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This is a repost from 2010. And the reason I'm reposting it is that I think the topic ties in well with my previous post, in which I mentioned taking solo nature retreats. 

And as you will see, this particular retreat was one that had a very powerful effect on me.  

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How I discovered this retreat -

Back in 2004, I did something that was very unusual for me. I abruptly quit my job and took part of the money I had in my savings account and lived for three months without working. Until that point, I hadn’t taken a vacation in over ten years. All I ever did was work. So, I gave my two-week notice, and then a week later I went on a 7-day solo retreat in the Pocono Mountains.

Ironically enough, just before I moved back to Philadelphia from Florida, I was in a Barnes & Noble one afternoon and saw a photograph of a yoga and meditation retreat center in the Pocono Mountains in a yoga book, and was immediately drawn to it. In fact, I sensed that one day I would go there when I moved back east, but then forgot about it when I got here. 

That is, until I met someone in Philly who told me she had attended a retreat in the Pocono Mountains and how much she benefited from spending a week there the previous summer. And when she told me the name of the center, I instantly recalled the photograph I had seen in Barnes & Noble and realized it was the same place I felt drawn to.

So after I quit my job, I booked a reservation for seven days in January 2004. And it couldn't have been a more ideal time because I love winter and I love snow.

The retreat center offers various programs you can take; however I booked a single reservation without a program because I wanted the freedom to not follow a program. I'm one of those people who also doesn't like to take guided tours when I travel. I prefer investigating things on my own. And at my own pace. 

The Himalayan Institute - (I found this photo online. All others are mine)


Why the retreat -

I knew I was at a point in my life where I needed time alone to clear my mind, reassess my life, and reconnect to what I believe is a Higher Power.

I felt lost and confused. This was also at a time, right after I had gone through a very rough three years upon moving back to Philadelphia in 2001. Everything that could have gone bad during that time went bad. There has never been a time in my life where I felt more helpless and scared than during those three years. My life totally fell apart. It felt as if I was suspended over a dark abyss; not knowing if I'd fall.  

During that week at the retreat, I had no phone, computer, or television. I took only one music CD and my portable player, a journal, and my film camera. I awoke every morning at whatever time, ate breakfast, took three-hour walks in the snowy mountains and saw countless deer, wrote in my journal, and allowed myself to be totally immersed in nature. At night I would eat dinner, take a shower, write in my journal, listen to music, and went to bed at whatever time. 

The first morning I awoke, I walked to the top of a steep hill that overlooked the mountains. I sat on the bench that you see in the photograph above and sobbed uncontrollably as I decompressed from all the tension I had been holding onto. I remember it being so cold that my tears froze to my face. But I didn't care because I could literally feel the earth healing me.  

At first, it felt foreign living my days without a set schedule because I was so used to working. However, by the third day, I had grown accustomed to it. I took each day and each moment as they came. 

About the silence - 

What truly amazed me about spending a week in silence was that there was no silence. And what I mean by that is that within the silence, I could finally hear the voice of a Higher Power. So for seven days, I just listened without ever speaking. 

It would take me much too long to share all the incredible things I experienced and learned while I was there. But I must highlight one experience that made me realize we are never alone. We are always held, cared for, and guided throughout our lives. 

This experience also reaffirmed my belief in angels

On the last day of my retreat, I took one final walk to the place where I had gone on my first day. I went to the top of the hill and sat on the bench overlooking the snowy mountains. 

I wanted to express my gratitude for the time I had spent there. I silently thanked the sky, the air, the trees, the snow, and the mountains. 

And finally, I thanked the Higher Power for guiding me through this experience. 

Then, as I got up to leave, I heard a voice that said, “Take out your camera, point it there and take a picture.” 

So I did. 

Then I heard the voice say again, “Now take another picture.” 

So I did. 

Afterward, I turned around and began walking back to the retreat house, when I heard the voice say one last time, “Point your camera in that direction and take a picture.” 

So I did. 

When I got back to the city, I immediately had my rolls of film developed. The next day I picked them up and then sat on my apartment floor; reliving my retreat. And to be honest with you, I totally forgot about taking those three pictures because at that time I didn't understand why I took them. 

Now I do. 

(this is the order in which they were taken)

*Photo 1: First, notice my footprints in the snow. Then, notice the orange swirl of light above them...

*Photo 2: Notice the pinkish purple square of light above my footprints in this photograph from the same angle...


*Photo 3: Now, notice how the two colors came together in this photograph as I walked back to the retreat house...


Initially, when I first looked at these photos, I thought, “Well, perhaps the colors where formed from the glare of the sun on the camera lens.”

And perhaps they were.

But then I thought, “Even if they were, what if they were made that way on purpose?”

I believe we are never alone

And I also believe...

"When you think your life is falling apart,
it's actually falling together in disguise"

Have terrific rest of your week, everyone!

💗


50 comments:

  1. Just one word Ron...powerful!!!

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  2. Wow, Ron! I’m glad you reposted this because I do not think I followed you then. That sounds like an amazing experience!!! My parents honeymooned in the Poconos, so that’s my only idea of it, but I do know it’s a beautiful area. And even though I hate snow, your photos definitely capture its beauty.

    It sounds like that retreat was exactly what you needed at the time. Sometimes we need to just stop and listen to our Higher Power. Our church offers a prayer retreat once a year to a similar destination in Ohio that I really need to do some day. And Amen to leaving the electronic communications behind! That’s something I do on every trip (exception is texting my kids). Thanks for sharing this again. Seeing the bench that you sat on was powerful to me. XO

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  3. Ron, you are such a good storyteller. I was hooked on every word as I read this! I'm always in awe how our lives will so often take us places and give us hints as to where it's taking us. Much like your first encounter with seeing the retreat center in book prior to moving back to Philadelphia, and then being told about that retreat center from someone else. Then realizing it was the same place!!!

    I'm so glad you were able to go there and have those seven days to rebalance. I'm sure it was life-changing for you.

    And wow...those photographs are amazing! Whether or not the colors are the results of the sun glare, doesn't matter. It was definitely a sign. I'm a true believer in angels.

    Thanks for sharing this story, Ron. What a great read! xo

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  4. Yes!

    And in reading this again in my archives, I realized just how powerful an experience it was because I could feel it all over again. It truly changed my life in so many ways. And I'm so grateful.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, Anni! Always a joy to see your comments!
    X

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  5. Yes, you're right, we didn't follow each other back then. Which sounds so strange because in knowing you for these many years, it always feels as we've known each our whole lives and know everything about each other!!!!

    It was. It was truly an A-MAZING experience. And finding this post in my archives made me relive it again; realizing just how profound an experience it was.

    "And even though I hate snow, your photos definitely capture its beauty."


    LOL! OMG, you would have died because it was like polar bear weather when I was there. I had to put on so many clothes to go walking in the snow because I would walk for literally three hours before going back to my room. And yes, the Poconos are stunning.

    "Sometimes we need to just stop and listen to our Higher Power."


    Yes, you are so right....we do. And that's exactly what I needed to do. I think it's WONDERFUL that your church offers a prayer retreat. There is something very special about taking a retreat and just listening without speaking. We have so much sensory overload going on in our lives today (such as, electronic devises) that interferes with our time to just be in the moment and simply experience it.

    Much thanks for stopping by, my friend! Always a joy! Have a faaaaaaabulous rest of your week!

    X

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  6. Thank you, Clair! Happy to hear that you enjoyed. When I rediscovered this post in my archives, I knew I wanted to repost it because reading again made me realize such how profound an experience it was.

    "I'm always in awe how our lives will so often take us places and give us hints as to where it's taking us."

    OMG...yes!!!!!!!!!!!!! Doesn't it blow you away how many things that happen in our lives are synchronized to lead us to certain moments? And it's not until we live them do we realize it? When she told me about the retreat she had been to, and mentioned the name, I knew it was the same one I had seen in the book before I moved back east!

    I agree. I think the photographs were most definitely a sign. All my life I've believed in angels. And that experience reaffirmed my belief.

    Always a delight to see you, Clair! Much thanks for stopping by this morning. Have a great rest of your week!
    X

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  7. Ron, I have to chime in with Candice by saying what a great storyteller you are! And holy cow...what an INCREDIBLE experience! I'm sure you came back from those 7 days completely altered in how you saw things. I love the quote shared about when you think your life is falling apart, it's actually falling together in disguise because it rings so true to me and some of my own life experiences. However, when it's falling apart you don't think you'll ever get through it. It's only in looking back do you realize there was a purpose to WHY it fell apart - to fall together.

    I kept looking at the photos you took of the different colors hovering above your footprints and came to my own conclusion. ANGEL!

    And wow, that snow looks so beautiful and bountiful.

    Thank you for sharing this chapter of your life, Ron. Inspiring!

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  8. Hey there, Daniel!

    Thank you.

    And you bet! I came back from that retreat TOTALLY altered. It's funny, because when I got off the bus and walked back to my apartment after a 5-hour road trip, it was as if I was looking at everything around me (that was so familiar), with totally different eyes. Everything sparkled. And I mean sparkled! It felt as if I was seeing things for the first time and in a totally different light.

    "However, when it's falling apart you don't think you'll ever get through it. It's only in looking back do you realize there was a purpose to WHY it fell apart - to fall together."

    YES! To go through something like that is scary because it's the unknown of what lies ahead. But in retrospect, you see that it had a purpose.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, Daniel. Always so great to see you!

    X

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  9. Ron, thank you for re-posting this ... it's absolutely beautiful!! I, too, believe we've not alone (I keep my angel busy, just making sure I don't fall or make stupid decisions!). Right now, I can totally relate to your sense of needing a break. Things have been hectic, to say the least, here, and I empathize with your statement about not having had a vacation in far too long. Me, too, my friend! I'm feeling restless and tired all at the same time, and I can see where a retreat like the one you took would be such a blessing, a healing for soul, mind, and body.


    Good for you, recognizing you needed a change of pace. It's not something you undertook lightly, but it's something you HAD to do for your own peace of mind. And what a pretty place you chose (though I confess I'd prefer going in the summer or fall, ha!)


    I don't see clear for my getting away anytime soon, but I thank you for the nudge! XX

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  10. Ron, this post was before I started reading you blog because I've never read it. And trust me, I would remembered this post. What an incredible experience! You should write a book about your life experiences because I'm sure they would inspire so many others. From the other posts I've read in which you shared about things you've been through and learned from made me reflect on my own life.

    I am so happy that you got to go to this retreat center (which is gorgeous by the way) and were able to gain clarity. I don't know if I could have gone on a 7-day solo retreat in silence. You must be very comfortable with yourself, to spend that time alone. Did you have contact with the other people who were there or were you in an area totally alone?

    Your photographs with the different colors are so amazing. I believe in angels. I've had a few experiences myself, right after my father passed away.

    Thank you for sharing this personal experience, Ron. Beautiful!

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  11. Hello there, Clair, and thank you for you kinds words!

    This was one of those experiences that really left a very deep impression on my life, and the various paths I've been down. I feel soooooooo blessed to have found this retreat center and was able to go. And like I said, as soon as I saw the photograph in a book WHILE I was still in Florida, I had a very strong feeling that I'd be going there.

    I actually enjoy spending time alone with myself. I'm a very social person when it comes to certain things, but I am a true introvert. To recharge, I need to spend time alone. And yes, I had contact with the other people who were there at the retreat center, but everyone was there for the same reason, to reboot. So, we were all doing things (such as yoga, meditation, reading, having body treatments, etc.) , but very quietly. Even when we met for our meals, everyone was quiet. I didn't take any classes or programs because I didn't want to have to be somewhere, or do something, at a specific time.

    "I believe in angels. I've had a few experiences myself, right after my father passed away."

    How wonderful! Me too, after my parents passed away.

    Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing, Clair! Always appreciate your comments. Have a great rest of your week!

    X

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  12. Helloooooooo there, Debbie!

    One night last week, I went through my archives to just see how many posts I've written since I've had this blog, and found this post. It immediately brought back so many special memories, so I decided to repost it. Also, it tied in nicely with my previous post about spending time in nature.

    "Right now, I can totally relate to your sense of needing a break. Things have been hectic, to say the least, here, and I empathize with your statement about not having had a vacation in far too long. Me, too, my friend! I'm feeling restless and tired all at the same time, and I can see where a retreat like the one you took would be such a blessing, a healing for soul, mind, and body."

    Yes, and I've talked to so many people recently who are feeling the same as you - restless and tired all at once. Also, it's been a pretty intense 2 1/2 years in this county, so I think people are tired of all the negativity and are om need of a change. And me too. That's why I'm looking to move this coming year. I want a change.

    And yes, when I took this retreat, it was something I knew I HAD to do for many reasons. And it truly helped. That's why I've been spending many of my days off, outside the city and visiting different areas of PA.

    LOL! I know, I think MOST people would feel as you about going in the summer or fall! And it's funny because right before I went there in January of 2004, they had a HUGE snow storm, which is why there was so much snow when I got there. But you know me, I LOVED it!

    Thanks a bunch for stopping by, my friend. Happy Wednesday! Enjoy the rest of your week!

    X

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  13. Ron, I forgot to mention in my first comment about watching the movie, "Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris." OMG...I LOVED IT! I watched it twice, I loved it so much. Did you ever see the first one with Angela Lansbury? That one was good too.

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  14. Clair, I LOVED IT TOO!!!!! After I watched it, I told a coworker about it and she loved it too! I mean, how you anyone not love it. It was truly one of the most charming stories. The actress who portrayed Mrs. Harris was superb! The whole movie was fabulous! And yes, I did see the one with Angela Lansbury, but I have to be honest, I MUCH preferred the updated versions. I adore Angela, but she made the character more of a "caricature." Whereas, Lesley Manville, made her more REAL.

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  15. What an inspiring and motivating post, Ron! I wasn't reading your blog back in 2010, so it was new to me. Although I've never taken a retreat, I could so indentify with what you said -- "What truly amazed me about spending a week in silence was that there was no silence. And what I mean by that is that within the silence, I could finally hear the voice of a Higher Power." -- years ago I went through a period much like you, when I felt lost and confused, and out of touch with myself and a Higher Power. I took a mediation/hatha yoga class to see if it would help me reconnect, and it did. And like you said, it was in the "silence" I began to hear.

    I certainly do believe in angels. And whether it was something to do with the sunlight or not, it was a sign to let you know that you/we are never alone. In the 3rd photo, it actually does look like a form of an angel!

    Did you make that snow angel in the final photo or did you find it? It's a perfect snow angel!

    Thank you for sharing this experience, Ron. I admire the way you see things and then follow your gut to actively do something when you know you need to DO something. xo

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  16. Hey there, Elaine!

    Thank you so much for sharing about your meditation/hatha yoga experience and that it helped. That's awesome! Back in the 80s is when I too got interested in yoga and meditation. They were both something I had always be interested in, so I investigated different classes and was lucky to find teacher who I really liked. I will never forget her name: Diana. She was such a down-to-earth person who taught me so much by allowing me to find my way, while gently guiding me.

    "In the 3rd photo, it actually does look like a form of an angel!"

    Yes it does, doesn't it? And like it's floating across the snow drifts. I too think it was a sign.

    And yes, I DID make that snow angel. In fact, I made MANY of them throughout my stay there. I LOVE making snow angels!!

    Always a delight to see you, my friend. Much thanks for your comment! Hope you're having a fantabulous week!

    X

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  17. I'm right with you, Ron! I enjoyed both films, but the 2022 version was my favorite. Lesley Manville made that character come alive in such a REAL way. I loved all the Dior clothes too!

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  18. Ron, I passed this post on to a dear friend of mine who I KNOW will really enjoyed your story. And what an AMAZING story it is! I've been reading your blog for YEARS, but I don't remember this one. So it must have been right before I found your blog, or maybe is a post I missed somehow?!? Glad your reposted it!

    And WHOA to those three photographs!!! I'm blown away by how the colors came together in the final one. I went to Catholic school for all 12 years, so I am a believer in the presence of angels. I think we ALL have guardian angels that are with us throughout our lives.

    I also find it amazing how you first saw this retreat in a book; had a feeling you would go there; and then met that person who had gone there. That is so synchronous!

    Question: when you came back from the retreat, how did you feel? Did you feel any different in how you lived your life?

    Thank you for sharing this amazing story, Ron. I really enjoy when you share personal things about your life because it causes me to reflect on my own life. xo

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  19. Yes! The clothes AND the sets. Everything was so detailed.

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  20. Hola Denise!

    Perhaps you started reading soon after I previously posted this? Isn't it something how fast time flies? I feel like I've know so many of my readers FOREVER. And yet, it also feels like it was only yesterday.

    I know, isn't it something how in the 3rd photo, both colors came together' forming what looks very similar to an angel? It blew me away too.

    " I went to Catholic school for all 12 years, so I am a believer in the presence of angels. I think we ALL have guardian angels that are with us throughout our lives."

    I do too. I think we all have a guardian angel, and maybe even more than one around us. As you know, I too went to Catholic school (eight years).

    Synchronous, indeed! When I heard her say the name, I instantly remembered the photo in the book. Too uncanny NOT to be uncanny. I feel like it was destiny that I saw the photo and then went there on retreat.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, girl. Hope you're having a great week. I can't believe it's almost Friday, and that the weekend is almost hear.

    X

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  21. Ron, both my girlfriend and I read this post and really appreciated your honesty. Also, your ability to see your life; knowing when it was time to reflect, reexamine, and reconnect to your Source; and actually do it. We admire you very much.

    As I read the part about sensing that you would go to that place in the Poconos, and then meeting up with someone who actually attended a retreat there, was not merely by chance. I think things like that happen to us as a sign; leading us to what will happen in our future.

    And those photos gave me chills. Especially seeing the colors come together in the third photo. That was definitely something from the ethereal plane.

    Thanks loads for sharing this experience, dude. As I've said many times throughout the years of reading your blog. Your life inspires me!

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  22. Hiya Matt!

    Thanks, bud! Throughout my life, I've learned to "sense" when it's time to stop, look, and listen. And this was one of those times. And it's something I know needed to happen, especially after my introduction to the retreat center in the Poconos even before I moved back east, and then meeting up with that person who actually attended that same retreat. It was too obvious a sign, not to be a sign.

    As I shared, at first I didn't really remember the photos because when I took them, I didn't know WHY I was lead to take them. But as soon as I saw them, I knew.

    Thanks again for your kind words, I really appreciate it. And thanks so much for taking the time to stop by. Have a faaaaaaaabulous week!

    X

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  23. That retreat sounds glorious. Many times I've considered "running away" from all the stress and commitments. Sometimes I'd like just a weekend staycation where the rest of my family leaves and it's just me and Cabo. 😆 I firmly believe in angels and that they are all around us. I'm not a cold weather fan, but sometimes when I'm outside after a snowfall, I have a powerful peace that stirs my soul. Wonderful post! X

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  24. Thank you, Ron, for this re-post, which was also a first time read for me. This retreat sounded like the perfect escape from all the craziness and noise of the world.

    I especially enjoyed when you wrote: "I had no phone, computer, or television. I took only one music CD and my portable player, a journal, and my film camera. I awoke every morning at whatever time ... took three-hour walks in the snowy mountains .... and allowed myself to be totally immersed in nature. At night I would eat dinner, take a shower, write in my journal, listen to music, and went to bed at whatever time."

    Perfect, and the only other "thing" I would have taken would is a book (a big one).

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  25. Hey there, Lisa!

    Yes...it was glorious! And just what I needed at that time in my life. A lot of people I knew back then were concerned about me being on a solo retreat for 7-days; thinking that I'd be bored out of my mind. However, it was just the opposite, I wasn't bored at all. It felt as though I was doing so much yet, it was on such a deeper level than actually doing things.

    " Sometimes I'd like just a weekend staycation where the rest of my family leaves and it's just me and Cabo. 😆"


    Yes, even just weekend staycation works wonders. Particularly if you're with a cute, precious doggie like Cabo. LOL!

    I too definitely believe in angels. And after this experience, even more so.

    ".... but sometimes when I'm outside after a snowfall, I have a powerful peace that stirs my soul. "

    That's exactly how I feel too. There is something so incredibly peaceful after it snows. It's a quietness that is so filled with "soul music!"

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Hope you're having a faaaaaaaaaabulous week so far!

    X

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  26. Hey there D!

    Yes, it was exactly what I needed at that time in my life. And being totally surrounded by nature for those 7-days, is what really made it extra special. I could literally feel nature healing me.

    "Perfect, and the only other "thing" I would have taken would is a book (a big one)."


    Yes! And on one other retreat I took, several years after this one, I did in fact take a book. It was a retreat I took in Aston, PA. I had my own little studio cabin in the woods. It was faaaaaaabulous!

    Thanks a bunch for stopping by, D! Hope you're enjoying the fall in your beautiful part of the country!

    X

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  27. All I can say is...incredible. I can't easily pick a favorite, but the avocado squirrels capture my heart.

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  28. Oh my god, Ron, I LOVE these! And it's almost next to impossible to pick just three because I think they are all genius! But if I must, I would say the avocado squirrels (so cute!), the I love you watts (LOL!), and the Thanksgiving platter. Oh wait, one more -- the have a clawsome day!

    I love talent too. Especially when it's something so unique like this. So thanks ever so much for highlighting this talent. I'm going to start following her too! xo

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  29. I know what you mean, Anni, I had a very hard time pick my three faves too. The only one I knew was going to be one of favorites was the avocado squirrels because I love them both so much!

    And isn't her talent incredible?

    Have a terrific day, my friend. And thanks so much for stopping by!

    X

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  30. Morning, Candice!

    I know, I had the hardest time choosing my favorites too. In fact, I had the hardest time selecting the ones I used in this post because the more I looked at them, the more I wanted to add. I finally had to stop looking at them and just choose. LOL!

    Isn't the I love you watts so clever and adorable? That's what I mean about her genius talent!

    She posts every few days on Instagram. You'll really enjoy it!

    Have a fantastic rest of your week, and thank so much for stopping by!

    X

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  31. So, so clever! I’m going to start following this artist. I need more joy in my life and she brings it! The ideas are incredible. The only one I’ve ever seen before are the tuxedo strawberries. My faves are the flamingos (I have no idea what fruit/veggie that even is), the bananas, and of course the avocado squirrels. But they are all fantastic. Even that clothesline is really cute.

    Thanks for sharing this light hearted post, Ron. Hope you are having a great week. XO

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  32. Ron, I'm a fan of squirrels as well. I know that a lot people find them a pest, but I love them. So without a doubt, the avocado squirrels would be one of my favorite three. I also love the crab claw ones. They are so dang cute. And then my third choice would have to be Don't worry, PEA happy! But I also have to add the pink radish flamingos with the pretzel legs in the post header photo. They are (in your word) GENIUS!

    Yes, this post put a huge smile on my face this morning. So thanks, Ron! Excellent talent highlight!

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  33. " I need more joy in my life and she brings it! "

    Yes! My sentiments exactly! There is so much negativity going on in the world, that I'm really making a conscious effort to find the joy. And that's what Foodbites is...JOY!

    "My faves are the flamingos (I have no idea what fruit/veggie that even is), the bananas, and of course the avocado squirrels."


    OMG, don't you LOVE the flamingos?!? They are made of radishes. There was a time in my life (back when I lived in Florida) that I collected anything "flamingo" -- photos, ceramic statues, artwork, etc. I was obsessed with flamingos! And of course....my precious squirrels!

    Isn't the clothesline the CUTEST thing you ever saw? I love how she even added the clothespins!

    Thanks a bunch for stopping by, dear friend. Hope you're having a great week too! I've been taking the train out to the burbs on my days off, and photographing all the trees changing color. I will be posting them on my next post!

    X

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  34. You love squirrels too, Daniel? Aren't they the cutest damn things? I know, a lot of people don't like them. I've even had people walk up to me in the park when I'm feeding the squirrels peanuts and reprimand me for feeding them; saying the the squirrels are going to take over the whole park and spread disease if people like ME keep feeding them. I told one woman who yelled at me for feeding them, "Oh, mind your friggin' business and shut up!" LOL!

    "But I also have to add the pink radish flamingos with the pretzel legs in the post header photo. They are (in your word) GENIUS!"


    YES! One of my other readers said the same thing in her comment. That's what I thought so, they're radishes.

    Glad you smiled this morning, Daniel! Thanks so much for stopping by!

    X

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  35. Ron, I need you to know that I shared this post with several people that I work with because I knew they would go bonkers over these food art photos, and they did! And so did I. OMG, I can't even pick favorites because I want them ALL for my very own. Lol!!! And I knew the avocado squirrels would be one of your favorites because from reading your blog for the past 12 years, I know your love of BOTH.

    I narrowed my favorites down to five.

    1-the crab claws
    2-avocado squirrels
    3-mice and cheese
    4-apple of your eye
    5-Thanksgiving platter

    I can't thank you enough for the smiles and giggles you gave me this morning, Ron. I needed it! I always can count on you to be a bright light in this world. xo

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  36. Hola, Denise!

    Sooooooooooo happy to hear that you smiled and giggled over these photos. I did too! And you have NO idea how hard it was for me to only choose these photos because I kept changing my mind over which ones because I wanted to use them ALL!

    And when I saw the avocado squirrels, I just about died of cuteness!

    LOVE your list of five. I found the apple of your eye one last night, right before I published the post for today. Isn't it so clever?

    Thanks so much for stopping by, girl. And thanks for sweet words. Have a faaaaaaaaabulous rest of your week!

    X

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  37. Ron, I forgot to ask you in my first comment if the leaves have started to change up there? That's one of the major things I miss about not living there anymore. I so miss fall and the colorful leaves. xo

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  38. Yes, Denise the leaves HAVE started to change and they are beeeeeeeautiful! This year, I'm spending more time in the burbs because I know it's slightly colder there, so you get more of an intense burst of color on their trees. In fact, I'll be posting about autumn leaves in my next post. Yesterday I went to Bryn Mawr and took a TON of photographs. I'm editing them now.

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  39. Wow, who'd have thought "playing with food" could result in so many smiles?!? I agree, she definitely has a quirky talent. I'm wondering if she gets paid for these creations, or does she just do it because it's fun? Either way, I'll bet doing it makes her smile, too!


    I love the cherry mice, the avocado squirrels, and the pear seals (especially the baby -- you almost want to give him a hug, don't you?!)


    What a great seasonal post, Ron -- thank you for introducing us to this talented artist! xx

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  40. Hellooooooooo there, Debbie!

    "Wow, who'd have thought "playing with food" could result in so many smiles?!? "


    I know...right???? The second I landed on her page, I thought, "This gal is VERY talented. And creative!"

    She does both. She does this for sheer joy (you can tell), but she also makes these things for parties and whatnot. On her website, she even has recipes that she shares; therefore, she's a cook as well.

    "...and the pear seals (especially the baby -- you almost want to give him a hug, don't you?!)"


    HA! I sure do! She a cute little marshmallow seal!!!

    Thanks a bunch for stopping by, my friend. Have a fantastic rest of your week and weekend! The leaves on trees here are finally changing. I've been outside for the past two days, capturing them with my camera!

    X

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  41. Ron, my girlfriend and I both went crazy over these photographs. WOW! What an artist she is! It blows me how people come up with different ways of creating art. She is AWESOME!

    We both loved the avocado squirrels, the penguins, the lady bugs, the mice with the cheese, and of course...all THREE seasonal platters. We both LOVE anything Halloween.

    Thanks so much for sharing, dude. You always find the most unique talent to highlight on your blog!

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  42. Hiya Matt!

    Isn't she AWESOME!!!!! I never knew there was such a thing as "food art"

    I know, aren't the Halloween and Thanksgiving platters the BOMB? I love the cobweb pretzel sticks with the little spider eyes in the center, and the turkey pears in the Thanksgiving platter. She is soooooooooooooo creative!

    Much thanks for stopping by, Matt. Hope you're having a most excellent weekend!

    X

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  43. wow they are amazing, so clever.

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  44. Ron, what a talent! Oh gosh, it's almost impossible for me to choose my favorites because I like them all. So, I'll share my top three favorites. The avocado squirrels (I love avocado as well), the banana bulls (I'm a bigtime banana lover), and the sushi penquins. Oh hell, one more...the Halloween platters. They are INCREDIBLE!

    Thanks for sharing your discovery. You're right, she is very talented!

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  45. Ooooo goodie! Looking forward to it, Ron!

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  46. Hey there Clair!

    I know, I had a VERY difficult time choosing too! I kept changing my mind about the ones I wanted to post here; adding and subtracting. And then adding again. LOL!

    I love bananas too. I have one most every morning with some apple sauce.

    She had even more holiday platters from past years. I was going to post some of the Christmas ones, but decided to highlight just the autumn holidays.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Hope you're enjoying the season. Have a super fabulous week!

    X

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  47. I'm finishing up with that post, so I will be posting it sometime this week! I took so many photos because I got so excited to see the leaves changing color.

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  48. OMG, adorable! So, so creative! Love them all. Well, ok, the squirrels are extra fab. They are my fav.

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  49. I felt the same when I first spotted these. ADORABLE and sooooooooooooo CREATIVE!

    The squirrels are my fav too. My two favorite things together....avocado's and squirrels!

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