Walking down State Street in Lake Oswego, a community south of Portland, I happened to see several fleur de lis on the buildings.
I was charmed that something so functional could be pretty also.
Did someone at the city government choose these? The contractor? Or, did they fit the bill because they were the cheapest?
The “why” or “how” of these clamps don’t matter to me as much as the fact that they are there.
A bit like the fox from The Little Prince, I look for them when I walk down State Street.
I wonder if anyone else has noticed them.
It reminds me of taking my toddler to the Grand Canyon. Rather than seeing the panorama, he was fascinated by the pretty little rocks that lay at his feet.
State Street is a busy street and it is easy to feel overwhelmed by the traffic and visual stimulation.
I like finding things of beauty in unexpected places. They are a “joy forever”.
Lori Greer in Portland 
I can always appreciate people who put that little something extra to their work 🙂
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Thank you. Writing, observing, reflecting (not in that order always) take time but are worth it to me.
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Exactly 🙂
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I love the intricate detailing that went into “turn of 20th century houses”. I have not adjusted very well the all too common clean, efficient lines of modern housing.
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I agree!
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It’s a grace to find beauty in the most ordinary 🙂 And I love what you say about your son at the Grand Canyon. Raising 2 boys myself, I exactly know that!
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I really like that you did notice beauty in a small, apparently random way, and especially in the middle of chaos.
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I like the beauty found in mundane things around us 🙂
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I also like to look closely at things that surround us, I like very much to look from the window when I go on a bus and see people, nature, houses. 🙂
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A bit like the group of blind men who stumbled across the elephant, each relating a different impression of the animal depending upon which part of it they touched. We must both get down and stand back.
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It’s all about the character for me. This simple touch is a delight.
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I have never seen anything this lovely used to hold a pipe in place. Perfect – we need more of them. 🙂
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Great post and thought! 🙂
http://alifyalifestyle.com/
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A great example of hidden beauty, probably unnoticed by most.
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This is a perfect example of focusing on the positive. Never mind the rust – look at the pretty fleur de lis pattern.
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I love this! Details bring me such joy. There is something about the “little things”. Thanks for the post.
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I love Fleur de Lys! And I love that they are a representation of the Iris flower. You have a good eye. I think it’s so cool that the clasps(hinges) were shaped like the Fleur de Lys. 🙂 ❤
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I like your toddler’s perspective!
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I agree. We can learn a lot from little ones!
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I agree. I like the rust, too
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Hi, I think the rust adds to the character. Have a great weekend.
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I share your joy of beauty in unexpected places.
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Useful and pretty. What a lovely concept!
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What a lovely find. I always get excited to find little details like this as well. Thanks for the reminder to find joy in the small things!
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Thank you Lori. The truth of finding the richness and beauty in this life by finding the little things is such a blessing. I found the purest white stone in the midst of a dusty dry forest trail I brought it home. What you have written today gave me such joy for the same reason. Its the unexpectedness! It’s the possibilities! What a pretty and beautiful idea the Fleur de Lys ties. Encouraging post!
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How special that you were able to see the beauty in something that most of us would pass by. The impact of something so small and normally unnoticed is very special. I can take the time to appreciate the little things in life just as you have soo thank you for this lesson.
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You are welcome and I hope your day is filled with bits of beauty and joy. Lori
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I love Portland (I live near Vancouver BC). Next time I am there, you will have me looking for fleur de lis!
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Thank you. I think Vancouver BC is a great city too. As to Portland, I hope you visit soon. Have a great weekend!
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Thanks, you too!
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I love photos like this.
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p.s. and you are right about your grandson’s observations.
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Sometimes when Mr FD drops me off for a lesson, and I’m a little early I stroll around the back streets, looking for little details like this. Last time I found the most delightful shutter pins, made in the form of little people. I didn’t photograph them, but certainly they made my day!
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What a wonderful find! There are magical things everywhere if we look carefully.
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I’m with you. It’s good to pay attention to the “little things.” And sometimes that makes the big picture easier to see.
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i truly accept your view.
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Thank you for reading and commenting on my post. Lori
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I love this! That’s our symbol here in Montreal! 🙂
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This is just lovely. A little hidden treasure in the gutter!
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Thank you. I was delighted to find it. Happy Monday, Lori
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Lovely, Lori. Merci for visiting 24/7 in France, author of “Solitary Desire-One Woman’s Journey to France”- video http://youtu.be/xG_YTa5sDac & wishing you a bon weekend!
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