by Tonia, who hugs trees G.
Member since:
November 17, 2005

Choosing Joy - A photo essay

December 03, 2007 10:32 PM EST (Updated: December 08, 2007 07:50 PM EST)
views: 143 | comments: 61

 

 

 

 

It's all about choice.

There will always be stairs we need to climb that we know not where they lead. 

http://media-files.gather.com/images/d511/d493/d744/d224/d96/f3/full.jpg

The roads we must travel are the same whether seen through a filter of gray or the bright sunlight. 

 http://media-files.gather.com/images/d507/d493/d744/d224/d96/f3/full.jpg

 What really matters is that we take time to stop along the way to admire the details

 http://media-files.gather.com/images/d514/d493/d744/d224/d96/f3/full.jpg

and enjoy the company of all living creatures.

 http://media-files.gather.com/images/d501/d493/d744/d224/d96/f3/full.jpg

For it is in doing so that we find ourselves in awe of the gift that is life

http://media-files.gather.com/images/d508/d493/d744/d224/d96/f3/full.jpg

and bursting with a joy that only comes in those moments

 http://media-files.gather.com/images/d498/d493/d744/d224/d96/f3/full.jpg

of being fully, truly and blissfully alive. 
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Comments: 61

Debbie G. Dec 3, 2007, 10:35pm EST
What a celebration! Beautiful, Tonia!
Katrina Hall Dec 3, 2007, 10:43pm EST
Beautiful, Tonia - and good words. WHY do we all drag around these cloaks of tension and stress???? Every once in a great while, the mantle slips and there it is - clear light, joy, bliss. Wishing you much of these in the new year!
Sue D. Dec 3, 2007, 10:44pm EST
Both beautiful words and images. A very inspiring piece.
Gerry Wass Dec 3, 2007, 10:44pm EST
Maybe it's the message, the time of night or something else, but these photos seem like some of the most beautiful I've seen from you. Those stairs are particularly well-photographed and I like how all the shots go together.
Stephanie B. Dec 3, 2007, 10:57pm EST
Some lovely pictures and uplifting message.
Cheryl W. Dec 3, 2007, 11:00pm EST
Beautiful photos and beautiful words. Well done, Tonia!
Lisa E. Dec 3, 2007, 11:08pm EST
These are wonderful pictures, and the words that accompany them are very beautiful and uplifting. Thanks for sharing this!

~~~

(If you haven't yet, please take a look at my novel, The Friend Behind the Mask--First Chapter, I've entered it in the Court TV Search for the Next Great Crime Writer contest, and would appreciate your vote and comments. Thanks!!!)
Bhawana 'Gather Proud Mom' Dec 3, 2007, 11:12pm EST
wow..beautiful pics...
flit . Dec 3, 2007, 11:25pm EST
excellent... love the tree shot....

this is just what I needed tonight; thanks
Dannielle S. Dec 3, 2007, 11:29pm EST
Amen.
Duckie 1 Dec 3, 2007, 11:51pm EST
I needed to see and read this now. Thanks Tonia for the reminder!
Trish A. Dec 4, 2007, 12:11am EST
Tonia this is beautiful. Your photos are stunning as always and the words and thoughts are ones to remember.
Sue * Dec 4, 2007, 12:17am EST
This was really wonderful...and such a peaceful "walk" to end the day. Thank you:)
Rosa See Ya Dec 4, 2007, 12:18am EST
How can anyone not realize that Life truly is a Miracle?

Awesome photos, Tonia, as always.
Jennifer N. Dec 4, 2007, 1:21am EST
This is astounding as it is true. Thank you for this Tonia.
J W. Dec 4, 2007, 1:51am EST
good photo essay
Miz Lynn aka/BooBoo Dec 4, 2007, 2:26am EST
The milkweed photo is phenomenal....gorgeous!
Tonia, this is indeed a road to joy...thanks for taking me along.

Ten stars!
Christine P. Dec 4, 2007, 8:28am EST
This is an amazing photo essay. I love the writing you put with it. We really do need to take time to enjoy the small things!
Roy ☯ Hilbinger Dec 4, 2007, 8:28am EST
Beautiful, Tonia! And just what I needed to start off my day. Thanks so much.
Mary F. Dec 4, 2007, 9:29am EST
Perfect timing. So many, including myself, seem to have needed beauty and inspiration. Thank you for the reminder to look around at our wonderous world.
Cindy La Ferle Dec 4, 2007, 10:22am EST
Tonia, my goodness -- this is a truly beautiful and meaningful photo essay. I love the way you combine your photography with inspirational writing. Have you published (or thought of publishing) a collection of these photos and observations? You have a gift.
Tonia, who hugs trees G. Dec 4, 2007, 10:25am EST
Thanks everyone - yesterday was one of those days where it felt like I was just bursting with joy - perhaps it was the fact that the sun came out after days of gray, perhaps it was something in the stars - it felt good to pour a little of that out into this. I am pleased that it has touched some of you.
Tonia, who hugs trees G. Dec 4, 2007, 10:32am EST
Cindy - I did self-publish something - I'm not good at the promotion part and so it has languished. Also, I wasn't entirely satisfied with the end result. I am playing with the idea of doing another but life does seem to keep getting in the way :-)
Pamela L. Dec 4, 2007, 10:41am EST
Always taking the high road may not seem realistic so some folk.
The other alternative is that you will usually find yourself knee-deep in sludge
Anne B. Grote Dec 4, 2007, 11:11am EST
This is extremely joyful! Thanks! I loved all of them but my special one is the pod bursting - magnificent!
Mariana T. Dec 4, 2007, 12:02pm EST
You are a brilliant photographer as well as someone who knows how to make all of us enthusiastic about Mother Nature's great works...thank you my friend and have a nice day...I'm probably behind on my postings but I shall catch up one of these days! Many blessings and thanks for this gorgeous photo presentation...Salud.
Jennine D. Dec 4, 2007, 12:46pm EST
A treasure of beautiful living things thanks for the journey
Tonia, who hugs trees G. Dec 4, 2007, 3:39pm EST
Thanks all - I came across these photos last night from a drive we'd taken earlier this summer and it just seemed the right time to use them for something.
Layla Morgan Wilde Dec 4, 2007, 4:45pm EST
A joy! Thanks.
elizabeth e. Dec 4, 2007, 9:43pm EST
I hate sludge.the high road for me...stopping every now and again to burst out in song.
Minakshi w. Dec 5, 2007, 2:46am EST
Tonia, the very first image and your message under it stopped me short. They hit home, somehow. Mystical words, yet they reach out richly. The images you chose and the words make one want to linger, absorb..
This would make for a great desktop calender. Wise words to read everyday and spaces in the heart to fill with these images.
Verie Sandborg Dec 5, 2007, 8:40am EST
Beautifully spoken, beautifully illustrated from a life meaningfully lived.
Priscilla P. Dec 5, 2007, 8:38pm EST
Fab-U-Lous
Madame Donna C. Dec 5, 2007, 11:21pm EST
Tonia, this is lovely. Really lovely.
jessie voigts Dec 7, 2007, 3:23pm EST
too true. tonia, that last photo is a gem!
M. Bradley McCauley McCauley Dec 8, 2007, 8:20am EST
What a way to start my day
With your beautiful photo essay.

Thanks, thanks, thanks,
Mary Mc
Kathy W. Dec 8, 2007, 8:54am EST
Lovely.
Thanks for sharing these great words and photos.
Wilka
Pamela L. Dec 8, 2007, 9:06am EST
I see you are featured as Gather's top article this morning. Had to come back and offer my contrats. I'll do my best to follow your advice and make this a joyous day.
jJack Midknight Dec 8, 2007, 9:22am EST
I don't agree with the sentimentality of the piece, but the pictures were great.
Susan *. Dec 8, 2007, 10:05am EST
this is stunning Tonia...I really enjoyed it!
Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket
Cindy S. Dec 8, 2007, 10:42am EST
It is So Easy to find Joy in Nature & God's Beautiful Gifts....You are Right, It is a Choice to Connect to the Peacefulness that is Right In Front of Us if we only choose to see it and take it in. You do have a Gift, Tonia.....and Your Passion Speaks! A New Year's Resolution could be to Pursue This Passion......:>))
Ruth MacGill Dec 8, 2007, 11:30am EST
Inspiring! I especially like the milk weed pod with each winged seed about to launch itself on a flight of new beginnings.
Lucky Stars Dec 8, 2007, 11:36am EST
Inspiring words and beautiful photos, Tonia.

Thank you for sharing this.
I could always use some extra joy in the doldrums of winter.
Faith H. Dec 8, 2007, 11:44am EST
I'm so glad I finally had a chance to sit down and relax and see this featured, Tonia! I certainly need this reminder at this, the hardest part of the year for me. Thanks for the joy!
necee t. Dec 8, 2007, 12:01pm EST
Tonia... this is very beautiful... thank you... Merry Christmas to you and yours...
Webfetti.com
lynn a. Dec 8, 2007, 12:30pm EST
Beautiful photo essay and the message is so true. I know life can be hard and painful at times, but I do believe that we can find something to be happy about and grateful. Sometimes we have to make a conscious effort, but it is well worth that effort. Hope this is a gloriously wonderful season for you.
lynn a. Dec 8, 2007, 12:30pm EST
And congratulations on being featured.
Vicky Duggins Dec 8, 2007, 12:38pm EST
Absolutely beautiful, Tonia. Such an awesome job!
JoAnne D. Dec 8, 2007, 9:28pm EST
Beautiful, Tonia, in words and pictures. Thanks so much for this lovely share.
Mariana T. Dec 8, 2007, 10:28pm EST
Congratulations on being featured - well deserved! SAlud.
K S. Dec 9, 2007, 2:45pm EST
wonderful photo essay ....... I really liked the steps and the bursting milkweed pod ... very well done ...
----------------------
LAST DAY to Vote. Please drop by to read and rate Coyotes Remember. Thanks!
Bart H. Dec 9, 2007, 4:07pm EST
Joy? You mean I got a CHOICE?
Oh boy. I can't wait.
Angela <:3---}~~~~ M. Dec 13, 2007, 6:00pm EST
beautiful photos, i like milk weed the best
Rose H. Apr 13, 2008, 11:47am EDT
I know this is an old essay - but so beautiful and inspiring:)
What pod is that in the photo?
Rose H. Apr 13, 2008, 11:47am EDT
Never mind - I saw - it is a milkweed pod.

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