Lensography of a Renaissance Woman

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My Collection of Renaissance Lenses

Every day of my life is about renaissance — new beginnings, living fully, and engaging in experiences that remind me that life is good.

My presence on Squidoo, and the topics about which I write, are reflective of this focus on quality of life, revitalization, healthy living, and the joy of simply being.

I invite you along for the journey of discovery. Here's to the pursuit of all that brings us most fully alive.

Photo Credit: The Birth of Venus - Botticelli

My Newest Creations

Lensography Within a Lensography

Here's a quick way to find my newest Squidoo lenses. I feature from five to ten of my latest publications. Happy reading!
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Live large. Dwell small. ~ RenaissanceWoman2010

Green Living

As one who lives off the grid, I am constantly simplifying my life and dwelling as close to nature as possible. I enjoy sharing my green lifestyle with others. Here are a few of the lenses that are part of an ongoing series on living large by dwelling small.
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Real poetry is to lead a beautiful life. ~ Basho

The Poetic Life

Poetry is a reflective practice and important means of meditation for me. A key part of my renaissance involves learning to live poetically. This is all about paying attention, immersing myself in nature, being fully present in each moment, and allowing adequate time and space for what matters most.
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Books let us into their souls
and lay open to us the secrets of our own.
~William Hazlitt

Books Are My Oxygen

Reading is one of my greatest pleasures in life. I am always seeking out great literature for enjoyment and for expanding my horizons. One of the best years of my life was the year I read a book every day for 365 straight days. That was an incredibly expanding experience.

In addition to my own reading, I have spent most of my career advancing the cause of literacy. There are few things in life more rewarding than helping others tap into the joy of books and learning.
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Until one has loved an animal,
a part of one's soul remains unawakened.
~ Anatole France

The Joy of Animals

And Other Wondrous Wild Creatures

I often write about the creatures that enrich my life. It is impossible for me to imagine a life without four-legged children. One of the greatest benefits of off grid living is the daily opportunity to observe and interact with many different forms of wildlife.

Conservation efforts also matter greatly to me. Being a good steward of the earth is a high priority. I will continue to write about my work and volunteer efforts as they relate to wildlife conservation.
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A great photograph is a full expression of what one feels about what is being photographed in the deepest sense, and is, thereby,
a true expression of what one feels about life in its entirety.
~ Ansel Adams.

Learning To See With New Eyes

Experiencing the World Through Photography

Ever since I made my first pinhole camera in the fifth grade, I have been totally hooked on photography. Wildlife photography happens to be one of my very favorite artistic pursuits. A day spent observing and experiencing wild creatures and nature's majesty is the perfect day. Sharing these moments and photos brings me great pleasure.
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The big question is whether you are going to be able
to say a hearty yes to your adventure.
~ Joseph Campbell

High Adventure

Any renaissance of mine must have continuous infusions of adventure. The stimulation of pushing personal boundaries and expanding capacities energizes me and keeps life fresh and exciting.
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Tell me, what is it you plan to do
with your one wild and precious life?
~ Mary Oliver

Inspiration for Renewal

I often seek out the wisdom and insights of others to inspire growth, to help me find true pathways, and to remind me to continually celebrate the beauty in life.
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It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.
~ Kahlil Gibran

The Gift of Life

My deepest joy is known through acts of compassion. To be able to give, to encourage and affirm, to love unconditionally, and to spread hope are the true privileges in life.
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Love is the greatest refreshment in life. ~Pablo Picasso

Love Is The Original Renaissance

Love makes every moment an awakening.
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I was 32 when I started cooking; up until then, I just ate.
~ Julia Child

The Evolving Cook

I am all about simply delicious when it comes to food and cooking. My dad did most of the cooking in our home when I was growing up. Grilled meat, homemade soups, and hot dishes (casseroles) were his specialty. I will be sharing easy recipes, along with tips for successful baking at high altitudes, since I now live at an elevation above 8,000 feet. Bon appetit!
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You must not for one instant give up the effort to build
new lives for yourselves. Creativity means to
push open the... doorway to life.
~ Daisaku Ikeda

Designing Women

Exercising creativity is a constant need in my life. My creations encompass such diverse projects as do-it-yourself home renovation, photography, instructional design, writing, blogging, and website development. Squidoo is both playshop and perpetual recess for those of us who crave opportunities to let our inner artists run free. Every lens is a mini renaissance.
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Live as if you were to die tomorrow.
Learn as if you were to live forever.
~ Mahatma Gandhi

Lifelong Learning

As a teacher, and as a perpetual student of life, I am passionate about lifelong learning. This is the beginning of what will be a series of lenses on highly engaging learning opportunities.
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Music is the language of the spirit. ~ Kahlil Gibran

Music

Music is the very essence of renaissance living. These lenses reflect the soundtrack of my life as well as musical experiences that are about touching lives in meaningful ways.
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Learn and grow all you can; serve and befriend
all you can; enrich and inspire all you can.
~ William Arthur Ward

Tributes

Achieving newness of life is not a solo enterprise. In order to become all that we have the capacity to be, we are wise to embrace the lessons and gifts provided by those who have gone before us.
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Every time we love, every time we give, it's Christmas.
~ Dale Evans

Holiday Delights

For me, the spirit of Christmas lives every day. You might hear Christmas music playing in my home any time of the year. Why save the best things in life — love, joy, peace, delight, hope, faith, and miracles — for once a year? Magic happens and I love to be in the center of it.
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Never before in history has innovation offered promise
of so much to so many in so short a time.
~ Bill Gates

Online Entrepreneurship

As an evolving online entrepreneur, seeking out and writing about the latest opportunities to be innovative is key to my success and that of all who have joined forces with me. I will continually share marketing strategies, tools, and success stories.
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We don't stop playing because we grow old;
we grow old because we stop playing.
~ George Bernard Shaw

Forever Young

Play is not only important for children. Keeping our playfulness alive is the key to a youthful, vibrant spirit.
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Thank You!

I wish to recognize and thank my Squidoo colleagues who support me in so many meaningful ways. Thank you for blessing my life and my creative work here. You are deeply appreciated!
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Renaissance Requests

Is there a specific renaissance-related topic that you would like to see covered? Or, do you have suggestions for the expansion of a series already in progress?

  • vallain May 16, 2012 @ 11:28 am | delete
    Very nice job arranging your lenses by topics. Attractively displayed and informative.
  • bloomingrose May 1, 2012 @ 10:21 pm | delete
    I really enjoyed learning about you, we have such interesting people on Squidoo.
  • AnthonyAltorenna Mar 29, 2012 @ 8:55 pm | delete
    I truly respect and admire your life choices, and really enjoy how you share your journey and passions through your writings. Here's wishing you safe passage as your personal journeys continue onward.
  • EcoPottiJo Mar 13, 2012 @ 2:47 am | delete
    what an amazingly eclectic collection of lenses. I shall enjoy browsing!
  • FalconFan Mar 8, 2012 @ 3:17 pm | delete
    Happy International Women's Day! Love all your lenses - keep up the great work!
  • iPadGeek Feb 28, 2012 @ 11:46 am | delete
    Beautiful lensography. Amazing collection too. You're an inspiration!
  • PaulaSquidoo Jan 27, 2012 @ 9:18 am | delete
    This is quite an impressive collection of lenses. Thank you for sharing.
  • OzGirl Jan 26, 2012 @ 9:50 pm | delete
    I love your collection of lenses here. I'm off to investigate your Red Gage lens - I just read about that the other day, so it's new to me. I'd like to learn more about it!
  • charlesgrimes Dec 15, 2011 @ 8:17 pm | delete
    What about more about renassance music?
  • amieljaven Nov 11, 2011 @ 5:34 pm | delete
    Amazing collection. Enjoyed so much. Liked! Thanks for sharing.
  • karmicchristian Oct 22, 2011 @ 1:24 am | delete
    This is a wonderful showcase of your work dear RenaissanceWoman2010! Very creative and very inspiring! Best wishes for you. :)
  • Ruthi Oct 17, 2011 @ 4:25 pm | delete
    Great quote selections to accompany your lens groupings for your Squidoo lensography.
  • emmalarkins Oct 4, 2011 @ 8:29 pm | delete
    Sounds like you have an awesome life!
  • ajgodinho Sep 30, 2011 @ 11:32 am | delete
    This is a wonderful lensography showcasing your work on Squidoo. I enjoy reading your work and about your lifestyle off the grid. Inspiring as always...blessings! :)
  • LissaKlar Sep 12, 2011 @ 7:06 pm | delete
    A great collection...I'm still perusing! Found this one on RedGage!
  • Loris Sep 12, 2011 @ 6:01 pm | delete
    So interesting to read your stories
  • Irenemaria Aug 22, 2011 @ 10:10 am | delete
    I got a positive feeling from this lens. Thanks for sharing
  • Pastiche Aug 21, 2011 @ 5:32 pm | delete
    Fantastic lensography to showcase your wonderful lenses. Bravo!
  • painthoslady Aug 16, 2011 @ 7:16 pm | delete
    Great job. All the things you have are very interesting to look at. Keep up the good work
  • PaulOnBooks Aug 15, 2011 @ 12:07 pm | delete
    Less a list of lenses and more a set I'd recommend to anyone.
  • Tipi Aug 15, 2011 @ 10:58 am | delete
    A beautifully constructed lensography, I love the topic quotes....perfectly done!
  • KimGiancaterino Aug 12, 2011 @ 1:26 pm | delete
    Beautiful lensography ... and my favorite color too!
  • traveller27 Aug 12, 2011 @ 10:37 am | delete
    Very nice job!
  • termit_bronx Aug 12, 2011 @ 9:52 am | delete
    Nicely done Lensography! Keep adding new lenses here, it will be soon rewarding! :)
  • betsuzie Aug 5, 2011 @ 4:31 pm | delete
    Very creative way to do a lensography! I'm impressed. Great job!
  • AlexandraHubbard Aug 3, 2011 @ 10:02 am | delete
    Such a lovely lensography from the resident Renaissance squid!
  • RenaissanceWoman2010 Aug 4, 2011 @ 7:49 am | delete
    Many thanks. Appreciate your visit and kind words.
  • Koupie Jul 30, 2011 @ 10:41 am | delete
    You know I am a fan of yours, and a friend too, so it really is great to visit you on your brand new lensography. I must put my own together, I am such a procrastinator :0
  • RenaissanceWoman2010 Aug 4, 2011 @ 7:49 am | delete
    I look forward to your lensography. Thanks for stopping by!

by

RenaissanceWoman2010

I am a woman in the midst of personal renaissance. I hope you will join me on this journey of discovery and revitalization.

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