Book Giveaway | The Beauty of Different by Karen Walrond

Today one person is going to receive a copy of Karen Walrond's lovely new hardcover book: The Beauty of Different.

Constantly bombarded with messages on how to think, how to feel, how to look, it can be very easy to fall into the mindset that we somehow fail as individuals, that we are not enough. But the truth is, those aspects of ourselves that make us individuals are actually the source of our own beauty, our super power. The Beauty of Different explores beauty in eight fresh ways and challenges the reader to revel in her own uniqueness. Combining beautiful imagery, portraiture, insightful commentary, essays, and interviews, this multisensory exploration of what is really beautiful provokes deeper self-discovery. Designed to connect and inspire, The Beauty of Different encourages the reader to reframe her differences, not as shortcomings, but as characteristics of distinction--maybe even superpowers.

Very simply put, this book is a wonderful combination of photos + words. It's interviews and stories addressing subjects such as adventure, individuality, spirituality, and imperfection, woven together with Karen's breathtaking photographs. It's the kind of book you can pick up anytime, read a section or a couple pages, and get inspired to tell your own stories related to the theme.

And the whole concept of different being beautiful...I'm wholeheartedly on board with that. Thank you God for different.

You can check out Karen's Beauty of Different blog here.

In addition, Karen recently came to my house and interviewed me about creativity for BlogHer's Own Your Beauty series. You read her thoughts on creativity and watch the video she created from my interview here.

Also, check out her project "Photovent 2010" - a really cool take on a photo garland. She's got a free download and instructions too.

TO BE ENTERED into this giveaway please leave a comment below sharing something that is different and beautiful about you (if you are reading this post on Facebook please come to my blog to leave a comment). Comments will be closed at 8pm Pacific tonight (Wednesday) and the winner posted shortly after. Please be sure to check back or subscribe (click here to get posts delivered to your email box) to see if you are receiving one of the items this week.

Sign in or sign up to comment.

413 thoughts

  1. LetyD says…
    12/01/2010

    that is difficult.... I am ME, I guess that makes me different.. I am beautiful, bacause I think I am...... just being myself... I don´t know how I am different and beautiful! :s

    Reply 0 Replies
  2. Melissa C. says…
    12/01/2010

    My family is beautiful and different.
    My family doesn't see race or DNA.
    My family only sees love and compassion.

    Reply 0 Replies
  3. Relyn says…
    12/01/2010

    Hmmmm... I have freckles absolutely everywhere. I've learned to love them. LOVE them.

    Reply 0 Replies
  4. Peggy Leland says…
    12/01/2010

    hmmm different and beautiful.
    I am tall and friendly. lol

    Reply 0 Replies
  5. Erica says…
    12/01/2010

    I really love my feet. Most people hate their feet but I think mine are pretty cute. It's not much but its taken me a long time to accept me for me. Everything about me is special and never taken for granted.

    Reply 0 Replies
  6. GeneB says…
    12/01/2010

    I can retain almost anything - memory of an elephant.

    Reply 0 Replies
  7. Angela Butler says…
    12/01/2010

    I am a 28 year old teacher who absolutely loves my job. It's the best thing I've ever done. Plus I was laid off the day I started getting certified to become a teacher. 3 months later I got my current position. I've been truly blessed over this last year.

    Reply 0 Replies
  8. JennL says…
    12/01/2010

    I am a cancer survivor. Accepting this diagnosis, fighting this disease and building a new "post-cancer" life taught me how strong I am. Inner strength is the most beautiful thing about me.

    Reply 0 Replies
  9. Jennifer says…
    12/01/2010

    I am a super short person that doesn't really notice the difference between my height and others until I'm buying pants. I live for the story of life.

    Reply 0 Replies
  10. Nicole says…
    12/01/2010

    Something that is different and beautiful about me is that I am Native American, Irish and a multitude of other cultures. The end result: tan skin, dark black thick curly hair and dark brown eyes. People constantly ask me what nationality I am but I love that no one can ever pinpoint it :)

    Reply 0 Replies
  11. Christine H says…
    12/01/2010

    Different: I was 5'11" tall by the time I was 12 in 1977. Not so many tall girls back then. And no where to find size 12 shoes! But I always loved being tall, still do.

    Beautiful: My committment to whatever I do.....wife, mother, daugther, church, job, friends.

    My teenage son doesn't fit the mold and has, in the last two years, really started to embrace it. So glad it didn't take him until some time in his early 40's to figure that out!

    Reply 0 Replies
  12. Amelia says…
    12/01/2010

    Hmm....I like to wear skirts, with pants. :) I guess that is different (and I hope a little beautiful!) Thanks for the chance!

    Reply 0 Replies
  13. Cassie says…
    12/01/2010

    I am finally comfortable and have accepted that I must use a cane early in life. Ive decided to buy different color canes and consider it "an accessory". I'm beautiful & different.
    The book likes awesome!

    Reply 0 Replies
  14. Emily H says…
    12/01/2010

    I am beautiful and different because I am an explorer--moving away from my family to try new places and meet new people. I am beautiful because of those experiences!

    Reply 0 Replies
  15. Marilyn says…
    12/01/2010

    Am turning a "young" 53 this Saturday - on a journey of discovery of being a "Highly Sensitive Person"

    Reply 0 Replies
  16. jen says…
    12/01/2010

    Learning to say NO without the guilt and Beautiful for me is giving of oneself

    Reply 0 Replies
  17. barbi d. says…
    12/01/2010

    I am an independent strong woman and love setting this example for my girls, I think this is one of the ways I am beautiful!

    Reply 0 Replies
  18. Kimberly L.C. says…
    12/01/2010

    My feet are two different sizes! My left is a 6 and my right a 9... it's a pain to find shoes, but it makes me unique!

    Reply 0 Replies
  19. Jan Davis says…
    12/01/2010

    Bev!

    I agree with Erica :) You are the new generation of grandma!
    NET GRANDMA :) You are an inspiration!

    Cheers,
    Jan from Canada

    Reply 0 Replies
  20. Joyce Miller says…
    12/01/2010

    I think my ability to strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere makes me pretty unique and I know that it drives my children (25 and 23) absolutely nuts.

    Reply 0 Replies
  21. taniawillis says…
    12/01/2010

    something different: i'm 33 and somedays can't walk up the steps because of degenerative disc disease.

    something beautiful: i can put on quite a game face and smile through the pain.....no matter how bad it is.

    Reply 0 Replies
  22. Beth Ann says…
    12/01/2010

    I am the only me there is and that alone makes me different and beautiful - just as each of us are!

    Reply 0 Replies
  23. Laura says…
    12/01/2010

    Something that is different and beautiful about me would be my non-judgmental, generous and giving spirit. I've been called an "easy mark" for it but I see it as very positive and, well, beautiful.

    Reply 0 Replies
  24. Barb @ getupandplay says…
    12/01/2010

    I have a sometimes too tender heart.

    Reply 0 Replies
  25. julie says…
    12/01/2010

    I smile a lot! I think smiles make anyone beautiful!!

    PS I love that photovent idea!!!

    Reply 0 Replies

Sign in or sign up to comment.