June 14, 2012

Freshening Up and Summer Fun


Hi everyone!! Oh, how I've missed you.

On the off chance you've been sitting around, wondering to yourself, "Gee, where's Tricia?" let me tell you that my computer decided to quit working. And since I have a lame phone and no laptop, I've been in a state of limbo since my new computer arrived, which it finally did. Yay!!

Anyway, since I wasn't spending time online, I freshened things up around my house a bit instead. I'd been keeping a watchful eye on my neighbor's peonies...waiting...waiting...waiting for them to bloom so I could talk her out of a few. She happily obliged.  


I actually took more than a few. I filled a big bucket full of blooms for my living room and then once they started to fade, I thinned them out and moved them into the dining room. Oh, aren't peonies such a pretty flower?!



Okay, just so I can pretend this cute photo of my son is somehow related to all the other pictures in this post, I'll tell you that the window to the dining room is right there behind him. See? Now it fits in with all the others :)


Oh, one last thing, I have to show you something new that I added to the dining room...our summer fun list. After I saw the one that Tara at Between You and Me made, I decided that we needed one too. My daughter sure loved that project. She was coming up with totally random things that had nothing to do with fun though...like that her brother couldn't eat any apples. What? In her mind, he eats way too many apparently. A lot of the things on our list did seem to involve food. Doesn't a s'more and picking fresh strawberries sound good?  

I used a chalk marker to write out my list. Have you ever tried one of those? Wow..loved that thing. I got it from Tracy at Loving Pretty Things, along with a bunch of other goodies that I had won in a giveaway she held awhile back. Thanks, Tracy :)


Well, people, that's that.  Hope you're having a stellar week :)

xo


I'm sharing my post at:
Vintage Inspiration Friday
Feathered Nest Friday

94 comments:

  1. wonderful photos ... love the third!
    all the best
    amy

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  2. I ♥ peonies! Unfortunately my peonies in the garden do not come into blossom, so I had to buy some...but it's worth it :-).
    I like your summer fun list, that is a good idea to motivate.
    Have a nice week,
    Barbara

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  3. What a beautiful home you have. That peonies are gorgeous.

    Have a great day

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  4. These pics are gorgeous and I love the flowers! :-)

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  5. Beautiful!!I love your pictures SO MUCH:))

    Hugs from Vibeke in sunny Norway today!!

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  7. What a great idea with Summer Fun. Pions of course wonderful as all your photos

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  8. Beautiful photos Tricia! I love peonies but have never grown any. When our kids were young we used to have a jar that held slips of paper for things to do--some involving work, and some just for fun. Otherwise the kids would lay around all summer. But now they are all grown with the youngest being 15 years old, and all she wants to do is hang out with friends.

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  9. So glad to see you back, Tricia! I love the peonies.

    I didn't know you had a son! I think that's the first picture I've seen of him :) - I've seen your lovely daughter in a number of your posts, but this was a first!

    Your pictures are gorgeous, as always!

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  10. So glad you're back! I was missing your gorgeous photos and you didn't disappoint me today. I've got to plant some peonies in our yard. I left them behind at our old house and I think they were mowed over. Who does that?! Your sone is adorable holding the black cat, which ties in nicely with the black chalkboard. Now I've got to go back to look at your pretty pictures one more time. :@

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  11. Great post , Tricia ! :)
    Great home , great flowers , kid and cat :)))

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  13. Hi Tricia! Yes, I missed your beautiful photos :) Your peonies are so divine and that kitty cat looks exactly like mine!
    Cas x

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  14. I love the summer fun chalkboard! Your house has beautiful lighting and the peonies fit perfectly in there :) And the pic of your son totally fits!

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  15. Yay, I always love getting to see photos of your beautiful home!
    The peony on the worn wood stool? Gorgeous!!!
    And your son is such a cutie!
    I hope you guys have the BEST summer!!

    xoxo
    Lisa

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  16. Such a beautiful, positive and invigorating post, Tricia! I hope you feel the same way. Gorgeous photos and charming son :) Good luck getting the activities on you summer fun list all done!

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  17. Beautiful peonies! Your photos are fantastic...next best thing to being there. I have peony envy. LOL The two corms that I planted have yet to be seen.

    I love that you included your handsome son in your post.

    All the best,

    ♥charlotte

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  18. Hello!
    Tricia, how are you?
    Peonies have been my fave flowers, they are gorgeous! Love your board!

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  19. I'm glad your computer woes are over. I've missed you. Your son is adorable!
    Brenda

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  20. So inspirational! Your dining room is to die for . . .

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  21. Gorgeous pictures!

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  22. Well, you were definitely missed! Glad it was just a computer issue and nothing more. Looks like you made good use of your time. Those peonies really are breathtaking. And your son is precious. Glad to see you back!

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  23. soo beautiful!!! xoxo (now I need a chalk pen!) lol...

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  24. Your pictures look like they are right out of a magazine! Oh, and my cute little buddy...and can't help but smile when I see his face!

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  25. Wonderful photos!! Best wishes, Carmen

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  26. I was indeed wondering where you were!
    Ugh, computers! Isn't it amazing just how much we come to depend on these little things??

    Your dining room looks beautiful, and what a handsome young man your son is.

    I love the idea of a summer fun list. The kids must be so excited.

    Gorgeous photographs as always Tricia! xo.

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  27. Too bad about the computer, but isn't amazing what one can accomplish w/o it! The peonies are beautiful...I particularly like the little peony holding the cat!

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  28. Your dining room and images are stunning. Your son and cat even more so.

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  29. I think we could all get a lot done if we stayed away from our computer's for awhile. Look what you accomplished!! Those peonies are stunning, ours are long gone. You always have such lovely vignettes.

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  30. Your flowers are gorgeous. Your dining room is gorgeous. Your photos are gorgeous. Your son is totally handsome!

    We did a similar summer bucket list that I posted on a couple of posts ago. Such a fun project!

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  32. Well, you little break turned into a great post. I love that you worked in your son by the dining room window! What a cutie. I'm glad we got to see him. What a smile he has. A charmer for sure. All your images are intriguing. Such great photography! Hope you'll stop over and see me at Quirky Vistas. I'm following now.
    Liz

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  33. Beautiful pictures I love the flower = and the chandelier. I just think your table is beautiful too.

    Cynthia

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  34. You are right these peonies are really beautiful. What a nice neighbour you have :))
    Your home looks really nice - I love all of the white and lovely light you have there.
    So glad to hear you have a fully functioning computer again. Happy blogging :))

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  35. how FUN your board is - and it is so beautiful with the chalk pen - SO glad you like it! xoxo

    Of course those peonies are TO.DIE.FOR. and your styling is fabulous. HUGS! xoxo

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  36. Beautiful photos with the peonies. Love the idea of the summer fun list, and your son is adorable.
    Mary Alice

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  37. OH. What beautiful photos, Tricia! Your son is a cutie! Your dining room is so lovely...inside and out...and love the summer fun list!

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  38. It's always a pleasure to come by and see your beautiful rooms and photos. Your Summer Fun chalkboard is wonderful! I have to check out that marker. Great picture of your young fellow!

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  39. Your pictures are beautiful as always!!! I look forward to seeing you at My Dream Canvas. Have a great day. Anu

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  40. Tricia, your dining room is beautiful and the peonies are lovely. Both of your children are absolutely adorable. It's always so much fun to visit you. Beautiful photos. Have a great weekend.

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  41. Hi Tricia~~ Your home is so beautiful and I just love all your photos. Those peonies are to die for. They dont grow here and they are one of my favs. They come to our market once a year and everyone is ready to grab them.
    Have a wonderful night and welcome back
    ~Cheryl

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  42. Every time I see your dining room it looks even lovelier! The peonies are gorgeous and I imagine the entire house smelled wonderful. What a darling picture of your son!

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  43. Beautiful Tricia....how about a trip to the new house to spruce things up for me:) Great to see a picture of your son and the sweet kitty! Hope your Summer is off to a great start.

    Tiffany

    No peonies in my new yard...just ordered a catalog to pick a few out:)

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  44. Seeing your beautiful peonies make me miss mine soooo much, Tricia! I cut my last ones last week. :( But it was a wonderful year for them and I had them in every room of this old house. ♥

    xoxo laurie

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  45. Oh I'm so glad you're back. I hope you were able to enjoy your technology break. Your home looks so pretty. I love your shelving unit in your dining room. Is that new? I want one, I just don't really have a place for one :( Never apologize for adding sweet photos of your children. They always fit in. He looks like a sweetheart. Have a great weekend.

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  46. What gorgeous peonies your neighbor has! And so sweet to share them with you. I love the color of them. Your photos are as stunning as always.

    ~Shanon

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  47. Beautiful!!

    Danke für die wunderbaren Fotos!

    Liebe Grüße von Danny

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  48. how lovely!
    you have a beautiful blog!
    I'll follow you.
    I'll be happy if you check out my blog and maybe follow back too :)

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  49. I really like your summer dining room!;)

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  50. Welcome back - so glad to hear it was just a computer glitch! The peonies are beautiful, one my favorite flowers. What pretty photos of your home and love the chalkboard.

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  51. Tricia, your photos are truly beautiful... as are your peonies. I only wish I could grow them here in Australia, but unfortunately they don't like tropical weather.

    I'd love it if you'd consider sharing this post at Shabbilicous Friday ~ http://shabbyartboutique.blogspot.com.au/2012/06/shabbilicious-friday-156.html

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  52. Hello Tricia

    You really know how to use a camera such gorgeous photos

    Denise
    x

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  53. those pictures are just gorgeous, I loooove them!

    thanks and a big hello from Spain,
    elena

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  54. So much gorgeousness! :)
    You son is adorable. Have a lovely weekend.

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  55. Simply beautiful Tricia!!~
    Your home and photos are always breathtaking!!
    I'll have to pop out and get me one of those chalk markers, too cool!
    Hope you have a lovely weekend.
    Sincerely,
    Melinda

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  56. absolutely lovely. so clean and simple, with a such character. love it!

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  57. Your blog is so peaceful and serene. I love your colors in your little dinette. SO crisp and fresh! The peonies are the perfect topping. A new follower, Andrea

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  58. I love, love peonies! I wish I could grow one in my front yard but they don't seem to do well in Florida. Did I tell you recently how much I love your photos? They are wonderful!

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  59. What absolutely lovely peonies! Your photos and styling are just divine, and your home is simply beautiful and so refreshing! Such a delight! I know it is a joy to you!
    Thank you for sharing your loveliness!
    Have a wonderful weekend,
    Blessings,
    Becky

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  60. Oh how I love peonies! You have captured them so well! What a treat to visit here and experience such beauty! Thanks Tricia! Your son is so handsome! Have a great day!

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  61. So glad to have you back! Your images are as beautiful as ever! It was nice to go out into your garden and meet your son!
    ~Lynne
    w/L.

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  62. what a lovely display! I love peonies!! Your son is so cute!!

    Debbie

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  63. Beautiful pics, Tricia,
    and I need to get a
    chalk marker as I do
    have a couple of chalk
    boards and I can never
    write that small with
    regular chalk. Your
    son is a cutie!!

    xo Suzanne

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  64. Wonderful lovely pictures! Have a great weekend, Carolina

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  65. Hi Tricia
    Oh my......that is a wonderful post :)
    peonies are almost like my roses....
    and do not miss.....

    S
    A
    T
    U
    R
    D
    A
    Y

    S
    H
    O
    W

    O
    F
    F

    it is FUN :)
    WELCOME
    Håkan ( The Roseman)

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  66. Such gorgeous photos. Your sons photo just makes me smile. I do hope you are enjoying your summer..

    HUgs~

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  67. Your photography is breathtaking and your dining room is just too beautiful for words. I'm pinning it on my PINTEREST boards as soon as I leave here.
    Blessings & hugs,
    Karen

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  68. Hi Tricia! Well, this post and your beautiful photos are certainly adding fun to my list! The peonies are so perfect in your dining room – don't you wish you could have them all year? I wish I had such a neighbor, I must admit!

    Thanks again for stopping by and wishing you a lovely Sunday.

    xo

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  69. Oh Tricia my dear! No matter how long I am away from blogland, your blog NEVER ceases to amaze me with your lovely photos and home whenever I stop in to visit!!! What can I say that I haven't already said...truly, truly BEAUTIFUL and inspiring! And I too have had "pretty pink peonies" on my mind. They were in my wedding bouquet when I got married in June, so whenever June comes around...I look for them at Trader Joe's bc unfortunately, I can't seem to grow them here! lol Anyway, you've now inspired me to have a vase full of these pretty blooms! Wishing you a lovely Father's Day weekend with your family!!!


    Hugs,
    Jessie

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  70. What a gorgeous post Tricia! As always, your photos make me swoon and seeing into your home is such a treat! Your home is amazing and when I get to see a new view I take it ALL in.
    I love peonies (as you know :) and will be snapping away now that they are finally in bloom. I sure wish they bloomed at least twice a year.
    Your son is such a doll! I think his photo fits in more than perfectly.
    sending hugs...

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  71. Beautiful and always awe inspiring!

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  72. I love when Peonies are in season. I just wish that season was longer. Beautiful photos!

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  73. Dear Tricia,

    thnaks a lot for your comment - I like the style of your pics, they are absolutely amazing!

    Big hugs from Germany to Minnesota.

    Amalie

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  74. Hey! Many nice pictures and details in this blog; I´ll keep on following you :)

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  76. Hi!
    Just stoping by for some inspiration!
    It's allways a great pleasure to wath your lovely photos!

    Have a great Wednesday:o)
    Helene

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  77. Beautiful photos of stunning peonies! I sure wish I had better luck growing them. I had ONE bloom this year. HA!
    Never heard of a chalk marker...you can write on a chalkboard with it?? Cool!!
    Blessings~

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  78. GORGEOUS peonies! How lucky you are to have such a generous neighbor =)...I want to move in nearby! I always love seeing shots of your dining room. And your son is adorable! Don't you just love those chalk markers? I have become addicted to them - haha!

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  79. Hi Tricia! so many things to love, especially that chalkboard! But I have a thing for black kitties, so that's such a great shot with your son, black kitties and cute kids go with any post. So glad you joined in, I'll be featuring this post on Vintage Inspiration tomorrow, xoxo

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  80. I haven't been around much either...life does get in the way, doesn't it?!!Hahaaa
    LOVE Peonies and your Son is So handsome!
    Happy Wednesday!
    hughugs

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  82. Dearest sweet tricia, this is such a beautiful post and everything just make me smile!! I love all your gorgeous photo and also that really adorable photo of your son!! :) Oh wow i love that Summer fun list in that gorgeous chalkboard!! LOVE LOVE LOVE. Happy summer sweet friend and love to you!

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  83. Your home is beautiful and I love all the WHITE...the pink is very pretty also. Peony's are my favorite spring flower so I'm with you on this one.

    Thanks so much for visiting my blog...I'm just getting started and I really need to put more time into it. Time is what I'm lacking though...LOL
    Have a great day.

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  84. Great pictures! I´m your newest followers! Can I put you on my bloglist?
    It would be a pleasure for me!
    xoxo

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  85. I LOVE peonies!!! You are so fortunate to have a neighbor that grows them! There's just something about them that's beyond the beauty of other flowers. And them look so fresh and summery in your gorgeous dining room. BTW your son is so handsome and the kitty is super cute.

    Cindy at Rosehaven Cottage

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  86. I'm so very happy you are back. I'm swooning over these lovely images too. I planted peonies this year and we had three lovely blooms. I look forward to a full flowering bush of them.Computer stuff...yuck...glad things have worked out. I featured you on a post on Friday :-) xo P.S. the photo of your son and cat is precious too

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  87. Love Peonies, they always make me think of my Mum because I remember how excited she was when the would bloom in our garden when I was a child.Your pictures are always so inspiring..........you should put together a coffee table book.I know it would always be on my coffee table xx

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  88. I really am in love with your photography.
    Thank you so much for inspire me all the time!

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  89. Love your home! So pretty!! I really want that shelf!
    You photos are stunning as usual!

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  90. Love, love, love those peonies! I wish they lasted longer but they're beauty makes up for it. Loving your chalkboard and the summer fun list! Thanks for brightening my day, Tricia! xo

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  91. hey ;-) i`m just looking for a new post ... how are you?
    hugs
    amy

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  92. I've been horrible at visiting this month....it's been all I can do to post halfway consistently...I guess that's what summer is all about!

    Thanks for the shout out...I pinned your summer list.
    Next on my list???? A chalk paint marker!!!!

    It looks so CRISP!

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  93. That shade of pink with that shade of green is just so lovely! Beautiful images!

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  94. Your photo's are gorgeous!!! Trying to follow a pin from pinterest, can't find that one but found so many inspirational images. Love it!

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