Introducing... *drum roll please*

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I'm delighted to announce that my brand new line of all occasion photo greeting cards is now available in my etsy shop - with both single cards and sets of four cards of your choosing on offer they're a fantastic and original way to show you care.

Visit Around the Island Photography today to see the full line of photo greeting cards and new photo bookmarks too! I combine shipping to make it easy to grab a few to keep on hand or give as gifts.

For my fellow Israelis - please feel free to contact me directly for shekel pricing and domestic postage rates, and stop by the AMIT Mid-Winter Fair in Beit Shemesh on Monday night, 7-10pm, to see them up close and personal :).

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Visit RT2 for more ruby red images from around the world.

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Flower by a Window

Wow, it feels like forever since I've posted, I think it's been years since I went this long. Sorry to disappear on everyone like that. I'm about to launch a brand new line of greeting cards and bookmarks and sort of fell into a black hole of graphics and production and print runs for a week or so. The good news is that everything has now gone to print and should be here within the next two days, ready to launch both online and at a crafts fair I'm participating in the first week in February! Squeeeee!!

While I finish running around like a chicken with its head cut off getting ready (not to mention spending many many MANY hours fighting with the cable/internet/phone company over the fact that their infrastructure is collapsing and I've been losing connectivity for literally hours multiple days each week all freaking month long. As we speak the internet is finally back after most of the day gone but the tv is now out. Best case scenario is two more hours... I'm ready to scream and am either going to receive substantial compensation or I'm jumping ship to the competition at the end of this week. I have HAD it with them...) I hope you'll all enjoy this one from the archives. Luckily for me it can do double-duty for both Whimsical Windows and Ruby Tuesday 2, since they seem to be back on the same day again...

Oh, and if you'd like to be among the first to see the new cards and bookmarks be sure to like Around the Island on Facebook - I'll be offering a special introductory discount for all of my Facebook fans :).

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Black Friday - Cyber Monday Sale!

Get a jump start on your holiday shopping (or pick up a treat for yourself) while you're still in your pajamas and slippers! Use the code FPOE2011 for 25% off all purchases from Around the Island Photography on etsy this weekend - 25-28 November 2011. Beautiful art, great sale, a fabulously unique gift, and best of all - no crowds!

Offer is valid for all shop items, including fine art photographs and custom-designed Photoverse Prints.

Where the Fairies Dance

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Click to purchase this photograph from Around the Island Photography

Of course I can't say for sure, but if I were a fairy I'd certainly want to dance here.

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Name that Photo Contest!

(You'll forgive me if I go for that "purple with a hint of magenta is in the red family" thing, right? Especially since I'm desperate for your help? I'm not above groveling you know. *grovel grovel grovel*)

This is one of a series of three images I created this weekend of a purple (oops, I mean reddish-tinted of course) chrysanthemum. I'm really pleased with how the turned out and would like to list them in my etsy shop. The only catch is I'm utterly and completely stumped for titles, or at least for titles that aren't "Purple Chrysanthemum 1, 2 and 3". 

So here's where you come in:

Put on those creative thinking caps you've all got and suggest some titles, either for the series or for the individual photos. If I choose your title for the etsy listing I'll send you a 5x7" (or metric equivalent) copy of your choice of the three images.

To keep things straight we'll call the photograph featured here "Purple Chrysanthemum 1". Purple Chrysanthemum 2 is here and Purple Chrysanthemum 3 is here.

Leave your entries in the comments please, and have fun with it. I can't wait to see what you come up with. (Ok, actually I'm desperate, so please play. Pretty please with a cherry on top?)

UPDATE: THEY'VE BEEN NAMED AND LISTED AND CAN BE FOUND HERE, HERE AND HERE. CLICK TO SEE THE IMAGES AND THEIR NEW TITLES IN MY ETSY SHOP.

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My photography is available for purchase - visit Around the Island Photography and bring home something beautiful today!

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If the photo you're wishing for is something you've seen here on the blog which isn't in my etsy shop yet just let me know and I'll happily list it for you.

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Coffee Break, Israeli Style

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Click here to purchase this photograph from Around the Island Photography.

Freshly made cappucino, Jay's delicious homemade bread, some jam, a clementine, and the morning paper. All the elements of a delightful mid-morning coffee break. So what would be on your tray?

Look here for more great reds.


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My photography is available for purchase - visit Around the Island Photography and bring home something beautiful today!

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If the photo you're wishing for is something you've seen here on the blog which isn't in my etsy shop yet just let me know and I'll happily list it for you.

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Brand New from Around the Island Photography - Photoverse Prints!

Big things are happening at Around the Island Photography this week and I can't wait to tell you all about it! After quite a bit of behind the scenes work I am delighted to tell you all that I have just launched a brand new product line - Photoverse Prints, faith-based and inspirational photography.

These fine art photographs are a beautiful way to share your faith and inspire others - and they make a wonderful holiday gift idea too. Imagine how meaningful it would be to give someone a gift created just for them, one that speaks directly to their heart in the most personal of ways.

I'm offering my fine art photographs printed with meaningful verses from the Christian Scripture or any other verse, poem or quote you finds meaningful. I've got a number of ready-made prints for sale and am also offering a custom-designed offer - your favorite quote or verse on the photograph of your choice. (For my Jewish readers, a Judaica section is already in the works - and remember, a custom Photoverse print can have any quote you like on any of the photographs in my shop.)
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Photoverse prints wonderful framed and would make a really special Christmas gift, especially with a verse chosen especially for its personal meaning to the recipient. Stuck for a gift idea for someone special? This might just fit the bill.
 
Click here to see the new Christian Art section at Around the Island Photography, and I'd be most grateful if you'd consider forwarding this on to anyone you think might find it of interest.
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Photoverse print selected, I must admit, primarily because it was red, but I do love the quote.

Hot Cocoa with Marshmallows

Just created a beautiful etsy treasury full of cozy browns and creams -
click and enjoy (and then I'd love it if you'd click over to my etsy shop to see what's new)!

A Firework at Rest

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Click to purchase this photograph from Around the Island Photography

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The third image in my Firework Chrysanthemum series - what an amazing flower. All this from a single magnificent blossom.
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Other images in the Firework Chrysanthemum series:
Firework Chrysanthemum
Reach for the Sun
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Visit Wordless Wednesday to see what else people aren't saying this week.
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My photography is available for purchase - visit Around the Island Photography and bring home something beautiful today!
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If the photo you're wishing for is something you've seen here on the blog which isn't in my etsy shop yet just let me know and I'll happily list it for you.
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Reach for the Sun

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Click to purchase this photograph

from Around the Island Photography

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Nature never ceases to amaze and delight. This stunning image is actually the reverse side of my Firework Chrysanthemum. The same flower, two completely different pieces. Both beautifully dramatic and yet so very different in appearance with the change in perspective.

More wonderfully red images can be found here.

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My photography is available for purchase - visit Around the Island Photography and bring home something beautiful today!
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If the photo you're wishing for is something you've seen here on the blog which isn't in my etsy shop yet just let me know and I'll happily list it for you.
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Ooh, look what I just did!

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Just listed in my etsy shop and customized to match your decor!
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Cool, huh?
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Squeeeee!

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One of my photos was accepted as a guest contribution to Fine Art Photoblog and it's just been published today! I am really thrilled to be there among such incredibly talented photographers, what an honor.

Click here to see which one gets it's name (err, pixels) up in lights.

(And did I mention "squeeeeee!"? I did. Oh. Nevermind then. Don't mind the crazy woman grinning wildly in the corner.)

And of course I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that you can purchase that very same photo, and many others, from Around the Island Photography - my online shop.
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Following in the footsteps of John the Baptist

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After talking about it for half of forever, yesterday my family and I FINALLY had the pleasure of meeting up with the lovely Dina from Jerusalem Hills Daily Photo for an afternoon's ramble around her beautiful Jerusalem Hills. Dina graciously took time away from her computer vigil (she's waiting for some VERY special news!) to show us some wonderful local sights, including the fascinating and very picturesque Monastery of St. John in the Wilderness. We all had a great day and can't wait to do it again soon.
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This Franciscan monastery is located on a cliff overlooking the Ein Kerem valley, where tradition says Elizabeth “felt life” when she met her kinswoman Mary, and where John the Baptist was born and raised. The monastery is built around the grotto where John and his mother are believed to have lived and the still-bubbling spring from which they drank.
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This beautiful fountain sits peacefully in the center of a pool of brightly colored goldfish just outside the entrance to the grotto.
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Click to enlarge

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This image and many others are available for purchase as high quality photographic prints from my etsy shop. Please stop by for a look today - I may have just what you need for that empty space on your wall or that perfect Mother's Day gift you've been looking for.
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Thank you too to everyone who has stopped by with words of comfort and encouragement the past few days. I appreciate you all more than words can say.
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Nectarine Blossoms

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Click to enlarge

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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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The Magic Carpet is Ready to Take Off - Get Your Ticket to Ride

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Comments on my OWOH giveaway are now closed. Thank you to all 270(!!!) of you for participating here, and to everyone who offered giveaways of their own. I've had a blast. A winner will be drawn and announced in a new post just as soon as I've packed my kids off to school.

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There is something magical happening in the blogosphere this month. The 2010 Global Blog Event One World One Heart is off and running, or rather flying, it is a Magic Carpet ride after all. Created by Lisa from A Whimsical Bohemian this event brings bloggers from the farthest corners of the globe together to share their worlds and their creations in one giant month-long giveaway extravaganza.
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I have no idea how I missed this in years past but I'm so glad to have heard about it now since it meshes so perfectly with what blogging means to me - the chance to connect and create a shared community with bloggers from around the world, to recognize and celebrate our shared humanity. To remember, and to remind ourselves, that what unites us is far, FAR stronger than what divides us.
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Here, around my island (no, not a tropical island (wouldn't that be nice) - my kitchen island, where my life happens - you can see it, right up there in my header) I use photography and writing to create those shared connections, to share with you my life here in Israel - as a woman, a wife, a mother, a photographer, and of course a blogger.
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Now that you're here grab a chair and make yourselves at home, there's always a fresh cup of coffee and a place around the island for friends both old and new.
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And in the spirit of One World One Heart, what could be more appropriate to offer than an olive branch, symbol of peace. I'd like to give one of you an 8x10 inch (18x25cm) print of my fine art photograph The Ancient Olive Tree, seen below, or any of the other fine art and nature photographs offered for sale in my etsy shop (one print in total, to be selected by the winner).
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Click to enlarge

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The technical blah blah:

• To enter, simply leave me a comment here on the blog.
• One entry (one comment) per person please.
• It's not a requirement for entry but if you do know which image you'd choose if you win I'd love to hear it.
• You don't need to be a blogger to win, but do make sure I have a way to contact you if you do.
• Comments on this post will close at the end of the day (Israel time) on 14 February to give me a chance to name a winner on 15 February 2010.
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Good luck, and don't forget to click on the Magic Carpet button on my sidebar to visit all the other giveaway participants.
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Spring is looming

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It's Tu B'Shvat (the New Year for the Trees - sort of a Jewish Arbor Day) this weekend (yesterday in fact) and the almond trees are in bloom - right on schedule.
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Not a moment too soon either, after the gray rainy weather we'd been having. Getting out into the fields on Thursday and seeing those trees bursting into flower was a true feast for the soul.
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Enjoy, and if you'd like to bring this feast of the senses to your own home pop over to my etsy shop - I'm adding several of them as we speak - including two real beauties that haven't yet made their grand entrance onto the blog.
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Click any of the above to enlarge

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How cool is this?!?

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Nu, what are you waiting for - click over and see what it is!

(And yes, I do have another blog. Nothing super secret about it, I use it to promote my etsy shop.)
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Shefayim Beach, 9 January 2010

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Click to enlarge

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

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PS I finally snagged an Etsy treasury spot - come check out this gorgeous collection highlighting Israeli creativity at its finest. (A treasury is a collection of items available for purchase around Etsy - it highlights items from other sellers according to whatever criteria catches your eye, in this case I've chosen to feature Israeli sellers. Be sure to check it out quickly, it's only valid for three days and there are some fabulous finds in there.)

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Pink Chrysanthemum

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Click to enlarge

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Hot off the press camera - shot this one this morning and loved it so much that it went straight to my etsy shop! Those pink petals really pop against the black background, and the faint checkerboard pattern on the petals (how does Mother Nature do that anyway?) add some great depth and texture to the image.
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8x10 Giveaway Winner and Happy Holidays to All

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Congratulations to Lissie from Training to be a Mummy for winning the Around the Island Photography giveaway over at As Good As Cake, and just in time for Christmas too. Remember, you can pick any image from my etsy store or even one from the blog. I can't wait to see which one you choose.
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Happy holidays to all who are celebrating, and speedy get well wishes to me - after all, I've got a blogger meet-up to get to Saturday night and this upper respiratory thing I've got going on is definitely NOT on the agenda!
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