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If you're someone who enjoys taking pictures, I'm sure you've noticed how you'll go through periods of being inspired by a certain thing that catches your eye and then you'll start taking a series of photographs. It's like your photography goes through a theme period.

Lately, for me, it's been indoor and outdoor light fixtures, chandeliers, light bulbs, city lights; anything that has to do with lighting

Lighting is something that has always fascinated me because not only does it allow us to see in the dark, but it also has the ability to create and invoke a mood.

I remember when I was still an actor in the theater and the lighting technicians would slowly begin adding the onstage lighting to a production I was performing in, and how it would suddenly make a difference in my performance because stage lights greatly influence how an actor feels. And they also influence how an audience feels. Stage lighting is such a powerful part of the theater experience.

I also feel that lighting influences our life in general.

For instance, in my own home I don't like bright lights. I much prefer softer lighting because it feels calmer and more relaxing. I don't mine bright, natural light coming from outside, I just don't like a lot of bright, artificial lighting.

And it's funny because my mother was just the opposite, she would have every single light on in the house at night because she preferred a lot of bright light. She used so much electricity at night, I'm surprised she didn't cause a total blackout in the state of Pennsylvania.

I can still hear my father saying, "Ann, turn off some of these goddamn lights because we're not supplying light for the WHOLE world!"

Anyhoo, today I would like to share some photographs of different types of light, lights, and lighting.

Please enjoy...



The chandelier that hangs in the lobby of my apartment building. And notice how one of the light bulbs is out. Ooops!


A beautiful, Gothic-looking light fixture, hanging over the doorway of an office building.


Construction work lights.


A crystal chandelier in the lobby of The Bellevue in Philadelphia.


A light fixture hanging over the doorway of a gorgeous home on Delancey Street.


I took this shot one morning as the sun was rising. And that's rare for me because I'm NEVER up this early. 


A light I spotted while walking down an alleyway


A light fixture made of metal crates, filled with glass mason jars and old milk bottles. It hangs in a charming organic cafe that just recently opened in Philly, called,  P.S. & Co.

This final photograph is light that has nothing to do with electricity, but rather candlelight. I've never taken photographs of candlelight before, so I wanted to try my hand at it. This is actually a tealight, which I took with my camera in manual mode, so that I could fiddle around with the clarity and sharpness of the candle flame and the overall lighting. I also added an anonymous quote that I found online because I think it's very enlightening.


Have delightful Monday, y'all!
X

58 comments:

  1. Storewars NewsMonday, June 02, 2014

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    ReplyDelete
  2. Good morning, Ron. What an interesting way to take photographs. I should try experimenting since I don't get many photo opportunities these days.

    I like the effect of l807 and the construction work lights look so entangled I'm surprised they work!

    Soft lighting in the home has always been a MUST for me but lately I need MORE light. Must be an age thing... doh!

    Forgive me for not blogging as much... Joe is not doing very well right now. Dizzy spells on top of everything else. Sad.

    Happy Monday

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  3. Wow! How cool are those milk crate lights? I love the lantern style lights and always admire people's porch lights when I'm walking around the neighborhood at dusk. There are even some really unique solar landscaping lights out there these days.

    Thanks for always lighting up my Monday morning, Ron!

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  4. Love this post Ronnie. The 1807 picture has a really creepy feel to it. I absolutely love it, it fits right in with my horror movie phase I am going through. I wish I could take awesome pictures like this you always inspire me!

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  5. Photographing lights--what a bright idea! Love these photos, Ron. Each light seems to have its own distinct personality.


    And you're right about the importance of lighting to create mood, I'm blessed to live in an apartment where I have access to plenty of sunlight.


    Btw, I'm sure you've seen the t-shirt that says "If all the world's a stage, then I want better lighting!"


    Anyway, thanks for sharing these images. The candle shot is great and that quote is so important. Have an electrifying week, buddy!

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  6. These are awesome, Ron. Light can make the most simple objects intriguing!

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  7. Ron, was an interesting post! I feel the same as you, I don't mind natural bright light from outside, but I prefer softer lighting at night in my apartment because I find it too glaring and it hurts my eyes. I also enjoy lighting candles at night because I'm a candle freak.


    Beautiful photographs. The one of the milk create is genius. I've never seen anything like it. And the last one of the tealight is gorgeous. Love the quote!


    Have a wonderfully delightful week, Ron x

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  8. Gooood morning Valerie!

    I seem to go through periods of being interested in taking photographs of certain things, and lately it's been lights. I always have my camera with me wherever I go, so over the past month I've been seeking out images that have to do with lighting. And it's amazing how many I find.

    "I like the effect of l807 and the construction work lights look so entangled I'm surprised they work!"

    The 1807 one just fascinated me because looked like something you would see in an old movie. And construction work lights I spotted about two blocks from where I live. They're doing some sort of refacing on one of the buildings.

    Sorry to hear about Joe. Just know that I'm always sharing much 'good energy' with him, okay?

    ((((((((((( Joe ))))))))

    Thanks so much for stopping by, dear lady. And no worries, just blog whenever you have time and feel like it. Have a lovely week!

    X to you and Joe!

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  9. Hey there Bijoux!

    "How cool are those milk crate lights?"

    Isn't that the COOLEST light? I haven't actually stepped inside the cafe and ordered anything, but I've stood outside and took some photos through an open window. The interior of the place is so charming.

    "There are even some really unique solar landscaping lights out there these days."



    Yes, you're right. In fact, one of the ladies I work with just landscaped the front of her row home in solar lights and they look faaaaaabulous!


    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a SUPER week!


    X

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  10. Hey there Shae!

    "The 1807 picture has a really creepy feel to it. I absolutely love it, it fits right in with my horror movie phase I am going through."



    HA! I agree, it does have really creepy feel to it, which I love because like you, I enjoy scary movies. When I saw that light, it reminded me of something you would see in an old, Dracula movie!


    Thanks so much for stopping by, girl. Have a most excellent week!


    X

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  11. Hey there Rob!

    Thank you. Yes, you're so right, they each seem to have a distinct personality. Good eye you have!

    "And you're right about the importance of lighting to create mood, I'm blessed to live in an apartment where I have access to plenty of sunlight."

    Me as well. I have four large windows in my apartment, which provide some awesome sunlight.

    "Btw, I'm sure you've seen the t-shirt that says "If all the world's a stage, then I want better lighting!"



    HAHAHAHAHAHA! Yes, I have seen that saying before and it's brilliant!


    Much thanks for stopping by, buddy. Have a SUPER electrifying week!

    X

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  12. " Light can make the most simple objects intriguing!"


    You are spot one about that, Suzi! Light (lighting) can create a whole mood and feel to the most simple objects.


    Thank you for stopping by, my friend. Have a delightful week!

    X

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  13. Hola Denise!

    "but I prefer softer lighting at night in my apartment because I find it too glaring and it hurts my eyes."

    Meeeeeeee too! Bright lights hurt my eyes. And they can be so jarring. And as I shared, natural sunlight doesn't have the same affect on me, just artificial light. Yes, I enjoy candlelight light as well. I use a lot of tealights at night in my apartment.

    " The one of the milk create is genius. I've never seen anything like it."



    Me neither, so when I spotted it through an open window, I had to take a photograph of it. And the cafe itself is so charming.


    Much thanks for stopping by, girl. Have a de'light' ful week!

    X

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  14. Ron, my girlfriend and I have this conflict a lot. She likes every light in our apartment on even during the day and I'm always running behind her, turning them off. And it's not only that I don't like bright light, but our electricity bill is too high.


    Great photographs! Being a Goth freak, I really like the fixture in #3 and the 1807. And the flame in candle shot is perfect.


    Cool post, dude!

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  15. "and I'm always running behind her, turning them off. And it's not only that I don't like bright light, but our electricity bill is too high."

    Matt, that made me laugh out loud because my father would do the same thing to my mother. And we had a BIG house when I was a kid, with a lot of lights, so our electrical bill was HUGE.

    I had a feeling you would mention those two photographs because of our mutual love of GOTH :)

    Much thanks for stopping by, buddy. Have a most excellent week!

    X

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  16. Ron, I forgot to mention in my previous comment about the Simon's Cat video on your sidebar. I love Simon's Cat. That guy is a genius because he has a cat down to perfection!

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  17. I agree, Matt. He's a freaking GENIUS! Listen, in case you're interested, here is a link to an interview with him and how he started Simon's Cat. I think you'll really enjoy it. I did.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6zQv98Izqw

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  18. I love your photographs Ron, especially the chandelier. I've always wanted a chandelier, one of those huge ones with many tiers that hang down to almost the floor. Unfortunately my rooms are not high enough but when I win the lottery I will buy a house with very high ceilings and have a chandelier in every room!

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  19. Thank you, Pearl :)

    " especially the chandelier. I've always wanted a chandelier, one of those huge ones with many tiers that hang down to almost the floor."



    Yes, that's exactly what this chandelier has, tiers. They have TWO of them in lobby of the Bellevue. That building overall is STUNNING!


    Much thanks for stopping by, m'dear. Have a lovely week!

    X

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  20. Ron, what I always enjoy about your photographs is that you share such a great variety. You have an excellent eye for capturing images with interesting perspectives. I would never think to take photographs the way you do, like the two chandeliers, by looking up. The milk crate fixture is so cool, man.


    Interesting topic. And you're right, lighting does influence our life. I prefer nighttime because there is such a beautiful contrast between light and dark. And I know may sound strange, but I see better at night.

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  21. Hey ho Robert!

    Thank you :) It's funny because even before I ever got into photography, I was always interested in looking at photographs, studying them, and almost getting lost inside them. I don't know how I really capture images, other than an intuitive feeling about a perspective. I just see something that I find interesting and then snap the camera. Sometimes it comes out the way I saw it, but then other times is doesn't.

    Isn't the milk crate fixture awesome? I had never seen anything like it before.

    "I prefer nighttime because there is such a beautiful contrast between light and dark. And I know this may sound strange, but I see better at night. My vision is sharper."

    OMG...that is so interesting! You're like a cat because cats see better at night too!''

    Much thanks for stopping by, buddy. Have a super deLIGHTful week!

    X

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  22. Ron, I love your lighting photos, especially the tea candle and the metal crates with mason jars and milk bottles -- how clever! That crystal chandelier is beautiful, too.

    I'm definitely a "light person," gravitating when possible toward a sunny window. But it's funny -- the glow of my laptop in a darkened room is somehow very comforting. I got a kick out of your mom lighting the entire world, ha!

    Thanks so much for taking me along on your journey of lights. Enjoyed it immensely, my friend -- have a beautiful Monday!

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  23. i like

    "A light I spotted while walking down an alleyway" but the crate lighting is also very nice.



    i prefer natural light, lots of it. i will use a high wattage bulb at home, don't like it too dim, but also not too bright.


    great pics.

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  24. Hey there Debbie!

    Isn't the metal crate light fixture beyond clever? I spotted it while walking by last week and just had to take a photograph. In fact, the whole cafe has such a unique ambiance. One of these days I have to try eating there.

    "I'm definitely a "light person," gravitating when possible toward a sunny window. But it's funny -- the glow of my laptop in a darkened room is somehow very comforting."

    Meee too! And I know that's not supposed to be good for you eyes, but somehow find it soothing.

    "I got a kick out of your mom lighting the entire world, ha!"

    And to hear my father say that was HILARIOUS!

    Much thanks for stopping by, my friend. Hope your Monday was super. Have a faaaaaabulous week!

    X

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  25. Hey there Babs!

    I know, isn't the crate lighting so ingenious? I have never seen anything like it, so I had to snap a photograph.

    "We also hate bright lights in the home. If I put the overhead light on for anything and forget to switch it off, Mo shouts out. "Can we have that Gestapo light out now" ha ha!"



    Bwhahahhahaha! OMG...how FUNNY! And she's right, overhead lighting looks like you're being interrogated for some CRIME. It's the most UNFLATTERING light too.


    Much thanks for stopping by, my friend. Have a lovely week!

    X to you and Mo!

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  26. Hey there Val!

    HA! Somehow I KNEW you would enjoy the alleyway light! And isn't the crate light beyond clever? The next time you're in Philly, I will take you there. The cafe itself is so charming!

    "i prefer natural light, lots of it."



    Me as well. Which is why (even though my apartment is small), I love the fact that I have four HUGE windows that allow a lot of natural light in. And I face north, so it's not direct sunlight.


    Much thanks for stopping by, girl. Have a super week!

    X

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  27. Ron, thank you for sharing that video on Simon Tofield, it was fantastic! So interesting to hear how he started this series of videos and that he is the one who makes the cat sounds for the cat. You're right, he's a genius because the way he presents the cat is exactly how a cat is.

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  28. So glad you enjoyed the video, Matt. I had a feeling you would! And yes, I was so surprised to see that HE makes the sounds for the cat and they sound SO real!

    " he's a genius because the way he presents the cat is exactly how a cat is."



    I agree! He knows exactly how a cat is!

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  29. petra michelleMonday, June 02, 2014

    Beautiful, Ron! You'd never think the last photo is of a tealight...it's so dramatic, and the sentiment, just lovely! I copied and pasted it for myself, it's so poignant and true. Thank you!
    I must have been a beetle or something in one of my past lives because I'm so drawn to these wonderful fixtures but don't photograph, admire. They emote glamor, mystery, intrigue; even as in the name, Gaslight, don't they? Esp. at night. LOL Sherlock Holmes just popped into my mind.
    Thank you for sharing another one of your amazing talents, Ron! :))

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  30. Hello there Petra!

    Thank you :) And yes, feel free to copy and paste any of the photographs I share because you're more than welcome. I had originally planned on posting that last (tealight) photo by itself, however, when I spotted the quote online, I thought it would add a nice touch.

    "I must have been a beetle or something in one of my past lives because I'm so drawn to these wonderful fixtures..."

    HAHAHAHAHA! OMG...that was so CUTE!

    "They emote glamor, mystery, intrigue; even as in the name, Gaslight, don't they? Esp. at night. LOL Sherlock Holmes just popped into my mind."

    Yes, I TOTALLY agree! They emote such glamour and mystery! And Philadelphia, being such an old city, has some really beautiful light fixtures and architecture.

    Much thanks for stopping by, dear lady. Always a delight to read your comments. Have a fantabulous week!

    X

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  31. Nawwww, I hate taking pictures…can't you tell? ;-) Seriously, those are stunning shots of lighting. Light and music. Two things that can totally change any mood. Oddly, I really like the construction workers maze of tangled cords and lights. Art in and of itself! But the last shot is by far my favorite. Simple and to the point. Thanks for some *brilliant* inspiration!

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  32. "Nawwww, I hate taking pictures…can't you tell? ;-) "

    HA! Lisa, that made me laugh out loud. And yes, I can tell you hate taking pictures ;-)

    " Light and music. Two things that can totally change any mood."

    You are spot on about music because I feel the same way. Music is so powerful because it can change a mood or invoke such strong memories.

    "Oddly, I really like the construction workers maze of tangled cords and lights. Art in and of itself!"

    You and I saw that in exactly the same way!

    Much thanks for stopping by, my friend. Have a delightful week!

    X

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  33. Like you, I'm a big fan of soft lighting. Hence the many, many lava lamps that cast a soft, mysterious glow over the apartment in the evening. And also the dimmer switch I added soon after moving in, so the bright, harsh lights in the living room can be turned down for romantic effect.

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  34. Mark, I had a feeling you liked softer lighting as well, being someone (like me) who enjoys those grey, fall and winter days.

    " And also the dimmer switch I added soon after moving in, so the bright, harsh lights in the living room can be turned down for romantic effect."

    I LOVE dimmer switches because you can control the amount of light!

    Much thanks for stopping by, buddy. Have a deLIGHTful week!

    X to you and Tara!

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  35. Is that sunrise photo the view from your apartment? Stunning! I love the chandelier at The Bellevue. I clicked over to their website and it's so grand. To your point, I'm sure it looks even more stunning because of the lighting they uses for the photos.
    That's so funny about your mom. My father used to say that all the time, too! I do prefer softer lighting but I have to have practically every light on in the house at night. There's a old country song that it reminds me of. This guy promised his girlfriend that he would leave a light on in case she ever decided to come back to him.
    "Every light in the house in on, the backyards bright like the crack of dawn. Front walk looks light runway lights. It's kinda like noon in the dead of night."
    That's totally my house! I swear you can see if from space.
    Great post, Ron!

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  36. Like you Ron, I prefer subdued lighting in my home. I have been an admirer of odd or interesting looking lights all my life, so I prefer unique looking lights. Beautiful pic of a tealight! Happy week Ron!

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  37. " I have been an admirer of odd or interesting looking lights all my life, so I prefer unique looking lights."


    Me as well, Benze, I LOVE unique looking light fixtures and lighting. The odder the better!


    Thanks a bunch for stopping by, my friend. Happy week!!!!

    X

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  38. Hellooooo Chrissy!!

    Yes, that view is from my apartment window. For some reason, several weeks ago, I woke up at like 5:45 AM and couldn't go back to sleep. So I got up, made some coffee, and took photographs of the sun coming up.

    Glad you enjoyed the link to the Bellevue. Isn't it stunningly GRAND? It use to be a hotel, but is now an office building with a restaurant and stores in the lobby. And they also hold weddings in the ballroom on the second floor.

    "That's so funny about your mom. My father used to say that all the time, too!"

    OMG...your father too!?! It used to drive my father crazy.

    "That's totally my house! I swear you can see if from space."



    Bwhahahahahahaha! Chrissy, that cracked me up!!!


    Thanks so much for stopping by, girl. Hope your week is going great!

    X to you and the gang!

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  39. Ron, I just read your comment to Chrissy and forgot to ask you the same thing in my first comment about that view from your apartment. Whoa...what a great view you have!

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  40. Hey Robert! Yes, that's the view from my apartment window. The view is awesome. Especially at night, because I love looking out and seeing the city lights.

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  41. These are sooo pretty!! I think photography and loving lighting go hand in hand. It is something we see and can't (un)see. I'd say....it's illuminating! HA. The light in your apartment building looks like a daisy. So pretty!

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  42. Helloooo Jeanne!

    "I enjoy AMBIENCE lighting in my home! I prefer soft lighting...it is just ....so much more romantic I guess! I have more AMBIENCE lights than anyone!"



    You know, I had a feeling you felt that way. I don't know why, but I have always imagined your home at night being softly lit, with a calm ambiance. I know you're a Virgo and my rising is also Virgo, so maybe it has to do with our signs?!


    And yes, I think a blog post about the lighting in your home would be so interesting!


    Much thanks for stopping by, my friend. Hope your week is going great and that all is well with Lady Bug!

    X

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  43. Yes, Jeanne, I got your comment but I had a VERY early work meeting this morning and then I was out most of the day, so I just home and responded to comments.


    But you know, I have noticed that for the past couple of days, the comment box is having a delay. Hope Disqus figures it out.


    X

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  44. Thanks, Angelia :)

    " I think photography and loving lighting go hand in hand. It is something we see and can't (un)see. I'd say....it's illuminating!"

    Brilliant observation, and I think you're absolutely right about that.

    "The light in your apartment building looks like a daisy."



    HA! Yes, it does!


    Much thanks for stopping by, my friend. Have a FAB rest of your week!

    X

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  45. I am the very same way Ron. I enjoy AMBIENCE lighting in my home! I am constantly telling my husband to turn OFF all the lights!! I prefer soft lighting...it is just ....so much more romantic I guess! I have more AMBIENCE lights than anyone! I should do a blog post about all of my lights...you would be totally AMAZED!! You always think up the most AWESOME subjects!! Happy Wednesday Ron!! xo

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  46. I LOVE the crate lighting! How creative! I also love your candle photograph. You are improving daily, with your photography :)

    We only have a few lamps on in the evening. We also hate bright lights in the home. If I put the overhead light on for anything and forget to switch it off, Mo shouts out. "Can we have that Gestapo light out now" ha ha!

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  47. I hope you got my comment??? The comment box got STUCK!! :)

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  48. "I am also a big fan of trolls Ron, I had quite a few, years ago and yes, they had names too."

    Oh how faaaaaabulous, Geraldine! Nice to hear that I'm not the only one who still enjoys trolls!

    And yes, I actually keep my trolls above my computer desk area on a shelf, so I can see them all the time.

    "I'm glad your internet is back up and running, hopefully!"



    Yup...so far so good! I noticed a few days ago that my service was acting weird (very slow), and then yesterday morning when I got online, it would work for awhile and then suddenly not allow me to get on websites or even check my emails. Apparently there was a major outage in my area of Philly, but Verizon seemed to correct it. Yahooooo!


    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!


    X

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  49. Ron, I am laughing so hard at this post, I can't stand it. Hysterical! I love the story about Pierre and him smoking some grass on the streets of Paris. One of the girls I work with reads your blog too and she wanted me to tell you that you are riot!

    That last photo of the Brazilian wax is so funny I almost fell off my chair. How do you think of these things? Yes, you're insane, but I love it!

    Thank you for laughs this morning, I really needed them.

    Have a wonderful week, Ron x

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  50. Oh Geez Ron, I didn't mean to sound like I was bitchin' at ya!! I have gotten a few complaints from people about Disqus being difficult to use and I really haven't the faintest idea WHY?? Every now and then it seems to get a little stuck, but I just didn't want you to think I wasn't commenting! LadyBug still isn't doing well. It has now been almost two whole weeks and she still does not have the use of her jaw. Still using the syringe, especially for water. It seems as if she just cannot get enough! And she is definitely losing weight. I am a nervous, freaking wreck because I always think the worst and I cannot even imagine what I will do if there is a tumor or something...thanks Ron and again, I apologize if I sounded crabby!

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  51. Oh god no, Jeanne, I didn't take your comment as if you were bitching or being crabby at all. The only reason I used CAPS on VERY was because OMG...I had to get up at 6 AM to be at a work meeting - oy vey!

    And I am so sorry to hear about Lady Bug. Yes, I totally understand you being nervous because I would be too. It's the waiting and wondering that's nerve-wracking. Our pets (whether dogs or cats) become like are children/family, so it's natural that we get very concerned for their well-being as we do humans. Just know that I am sharing MUCH 'good vibes' and prayers with Lady Bug.

    (((((((((( Lady Bug )))))))))))

    X

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  52. Love that gothic lamp, the sunrise and those crate lights are a superb idea. A very enLIGHTening post Ron.

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  53. Thanks, Dale :)

    Isn't the crate light ingenuous? I had never seen anything like that before.

    Hope you're having a super weekend, buddy, and thanks for stopping by!

    X

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  54. A man after my heart, I tell ya. There's something about lighting that makes or breaks my attitude and energy level. Too low at the wrong time and I'm in another zone. Too bright and I just want OUT. I adore your lobby...and the milk crates. Geeze...great minds...I shoved fairy lights in mason jars a couple weeks ago. Odds are that's my lighting for the evening.
    Gotta love the soothing ambience.

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  55. "A man after my heart, I tell ya. There's something about lighting that makes or breaks my attitude and energy level. Too low at the wrong time and I'm in another zone. Too bright and I just want OUT."

    You said it perfectly, Mel, because that's exactly how I feel!

    "I shoved fairy lights in mason jars a couple weeks ago. Odds are that's my lighting for the evening."



    OMG...that sounds sooooo COOL!!!! What a clever idea! And I bet it looks faaaaaaabulous!


    Have a super Sunday evening, dear lady, and thanks for stopping by!


    X

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  56. Having read this, I have decided to add you on my bookmark so I can easily go back later to check new updates from you. Keep posting!

    www.n8fan.net

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