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Visual Escapes and Daily Inspirations: Share Yours

Posted by John, Volunteer Mentor @johnbishop, Mar 16, 2020

Let's create a space to offer a daily reprieve.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a lot of uncertainty and fear into our lives. Some of that fear and uncertainty can be caused by over thinking what is going on or unnecessarily worrying. So, I'm making sure I wash my hands frequently, not touching my face, staying away from social gatherings and all of the recommended guidelines to help avoid getting or spreading COVID-19 but it can be a little boring. I try to not watch news all day long while I'm in this self imposed captivity. I like to take pictures of birds and other creatures from my window as a welcome break.

I invite you to join me in sharing pictures, favorite poems, sayings, mottos, funny moments. Let's take a daily break together.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Just Want to Talk Support Group.

Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Mar 19, 2020
In reply to @bern1958 "First pop of spring, village flower bed. Summerhill, County Meath, Ireland. I agree, connecting with nature..." + (show)
@bern1958

First pop of spring, village flower bed. Summerhill, County Meath, Ireland. I agree, connecting with nature will help us stay calm. Thank you.

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@bern1958 we are still anxiously awaiting Spring here in Southern Minnesota. The snow is pretty much almost gone but it hasn't started greening up yet. Thanks for the reminder of what is to come soon!

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John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Mar 19, 2020
In reply to @liz223 "I like this photo. I only take snapshots with my phone, but I do take a..." + (show)
@liz223

I like this photo. I only take snapshots with my phone, but I do take a number along the way. I am a widow and live with Wally my little Shizue (spelling?). We live in a retirement community. I create greeting cards and paint rocks for a hobby. 🙂 . Also make Fairy Lanterns.

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Aw @liz223, Shih Tzus are so cute! The Fairy Lanterns are really creative. Thank you for sharing your joy with us.

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John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Mar 19, 2020
In reply to @colleenyoung "Thanks for the bunting picture, @johnbishop. @user_ch32491d1 witnessing that eagle food fight must have taken your..." + (show)
@colleenyoung

Thanks for the bunting picture, @johnbishop. @user_ch32491d1 witnessing that eagle food fight must have taken your breath away. Did you have a camera already set up?

My office window overlooks my backyard. It's a small, urban yard with a large apricot tree. There are so many birds despite the city setting. I see cardinals, blue jays, juncos all the time practically nose to beak since my office is on the second floor. A pair of red tail hawks live in the neighborhood too and frequently swoop by. I have binoculars, but my camera is never at the ready. Instead I play citizen scientist and just started recording my sightings here: https://ebird.org/home I like the thought that something I enjoy advances science.

More bird pics tomorrow?

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Here are a few of my favorite bird photos from last year. Looking forward to taking more this year. Most of the time I'm not quick enough getting the camera setup but at least I get to see them and have a brief moment enjoying nature and all it's colors.
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Chris Trout, Volunteer Mentor | @artscaping | Mar 19, 2020
In reply to @johnbishop "Here are a few of my favorite bird photos from last year. Looking forward to taking..." + (show)
@johnbishop

Here are a few of my favorite bird photos from last year. Looking forward to taking more this year. Most of the time I'm not quick enough getting the camera setup but at least I get to see them and have a brief moment enjoying nature and all it's colors.

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Beautiful. What app are you using? I am working on the grandparent presentation. Good Morning and happy day.
Chris

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grannybrenda | @grannybrenda | Mar 19, 2020

I love pictures. This is a great idea. This is my Monarch Butterfly that got photo bombed by a bee.

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John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Mar 19, 2020
In reply to @grannybrenda "I love pictures. This is a great idea. This is my Monarch Butterfly that got photo..." + (show)
@grannybrenda

I love pictures. This is a great idea. This is my Monarch Butterfly that got photo bombed by a bee.

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@grannybrenda Great photo and photobomb!!

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John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Mar 19, 2020
In reply to @artscaping "Beautiful. What app are you using? I am working on the grandparent presentation. Good Morning and..." + (show)
@artscaping

Beautiful. What app are you using? I am working on the grandparent presentation. Good Morning and happy day.
Chris

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Hi Chris @artscaping -- I was in a hurry and did a Google search and grabbed the first one that I saw. There are better ones but this one was easy once I figured it out - just don't sign up for stuff by mistake. https://www.photocollage.com/

Click the browse link
Upload the photos you want
Click "Auto collage" in the top menu bar
After the pictures are put into the template, click Collage in the upper left corner for the drop down menu
Select Save as image SD or Save as image HD (I chose HD and then used my photoshop program to resized the image - made it a little smaller)

I found another one that may be even easier and it's free also - https://spark.adobe.com/make/photo-collage-maker/

Happy Thursday my friend!

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phxlife | @phxlife | Mar 19, 2020

Haha re: the cat pic! I grew up with a dog, but early in our marriage we were so busy, so we’ve had 3 sets of cats and have loved it! One was named Edward; fat and spoiled rotten. He looked like an old man when he sat upright in an arm chair. All he needed was a pipe and slippers! 😉

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lioness | @lioness | Mar 19, 2020
In reply to @johnbishop "Here are a few of my favorite bird photos from last year. Looking forward to taking..." + (show)
@johnbishop

Here are a few of my favorite bird photos from last year. Looking forward to taking more this year. Most of the time I'm not quick enough getting the camera setup but at least I get to see them and have a brief moment enjoying nature and all it's colors.

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@johnbishop Love these bird pictures so pretty I miss the birds back home I had feeders one wren had her babies there in our box. Hummingbird feeder love to see how they fought over the necter

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lioness | @lioness | Mar 19, 2020
In reply to @johnbishop "@bern1958 we are still anxiously awaiting Spring here in Southern Minnesota. The snow is pretty much..." + (show)
@johnbishop

@bern1958 we are still anxiously awaiting Spring here in Southern Minnesota. The snow is pretty much almost gone but it hasn't started greening up yet. Thanks for the reminder of what is to come soon!

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@johnbishop Beautiful pictures we are sharing Here,s a couple of the vastness and power of water from Niagra Falls my dogs comfort place
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