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. dawn says…
    12/01/2010

    I am my own person and happy that way and giving birth to all 4 of my beautiful children. Thanks for this chance to win.

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

    I have had Rheumatoid Arthritis since I was 9 months. It taught me the lesson of slowing down and balance early on.

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

    I am beautiful because I don't have to be super girly and cam admit I like fishing and football... and that's ok.

    Reply 0 Replies
  4. Laura Kelly says…
    12/01/2010

    I'm a large person and different from a lot of my friends. my beauty is on the inside and comes out in my art and scrapping.

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

    I try to really understand people, avoiding snap judgments and assumptions at all costs.

    Reply 0 Replies
  6. Bonnie P says…
    12/01/2010

    Unique...always looking for confirmation that I'm ok.I want to know it from the inside out not the other way around.

    Reply 0 Replies
  7. Rita says…
    12/01/2010

    my toes are my favorite feature, haha!

    Reply 0 Replies
  8. ms ellie says…
    12/01/2010

    I have freckles...Got 'em from my Dad.

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

    I am the mother of an Asperger's son who is always trying to see the blessings in him; this has made us all better people.

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

    different: I dream in color.
    beautiful: I never lost my childhood imagination.

    Reply 0 Replies
  11. Sharon says…
    12/01/2010

    First, thanks for sharing. Karen's book looks wonderful.

    Now for me . . .

    Something beautiful: I am Mom to two great kids
    Something different: I'm an avid fountain pen user. I've even got the kids hooked on writing with nib and ink.

    Reply 0 Replies
  12. hope s says…
    12/01/2010

    something different - I have two marks...One under my lip and one on my chin

    Something beautiful...everyday photos of my family

    Reply 0 Replies
  13. Julie Asher says…
    12/01/2010

    Thank you for introducing me to this book - I love the idea of it and will be reading it (one way or another ;-) )

    Different about me

    I am the only woman in my (mining industry) workplace - the other 18 people are all men so I am the only one with pink bootlaces and a fairy wand on my desk :)

    I am left handed

    I am slower to deal with numbers but quicker with words than most people

    Reply 0 Replies
  14. Julie Asher says…
    12/01/2010

    Oh sorry forgot to add something beautiful

    I have very nice, neat ears! My hairdresser always comments and like to cut my hair short around them :)

    Reply 0 Replies
  15. Donna C says…
    12/01/2010

    Different: I am incurably curious about everything (drives my husband crazy sometimes)
    Beautiful: I have large cheekbones - my husband calls them fat - I will choose to call them beautiful

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

    I get these funny little dimples in my cheeks and chin when I smile... I used to worry about them. But, now I just think if I'm smiling... who cares what it looks like... I'm happy!

    Reply 0 Replies
  17. Brandi Cuan says…
    12/01/2010

    Well something different about me....I shoot pool left handed and do everything else in life right handed.
    Something beautiful...I know myself and I like who I am!

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

    I am politically different than many people I associate with. I consider myself the loyal opposition, and it's a beautiful thing.

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

    I am not perfect, but unique:)

    Reply 0 Replies
  20. Amy B says…
    12/01/2010

    Wow! That's a lot like I've been feeling lately. In a world with so many outer expectations, how do we then teach our children that they are beautiful within? My strength definitely comes from my dh who daily tells me how much he loves me, and how beautiful I am, even after 14 years of marriage.

    Reply 0 Replies
  21. Kitsa Scaffidi says…
    12/01/2010

    Something different? I have a identical twin sister.
    Something beautiful? My twin sister, Rosy.

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

    I am childless, something that's not very popular these days. But having no children of my own has freed me to be more sensitive to and appreciative of the children around me, including my dear nieces and nephews, children of friends, and my students. Also, it has made me a staunch defender and great lover of animals, especially dogs.

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

    i'm happy working w/ a bunch of guys, not wearing trendy clothes or makeup. i'm quite a tomboy.

    being comfortable w/o all the "adornments" is beautiful.

    Reply 0 Replies
  24. beverly wright says…
    12/01/2010

    My curious mind! It doesn't shut down & always is asking "why??"...

    Reply 0 Replies
  25. Monica B. says…
    12/01/2010

    I am not afraid to stand up for what I believe in.

    Reply 0 Replies

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