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Today, here on my blog, it's all about COLOR. And specifically, SPRING color.

As bipolar as the weather has been over the past two months, I'm surprised we had any spring color this year because it went from warm to cold and cold to warm every other day. It was challenging to figure out what season we were in, because the seasons couldn't make up their minds. 

Luckily, I captured some colors, but it wasn't easy. 

Each season brings with it certain visuals and feelings. Each season is significant because, I believe, they symbolize and reflect the different stages of life.

*Spring: associated with hope, rebirth, and the beginning of new cycles. 
*Summer: represents abundance, prosperity, and joy, as well as the peak of growth and energy. 
*Autumn: signifies change, reflection, harvest, and the transition from growth to rest. 
*Winter: symbolizes rest, reflection, introspection, and new beginnings after a period of dormancy.

You'll notice in the above photograph that I included a quote from the fabulous Dolly Parton. It's a quote that rings true for me. I can't always change things in my life just because I don't like them. There are some things that, as much as I wish they were different, are there because I need to learn from them. Therefore, I gotta bloom where I'm planted. Life is not always about waiting for the perfect soil. And looking back, that was when I learned the most. 

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Below, you will discover what spring looks like in Philadelphia this year...




Last weekend, my dear friend Kelly and I got together for food, coffee, and conversation. I truly have the best time with Kelly because she and I are similar in that we like to allow the day to unfold organically. Other than planning a time and place to meet, the rest is spontaneous. 

Our meet-ups wonderfully combine deep conversations and hysterical laughter.

My friendship with Kelly is something I cherish because we can be ourselves and have no expectations. 

After spending the day with her, I always come away feeling recharged.

Thank you, Kelly...



That day, we stopped by Cherry Street Pier. We sat in an open-air garden under the Pier’s historic steel trusses...



I love this sign I spotted in Old City, positioned outside the store before entering. And that's because of all the shoplifting in Philadelphia. Trust me, I'm in retail. I see it all day long. It's gotten so bad that some stores require you to show your paid receipt to a security guard before exiting the store. 

"Hi. If you steal from us, we will post your pics + vids on all our social media accounts" 💗...













🌸🌷🌺Hope you're enjoying spring, everyone!🌻🌼🌹

21 comments:

  1. Hi Ron! I love seeing spring in the Northeast through you because we don't get that same color here in Florida. That's one of the major things I miss about living in NY - the seasons. We have season here too, but not nearly as distinct as the North.

    The colors you captured in these photographs is glorious! Pink in one of my favorite colors, so I'm loving all the pink flowers.

    That picture of you and your friend Kelly is so cute! You both look so happy.

    How has the weather been there? Did you get any hot weather yet? I know you're not a fan of summer.

    Thank you for sharing! Enjoy the remainder of Spring, Ron! xoxo

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  2. Ron, Spring and Fall are my two favorite seasons. And do you know why? All the beautiful colors they bring. I'm not a fan of summer though. Too damn hot and humid. And winter I don't mind, but I'm usually ready for it to be over as Spring moves in. I like being in a place that has seasons. I'd get bored with the same weather all the time.

    Very cool photo of the steel trusses. Is that a bridge I see running alongside?

    Green is my favorite color, so I love that green leafy shot.

    I can tell, just from your writing (and the photograph) that you and Kelly have such a deep and special friendship. That's so rare. I have that with one of my girlfriends too.

    Where did you take the picture of the LOVE sign?

    Thanks for sharing the colors of Spring, Ron!

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  3. Hola Denise!

    So happy to hear that! And yes, I know EXACTLY how you feel about missing the seasons because I was the same way after living in Florida for 20 years. And I don't think I ever fully realized it until I moved back in 2001 and experienced the seasons again. As you know, I'm am not a fan of summer. However, it's easier for me to experience the horrendous heat and humidity that summer brings because I know that it will eventually lead to my favorite seasons - AUTUMN and WINTER.

    Me too, pink is one of my favorite colors. Along with green. I love GREEN! And I love green and pink together.

    The weather is still a bit bipolar (warm one day, and then windy and chilly the next). Later this week it's supposed to reach 85 degrees!!! But it does this every year. It goes from a very brief spring, right into summer. UGH!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, girl! Hope you're having a great spring in Florida. I talked to my brother a while ago and it said it's already getting VERY warm and humid in South Florida.

    X

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  4. That sign outside the store is BRILLIANT. And it's the same where I live, theft in stores has become the NORM. I was in a CVS not long ago and saw a guy take things off a shelf and then casually walked right out the front door. And what's funny is that there was a security guy watching him and he didn't do or say a thing. It's no wonder people steal. They know they can get away with it.

    Lovely photos, Ron! Did you take them with your phone or did you use your camera. The colors you captured are impressive. So vivid!

    I'm with you about the seasons. And what I really enjoy is how you can feel a "shift" in the energy as each season approaches.

    Like you, our weather has been PSYCHO. I still haven't put away my winter clothes because even though it's technically spring, we keep getting days that are in the 30s. And very windy. Are you getting all that wind?

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  5. Hey there, Barbara!

    Aren't Spring and Fall faaaaaaaabulous? You're right, they are the two seasons filled with the most beautiful colors. I just wish they lasted longer. They seem to come and go so fast. I only hope that it doesn't get as hot and humid as it did last summer. OMG, I'm already dreading it.

    Yup, that IS a bridge running alongside. GOOD eye you have! That's the Benjamin Franklin Bridge that goes from Philly to Camden, NJ. I've walked over it many times. The views are spectacular!

    Meeeeeeeeeee too....I love GREEN! Isn't such a great color, isn't it? And I love all different shades of green. Pink is another fave of mine. I like the two colors together.

    I took that photo in Love Park, which is just on the other side of City Hall. The city always decorates that park each season. During the Christmas holidays, it's decorated with a HUGE tree and lots of holiday festivities.

    Much thanks for stopping by tonight, Barbara! Enjoy the remainder of SPRING!

    X

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  6. Ron, I have to start by saying that I love the quote by Dolly Parton. 1) I love HER. 2) I agree with the sentiment. Which is something I learned when it came to my own life. Sometimes you have to make the best (and most) of a situation and learn the lesson(s) they teach you.

    These photos are so beautiful! The colors POP! Is that a calla lily in the photo? Gorgeous!

    For some reason, we didn't get a lot of color this year, so far. I don't know if it was because of the erratic weather or what?! I'm impressed that you got as much color as you did living in a city. Lucky you!

    Enjoy it, Ron! xo

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  7. Hi, Daniel!

    " And it's the same where I live, theft in stores has become the NORM."


    You got that right! It HAS become the NORM. I see it all day long at work. And it's doesn't matter which store I'm in, it happens in all of them. And it's true, people do it because they know they can get away with it. It's a perfect example of how they feel ENTITLED. It's no wonder the price of things keep going up in price. So many retailers are losing money from the products walking out the front door.

    Thank you! :) Yes, I took all of these with my cell phone. I've gotten so lazy about using my camera. I've been very pleased with the quality of the camera in my phone. It's a Motorola.

    Isn't it fun to feel the shift in energy as the seasons change? I get so excited. Especially when summer ends and you can feel autumn moving in. LOVE it!

    I have not put away my winter clothes because you never know with this weather. And yes, it's been insanely windy here too. They other day I was walking across the street and the wind was so intense, I thought I was going to fly away like the Flying Nun. LOL!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Enjoy the remainder of SPRING!

    X

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  8. Ron, spring and fall are my favorite seasons because they both bring AMAZING color. Also, I don't like extreme weather and spring and fall are moderate. I would rather be colder than hotter, so summer is not my favorite season. However, I don't like to be too-too cold, so the dead of winter does me in. I guess you could call me a perfectionist when it comes to weather. I like it perfect. MY perfect. Lol!

    I also like longer days, so once spring arrives, I love the fact that the sun doesn't go down until 7. In winter, the sun goes down at 4 in the afternoon. Depressing.

    Your photos are stunning, Ron! The color you captured is awesome! Green is my favorite color, so I really like that green leafy photo!

    Have you gotten any warm days yet? We got a few. But then it went back to winterlike weather. Crazy! x

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  9. Hello there, Abby!

    Don't you just love Dolly? She is such a special soul. Not only her music, but her entire AURA is so full of light and positivity. And she is incredible smart too!

    " Sometimes you have to make the best (and most) of a situation and learn the lesson(s) they teach you."


    A-MEN! My feelings exactly. I so admire the people who can take a challenging experience, embrace it, and then learn something from it.

    Yes, it sure is a calla lily! That was one of the last photos I took a few days ago. I was walking through a little garden that was in a courtyard and spotted it. Isn't so beautiful, isn't it?

    We got all the spring color very late in the season. It happened all at once, so I got out there several days in a row to try and capture it.

    Thank you for stopping by, Abby! Enjoy the reminder of Spring! Have a grrrrreat week!

    X

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  10. Good evening, Candice!

    Don't you love all the color that Spring and Autumn bring? I only wished the color lasted longer. And it seems that over the past 10 years, those two seasons are getting shorter and shorter.

    You sound just like me, I would MUCH rather be cold than hot. And you will NEVER hear me complain in the winter that it's TOO cold. Cold doesn't not bother me at all. However, when it's hot and humid, I'm a miserable human being.

    "I also like longer days, so once spring arrives, I love the fact that the sun doesn't go down until 7. In winter, the sun goes down at 4 in the afternoon. Depressing. "


    Yes, so many people say the same. They like the longer days. I'm the opposite, I like very short days. I like in the winter when the sun goes down at 3-4. I'm such a night person. I'm Dracula reincarnated. LOL!

    I wear so much black clothing, however, green (and pink) are two colors that I love. Green is so calming and pink makes me happy to see it!

    Today was a bit warm (82 degrees). And then later in the week (I think Saturday) I see it's going to be 85 degrees.

    Thanks a bunch for stopping by, my friend. Have a faaaaaaaaabulous rest of your week and Spring!

    X

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  11. Hi Ron, I'm back! This post put a huge smile on my face because spring is my favorite season - mild temps, longer days, and the vibrant colors of nature.

    I also enjoy how people seem more happy, hopeful, and excited as spring rolls in.

    The only drawback (for me, anyway) are my allergies, which get more intense in spring. But heck, I don't care. I love this time of year.

    GORGEOUS photos, Ron! You've got such a great eye with photography. You know exactly how to compose images. Did you ever take photography classes? You've got talent.

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  12. Ron, I am so fascinated with what you shared about how each season is significant because it reflects different stages of life. That makes total sense! And in all honesty, I do feel different as each season comes and goes.

    "*Spring: associated with hope, rebirth, and the beginning of new cycles." --- so TRUE!

    I could not live anywhere that did not have seasonal changes. How boring.

    Your photographs are excellent. The pink in that first photo is stunning. It's a beautiful fuchsia.

    Such a happy photograph of you and your friend Kelly. You both "glow" from the inside.

    Happy rest of spring, Ron!

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  13. P.S. I forgot to ask. What kind of store is that with the beautiful floral wreath above the door? It's such a charming looking place. I also like that bright red fire hydrant in front. It adds something to the whole photo!

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  14. Opppps, I forgot to ask. What kind of store is that with the beautiful floral wreath above the door? It's such a charming looking place. I also like that bright red fire hydrant in front. It adds something to the whole photo!

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  15. Gooood morning, James!

    Great to see you again, and I'm glad it put a smile on your face! That's exactly how I feel when I'm outside lately, looking at all the gorgeous Spring colors. And it happened all at once, so I've been outside a lot, trying to capture it all!

    So many people I talk with love Spring for the same reasons you do. They like it's not extreme, like Summer and Winter.

    "I also love how people seem more happy, hopeful, and excited."

    You are so right about that! Being that I live in a city and have people all around me everyday, I can feel a shift in everyone's energy. They seem lighter and happier!

    True, Spring often brings with it "allergy season". My brother and father had major allergies, right after my family moved to Florida. I think it's the humidity there that does it. Thankfully, I don't suffer with any allergies.

    Always great to see your comments, James! Thanks for stopping by. Enjoy the rest of your week!

    X

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  16. Morning, Clair!

    Isn't it something how each season causes a "shift" in the energy that reflects the various stages of life? I do too, I feel totally different with each season. I love the seasons!

    "I could not live anywhere that did not have seasonal changes. How boring."

    That's how I feel now too. I lived in Florida for 20 years, where the weather is pretty much the same each season. The weather shifts a little, but nothing dramatic. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Florida, I really did. However, I feel so much more connected to being back in the Northeast again. I can feel my ROOTS.

    Yes, FUSCHIA indeed! It's that color stunning?

    Thanks! Kelly took that picture with her phone and then sent me a copy. I took the one of Kelly standing by the pink bloom tree.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, Clair! Enjoy the remainder of Spring and the rest of your week!

    X

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  17. Isn't that wreath gorgeous? That's a French floral designing business ( Petit Jardin en Ville ) in Old City. They always have the most beautiful displays out in front.

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  18. We are big Dolly Parton fans here! I love that quote. When I read Jessica Simpson’s memoir, she devoted a few sections to how much of a kind, supportive mentor Dolly was to her. Dolly is our national hero!

    What in tarnation are those flowers growing on that tree? They are amazing! The selfie of you and Kelly is beautiful! You both look so happy and I love that it was such a nice day for you guys to sit outside. How fun!

    All the flowers you found are gorgeous, but I was particularly happy that you found some pink calla lilies. And those blooming pink trees look like a million carnations. Stunning!

    LOL at that store’s sign, especially that it’s right next to Bugs Bunny! I can hear Bugs’ voice reading that sign 🤣🤣🤣 And they should post the pictures and videos online! I saw something on TikTok about bringing shame back, and I’m all for it! It’s crazy how people think they can get away with anything. I’ve seen instances where people post videos of others ‘in the act’ of criminal behavior and it doesn’t take long for someone else to figure out who it is. The world is full of detectives! 🤣

    Thanks for such a lovely post, Ron. I enjoyed the heck out of it! XO

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  19. Oh Ron, I love that sign too because, like Philadelphia, our city (Chicago) is a shoplifting hotspot. And not only in the city itself, but in the burbs as well. It happens a lot here at the self-checkout machines in our stores because they are not closely monitored. But I've seen people casually take items from the shelves and just walk out. Most of our big retailers (Target and CVS) have their items locked behind doors now, so that you have to ask for a product. Such a pain in the ass for those of us who need to purchase something quickly.

    Your photos are beautiful. The colors you captured are stunning. I've never visited Philadelphia, but it looks so attractive and clean. Charming architecture!

    Our weather has been so erratic this spring, it's hard to tell what season we're in. Lots of wind and rain. The temperatures continually fluctuate.

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  20. "When I read Jessica Simpson’s memoir, she devoted a few sections to how much of a kind, supportive mentor Dolly was to her. Dolly is our national hero!"

    National Hero indeed!

    Don't you just LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Dolly Parton? I will sometimes Google interviews with her on YouTube and just sit and watch her for hours. She has the most wonderful "energy" about her. And not only talented, but VERY smart too! I felt really sad hearing about the loss of her husband.

    Those flowers are called Redbud Cauliflory . There is one tree in a park I like to go to that has those flowers growing on it. Aren't they amazing?

    Thank you! I love that photo of Kelly and I. And you're so right, that day was so nice. It was supposed to be in the mid-80s, so we thought it was going to be really warm. However, there was a strong wind that day, which I think cooled it off.

    That picture of the calla lilies was one of the last photos I took for this post. And I was shocked when I spotted it because I had never seen a calla lily in any of our parks before.

    I know, isn't the fact that Bugs Bunny is gesturing AT that sign hysterical?

    "I saw something on TikTok about bringing shame back, and I’m all for it! It’s crazy how people think they can get away with anything."

    I TOTALLY agree with you! Bring shame back! And now that we have cell phone/cameras, more and more people are doing it. It blows me away how much theft I see when I'm at work. And what kills me is the sense of "entitlement" these people have.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend! Glad you enjoyed! Have a fabulous rest of your week!

    X

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  21. Good morning, Harriet!

    So nice to see you again!

    Yes, I keep hearing (and seeing) things about the city of Chicago, which is very much similar to what is going on in Philadelphia. And being that I'm in retail, it's an everyday occurrence.

    "Most of our big retailers (Target and CVS) have their items locked behind doors now, so that you have to ask for a product. Such a pain in the ass for those of us who need to purchase something quickly."

    OMG, I feel the same. Such a pain in the ass when you need to purchase something quickly. To me, CVS is the worst because they hardly have anyone working, so I have to wait FOREVER to have someone assist me with the locked cases.

    Thank you. I felt really lucky to have captured these photos because spring came all in one week. And now, the color is starting to already fade.

    Yes, parts of Philadelphia are very attractive, clean, and charming. HOWEVER, I just don't choose to show the "not so nice" parts of the city because I don't want to gross people out. LOL. But trust me, there are many parts of this city that are disgusting. We have a huge drug problem in this city, so you see addicts roaming our streets.

    We too have had erratic weather. Lots of wind and rain.

    Thanks so much for stopping back, Harriet! Enjoy the rest of your week!

    X

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