After thinking about todayÂ’s challenge, I realize a kind thank you is order to Julia for masterminding a fabulous exercise for me.
Fabulous, you ask? Perhaps itÂ’s time for me to disclose some personal information about the person behind the name. I am both an RN and a therapist by education. Having knowledge of what makes people well both clinically and therapeutically, is what stirred in my heart a love of all things beautiful. For me, something of exquisite beauty are photos taken near bodies of water, preferably running streams. Equally of value is the essence of fog. Thus, this photo is one that really does have a very special place in my heart and in my home because of the fog and the running water.
This photo was taken alongside the American River Canyon in Fair Oaks, California. As soon as I got up that Fall morning and saw the beautiful fog lying over the valley, I knew Molly, my golden retriever, and I were off on an adventure.
The reason for this journey is simple: I have come personally and professionally to appreciate the value of beauty to the soul. Although I can honestly say I have never practiced art therapy in any modality, I can say it moves my own spirit and heart to take in the wondrous environment which each of us has been blessed with.
Again, going back to therapy, I am not so much, or so I think, about love as much as I am about healing the body and the soul! To wit, this photo has done both for me: The fog is an essence of mystery and the waters represent the peaceful journeys we all take along the pathways of our lives.
I hope you enjoy my photograph created into a semi card. The photo is actually of much more value to me than a card, but I did so want you to take a close look at something I believe is true beauty.
Moreover, the twigs you see here are from a beautiful tree I started as a seedling in my yard in Roseville, Ca. With delight I watched it grow strong and beautiful. Not wanting to leave my home without a remembrance of this gorgeous flowering tree, IÂ’ve managed to carry these precious twigs throughout the US with all the many moves weÂ’ve made throughout our careers!
I really hope its muted beauty will cause you, like me, to appreciate all that lies within our midst. ThereÂ’s so much to be grateful for, and this is how I capture things of beauty that cause my heart to feel extremely blessed and healthy.
TFL!
Date: Thursday, June 12, 2008 GMT Views: 1857
Favorited:19
Registered: July 18, 2006 Location: Beautiful, British Columbia, Canada Posts: 24229
Thu, Jun 12, 2008 @ 10:16 AM
Just love this picture. Can see why you do too. Nature has always touchedmy heart - from flowers to coloured leaves in the fall, to a freshly fallen blanket of snow. Thanks for sharing part of your story.
------------------------------ "For I am confident in this, that He who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Christ Jesus" Phil 1:6 Verve Diva My Blog My SCS Gallery
Registered: February 20, 2007 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 5672
Thu, Jun 12, 2008 @ 10:17 AM
Oh, Anne! Loved your photo and then read your description and absolutely melted. Thank you so much for sharing this and also for all the truly insightful and lovely comments you've left for me and others here. You do bless our lives so!
Did I mention that I think your photo is award worthy?
Registered: August 29, 2007 Location: Cambridge, Ontario Canada Posts: 20999
Thu, Jun 12, 2008 @ 10:19 AM
What an extrodinarily beautiful photograph. I love pictures of nature and water as well. I think that this is a one in a million shot and worth preserving. I think that taking some twigs from your favorite tree is a beautiful way to remember past loves "like your beautiful flowering tree".
I'm glad that you've shared some of yourself with us all today.
Everything about this wonderful card pulls at my heart.
------------------------------ Nicole
DT member for Mark's Finest Papers
I am a pround member of SCS. My blog
Registered: December 29, 2007 Location: Posts: 4054
Thu, Jun 12, 2008 @ 10:26 AM
Oh boy-- what a beauty!! The times I am most at peace are when I'm in nature, preferably- of course - by the sea. It has such power and peace, and amazing control-- it definately reminds me that there is a power greater than me!
Beautiful card and thoughts! TFS
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Registered: July 15, 2006 Location: Gilbertsville, PA Posts: 12427
Thu, Jun 12, 2008 @ 10:29 AM
Not only is this a gorgeous card and photograph, but the story behind it is truly inspiring and thought provoking. It's a true reminder that we all need to count our blessings for the simple things in life we all take for granted. Great job, TFS!
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Registered: November 28, 2004 Location: the Florida wilderness Posts: 20588
Thu, Jun 12, 2008 @ 10:42 AM
Your fabulous photo and touching personal testimony to the value of beauty make a wonderful combination! Your card is gorgeous! That touch of red and the flower add to the beauty and mystique of the photo. Wonderful job. Thanks for sharing your card and your story!