Goodbye August and hello September! August was all about family, friends, nature and travel adventures. I spent the month in Toronto, Washington DC and Iceland. Here’s what I enjoyed in August.
Outdoor Fun with Friends
In August, I continued my cycling, walking, strength training and yoga practice. I met with friends for 10K walks and coffee catch-ups. August weather in Toronto was warm without the intense heat of July. In the wetlands, we saw beautiful water lilies at peak bloom, listened to frog sounds, watched birds, fish and turtles. Around the gardens, we admired cheerful flowers that attract many bees and butterflies.
Floating Art
I photographed many interesting public art installations in August. Here are two environment-focused art installations: Floating MAiZE by Jean Shin and Tangle by Emily Chudnovsky.
Jean Shin has repurposed thousands of green plastic Mountain Dew bottles into a large-scale artwork that floats above audiences in the Allen Lambert Galleria. Her message is in the quote below. Learn more at jeanshin.com.
“In the case of Floating MAiZE, the repurposed single-use plastic Mountain Dew bottles, once filled with soda containing corn syrup, illustrate the issues of corporate extraction and overconsumption, and the harmful effects of highly processed foods on our health. The sheer mass of plastic in Floating MAiZE encourages visitors to consider the failure of the beverage industry to take responsibility for the scale of plastic waste it generates, less than 9% of which is recycled, and this waste’s detrimental effects on the environment and our collective well-being.”
Jean Shin
Emily Chudnovsky’s Tangle conveys how we (plants, people, plastic) are all inextricably linked.
Travel: District of Columbia
I traveled to the District of Columbia (DC) for family for eight days. It was hot the entire time I was there so we stayed in during the day and went out late in the afternoon until dark to revisit a few iconic sights. I’m grateful for the quality time we shared.
From left to right, clockwise: The White House, the official residence of the President of the United States; the Lincoln Memorial illuminated at night, and the Washington Monument mirrored in the long Reflecting Pool at its foot. Click on the image to see its larger version.
Travel: Iceland
I revisited Iceland, the land of Ice and Fire, for nine days. I first visited Iceland years ago and had planned to return in 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic delayed that plan until this year. I had a wonderful time exploring Iceland’s incredible landscapes and many natural wonders on the South and West Coasts. Coincidentally, I also visited Bessastaðir, the official residence of the President of Iceland.
I met and made new friends, hiked a lot, enjoyed nature, ate good foods, and feel so grateful to experience all these good things. Some of the natural wonders that I’ve seen include glaciers, volcanoes, lava fields, waterfalls, glacial lagoons with floating icebergs, geothermal lagoons, geysers, mineral springs, black sand beaches, beautiful Icelandic horses and adorable puffins. More to follow once I reflect on my adventures and sort out my photos.
Weekend Coffee Share
I’d love for you to share your August highlights and/ or photos of public art around the world in the Comments or InLinkz #132 below. I’m linking up with Donna, Sue, Jo and Deb who co-host #WBOYC and Ju-Lyn at #TheChangingSeasons.
Happy September!
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Natalie the Explorer 
Busy month. Good times and great photos.
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Dan, Thank you for stopping by. August was good busy. I hope you also had a good August.
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Fantastic art! What and amazing month. I am glad you could venture back to Iceland. It looks so stunning. And DC too. A great way to complete summer.
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Donna, Thank you for stopping by. The Iceland trip exceeded my expectations thanks to good weather for most of the outdoor activities that I did. DC was great as I got to be with family and make memories.
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Sounds wonderful. All of it.
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That Mountain Dew art piece was certainly thought provoking Natalie. I enjoyed all your nature photos and that Blue Lagoon in Iceland is beautiful – it reminded me of the Iceland photos Debbie (Deb’s World) shared ages ago – almost a little surreal.
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Hi Leanne, Iceland is full of natural wonders. It’s a fantastic playground for people who love nature and the outdoors. Blue Lagoon is worth visiting. That blue in my photo was untouched. I wouldn’t mind returning for a 3rd visit and explore Iceland’s north west area.
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Sounds like you had a great month! I’m looking forward to hearing more about your Iceland trip as it’s one of my favourite countries!
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Hi Sarah, I love Iceland and wouldn’t mind returning for a 3rd visit. From Toronto, there are direct and daily flights to Reykjavik. The flight takes about 5 hours and half of that time it’s over Atlantic Canada 🙂
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I am so happy for you that your August was so full of travel and exploration. Iceland sounds so beautiful!
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Thank you Astrid for stopping by. I had a wonderful time in Iceland and would love to return.
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Natalie, I can’t wait to see photos from your Iceland adventure. What a beautiful teaser. The art piece certainly makes a statement. I did a double-take after you explained it.
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Suzanne, I can’t wait to share my photos from my Iceland adventure. I lucked out with the weather; it was mainly sunny with one day of wind and rain. That Floating MAiZE art piece is stunning. I thought the choice of green colour is clever by both the artist and Mountain Dew for completing different reasons.
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All that and a trip to Iceland, too! Sounds wonderful, Natalie. I really like the message of the recycled bottle art. Happy September to you 🤗💚
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Thank you, Jo. The Iceland trip exceeded my expectations. Happy September to you, too!
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You were here, there, and everywhere this last month! Toronto, Washington DC, and Iceland are three distinctly different places to visit. Your photos are great, but is your head spinning from so much travel? 😉
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Ally, No head spinning here 🙂 I was happy to be with my relatives in DC and to revisit Iceland. I anticipated frequent travels this year and developed a system to manage my trips. So far so good.
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Bees, butterflies and flowers—lovely. Thanks for the virtual coffee, Natalie.
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Thanks Shari. Summer is hanging on. Have a great long weekend!
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I’ve always wanted to visit Iceland! The Floating MAiZE exhibition looks similar to one at Tate Modern, where long pieces of fabric were suspended from the very high ceiling.
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Iceland’s natural wonders have been drawing many visitors. I hope you get to go there soon.
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I would love to visit Iceland. It must be fascinating!
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Darlene, Iceland’s landscape and natural wonders are fascinating. Not many countries can claim to be the land of Fire and Ice.
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What an exciting month you’ve had. I’m especially envious of your Iceland trip.
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I’m grateful to be able to visit Iceland (and travel in general). I hope August has been good to you. Happy September!
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Thank you. Nothing exciting, but nevertheless, August was a good month thanks.
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Hi Natalie, I love the Floating Art. Our Botanic Gardens are presenting Illumination where artists have created lighting throughout the gardens. I’m hoping to get there to see it. Thanks for hosting #weekendcoffeeshare and enjoy your week. x
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Hi Natalie, popping back to say thank you for linking up with us at #WBOYC. Have a great September x
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Thank you Sue for hosting #WBOYC. I look forward to September linkup.
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Hi Sue, The light artwork at your Botanic Gardens sounds great. I hope you go and share some photos on your blog. Thank you for linking up.
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What a wonderful August! Thanks for hosting the weekend coffee share.
I’ve taken inspiration from you and photographed a utility box and keeping my eyes open for more.
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Thank you for linking up. I look forward to seeing your photos and the painted utility box.
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You had a whirlwind August. Your Blue Lagoon pictures are surreal, as one reader put it. Gorgeous. I love the bold, clear colors of your Toronto pictures. Everything always looks so crisp there. The Mountain Dew bottle display reminded me of a wine bottle display I saw in New York once. They were upside down and hadn’t been washed out, so the entire room, and they had an entire room to themselves, smelled of wine. This one probably smelled a little cleaner. It’s eye-opening, though, isn’t it?
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Marsha, I’m so glad you liked my photos. Thankfully the Floating MAiZE doesn’t smell. It’s a stunning and thought-provoking installation hung in a beautiful space. I hope to share my Iceland adventure later this month. I had unexpected internet issues that just got resolved.
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I think we have all experienced unexpected internet issues. Thanks for being persistent and resolving them! I am glad the Floating Maize didn’t smell. Some artists want to bring in as many senses as they can! LOL
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The internet issues made me fall behind in commenting on blogs and writing my Iceland posts. Thankfully my blogging is just a hobby 🙂
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It is for me, too, but I think both of us still take it pretty seriously and try to keep to a schedule. 🙂
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Yes, I feel responsible for having the WCS linkup up on time at 8 am on Friday.
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I like to get mine done ahead of time so all I have to do is to schedule it. Sometimes that is difficult, like it will be this week because Monday is my writing day, and I spent the whole day getting ready to host a neighborhood Chat and Chew and I didn’t do a bit of writing. But like you, I will make it happen somehow because of the wonderful participants that contribute each week. 🙂
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I hear you. I had a good busy Labour Day long weekend with family and plan to write my Friday post tonight 🙂
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See you in a couple of days then!
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You had quite a busy time. E Natalie. Great photos 😊
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Glad you like my photos Aletta. It was good busy in August. I’m grateful to be with family in DC and to experience Iceland. I hope August was good to you.
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Great, Natalie! August was busy for me😀
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I hope to visit your blog this week for a catch-up 🙂
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Amazing photos!! The Mountain Dew art installation is thought provoking.
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Thank you for stopping by. I’m glad you like my photos and the Floating MAiZE art installation.
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Natalie, Iceland looks beautiful! We or stationed there when I was little. I have a few memories, and we do have some interesting photos. It sounds like you enjoyed it! -Pam
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Thanks Pamela for sharing your connection with Iceland. I read about Americans stationed there and they helped build the international airport Keflavik.
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You’re welcome!
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I love Floating MAiZE; both in it’s aesthetic and it’s message. I’ve always wanted to take my boys to DC and see all the famous buildings and landmarks and museums but we have yet to make it there. Iceland looks wonderful!
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DC is a great destination with many things to do for free. I had a wonderful time in Iceland. I would love to revisit both DC and Iceland and explore more.
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IK am so jealous on iceland. i really want to go, and have for years. It was my next pic but Covid hit. Bummed completely. Now a bit broke so it may be awhile…SO lots of pics please!! ASAP!
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I’ll share pics from Iceland soon. I was working on a draft post and had unexpected internet issues that are resolved now.
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Hi Natalie, your Iceland photo of Blue Lagoon took me back to our visit there a few years ago. I look forward to seeing further posts about your trip. I’d also love to return one day. Those floating bottle certainly make you pause and reflect don’t they?
Lovely to be back sharing posts with you and your readers 🙂
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Hi Debbie, I’m glad to hear you’ve been to Iceland too. I hope to write up a couple of posts to summarize my time there. Thank you for linking up and sharing your August with us at #WCS.
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Hi, Natalie – I greatly admire all of the travelling that you do and everything else that you still manage to fit in. Your August looks wonderful!
Wishing you a terrric September as well!
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Thank you Donna. I can relate to the fast pace of your August. September is off to a good start and a different pace. I look forward to following your Camino virtually.
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All those mountain dew bottles sure do bring about awareness of all that plastic.
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Yes, awareness and hopefully action to make positive changes.
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Very busy August, Natalie. Your Icelandic photo is awesome, can’t wait to see more as I’d love to go there someday. As for all the bottles, wonderful, thought provoking art.
Here is mine:
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Thank you Sofia for your comment and PPAC contribution. I hope to write a couple of posts to summarize my time in Iceland. Glad you like the Floating MAiZE art installation.
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DC is notorious during August. For me, that is why they invented museums – they might be hot and stuffy, but at least they are interesting and some of the newer ones have AC. I want to visit Iceland some day… The art is cool. Sounds like a packed month.
Hope you are enjoying your weekend!
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I knew DC weather was hot and humid in August but made the trip based on family availability. I lucked out with the weather in Iceland; only had one rainy and windy day and the rest was sunny and ideal for outdoor activities. Have a great long weekend!
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I’ve been to DC is August a couple times – as long as you know what you are getting into, not bad.
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I loved Iceland. I went in November. I love to return in the summer time.
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Glad to hear you also love to return to Iceland. Thank you for stopping by.
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How exciting that you finally got to revisit Iceland despite the change of plans! I am looking forward to seeing more photos and hearing about your nature experiences over there. Have a wonderful rest of your weekend. Thank you for the coffee !
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Thank you for stopping by Maria. I hope to share more about Iceland soon. Have a great weekend!
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Natalie,
I love your energy and sense of adventure. Thanks for sharing all of your travels with the rest of us. I’m looking forward to reading more about your time in Iceland. Have a great week! Joe
P.S. Frog sounds are so soothing, right?
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Joe, Frog sounds are soothing and my friend and I had fun trying to identify where the frogs were. I hope August was good to you and Helen. I’ll share more about my time in Iceland soon. Have a great weekend!
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Wow, what a cool August you had. Very fun and busy. I love the floating artwork. So very cool. Thanks for hosting and I hope that you have a wonderful week.
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Thanks, Patrick. I hope August was good to you and you have a nice start to another school year. Have a great Labour Day long weekend!
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Iceland looks amazing! Glad you got to go back there. The wetlands photos are also gorgeous. Toronto’s tourism office should pay you a stipend–your posts have convinced me I need to visit there.
Did you get the pic of the White House with a long lens or were you able to tour? I haven’t been to DC in a few years, but when I was there, tourists couldn’t get very close to the WH unless they signed up for a tour in advance.
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Toronto has many interesting and beautiful spots that I don’t see listed on the brochures for tourists. I took that photo of the White House with my phone camera. We were able to walk up to the fence and look at the North Lawn. We didn’t sign up for any tour. The street was blocked for pedestrians only.
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Ih my goodness…. more picture of Iceland please!!!!
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Will do 🙂
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So great Natalie. My hubby mentioned going to Iceland. Not sure how I’d enjoy it. Love the photos of the water and flowers. That floating art is neat.
I knew I should’ve finished my post this morning…I was just about done and we had to leave, and I thought, “Oh, I have until two to get it posted, no problem”…well, I came home, went to the store, came back home started doing something and realized I didn’t post it and it was already 2:30. On the plus side, I guess I’ll have a post ready for next week. lol
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I look forward to reading your post next week. I had internet issues before Friday morning. Fortunately they were resolved in time for me to schedule my post and the WCS linkup.
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Oh, gotta love technology. Lol. I’m still planning on visiting everyone else, and now mine is ready for next week..
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My son went to Iceland but I don’t recall seeing a stunning photo of the Blue Lagoon. There are some amazing sites there and I look forward to your posts. I admire your commitment to walking and your fitness and to blogging. You seem to be juggling all that travel and those items just fine.
The public art pictures are thought provoking. Thanks for sharing them. Bernie
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Thank you Bernie for stopping by. August was atypically full. September is off to a good start and I think it will be slower paced than August for me. I hope to post my Iceland adventure photos this month while they’re still fresh in my mind.
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What a lovely month of August you had, Nathalie, with so much travel and activity. You get so see so much beauty while at the same time you do some good exercise. I look forward to seeing more from your Iceland trip!
The plastic bottle artwork is fascinating and its message is important. Personally I only drink water, or what comes in cans or glass bottles.
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Thank you Susanne for stopping by. Like you, I drink water and use my refillable water bottle when I go outdoors or travel. I plan to share my Iceland adventure and photos this month. I hope September is off to a good start for you.
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Well, that looks like the perfect August to me, Natalie. Especially that part about Iceland! 🙂 I’m glad to read that you are keeping up with the social, natural, artsy, and physical parts of life.
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Hi Liesbet, I’m quite motivated to do things that I enjoy like getting outside and travel 🙂 I’m behind on blog commenting. I hope to catch up this weekend.
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Hi Natalie,
Enjoyed this post. Your flower photos look like the ones I posted from Monet’s garden! The Mountain Dew Sculpture is fascinating. Hope you enjoyed Iceland, we had a fabulous time there about 8 years ago.
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Hi Alison, I enjoyed Iceland very much. It was my second time there. I also visited and enjoyed Monet’s garden a few years ago. It’s a beautiful space, isn’t it?
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Yes had a lovely day there, just went last week to Paris for three days while in the UK visiting my mum
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That sounds like a wonderful trip. London and Paris are great cities. I hope your mum is well.
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Thanks Natalie, yes good to see my mum while she still knows who I am!
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A bit of a long one from me!
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Thank you for your PPAC contribution, Ali. I love Paris and try to visit Montmartre each time I go to France. I wrote a comment on your blog and it showed up as ‘Anonymous’ 🙂
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Thanks Natalie, yes I think I see that, weird
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A wonderful month, shall look forward to reading about Iceland.
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Thank you Helen. I hope August was good to you. My first blog post on Iceland went live this morning Friday Sept. 8 in case you’re interested.
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So happy to have you join in The Changing Seasons, Natalie! An epic month, your August! I am looking forward to hearing all about Iceland. I just finished Part 1 – I think my mouth is still agape!
I love the Floating MAiZE! The idea, the hugeness, the colour! It must have been stunning standing under it!
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Ju-Lyn, Thank you for hosting The Changing Seasons. August was full of delights and wonders for me. I’m glad you love the Floating MAiZE and enjoyed my first post on Iceland. I hope your September is off to a great start.
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