Lupine in Bloom

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Visit Wordless Wednesday to see what other people aren't saying this week.

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It's about starting over

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We all face adversity in our lives, but where some falter or fall others somehow find the inner strength to keep putting one foot in front of the other and go on despite the blows they've received.

My friend Joanna is one of those. This amazing woman, who I have the privilege of knowing in real life as well as on the blogosphere, has received more than her share of hits by far and still manages to face the world with grace and a ready smile as she continues to reach for her dreams. She shares her journey on her blog, It's About Starting Over, and now she'd like to encourage all of you to share yours as well. She's created a new blog carnival "to increase exposure for real-life stories about starting over after a difficult event, trauma, or just plain because someone decides they want to make a major change in their life".

If you have a story to share please consider participating - your stories deserve to be heard, and they could be just what someone out there needs to make their own new start.
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Nectarine Blossoms

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I love this shot. So similar to an almond blossom, but yet so different. Both bloom in January, around Tu B'Shvat, both bloom before they get leaves, both have similar flowers, with similar coloring (though the nectarine's are much pinker where the almond blossoms are predominantly white) and still one ends up providing a juicy fruit where the other gives a nut.
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Sometimes you just have to gaze in silent wonder at what Mother Nature can do. It's not a Valentine, we don't do those here in Israel, but it certainly says love and beauty to me.
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Apricot Orchard

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Visit Monochrome Weekend for more black and white images from around the world.

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Busy as a...

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The butterflies weren't the only ones enjoying all those almond blossoms - there were more than enough for the bees as well.
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Visit Skywatch Friday for more skies from around the world.
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Nature's Own Sepia

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Click here to get to my OWOH fine art photography giveaway.

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When I first looked at this shot I thought it might be a good candidate for sepia but it quickly became apparent that nature had already done the job for me.

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I'm back from an exhausting but invigorating two-day conference. It may take me some time to catch up though, I'm hoping to crash early tonight and will be in Tel Aviv half the day tomorrow getting my boobs squished for a baseline mammogram (and ultrasound, but that part shouldn't involve any squishing). Consider this your public service announcement ladies - are you due for yours? Yes? Don't put it off, get yourself an appointment today. For the rest of you - have you done your breast self-exam yet this month? It only takes a few moments and could be the most important five minutes of your life.

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