Wild Sunflower Gratitude

This is what artist Vincent Van Gogh had to say

about his sunflower paintings,

I feel the desire to renew myself,

and try to apologize for the fact 

that my pictures are, after all,

almost a cry of anguish,

although in the

rustic sunflower

they may

symbolize

gratitude.

I get that.

Life around us

can be a cry of anguish.

But the sunflowers . . . 

my sun flowers . . . 

are a picture

of

gratitude.

They cry out to us

to

celebrate.

They

shine.

They

cheer.

They inspire

love.

Wild.

Beautiful.

Gratitude.

1000 Gifts:

81.  The color yellow

82.  Hearts in gravel sprinkled with flower petals.

83.  Growing girls laughter on the evening air.

84.  Sunshine on blonde hair.

85.  Gravel Roads.

Join me for my last summer

art and photography faith-centered day retreat

at my home

Saturday, August 11.

Here's what Missy has to say,

"I attended the first session in June, and I would highly recommend this upcoming day retreat to ANY woman. You do not need to be a photographer or an artist (I am neither!) to attend this retreat. It is for any woman who would like to spend a day admiring nature, finding beauty in the ordinary, and being inspired by an amazing story. It is a very relaxing experience. I just took my little point-and-shoot camera, used Jodi's supplies, and listened to her stories. You do not need to be an expert, you do not need to be a professional, anyone would enjoy and learn from this experience. It has helped me appreciate the many 'everyday-ordinary-beautiful-b

lessings' around me. I feel blessed to live so near this inspirational woman and to be able to experience her story and learn from it. I hope all of you take the opportunity to experience these retreats, too!"

Read about it here:

Beautiful In It's Time Summer Retreat Series:  Sunflowers and Spirit

Register here:

Register for Sunflowers and Spirit

All photos property of Jodene Shaw. 2012.