Quote of the day:
“Run my dear,
From anything
That may not strengthen
Your precious budding wings.”
― Hafiz
Colorful Wings – Self-portrait in Hawaii
February was a month of endings and beginnings. I ended my two and a half month walk-about in Hawaii mid-month, and returned home to Minneapolis. And during my walk-about in Hawaii I found my “precious budding wings.”
It’s pure grace when you don’t even know you’re searching for something and then you find it. I went on walk-about to experience what it was like to leave my ordinary life and step into something new and unknown. I wanted time to feel the rhythms of life somewhere new, to make photographs, to be.
I found all that and something more — my wings — living out loud in living color wings!
In my time on the Big Island I experienced such presence and deep acceptance, that I stopped censoring my behavior. I said what I thought. I did what I wanted to do. I accepted myself deeply just as I am. And I gathered up colorful clothing that didn’t go together and wore it with joy.
Each day was a new adventure. Some days were active and full of new people and new places. Other days were quiet, introspective, and meditative.
Shortly before I left, I looked at the clothing I was wearing and thought about how freely I was living and said, “This is a new colorful me that I am bringing home with me.”
I called that vision of who I had become, “Hawaii Marilyn.” So I set up my camera on the tripod with time delayed exposures and danced and played to create photos that remind me to be Hawaii Marilyn here at home with friends and family.
My heart sings every time I look at these photos. And I am reminded of how it feels to shine brightly. These wings can fly. These wings are beautiful. These wings can do anything!
May you discover your own wings and the grace to fly with them.
“Grace is what picks me up and lifts my wings high above and I fly! Grace always conquers! Be graceful in everything; in anger, in sadness, in joy, in kindness, in unkindness, retain grace with you!”
― C. JoyBell C.
Wings to Fly
Wings
14 Comments
Kim Stevens · March 1, 2013 at 7:41 pm
Oh how I love this post, and that you found something you weren’t even looking for! I have had visions of doing this very thing, but I have two teenagers still at home, so I read this with a little envy, good for you!!
Marilyn · March 1, 2013 at 7:45 pm
My kids are grown and have flown from the nest – perhaps when your teenagers have launched you will find your own adventure that is perfect for you.
sarahhuizenga · March 1, 2013 at 11:36 pm
How wonderful to take that new Marilyn home to Minneapolis. Big change from Hawaii though.
rosmary · March 2, 2013 at 4:56 am
what an awesome opportunity and to see that you found your wings while you were there is priceless.. love the colors… fly fly fly.
Susan · March 2, 2013 at 2:47 pm
Wow. What an amazing gift you’ve given to yourself. One that will surely hold you for the remainder of your life’s journey. I hope you will be able to carry on with your new spirit, with your genuine being. Love these images as well.
Kat Sloma · March 2, 2013 at 10:09 pm
Such a beautiful way to describe what you discovered – your wings. These images are an important reminder of that time. I’m glad you had the opportunity to discover the true “self” that lives within. I encourage you to hold that image of yourself lightly and not tightly as you return home. You will inevitably find yourself changing even more! Thanks for sharing in the Photo-Heart Connection.
Deborah · March 3, 2013 at 12:49 am
The beautiful smile on your face says it all! Beautiful colors, beautiful wings, beautiful connection to your heart.
Paula · March 3, 2013 at 2:22 pm
Oh, what a wonderful post! I love this…such joy in your face and in your whole body. Here’s to you!
Rinda · March 3, 2013 at 7:29 pm
Gorgeous! Congratulations on finding your joy (and your wings).
Rinda (visiting form PHC)
Michele at Sweet Leaf · March 3, 2013 at 8:10 pm
Love these! Welcome to the new colorful YOU!
(Visiting from PHC)
Sherry Galey · March 3, 2013 at 9:40 pm
The joy and freedom are palpable here. Thank you for sharing your story. (And the quote is wonderful.)
seabluelee · March 4, 2013 at 2:24 am
I can feel your joy! You look like a brand-new butterfly. May your new wings carry you high and far.
Zena (healingmoments) · March 9, 2013 at 10:03 am
Oh… those are wonderful photos, I can feel your joy and see your wings, such a wonderful experience you are having, good for you. Amazing photo-heart connection
carolynphillipsuk · March 9, 2013 at 9:58 pm
You joy in this discovery of part of who you are shines through.