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And, since it is Love Thursday, I’d like to share a couple of photography links that I’m loving right now:

• Have you checked out the Official White House flickr photo stream?  Couple of things -  who doesn’t love a little bokeh with their President? what about Bo in the cabinet room? Fun times.  AND The EXIF data is even available ~ love~.
• Pioneer Woman on why she went back to shooting in JPEG.  Especially important to me since I recently switched to shooting in RAW, and it is taking up LOADS of SPACE.
• Laura Letinsky’s beautiful captures of the “after party”.
• 1000 words – Ever heard the saying, “A picture is worth a thousand words?”  The premise is simple, a story of exactly 1000 words to go with a photo.  Once a month. Totally brings imagery to life.

As usual, find more images and stores of love at Chookooloonks.

One thing that is undeniable though – their testament of love made me smile!

Happy Love Thursday!

Three things that I love ~

1. Carrying my camera with me everywhere I go.  I love to freeze moments in time that I don’t ever want to forget.
2. The first few minutes I spend every morning snuggling in bed with my two year old.  I love the quiet peace that we share together during that time – no words, no interruptions, just us.
3. The sound of my mother’s laugh.  I promise you, the sound of her heartfelt joy can bring a smile to my face even when I am blue.

Happy Love Thursday!

Last weekend, my nephews decided to collect “mountain crystals” (a.k.a. rocks) and sell them for $10 – no sales tax included, mind you.

As they held the rocks up for me to see and inspect, I noticed that the one sitting on the top spoke of love….

Needless to say, they did not make any sales.   But they surely had a wonderful time!

Have a wonderful Love Thursday!

Returning home on  Sunday, I noticed this red balloon tied to a fence along a dirt path. The fence has always been closed, but that day, it was simply adorned with a bit of love.

I could probably dream of a couple reasons why this balloon was here, but I’ll leave it up to your imagination…..

No rhyme or reason, no explanation – just a random act of kindness left behind.  Upon first glance, this warmed my heart, and I hope it does the same for you.

Happy Love Thursday!

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Thanks for all of your support from yesterday’s post on my launch and giveaway.  I really appreciate all of your kind words of encouragement!

This could easily be a corner that is stressful, a corner that most people would stay away from.  However, I’ve tried to create a soulful place here by surrounding myself with bits and pieces of happiness, of love.   It works wonders!

As always, find more images and stories of love here.

We were lugging a toddler, picnic basket, blanket, balls, and the rest of the gear needed to entertain a two year at the park.  I looked over my shoulder and spotted this couple.  No blanket, no extras, no responsibilities – just holding each other.  Simple, simple – love.

You remember this moment, right?  I sure do.

When you were young, had no responsibilities, and the only thing you cared about was being with that one person.  Love was enough – it was all you needed.

Then add marriage, jobs, mortgage, insurance, kids . . . . you get the idea.

But just for this moment, let’s remember how sweet young love is – how consuming, intoxicating, and wonderful it is.

Happy Love Thursday!  View more images and stories of love here.

I never did believe anyone who told me I couldn’t bottle the sky.

Here’s to a the beginning of a wonderful week!  Cheers.

Give a chance to the sincere at heart,

Give inspiration to those in need;

and when there’s nothing left to give,

give love…

~Musiq Soulchild

Find more images and stories of love at Chookooloonks.

This card gives me the warm fuzzies because I know all of the time and love spent to make it.  I hope it does the same for you.  Happy Love Thursday!