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.
One thing about me is I would rather curl up with a good book than go to a party and hang out!
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i AM STRONG BEYOND BELIEF - STRUGGLES IN MY LIFE HAVE MADE ME BE STRONG. mY HUSBAND'S cHRONIC HEALTH ISSUES, FAMILY STRUGGLES AFTER MY FATHER'S DEATH, ETC. STRUGGLES SHOW YOU WHAT PEOPLE ARE TRUELY MADE OF. WHEN THEY SHOW YOU BELIEVE THEM!
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My life is "different" in that my mom has lived with us for 20 years - since I was newly married and in my mid-20's. Many people don't understand "how we do this" - but it was definitely for the best and although this atypical living arrangement has had challenges, the rewards have far surpassed the trials. Combine this with my "different" approach to life with my daughter's Asperger/Sensory Processing Disorder, and what I've learned is that "off the beaten path" IS my place in life. I want to own it.
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What's different about me is my strange sense of humour. My beautiful thing about me is my strong and active body. Great giveaway Ali. Happy December Daily Day!
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Focus, Focus, Focus. I'm an extremely focused person. If it perks my interest I'm 100% to the core from beginning to end. Sometimes a strength, sometimes a weaknesses. It's just me though...
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my loyalty to friends is what is beautiful about me and different is me, no one else is me.
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Finally getting up the courage to participate in my first art show, which is this weekend, and I'll be showcasing some of my photography along with some other very talented artists.
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I am strong and out spoken, but I have learned to listen.
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I have crazy curly hair which I hated growing up - I wanted straight silky hair. It's the first thing that my husband noticed before we met, so to me it's the most beautiful thing. It brought me a husband and together we created a beautiful daughter.
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i am a creative type working in a male dominated field.
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Loved the video - amazing how one statement made based on such a small window of time can have such an effect. Maybe being told she had "no aptitude for art" motivated her... very awesome.
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Nearing the age of 50, I'm so glad I've finally reached the point in my life where I don't worry too much about what people think, how I look, etc. The best part is that I can be myself and I'm still a good person! Why didn't I learn this sooner?!
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Even though I am not a size six or eight I am beautiful.
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I have finally acepted my differences and know that I am who I am and that we were all made to be unique.
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Something different: I'm a retired stay at home mom, who still stays at home!
Something beautiful: I work very hard at making other people feel beautiful. Total strangers get random compliments, because you never know if that's the only nice thing they'll hear all day!
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I am a really good hugger. :)
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I know it must be there, but I am still looking (at 78) for what is beautiful about me.
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Different: try my hardest to do my own thing not get caught up in what "the they" says we should do / act / feel.
Beautiful: i love to laugh out loud
ali-i was just on her blog last nite! i printed out her do what you love article as i am feeling creatively and motivationally stuck...need to combine some kind of work w creativity & family...am using that as a tool to brainstorm some ideas. great kismit!
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I am finally at peace with menopause and still loving my body during it's necessary hormonal process. Since I have made this mind shift, the symptoms are not as severe. I am truly amazed and grateful. I really didn't know much about this stage of life when it started, so I am sharing my experiences with my daughter. My hope is that she will understand and hopefully acknowledge, accept and find peace earlier in this process. The book sounds like a wonderful read. Rabbits!
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I didn't recognize my own beauty until I learned to appreciate my unique sensitivity. I have recently recognized that I have personality characteristics that make me more aware of the world around me (and therefore more prone to introspection and possibly melancholy when I can't change the things I see). Now in my mid-30s, I embrace my sensitive nature and the joy and tears that it brings!
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Wonderful giveaway, Ali! And perfect timing as this season seems to brings up old feelings of memories past......
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What is beautiful about me is my eyes. What is different is that I hate to wear shoes and socks, I am always always in bare feet.
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I am confident in a crowd and have no fear of public speaking but I'm not confident about myself - if that makes sense. I tend to always smile no matter what and people see that as beautiful.
This was a toughie!
Thanks for making me think this morning.
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Something different about me is that I am unconcerned about people's looks... I'd love to win this for my 17 year old niece! thanks
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I am a kindergarten teacher so my different and beauty is patience and joy.. in all that life gives each day.. and laugh about it! I would love this book to help my daughter growing up confident in a world plagued by perfection.
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