Sought

© copyright Linda Swanson all rights reserved

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During my last trip to Petaluma we took a drive and came upon this cemetery in Hopland California. Most of the markers in this cemetery are very old and hopefully in the future I'll be posting more of these. Although this one isn't very old, I have to say, this is the most unusual tombstone I've ever seen. It seemed so apropos for the times in which this person lived....the 60's and 70's when everyone was trying to "find" themselves. I pictured this person living in a commune right there in northern California, smoking pot and having sex with everyone. Not to be morose or anything, but we wanted to add an extra line to this stone......."achieved 2 out of 4 ".

“You will achieve grand dream, a day at a time, so set goals for each day / not long and difficult projects, but chores that will take you, step by step, toward your rainbow. Write them down, if you must, but limit your list so that you won't have to drag today's undone matters into tomorrow. Remember that you cannot build your pyramid in twenty-four hours. Be patient. Never allow your day to become so cluttered that you neglect your most important goal / to do the best you can, enjoy this day, and rest satisfied with what you have accomplished.”

Og Mandino quotes (American Essayist and Psychologist, 1923-1996)

Mother and Child

© copyright Linda Swanson all rights reserved
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I spent time in Santa Monica walking in the area of Santa Monica Pier. There's a wealth of photo-making opportunities. I could have stayed a lot longer. Maybe next time.

*"The aim of every artist is to arrest motion, which is life, by artificial means and hold it fixed so that a hundred years later, when a stranger looks at it, it moves again since it is life."

William Faulkner

Seek Peace

© copyright Linda Swanson all rights reserved
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There are times that you just need to go somewhere where you can shut off the crazy loud world around you, to go to a place such as this. This photograph was taken at Descanso Gardens in La Canada, Flintridge CA.

"I do not seek. I find."

Pablo Picasso

Oklahoma City Memorial Chairs

© copyright Linda Swanson all rights reserved
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One of my most moving experiences has been visiting the Murrah Building in Oklahoma City. The Outdoor Symbolic Memorial is a place of quiet reflection and honors the victims, survivors, rescuers, and all who were changed forever on April 19, 1995. The 168 chairs represent the lives taken on that day. They stand in nine rows to represent each floor of the building, and each chair bears the name of someone killed on that floor in the position of where they each sat. Nineteen smaller chairs stand for the children. The field is located on the footprint of the Murrah Building.

"We find a place for what we lose. Although we know that after such a loss the acute stage of mourning will subside, we also know that we shall remain inconsolable and will never find a substitute. No matter what may fill the gap, even if it be filled completely, it nevertheless remains something else."

Sigmund Freud (1961)

Hello Bryce Canyon

© copyright Linda Swanson all rights reserved

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I visited Bryce Canyon a few years ago and now it's in my top two in the world of places I've been. In Bryce Canyon, erosive forces have created thousands of spires, pillars, and rocky temples, whimsically arranged within huge amphitheaters of red rock. These formations are smaller and more intricate than those seen at Zion and the whole feel of the park is more energetic and free-form. The views are spectacular.

It is named for the 19th century Mormon settler Ebenezer Bryce. Whether he actually uttered the well-known quote "hellavu place to lose a cow" regarding the canyon is open to debate.

The Visitor

© copyright Linda Swanson all rights reserved

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I found a kitten in my yard who loved climbing trees and following me around. He looked like he was lost and needed a home. I made some phone calls and emailed pictures. Unfortunately, he only stayed long enough to pose beautifully and then go on his merry way.

"If the pull of the outside world is strong, there is also a pull towards the human. The cat may disappear on its own errands, but sooner or later, it returns once again for a little while, to greet us with its own type of love."

Lloyd Alexander

Falling Kids

  © copyright Linda Swanson all rights reserved

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This is one of my Photoshop projects that I've had on my mind for many years. Finally, I did it with many, many, many cutouts. These are photographs taken in planes, backyards, on lakes and parking lots.

Fall down seven times, get up eight

Japanese Proverb