WW: Reclaiming Joy

I was thrilled to receive my complimentary copy of Artful Blogging in the mail and even more gratified to be featured in the 2013 Summer Edition. It's truly an honor.

The clouds finally parted long enough for me to sit and browse the pages for a few moments without the threat of rain. I was in desperate need of some sunshine and something about soaking up the beautiful magazine with the breeze in my face and the waves crashing against the shore in the distance was invigorating. I could have done without the enormous snake.



In the article I touched on my battle with depression and shared the story of my evolution...

"Living in the Midwest, where winters were long and brutal, I suffered from seasonal depression. It was cold and dark, and often-times so bleak that it was difficult to force myself to venture outdoors..."



"I’m not sure exactly when it happened. I don’t remember a specific day, but somewhere along the way something changed within me. Days were still chilly and void of sunlight. I still saw silhouettes of trees barren of leaves, exposed fields, bleakness, and blah. But beneath the shrouds of winter, I discovered beauty beyond comprehension. When I looked through that lens, it was as if a veil had been lifted, and for the first time in my life, I was able to recognize photo ops that had previously been hidden to me."



"...so much of my life’s journey is paralleled in my photography. I can see my times of darkness as well as my times of joy. And as I flip back through the years I can see myself evolve and come into my own."





"I am still learning and evolving as a person and as a photographer— I’m not sure that will ever end — but it’s fun to glance back from time to time and witness the growth."



I also divulged a few lessons I've learned along the way. The most important one to date being, "...we mustn’t let self-doubt or discouragement prevent us from creating." 
 

Thanks so much to all who have stuck by me over the years to witness the evolution of Project Alicia. It is still a work in progress, as am I, but nothing worthwhile ever comes easy.

I also wanted to let you know how happy I am to be spotlighted alongside Kristy of Life-n-Reflection in this beautiful edition. Included are breathtaking photos and words of her life on the prairies. Definitely worth a read.

It is available in both digital and paper versions. I'm not sure of all the locations it's sold, but I saw it at Amazon and over at our local Barnes & Noble last week. You can subscribe to receive this inspiring publication here.

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This is Wordless Wednesday, but as you can see, I have a hard time keeping it wordless. Wordful or Not So Wordless posts are always welcome here at Project Alicia. You can grab my button in the sidebar but it is not required to participate. Just grab any photo and come link up! And if you'd like to connect with other WW participants, click HERE or one of the thumbnails below.

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