Words he lived by and because my parents were my idols and mentors, I couldn't see it any other way. :)

I will always embrace how supportive they were of anything I did or tried to do.

They were my cheering section that allowed me to SHINE.

Thanks Mom and Dad. For Everything.
If I am Anything at All, It Is Because of YOU.

I MISS YOU BOTH.

Love, Laura :) XOXOXOXO

"> Words he lived by and because my parents were my idols and mentors, I couldn't see it any other way. :)

I will always embrace how supportive they were of anything I did or tried to do.

They were my cheering section that allowed me to SHINE.

Thanks Mom and Dad. For Everything.
If I am Anything at All, It Is Because of YOU.

I MISS YOU BOTH.

Love, Laura :) XOXOXOXO

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Shine

© Laura E. Swan

Shine

Uploaded: May 18, 2014 | Entered: May 18, 2014 01:44:03

Description

My Dad's Favorite Saying To We Kids of His Was:

"Strive To Be Different".

Words he lived by and because my parents were my idols and mentors, I couldn't see it any other way. :)

I will always embrace how supportive they were of anything I did or tried to do.

They were my cheering section that allowed me to SHINE.

Thanks Mom and Dad. For Everything.
If I am Anything at All, It Is Because of YOU.

I MISS YOU BOTH.

Love, Laura :) XOXOXOXO



Exif: F Number: 2.8, Exposure Bias Value: 0.00, ExposureTime: 1/60 seconds, Flash: did not fire, auto mode, White balance: Auto white balance, FocalLength: 4.60 mm, Model: Canon PowerShot SD800 IS

Comments

Laura E. Swan level-classic May 18, 2014

I was just thinking tonight about something.

As a Woman, I Am So Grateful To Live
IN THE DAY AND AGE
Where Women Are Allowed To:

Have Equal Rights, Vote, Have Freedom of Speech, Be respected, Have Freedom of Religion or Non Religion, Freedom of Thought, Freedom of Movement, Freedom of Expression...
FREEDOM OF CAREER...Equal Pay, (almost!), in other words, FREEDOM. And not be held back from ANYTHING I so choose to do within my own personal abilities and boundaries. And even the right to change them or improve them and live them.

And To Take It Even Further:

I am thankful to live in a day and age where we women have the
"FREEDOM to SHINE".

You Ladies Our There- We might have missed it by only a hundred years and you would never in a million years prior have read a woman write anything I just did above and have it hold much truth.

Amazing really.

I am so thankful.

And I am very grateful to have met all of you here on BP that I have formed bonds and friendships with and feel a kinship with as if you are my own family.

Thanks for your support and comments and for being that cheering section that my parents would still love to be if they were still here.

We are all in this photography thing together and even when there were times we don't see each other much on here, you are never forgotten in my heart.

There were (for me) times my friends outside of this club and also family or extended family didn't see any great merit in my work. Maybe is has been the same for you at some point? Yet here on BP, we saw it in each other and have supported each other as family would and should. Cheering each other on when we have been able to.

This means so much to me and it keeps me trying and on the cutting edge. Not giving up on this Art/Photography that I love.

I'm just sitting here tonight feeling very lucky. :D

THANK YOU ALL.

-Laura :D #1573349

Dominick M. Dimacale level-addict May 18, 2014

Awesome work and dedication, Laura!


Dominick #11047031

Colette M. Metcalf May 18, 2014

Beautifully done, Laura!!! #11047032

Douglas Pignet May 18, 2014

very nice pp...well done #11047145

Laura E. Swan level-classic May 18, 2014

Hi Dom, Colette and Doug!

Thank you all so much! :D I really appreciate the support and that you took the time to read what was in my heart and on my mind. :) #11047352

Renata Gusciora May 18, 2014

Fabulous work and SHINE!Love all the sparkles, Laura!:-) #11047469

Laura E. Swan level-classic May 18, 2014

Thank you, "Fashion Lady" ! :D #11047491

Kirsten Kiki Kjaer May 19, 2014

Mesmerizing for sure!!!!!!!

Another - FABULOUS CREATION, Sister. Simply magnificent.
#11047853

John Connolly May 19, 2014

A wonderful dedication and image Sister Swanee! We all live in marvelous times! #11047975

Stephen Zacker May 20, 2014

Beautiful image and tribute to your parents.. I always enjoy reading your words also #11048502

Laura E. Swan level-classic May 20, 2014

Hi SSSKiki, Bro John and Steve!

Thank you all very much!

Your visits and support are important to me. :)

-SSSLala #11048629

JO ANN CLEVELAND May 20, 2014

Ohhhh Laura! This is gorgeous and so are you in ALL ways!
You should be a writer, and use your pictures in the stories!
Sweet memories of family, God Bless You sweet lady!

jo ann c. #11048679

Debbie Bray May 25, 2014

Well fancy that, I have only just finished writing on your other image, exactly what you are saying here, "Strive to be different". And your lovely writings too, you are a very special young lady!! Never lose sight of the person you are, never be derailed of whom you want to become. Keep striving to explore new areas and territories which will take you to new dimensions. You can do it, Miss Lauraloulou!!
#11051834

Laura E. Swan level-classic May 25, 2014

Hi Jo Ann :) Hi Deb!

Two of my favorite people on BP! :D Like an Auntie and a Sister! :D

Actually, Jo Ann, I am a published writer. I have been for years...but I have a book or movie in me and I hope I can get it out before I pass away. It will be a comedy, of course. :D Wish I could tell you more because I think it will be great!

We need to stay in touch so I can tell you if it ever hits the bookstores or theaters. :D

Thank you for always being here for and with me! You guys are the best! I appreciate your confidence in me more than you might know!

See you in our galleries!

-LauraLouLou :D

#11052046

Debbie Bray May 25, 2014

Well fancy that! I could have picked you to be a writer, and a published one at that!! Congratulations on that great achievement, and now your wonderful photography can be used to promote your words! :) #11052103

Laura E. Swan level-classic May 25, 2014

:)))) Big Smile Here, Debbie! :))))

It was only poetry with other poets. BUT it was in print!!! Alas!

My Daddy wrote a real book. Myself and his cousin had it published for him. Now THAT was a thrill! :D

Thanks Dear Lady! #11052119

Kathy Salerni level-classic May 25, 2014

What a heart warming tribute to your Parents, Laura! You go girl! #11052217

Phyllis A. Houghton May 28, 2014

I love this powerful image and message. Great work Laura, a favorite! #11054400

Wm Nosal May 28, 2014

Cool! Laura! #11054402

Ellen Hodges May 31, 2014

We are lucky to know you and to see your work, Laura!!! #11057205

Mary K. Robison June 07, 2014

Another cool and creative SP (1/2 of one, anyway) that I missed when it was posted... :/
Pom, I totally agree about everything you said about how unbelievably lucky we are to be women in the Western World in this century.
When I do the Five Things I'm Grateful For Today before going to sleep, the freedom to be ourselves, and to try/succeed in so many opportunities we receive, is always # 1 or # 2.
So Shine On, Silver Girl, and thanks for the reminder that we get to do the same.
#11061522

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