Pachaug State Forest
This picture was taken by my friend Jacqueline. She is a very talented artist, although she hasn’t realized that yet. This image is pure; it was not manipulated with PhotoShop or anything like that. Some of you may know that I have this “little” project I am working on – writing a book. The book is about how my experience as a Volunteer Coordinator for an Extreme Makeover: Home Edition build has changed my life. Jacqueline was just 15 years old when her family received the home that I helped build (in 2008.) I thought it would be a fascinating idea to include her photographic art in my book.
I have experienced this “dilemma” in my life many times. I have approached many crossroads. Do I turn left? Or, is it better to go right? It was always safer to turn around and go back from where I came. Decisions, decisions… And at times, I couldn’t see the big picture; I couldn’t see the forest for the trees. I would worry myself sick with analyzing the smallest details. I’d worry about what might or might not happen. My perspective and my vision became out of focus. I failed to see the beauty of where I was standing. Everything was blurry.
My intention for our photo shoot was to find something or some place meaningful that would “fit” in my book. Jacqueline took A LOT of pictures this day. She said, “Well, I figure if I take a lot of pictures, there has to be at least one that comes out really good.” She experiments a lot with her photographs.
Following the advice of a Henry David Thoreau quote, I looked at the pictures and they were great. Jacqueline really is an artist. However, when I looked at the pictures a second time, I saw this picture. I then realized the true intention of our photo shoot that day was not to find a good photograph, it was to be given this great photograph. It was to teach me to slow down, look around, see what is around me and bring the things that are important in my life, back into focus.
Be Kind. Be Thankful. Be Significant.
