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: 1862
Favorited:19
Splitcoast Dirty Dozen Alumni Cards for a Cause Challenge Hostess
Registered: September 29, 2007 Location: virginia Posts: 22372
Thu, Jun 12, 2008 @ 1:37 PM
Anne, this is stunning! I am a lover of this beautiful land God has given to us and I really enjoy seeing photos of his landscape. This is a gorgeous photo, tfs! *~*
------------------------------ teresa kline-enjoy life! paperie blooms-blog 2klines-ig
designing for
verve stamps, sunday stamps, inspired by, and as you see it challenges
Registered: July 18, 2007 Location: WA Posts: 9838
Thu, Jun 12, 2008 @ 1:51 PM
I nominate Anne for the best-post-ever award! This is such a beautiful photo and I adore how you transformed it in an equally majestic card! I most love that you shared more than I've ever known about my dear friend. Your words are like a flowing stream, magical and perfect and I drink it all in like I do this picture. Ever consider writing poetry as well? Personally, I think you need a blog to unveil your wonderful thoughts like this on a daily basis! It is truly an awesome experience every time I visit your gallery or see the comments you leave for all! In short, You ROCK!!! xoxoxox Lins
Registered: January 29, 2006 Location: Mount Forest,Ontario Canada Posts: 11581
Thu, Jun 12, 2008 @ 2:24 PM
Anne what a beautiful way to display and share a precious moment with us all. Thanks for sharing some of your heart and soul and drawing us into your world. It truly is lovely there. I don't imagine you will be giving this away as it holds so many things precious to you, but you have created a stunning show and tell piece.
------------------------------ Michele
My God shall supply all your need…Philippians 4:19
Registered: June 10, 2007 Location: BC Posts: 44872
Thu, Jun 12, 2008 @ 2:46 PM
Really a gorgeous Anne!! A beautiful scene!! I really enjoy your thougts behind why you love that picture so much and knowing a little more about you... may I just invite you to come live where I live - I live on a delta Island on the mouth of the Fraser as it enters the Pacific Ocean - just a bridge away from Vancouver - and we have ever so many bridges .. and fog and bodies of water!! LOvely photo!
Registered: July 4, 2004 Location: Benton Harbor Michigan Posts: 9706
Thu, Jun 12, 2008 @ 2:56 PM
Anne, This is so beautiful and the photograph is just stunning!!! It makes perfect sense that you would be a therapist, you always leave such sweet wonderful personal comments. Like you, I also love the peace of water and the sound. I'm so grateful we live by Lake Michigan. I can't imagine not living by water. TFS!!!