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.

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413 thoughts

  1. Laura says…
    12/01/2010

    I read long 400-year-old theology books for fun.

    Reply 0 Replies
  2. Elizabeth says…
    12/01/2010

    I rock the boat knowing full well that I can swim.

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

    something different about me is...i have a birthmark on my face (right by my lips), that i was embarrassed about when i was younger. but, now as an adult...i feel that my birthmark is what is beautiful about me.

    Reply 0 Replies
  4. Missy K says…
    12/01/2010

    Different and beautiful: due to a genetic condition I have pale pale skin in a culture that loves to tan! Over time I've come to appreciate my fair skin that demands I protect it healthfully.

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

    My own ideas, my own thoughts, yet incorporating them into the world I live in. Beautiful and different... a lot to comprehend.

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

    I'm quirky with highs and lows. But I'm me. And in that uniqueness, I'm beautiful.

    Reply 0 Replies
  7. Aimee Confer says…
    12/01/2010

    My mom has said since I was young that I always take in the strays. I am always nice to everyone, even if they are different and it puts me in a compromising position. This was difficult going through school when it was cool to mean to people or ignore people who were different.

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

    I have just watched the video on creativity: it is so inspiring!

    I think I am beautiful and different because I can take care of the people I love also by taking care of the details (not always, obviously, or I'd risk being perfect ;)).

    Reply 0 Replies
  9. Siobhan Wolf says…
    12/01/2010

    I am a medium and I am not afraid to sit with people in their grief. I celebrate life in all its facets.

    Reply 0 Replies
  10. Amanda M. says…
    12/01/2010

    Something different - I am adopted. Something beautiful - I am adopted! :)

    Reply 0 Replies
  11. Jennifer M. says…
    12/01/2010

    Something different: I have one ear pierced 3 times, the other 2. Something that makes me beautiful: My husband and daughter.

    Reply 0 Replies
  12. Fourth Breakfast says…
    12/01/2010

    I have a very positive self image and think I'm much taller than I really am. Sometimes I shock myself when I look in the mirror and see how little I am:)

    Reply 0 Replies
  13. donna goar says…
    12/01/2010

    I am learning to look beyond the surface and face value of others to understand them more clearly. I think we all put up brick walls and I want to see the real person on the other side.

    Reply 0 Replies
  14. Katherine Wall says…
    12/01/2010

    hmmm....I am told I think outside the box and always have a unique way of looking at things. Thank you.

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

    Something different - I am just as happy with people as I am completely alone. Something beautiful - I love my family and dedicate my life to them.

    Reply 0 Replies
  16. Kay Gregory-Clark says…
    12/01/2010

    I'm always the one who wants to do something different. Many times it's gotten me in trouble (& even fired from a job or 2), but in the long run, it's usually a positive effect, allowing me to expand my horizons—and, often, others' as well. My son has always been a "square peg in a round hole," too. In fact, he's now a stay-at-home dad. I'm proud of him—& myself for marching to my OWN drummer!

    Reply 0 Replies
  17. Amanda Smith says…
    12/01/2010

    I am deeply spiritual which comes out in my work. Everything I create is because of my love for God, family, and friends. Sometimes I'm not happy with my finished product. However, I know, it will still have great meaning to those who love me.

    Reply 0 Replies
  18. Deeleea says…
    12/01/2010

    My eyes are two-toned - green around the outside and brown in the middle. As a child I remember my Dad remarking on a friend's beautiful brown eyes and for a long time I thought mine were inferior... when I realised later that mine were also green I made my peace with the idea and now I LOVE them... actually, I love even more the fact that few people get close enough, or look closely enough to notice, but those that do REALLY see me, and think they're beautiful too!

    Reply 0 Replies
  19. Lynn Mercurio says…
    12/01/2010

    It's difficult for me to see myself or qualities of myself as beautiful - humble I guess.

    I would say that my tender heart, from years of experience and life, makes me a kinder person when dealing with the hardship and heartache of others.

    Reply 0 Replies
  20. Angie H says…
    12/01/2010

    That photo garland is such a great idea. Had to save to favorites for a post-holiday project so that I don't over commit.

    Something different and beautiful - My family - we are each different - but a beautiful blend of colors!

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

    I'm a fighter - for what matters. I never realized how much until this year. It has humbled me to reliance on God and given me confidence that I can do what is good for me and my family, no matter what.

    Reply 0 Replies
  22. Karlene says…
    12/01/2010

    I love to learn and share. The most beautiful thing about me is my ability to forgive.

    Reply 0 Replies
  23. Michelle Evans says…
    12/01/2010

    Different: I rarely care what others think about me. Beautiful: my eyes

    Reply 0 Replies
  24. Lisa W. says…
    12/01/2010

    My strength...I have had allot of loss the last two years. I really try EVERYDAY to be the best I can, even though at times I would like to crawl in a hole and never come out. Your blog helps with that and inspires me everyday!!!

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

    I am a 75 year old Grandma with 11 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren who loves to digi scrap albums for each of them! So they think I am awesome :-)

    Reply 1 Reply
    1. Erica says…
      12/01/2010

      I think you're pretty awesome Bev! My grandma has no idea what the internet is all about let alone a blog!!!

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