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. Kate says…
    12/01/2010

    What a wonderful subject for a book!
    Something different and beautiful: I never get bored.

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  2. Susana says…
    12/01/2010

    I'm different in that I don't need need to compete with others to prove my worthiness and I'm beautiful because I'm a really good listener for friends & family who need a sounding board.

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  3. Roberta says…
    12/01/2010

    When I was a kid I always hated that I was considered a beanpole - tall and skinny. I was taller than most of the cute little girls (and many boys) in my classes in school. Now that I am retirement age I often help other ladies in my age group, those I might have envied when I was a kid for being short, who are too short to reach items on the top shelf in the grocery store, etc. I see them struggling to reach something and always stop and ask if they would like me to get it for them. Ah, the benefits of being tall (and still thin).

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  4. tape says…
    12/01/2010

    I'm really detail oriented. And I'm finding it comes in handy in my work!

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  5. Judi says…
    12/01/2010

    I have a wonderful laugh that can make you smile and hopefully lift your spirits.

    Reply 0 Replies
  6. Carla G. says…
    12/01/2010

    Different: I love to take classes and be inspired by great teachers.
    Beautiful: I am look for those in need who might need a little cheer and try to reach out.

    Reply 0 Replies
  7. Mary G says…
    12/01/2010

    Toughie Ms. Edwards since I am in the throes of depression just now -- but I can be open about it! Maybe that's beautiful and different at the same time! I hope to be happy and awesome and special someday -- to see that again! So I'm not exactly an optimist -- I don't think the glass is half full, but I don't think anyone stole my damn water either! :)

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  8. Lise says…
    12/01/2010

    I am compassionate and have a huge heart for people.

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  9. PiaAmes says…
    12/01/2010

    I am very opinionated.

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

    i am left handed & inherited creativity from my mother :)

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  11. valerie M. says…
    12/01/2010

    I love to garden, at night! Something ethereal about digging in the moonlight.

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  12. Betsy says…
    12/01/2010

    Something different/beautiful: I give people the benefit of the doubt long beyond the point where they deserve it. I'm always trying to see the good in them.

    I'm so glad to see you and Karen collaborating. Two of my favorite bloggers working together? Now THAT's beautiful!

    Reply 0 Replies
  13. Deb Zorn says…
    12/01/2010

    What's different? I never argue. What's beautiful? The abundant love I have for my daughters and grandchildren.

    Reply 0 Replies
  14. Mikki McGehee says…
    12/01/2010

    I absolutely love the idea of the photo garland!

    A few different thing about me: I have taken a picture a day for a year. I got my purse at Toys R Us and when people ask me where I got it, I tell them proudly. Lastly, my work ethic is such that I STILL have over a weeks worth of vacation time to take and ALL of my sick days.

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  15. Charity says…
    12/01/2010

    My something different is that I tend to alter any project I make (sewing, cooking, etc.) and usually the end product is decent. I love to have directions, and feel like I need them most times, but I rarely follow them to the letter (unless I'm making pie crust).

    Reply 0 Replies
  16. cindy barriga says…
    12/01/2010

    I feels like I am the only 31 year old that likes to be home cooking, cleaning and reading. Generally known as a homebody but that is what I love doing. :D

    Reply 0 Replies
  17. caro says…
    12/01/2010

    Gosh, the two girls in my family BOTH need this book! Sounds so helpful, encouraging & beautiful . . .

    Reply 0 Replies
  18. Alison Day says…
    12/01/2010

    I am different because I was orphaned at 14; I am beautiful because I am now a part of a bigger family full of love.
    This book looks like just what I need right now! Hope I win. Thanks Ali!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  19. Sue says…
    12/01/2010

    Ali - I have just spent the last half hour on the website reading her blog. What an amazing place. I am adding her to my reader so I can get her new posts too.

    Even if I don't win this book (what are the odds? LOL) I am going to buy one for me and probably for a few women in my life that could really use it too.

    As for what is beautiful or different about me....that is a tough one. I would say I am beautiful because I am confident (even if I ma a chubby, middle aged woman!) and I am different because I just started playing organized team soccer in my 40's having never played as a kid or teen.

    Reply 0 Replies
  20. Zauna says…
    12/01/2010

    I'm quirky and a bit geeky and now find beauty in that :)

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

    This book sounds wonderful. I have always been one of those people that has marched to my own drummer.

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  22. Vicki A says…
    12/01/2010

    I'm odd and I love being odd. :) I'm not sure how to expand on that, so I will leave it at that.

    Reply 0 Replies
  23. Heather V says…
    12/01/2010

    I've recently come to terms with my nose. I always thought it was too big, and it made me really self-conscious. But recently, I realized it was part of what makes me me, and I wouldn't change it for the world!

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  24. monica says…
    12/01/2010

    My always-scraggly hair is beautiful. My nose, which has always been my least favorite feature, is different and beautiful in that it reflects my Colombian heritage.

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

    I am perfectly imperfect. Just the way God made me. That makes me both different and beautiful.

    Reply 0 Replies

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