Old Love Letters - Straight From The Heart - (enlarge)

On one of the most miserable Winter days, I decided to do some

tidying up of some of the many things I have in a big box. It is

nondescript, but I have always known it as my 'Treasure Box'. Inside

there are various items that I have saved over the years that have

meant the most to me. I found some letters I wrote my parents while

I was a teenager, working as a Waitress at a Church Camp for the

summer. I chuckled as I reread those old letters, reliving the

enthusiasum of a 14 year old teenager. In amongst those letters, I

found some old letters from a boy who worked at the Camp also. He

had been my 'First Love'. I recall being 'heartsick' at the end of

that 'magical summer'. He lived about 80 miles from where I did, and

while I had hoped to hear from him after we both returned to our

Home Towns, and back to High School, I did not. Of course I was

heartbroken. In the following May there was one morning when I had

stayed up all night, cramming for a Politics and Society Term Paper.

Nerves shot and nauseated, I went out the front door to rush to

school. As I shut the screen door, I saw out of the corner of my eye,

a long envelope sticking out of the Mailbox. I recognized his writing

immediately, tore the envelope open and found he had written his

apologies for not writing, and soon went on to tell me he wanted me

to be his Date for his Spring Prom!!!! I was literally 'wallking on a

cloud'!!! I made it to School on time, picked a subject to write my

Term Paper on, and started to write, actually oblivious to what I was

doing. I really did not care! My teenage heart was so elated. A week

later, my teacher was handing out our papers that he had just

graded. As he approached my desk, he broke out in a big smile and

said 'Congratulations Gail, you are the only one in the class that got

98%, actually the only one that got over 85%!! I had been sure I

would FAIL that exam! I look back and know in my heart that

the 'love letter' I'd received that day had actually had more influence

on me than I ever could have imagined. LOVE, no matter what age

we are, is a real and moving force that can truly make 'Miracles'

happen when it is received with an Open Heart! (vists always

welcome, with sincere thanks, Gail)

Hi Gail,

A terrific recollection of fond memories, with a wonderful image to compliment your writings.

The focus points are effective from using the 100mm at F/2.8.

The background fades and blends the tones well, too.

Warmest Regards, Mike

Wonderful - an image showing romance, love, and a light from above that shines and provides warmth to a bleeding heart!  It brings to mind an emptied  glass of wine or perhaps a rum punch, the gentle tradewinds of the Caribbean  after a night spent on the beach!  keep up the inspirational work!

Splendid !

Congrats Gail !

great work!!!beautiful colors-composition and lighting -technic. best regards janegbert

extraordinaryy and original image regards gerolamo

Full of passion image, Love it!! Regards Gail.

What a nice story, Gail! And... a beautiful result I see here, my compliments!

With best regards,

Ruud.

 

Mesmerizing and sublime, Gail.

Bw, Volker

Very nice...and I thoroughly enjoyed reading your story.

your composition complements your story quite well - or vice versa..nicely done.

Hi, Gail! I am lost - cannot tell what you do better - write or photograph. Both I follow with the same interest and admiration. There's no end to the creativity of your romantic soul! Warm regards, Tamara

very beautiful

to all who have commented, I will try to respond later today ;-) Gail

Hi Gail,

  Beautiful creative image with wonderful colors & details.  Take care, Patsy

A wonderful bit of creativity reflecting new beginnings. The remarks I made on your last photo apply to this one as well. The colors and forms here are absolutely primal.

My sincere thanks for that lovely compliment. Your visits always encourage me. Funny, through  PN it does not seem you are so far away ;-) Gail

Thankyou Mike for your visit. Even if I am doing a more artistic composition, it is nice to hear you express your views on how I have used my camera and lens.

Sincere regards, Gail

What a lovely comment, now you're making me want to be in the Caribbean, I can feel the breeze now.

Each of you have expressed similar lovely impressions of this image. I thank you each one for your visits, time and support. Truly encourages and inspires.

Sincere regards, Gail

Many thanks for your very kind thoughts and input on this composition, I truly appreciated your encouraging support!

I know you are a romantic also, you have such enthusiasum Tamara, one day we will meet and have such a fun time!!!

Thankyou dear Mehmet for your visit. I enjoyed your last landscape thoroughly!!

Hi Gail,

Your choice of Begonia (am I right?) to represent the heart is a lovely idea. The concept of the picture sure complements your wonderful love story. Yes, love makes the world go round and many of us have our own wonderful stories. But your story is really cute and it's nice to know love could even help you get good grades in the school! 

Warm regards, Ajay.

Gail,

Heartwarming story of "young love" as well as a heartwarming and thoughtful image!

Very well done!

Regards always,

Jim j.