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After working like a banshee this past Christmas retail season, I decided to treat myself to a digital camera and a day trip into my favorite city on the east coast.

I rarely indulge in extravagances, but I used the money that my wonderful mother and awesome brother gave me this year for Christmas, to finally get a camera. I would like to start taking my own photographs and sharing them as narratives on some of my blog posts, so I felt it was time.

Allow me to interject here that because I’m a Libra, making a decision to purchase something is like trying to push a 900 pound elephant wearing a pink tutu, through a key hole. It’s IMPOSSIBLE.

Well, not actually impossible, but extremely painful.

I think I would almost rather have red hot chili peppers rubbed on my nipples, than make a purchase decision.

And what I find incredibly ironic is that I can easily make a decision on something life-changing, however ask me to decide on the blue shirt versus the green shirt, and you’d swear I was making a choice that would dramatically affect the rotation of planet earth.

So after much research, I purchased a Nikon Coolpix L22. It’s easy to use, has excellent features, and was reasonably priced. The reviews I read on it were very positive.

Later, I’ll upgrade to something more advanced. But I think this camera will give me some great practice and a lot of enjoyment. It also takes movies!

Tomorrow morning (Tuesday), I'll be heading into NYC for the day to walk around, soak up some of that creative life-force energy, and take loads of images with my new camera.

I’m so excited!

And yes, I’ll be sharing about my trip and some photos on Friday’s post.

I’ll be gone all day and won’t get back into Philly until late, so I won’t be online at all tomorrow.

Oooooo....

And I will most likely be spending some time in Greenwich Village, hanging out at The Leather Man; trying to decide on whether I should purchase the black leather shorts or chaps.




Wish me luck!





50 comments:

  1. Hi Ronnie,

    I hope that you had the best trip ever in NYC! I know how much you love the Big apple. I bet that you had fun using your new Coolpix toy :)Move over pardner; we have a Coolpix too! It is our seconary camera for when we don't need to carry the heavier Nikon.

    Aren't you a sneak; photographing that Leather shop? :) hehe. Flaunt it, baby!!

    So, we are all looking forward to your fun pics and commentary. Big hugs until your return xoxo

    P.S. You just did FINE with your decision! One good rule... when shopping for techy stuff, read lots of reviews and if you can, advice from a few pros.

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  2. YAY, go ron and take oodles of photos, i have never been there and would love to see it through your particular little eyeballs....if the leather shop is any indication, i shall find a whole new style of clothing perhaps, no?? xoxoxo have fun, stay safe and don't do anything NO thing i wouldn't do!

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  3. I hope you have a wonderful time. You really need a little fun break. Can't wait to see all the great photos!

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  4. I wish I could visit NY again. I drool over photographs of the place. I like the way the cabs are lined up waiting for the traffic light to change. I used to be terrified in case I didn't get across in time...lol. I found this post interesting because everything you said applied to my Guy. Decision maker he is NOT when it comes to doing things for himself. I didn't realise that was a Libra trait. Anyway, hope you have a marvellous time in the great city. Remember, when shopping customers should be respectful to assistants.... TTFN x

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  5. Have a great time in NYC! You'll see the tree before they take it down, won't you?

    Nice camera. Can't wait to see some of your pictures.

    Personally, I think you should go with the chaps. Although cliche, I believe you have an absolutely adorable tushie and the chaps would frame it perfectly! ;)

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  6. I'm so looking forward to seeing the photos you take with your new camera Ron. MWM has a really expensive complicated camera with different lenses etc, etc, but mine is just an Olympus digital point and shoot and I get some good photos with it. What I like about digital cameras is that you can see what you've shot right away and if it's no good you can do another one! Happy shooting m'dear.

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  7. Aren't money gifts wonderful!!?? We give out a few Visa gift cards for Christmas and even though it doesn't seem like a lot of thought went into it, it's the perfect gift for allowing a few in our family to get exactly what they want, or put it towards something more expensive. So, it's very cool that mom and bro gave you some $$!
    You really do deserve to treat yourself this way and I cannot wait to see the pictures you take of your trip to NYC!! I'm sure you'll have a perfectly marvelous time exploring.

    Happy New Year, Ron!

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  8. Wow this is exciting... Ron-photos coming up! S'il vous plaît... exciting like rubbing those red hot chilly peppers onto those perky nipples! I love ya Ron...

    Yep, go to Greenwich Village. Dream glam, dream big. Report back.

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  9. The Leather Man + Camera. Oh no.

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  10. Bonjour Barbara~

    Yipeeeeeeeeeeee! I can't wait to get there tomorrow!

    OMG, you have a Coolpix too? That's good to know, coming from a photographer, so I'm so glad I got it!

    "Aren't you a sneak; photographing that Leather shop? :) hehe. Flaunt it, baby!!"

    Tee, hee! Isn't it funny? No, I didn't actually take that photograph. I got it off the web.

    Yup, before I purchased this camera I did a TON of research on it, and discovered a lot of very positive reviews from professional photographers. They all said it was GREAT basic camera.

    Thanks for stopping by, my friend! I'm looking forward to sharing my photos on Friday!

    Have a great Monday, Barb!

    xoxoxox

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  11. Good Morning Linda~

    OMG...you would LOVE NYC, I KNOW you would! It's a magical place that BURSTS with creative life-force energy! It's a great place for artists. And the shopping is incredible. You can get anything you want in that city, anytime of the day or night.

    "if the leather shop is any indication, i shall find a whole new style of clothing perhaps, no??"

    Bwhahahahahahhahaha! Yeeeehaw!!!!!

    Thank you for stopping by, dear lady! Always so fab to see you!

    Have a wonderful week!

    (((( Linda )))))

    xoxoxoxo

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  12. Morning Jen~

    Thanks, my friend! Yes, I really DO need a little fun break, that's why I decided to head into NYC for the day. I'm so looking forward to it!

    Can't wait to share my photos!

    Thank you for stopping by! Have wonderful Monday and a super week!

    X

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  13. Good Morning Valerie~

    "I wish I could visit NY again. I drool over photographs of the place."

    OMG, so you've been there???? Isn't it a WILD and WONDERFUL place? I can tell from your artist personality that you must have really enjoyed it!

    " I like the way the cabs are lined up waiting for the traffic light to change. I used to be terrified in case I didn't get across in time...lol."

    Bwhahahahahahaha! I know what you mean, because NYC cabs wait for NO ONE....they just GO! It's total insanity, but I LOVE it!

    Yes, decision-making is one of Libras challenges. OMG, it's horrible! We have tendency to 'think' too much when it come to decisions. My challenge has alway been when it comes to purchase choices. I take FOREVER - ugh!

    Thank you so much for stopping by, dear lady! I'll be thinking of you tomorrow, when I'm in the city and a cab RUNS OVER ME- HA!

    Happy Monday to you!

    X

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  14. yay! hope you enjoy the camera and totally have a fabulous time in New York.

    chaps. hot. mm-hmm.

    If I feel the earth start shifting on its axis today, I'll know it's you trying to decide on that all important article of clothing. *smile*

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  15. Good Morning Nitebyrd~

    Thank you! I'll be visiting your home town!

    Yes!!! That's why I want to get over there this week. Rockerfeller Center is one of my stops! Most of the stores will still have their Christmas windows deplayed too. Can't wait to get a snap shot of Bergdorf Goodman's windows - they're the best!

    "Personally, I think you should go with the chaps. Although cliche, I believe you have an absolutely adorable tushie and the chaps would frame it perfectly."

    Bwhahhaahahahahahaha! OMG, you're a RIOT! And thank you! Yes, I think I will get the chaps. They'll be warmer this time of the year!

    Always great seeing ya, Sis! Thanks for stopping by!

    X ya!

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  16. I can't wait to see some of your photographs! Have a great time.

    My great niece is going to New York this year, to a photographic event of some sort. Her uni has organized it. She is so excited!

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  17. Good Morning Aklelamalu~

    Awww...thank you! I can't wait to see what kind of photos I get. I've been practicing a bit with it, so hopefully they'll all turn out well.

    Yes, that's also why I wanted to purchase this camera - point and shoot. And it really has some wonderful extra features on it. I also have an Olympus (regular camera) and it's a wonderful brand! In fact, I looked at their digital cameras, but they were a bit more expensive. I think this one will be just fine.

    Thank you for stopping by, m'dear!

    Happy Monday!

    X

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  18. Goooood Morning Crystal Chick~

    "Aren't money gifts wonderful!!??"

    Yes....money gifts ARE wonderful!

    And yes, Visa gifts cards are too! The thing I like about gift cards is that you can put them all together and get something that you really want.

    I called my mother and brother after I purchased the camera and told them how I used their money gifts. They were very happy for me.

    Can't wait to get into NYC tomorrow! The weather is suppose to be very nice (cool, sunny, and crisp).

    Thank you for stopping by, neighbor! Always grand seeing ya!

    Happy New Year, M!

    X

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  19. Bonjour Susu~

    Yes, finally I'll be able to share my photos like you do on your wonderful blog!

    "S'il vous plaît... exciting like rubbing those red hot chilly peppers onto those perky nipples!"

    HAHAHAHAHAHAHHAAHHA! HILARIOUS!!!!

    I thought of YOU because I want to try and get down to Perry Street where 'Carrie's' apartment is and take some photos of me standing in front of it. Oooooo...can't wait!

    Thank you for stopping by, beautiful lady! Wishing you a flawless week!

    X

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  20. Good Morning Tracy~

    "The Leather Man + Camera. Oh no."

    Bwhahahahahahaahaha!

    Yes, stay tuned to Leather Man with camera will travel!

    Always so nice seeing you here, Tracy! Thank you for stopping by!

    Happy Monday!

    X

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  21. Good Morning Diane~

    Yay! I finally got a camera! I was SO thinking of you when I was trying to decide which one to get, because of what you shared about your own camera. I think this one will be perfect for a starter. Later, I may upgrade to something more advanced.

    "chaps. hot. mm-hmm.

    If I feel the earth start shifting on its axis today, I'll know it's you trying to decide on that all important article of clothing. *smile*"

    Bwhahahahaahhaahaha! Yeah, you'll know it's ME - *wink*

    Thank you for stopping by, dear friend! Happy Monday to you!

    X

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  22. Good Morning Babs~

    Thank you!

    I can't wait to see how my photos turn out tomorrow!

    OMG, your great niece is going ADORE visiting NYC. The creative energy there is awesome. It's a photographer's paradise. I'm so excited FOR her!

    Thank you for stopping by, Babs! Always a delight seeing you!

    Have a great Monday!

    X

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  23. Hey Ron, I am so proud you got yourself a camera, you will love it my friend, now add that to a picture program on your computer and the pictures you will come up with are limitless, I wonder if we should be scared of that??

    Looking forward to seeing your pictures and the decision you make at the leather shop could indeed “dramatically affect the rotation of planet earth” but it will work out just fine and you just may snap a few pictures while you browse :^)

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  24. Howdy Jimmy~

    "now add that to a picture program on your computer and the pictures you will come up with are limitless, I wonder if we should be scared of that??"

    HAHAHAHAHA! Yes, this camera comes with a picture program software that I haven't installed yet because I need to get more memory for my desk top computer.

    " and the decision you make at the leather shop could indeed “dramatically affect the rotation of planet earth” but it will work out just fine and you just may snap a few pictures while you browse."

    Bwhahaahahahahhaha! Now THAT would be SCARY!

    Thanks for sharing in my excitement of my new camera, buddy! I can't wait to get into NYC tomorrow and take some shots!

    Have a wonderful Monday!

    X to you and Cindy!

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  25. I hope you have a fabulously fun and safe trip! I can't wait to see your pics. My friend went to NYC for New Years.

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  26. I'm so glad you got yourself a camera and are treating yourself to that much deserved trip to NY, I am just jealous I'm not going with you!

    OK... I have to admit that your description of the red hot chili peppers on the nips made me cringe!! Just that thought... OMG! I had a hot pepper experience once that I will have to tell you in person, but let's just suffice it to say... if you EAT anything with hot sauce.... BRUSH your TEETH AND TONGUE....THOROUGHLY and you better be safe and use tons of mouthwash and hose it off AND wait about a week before you put that tongue anywhere sensitive! Capiche??? :-(

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  27. Hey SuziCate~

    Thank you! I booked my transportation reservation this morning, got my camera ready, lip balm, hand cream, gloves, scarf, and winter coat. I hear it's gonna be a CHILLY day tomorrow in NYC, but sunny!

    OMG...your friend went to NYC for New Years?? I bet they had a blast! In all the years I lived there I never went to Times Square to watch the ball drop. I was too afraid of getting trampled on - HA!

    Thanks for stopping by! Hope you had a great Monday!

    X

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  28. Helloooooooo Peg~

    OMG...I wish you WERE going with me, we'd have SO MUCH FUN!!!! The friend that was supposed to go with me got sick (with the flu), so I'm going alone. We were originally going today, but I changed it to tomorrow.

    Yes, I finally got me a camera and I'm so excited! Can't wait to take photos of the city.

    "OK... I have to admit that your description of the red hot chili peppers on the nips made me cringe!! Just that thought... OMG! I had a hot pepper experience once that I will have to tell you in person..."

    OMG, I can't WAIT to hear your story. It sounds funny, but painful! I actually don't eat chili peppers because I can't eat anything that's hot.

    " AND wait about a week before you put that tongue anywhere sensitive! Capiche???"

    Bwhahahahaahahahahaha! Yea, Capiche!

    Thanks for stopping by, dear friend! Always grand to see ya! Hope you had a marvi Monday!

    X

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  29. Waaaait a second. Is that The Leather Man down here in San Diego? Are you coast-hopping? Heh...

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  30. Hey Herman~

    "Waaaait a second. Is that The Leather Man down here in San Diego? Are you coast-hopping?"

    Bwhahahahahahahahaha! OMG, that was HILARIOUS!

    Ooooops! I guess The Leather Man must be a franchise. He's bi-coastal!

    Bwhahahhahahahahahha!

    Thanks for stopping by, buddy! You crack me up!

    Hope you had a grrrrreat day!

    X

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  31. Chaps.
    Definitely chaps.

    And the BEST way to avoid deciding on a purchase is to have someone else decide and gift you with it. *laughing* That's what I do!

    And I didn't buy the camera I take photos with--it was given to me by a loving spousal unit. I point, I shoot....I won't leave the house without it. No foolin'.
    You're going to have such a good time. Seriously!!

    I'm excited.
    I can't wait to see the world through your eyes.

    ((((((((( Ron ))))))))) Safe journey!! And have a grand time of it!

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  32. That is IT! We are in fact, TWINS. I totally know exactly just how extremely painful it is to make a friggen decision! LIBRA Curse!

    Im so excited you bought a new camera. You're going to have so much fun with it! And Ive heard really good reviews about that particular Nikon.

    Have a FABULOUS time in NYC. Looking forward to reading your post on Friday and seeing all your new photos!!

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  33. Hello Dear Mel~

    "Chaps.
    Definitely chaps."

    HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! That's what I think too, Mel!!!! Chaps!

    "And the BEST way to avoid deciding on a purchase is to have someone else decide and gift you with it. *laughing* That's what I do."

    Bwhahahahahahaha! OMG, I may have to try that!!!!

    Your photos are always so brilliant! It's great to know that you too have a point and shoot, because was I wondering how you got those shots! Now I'm REALLY excited!

    Yeah, I have a feeling I'm going to be addicted to carrying around my camers 24/7.

    Thanks for stopping by, my Libra friend! Always a bright moment!

    (((( Mel )))))

    Mr. Chap
    x

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  34. OMG...Meleah, I was sooooooo hoping you'd stop by to read this post because I was SO thinking of you when I wrote about LIBRAS!!!

    "That is IT! We are in fact, TWINS. I totally know exactly just how extremely painful it is to make a friggen decision! LIBRA Curse!"

    You said it....a CURSE! Oh well, even though we can't make a purchase decision, we have other great attributes. Like, we're PERFECT!

    Bwahahahahahahahahahahaha!

    I'm so excited about my camera too!!! I can't wait to get to NY and snap away!!!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my Libra friend! So glad to know you!

    (((( Meleah ))))

    X

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  35. Shorts or chaps? Hey, splurge a little and get both! Because no matter which you choose, you'll inevitably long for the other one at some point in time.

    Have fun in NYC! I love the Big Apple!

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  36. Hey Ron!!


    Happpy New Yearrrrr to you! I can't WAIT to see all the pics you take with your NEW camera! YAY! Congrats on your latest purchase! Whoooo hooo! I have to get a new camera, now... too.. Mine's a few years old and I need the latest model.. Hehehe! I'm a tech. person through and through..

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  37. Ron, I hope your trip to NYC was wonderful and exciting. I hope your camera is all you wanted and more. The part about red hot chilli peppers on your nipples sounds intriguing. It was like the time I ate some jabanero peppers then proceeded to go into the men's room and urniate. Well, let me tell you it was the most excruciating pain I have every experienced. Talking about nuts roasting on an open fire.
    I hope your holidays were good and you have the time to spend with yourself and with friends and family.
    Ron, HAPPY NEW YEAR

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  38. Hey Mark~

    "Shorts or chaps? Hey, splurge a little and get both! Because no matter which you choose, you'll inevitably long for the other one at some point in time."

    Bwhahahahahahahaha! You are soooooooo right! That's part of being an indecisive LIBRA!!!

    I had a super time in NYC, however I didn't have the chance to get down into the Greenwich Village to visit The Leather Man - drats! Oh well, I may be taking another trip this month, so I'll get my chaps and shorts then!

    Always so great to see you, Mark! Thank you for stopping by!

    Hope you had a great day!

    X

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  39. Bonjour Leesa~

    Awwwww.....thank you! And the same to you, my friend!

    HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

    Yes, I love my new camera, but I'm still getting use to how it works. I took a load of photos while in NYC, and most of them came out pretty good. I was just flying by the seat of my pants; snapping photos and hoping for the best - HA!

    YOUR photos are ALWAYS so wonderful!

    Thanks for stopping by! Hope you're having a great week!

    X

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  40. Hellooooo Mr. Dave~

    The bus was very late leaving NYC, so I got in much later than I thought. But hey, I just kinda went with the flow yesterday, and allowed the day to be what it was.

    I had faaaaaaabulous time, but delightfully exhausted from running around the city for 8 eight hours - whew! My legs are killing me!

    The camera is awesome! I downloaded the photos I took (69 of them) and most of them turned out pretty good. I can't wait to share them throughout the next couple of weeks.

    "The part about red hot chilli peppers on your nipples sounds intriguing. It was like the time I ate some jabanero peppers then proceeded to go into the men's room and urniate. Well, let me tell you it was the most excruciating pain I have every experienced. Talking about nuts roasting on an open fire.

    Bwahahahahahahhahahaha! OMG...you are sooooooooo HYSTERICAL! And that's the MAIN reason why I DON'T eat them!

    My holidays were wonderful! A bit busy, but I was able to stop and take some time to really appreciate the true meaning of Christmas this year. Hope your holidays were SUPER!

    HAPPY NEW YEAR, buddy!

    And please know just how blessed I feel in having met you FOUR years ago! Your humor, insight, and fabulous energy are always so appreciated and enjoyed!

    Thank you for stopping by!

    X

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  41. Candid cameraron in Manhattan! ;) I can only imagine and am looking forward to your photos, Ron! I bet you can build a post around each shot! There's so much inspiration and "energy" is why it's my home away from home. Take a big bite out of the apple for me! And have a fabulous time!

    Happy New Year, Ron!

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  42. Goooood Morning Petra~

    "Candid cameraron in Manhattan!"

    HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Exactly!

    "I bet you can build a post around each shot! "

    OMG, I can't believe you just said that because after looking through my photos, I thought to myself, "I could write a post about each one these shots!"

    "There's so much inspiration and "energy" is why it's my home away from home."

    I sooooooooo agree, Petra! I feel so inspired and jazzed right now. Isn't it a magical city?

    Thanks so much for stopping by, dear lady!

    Always a delight seeing your comments!

    Happy New Year! Cheers!

    X

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  43. bwahahaha! Oh oh, go for the chaps! and pick me up something too! dang it, love of leather escapes

    I am so glad that you agonized, and twisted, and broke down to finally get a camera. It's a Christmas present! Let loose. But just make sure that you keep some of the pictures from the Leather Man (and wherever you go with your purchases) out of Mama's sight (or maybe not - she might love it!)
    Have fun in NYC. Can't wait to hear about it when you get back!
    Katherine
    xo

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  44. Hey Katherine~

    "Oh oh, go for the chaps! and pick me up something too! dang it, love of leather escapes."

    Bwhahahahahahahaha! OMG, you KILL ME!!!!

    But alas, I didn't have time to visit the Village this time (or The Leather Man) - bummer! But I plan to go back sometime this month, so if I do get me some chaps, I will more than happy to pick you up a pair too!

    OMG....I LOVE my new camera! I'm starting to get the hang of how it works. It's pretty easy, because it does everything on it's own. Point and shoot!

    I think my mother would probably get a kick out of seeing The Leather Man shop - HA!

    Thanks a bunch for stopping by, dear lady! Hope you're having an awesome week!

    Have a super evening!

    XO

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  45. 1. i hope you are having a fabulous start to the new year, bestie.

    2. i've missed you.

    3. congrats on the camera - i went the opposite. i have a huge ass DSLR, but it is too bulky to take around everyday, so i also got a nikon coolpix for xmas. (we really are twinsies!) however, my first trial with it was my new years party, and it was quite dark in there, but i wasn't happy with it at all. it had some weird delay and we all looked green. i dunno. might exchange it.

    4. i am a cancer, but i am the exact same way - i cannot make a simple decision to save my life. i've been able to break off 3 engagements, but take me to the drive thru and we're gonna be there for a half hour. ugh, so frustrating.

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  46. Hellooooooo Blunt~

    1. You too, bestie!

    2. You too!!!!

    3. OMG, you got a Coolpix for Christmas too?? Yup...we really ARE twins!!! I haven't taken any indoor shots with it yet, so I may have the same experience - ugh! I let you know!

    4. I was WONDERING what sign of the Zodiac you were. A Cancer! So is my swesome brother Tom!

    "i've been able to break off 3 engagements, but take me to the drive thru and we're gonna be there for a half hour."

    Bwhahahhaahaha! Sounds EXACTLY like me!!!

    Thanks oodles for stopping by, girl!

    Always a freakin' delight to see your comments!

    Hope you're having a flawless day!

    X

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  47. Glad you were able to make a decision! I'm right there with ya... takes me days to make a simple, petty decision. Like whether I should hit this student or that one... choices, choices.

    Hope your trip to the Big Apple was a success! We expect pics soon!

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  48. Hey Dr. Cynicism~

    Grrrrrrreat to see ya!

    "... takes me days to make a simple, petty decision. Like whether I should hit this student or that one... choices, choices."

    Bwhahahahahahahahaha! OMG...HILARIOUS!

    Yup....I finally made a decision and am very happy with my new camera. My trip to the Big Apple was faaaaabulous! I'll be sharing photos and stories within my next few posts.

    Thanks for stopping by, bud! Hope you had a great Christmas and a Happy New Year!

    Cheers!

    X

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  49. congrats on your camera! will you always carry it with you? every day? hmmmmm? glad you enjoyed your trip into the city as well. what a great place for photo ops. if you've uploaded your pics to flickr, lemme know. i want to see them all.

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  50. Hey V~

    Thanks girl! I'm so glad I finally decided to purchase one.

    Yup...I think I'll be carrying that camera EVERYDAY, ALWAYS!

    Isn't NYC the greatest place to take photos? While walking through Times Square, I noticed that every single person had a camera and was snapping away!

    Thanks for reminding me about Flickr because I have an account witt them, but never even thought to store them there!

    Thank you for stopping by, V!

    Have a FABU day!

    X

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