Monday, December 31, 2018

Wish

Wish, from the Differentiation Series by Sara Harley
Wish
may the winds
gently blow
hopes
dreams
wishes
your way


I created this image for myself as a good luck talisman when I applied for a photographic residency.
It turns out that I didn't obtain the residency, but in retrospect I believe that was a good thing.
Most of us have hopes and dreams. Some just blow away, but some take root and flourish.
Wishing that all your hopes and dreams come true in 2019.


Monday, December 24, 2018

Song of Joy

Song of Joy from the Differentiation Series by Sara Harley
Song Of Joy
shout out
with jubilation
give thanks
with gladness
sing songs
with joy
celebrate
with life

Birds and trees are a thing for me. Symbols of strength and freedom in my mind, seeing them together always makes me pause.
Hearing this robin singing his heart out just outside our backyard was a special moment of spring.
I am not a follower of organized religion. However I do subscribe to the fundamental beliefs of many religions. Psalm 100 has been a favourite of mine since I learned it in a song when I was young.
The song was a true celebration of life, and the inspiration for my verse.





Song Of Joy is from a series I created in 2018 called Differentiation. To view the complete series of images and verse, click on this link and then click "Preview".

Sunday, December 23, 2018

Strength

Strength, from the Roots and Wings Series by Sara Harley
Strength
My roots will ground me
as I reach for my dreams.
With each new season,
I will blossom and grow.
When ill winds blow,
I will bend but not break.
I will nurture and protect
those who take shelter with me.


I wrote this verse during the months between surgery for breast cancer and commencing radiation treatments.

I needed something to give myself motivation to carry on.

It remains one of my favourite inspirational writings to this day. 

Does these trees look familiar? (yes, there are 2 trees in this image). I used also used this image as the basis for "Strength" in my Stroke of Emotions project.

Strength is from my solo Roots+Wings exhibit held at the Margaret Hennigar Public Library in February 2018. Each image was paired with verse to represent emotions ranging from devastation through rejuvenation.

I believe trees represent growth and strength, with roots to ground us in our traditions. I see birds in flight as symbols of freedom, with the power of dreams and life renewed. Together, Roots + Wings create powerful images of inspiration and tools to heal the soul. These images are a symbolic representation of emotional healing, from devastation through rejuvenation.

 

To view the complete collection of images and verse from Roots + Wings click on this link.



Friday, December 21, 2018

Harbinger

Harbinger, from the Roots and Wings Series by Sara Harley
Harbinger
recovery
rediscovery
wings of change
give us courage
to fly


It takes courage to take a leap of faith.

When it's the right time for you, you need to take charge of the rest of your life.

Spread your wings....take flight...start living.



Harbinger is from my solo Roots+Wings exhibit held at the Margaret Hennigar Public Library in February 2018. Each image was paired with verse to represent emotions ranging from devastation through rejuvenation.

I believe trees represent growth and strength, with roots to ground us in our traditions. I see birds in flight as symbols of freedom, with the power of dreams and life renewed. Together, Roots + Wings create powerful images of inspiration and tools to heal the soul. These images are a symbolic representation of emotional healing, from devastation through rejuvenation.

 

To view the complete collection of images and verse from Roots + Wings click on this link.

Wednesday, December 19, 2018

Change

Change, from the Roots and Wings Series by Sara Harley
Change
together
wings beating in unison
we have the power
to create
the winds of change


Sharing your burden makes everything easier.

In these times of online sharing, it's easy to forget that we all need human contact. Not over the computer, but in real life.

Some of us have no family or friends to rely on in times of need. But there are groups and services available to help us. We just need to reach out and ask. 

With help, it is possible to carry on.


Change is from my solo Roots+Wings exhibit held at the Margaret Hennigar Public Library in February 2018. Each image was paired with verse to represent emotions ranging from devastation through rejuvenation.

I believe trees represent growth and strength, with roots to ground us in our traditions. I see birds in flight as symbols of freedom, with the power of dreams and life renewed. Together, Roots + Wings create powerful images of inspiration and tools to heal the soul. These images are a symbolic representation of emotional healing, from devastation through rejuvenation.

 

To view the complete collection of images and verse from Roots + Wings click on this link.

Monday, December 17, 2018

Messenger

Messenger, from the Roots and Wings Series by Sara Harley
Messenger
life's path is unclear
but the messengers call
change is in the air
a new cycle begins


We all have bad things happen to us. Trust me when I say that it will get better.

Time does not heal all wounds.

But the passage of time does help ease our pain so that we can learn to function again.

We have to learn to live with our loss, or we are not living at all.


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Messenger is from my solo Roots+Wings exhibit held at the Margaret Hennigar Public Library in February 2018. Each image was paired with verse to represent emotions ranging from devastation through rejuvenation.

I believe trees represent growth and strength, with roots to ground us in our traditions. I see birds in flight as symbols of freedom, with the power of dreams and life renewed. Together, Roots + Wings create powerful images of inspiration and tools to heal the soul. These images are a symbolic representation of emotional healing, from devastation through rejuvenation.

 

To view the complete collection of images and verse from Roots + Wings click on this link.

Saturday, December 15, 2018

Overcome

Overcome, from the Roots and Wings Series by Sara Harley
Overcome
my roots are strong
and will hold me
my friends gather near
and we will overcome
these troubled waters


Support is a two way street.

Ask for help when you need it.

Give help when someone else needs it.

If someone you know is having problems, do something nice for them.

Be proactive and avoid the offer of "if there's anything I can do, let me know", because lots of people won't actually ask for help.
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Overcome is from my solo Roots+Wings exhibit held at the Margaret Hennigar Public Library in February 2018. Each image was paired with verse to represent emotions ranging from devastation through rejuvenation.

I believe trees represent growth and strength, with roots to ground us in our traditions. I see birds in flight as symbols of freedom, with the power of dreams and life renewed. Together, Roots + Wings create powerful images of inspiration and tools to heal the soul. These images are a symbolic representation of emotional healing, from devastation through rejuvenation.

 

To view the complete collection of images and verse from Roots + Wings click on this link.

Thursday, December 13, 2018

Disclosure

Disclosure
usually
I keep my secrets
safe
but it is time
for full disclosure


A continuation of the theme from my last post, this image was created to stress the fact that it's very important to talk about your feelings when you are going through a crisis.

Find someone, anyone who is willing to listen.

They won't solve your problems, but it is important for your well being to release some stress. Talking will help do that.

Just for the curious...I created this image by combining two photographs. The first photograph was taken out my backdoor. We have a lot of crows in our neighbourhood, which bothered me when we first moved to our town lot, but now I quite enjoy crow watching. The second image is a photograph of an ice covered puddle and I have used that as my sky. The "real" sky was a totally grey overcast day. I oversaturated the colours of the ice and I love the final outcome.
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Disclosure is from my solo Roots+Wings exhibit held at the Margaret Hennigar Public Library in February 2018. Each image was paired with verse to represent emotions ranging from devastation through rejuvenation.

I believe trees represent growth and strength, with roots to ground us in our traditions. I see birds in flight as symbols of freedom, with the power of dreams and life renewed. Together, Roots + Wings create powerful images of inspiration and tools to heal the soul. These images are a symbolic representation of emotional healing, from devastation through rejuvenation.

 

To view the complete collection of images and verse from Roots + Wings click on this link.

Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Whisper

Whisper, from the Roots and Wings Series by Sara Harley
Whisper
whisper
your worries
into the wind
and the wings
of a dove
will carry them
away


When you are going through a crisis, no matter what the crisis is, find someone to talk to. They won't be able to fix your problems. But just verbalizing your thoughts can lighten the burden your mind is carrying.

This is very, very important.

You need to find a way to release your feelings, or you will be facing even bigger problems. Keeping your feelings trapped inside affects your health and well being.

If you are not good to yourself, you won't be good to anyone else either.
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Whisper is from my solo Roots+Wings exhibit held at the Margaret Hennigar Public Library in February 2018. Each image was paired with verse to represent emotions ranging from devastation through rejuvenation.

I believe trees represent growth and strength, with roots to ground us in our traditions. I see birds in flight as symbols of freedom, with the power of dreams and life renewed. Together, Roots + Wings create powerful images of inspiration and tools to heal the soul. These images are a symbolic representation of emotional healing, from devastation through rejuvenation.

 

To view the complete collection of images and verse from Roots + Wings click on this link.

Sunday, December 9, 2018

Frozen

Frozen, from the Roots and Wings Series by Sara Harley
Frozen
loneliness
a frozen land
waiting for a sign
a sliver
a glimmer
of hope


I created this image and verse for a solo exhibit. At my exhibit I had comment cards for people to fill out and asked what their favourite image was, and what their least favourite image was, among other questions.

One person chose this image as their least favourite because it made them sad. 

I consider that a huge success! Because that is exactly the emotion I was trying to convey. 

There is a good life lesson for me here....not all negative feedback is actually negative. Look beyond the comment and perhaps you will see deeper meaning.
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Frozen is from my solo Roots+Wings exhibit held at the Margaret Hennigar Public Library in February 2018. Each image was paired with verse to represent emotions ranging from devastation through rejuvenation.

I believe trees represent growth and strength, with roots to ground us in our traditions. I see birds in flight as symbols of freedom, with the power of dreams and life renewed. Together, Roots + Wings create powerful images of inspiration and tools to heal the soul. These images are a symbolic representation of emotional healing, from devastation through rejuvenation.

 

To view the complete collection of images and verse from Roots + Wings click on this link.

Friday, December 7, 2018

Tempest

Tempest, from the Roots and Wings Series by Sara Harley
Tempest
emotional onslaught
swirling, battling
through this storm
of life


Sometimes life feels like a battle, with everything working against you.

Persevere, and you will overcome the elements.
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Tempest is from my solo Roots+Wings exhibit held at the Margaret Hennigar Public Library in February 2018. Each image was paired with verse to represent emotions ranging from devastation through rejuvenation.

I believe trees represent growth and strength, with roots to ground us in our traditions. I see birds in flight as symbols of freedom, with the power of dreams and life renewed. Together, Roots + Wings create powerful images of inspiration and tools to heal the soul. These images are a symbolic representation of emotional healing, from devastation through rejuvenation.

 

To view the complete collection of images and verse from Roots + Wings click on this link.

Sunday, December 2, 2018

Vortex

Vortex from the Roots+Wings Series by Sara Harley
Vortex
free falling
whirlwind
of emotions
my world
is torn
asunder 

I created this image after having an argument. I hate confrontation in any format, and having an emotional, hurtful argument tops the list of things I'd like to avoid. 

I was raging mad after that argument and turned to my library of images to create something to try to convey that feeling.

This image is a compilation of 3 photographs. The background is an image of the forest behind our home. I zoomed the lens while pressing the shutter to create a sense of movement in the trees. 

The second image I used is a crow taken from a photograph I took in our backyard. 

The third image is a texture layer of red blotches. In my mind, red is a symbol of powerful emotion.

I hope the compilation of images conveys the feeling of loss of control. What does it say to you?
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Vortex is from my solo Roots+Wings exhibit held at the Margaret Hennigar Public Library in February 2018. Each image was paired with verse to represent emotions ranging from devastation through rejuvenation.

I believe trees represent growth and strength, with roots to ground us in our traditions. I see birds in flight as symbols of freedom, with the power of dreams and life renewed. Together, Roots + Wings create powerful images of inspiration and tools to heal the soul. These images are a symbolic representation of emotional healing, from devastation through rejuvenation.

 

To view the complete collection of images and verse from Roots + Wings click on this link.

Friday, November 30, 2018

Together

Together from the Roots+Wings Series by Sara Harley
Together
distance
divides us
but we stand
together
all times
always

In this image, two trees stand in a field. 

Together, yet each standing alone.

These trees represent my husband and me after he had a debilitating stroke. 

Together, but apart. Not healthy and green.

A pall covers the scene, which indicates troubles ahead.

A lone dove flies away. A sign of hope? Or despair?

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Together is from my solo Roots+Wings exhibit held at the Margaret Hennigar Public Library in February 2018. Each image was paired with verse to represent emotions ranging from devastation through rejuvenation.

I believe trees represent growth and strength, with roots to ground us in our traditions. I see birds in flight as symbols of freedom, with the power of dreams and life renewed. Together, Roots + Wings create powerful images of inspiration and tools to heal the soul. These images are a symbolic representation of emotional healing, from devastation through rejuvenation.

 

To view the complete collection of images and verse from Roots + Wings click on this link.

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Hush

Hush


my first walk
alone
overtaken 
by silent wings
nature's sign
I am not forsaken
heart beats slow
anxious thoughts calm
hush

My husband spent two months in the hospital in 2017 recovering from a major stroke. It was a devastating time for both of us. Any time not spent in the hospital was spent looking after our 3 animals and our home. It was an exhausting and painful time.

My first solo outing was to the beach. Beach walks have always grounded me when I needed it most. A beach is my "go to" place when I need to heal my spirit.

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Hush is from my solo Roots+Wings exhibit held at the Margaret Hennigar Public Library in February 2018. Each image was paired with verse to represent emotions ranging from devastation through rejuvenation.

I believe trees represent growth and strength, with roots to ground us in our traditions. I see birds in flight as symbols of freedom, with the power of dreams and life renewed. Together, Roots + Wings create powerful images of inspiration and tools to heal the soul. These images are a symbolic representation of emotional healing, from devastation through rejuvenation.

 

To view the complete collection of images and verse from Roots + Wings click on this link.

Tuesday, November 27, 2018

Strength

Strength is from the Stroke of Emotions Series by Sara Harley
Strength


Strength -  
the quality or state of being strong, in particular: the emotional or mental qualities necessary in dealing with situations or events that are distressing or difficult

Strength is from the Stroke of Emotions Series I created in 2017.


In this image I am celebrating life. Trees and birds are powerful symbols for me. I believe trees represent growth and strength, with roots to ground us in our traditions. I see birds in flight as symbols of freedom, with the power of dreams and life renewed.

Monday, November 26, 2018

Hope

Hope is from the Stroke of Emotions Series by Sara Harley
Hope


hope
1. a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen.
2. grounds for believing that something good may happen.

Hope is from the Stroke of Emotions Series I created in 2017.

In this image I am sitting in a room of decay. Over my shoulder, a butterfly flits by...a sign that life still holds beauty and there is a glimpse of hope.
Sometimes it's difficult to see anything positive in our situations because it can be just a fleeting moment. I believe that no matter how desperate times become, there is a glimmer of hope if you look hard enough.
You may not be able to see it yourself but, with help, you may be able to find it.

Sunday, November 25, 2018

Choices


Choices is from the Stroke of Emotions Series by Sara Harley
Choices
 
choice
plural noun: choices
1. an act of selecting or making a decision when faced with two or more possibilities.

Choices is from the Stroke of Emotions Series I created in 2017.


Is your glass half empty, or half full? There comes a time when you have to let go of your negative emotions and move on.
If you can't let go, you won't be able to move forward and rebuild your life. If you don't rebuild your life, you will not be living.
You may need help to do this. Don't be afraid to ask.

Saturday, November 24, 2018

Support

Support is from the Stroke of Emotions Series by Sara Harley
Support

sup·port
1. a thing that bears the weight of something or keeps it upright.
2. a source of comfort or encouragement.


Support is from the Stroke of Emotions Series I created in 2017.

Can you see the fear in my eyes? In this image I am afraid but experiencing my first feeling of comfort.
Supported by the hands of family and friends, I begin to feel that I am not alone to face my challenges.
The roses are a sign of life's beauty, but not without thorny challenges.