharon, oh thank you doesn't seem quite enough. i'm very touched. a dear friend asked me if i cried when i read all these comments and i said yes. i'm thrilled that jeff hooked you up that day.

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    annie, thank you for telling me that, and you know i keep my annie made art where i can see it everyday!

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    amanda, come! and when you do, we'll go up to vedanta together! you would love it. thank you so much for your kind words!

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  23. So glad your film camera works too!

    Love these Lori.

    Congrats on your shop and the wonderful people blogging has brought to you...

    xo

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  24. love that new camera - I can just feel it in my hands.

    I'm so happy for your three year anniversary and for the offhand words of KJ "Do you know Lori mim? you two would like each other!!!". that KJ!!

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  25. Yay!! What a fabulous lovely and inspiring post! You are such a dear!
    I was drinking a can if coconut water yesterday and noticed it was made in the area that you live in and I said to Anna, "oh this is made where my friend Lori lives!" and she knew just who I meant!

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  26. Oh my, that pentax was waiting for you to give it life again. Just beautiful, Lori.

    Happy three years! it's funny to read Mim's comment because KJ sent me here as well. I rememebr telling her I didn't have time for one more blog. Oh how wrong I was. You have been a light in my life and I thank you for that.

    xo
    Lo♥

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  27. lorrie, i so appreciate your saying that, and i can't help but think how lucky we all are. thank you!

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    pam, ohhh, i do know exactly how you feel. it's a good feeling to know i opened that book at just the right page for you. thank you! (p.s. any trips abroad planned??? :)

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    mj, thank you and welcome! i'm glad your here! a vintage pentax camera is a great camera for so many reasons. i think it's the best way to learn about photography since nothing is manual (almost nothing) on it. and you can find them inexpensively i found mine at a flea market for 25.00. good luck!

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  28. andee, i was relieved too! it's a chance you take at a flea market. thank you very much for the kind words!

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    mim, ah that's really so nice to hear. thanks kj! you should look around for one of these cameras mim, i know their out there!

    * michele, yay! i love that! thank you so much my little friend down under! and anna too!

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  29. thank you lo. what a dear sweet thing to say, and vice versa. :)

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  30. Happy Anniversary(s), Lori! Love your posts - they make me feel peaceful when I see your beautiful images and sweet words. Thank you! We are moved out to the farm! Sold the house in San Antonio and are in the guest house. We're 4 weeks into the remodel/additions of the farm house. Pictures to come soon. I also need to pick up my knitting. Saw a few of your patterns I want to try. Hope to get the alpacas in the next few months! Have a great week - Susan :)

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  31. Dearest Lori ann,
    I am back to blogging! I have missed your blog and am busy trying to get caught up. You are just as lovely as always and your blog always brings me a sense of serenity. :) Some things never change - amen!
    ps - that book sounds great!
    And no pressure but I've already picked out which print I want.(wink)

    Hugs,
    ~kavita

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  32. I am glad Val "pulled" me into the world of blogging, assisted by Angela! That's how I "met" you and also met and visited with Karen and Tienie.

    All great people in my life!!!

    I love that your new Old Camera works so beautifully.

    looking forward to more pics :-)

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  33. susan, that's fantastic news! congratulations and best wishes in your new home! i can't wait to see more photos of the farm and the alpacas too! thank you so much for popping in!

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    kavita, hello honey! i'm glad your back, it's been a long time, i hope all is well and i wouldn't worry too much about catching up, just pick up where you left off! welcome back!

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    janet, thank you, i know. and maybe (crossing fingers here) that we'll meet next may, finally.

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  34. I met you through Anushka and especially living in a foreign country it's so nice to have met friends like you both. I just wish you didn't live sooo far away! I love your film photos and happy blog birthday xxx

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  35. me, me, me - I want to win. You have given me so many things, and I am things from your etsy shop, but I am so greedy for your beautiful stuff :)

    Congratulations on blog anniversary!!

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  36. I came across your beautiful blog this morning ~ looking forward to spending some time reading through posts.
    Congratulations on your blogversary ~ your photographs are absolutely gorgeous ♥

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  37. whew, i just made it, 37 comments later! please put my name in your blue knitted hat.

    can you guess what has pulled me in the most here and made me wish you were picking me up tomorrow morning?

    that bookshop! that book! i've made a mental bookmark. and the thought of it makes me smile from ear to ear.

    happy day lori.
    love
    kj

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  38. I do very much admire the way you see the world Lori. It was a happy day when I discovered your blog and you!
    xx
    julie

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  39. andrea, thank you sweetie! i would love to see your photos with this camera.

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    bhavana,
    your so sweet, thank you! i appreciate the love so much!

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    deb,
    thank you, what a really lovely thing to say, i hope you enjoy!

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  40. kj, i knew there was something we missed! well, there needed to be so you would come back!! you would love vedanta and for sure we'll have to go there someday. right after coffee at cafe luna!

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    julie,
    thank you my friend, i really hope we'll meet someday, i feel the same about you. isn't this blogging such a blessing? :)

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  41. Awww Lori that's a lovely post. Blogging is totally about our little community :) and it is a fab little place.

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  42. i am NOT missing another giveaway! : ) haha! i couldn't open this the other day and am so glad i still have time. i love your pictures lori. in this particular post, the first and last are my favorite. how cool you got that camera! xox

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  43. Oh my, your photos are so dreamy! And from a flea market camera, too.
    Congratulations on three years!!

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  44. your photos are great. each a reminder that peace is just a moment away...when we pay attention. congrats on three years!

    :)
    jen

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  45. oh shoot! correction to mj, i meant to say that almost nothing is automatic on it! sorry!

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    sammi, thank you sweetie!

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    anushka, haha, thank you!

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    house full of jays,
    thank you so much, i appreciate your kind words!

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    jen, i like that! thank you so much!

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  46. Beautiful pictures! I was scrolling through, wondering which one I would select if I won and having a difficult time of it. And then I saw it - Spools. It's perfect, and would find a home in my sewing corner.

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  47. That camera takes gorgeous pictures.

    I love what you said about blogging.

    I love the poem.

    I love giveaways.

    Just loving your blog, as always. Happy I am finally home so I can enjoy it more.

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  48. i would love to read this book, I am going to visit Ida in SF very soon and then I will try to find the book. And congratulations with your blog, I really like to read it and I cross my fingers and hope I will be lucky in the give away Gitte

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  49. I only just found your blog today (through Creative Friday, I think). It is truly one of the most beautiful places I've visited in a while - I heartily look forward to browsing your older posts. (:

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  50. Woohoo! love you Lori... and the poetry is heart melting x

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xoxo lori