Lens-Artists Challenge #14 – Look Through My WINDOW

“Through the window, I saw the beautiful world outside.”

Patrick Jennings

THROUGH MY WINDOW

Taking today’s opening quote literally, I’ve chosen to open my response to Ann-Christine’s windows challenge with a look through my own kitchen window. As a nature lover I am happy to be surrounded by palmettos, oaks, and a lovely little lagoon, which draws beautiful birds and our neighborhood alligator. It does my soul good to enjoy the peace and quiet, surrounded by the morning sunlight before I set out for the day’s activities.

OAK IN THE WINDOW

“Drive nature out of the door and it will fly in at the window.”

Fyodor Dostoevsky

I made the preceding image of a beautiful oak tree reflected in a very wide window not far from my home on Kiawah. In this case nature truly is flying in at the window 😊. At the opposite end of the spectrum however, the view in the image below is from a high-rise apartment in New York City. I was enchanted by the raindrops that remained after a fierce storm as well as the incredible light it had created. It was a wonderful lesson on the beauty of nature in the very heart of a bustling city.

NYC WINDOWS

“Photography is both mirror and window, connecting subject and viewer through the heart, eyes and mind of the photographer.”

Tom Kennedy

Proving that nature is not the only beautiful thing seen in a window, I captured the image below in the middle of downtown Lexington, Kentucky. I was drawn to the dichotomy of the classic statehouse architecture reflected in the contemporary windows of the building across the street.

KENTUCKY GLASS

“If the house of the world is dark, love will find a way to create windows.”

Rumi

From the archives, below I’ve included an image from quite some time ago – the cupola of St. Stephen’s Basilica in Budapest. I’d thought about posting it for Patti’s “look up” challenge last week but chose to go in a different direction. I was glad it fit this week’s windows challenge. Imagine the job of cleaning those beauties!

WINDOWED DOME

“I live in a very small house, but my windows look out on a very large world.”

Confucius

Finally, speaking of window cleaning, I captured my final image in Beijing, China. The window washers were working on the Olympic Village’s Aquatic Center which has since been transformed into a recreational water park. I had to smile at the tiny size of their squeegees versus the enormity of the structure. Not a job for the faint of heart!

WINDOW WASHING

“My favorite journey is looking out the window.”

Edward Gorey

Thanks to Ann-Christine for her fun challenge this week. Be sure to catch challenge # 15 at Amy’s ShareandConnect site next week, and remember to please include a TAG with your post to have it appear in the Lens-Artists reader section.

Tags: LENS-ARTISTS

99 thoughts on “Lens-Artists Challenge #14 – Look Through My WINDOW”

ecopoet on February 2, 2020 at 2:05 pm said:

Window washers, to know where you left off? 🙂 infinity job

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- Tina Schell on February 2, 2020 at 4:52 pm said:
  
  😊
  
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equinoxio21 on November 27, 2018 at 6:37 pm said:

Fantastic. If doors are a pathway between private and public, windows are an open eye on the outside world. 🙂
Another blogger has an alligator in her back pond. Called Ali-Baba. 🙂
I’ve lived in many, many places, but I’m not sure I like the idea of a gator in my backyard.
Keep up the good work Tina
Brian

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- Tina Schell on November 28, 2018 at 12:23 pm said:
  
  Thanks Brian! He’s mostly harmless unless u r a small dog and he is hungry!!
  
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  - equinoxio21 on November 28, 2018 at 12:34 pm said:
    
    Okay. 🙂 One learns to live all things right? Cousins of mine used to live in Nairobi, in kenya. They had to keep the dogs inside at night because leopards came out at night…
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Fotohabitate on October 16, 2018 at 12:51 pm said:

Yor really look into paradies when you are cooking in your kitchen! And I love the window washer! Amazing picture!

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- Tina Schell on October 16, 2018 at 3:18 pm said:
  
  Thanks😊😊. Quite different windows I’d say!
  
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  - Fotohabitate on October 17, 2018 at 2:20 am said:
    
    Yes!
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Sylvia Bacon on October 13, 2018 at 12:19 pm said:

Love your pictures, especially the first one!!

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- Tina Schell on October 13, 2018 at 8:32 pm said:
  
  Thanks GF!
  
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Eduardo Accorinti on October 12, 2018 at 9:49 pm said:

A bit late, but here is my entry, see the third image: http://www.travelartpix.com/medieval-destination-florence/

As I told you in my previous comment, I loved your images. I hope you like mine too 🙂

Have a great weekend!

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- Tina Schell on October 12, 2018 at 9:56 pm said:
  
  Thanks Eduardo, better late than never! Loved your post but it didn’t let me comment!
  
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almeidadepaulo on October 12, 2018 at 3:41 pm said:

Stunning Tina!!!

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- Tina Schell on October 12, 2018 at 9:58 pm said:
  
  Thanks very much Paulo
  
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Meg on October 12, 2018 at 1:26 am said:

Love your photos. Stunning. Especially like the rain spattered image … had me fooled for a while. Thanks TinaPS.I’m not sure that I am linking my post properly
https://wordpress.com/post/megteller2.wordpress.com/8070

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- Tina Schell on October 12, 2018 at 7:52 am said:
  
  Thanks meg! Your link doesn’t work but clicking on your post ID does 😊
  
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photobyjohnbo on October 11, 2018 at 8:34 am said:

Wow! I love the view out your window. What a great sight each day! The New York view through the raindrops, though, is my favorite. Nice capture with the warm tones of sunlight.

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Tina Schell on October 11, 2018 at 8:03 am said:

Thanks Dina – it’s hard not to connect with nature when you are surrounded by it. Fortunately our island is filled with many species of flora and fauna. We are most fortunate, except when Mother Nature throws one of her storms at us!

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Dina on October 11, 2018 at 6:20 am said:

It’s wonderful to see how you are connected to nature at home, Tina. The natural habitat looks so exotic and different than what we are familiar with. It’s impossible to pick a favourite here, each and every one tells a different story and is so well captured.

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thirdeyemom on October 10, 2018 at 8:36 pm said:

Wow that view from your kitchen window is astounding! To look out the window and see such a beautiful scene would make my heart sing! We live in the city so my kitchen window view is of my neighbors house. But we do have a few good views of the trees in other rooms but nothing like your view. Gorgeous post Tina!

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- Tina Schell on October 10, 2018 at 9:15 pm said:
  
  Thanks Nicole. I must admit it makes my heart sing too 😊
  
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norasphotos4u on October 10, 2018 at 4:04 pm said:

I LOVE your kitchen view!!

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- Laurie on October 10, 2018 at 8:03 pm said:
  
  The views from your windows are amazing! You certainly do live in a beautiful place.
  
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  - Tina Schell on October 10, 2018 at 9:20 pm said:
    
    And I appreciate it most every moment Laurie, thanks!
- Tina Schell on October 10, 2018 at 9:24 pm said:
  
  LOL me too Nora, thanks 😊
  
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Abrie Joubert on October 10, 2018 at 10:18 am said:

Hi Tina, I have to admit that I gossiped about you on my post . I think I am correct. I am not referring to the window washers although I have them in my post as well, but this time it is coincidental.
You are certainly blessed to have such a view from your kitchen. Any pains with broken panes due to golf balls 🙂

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- Tina Schell on October 10, 2018 at 3:16 pm said:
  
  Funny you should ask!! We have had 1 broken window (happily not a large one) which has to be a very terrible shot to reach us!!
  
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Terri Webster Schrandt on October 10, 2018 at 12:49 am said:

Wow, Tina, the view from your window! So serene! Love them all, but the image of the window washers in Beijing, just priceless!

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- Tina Schell on October 10, 2018 at 7:28 am said:
  
  Thanks Terri—yes I had to laugh at those window washers😊
  
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  - Abrie Joubert on October 10, 2018 at 10:08 am said:
    
    Maybe the Chinese should invent bigger window washing blades…
  - Tina Schell on October 10, 2018 at 3:17 pm said:
    
    I’m telling you, it’s their answer to full employment!
aekshots on October 9, 2018 at 7:34 pm said:

Great view out of you kitchen window Tina…and I do see the green back there too, nice 🙂 As much as I like that one, the NYC shot is my favorite. I love the contrast of the light on the buildings and the dark clouds and some of the raindrops do look like fall leaves blowing in the wind. Well done.

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- Tina Schell on October 10, 2018 at 7:29 am said:
  
  Thanks Andy. Yep, #3 Cougar. And that lagoon houses about a zillion balls😊😊
  
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Rupali on October 9, 2018 at 1:17 pm said:

These are beautiful images Tina.

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- Tina Schell on October 10, 2018 at 7:29 am said:
  
  Thanks Rupali
  
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V.J. Knutson on October 9, 2018 at 10:45 am said:

Thanks for sharing your own view – quite fantastic!

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- Tina Schell on October 10, 2018 at 7:30 am said:
  
  Thanks VJ, I appreciate it every day
  
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Bespoke Traveler on October 8, 2018 at 7:57 pm said:

Glorious examples! Although I have a lovely view from my window, your kitchen perspective makes me envious. My favorite is your Kentucky photo as I too am “drawn to the dichotomy” of old architecture reflected in new and vice versa.

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- Tina Schell on October 9, 2018 at 10:34 pm said:
  
  Thanks Atrayee, glad these caught your eye!
  
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Mabel Kwong on October 8, 2018 at 4:47 am said:

Very creative take on windows, Tina. The New York city rain windows sort of give an impression of tiny autumn leave flying everywhere lol. Also really like seeing the last photo in China again. Two small people up against cleaning something so massive and making a difference. The squeegees are really that small lol. But as the saying goes, a little goes a long way 😊

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- Tina Schell on October 8, 2018 at 7:21 am said:
  
  Thanks Mabel. I thought the same thing about the NYC raindrops!
  
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Lucid Gypsy on October 8, 2018 at 1:36 am said:

Wow these are all fab, I love the view from your kitchen and the Kentucky shot!

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- Tina Schell on October 8, 2018 at 7:27 am said:
  
  Thanks Gilly. It’s a lovely way to watch the seasons change
  
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Gina on October 7, 2018 at 11:11 pm said:

Oh Tina, I love them all but I think the Kentucky Glass is my favorite.

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- Tina Schell on October 7, 2018 at 11:14 pm said:
  
  Thanks Gina – it was a sight to see!
  
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  - Gina on October 7, 2018 at 11:17 pm said:
    
    BTW, I loved your story about the bridge run. Too funny and a great story for years to come.
  - Tina Schell on October 7, 2018 at 11:27 pm said:
    
    😊thanks!
    
    Sent from my iPhone
    
    >
Anita on October 7, 2018 at 10:38 pm said:

Beautiful view from your window, Tina! The raindrops do add a wonderfully different layer to a city scene. As for the window cleaning, I wonder if, when they’re finally finished, it’s time to start the process again…

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- Tina Schell on October 7, 2018 at 11:04 pm said:
  
  Thanks Anita, it was glorious but sadly short-lived. As for the window-washers, gives new meaning to the idea of full-employment! They’ll retire before they ever finish!
  
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www.corneliaweber-photography.com on October 7, 2018 at 9:02 pm said:

Tina, among all the beautiful shots, the Kentucky Glass is my absolute favorite

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- Tina Schell on October 7, 2018 at 10:22 pm said:
  
  Thanks so much Cornelia
  
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edaccorinti on October 7, 2018 at 7:14 pm said:

You are so lucky to have that view from your window 🙂 and hey, all your images are great, but I absolutely fell in love with the one of the raindrops in NYC.. That light, that mood.. Absolutely magical, I love that. Thank you for sharing! 🙂

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- Tina Schell on October 7, 2018 at 10:23 pm said:
  
  Thanks for your wonderful compliment Eduardo. I’m partial to that one myself
  
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exploringcolour on October 7, 2018 at 7:04 pm said:

Lovely post and I particularly enjoyed the NYC raindrops photo, you really made the most of that moment!

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- Tina Schell on October 7, 2018 at 10:24 pm said:
  
  Thanks so much Liz, it was an amazing but fleeting moment
  
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Allan G. Smorra on October 7, 2018 at 4:11 pm said:

Your photos of Spanish moss and Palmetto palms bring to mind memories of my youth in South Florida. These are grand examples of windows and their associated views.
Ω

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- Tina Schell on October 7, 2018 at 10:26 pm said:
  
  Thanks Allan, happy to have jogged a happy memory for you!
  
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Albatz Travel Adventures on October 7, 2018 at 4:06 pm said:

All lovely photos but the window-washers in China made me laugh!

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- Tina Schell on October 7, 2018 at 10:26 pm said:
  
  Thanks Elizabeth, happy to have brought you a smile!
  
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Murtagh's Meadow on October 7, 2018 at 3:33 pm said:

Wow, amazing photos. Love the ones where you have captured the reflection. And your own kitchen window what a beautiful view to look out on.

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- Tina Schell on October 7, 2018 at 10:31 pm said:
  
  Thanks MM, I’m a sucker for a reflection myself 😊
  
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Prior... on October 7, 2018 at 3:27 pm said:

oh this is so varied and artys (and did you know that your window image from your “fences” lens-artist post was a picture that stood out to me. Not sure why – but you know how that happens – it was through the rainy window and had the fence with a slight part –

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- Tina Schell on October 7, 2018 at 10:35 pm said:
  
  Thanks Yvette! I remember it of course, it would definitely have worked here. Thanks for remembering it!
  
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  - Prior... on October 7, 2018 at 10:52 pm said:
    
    🙂
sustainabilitea on October 7, 2018 at 2:55 pm said:

Splendid, Tina, and what a soul affirming view you have from your kitchen!

janet

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- Tina Schell on October 7, 2018 at 3:02 pm said:
  
  Thanks Janet, I do indeed
  
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Judy @ NewEnglandGardenAndThread on October 7, 2018 at 2:32 pm said:

That’s quite a view you have there. I’d take that view every day over any of the others. Lucky woman. 🙂

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- Tina Schell on October 7, 2018 at 2:33 pm said:
  
  And I appreciate it every time I look out that window 🙂 thanks Judy!
  
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lensandpensbysally on October 7, 2018 at 2:16 pm said:

Enjoyed your entire selection, each variations on the theme.

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- Tina Schell on October 7, 2018 at 2:33 pm said:
  
  Thanks Sally!
  
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pattimoed on October 7, 2018 at 1:52 pm said:

I would not mind washing dishes in your kitchen!! Lovely view and great shots. One favorite is the window washers.

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- Tina Schell on October 7, 2018 at 1:56 pm said:
  
  Thanks Patti – but happily I do have a dishwasher LOL!
  
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  - pattimoed on October 7, 2018 at 9:45 pm said:
    
    Such a meditative scene out your window even without the soapy water! Glad you have a dishwasher.
  - Tina Schell on October 7, 2018 at 10:15 pm said:
    
    LOL thanks Patti
Jane Lurie on October 7, 2018 at 1:47 pm said:

Beautiful windows, Tina. Love The light in NYC and I cracked up again at the tiny squeegee. Terrific collection.

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- Tina Schell on October 7, 2018 at 1:55 pm said:
  
  😀 Thanks Jane
  
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  - David on October 8, 2018 at 2:05 pm said:
    
    You do know Jane and I have a thing about shooting from windows. 🙂
    
    The window crew needs either a super-sized squeegee, or another method to clean those windows.
tatianatravelways on October 7, 2018 at 12:12 pm said:

Beautiful photography!

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67steffen on October 7, 2018 at 11:56 am said:

The window washers shot has deep meaning….it is a great photo.

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- Tina Schell on October 7, 2018 at 12:09 pm said:
  
  Thanks very much Steffen.
  
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Heyjude on October 7, 2018 at 11:48 am said:

You have a lovely view through your windows. And the Kentucky reflection is wonderful! Glass cleaning is my second most disliked household chore after cleaning the oven, but after seeing your last image I count myself lucky!

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- Tina Schell on October 7, 2018 at 12:10 pm said:
  
  LOL thanks Jude! The biggest problem with window washing is how quickly they’re dirty again!!!
  
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  - Heyjude on October 7, 2018 at 1:32 pm said:
    
    So very true!
Amy on October 7, 2018 at 11:08 am said:

Beautiful views through your own kitchen window, Tina! I love the oak in the window image.
The last photo makes me wonder how long it takes to clean these windows….

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- Tina Schell on October 7, 2018 at 11:19 am said:
  
  Many thanks Amy – the oak in the window was definitely a special find. We had permission to visit a private estate on Kiawah which housed the window.
  
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Leya on October 7, 2018 at 10:26 am said:

Tina – what can I say? You live in an absolutely gorgeous place in the world! Love all your shots, and was quite enchanted by the raindrops in the city photo. Cities are not something I connect with natural beauty – I guess you just changed that conception for me… I always love reflections – yours is no exception. And the biggest smile is of course the last shot – just great (!)

By the way, I found you in the reader, could not connect blogwise?

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- Tina Schell on October 7, 2018 at 11:21 am said:
  
  Thanks so much Ann Christine. I messed up my scheduled post and put the wrong date in so it seems anyone who tries to comment via our L-A Reader tag or who gets the blog via email cannot comment unless they go to my site . 😫
  
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  - Leya on October 7, 2018 at 4:19 pm said:
    
    Yes…sounds like it could have been me…
Sue on October 7, 2018 at 10:19 am said:

You have some lovely views from your windows, Tina…and I love the Lexington reflections!

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- Tina Schell on October 7, 2018 at 11:21 am said:
  
  Thanks Sue! I love being surrounded by nature here. I must admit tho when I lived in NJ my views were amazing as well. There is beauty everywhere if you look for it!
  
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  - Sue on October 7, 2018 at 12:06 pm said:
    
    There is indeed, Tina….we just need to slow down and open our eyes!
april kanew on October 7, 2018 at 8:18 am said:

very interesting post ‘through my window”…wonderful details…’window washing’ certainly brings a smile to my face..WOW just crazy!! Also love ‘kentucky glass’ & NyC windows…wonderful eye…👍

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- Tina Schell on October 7, 2018 at 8:45 am said:
  
  Thanks April, glad you enjoyed
  
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Laurel Greer on October 7, 2018 at 7:32 am said:

Could not leave a comment – error message kept coming up.

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- Tina Schell on October 7, 2018 at 8:45 am said:
  
  Sorry about that Laurel – issue on my end.
  
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