2014/2013 digital alterations Soft Place - (enlarge)

Have you ever just felt - 'still' inside? Difficult to describe. It is not an

empty feeling, it is not quite 'sad', but not far off. Your heart feels

about as full as your mind - perhaps that is more like 'heavy' feeling.

Yet you feel you need to express yourself in some way. I have

always found solace within my images. One evening I was exploring

our front garden. I found this perfect 'Bleeding Heart'. While

wondering what I would do with it, I found this lovely Peony that was

so full and lovely. It was like a big soft billowy cushion. So I placed

this little heart within it's petals and immediately I thought, 'soft place

to fall'. We are living in very perilous times and I feel so thankful to

live where I do. My husband and I spoke of this with my Dad one

evening when he was over for supper last week. We sat under our

Gazebo enjoying gentle conversation. The birds sang, a soft breeze

blew around us, the sky was a lovely blue, decorated with soft white

clouds. How could we be so fortunate to share such a peaceful

space in time??? There are hearts out there with no such soft place

to fall - every minute of every day. Hearts burdened, broken, aching,

and some just crying out for a kind word. Life has such a delicate

balance and those of us who are so fortunate must never take

this 'Gift' for granted or treat it carelessly. We are responsible for

each and every word that we say, and how we treat others. I hope

this little 'heart' will come to mind if I am ever tempted to take my

'Gifts' for granted. (Many thanks for the patience so many have

shown while I continue to recover and not be able to participate as

much on PN. While still in Phisio, things are going well. Most of

the 'pain' is 'good pain'. Finally I am able to 'handhold' my camera for

short periods of time. I am blessed and thankful :) Gail)

A really beautiful shot. Very appropriate for what you've been experiencing as of late. Remember the old adage, Gail. "This too shall pass!"

Hi Gai,

Excellent work! I hope you feel much better.

Best regards, 

Tina

Bleeding heart flower on a perfect white deco,very nice and good looking.

kind regards

Beautifully done with soft colors Gail!!!    AJ

Thank you for this artistically rendered macro and for the most human story, Gail!

 

Best regards

 

PDE

Gail,

Beautiful work!  Thanks for sharing. 

Ah, Gail, so very perfect! 

A really beautiful result, Gail!

 

Hi Gail,

  Beautiful creative image with heartfelt story.  Take care, Patsy

Hi Gail, Most definitely a fine photo, but the write up is what counts here. I think you're getting better(I'm glad for that), Your outlook on things and positive emotions will help carry you there, like Warren said "This Too Shall Pass". Take care and all the best.

Your Friend,

Holger

Many thanks for your visit and good wishes. I do feel much better as I go along :) I am not afraid to use 'Patience' in most things. I never want to have to have my shoulder fixed again!!! Some days I forget and do something I'm not quite ready to do, but my shoulder soon lets me know of my mistake!!! I do appreciate your visit so much. I heard that there was some bad weather overnight New Jersey, many without power - I hope you were not affected. Enjoy your summer! :) GAil

many thanks for dropping by. Many thanks also for your email a few weeks ago, it really brightened the day. I'm glad your Sunflowers are out!! I know we are in for a treat over the next weeks.

My sincere thanks for your appreciation of this image and for visiting, kindest regards, Gail

Radu - Many thanks for your visits, your love of flowers is an inspiration to me, so good to hear you enjoyed this one Radu.

Tina -  Sincere thanks Tina for your visit. I appreciate hearing from you and hearing that you liked this composition.

Many thanks Warren for dropping by. Yes, I wish I'd fallen somewhere 'soft' when I tripped and broke my shoulder!!!! Oh well, I am getting better and the experience has had positive effects as well. What is important in life seems to become even more apparent. Wasting time and emotions  has become forward in my mind. We are what we live or allow to affect our lives. Thank you for your positive vibes Warren :) Gail

Very delicate image, excellent treatment of white and reds (well... pinks, purples) that is very difficult. Just curious - when processing, did you think about some vignetting?

Hi Gail. You have successfully combining flowers and the Bleeding Heart is beautiful and stands out nicely on the white background of the peony, and mix well with its texture. But in addition to the image, I really like the story you tell here, and your words have touched me, you're absolutely right. Thanks for sharing your feelings. 

Kind Regards,

Rosario

I almost posted one with a vignette, but I didn't like the darkness around it. The white vignette seemed to almost take away from the detail in the outer parts of the Peony. I even tried lesser opacities. But I may try it again when I print one. Thanks so much for your suggestions vlad.

Your thoughts shared are most appreciated. I think in some ways we are a lot alike Rosario. I will try to get by and visit soon, :) Gail

Lovely image, Gail! So glad to see your wonderful images again... :) Warm regards.

Dear Gail ... I missed you a lot !! ... And I´am realy happy knowing that your health is improving. 

Thank you for all the love you give us all with each one of the words you wrote or each of the pictures you uploaded. 

A big, big hug !!! I promise I´ll write you as soon as I can.

A most delicate and intriguing creation, as most of your work is. This one is especially delicate, conveying joy because of the light and magnificent color. Complex and creative, rich in the experience of textures (one can almost feel that very special quality of flower petals). In a nutshell, a masterful creation. To say more would be to spoil the experience.

DG 

Wonderful pic, Gail, I am glad you feel better. Thanks for sharing your art and feelings. You are and excellent friend and artist. God bless you. 

 

Gorgeous image my dear friend! Is always about heart, but the good heart is only one!

Warmest regards,

LuDa