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Welcome to "A Photographer's Expose!"

Join me as we take a few minutes to snapshot the world of Photography, Design, Art, and the Rest...   

"Through HIS Eyes"

If you would like to receive a reminder of my weekly blog updates please contact me using the contact page on this website  

http://www.creations-anew.com/custformnew329961.html

 

 

 

  

http://www.creations-anew.com/products364808.html

 

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And the Winner Is....

NeedleWoodDesigns

please visit NeedleWoodDesign's etsy shop it is wonderful

http://www.NeedleWoodDesigns.etsy.com

of MayDay Giveway

Sponsored by the Homefront Street Team

The Etsy Homefront Street Team is comprised of US military families from all over the world! Our husbands, wives, sons, daughters, brothers and sisters  are soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines. We keep the home fires burning for all of our uniformed service members all over the world.

The 20 Shops participating in the MayDay Giveway are offering a 10% discount to any item in their stores.

To receive your code for this sale place follow the link.

http://homefrontstreetteam.blogspot.com/

 



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Blog ID: 1639 - Americana, Baseball, Apple Pie and Blossom Days - 2008-04-25

Americana: Baseball, Apple Pie, Mom and Blossom Days

As a military “brat” and then military spouse, I have traveled the world and yet there is only one place that I call home. I have some deep roots in a small town community: parents, a sibling, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Now that our military travels have come to an end, we have planted ourselves back into “a piece” of Americana. 

One of the big “events” in our small town is Blossom Festival. Every year during the first weekend in May the population doubles as it becomes jam-packed with people attending and participating in a parade, baseball tournaments, concerts in the park, a rodeo, a carnival and a huge craft show. Through the years, we’ve attended these festivities in snow, rain, and 100 degree weather; that’s springtime in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains for you.

The history of this celebration can be traced back to the 1860’s. It has been called: Fruit Day, May Day, Flower Carnival, Blossom Day and finally Blossom Festival. You can read more about the history of the Blossom Festival at this site:  http://www.ccblossomfestival.com/cms2/index.php?page=history

Today, the gala is full of nostalgia.  There is a Saturday parade that is crammed with horses, cars, floats, bands, politicians, military, fireman, police, and of course a queen and her court. The parade brings out the young and old; a gathering where we reminisce with neighbors, old school mates and 2nd cousins twice removed.  In Junior High and High School I proudly marched with the school band down main street and now my sons have too.

During the weekend there is a huge craft fair in the Old Depot Park. In the past, this “show” has brought in crafters from many different states. The park is full of crafter’s tents with wonderful handmade items and the smell of funnel cakes and corn dogs fill the air. As a girl, after marching in the parade, I would help my grandparents sell their hand crafted turquoise jewelry during this fair; how could I have known that 20 plus years later, I would be selling in the Old Depot Park.

I’m so blessed to have deep roots in a community with old fashioned ties to

Small town Americana: Baseball, Apple Pie, Mom and Blossom Days!!!!!

This year, I will be attending my first Blossom Festival Craft Show as a vendor. I’ll be offering some of my framed and matted photography, cards, notepads and mousepads. If you are in the neighborhood, please stop by and say HI!

Mention my blog and receive 10% off any item at the Blossom Festival Sale or 10% of any item on this website.

SEE YOU THERE!

 

Do not forget the things your eyes have seen

 or let them slip from your heart as long as you live.

Teach them to your children and to their children after them.

Deuteronomy 4:9

 

 More information about our little town:

http://64.224.198.114/tourism/ca%C3%B1on_city_area_attractions.htm

http://www.horsestop.net/royalgorgerodeohistory.htm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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     Visitor Comment
     Sounds wonderful! I hope you have a wonderful time :o)
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     Visitor Comment
     That's great to be able to share your history with your family and friends and now all of us. Sounds like it'll be a picturesqe day (even with the chance of snow, rain, hail or record temperatures :) Teresa (MayRae)
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     Visitor Comment
     hey your slide show isn't working for me... but the article is interesting...
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     Visitor Comment
     I'm in the area, so I may stop by! By the way your slide show isn't working. Thanks.
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Blog ID: 1543 - Encourager - \\\\\\\\ - 2008-03-10

Encourager - "Where is the LOVE?"

We may be mutually strengthened and encouraged and comforted by each other’s faith. Romans 1:12

Do you remember the song “Where is the Love?”  I don’t recall who sings it, but as I write this blog post, the chorus is meandering through my head. “Where is the love, that you gave to me… something, something….da da da da da da da… That is a good question, it seems today that a majority of people are opinionated, self-centered, rude and sometimes, just plain mean in their dealings with others.  The art of civility and kindness are gone; the idea that we need to encourage one another and build each other up has all but disappeared.

We have a sweet couple at our church who have the gift encouragement. This husband and wife team are continually offering words of  uplifting kindness; it's not unusual to receive a note from them during the week saying, "Keep up the good work, or thank you for all you do."   

The definition of ENCOURAGE is to inspire with courage, spirit, or hope; hearten, to spur on. The Hebrew term for encourage conveys the idea of putting strength into someone’s hands, arms or body so they can handle pressure.

There are basically two types of people. One type, seeks to find fault with everyone and everything; they do their best to tear others down. The other type seeks to build those around them up and to encourage them in their daily lives. Which of these descriptions best fits your life and your dealings with those around you?

I’m not instinctively and encourager, in fact, I’m more of a “Cowboy Up” kind of girl; you got a problem, I got a solution!  But, an encourager listens and stands beside a person building them up and strengthening them so that they can tackle their own lives.

“A word of encouragement during a failure is worth more than an hour of praise after success.” Source Unknown.

Encouragement is not false praise or platitudes; it’s seeking out another’s potential and saying to them, “I believe in you.”  Mary M. Bauer has written an article called, "Be an Encourager" It has some wonderful ideas on how you can practice the art of encouragement.  http://www.marymbauer.com/encourager.htm

One of the wonderful things about an online community is that it is relatively easy to find a group of like minded people. I enjoy selling on “etsy” because it’s a group of craftsmen (and women) who support and build one another up in the ecommerce market . Ruebee is a site that inspires it’s community to walk closer with the LORD and encourages one another in their endeavors.

All of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing

1 Peter 3:8-9

Encouragement has never paid a mortgage or brought a loved back to life. It has never repaired a broken water faucet or healed the terminally ill. But, encouragement from another, can strengthen us when we are weak, spur us on when we feel we can go no further, and hearten us see God in every situation.

I believe that the LORD would have us to practice a ministry of encouragement, so, I want to be more of an encourager to my family, to my church, in my business and  and to those I come in contact with.  How about you?

Have a great week, and…May our LORD Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.

2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

Robin

Send someone a encouraging word today, click here to send a free on-line card using some of my photography. http://www.creations-anew.com/products364808.html


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     Visitor Comment
     Amen, sister:) Thanks for the words of encouragement and thanks for commenting on my etsy thread http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5557172&page=5 God bless!!!
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     Visitor Comment
     I like the ecards, what a good idea. The photos are beautiful
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Blog ID: 1522 - Relections of a Photo - 2008-02-27

"Cleft of the Rock" 

This photo is available for purchase; Please click to see Gallery or you my visit my etsy site at   http://www.creationsanew.etsy.com

I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand.

Exodus 33:22

In The Cleft of the Rock

My family and I were staying at a campground last Memorial Day Weekend in Howard, Colorado. This campground sits right on the banks of the Arkansas River, with the Sangre de Christo mountain range offering a breathtaking backdrop. The placement of the campground, the river and mountains is a photographer’s dream. 

We were out walking one afternoon along a dirt road that ran behind the campground; this road is nestled between the Arkansas River and large rocky hills. As we were walking and talking and taking photos, I noticed these small, white, fragile wildflowers growing amongst the hard rocks and sandy soil of these hills. This large barren and jagged hillside had very little vegetation and yet snuggled into the nooks and crannies of this rock, growing bold, were these perfectly protected flowers. What a contrast!

This photograph reminds me of a old beloved Hymn of the Church,

“He Hideth My Soul”

A wonderful Savior is Jesus, my Lord.

A wonderful Savior to me.

He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock,

Where rivers of pleasure I see.

He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock

That shadows a dry, thirsty land.

He hideth my life in the depths of His love,

And covers me there with His hand.

He Hideth My Soul

Words by Fanny J. Crosby

Music William J Kirkpatrick

 

Like, these small delicate flowers growing strong and unafraid in the protection of the mighty rock, I hide myself in “THE EVERLASTING ROCK” …Christ, my shelter and strength.

Trust in the LORD forever, for in God the LORD we have an everlasting ROCK.

Isaiah 26:4

Thanks for stopping by this week; I appreciate all of you and your prayers.  Feel free to leave a comment; I'm interested in your thoughts about my musings.

Have a great week!


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     Visitor Comment
     I enjoyed the interview & pictures very much. Your blog above was great. He Hideth My Soul is one of my favorite hymns. Great going! SW
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     Visitor Comment
     7526 Robin I enjoyed your blog this wk and Prayed for you right on the spot that God would bless and use you in a great way, and also prosper your efforts in Photography. love ya, bonnie k
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     Visitor Comment
     One of my favorite hymns
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Blog ID: 1502 - Who Am I In Business? - 2008-02-18

Your hands made me and formed me; …

Psalm 119:73

A few weeks ago I entered 3 of my photographs in a local art exhibit. “Your Best Shot”, was my first photography show and “Rocky Mountain Desert” took 3rd place in the Landscape Category.  http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8021501   The local talent was amazing and as I viewed individual works, each artist’s personality seemed to come into focus through their photos.

That got me thinking; what opinion do I leave with others when they view my photos?  Is my photography a good representation of my character?  I’m presuming you would be able to tell that I’m not an uptown kind of girl.  I live in a small town with my husband and sons and enjoy simple and quiet things; hence, I find pleasure in taking photos of flowers, mountainous landscapes, the sky, water, old buildings...etc.

A hot topic in the “on-line” business circles is “Branding Your Business.”  Webster states that a brand is a class of goods identified by name as the products of a single firm or manufacturer.”  So, what does a prospective customer see when viewing your blog, or your website, or even your Etsy or Ebay store?  The marketplace is competitive, the talent never-ending; creating a trademark, a logo, a niche that will help your business stand out is imperative.

Photography and creating items with my photography is my business; sunflowers are a particular favorite of mine, and I’ve incorporated them into all of my sites. They represent my persona well; thus, they've become a visual representation of my business and a recognizable logo.

Webster also states that a brand is a characteristic.”  Lucas Conley of Fast Company is quoted as sayingA brand is a result, not a tactic. A brand is not just the look of your business it is the result of your business.  Mission Minded writes that a brand is just another word for reputation.” http://www.mission-minded.com/files/resources.htm

For me then personally, my “brand” must bring Glory to my Lord and the end result must meet His criteria; honesty, integrity, purity, and holiness.  I pray that my customers can see Christ through my work, my attitude and my business.  My new “motto”, and you will begin seeing it pop up on all my sites, is Through the eyes of Christ

 Ah, the favor of the LORD our God rests upon us; establish the work of our hand for us - yes, establish the work of our hands. Psalm 90:1

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Website Feature: Mousepads

I would like to bring some attention to my original mousepads.  Applied to bright white, high quality mousepads are some of my original photographs; Most of them have uplifting sayings and Bible Verse printed on them, but they can be personalized.

The mousepads have genuine rubber bases that measure 7 ¾ x 91/4 x 1/8”, they also have a smooth surface that locks in the sharpest details of my photographs.

They work great with any mouse, but also have an alternative use. They are wonderful for putting hot things on: tea kettles, coffee cups, etc. I keep one at my desk to put my hot and cold drinks on.  They are colorful, original, but most of all...useable!

I have several pre-designed pads,http://www.creations-anew.com/products356283.html

Their cost is $7.00 and $3.00 for shipping.   I accept credit cards, or you can contact me if you would prefer to pay with cash or a check.

All of my photos can be designed into a mousepad with your own personalized message; visit my gallery for additional photography choices. http://www.creations-anew.com/new356284.html

Thanks for spending a few mintues with me this week, I would love to hear from you....just leave a comment!

Robin


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Comments
     Visitor Comment
     You have some lovely work here ... really beautiful. I like your new motto "Through the eyes of Christ". It's a beautiful way to give glory to God ... He is so good to us. Ciao for now, Elena :)
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     Visitor Comment
     Beautiful slideshow. Interesting blog.
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     Every blog is more interesting than the last. You are very talented and it shows. Looking forward to your next blog. SW
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     Visitor Comment
     congrats on your 3rd place it is a very nice picture. Good blog this week
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Blog ID: 1449 - Your Ability....A Gift? - 2008-02-04

He, (the Lord), has filled them with the skill to do all kinds of work as craftsmen, designers, embroiderers…all of them master craftsmen and designers.

Exodus 35:35

Saturday morning we woke up to the news that an irreplaceable “Ruby” from our church’s congregation had passed away. What made Ruby so unique was that she was born with a physical and emotional handicap. Ruby was born 60 plus years ago and when her mother became aware that she would be special, she prayed that God would give her daughter an out of the ordinary gift to serve Him with. God gave Ruby the gift of music; she could play the piano, organ, accordion by ear and she loved to sing.

Ruby and her talent were special, but all of us have been given “distinctive”  abilities.  In Exodus, the Israelites had just been freed from Egypt and slavery; God was asking them to build a Tabernacle for Him to dwell in, in the desert. This people who had been slaves for 400 years were not artisans, but Scripture tells us that “GOD” filled them with the skill to do all kinds of work as craftsmen, designers, embroiderers…

What an idea, that the Creator of the Universe would give his creation the ability to color the world with paints, or to capture a moment in time with photography, still others He would give the skill to fashion adornments with beautiful stones and jewels, or to form new and useable items out of trash. These abilities are given to us by a wonderful Father who loves beauty and variety.

As I become familiar with artists locally and around the web the abilities, talents, and skills that these artisans posses is awe-inspiring.  Next time you  visit a specialty shop or a craft fair, really take a moment to examine the  aptitude it takes to conceive, design, produce, and promote wares.

Exodus 36:2 says “Then Moses summoned Bezalel and Oholiab and every skilled person to whom the LORD had given ability and who was willing to come and do the work. I think the key word in this verse is “willing.”  God gives us the unmerited gift of a skill, but we have to be willing to cultivate it, practice with it and use it.  An unused ability is like an unopened present; it gives the recipient no joy and offers the presenter no pleasure.

The Sunday, before Ruby died, she was at church singing and playing her songs to the LORD; she used the talents and abilities that God gave her for His glory and they in turn blessed us.

What God calls you to do; He will equip you to do.

Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the LORD…Colossians 3:23

I wanted to share with you some of my "favorite" items I have found on Etsy;  They are creative, unusual  and fun!

Bound Lamb - Cross Scripture Plaque

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8897646

4 Doily Giftcards

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9298439 

Camo High Top Sneaker Booties Size 0-6 months

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9324025

Little People down on the farm greeting cards

(I had some of these little guys...)

 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9214235

Scripture Dolls

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8924728

Coffee Cozy (this is for my mom)

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=5454175

Most Popular Turquoise Square Serving Spoon

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7285224

Mosaic Cross - The Earth

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9185857

Timmy the Turtle

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8319571

Raku Smokey Blues Bracelet

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=6290547

I hope you enjoyed some of my favorite items....Please leave a comment!

and I'll see you next week!

 

 

View my page on Ruebee



View my page on Indiepublic


View my profile on We Love Etsy


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Comments
     Visitor Comment
     Wonderful way to look at what we all have to offer and are able to do here on this earth. Thanks also for the Etsy links, quite interesting to see such fun stuff! Teresa
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     Visitor Comment
     Your photos are so beautiful.Your message is inspiring.,,nursesnaturally
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     Visitor Comment
     What a great blog :)
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     Thanks for the links to esty. I loved the Coffee Condom, although I would have preferred a different name for it! SW
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     Visitor Comment
     Good luck with the art exhibit.
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