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I NEED HOPE
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- Nancyj E. Hovey Contact Nancyj E. Hovey Nancyj E. Hovey's Gallery |
OH MY GOSH, Laura, what a fantastic image, poem and presentation... when I first glanced, I said, oh, she has posted a photo of Jesus! Holy Smolley! I really like the treatments, and the emotions from this image...
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- Laura E. Swan Contact Laura E. Swan Laura E. Swan's Gallery |
Gosh, Mumj. I sit in silence. Honored. Thank you so very much.
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Kirsten Kiki Kjaer |
OMG! What a heartbreaking image! It is a very emotional provoketing (I hope these are the right words) image in many ways, SSSL. A Native American Medicine Man once said to me: Be kind to everyone you meet. It could be the creator in disguise. And look what Nancy just wrote! It is so awful to think of the lack of heart there is in many societies, especially the rich. You've created such a powerful image and statement (again!) here, Sis. Fantastic job!!!!!!!! I also love the treatment! This ought to be heavily rewarded.
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Tess L. Yee |
Wonderful image with an excellent message, Laura. The park where my 'kids' live (the squirrels) is very near a homeless shelter. Because I get to the park in the early morning hours, I often see the prior night's guests on their way to wherever they're going. Later in the day, I might hear a parent 'explain' the behavior of some of the park's 'day guests.' More often than not, the parents paint an image of the homeless as monsters...not strangers around whom children should be observant and cautious, but creatures that are somehow less than human. I'm not certain what saddens me more. The state of homelessness, or the state of fear that perpetuates this fragmentation of humanity.
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Kirsten Kiki Kjaer |
Sorry: The Creator!
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- Laura E. Swan Contact Laura E. Swan Laura E. Swan's Gallery |
I'm really enjoying your responses here you guys. Thank you so much. I have been involved with the "TOUGH LOVE" program in the past and we learned that in order to BOUNCE BACK a person needs to hit rock bottom...and we ALSO (sadly) learned how easy it is to stay NEAR the bottom (like most homeless) but not reach the revelation stage that they need to make a comeback. It's so complicated. But we do know that as humans, we are all connected. My Mothers Favorite Saying that she ABSOLUTELY LIVED BY was: "KINDNESS IS ALWAYS APPROPRIATE". She passed away nearly 25 years ago and he words still ring in my heart every day of my life. Thanks again all. I have a poem to share with you. Hang on! I'll get it!
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- Laura E. Swan Contact Laura E. Swan Laura E. Swan's Gallery |
I wrote this some time ago and many of you have seen it already. Here it is again...in light of what Mumj and SSSKiki have said about other possibilities!
Have I Ever Passed An Angel On The Street? by: Laura E. Swan Jan 16, 1999 Hebrews 13:2 - Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
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Douglas Pignet |
It's a sad thing...Great capture of this person who is down & out...Well done.
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Kirsten Kiki Kjaer |
What a beautiful poem, SSSL. My throat is all lumpy...
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Monnie Ryan |
Wonderful, if sad, capture, Laura! Perfect for the theme!
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- Ann Coates Contact Ann Coates Ann Coates's Gallery |
Wow! What a great capture of true life and sadly it is the same no matter what country we live in. We all have our homeless and this image will touch many and hopefully make them think about the plight of others less fortunate. Well done Laura. Your effects are awesome.
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- Christine Lobsinger Contact Christine Lobsinger Christine Lobsinger's Gallery |
Oh My God Laura. I am speechless. A lump in my throat that wants to make way for comments on all the things written here by you and our friends... THIS image you made and the treatment you added is perfect for the Monthly Theme.. it is a Favorite for me! THank You Dear Laura! CHRISTINE
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ROLAN NARMAN |
A fantastic storytelling image for the MT sister Lulu! Excellent capture, treatment and presentation! Unfortunately we have a lot of then in Manhattan too! Breaks my heart! Hope all is well with you!
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Gord MacEachern |
Well you have left me speechless Laura! First, fantastic image and story and secondly your poem is just so awesome, it should be published somewhere. Perfect for the M/T!!!!!!
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Max Aureli |
Holy Cows!!!
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Ron McEwan |
Terrific image, speaks volumes Laura. That lady is Shirley; she is kind of short to start with, which really helps with the perspective too.
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Kitty R. Rodehorst-Hanna |
Awesome journalistic portrait, Laura!!! Super effects!!! The buzzards are there...little specks around the hotel on the hill!!! :-) k
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- Ann Coates Contact Ann Coates Ann Coates's Gallery |
Just love Max's comment.
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- Laura E. Swan Contact Laura E. Swan Laura E. Swan's Gallery |
I am here with you guys. I'm just listening to all of you. Thanks to each one. Yes Max. HOLY COWS. HA! You're so funny! -Laura
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Max Aureli |
.... Ann I am already depress what else I can say??? ...
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- Laura E. Swan Contact Laura E. Swan Laura E. Swan's Gallery |
Max...you need a cookie. Here. :)
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Max Aureli |
I think you shot him outside the Wallstreet market, Laura!!! He looks he had lost all the stocks!!! :-))
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Nancy J. Locke |
FANTABULOUS capture, Laura, and so heartbreaking. I also saw the Jesus metaphor. You take my breath away!!! Hugs, Nancy J Locke
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Nancy J. Locke |
And how beautifully you write!!! Hugs, Nancy J L
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valfeldmanphotos.com - Val Feldman Contact Val Feldman Val Feldman's Gallery |
A long time ago, Ms. Laura, you wrote me an email and mentioned that you had a poem that you hoped you could one day use on an appropriate occasion. That poem was "Angel In Disguise". What better poem, with such poignant, touching words, could be more applicable to your visually moving and thought-provoking submit of today? Can't think of nary a one...Excellent image, excellent work, excellent social commentary that got us all thinking about that next possible Angel In Disguise we pass on the street. Well done!
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- Ann Coates Contact Ann Coates Ann Coates's Gallery |
Oh Max, Laura, he needs something stronger than a cookie!
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Liz blahh |
Quite beautifully presentd!
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Joseph N. DiGilio |
I always find images such as this sobering. I often whisper a silent prayer and remind myself that, "There but for the grace of God go I". Very nice work Laura.
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Stephen Zacker |
A very poignant image
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- Laura E. Swan Contact Laura E. Swan Laura E. Swan's Gallery |
Last to first: Thank you Steve- Those are the best kind, no?
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- Laura E. Swan Contact Laura E. Swan Laura E. Swan's Gallery |
I agree Joseph. * Thank you Liz! :) * Any suggestions Ann? OH I KNOW! He likes Irish Guinnes!
Here, Max. Feel any better? * Valarie, you have such a wonderful memory! You are right! I remember our conversation, too. At the time I thought a really old wrinkled up quiet person was what I was looking for...but alas...how would we EVER know who it might be. Maybe this time it was him? * Hi Nancy. Your comments are very kind. Thank you! :) VERY MUCH! * Thank you to each person here. I totally value each word.
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countryimpressions.net - Tammy M. Anderson Contact Tammy M. Anderson Tammy M. Anderson's Gallery |
Very moving and wonderful image, Laura. Excellent work.
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Annette Carr |
Laura, you captured the essence of a moment in this man's life. I know about mental illness and homelessness, it has touched my family. In fact if you are mentally ill it is a fear that you will be homeless. Your poem is poignant. All too often people pass by in judgment. Tough love is true, judgmental attitude is another. Such a touchy subject. Such a emotional and timely capture. I like the artistic effects.
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Barbara Waldoch |
Terrific image, Laura!
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- Maria Warren Contact Maria Warren Maria Warren's Gallery |
omg sis.woooow I just seen this photo and wanted to tell you this is so amazing woooow I love everything on this photo. I cant stop looking at it
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Tiia Vissak |
a great MT image!
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Renata Gusciora |
Fantastic portrait and presentation,Laura!Great MT entry!
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- Laura E. Swan Contact Laura E. Swan Laura E. Swan's Gallery |
Thank you Tammy, Annette, Barbara, Maria (((HUGS!))), Tiia and Renata! I really appreciate what you guys are saying about this one. I've been wondering all day where this fellow might be right now. -Laura
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Graham Robards |
Sad shot but a fitting one for the theme little sister. It is so sad when there is no hope! I love what the Frac filter did, a good capture but sad. When I was in Calgary walking towards the Chemist I screamed as a body moved underneath a blanket. Had a heart attack I did! There were half a dozen people just sleeping on the sidewalk! ~Pat
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John Connolly |
A sad, but superb theme entry Laura! The low key lighting and effects really fit this ourstanding capture!
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- Laura E. Swan Contact Laura E. Swan Laura E. Swan's Gallery |
WOW! Sis, that's quite a story! I bet you were down somewhere close to "The Mustard Seed or The Back Door". Lots of homeless there as it's close to the meal and sleeping centers. * * * John, Thank you! I worked on this image for quite a while trying to get it just right with the cropping and PS/Treatments. Thanks for noticing! :)
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Jack R. Perry |
Amazing shot Laura, I wish I know how to help those folks, it is beyond sad the life paths they chose that brought them to this point. It is the internal hope they must assert for themselves that will finally bring them to a different place. Many give freely of time and money; and our governments do as they can but that will only provide another day not the long term solution.
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- Laura E. Swan Contact Laura E. Swan Laura E. Swan's Gallery |
Thanks for sharing your feelings here Jack. You have made very good points. -M.L.
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- Patrick Rouzes Contact Patrick Rouzes Patrick Rouzes's Gallery |
A very, very powerful portrait of hope, Swanee! I see this everyday in my line of work & it is reminders like this that we all need to do something about this concern! Extremely well done & coming form you, I know it is from the heart!
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Tommy E. Burgess |
Wow Laura, what impact this capture has!!
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Ellen Hodges |
This outstanding image is a wake up call for all of us, Laura!
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Tammy Espino |
My man is an alcoholic, my nephew goes to AA and my brother and wife abuse prescription drugs!! I am the sane one belive it or not! This is an awesome image!!
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- Laura E. Swan Contact Laura E. Swan Laura E. Swan's Gallery |
Last to first: Tammy...that's such a bummer. But the HOPE of it all is that AA is helping your nephew and that YOU are a pillar in the eyes of those around you no doubt. Even if they don't show it right now!!! Keep being a shining star and you never know who might turn to you later for praise and recovery support! :) * Yes, Ellen...It sure was for me when I took this image (and others) of him. * Thanks Tommy. That means a lot to hear. * Hi Paddy! I know you have a huge heart too...something breaks inside when we see folks suffering like this. I wish no one ever had to die and I wish no one ever had to suffer. Thanks all. -Laura (Swanee)
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- ronda chatelle Contact ronda chatelle ronda chatelle's Gallery |
Magnificent expression and description Laura! A quick favorite for me! Amazing exposure and reflection of real life! A winner in my book! Wonderful work!!!
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Z. Banu |
Wow Laura I'm speechles!outstanding image very well done..
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- Laura E. Swan Contact Laura E. Swan Laura E. Swan's Gallery |
Thank you so very much Ronda and Zaanat! Your words are very meaningful to me! I very much appreciate your visit! -Laura
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patriciacasey.com - Patricia A. Casey Contact Patricia A. Casey Patricia A. Casey's Gallery |
Hi Laura, just started to look at your gallery and this shot caught my eye...beautiful execution of a heartbreaking topic....well done!
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- Laura E. Swan Contact Laura E. Swan Laura E. Swan's Gallery |
Thank you very much, Patricia, and thank you again for the wonderful adventure yesterday down to Phantom Ranch! :) -Laura
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moondancephotography-elizabethmarker.com - Elizabeth A. Marker Contact Elizabeth A. Marker Elizabeth A. Marker's Gallery |
Wow! You are such an awesome poet as well as photographer! Wonderful image and great choice of effects!!
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- Laura E. Swan Contact Laura E. Swan Laura E. Swan's Gallery |
You've added smiles to my world tonight, Elizabeth. Thank you so much for all you said here. I'm glad you found your way to my gallery and life today. -Laura
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- Mitch Spence Contact Mitch Spence Mitch Spence's Gallery |
Beautiful work on this dramatic portrait, Laura.
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Marisol Pastor |
Fantastic capture of this unfortunate man Laura. Great treatment, great message, great MT entry. The number of homeless has gone up in Spain also as a reselt of the crisis.
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- Susan Jane Allen Contact Susan Jane Allen Susan Jane Allen's Gallery |
Great work here! Loving my browse through your gallery! Admire your creative use of various filters and you've pretty much sold me on the Fractalius Filter! Was searching online for any free versions, but sadly no... I'm considering spending money!
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- Laura E. Swan Contact Laura E. Swan Laura E. Swan's Gallery |
Hi Mitch, Marisol and Susan. This is truly such a sad and true depiction of so many lives. Thank you for your kind and sensitive remarks and response to this one. Yes, I know Susan. I feel the same way about the frac filter. It's terrific and takes time to master but is worth it. Each image is different so it wont look good one some things, unless you really try all different levels and styles. Even still it may not...So it's a lit of work with some images. The makers know they have a good product so people pay!!! I hope you will get one. You won't regret it. Thank you guys again! -Laura
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Janice Mezzacappa |
Laura you captured the true feelings of such a sad subject in society...we are all effected by this as you can see here in all the comments...but at the same time some completely turn their life around and what an inspiring moment in life to witness...thanks for sharing your outstanding work!!
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- Laura E. Swan Contact Laura E. Swan Laura E. Swan's Gallery |
I'm so glad you found this one, Janice. It means quite a bit to me. Thanks for everything you said. You are so right. -Laura :)
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- Nancy L. Green Contact Nancy L. Green Nancy L. Green's Gallery |
I always wonder the story behind when I see images like this, VERY thoughtful image my friend!! <><
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- Laura E. Swan Contact Laura E. Swan Laura E. Swan's Gallery |
Hi Nancy!!! So glad this one caught your eye. We were all in a food court together in a mall. He was oblivious to the world...I almost didn't dare take his picture but I had to. I could feel his despair so strongly. I had to capture him. I appreciate the visit so much. :) -Laura
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John Connolly |
This image has not lost any of it's impact since you posted it last October, Laura. A heart wrenching image of utter despair!!
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- Randy D. Dinkins Contact Randy D. Dinkins Randy D. Dinkins's Gallery |
Great post, poem and thread. Thanks for the reminder. Very apropos this weekend. In addition to those we see in the streets, there are so many that may not be there at this moment, but hanging on by a thread in this economic time.
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- Patrick Rouzes Contact Patrick Rouzes Patrick Rouzes's Gallery |
An emotion-filled image & still a WINNER in my books, Laura! Would make a remarkable poster addressing social issues in our society!
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- Laura E. Swan Contact Laura E. Swan Laura E. Swan's Gallery |
Thanks you three. I will enter this one again tonight. I feel it's worthy, too. Thanks so much John, Randy and Paddy for expressing the impact you felt too. Paddy...that is a great idea. Wonder who I could pass it on to that could use it to make a difference. Maybe I could send this thread to them so they can read your words and see it DOES have impact. For the first time ever I will add more shots of him here. Brace yourselves. There are needle marks all over his hands. :( I'll see if I can find the other images. Will post them if I am able. -Laura (Swanee)
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- Laura E. Swan Contact Laura E. Swan Laura E. Swan's Gallery |
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