Caedes

Artist Spotlight # 35

Submitted by mimi 10/11/08 8:07 AM GMT

I present to you the thirty-fifth extra hot artist to bask in the glow of the spotlight. Take a moment to leave some warm words of congrats as well as browsing his gallery of photo's as well as fractal creations.
I present to you Randy aka Hottrockin

Holy smokes whadda honor!! I’m just floored by the nomination. I’d like to thank everyone for the support and encouragement!!

My name is Randy Hager, aka “Rocker” or “Hottrockin”. My amazing wife, Suzanne, and I live in Jefferson City, MO along with my two best buddies, Charlie & Gabriel, our kitty kats. I work at a local hospital in finance and my wife is a paralegal for the State of Missouri.What’s in a name?? A friend many years back gave me the nickname, Rocker because of my love for music…especially hard rock, metal and speed. When I got a computer / internet of course Rocker@yaddayadda.whatever was taken. I thought I’d pay tribute to a great metal band Judas Priest and use one of their songs; Hot Rockin’, of course that was taken too. I decided to simply use Hot Rockin’ but added an extra T. I tell people it’s Hottrockin with two extra T’s ‘cause I’m extra hot!! Ha-ha on me!!

I found Caedes.net surfin’ the web back in 2005 looking for crazy, colorful & cool wallpapers of these abstract gaseous do-dad’s I later found out were called fractals. They mesmerized me!! Then the Mrs. & I decided to get a cat, we got Charlie. A few months went by and we decided to get Charlie a brother and we got Gabriel.

I got into photography due to Charlie & Gabriel. They’re just too cute and I was taking pics of them with my old Canon Snappy AF I got when I was a teenager. I sure didn’t like how the pictures turned out and as fate would have it the camera was left out on the table one night and the boys thought the lanyard was fun to play with and I awoke to find the camera on the floor and it now rattled, yup, they broke it. Having a PC I thought it only fitting to get a digital camera. In October 2005 I bought a Canon S2 IS. I wanted something nice, but not over-the-top and the point & shoot Canon seemed to be the ticket.

I really enjoy point & shoot photography as my main goal is to have fun. A big DSLR I’m sure is great, I just don’t want to get that involved with it, that’s just me. I really enjoy nature photography; landscapes, flowers, bugs, birds and butterflies. I was amazed once I got into it how much more I started to see things that I previously would’ve just walked by, I now see something there of interest. I didn’t always have my Canon S2 with me so I also bought a small Canon SD450 and I wear it on my belt every day.

My other hobbies include Fantasy Football which is in full swing right now. My wife & I enjoy watching NFL football and I really get into the fantasy aspect of the sport. I also have recently gotten back into shooting (pistol) which I did competition silhouette years ago. Now, I’m interested in action shooting and IDPA. My awesome wife’s hobby is cooking. She loves reading and researching recipes and is a fantabulous chef!! I guess my other hobby is enjoying all the superb food she cooks up!!

I enjoy all aspects of Caedes.net from posting / viewing, the discussion board and of course all the super people!! What makes it the most fun to me is not only enjoying nature photography, but, all other types as well as they give me ideas + I totally enjoy abstract / fractals and I enjoy doing some during the winter months when outdoor photography is kinda at a lull.

I’ve gained so much from the site and my family of friends to the new people who just came aboard and I thank each and every one of you for being you!! Again, from my heart, I appreciate the nomination for ‘Artist Spotlight’.

Randy

Comments

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::cynlee
10/14/08 3:34 AM GMT
Well, Randy, you got your star on the Walk of Fame. Congrats, Buddy. I looked at your gallery again and I don't think there is a fuller one on site! lol It's neat to see where you've been and to where you've come in your tenure at Caedes. Those eagle images of yours are simply the best and I have to applaud you for trying so many different kinds of images. Your enthusiasm is wonderful and catchy. I always appreciate your kind assistance when I have a question or two. Enjoy the recognition that you so richly deserve and keep on keepin' on. Cindy
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"Take it upon yourselves to be more forthright in your comments"* *Les (&purmusic)
::0930_23
10/14/08 4:38 AM GMT
Glad to see a neighbor receive this award Randy. It eases the pain of the Mizzou loss last Saturday. I am very familiar with your city and makes me feel like I know you.

I really enjoyed reading your bio and must say you are very deservant of this award. I have learned a lot from looking at your photos. You are a true asset to this site.

I am into Fantasy Fooball as well. I belong to a little league and get quite involved in it. We will have to share teams sometime. Enjoy Randy.

Tick
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I'll meet you at the edge of the sunlight, just behind the shadows. Anyone who does not like clouds, does not like to dream. The Ghost
::DigiCamMan
10/14/08 5:03 AM GMT
Way to go Rudy! Bout time eh? Glad to see you get the honor bud, you deserve it. Congratulations and keep on rockin.
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Lu 17:24 For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day. ........ My Gallery
.gerryp
10/14/08 5:23 AM GMT
Randy...this is well overdue!! I am happy for you...you really deserve this. gerry
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"The more we come in contact with animals, and observe their behaviour, the more we love them, for we see how great is their care for their young." - philosopher Immanuel Kant
::JQ
10/14/08 9:42 AM GMT
Yay, well done Randy, you deserve this one with your enthusiasm and funny comments that always make me smile! good on ya buddy, enjoy your month in the limelight! its nice to read your biography and learn a lil more about you too! keep on hottrockin! :-)
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.Gabbels
10/14/08 10:21 AM GMT
Congrats Randy! You really deserve this star. I too loved reading your biography and get to know you a little better.
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When you're through with life and all hope is lost. Hold out your hand 'cos friends will be friends - right till the end.
.Jhihmoac
10/14/08 10:38 AM GMT
Congrats to the Man! Always love your artistic contributions to the Community! Nice job, Buddy!

...And I kinda figured "Hottrockin" had something to do with the Priest tune...(Point of Entry album - circa 1981...I believe)
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"Who says the music's dead in the street?...Don't know what they talk about...I like my music wakin' up the dead...Don't tell me to turn it down!!!" - Motley Crue ... Visit Jhihmoac's Gallery
.ianmacappin
10/14/08 10:46 AM GMT
Hey You MR! Well deservered pal. Your a great laugh round here and a very talented photographer, artist and a good friend! Well done pal!

Ian :)
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Save the Cheerleader......Save the World! Ians gallery
.JEdMc91
10/14/08 10:52 AM GMT
Congrats on the spotlight! You deserve it for
Great work you do
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Music's the medicine of the mind. ~John A. Logan Visit My Gallery.
::twinkel
10/14/08 10:57 AM GMT
You really deserve to be in the spotlights, congrats Randy:)
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Better to fight for something, than to live for nothing! Love Life, Fight Cancer. WWW.Fight Cancer.nl
::LynEve
10/14/08 12:57 AM GMT
!! Congratulations Randy !!- well deserved - not only is your gallery a delight, you honestly and generously encourage others, and that makes the site go round. Keep in rockin and keep in clickin - you're the best!
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The question is not what you look at, but what you see ~ Marcel Proust
.alexis518
10/14/08 1:19 PM GMT
Congrats Randy! One of the things I enjoy most is your ability to go from photography to fractal and back. Your gallery is HUGE! Keep on rockin'.
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Much of the beauty in life is found in people who care.
::fogz
10/14/08 2:37 PM GMT
What took you so long Randy? I thought you would be knocking on the door of fame ages ago! lol! Well deserved! - really pleased to see you in the limelight!!
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..thanking you in advance for your comments. Please know that all your comments are appreciated....." Live well, love much, laugh often!" .... mygallery
::danika
10/14/08 3:01 PM GMT
Congratulations Randy! I enjoy both your photography & fractals. Enjoy your time in the spotlight ... it's a well deserved honor.
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Best wide-angle lens? Two steps backward. Look for the 'ah-ha'. Ernest Haas
::third_eye
10/14/08 3:44 PM GMT
Congrats, Randy! I wanted to get to exactly what it is I enjoy about your work, so I took a quick spin through your gallery. It was, and is, your effort, if not dedication, to going outside the box. To color not just within the lines, but on them, around them, and occasionally... nowhere near them.

You keep in touch with the "art" of it. Kudos!

(ok, are they gone? where's the 20 bucks you owe me for that?:P)
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Please, even if you don't visit my gallery, check out my "Faves".I've left them intact since day "1", and would like it if every image there got the attention they deserved.
::SEFA
10/14/08 5:21 PM GMT
Congratulations Randy! You really deserve this honour. I have enjoyed your varied images for over a year now, and it has been a pleasure and still is. Enjoy the spotlights my friend, your worth it :-)!!
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SEFA
.SatCom
10/14/08 6:33 PM GMT
Congratulations Randy. I told you a bird was speaking in my ear...lol. Great job to a well deserving artist and friend. Keep up the grand work and keep on rockin'.

PAul
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Sometimes I do get to places just when God's ready to have somebody click the shutter. - Ansel Adams....... My Gallery
::Jimbobedsel
10/14/08 10:17 PM GMT
Congrats. A well deserved honor Randy.

Jimbob
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Hey
+nmsmith
10/14/08 11:02 PM GMT
Congrats, too! I liked reading your spill up above - it's always nice to learn something new about the people here at Caedes. I'm always appreciative of you taking time to comment on my work. And I always enjoy your posts, although I don't seem to have much time to comment as I used to. You do fine work, and deserve the spotlight. Have a great day, my friend. Give my best to the rest of the family (wife and kitties). :)

Nathan
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::jswgpb
10/15/08 1:08 AM GMT
Wipes away tear......awww shucks, you touched my heart ya ol' Rockin' hillbilly you. :) LOL Enough of that. Finally got some due huh buddy ?? Richly deserved I must say..........although your art and photos always blow me away........many talents and I'm jealous. :) I'm just pleased as punch for ya Randy, always knew you'd be in the spotlight. Grab it all while you can.........it don't last long ROFL Say hi to Susanne and the puddy tats for me. :) All bow to the Top Mucker. :) J
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Always remember - Follow the Yellow Brick Road, it will lead you to the Emerald City and OZ A very nice place to be. Trust me on this one, I live there. The Lion **** MY CAEDES GALLERY****Another Site I'm AT - MY DA HOME PAGE
::Joanie
10/15/08 2:35 AM GMT
I knew you'd be here someday!..lol..I'm so proud of you buddy! Without you, I wouldn't be where I am, which is alot further than I was a year ago. You were always so helpful to me and for THAT I'M truly grateful! You're such a pro in photos and fractals and you surely deserve this honor. You make sure and tell Suzanne that I said she's one lucky lady and she better treat you right, or else!..lol..You two look so cute together! Take it easy buddy and I'll be looking forward to more of your beauties!
Joanie
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Love and live.
::bean811
10/15/08 2:57 AM GMT
Hey Randy...BIG CONGRATS on the spotlight. Definitely well-deserved my friend. I'm always a fan of all your nature shots, you have such a great eye. And it's really refreshing that you can do some really great stuff and not have to go out a buy the most expensive equipment.

Oh...and anyone else who is as big a fan of fantasy football as I am, is ok in my book!
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Check out my website
::verenabloo
10/15/08 5:29 AM GMT
Hey Hottieman!! I liked reading your bio...it was great fun to "get to know you" a bit more thru that. As you well know, I have always loved your creations, but especially some of the flowers, since you've allowed me to do canvas paintings of them, and I loved every second of that. I love kidding around with you and looking at your great fractals, in fact, I have your newest one gracing my desktop right now. Those bold colours are wicked good!! Enjoy this time in the limelight...and just keep on doing what you're doing! Bravo huneyber bravo!!. Verena
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Sometimes when we are generous in small, barely detectable ways it can change someone elses life forever.
::solita17
10/15/08 7:39 AM GMT
Alright, Mr Hottrockin'! Way to go! And it's about time, sez I. Your gallery of fractals and photos is... well... it just rocks! I enjoyed your bio and getting to know you, and I always enjoy your comments on my pix. You are a steady and talented presence here at Caedes. And so... rock on!
mary
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"Never let your studies interfere with your education." - Pete Seeger
.J_272004
10/15/08 9:51 AM GMT
Finally! its about time you got honored ;) Your Fantabulous gallery from Fractals to Flora to Feathered & Furry Friends is Full of colour and too hard to chose a one fav. Its always a pleasure to look at your work.

Your honest comments and suggestions are enjoyed by one and all..

Time to sit back, put your feet up, relax and enjoy all the limelight..

(now where's my coffee, chocolate and the $20 you promised)
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MY GALLERY ........... "You are not alive unless you know you are living." Amadeo Modigliani
::100k_xle
10/15/08 12:03 AM GMT
SUPER CHOICE !

Congratulations Randy !
I think your Diverse Gallery Shows just how Deserving You are of this Honor.
Wildlife, Butterflies, Flowers, Landscapes, Fractals, etc.
Also the Fact that you've captured these with a Simple Point and Shoot makes it even more Impressive.

Keep 'Em Comin Pard !

BTW......Did Les help you with That Bio ? LOL.

E J

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Ribbit ! Hop on over to my Pad.
::Dunstickin
10/15/08 4:25 PM GMT
"Rock On Rocker"!!...

'Bout bloody time too!...couldn't have happened to a nicer chap...

Enjoy the accolades pal...you deserve them!...

I raise a glass in celebration..

"Slainte"
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* To Believe in myself and have faith in my Photography * OwdBob'sGallery
::RKG
10/15/08 4:44 PM GMT
A fine choice for not only an accomplished artist, but also for a helpful and very friendly individual,(Should also get an award for best creative comments). Good one and congratulations Randy.
regards
Rick
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::Roseman_Stan
10/15/08 5:57 PM GMT
Congrats Randy. Keep it fun indeed!

Stan
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“Won't you come into the garden? I would like my roses to see you” - Richard Brinsley Sheridan
.Inkeri
10/15/08 7:47 PM GMT
BIG CONGRATS RANDY ! A well deserved honor.
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.Tootles
10/15/08 7:53 PM GMT
Congratulations Randy, great to see you in the limelight. Rock on!
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::egggray
10/15/08 9:49 PM GMT
DUDE, YOU ROCK!! It was only a matter of time for you to be given this award. You have been an influence to me for a long time. You even gave me advice on how to get better raptor photos. I can't believe the great photos you produce with just a point and shoot, that just proves it is the photographer not the camera. Great bio and I look forward to meeting you some day. Your gallery is top notch. Keep up the good work, glad to know you as a friend...Gregg
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Please visit my website if you wish to purchase prints or framed photos of my work....http://www.redbubble.com/people/ziggy7
::EmilyH
10/16/08 12:08 AM GMT
Congrats!!! Glad to see you get this award. :)
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Imagination is more important than knowledge. -- Albert Einstein
&purmusic
10/16/08 1:55 AM GMT
Congratulations Randy.

Another well-deserved nomination and Artist Spotlight. :o)


Heeeyyyy ... wait a sec ... "camera - shoot" ... "IDPA - shoot" ... you seeing what I am seeing here?

:oP


Thank you for sharing your time, efforts and creative talents with us. This viewer/member appreciates your work ... and words.

*waves to Randy's wife and his kit kats*
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"Be the change you wish to see in the world." -Gandhi
::jeenie11
10/16/08 2:55 AM GMT
A guy who photographs flowers and chuhuly...........perfection. i always enjoy what you bring to the table. your gallery is filled with all kinds of things and all kinds of genres. you seem to be anxious to try new things. i so admire that trait! congratulations on the feeling shared by many of us......that you do FINE work.
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sorry if i don't comment on each of your pictures. to those of you who comment so often, i can't imagine how you get it done! i for one am always extremely grateful for the kind comments and suggestions that you make. Please Visit My Gallery
::sasraku
10/16/08 10:36 AM GMT
Whoop, Whoop, well done Randy, about time 2 matey......
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No trees were killed in the sending of this message. However, a large number of electrons were terribly inconvenienced.
::wheedance
10/17/08 2:52 AM GMT
Great big congrats! An honor well deserved! I love reading how you got into photography, too. I'll have to go through your gallery and look for pictures of those cats of yours. Hilda
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All of earth is crammed with heaven And every bush aflame with God But only those who see take off their shoes. - Elizabeth Barrett Browning<p> mygallery
::laurengary
10/17/08 3:01 AM GMT
Congratulations Randy ! I'm so glad to see you get this honor hon !!! I've always enjoyed your fractals & your photographs are just as fantastic ! Plus you give encouragement & honest critique as needed, both of which are equally important. So enjoy your time in the sun ... & I'll spring for your pancakes !!
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I've got amnesia & deja vu at the same time. I think I've forgotten this before ! ......CLICK TO SAVE LIVES ! .......MY GALLERY
::muggsy
10/17/08 11:37 PM GMT
Well done and well deserved Randy. You my friend, are what Caedes is all about. An active member, a helpful member, often amusing, slightly off the wall at times ... but when one has your talent and dedication ... they're entitled to a little eccentricity. :) You keep right on "Rockin" my friend and enjoy this honor so aptly given to you.
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Just an old "Grampa" who still has a Kodak "Box" camera kicking around the attic ... learning and enjoying the wonders of modern digital photography.
::nigelmoore
10/18/08 5:01 AM GMT
Your day came mister and it's well-deserved. You have your own style on this site both in photography and comments. I always love it when I see one of your electric comments on an image I've posted. You have a way of getting to the point in a few words and making me smile. I also appreciate the honest critiques you leave where that's what's needed. And I like what you've said about keeping photography fun - I feel the same, although I am a DSLR fan. Keep on Rockin' Randy, and congratulations on this honour.
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"A camera is an instrument that teaches people how to see without a camera." Dorothea Lange
=ppigeon
10/18/08 2:43 PM GMT
Hello Randy!
Congratulations! Nearly three years you are registered on the site. Happy birthday ;-)
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-Pierre-
.Genver
10/18/08 4:02 PM GMT
Congratulations,it is well deserved,you have very nice photos.
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.mmynx34
10/19/08 12:07 AM GMT
Well deserved indeed.. CONGRATS Randy!!!!!!!!!! (more i can't really say.. cos all has been said already.. you're gallery ROX!!!!

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Marietha ****Live every day as if it's your last... and take "pictures" of it ;) ****
::tigger3
10/19/08 12:10 AM GMT
Hey Randy, I'm kind of late on the congrads but, I did want to say congradulations. Your a good one to add to the those who have made this honor. Way to go Randy! :)
=^..^= sandi ♪ ♫ ♪
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Nature in all her glory is my uplift on life and so is my love of photography. ♪ ♫ ♪sandi ♪ ♫ ♪
::phasmid
10/20/08 8:25 PM GMT
Big Congrats, Randy. I think that This Peacock is one of my very fave uploads of yours.

You certainly deserve the accolades your friends have left, and I have only one complaint....where'd the MAD contests go?

Enjoy.

:)PJ
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We don’t make art to show someone what something looks like. All this requires is eyes (or a lens). Art is supposed to have meaning, emotion, power, or magic. Alan & Mario "FourThirds"
::allisontaylor
10/21/08 1:17 PM GMT
Truly enjoyed reading your bio. Encouraging and interesting. Creative writer as well, love the one liners! Thanks for sharing your art!
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::_SNAPDRAGON_
10/22/08 12:55 AM GMT
Hi Randy, congratulations on this much deserved honour. One of the great things about your gallery is the variety of different and wonderful images there, thankyou so much for sharing them with us and keep up the awesome work:) All the best, Kelcey.
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.corngrowth
10/24/08 7:03 AM GMT
Congratulations Randy. It's great honour to be in the 'Caedes Hall of Fame' now. Very well deserved as you've worked very hard on that by providing us a lot of excellent images. Thanks for that.
Regards, Cornelius.
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Better a good amateur than a bad professional. This amateur was here! Don't however say that I'm a good one (lol). Click HERE to see my work!
.Ramad
10/24/08 3:53 PM GMT
Congratulations, Randy on joining the list of famous artists of Caedes. I have had a look in your gallery and am quite impressed by what I found there. Keep them coming, I say.
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If practice makes perfect and nobody is perfect, then why practice?
.rozem061
10/26/08 9:25 AM GMT
Congratulations, Randy !!!!
John
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::tee
10/28/08 11:44 PM GMT
Congratulations!! I really enjoy your work and I'm looking forward to seeing much more. Way to go -
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So many pics and so little time can mean just one thing - it must be - tee time
::marcaribe
10/31/08 5:20 PM GMT
Congratulations Randy,
I remember your first comment on my pic of a bug splattered red car next to a tent in the desert, it did make an impression on me and took notice of you and learned to appreciate your creative and artistic ability. You are a true Photo Guru! Your bud Diane
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purr
.jesusrocks13
11/11/08 3:34 AM GMT
You are quite deserving of the honor Randy. From the day I chose to add you as a friend to keep up with your posts I have been thoroughly joyed to see Mr. Hottrockin's images pop up in my friends page. You're joy for photography and your insistence upon having a great deal of fun with it has been truly inspiring. I hope you enjoy the honor as your work possesses so much beauty and artistry. I have been honored to enjoy your gallery over the past months.

-Emily
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::WENPEDER
11/16/08 1:20 AM GMT
Congrats, Randy! I've admired your work for some time. Glad to see you receive this honor! Wen
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carynvicki
11/21/08 7:20 AM GMT
i love the puzzle it goes perfect on the desktop with a square sidebar clock. thumbs up for your great work!! thanks :) caryn e
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.angelledaemon
11/24/08 5:38 AM GMT
Congrats, Randy!!!
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Angelle "Ya, but she's our witch so cut her the hell down." Malcom Reynolds...Firefly "Safe"
+photoimagery
11/26/08 11:35 PM GMT
Randy, It's about time your art was recognized. It is well deserved.
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.mesmerized
11/28/08 5:10 AM GMT
Sorry I didn't get here sooner to congratulate you on this deserved recognition but work has been keeping me way too busy and seriously cutting into my caedes time...if this keeps up I think I oughtta' demand a raise, lol...meantime, let me just add my kudos on a very impressive and skilled gallery...there's something in there for everyone...and your sense of humor and unique way of expressing yourself around the site add to its' color and entertainment...well done and keep on rockin'.
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::joeysparadise
12/04/08 1:50 AM GMT
What the H#@!. I could have swore I posted a congratulations and well deserved on this darn thing a long time ago. Well sorry for taking so long because of my delusional thought. This is incredibly well deserved. Keep up the great work and insightful, enlightening, and comically cool collectively creative comments!
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There are no words to describe, only in the deepest fathoms of our subconscious do the explanations reside. ~~~~~~~ MY EXHIBITION GALLERY ~~~~~~~~.

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