Weekly Challenge – Intricate | Travels and Trifles

Weekly Challenge – Intricate

“When we grasp the intricacy, beauty, and subtlety of life, then that soaring feeling, that sense of elation and humility combined, is surely spiritual.”

Carl Sagan

(6 photos)

INTRICATE CRAFTSMANSHIP

This week Krista threw us a curveball with her challenge, Intricate. I’ve opened my response with an example of some incredible craftsmanship in Beijing, China. The details above are from the roof of one of the Imperial Palace buildings. One can only wonder how much time and effort went into the design and implementation of this amazing work.

BEAUTY IN BUDAPEST

“What we see above ground is only the outer margin of an ecosystem that explodes in intricacy and life below.”

Amy Seidl

As I have traveled throughout the world, I have been continually amazed by the incredible commitment of craftspeople everywhere. From a rooftop in China, to church domes such as the one above from our journey to Budapest, to the beautiful scarves of a Vienna street market below, beauty has been lovingly and painstakingly created by people everywhere.

SUMPTUOUS SCARVES

“Books are like women, all more or less have the same form, buts it’s the intricacies of what’s inside that makes them special.”

Dave Alexander Ramos

It has been said that whatever you choose to do, do it well or do it not at all. The intricacies of some of the beauty I’ve witnessed around the world gives tangible proof of how true this is. Below, the delicate lacework seen in a typical home in Provence, France.

LOVELY LACE

“Imagination is … the basis of language, the arts, the sciences, systems of philosophy, and the all the vast intricacies of human culture.”

Ken Robinson

Closer to home, the beautiful sweetgrass baskets of the women of the Gullah culture – made with skills passed down for generations – provide another example of intricate beauty resulting from many hours of incredibly detailed effort.

CHARLESTON SWEETGRASS

“The people who respond best to the intricacies of tea are people who enjoy wine.”

James Labe

Also perfected through generations here in Charleston, the delicate intricacy of iron working. In 2009 at age 97, we lost a local icon, master blacksmith Philip Simmons. In 1982, the National Endowment for the Arts awarded Mr. Simmons its National Heritage Fellowship, the highest honor that the United States can bestow on a traditional artist. While he is no longer with us, his beautiful ironwork can be found throughout Charleston as well as in museums throughout the United States.

CURVES OF IRON

“Each of us is a unique strand in the intricate web of life and here to make a contribution.”

Deepak Chopra

It seems wherever you look there is beauty to be found. In the efforts of craftspeople who create marvels such as I’ve shown here, or in the intricate natural beauty of a spider’s web or a butterfly’s wings, if you are open to it you will find it. To see the intricacies some other bloggers have featured, click here.

105 thoughts on “Weekly Challenge – Intricate”

arv! on June 8, 2015 at 2:05 am said:

I liked the picture of scarves! so colorful …nice composition!

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Tricia A. Mitchell on May 9, 2015 at 10:57 pm said:

Lovely, Tina, especially the detail from Beijing. How much time did you spend in China?

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- Tina Schell on May 10, 2015 at 9:23 am said:
  
  Thanks Tricia – we were in China for a month and honestly I could easily have spent another month and STILL have felt there was much more to discover! I found it fascinating and full of both natural and man-made wonders. A terrific destination for anyone interested in exploring other cultures.
  
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Nurul Lubis on May 9, 2015 at 5:09 pm said:

Marvellous, Tina… as always 🙂

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- Tina Schell on May 10, 2015 at 9:25 am said:
  
  Thanks Nurul!
  
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Paula on May 9, 2015 at 10:19 am said:

I’ve looked at your book “La Provence”. Loving it! There is a portrait of a white horse eating grass in Camargue that I adore 🙂

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- Tina Schell on May 10, 2015 at 9:28 am said:
  
  Thanks so much Paula, how nice of you to take the time! I loved La Camargue and wish we’d had a bit more time there. The white horse was very cooperative 😊
  
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maamej on May 6, 2015 at 8:35 am said:

What a lovely diverse collection for this challenge. The final quote from Deepak Chopra is very fitting, but I like your own reflections too. I think the lace is my favourite pic this week, although the pic of the gullah basket is very elegant.

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- Tina Schell on May 10, 2015 at 9:29 am said:
  
  Many thanks Maamej. I see you are a fan of simple intracacies! Both the lace and the basket are the product of dedicated ladies’ hands !
  
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  - maamej on May 10, 2015 at 6:03 pm said:
    
    So they are! Well I’m a textile fan from way back.
Vicki on May 6, 2015 at 1:41 am said:

Beautiful images of beautiful artist’s work.

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- Tina Schell on May 10, 2015 at 9:32 am said:
  
  Thanks Vicki – appreciate your visit!
  
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Jim Caffrey Images on May 5, 2015 at 12:49 pm said:

Another great series Tina.

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- Tina Schell on May 10, 2015 at 9:48 am said:
  
  Thanks very much Jim!
  
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Uday Narayanan on May 4, 2015 at 9:47 pm said:

Super shots Tina!

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- Tina Schell on May 10, 2015 at 9:49 am said:
  
  Thank you Uday. When will we ever see another of your beautiful images???
  
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  - Uday Narayanan on May 10, 2015 at 10:15 pm said:
    
    Thanks Tina for the compliment 🙂 Been a little occupied lately juggling a couple of assignments at the same time. But I should be back on wordpress soon 🙂
Dorothee Lang on May 4, 2015 at 3:42 pm said:

A wonderful series of intricate images. Thanks for sharing and for adding the notes and quotes. this is like a little world journey.

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- Tina Schell on May 10, 2015 at 9:52 am said:
  
  What a lovely compliment Dorothee. Many thanks!
  
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Andrew Seal on May 4, 2015 at 3:09 pm said:

Every image is so memorable but for me those “Sumptuous Scarves” are breathtakingly glorious in their sumptuosity! Have a great week Tina 🙂

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- Tina Schell on May 10, 2015 at 9:56 am said:
  
  Thanks so much Andrew. Sometimes the most beauty is found in the simplest things, dont you think?
  
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  - Andrew Seal on May 10, 2015 at 2:57 pm said:
    
    Absolutely. I have always felt that. Warm wishes 🙂
Sheila on May 4, 2015 at 1:36 pm said:

All your photos are breathtaking; I enjoyed seeing each one. Also, love the quotes!

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- Tina Schell on May 10, 2015 at 9:59 am said:
  
  Thanks very much Sheila. Glad you enjoyed this one!
  
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Oh, the Places We See on May 4, 2015 at 10:08 am said:

So many great examples of intricacy! And I love the Charleston sweetgrass basket — we’ve been collecting over the years, and they’re still prized at our house!

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- Tina Schell on May 10, 2015 at 8:13 pm said:
  
  They’re so beautiful,, aren’t they?! Never heard of them before we moved in and now we just love them!
  
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Paula on May 4, 2015 at 3:37 am said:

So many great choices, Tina. I’ll have to make sure to visit that Dome in Budapest. It looks stunning in your gorgeous photo.

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- Tina Schell on May 10, 2015 at 8:15 pm said:
  
  Hi Paula, have seen it in a few other photographers’ shots and it’s always just as beautiful. Something about it just draws the eye.
  
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Beauty Along the Road on May 3, 2015 at 9:57 pm said:

You have some truly exquisite examples of intricate artisanship here, Tina. I am especially fond of the angle and detail you chose of the sweetgrass basket.

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- Tina Schell on May 10, 2015 at 8:18 pm said:
  
  Thanks Annette – I’ve been lucky to see some lovely things as I’ve traveled the world and know how lucky I am to have been there, done that!
  
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MythRider on May 3, 2015 at 7:18 pm said:

Design is all around us, we just need to look. Great job seeing what’s out there.

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- Tina Schell on May 10, 2015 at 8:19 pm said:
  
  Thanks MR, always something to see, don’t u think?!
  
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  - MythRider on May 14, 2015 at 6:33 pm said:
    
    Yes, I agree.
Dalo 2013 on May 3, 2015 at 7:14 pm said:

Great look at the intricacies humans are capable of producing ~ a true artist’s touch you bring out in these photos. I’ve always thought of artists as people who produce things of peace and hope which makes them so valuable to the world. Your photos brings these to us is art defined as well. Cheers to a great week ~

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- Tina Schell on May 10, 2015 at 8:22 pm said:
  
  Thanks randall, for the lovely comment as well as the visit. A great week to you too.
  
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quarksire on May 3, 2015 at 3:01 pm said:

all so very apprapO! 😎

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- Tina Schell on May 10, 2015 at 8:25 pm said:
  
  Thanks very much Quarkshire.
  
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Dina on May 3, 2015 at 2:22 pm said:

Beautiful photo work by you, Tina and some very fine examples of great craftsmanship. Love the quotes and the stories behind your photos. You made me rethink about the Norwegian Hardangersøm now! 😉

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- Tina Schell on May 10, 2015 at 8:32 pm said:
  
  🙂 Thanks Dina – if I made you think about something different, then I’ve done a great job!
  
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Just Another Nature Enthusiast on May 3, 2015 at 1:25 pm said:

Tina- one of the happiest of WordPress friends on Friday… evident in your choice of words and photos and the marvelous responses you receive as gifts in the comments folks share. Another intricate balance, indeed ❤

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- Tina Schell on May 10, 2015 at 8:35 pm said:
  
  Thank you Jane, you’re right – the responses are a joy!!!
  
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aekshots on May 3, 2015 at 11:43 am said:

Amazing details…love the scarf shot. You have ‘intricate’ covered with these shots Tina. Nice post.

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- Tina Schell on May 10, 2015 at 8:36 pm said:
  
  Thanks Andy – looking forward to your post THIS week!!
  
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atureaud on May 3, 2015 at 10:29 am said:

Hi Tina,
Missed you so…😉
Love, love, love all of these excellent photos
specially the Sumptuous Scarves ~ clever
for this theme! I have to say everything made by hands, hearts and minds are intricate
masterpieces, don’t you think? Beautiful
Entry once again, Cheers!

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- Tina Schell on May 10, 2015 at 8:40 pm said:
  
  I do indeed Atureaud! Thanks for stopping by and for your comment.
  
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april kanew on May 3, 2015 at 9:18 am said:

A wonderful post, Tina!!! Your first shot..intricate craftsmanship is quite amazing! I just love seeing the world through your lens!! Thank u for that!!

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- Tina Schell on May 10, 2015 at 8:40 pm said:
  
  Thanks April – truly appreciate your continued support Girlfriend!
  
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Cynthia Traun (Mackowick) on May 3, 2015 at 9:05 am said:

Great detail and color!

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- Tina Schell on May 10, 2015 at 8:52 pm said:
  
  Thanks Cynthia!
  
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norasphotos4u on May 3, 2015 at 7:45 am said:

Gorgeous set of photos Tina

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- Tina Schell on May 10, 2015 at 9:13 pm said:
  
  Thanks Nora!
  
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Diane on May 3, 2015 at 7:37 am said:

How beautiful! The window is my fav but all are so gorgeous. Would have never guessed the first was a roof. Such Pretty colors. The light & textures of the basket are amazing. Love the story behind the the iron works. Thanks T!

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- Tina Schell on May 10, 2015 at 9:14 pm said:
  
  Thanks Diane, for your lovely comment.
  
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Veena S. on May 3, 2015 at 6:55 am said:

Surely a post from an avid traveller with an eye for beauty, grace and detail! Intricate work well captured in a variety of mediums.

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- Tina Schell on May 10, 2015 at 9:16 pm said:
  
  Thank you Veena – if I were designing a description for myself, that is what I’d like it to be!
  
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Mabel Kwong on May 3, 2015 at 6:17 am said:

What a beautiful interpretation on this week’s theme. ” if you are open to it you will find it” You are so right. Intricacies are all around us – that’s they beauty of life. The finer details always paints the bigger picture. It’s amazing how some of us can dedicate our entire lives to doing just one thing, like crafting art of sewing scarves. Certainly lots of love goes into such creations and no wonder so many works of art look so beautiful to the eye. Great shots 🙂

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- Tina Schell on May 10, 2015 at 9:40 pm said:
  
  Thanks Mabel – yes your comment is right on the money. Some of us do only one thing but do it beautifully. Others (like myself) spread ourselves out among many things, enjoy them all, but never achieve greatness. Which is the best approach? Hard to say, isn’t it?!
  
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poppytump on May 3, 2015 at 6:03 am said:

How lovely Tina , you’ve covered the great intricacy of craftsmanship from a great many people working together to complete a long lasting legacy to the *simple weaving of a basket by one …
Great selection for the theme . I’m rather taken with that charming window in Provence 🙂

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- Tina Schell on May 10, 2015 at 9:45 pm said:
  
  Thanks Poppy, so much beauty in so many places. Simple to complex, always made with such attention to detail. Thanks for your visit and comment PT.
  
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thephotoseye on May 3, 2015 at 5:32 am said:

These are all so lovely and your stories behind each shot are wonderful – especially your Curves of Iron shot.

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- Tina Schell on May 10, 2015 at 9:48 pm said:
  
  Thanks so much Photoseye – Philip Simmons is quite a legend in our area, I’m happy to have paid him a small tribute.
  
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happyface313 on May 3, 2015 at 4:33 am said:

🙂 All of them very special and extremely beautiful!
HAPPY Sunday! 🙂

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- Tina Schell on May 10, 2015 at 9:49 pm said:
  
  Thanks very much HF – sorry to see your blog is underconstruction. Hope to see you back soon!
  
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  - happyface313 on May 11, 2015 at 10:27 am said:
    
    🙂 Thanks – yes, we’re working on it 😀
pommepal on May 3, 2015 at 3:57 am said:

Such a variety and all beautiful representation of intricate

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- Tina Schell on May 10, 2015 at 9:54 pm said:
  
  Thanks Pomme, much appreciated!
  
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Svetlana Grobman on May 3, 2015 at 3:11 am said:

Beautiful examples, Tina! My favorites are your featured image and the basket.

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- Tina Schell on May 10, 2015 at 9:55 pm said:
  
  Thanks Svetlana – glad you enjoyed!
  
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Nature on the Edge on May 3, 2015 at 2:40 am said:

Tina, can’t help but smile at the quotes you’ve chosen this week, and the diversity of subjects show such skill in the art of the individual crafts. Really a fabulous post.

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- Tina Schell on May 10, 2015 at 10:32 pm said:
  
  Thanks so much Liz, glad you enjoyed this one. I had fun putting it together!
  
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Maverick ~ on May 3, 2015 at 1:48 am said:

These are all gorgeous, well done!

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- Tina Schell on May 10, 2015 at 10:34 pm said:
  
  Thanks Maverick!
  
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Stefano Scheda on May 3, 2015 at 1:44 am said:

Good shots, Tina. I really like the scarves one.

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- Tina Schell on May 10, 2015 at 10:55 pm said:
  
  Thanks Stefano!
  
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Charlie@Seattle Trekker on May 2, 2015 at 11:14 pm said:

The intricate detail of your images are such a pleasure for the eye, the mind, and of course the heart.

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- Tina Schell on May 10, 2015 at 10:59 pm said:
  
  Charlie – thanks so much for your beautiful comment.
  
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dogear6 on May 2, 2015 at 10:45 pm said:

I loved the Carl Sagan quote – great start to your post! Your pictures were incredible – so very detailed and the intricacies showed up wonderfully. I think the lace in the windows was my favorite, but they’re all good.

Nancy

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- Tina Schell on May 10, 2015 at 11:10 pm said:
  
  Thanks Nancy – I loved that quote too. Glad you enjoyed – the lace was som simple but so perfect!
  
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Mary Lynn on May 2, 2015 at 9:52 pm said:

These are lovely. I love the lighting on the sweetgrass basket. You have such a gift!

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- Tina Schell on May 10, 2015 at 11:11 pm said:
  
  You are too sweet ML, thanks so much!
  
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Susan on May 2, 2015 at 9:47 pm said:

Beautiful intricate images, the details are fantastic in each one.

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- Tina Schell on May 10, 2015 at 11:13 pm said:
  
  Thank you Susan.
  
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Linda Wyatt on May 2, 2015 at 9:41 pm said:

Love the scarves and the basket particularly… What a great post with intricate detail!

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- Tina Schell on May 10, 2015 at 11:13 pm said:
  
  Many thanks Miss Linda!!
  
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Heyjude on May 2, 2015 at 9:32 pm said:

Beautiful images. Now why didn’t I think of a spider’s web?

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- Tina Schell on May 10, 2015 at 11:24 pm said:
  
  🙂 Lots of others did!!! Thanks for stopping by Jude.
  
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Mark Kertesz Photography on May 2, 2015 at 8:56 pm said:

Great gallery, the scarves has so much colour, I’m particularly found of that one.

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- Tina Schell on May 10, 2015 at 11:25 pm said:
  
  Thanks Mark, appreciate it!
  
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Amy on May 2, 2015 at 8:44 pm said:

A great gallery for this theme. Thank you, Tina!

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- Tina Schell on May 10, 2015 at 11:27 pm said:
  
  Thanks Amy, glad you enjoyed.
  
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loisajay on May 2, 2015 at 8:43 pm said:

I love the sweetgrass basket. Oh, France…so very pretty, Tina.

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- Tina Schell on May 10, 2015 at 11:29 pm said:
  
  🙂 Thanks Lois – the baskets are wonderful but so time intensive they’re incredibly expensive. Would love to have some but have photos of them instead 🙂
  
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asnappshot on May 2, 2015 at 3:45 pm said:

You have posted some great stuff this week.

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- Tina Schell on May 10, 2015 at 11:30 pm said:
  
  Thanks very much, glad you enjoyed!
  
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janeiwan on May 2, 2015 at 3:04 pm said:

Absolutely wonderful post, Tina.

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- Tina Schell on May 10, 2015 at 11:30 pm said:
  
  Many thanks Jane!
  
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rabirius on May 2, 2015 at 3:01 pm said:

Excellent pictures.

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- Tina Schell on May 10, 2015 at 11:32 pm said:
  
  Thank you Rabirius.
  
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thirdeyemom on May 2, 2015 at 2:55 pm said:

Beautiful Tina!

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- Tina Schell on May 10, 2015 at 11:35 pm said:
  
  Thanks Nicole!
  
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sustainabilitea on May 2, 2015 at 2:53 pm said:

Tina, you’ve chosen some beautiful examples of intricacy. I’ve seen many of the lace curtains in Provence and they are truly beautiful, as are the shutters themselves. I love the Sweetgrass basket you showed. Every time I see or hear about them, I think of the tea shop ministries by Laura Childs. Have you read them? As usual, I enjoyed your quotes, especially the one linking tea and wine.

janet

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- sustainabilitea on May 2, 2015 at 2:54 pm said:
  
  Drat! The “Tea Shop Mysteries”, not ministries. That’s what I get for dictating the comment.
  
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  - Tina Schell on May 10, 2015 at 11:38 pm said:
    
    I knew just what you meant Janet – LOL !!! Thanks for the lovely compliment.
Chillbrook on May 2, 2015 at 2:50 pm said:

Superb images Tina! 🙂

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- Tina Schell on May 10, 2015 at 11:44 pm said:
  
  Many thanks Adrian!
  
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