Caedes

Artist Spotlight # 31.

Submitted by mimi 03/30/08 4:53 AM GMT

I present the next artist to be spotlighted for April (no Fooling:)
She has taken a short break from her travels and shooting images to write a bio which is below. So, grab yourself a cuppa coffee, tea or a cold drink, kick back and take a minute to leave a few congratulatory words below for jeenie11 and browse her gallery of canyons, oceans and magnolias amongst other very interesting items.

I am beyond thrilled at being nominated as a featured artist. It’s such a huge honor. I don’t know who my angel (s?) is/are but know that you have presented me with a wonderful gift! Thanks so much! You know me as Jeenie11. It’s a nickname my husband gave me a million years ago. It’s short for Jeenie the Weenie. My real identity is Jennifer Hanhila. I live in Phoenix, Arizona. I have 4 children and 9 grandchildren. They and my husband of almost 45 years, Matt, are by far the most important things in my life.

BUT ……

I am addicted to photography. One can always find some kind of camera on me. In 1963, my mother (a widow) married a man who owned a big photo lab here in Arizona. The key words here are FREE PROCESSING. My first camera as an adult was a Kodak Instamatic 400. We took millions of pictures with it. After all if you’re not sure a picture is good enough take a few more to be certain. My husband served in Viet Nam in 1966. He went to Hong Kong and purchased a Minolta SRT 101. We still have it and a slew of lenses. We graduated to a Canon élan 7. When digital first happened my kids bought me a Sony mavica…you know, the one that used floppy disks. My brother, a fantastic professional photographer, decided that I needed to get a Canon digital. So I got a canon D60 which had a really nice 28-105 lens……just a regular one. I was thrilled with the camera and thought my photography was approaching genius! I took myself on a little trip to Edisto Island, SC…. where the camera and I fell in the ocean! The camera was history but surprisingly the lens works. (I keep the camera because I’m pretty sure that one of these days it will come back to life!). My husband who was meeting me the next day showed up with a box my brother had stocked with a Canon 10D and a 28-135 IS lens. He broke the bad news to my husband. I was too afraid to do it. It was a great combo and many of my uploads are taken with it. My next BIG indulgence was the 16-35mm lens. Being that my other name is gadget girl I used some inheritance to buy the 5D. It’s wonderful but so intimidating. I really need lessons. I have a 70-300mm lens(I use it with the 10D) and one of the 24-105mm L lenses. Other toys in my camera closet are a Canon SD800is and a newly purchased Canon G9. Don’t say it….I know I’m spoiled!

I am a 2 time survivor of the big “C”. I think photography was a huge factor in helping me NOT think about myself. Finding new locations and adventures became far more interesting. Photoshop is perfect for a control freak like me. Add caedes into the picture and ……………total immersion. Note, I’m 100% fine, now.

My other passion is being near the water. It can’t be just any water. It has to have waves. Along with taking pictures of ocean scenes I am obsessive shell collector.

I love to photograph scenery and flowers (you don’t have to make them pose). Magnolias are my favorite flower because of their sculptural quality. Wildlife is another favorite. I’m amazed at how much patience birders have. (I’m not patient). Arizona has some beautiful spots for photography. I’m not a fan of the desert but our red rock areas north of here and up near Sedona and Lake Powell and of course the Grand Canyon are spectacular. Again, ocean scenery is my favorite. My sister lives on Kauai so that’s mainly where I go. Actually, I’ll happily take a picture of almost anything.

One day while reading my Kim Komando PC newsletter she spotlighted caedes as an excellent photo site. I jumped right on it. I know its mission is to be a wallpaper site. To me it’s much more. It’s a vehicle for exploring nature, flora and fauna, space and seeing the world. I’ve made friends with photographers who live all over the world and love it, them and the idea. The site is an excellent one. It's very easy to access and use. There are days I love it and days I hate it (sound familiar). It’s hard to believe that not everyone loves my photography! (just joking) Sometimes my frustration is huge. Three friends who have listened patiently while I’ve vented and then calmed me down…… PJ, Cindy, and Keith.(Thanks, guys!)

I have a bit of a problem with the c-index but it’s not a huge one. Critiques are great. I feel very strongly that critiques (at least the harsh ones) should be delivered as personal messages so as not to influence other viewers who are perfectly able to make their own assessment. Critiquing someones work is sometimes hard for me because I lack the good writing creativity with which some of you have been graced (Cindy and PJ).

I really appreciate help from some of you who have been very specific about telling me how to do something when I’ve asked…..Phil, Nathan, Keith and Paul to name a few. True teachers are very special.

I’ve railed at some comments in the discussion groups which have become mean, ugly and insulting. To those “contributors” I say GET A LIFE!!!

Shortcomings: (mine) I only know how to do basic photography. I only know how to do basic photoshop. I rarely use a tripod. I only know how to do basic computer stuff (still can’t make a link).

What is my favorite posted photo ……hmmm. It’s like asking me which of my children I like best. Can’t do it. Thank you to a group of loyal supporters who always have encouraging comments about each upload. You’ll never know how much those words mean. However, do you find the time??? I’ll not list names because I don’t want to leave anyone out. But, you know who you are. I’m not so good at the making comments and thank you things. Hopefully, the “thanks in advance for comments” suffices. Again, thanks for selecting me, I’ve had a major smile on my face all day. Thanks to caedes for creating his site which is so beautifully run. Being part of it is terrific! Any questions...............just ask!

Jen

Comments

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.ww2spitfire
03/30/08 9:23 PM GMT
Great to see you have been selected. "I only know how to do basic photography" If your gallery is basic, I'd love to know what advanced is!! Hope to see you in the UK. :o))
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::jswgpb
03/30/08 9:39 PM GMT
WOWEEEEEE and WOOHOOOOOO........Yayness all over the world. Congrat my dear and a well deserved honor for you indeed. You have such wonderful photos with such feeling.....I can tell..:) Enjoy it Jen, you are truly gifted. :) The Lion
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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
::braces
03/30/08 10:42 PM GMT
Congratulations Jen. You deserve this honour. I hope you and all your cameras will have a wonderful time when you visit Britain and I look forward to seeing the photographic results.

Steve
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If a thing is worth doing, it is worth doing badly. G. K. Chesterton. If you would like to see this sentiment in action please look at My Gallery
::jeenie11
03/31/08 12:46 AM GMT
thank you for being so nice. i'm really excited about this. jen
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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! Please Visit My Gallery
&purmusic
03/31/08 1:40 AM GMT
Is it time for more cake?

:oD

Just teasing in my silly way Jen.

I recall a fav photo of mine of yours which I think was my first introduction to you as an artist behind the lens some time back.

And it is this one, namely; "along the icefield parkway".

You have many more in your fine galleries ... so, take a bow and enjoy your time in the spotlight. It is well deserved. :o)
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"Think what a better world it would be if we all, the whole world, had cookies and milk about three o'clock every afternoon and then lay down on our blankets for a nap." - Robert Fulghum
::cynlee
03/31/08 1:59 AM GMT
You sure fooled me, Jen. I always considered your photos as well beyond the 'amateur' categorization. Your gallery is comprised of images that are filled with natural beauty and beautiful light. Your images have taken us around the globe and filled our screens with wondrous sights, voluptuous flora, captivating animals and warm, character filled human faces.
Bravo, Jen! If I, at times, succeed in emulating just a few of your life affirming images then I am thankful. And btw, 'thankful' is one of my favorites in your gallery.

You deserve to be recognized for being the very fine photographer that you are and I am very happy to see you named to the artist spotlight, dear friend.

Cindy
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The government of tyrants cannot last long because it is hateful to the multitude, and what is against the wishes of the multitude cannot long be preserved. -Thomas Aquinas
.rhelms
03/31/08 2:15 AM GMT
Congrats! I took a look through your gallery and was very much impressed. Congrats again, you certainly deserve this spotlight.
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I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. -Philippians 4:13 Please view My Gallery . Thank you!
.angelledaemon
03/31/08 4:07 AM GMT
Congratulations on this honor! You are extremely talented and have a wonderful way with the camera. :)
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Angelle "because reality isn't nearly as fun."
::DigiCamMan
03/31/08 5:34 AM GMT
Bout time girl! So glad to see you get this, you should have had it a long time ago. Congratulations and savor the moment. I think it was Andy Warthog who said we all get 15 minutes of fame, well this is yours and you deserve it. Good going!
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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
::kodo34
03/31/08 6:17 AM GMT
Congratulations , you have a great gallery .

Kristof
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....Dreamstime..... Art is born of the observation and investigation of nature. Big stock photo
=ppigeon
03/31/08 6:37 AM GMT
Congrats Jen. Your last permed photo is a true winner... :-)
(kauai rainbow)
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-Pierre-
::jcferg99
03/31/08 8:28 AM GMT
Congratulations, Jen. Your photos are an inspiration to me. I will keep trying to do half as well as you do on your beautiful Hawaiian shots and the great ones from the canyon country. An honor well deserved.
JoAnn
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::Hottrockin
03/31/08 10:35 AM GMT
Hooray!! A BIG congrats Jen!!
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Why do the pictures come out square when the lens is round?? Picture Purrrfect .
::phasmid
03/31/08 1:12 PM GMT
Gosh, Jen. I'm flattered that you mentioned me in your bio...not once but twice! I'm happy to be counted among your friends, and you know that you are a huge inspiration to me and your work is definitive as to the word "beauty."

Keep on keeping on, Jen. This place wouldn't be the same without your talents and abilities, as a photographer, but also as a sweet, warmhearted person.

It's a grand thing to know you and view your artistic journey.

Bask in this accolade. You more than deserve it.

:)PJ

oh, and PS: I'll be sending you the link lingo !!

EDIT: You have so many of my faves, esp the AZ scene, but THIS ONE comes back into my mind over and over, unbidden, but welcome. I could pick a few more, but I'll let folks get on with perusing your gallery on their own !!
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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"
.Tootles
03/31/08 1:13 PM GMT
Congratulations, and well deserved! The first thing I did when I looked at your gallery was download Kauai Rainbow. Lovely shades.
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::JQ
03/31/08 1:42 PM GMT
congrats on being the artist in the spotlight! good on ya girl, i know what you mean about being an addict to photography, it was nice to know more about you, your gallery has many many fine shots in it and you deserve your month in the spotlight!
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::LynEve
03/31/08 2:13 PM GMT
Congratulations Jen !! An honour richly deserved - and lovely to read you are enjoying it so much.
Your work is of such a consistent high quality that it is way above and beyond any 'amatueur' description.
Thank you for all the pleasure your gallery gives to so many - Well done, enjoy your spotlight!!
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The question is not what you look at, but what you see ~ Marcel Proust
::sasraku
03/31/08 8:09 PM GMT
Well done Jen, way to go . . . .
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No trees were killed in the sending of this message. However, a large number of electrons were terribly inconvenienced. COME ON YOU GREENS, UP THE ARGYLE.....
.21citrouilles
03/31/08 8:33 PM GMT
I enjoyed reading your bio. You're a true survivor qith great spirit! Congrats on this well deserved spotlight. :)
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For prints, cards and t-shirts of my paintings and fractals, please go here .
::fogz
03/31/08 9:04 PM GMT
...and very well deserved Jen - your photography is an inspiration to everyone! ....and I am green with envy at that long list of cameras and lens that you possess! ;) well done!!!!
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"Life is short, break the rules, forgive quickly, kiss slowly, love truly, laugh uncontrollably, and never regret anything that made you smile" .... mygallery
.alexis518
03/31/08 10:45 PM GMT
I've seen many of your photos, but there's also so many I've missed. I think what I like most is the variety of images and all the many places you've been. You bring an enthusiasm to your work that is sorely lacking in many others. And, you've got a great eye for a shot. I can't believe you don't use a tripod! Congratulations on artist of the month. I'm looking forward to perusing your gallery to catch up on what I've missed. And I look forward to many more great photos. ps, I love your magnolia blossom shots!
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Much of the beauty in life is found in people who care.
::tigger3
03/31/08 10:51 PM GMT
Alright way to go Jen. Congrads! ♫ :)sandi ♪
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Nature in all her glory is my uplift on life.
::JEdMc91
04/01/08 12:36 AM GMT
Congrats Jen!
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John 3:16
::100k_xle
04/01/08 1:24 AM GMT
This Honor is Long Over Due.
CONGRATULATIONS !
Your work is Wonderful.
Look Forward to many more Fine Images from you.
Your 15 Minutes of Fame are here. Enjoy It!

E J
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::egggray
04/01/08 1:30 AM GMT
I hand my Crown over to you Jen, you sure do deserve it. The variety of your work is outstanding. Birds, landscape, flowers...you do it all. And you say you do just basic photography, Well you do it very well. Just like me, I don't understand all the fancy settings on my camera, I take the photo, crop it a little, sharpen it a little, then post it. This award proves you are not an amateur photographer, you are a professional. You have done yourself proud with all of the Beautiful images you have shared with us here at Caedes. I will always look forward to seeing your photos. Enjoy the spotlight, and keep that big smile, your friend, Gregg. (I am one of your Angels)
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Please visit my website to view my online photo gallery, also look at my "watch list" for other Caedes members. http://www.redbubble.com/people/ziggy7
::bean811
04/01/08 2:56 AM GMT
Congrats Jen!!! I've always enjoyed all of your work and you are very much deserving of this spotlight. Thanks for doing what you do!!
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::0930_23
04/01/08 3:22 AM GMT
Congratulation Jen for an honor well deserved. I'm relatively new to Caedes but I've been around long enough to know your fine work. Your photo's of Monument Valley and the surrounding area made me first notice your work. Being a John Wayne and John Ford fan I was familiar with these places by watching their movies. You brought them back to life for me. Thank you for that.

Again congratulations.
Tick
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I'll meet you at the edge of the sunlight, just behind the shadows. The Ghost
.superdweeb
04/01/08 4:22 AM GMT
Congrats, loved your gallery, looks very professional. Way to go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
-Dweeb
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Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird, it's a plane, it's a crashing spaceship! Must be Superdweeb!
::nigelmoore
04/01/08 10:59 AM GMT
Many congratulations Jen, it couldn't have been given to a nicer person or more talented photographer. There'll be a drink on me in Bradford I promise ;-)
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"The tree which moves some to tears of joy is in the eyes of others merely a green thing which stands in the way." William Blake
.Jhihmoac
04/01/08 11:14 AM GMT
CONGRATS! CONGRATS! Your pictures are always postcard perfect and taken with great care and attention to the detail of nature's grand design...This is your time in the spotlight...you surely deserve it!
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"Let us forever cherish and hold sacred these moments...for it is our undoing ...should we forget..." -William Shakespeare ... Visit Jhihmoac's Gallery
::Dunstickin
04/01/08 12:24 AM GMT
'Bout bloody time!..

Many many Congratulations on being picked!....A worthy accolade if I may say so!!...

Enjoy the time my dear...the grandstand is yours!!
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* To Believe in myself and have faith in my Photography * OwdBob'sGallery
.marcaribe
04/01/08 5:39 PM GMT
Hi Jen,
Your array of photo's are terrific and superb! You certainly desire the honor to be "Artist of the Month" Congratulations!
~Marcaribe
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::ianmacappin
04/01/08 9:25 PM GMT
Hey Jen,

Well done on the artist of the month thing. You have a great gallery and your work has at many times left me in awe. Hats off to you my friend.

Ian :)
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Save the Cheerleader......Save the World! Ians gallery
.mxvirgil
04/02/08 8:47 PM GMT
Congratulations on your well-deserved honor, Jen. Your work is an inspiration to us 'click & giggler's.

- Mike
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The preceding comment does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the staff and management of this fine establishment...
::danika
04/02/08 11:10 PM GMT
Congratulations Jen ... you so well deserve this honor. Your amazing work has been a true inspiration & I have enjoyed each & every one of them. Your magnolia's are my faves. Enjoy your time in the spotlight.
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Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away ~ George Carlin
::solita17
04/03/08 6:48 AM GMT
Hey, Jen, I just peeked at your gallery and you are one super-duper beautiful photographer! Many congratulations on an honor well deserved.
mary
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"If I dream I shall be real, or really myself..." Robert Penn Warren
.Inkeri
04/05/08 4:56 PM GMT
Congratulations,Jen..Your works are Wonderful..
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::twinkel
04/05/08 9:38 PM GMT
Concrats Jen, really deserved to be in the spotlights, been peeking into your gallery and
Sunset at Ke'e Beach is great and just look at the C-index!!!


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laughter is the best medicine.
::verenabloo
04/06/08 5:22 AM GMT
Hello Jen...just stopping in to say my congrats to you for the many good photos you've shared with us here in caedes. I always enjoy them very much...Cameras are a most wonderful gift, and to use it to capture the beauty all around us is for sure a magical world for each of us. Thank you for sharing with us..Verena
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My Part is to Improve the Present Moment.
+nmsmith
04/06/08 9:09 AM GMT
My dear friend - this is a well deserved honor for you. My congratulations! Keep up the great work. I love your photography.

Nathan
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::casechaser
04/06/08 10:49 AM GMT
Jen, I have long admired your work. Congrats on the Spotlight, you truly deserve it.
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If you have some extra time, please visit my gallery
.hear_me_roar
04/06/08 6:45 PM GMT
Congrats! I love all the pics in your gallery!
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92 percent American teens would die if Abecrombie and Fitch told them it uncool to breathe. Would you be in the 8 percent laughing their asses off at the others?
::PatAndre
04/09/08 7:21 PM GMT
Congrats Jen,
I like the ocean scenes too. If your name is attached to one, I know it will be a keeper. You said you really don't care for the desert or the Red Rock but I sure have a lot of those saved as well. Congrats girl, see ya in England in a short.
Pat
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.corngrowth
04/11/08 8:26 PM GMT
Jen my congratulations with your election in the 'Caedes Hall of Fame'. I'm using this opportunity too to say a sincere 'Thank you' for not only your wonderful posts but for your friendship as well!
Cornelius
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Cornelius was here! (lol) Click HERE to see his work!
.heidlerr
04/13/08 8:48 PM GMT
Congrats Jen, This honor is long over due. For someone who only knows the basics, you sure produce some beautiful images. You have a great eye for composition and I enjoy viewing those wonderful places that you visit. I wish I could travel more and photograph beautiful places. Enjoy your time in the spotlight. You deserve it.
Russ
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Anything that excites me for any reason, I will photograph; not searching for unusual subject matter, but making the commonplace unusual. Edward Weston
::Anita54
04/15/08 4:24 AM GMT
Congrats Jen..your work is beautiful and you surely deserve this honor. Anita
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You my Caedes friends post the most wonderful images out here. Full of beauty, life and gorgeous colors. For that, you have my heartfelt 'thanks'. I love 'browsing them' and wish there was more time to personally comment on every one of them.
.malteser
04/15/08 6:58 PM GMT
Congrats Jen. You say you only know how to do basic photgraphy,but you know that that makes your work more appreciated especially as it is such good work. You should see mine! Took a look at your gallery for the first time and some of the pictures are really good. Regards.
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::Jimbobedsel
04/16/08 7:34 PM GMT
I am a little slow, but Congratulations on being the artist of the month. You deserve it.

Jim
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I'd rather be here, than where I'm at
::mesmerized
04/17/08 6:13 AM GMT
What an adventure browsing through your gallery...it is so rich and diverse I would be hard pressed to pick any favorites...they are all favorites...so much color and skillful photography too...thank you for sharing all these wonderful images and congrats on being AOTM...you definitely deserve it and we are fortunate to have you among us.
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::Foxfire66
04/29/08 3:06 AM GMT
Congrats My Lady!
On your April "Spotlight". Well deserved. You're an incredible Photographer, with a Great "Eye for the shot". Always enjoy your postings.

Again, Well Deserved!!

Greg
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.Ramad
05/01/08 8:57 PM GMT
Hello Jen,
After reading the above I went through your gallery and am very impressed by the variety and quality of your photos. Congratulations - You deserve the honor to be the artist of the month.
P.S. Forget the C-Index !
Raj
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If practice makes perfect and nobody is perfect, then why practice?
.ekowalska
05/19/08 8:51 AM GMT
Dear Jen,

It's high time your work was chosen for the Spotlight. Your gallery is exquisite. You brought landscape photography to a new level for me, my friend. You seem to have a magical touch with your camera and your interesting intro defintely encourages me to invest in some decent SLR.

I will try when time permits to visit your gallery once more, knowing I will see some marvellous nature shots and a good variety of images to relish... Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the beauty and smiles you bring to me.

Hugs from Ewa
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"Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his own nature into his pictures." Henry Ward Beecher
::RKG
05/19/08 5:33 PM GMT
Congratulations on your Spotlight. It is most deserved. I spent some time in you gallery and as others have clearly said it is grand. You have a keen eye for composition and details not to mention lighting. It is always inspirational for me to view fine images and your work does not dissapoint. Thanks for sharing your work for others.
regards
Rick

ps I might have "borrowed" a few for my fav file:)
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.Allee
06/24/08 12:59 AM GMT
When I first found caedes, and stumbled upon your gallery, My first thought WOW! Thats how I want my shot to look.But I have a------long way to go.CONGRATS________ALICE
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::wheedance
07/23/08 3:05 AM GMT
Just had a chance to read your bio - what fun to learn more about you (and to meet you!) I'm so glad you received this honor - don't know where my head was or how I missed it, but a big congratulations! 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

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