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. Karen S says…
    12/01/2010

    Something different - I've been married for over 41 years, a rarity considering I got married at 17. Beautiful - my very curly hair

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  2. Mary Sara P. says…
    12/01/2010

    I am a one of a kind, work in progress which makes me both different and beautiful. Happy December and thanks for the incredible give away.

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  3. Stephanie F says…
    12/01/2010

    I think my soul is beautiful. What's different is I amuse myself even at 31 years old.

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  4. Tammy B says…
    12/01/2010

    I don't paint my toenails - something a lot of people I know find unbelievable. I don't appreciate put-downs or rude comments made about other ethnic groups or people with handicaps of any kind, whether they be small or large. Could go on but that would be venting!!

    Thanks Ali!

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  5. Brandi George says…
    12/01/2010

    I wear funky glasses because I need to see and should have fun doing it! :)

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  6. Susan Wilson says…
    12/01/2010

    I try to be kind and think I am generally successful. I am 66 and when I look at photos from 50 years ago, I don't feel so beautiful, but now realize I am the same inside. What a comforting thought.

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  7. Wendy A says…
    12/01/2010

    Something different: After the rat race of business world and having my own business, I went to work at the school so I could be with my daughter and now make in a yr what I used to make in a month.
    Something Beautiful: Blessed and happy to have my uniquely difft daughter.

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  8. Karen says…
    12/01/2010

    I'm still trying to find that different & beautiful part of me.

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

    Outwardly I'm generally quiet and reserved, but on the inside sometimes I'm quite loud and obnoxious!

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  10. Carole Hepburn says…
    12/01/2010

    I think I am a strong woman - single Mom, 2 jobs, business owner etc but the strength that I think I possess which is different from many of my friends is that I can always move forward - take what the world gives you , take care of it , put it aside and move forward......our lives are too short to hold onto "stuff" that brings us down , takes up too much energy or simply is a waste of time.

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  11. scrappy jackie says…
    12/01/2010

    This looks like a beautiful. I would love to take a look at it! THanks for the fun give away and for having such a fun inspiring blog!

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  12. holly bott says…
    12/01/2010

    I'm a work in progress even though I'm in my fifties. I'm learning about being kind to myself.
    Holly

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  13. Kelly R. says…
    12/01/2010

    It is hard to find something that is beautiful about yourself, but if I had to choose something, I would say that I am a beautiful mom. I embrace my children for who they are, and love them unconditionally.

    Reply 0 Replies
  14. Warholette says…
    12/01/2010

    I have a really tiny hands. They did not change since I was 12 and I can wear my childhood rings. I like it :)

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  15. Jennifer Draut says…
    12/01/2010

    Different and beautiful about me would be my life experiences. They are unique to me and what I've learned from them is priceless.

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  16. Tammy says…
    12/01/2010

    I am a teacher who specializes with working with at-risk high school students. I teach homeless kids who only have a hot meal and shower when the school is open. I have the kids who wake to find his mother died of a common illness during the course of the night. I teach kids who are struggling to overcome addictions they have had since middle school. I love each of them because the rawness of their lives brings out qualities than many of us never see. I help them see and value those qualities in themselves.
    I'll have to check this book out - Thanks!

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  17. Kelly says…
    12/01/2010

    I am a strong woman that supports my family. I am beautiful in my husband's eyes.

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

    I have given birth to 3 awesome young men & I love to learn.

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

    I've been trying to let go of perfect and embrace the beauty of different ever since my daughter with Down Syndrome was born 6 years ago. What an inspiring book, thanks for sharing.

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

    I am different because I say what I think, I try not to filter myself. I think that makes me beautiful too!

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  21. Carrie Alexander says…
    12/01/2010

    I am different because I'm a crazy, nutball Energizer Bunny! Seriously, my hubby tells me to sit down and relax and I CAN'T. Like, physically can't! Thank goodness I teach elementary school, the energy goes to good use.

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

    I am different in that most people from my generation are not mixed race (nowadays it's seems more 'common') and I'm beautiful in that I am a nurturer.

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

    I have freckles ALL over my body, a Betty Rubble laugh and a Pollyanna attitude! It's good to be me :)

    Reply 0 Replies
  24. Julie L. says…
    12/01/2010

    I think something different about me is that I truly whole heartily love my job.

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

    What is different about me is that I don't worry about what others think of me and what is beautiful is that I am devoted to my family.

    Reply 0 Replies

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