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: 1861
Favorited:19
Registered: August 8, 2006 Location: Roseville CA Posts: 18519
Thu, Jun 12, 2008 @ 8:39 PM
What a great story, photo, and card. I have a similar philosophy ... serenity_stamper .... stamping is like meditating to me .... I am near you in Rocklin, small world! It is nice connecting with you. blessings, Lela
This is extraordinary! I love your picture and use of twigs from a tree you grew. Thanks for sharing about yourself and reminding me about the beauty around us.
------------------------------ My blog: tturtletime
Registered: August 24, 2005 Location: northwest Ks. Posts: 1501
Thu, Jun 12, 2008 @ 9:15 PM
Anne you are amazing. That is one beautiful photo and your story is so intriguing, and beautifully written. Thank you for sharing your world with us. And by the way I love your card I like the water and fog also, but I live in Kansas so there is not much water where I live, just beautiful sunsets and golden wheat flowing in the wind. Also we can see for miles and miles very flat here. tfs
Ks.stamper
--------------
Evelynn
Prayer is the key to heaven, but faith unlocks the door..
Registered: June 23, 2005 Location: Saskatchewan, Canada Posts: 4585
Thu, Jun 12, 2008 @ 9:37 PM
Wow!! this is So Beautiful!! I love the photo...and the composition of the card...but it is your description that brings out the beauty not only of the photo but of yourself as well..Thanks So Much for sharing!!
This is stunning, gorgeous, lovely... and your story amazing, brought tears to my eyes!! The photo is fabulous, If you had colored this, I would be on my way to your house for lessons!!
Splitcoast Dirty Dozen Creative Crew SU Design Team Alumni
Registered: January 7, 2007 Location: Southern California Posts: 42785
Thu, Jun 12, 2008 @ 10:24 PM
Anne, I saw this earlier and am finally getting back to send some comments. Your card is beautiful, serene and touching and your background story is equally compelling. Thank you for sharing your artistic talents and a little bit about yourself to all of us here. I look forward to seeing what comes next from you! Kathy
------------------------------ Kathy Stamp n Sip with me
Splitcoast Dirty Dozen Alumni VSN Coordinator Splitcoast Challenge Hostess Creative Crew SU Design Team Alumni
Registered: June 12, 2006 Location: On My Mountain!!! Posts: 73310
Thu, Jun 12, 2008 @ 11:36 PM
Oh my gosh Anne!! Not only is the card/photo absolutely gorgeous.......your sharing is so profound and moving!! I've always loved the sound and sight of running water!! This photo is spectacularly calming!!! And the design of the card is so appropriately elegant and yet showcases the photo beautifully!!!