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I have such an affinity for Buddha statues.

I’ve studied Buddhism in the past and believe in many of its teachings, however I wouldn’t call myself a full-fledged practicing Buddhist.

Like with any spiritual belief, I take what feels right for me and disregard what doesn’t.

I’ve always felt there is something I can learn from every spiritual belief, but that doesn’t mean I have to believe in the whole enchilada.

I’ve never practiced any one particular belief system, but rather a culmination of many.

I guess my attraction to Buddha statues started while living in Japan for two months. Even though the Japanese practice various philosophies, Buddhism is one of their main beliefs. And if you could experience the gentle, kind and compassionate nature of the Japanese people, you would see that they walk the talk.

I truly admire and respect the Japanese culture. They're some of the most loveliest people I've ever met.

While visiting Kyoto, Japan one day, I was thoroughly enthralled with all the various Buddha statues they had scattered amongst the sacred temples. The statues seemed to bring a deep sense of peace to me. I found myself sitting in front of them; staring at their closed eyes and gentle posture, while feeling myself move into an almost meditative state.

So, when I came back to the States, I began collecting Buddha statues and placing them all around my apartment.

And I truthfully have to say, they really do bring a peaceful and tranquil energy to my home.

I currently have about 12 statues I’ve collected over the years. The gist of them are sitting along a bookcase shelf that lines the three widows in my apartment which overlook the city. At night, I will sometimes burn tea lights in front of the statues which cause them to glow; creating a sort of mystical ambiance.

Last week, I suddenly got the urge to take one of my favorite Buddha statues and photograph it.

I laid it face up on the area rug in the center of my studio apartment, and then took my reading glasses and plopped them on his face.

Yeah….CRAZY, I know.

After I downloaded the photos onto my computer, I saw that only three of the eight shots I snapped turned out. So, I took those three photos and began playing around with the color on my VERY basic photo editing software, and this is what I came up with.

Buddha Enlightenment a la Andy Warhol…….








Wishing you a peaceful weekend everyone!

And Happy Easter!

X



52 comments:

  1. The green one has loads of peaceful energy Ron. Nice. Calming, soothing, restoring - the colour and photo.

    I hope you have a lovely weekend. Peace to you my friend.

    xo

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  2. Ron, you have made Buddha "everyman". How perfect.

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  3. Hola Katherine~

    Soooooo great to see ya! Thanks for stopping by!

    It's funny you mentioned the green one because that was the first one I completed, and more easily than the other two.

    Glad you enjoyed it.

    Hope you and your daughters have a lovely weekend too, my friend!

    Peace and....X

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  4. Ha ! Karma or what ! I was thinking about a particular laughing Buddha Statue all day. It was at the Police HQ Downtown. He was evidence (unfortunately) and I believe the cops put him up for auction.

    ---

    Many Muslims in South Asia believe Buddha was a prophet of God.
    He may even have been given a book. But perhaps it was lost and so was some of his teachings and the stories of his life.

    However this opinion is still open to debate.

    ---

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  5. That Buddha has a very "school teacher" face wearing your glasses! Looks as though she/he? is about to speak about American history or diagramming sentences and will not put up with any crap from students!

    My daughter has a thing for Buddhas, too. They do give a sense of calm when you look at them.

    You've done an excellent job of Warhol-ing Buddha!

    (Glad you're back!)

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  6. Greetings Paula~

    "Ron, you have made Buddha "everyman"."

    OMG....I never even thought of it that way, but you're right.

    "Everyman"

    Way to GO, Paula!

    Thank you for stopping by, dear lady! Wishing you a beautiful weekend.

    X

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  7. Howdy Jaffer~

    Great to see ya!

    "Karma or what ! I was thinking about a particular laughing Buddha Statue all day...."

    HA! OMG, how ironic!!!

    Or, how KARMIC!

    "Many Muslims in South Asia believe Buddha was a prophet of God.
    He may even have been given a book. But perhaps it was lost and so was some of his teachings and the stories of his life."

    Very interesting, Jaffer, I had no idea about that. Thank you for sharing.

    Again, thank you for stopping by. You always share the best!

    Have a SUPER weekend!

    X

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  8. Hey there Lady Nitebyrd~

    FAB to see ya!!!!!!

    "Looks as though she/he? is about to speak about American history or diagramming sentences and will not put up with any crap from students!"

    HAHAHAAHHAHAHAHAHA! OMG, you're freakin' right!!

    "My daughter has a thing for Buddhas, too. They do give a sense of calm when you look at them."

    Oh, how COOL! Please tell your daughter I said, "I know how she feels!"

    Thank you so much for stopping by, Sis!

    ((((( YOU )))))

    Wishing you a FAB weekend!

    X

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  9. I love your statue and how you created the new images.
    I also am very fond of Buddha, the teachings, assorted books, statues, etc. I have a few different things... a small jade statue, a larger statue that holds a tea light in a lotus. When my neighbor moved, she gave me a nice Buddha lamp and a picture. But like you, I feel there are good things in many religions so I really practice none but am interested in many. Of course, you know, I have a special place in my heart for Japanese culture. One doesn't get a Geisha tattoo for no reason, ya know!? LOL
    When having the attunements for Reiki I had some visions of Buddha... among other things... but that presence was there.

    Cool post, Ron. Your Buddha Warhols really rock!

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  10. He may be wearing your glasses Ron, but he still isn't as wise as you.

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  11. Ron, your VERY basic photo editing software looks good to me. Wish I had it on my laptop. I've heard lots of stories about Buddism, all of them good. People who practice it always seem so calm and wise. I wonder if it's that religion that makes the Japanese people so placid. I'm mindful of their recent tragedy and the way the people seemed almost accepting of their fate. Hope you have a peaceful Easter. Take care x

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  12. Goooooood Morning Crystal Chick~

    "I also am very fond of Buddha, the teachings, assorted books, statues, etc..."

    Yes, I so thought of YOU while composing this post! Knowing your love of all-things Japanese (especially the Geisha) and your hubby's heritage, I knew you'd connect to this.

    " I have a few different things... a small jade statue, a larger statue that holds a tea light in a lotus."

    That sounds SO cool! I bet it looks faaaaaaabulous with you light the tea light.

    " But like you, I feel there are good things in many religions so I really practice none but am interested in many."

    I've always been interested in all the various spiritual beliefs, and have found things in ALL of them I thought helpful.

    "When having the attunements for Reiki I had some visions of Buddha... among other things... but that presence was there."

    How wonderful!! Often when I shared Reiki, I too feel/see the presence of Buddha. I see Buddha more so in colors (green and blue), rather than an actual form. I truly feel Buddha is one of Reiki guides.

    Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing, neighbor. Always a joy reading your comments!

    Have a wonderful weekend and a Happy Easter!

    X

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  13. Howdy Matty~

    "He may be wearing your glasses Ron, but he still isn't as wise as you."

    HA! Aw....thanks, buddy. But I don't know about that. I think I could use a little more WISDOM.

    Thanks for stopping by, neighbor. Wishing you and your family a Happy Easter!

    Enjoy your weekend!

    X

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  14. Hi Ronnie,

    I LOVED your tecnicolor Buddah :)
    Let that good karma flow...

    You know, colors have different energies. We all know this by instinct, which is why you will never see red colored walls in a police precinct(all hell will break loose!) or grey walls in a maternity ward :(.

    I will admit to having had a spirtual re-awakening since 2010.
    No, I am not the "chosen one", but I try and be more in tune to the deeper meaning in life. But hey, if we can also have fun along the way and be happy, that is one type of enlightenment.

    Today, my Buddah is green; cool and content :)

    Happy weekend to ya, sweetheart xox

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  15. Ron, my dear friend, no one BUDDHA you would come up with that! Love it! thanks for the enlightenment babe!

    {{{{{RON}}}}}

    Hope you have a wonderful weekend.

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  16. Good Morning Valerie~

    Thank you. One of these days I would like to install a more detailed photo editing software. I'm presently looking into a few that were recommended by another blogging friend of mine.

    "People who practice it always seem so calm and wise. I wonder if it's that religion that makes the Japanese people so placid."

    Yes, that's one of things I've noticed too. In the whole time I lived in Japan, I can honestly say I never saw an angry or unpeaceful Japanese person. In fact, I myself felt more calm and peaceful while living there.

    "I'm mindful of their recent tragedy and the way the people seemed almost accepting of their fate."

    Me too. And what amazes me about them is that they never complain or whine, they simply pick themselves up, repair, and move on with GRACE.

    I wish I could be more like that.

    Thank you for stopping by, dear lady Always a delight!

    Happy Easter to you!

    X

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  17. I think you're right that we can take little pieces from many practices and find our own peace.

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  18. Hi Peg~

    "Ron, my dear friend, no one BUDDHA you would come up with that!"

    Aren't I silly? I hope Buddha isn't mad I put my reading glasses on him - HA!

    Much thanks for stopping by, dear friend!

    {{{{{{ Peg }}}}}}}}

    Happy Easter to you and your family! Have a wonderful weekend!

    X

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  19. Hi Barbara~

    "I LOVED your tecnicolor Buddah :)
    Let that good karma flow..."

    HA! I LOVE that....let the good karma flow!

    "You know, colors have different energies."

    Yes, I TOTALLY believe that. I am VERY sensitve to the energy of color. I love the color red, but could not look at it constantly because of it's HIGH energy. I do better surrounded with softer, more calming colors like blue or green. They seem to balance me.

    "No, I am not the "chosen one", but I try and be more in tune to the deeper meaning in life. But hey, if we can also have fun along the way and be happy, that is one type of enlightenment."

    I TOTALLY agree, Barb! I've never felt that enlighenment has to involve 24/7 seriousness. I try to look for the humor and fun too.

    "Today, my Buddah is green; cool and content :)"

    You GO, girl!

    Happy weekend, my friend! Thanks much for stopping by.

    X to you and D!

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  20. Good Morning SuziCate~

    "we can take little pieces from many practices and find our own peace."

    Yup! I know (from reading several of your posts) you too feel the same way.

    I think it's good to be open to various beliefs, because in doing so I've found very similar threads that run through each one of them.

    Always great too see ya, Suzi! Thank you for stopping by.

    Enjoy your weekend. And Happy Easter to you and your family!

    (((((( Suzi ))))))

    X

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  21. I like the glasses--a most studious looking Buddha.

    And I love the line "Like with any spiritual belief, I take what feels right for me and disregard what doesn’t." Right on the money. Have a great holiday!

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  22. Going nuts with creativity... You know me by now, dear Ron, and so you know that I love love love this kind of stuff! At times it feels like my (meself given) mission in life is to encourage people to be creative, to pour their souls out so that they feel like they fully exist. I love doing that. You so do exist! You are my Philly hero.

    I am a total Jesus freak. Just only because I fully want to. But a freak that is meditating on Jesus because it gives me the bestest of peaces of minds.

    Huge sunny Paris hugs - heading out to the province for the long weekend!

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  23. I love Buddha statues too Ron, I have three in my lounge and I agree they do bring a sort of peace and tranquility to the room. :)

    Love what you did with the photos of your Buddha.

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  24. Strange? This from a guy who gave himself fake chest hair when he was younger. I'd say the reading glasses, in contrast, are no big deal.

    Great photos, definitely Warholish. I'd have posed them with Campbell's soup cans to really channel ol' Andy. Maybe the glasses help Buddha read the labels more clearly.

    I'm not a very religious person, but I do find some of the tenets of Buddhism quite interesting and appealing. Like reincarnation.

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  25. Happy Easter weekend to you, Ron. Peace and faith can come from so many different places besides organized religion, so true. Time to go hop, hop, hopping down the Bunny Trail. I hope Bunny brings chocolate.

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  26. Mo and I have very recently left the church, having been Christians all our lives, and Pentecostal Christians for the last 20 years. We have come to a place where we don't believe in 'religion' as such. It seems to us that the real truth gets smothered by far too many man made rules and teachings.

    I think you have the right attitude!

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  27. Divine inspiration to add your eyeglasses to the Buddha! Those images are so nice and artful.

    I like what you said about taking the concepts that speak to you from Buddhism.

    I suspect there are many common philosophies and teachings among the faiths of the world. I don't honestly know since I'm not a religious scholar, but it makes sense to me that we can strengthen our faith through a variety of inspiration sources.

    Happy Easter bunny weekend :) xoxo

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  28. Yep--that's what I thought.....Moofie ate the post from this morning. 5am, that'll happen. (yup...blaming the Moof Monster and not attributing it to my lack of caffeine WHATsoever!)

    In the meantime--do NOT encourage me to use a photo editing program. I keep enough photos as is. If I thought there was a chance of playing with a not so 'okay' photo and ending up with pretties like you did......holy moley, himself would have a meltdown and the computer would implode!

    I'll have you know--not ONE Buddah in this house. Nary a one.
    I have no clue why.
    I just have none.

    But I'll also have you know that the girl flunked Religions class in college.
    Twice.

    If anyone suggests that this is a direct result of the girl being like her mother--I'd deny it.
    Vehemently. Repeatedly.

    *sigh*
    Don't tell that I told?

    ROFL
    Nah......I'll tell--that's more fun! :-D

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  29. Hey Rob~

    "I like the glasses--a most studious looking Buddha."

    Thank you. Yes, he does look like a studious looking Buddha, doesn't he?

    I don't know what the hell possessed me to do that - HA!

    Thanks for stopping by, my friend! Wishing you a great holiday and weekend!

    X

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  30. Hello Akelamalu~

    "I have three in my lounge and I agree they do bring a sort of peace and tranquility to the room."

    Being a Reiki practitioner yourself, I'm not at all surprised to hear that. Don't you love the way they give such a peaceful feel to a room?

    Thank you. Glad you enjoyed the photos, m'dear!

    Have a glorious weekend and a Happy Easter!

    X

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  31. Bonjour Susu~

    Yes, having this camera has really spurred a creative outlet for me. It's teaching me so much!

    "At times it feels like my (meself given) mission in life is to encourage people to be creative, to pour their souls out so that they feel like they fully exist. I love doing that."

    And you DO, my friend. You most certainly DO!

    "I am a total Jesus freak. Just only because I fully want to. But a freak that is meditating on Jesus because it gives me the bestest of peaces of minds."

    I too believe in Jesus, without a doubt. One of these days I will share an experience I've encountered during a 7-day retreat I went on, involving the essence of Jesus.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, beautiful lady! Have a wonderful time at the province this weekend!

    Ciao.....X

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  32. Howdy Mark~

    "Strange? This from a guy who gave himself fake chest hair when he was younger. I'd say the reading glasses, in contrast, are no big deal."

    HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! You know me too well, my friend. You're right!

    "Great photos, definitely Warholish. I'd have posed them with Campbell's soup cans to really channel ol' Andy. Maybe the glasses help Buddha read the labels more clearly."

    HA! Thank you. And it's funny you mentioned Cambell's soup cans because I was actually thinking about placing one next to the Buddha's!!!

    "I'm not a very religious person, but I do find some of the tenets of Buddhism quite interesting and appealing. Like reincarnation."

    Nor am I a religious person, but more so a spiritualist. And I most definitely believe in reincarnation. To me, it's a totally natural process.

    Always so great reading your comments, Mark. Thanks for stopping by, bud!

    Have a super weekend!

    X

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  33. Hiya Tracy~

    "Peace and faith can come from so many different places besides organized religion, so true."

    Right on, my friend! For me, my relationship to God is an ongoing process that changes and shifts as I do.

    "Time to go hop, hop, hopping down the Bunny Trail. I hope Bunny brings chocolate."

    HA! Happy Easter, Tracy! Have a glorious weekend!

    X

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  34. Hey Babs~

    "We have come to a place where we don't believe in 'religion' as such. It seems to us that the real truth gets smothered by far too many man made rules and teachings."

    You took the words right out of my mouth. I totally agree!

    I was raised Catholic, and as much as I respect and honor some of it's teachings, I've never felt that that's all there is.

    Much thanks for stopping by, my friend! Wishing you and Mo a wonderful weekend!

    X

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  35. Hi Diane~

    "Divine inspiration to add your eyeglasses to the Buddha! Those images are so nice and artful."

    I love that....Divine inspiration! Yup, I think it was!

    "I suspect there are many common philosophies and teachings among the faiths of the world. I don't honestly know since I'm not a religious scholar, but it makes sense to me that we can strengthen our faith through a variety of inspiration sources."

    You said it! I enjoy investigating and being aware of the various philosophies and teachings among the faiths of the world. And it's funny, because I've discovered MANY common threads between them all.

    Thank you so much for stopping by, my dear friend! Have a wonderful weekend!

    Happy Easter Bunny weekend to you and Cristybella!

    X to you both!

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  36. Hiya Mel~

    OMG, no! Did Moofie eat your first comment???? Sorry, Mel. Well...you know BLOGGER. Sometimes it works and other times it get very tempermental. Thank you for stopping by and recommenting, dear lady!

    ((((( Mel )))))

    "In the meantime--do NOT encourage me to use a photo editing program. I keep enough photos as is. If I thought there was a chance of playing with a not so 'okay' photo and ending up with pretties like you did......holy moley, himself would have a meltdown and the computer would implode!"

    Yes! Yes! I'm encouraging you to try using the photo editing program because it's so much FUN!

    Honestly, I have such a 'basic' program on my computer, but I'm amazed at what it can do. Pictures that I was almost going to DELETE have turned out to be some really interesting photos with just a click of the editing buttons!

    And knowing you (fellow Libra), once you start using the editing features, you're going LOVE it because it's so creative!

    "But I'll also have you know that the girl flunked Religions class in college.
    Twice."

    HA! Me too, me too! I got straight F's in religion.

    "If anyone suggests that this is a direct result of the girl being like her mother--I'd deny it.
    Vehemently. Repeatedly.

    *sigh*
    Don't tell that I told?"

    HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! No, I won't. I promise!

    Thanks for stopping by, dear lady! Have a wonderful weekend and a Happy Easter!

    X

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  37. i don't even know how to do the andy warhol thing. very cool and i'm afraid of all statues. i think they are going to move or something.

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  38. Hey V~

    "i don't even know how to do the andy warhol thing."

    I don't know how I did either. I just happened - HA!

    " i'm afraid of all statues. i think they are going to move or something."

    Bwhahahahaahahahahhahha! That's how I feel about mannequins!

    Thanks for stopping by, girl. Happy Easter to you!

    X

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  39. have you tried picnik.com
    I love it
    it's free and you upload your photos there so no huge files to keep on PC or viruses to attract

    that said, I love your edits
    I can't pick a favorite since each one says something to me

    Boston has a wonderful Buddha exhibit in the art museum

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  40. Hi Lady Dianne~

    Thank you again for reminding me about picnik.com because I've used that service over a year ago and LOVED it! I need to go back and use it again.

    I just recently started my own Flickr photostream account, so I've uploaded most of the photos on my computer to free up space. I had WAY too many photos and it was really slowing my computer down.

    "Boston has a wonderful Buddha exhibit in the art museum."

    I had no idea about that. Thanks for letting me know, dear lady!

    Hope you're having a FAB weekend! Mucho thanks for stopping by!

    X to you and the gang!

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  41. I like the yellow one best - something is saying to me that Buddha should be golden, I don't know why.

    He's the most introspective Buddha I've yet seen, I think. Most of the statues I've come across have been quite jolly - serene, certainly, but happy-looking. And so, yes, your reading glasses do kind of suit him!

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  42. Hey Jay~

    "I like the yellow one best - something is saying to me that Buddha should be golden, I don't know why."

    I agree....the yellow one is my favorite too!

    "Most of the statues I've come across have been quite jolly - serene, certainly, but happy-looking."

    I know what you mean, because I've seen the ones you speak of. They are usually smiling and have a jolly belly - HA!

    Thanks for stopping by, my friend! Always a delight seeing ya.

    Hope you had Happy Easter Day!

    X

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  43. my dad was a believer back then, before he switched to Christianity. from him, i learned a lot of about Buddhism, especially the way they behave so not to reflect any anger or hatred back into the world. but i won't agree being a religion extremist though, for some others that i saw really had me having lots of doubts about the same god (power) that we all believe in, though taking different form. i enjoy the calmness they present the most, taking peace as the priority. we could truly use so much peace in us.

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  44. Greetings Levian~

    "I learned a lot of about Buddhism, especially the way they behave so not to reflect any anger or hatred back into the world."

    Yes, isn't that the truth? The whole time I was in Japan, I never ONCE saw an angry person.

    "but i won't agree being a religion extremist though, for some others that i saw really had me having lots of doubts about the same god (power) that we all believe in, though taking different form."

    Yup, I have to agree with you 100%, Levian!

    And yes, we could use so much peace in us and the world.

    Thank you for stopping by, my friend.

    Hope you had a fantabulous weekend!

    Peace

    X

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  45. That is museum worthy, my friend! I, too, take bits and pieces of different belief systems and "use" what works for me. I've tried the organized religion thing time and again but it just doesn't feel right.

    Hope you had a peaceful weekend~

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  46. Hiya Chrissy~

    Aw...thanks, my friend. You're a sweetheart!

    "I've tried the organized religion thing time and again but it just doesn't feel right."

    Yup, me neither.

    Mucho thanks for stopping by, girl! Hope you, Bernie, Vinny and Millie all had a Happy Easter weekend!

    X ya's!

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  47. I love the photos and how you've manipulated them. It's so much fun to play around with that. I too am very fond of Buddhist imagery. It has a calming effect.

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  48. Hey Jen~

    Thank you. I'm having a BLAST with this camera and learning how to use the software to alter the images a bit.

    "I too am very fond of Buddhist imagery. It has a calming effect."

    Don't ya just love Buddha imagery?

    OOOOOOMMMMMMM!

    Thank you for stopping by! Have a great week!

    X

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  49. love the pics bestie!!!

    you gotta learn photoshop .... you could waste hours and have so much fun! of course, learning it makes you want to pull your ever loving chest hair out.

    i have always like japanese culture too - especially the food. except the sushi.

    sick.

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  50. HA! I totally LOVE these!


    "Buddha Enlightenment a la Andy Warhol"

    AWESOME!!

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  51. Hey Blunt~

    Thank you, girl!

    "you gotta learn photoshop .... you could waste hours and have so much fun! of course, learning it makes you want to pull your ever loving chest hair out."

    HA! Yes, you're right.....I gotta learn photoshop! As soon as I add more memory on my desktop, I'm gonna get it!

    "i have always like japanese culture too - especially the food. except the sushi.

    sick."

    Me too! HATE sushi. Gag me with a spoon!

    Thanks for stopping by, bestie!

    X

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  52. Hi Meleah~

    Thank you!

    And thank you for stopping by. Hope you're feeling better!

    (((( Meleah ))))

    X

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