I love the quote by Jill Petty, which was perfect for the image of the swans, and so very profound (besides offering an ampersand opportunity):
Love is when you look into someone’s eyes and see their heart.
I also like this saying by Will Moss that ties love to sight (also with an amp op):
Love is not blind — it sees more and not less, but because it sees more it is willing to see less.
And I love my friends, for they are always teaching me something amazing. My friend Melody says:
“Swans are known for their fidelity. They are loyal to each other as a couple once they come together, they are a couple for life. They are also a great symbol of beauty and grace.
“And how about the extraordinary tale of the ugly duckling who becomes a swan! The metamorphosis of transcending one’s own being in such an extraordinary way is awe inspiring.”
Swans are white
Lakes are blue
Here’s some AmperLove
From me to you
No matter what color your loved one’s eyes are, the pupils are black. And that’s the part that sees.
Black is a gorgeous color to represent true love. It’s deep, forever, classy and honest like the printed word. Love is also mysterious, another good reason for black.
I received a black rose on Valentines Day in high school once, which meant “unpopular.” Well, if being a nerd is what it took to get my favorite color in a flower, so be it. I loved that rose, even though my favorite flower is a carnation.
My friends think that’s morbid, as carnations remind them of funerals. Well, carnations — especially the white ones with the red rims — remind me of going to the Carnation Ice Cream counter with Daddy every weekend for our 5‑cent ice cream cones. And that, my friends, was love.
A black carnation…ah, that’s my idea of the perfect Valentines Day flower.
Happy Valentines Day, whatever color you love the most.
Production Notes:
Original size: 20x30”
Program: Photoshop
Fonts: Poppl-Residenz, Palace Script (ampersand, modified)
Photography: Zurijeta, 123rf.com
You’re always bringing such special gifts to the world, Chaz, through your art, your words, and your vulnerable sharing. I love this one the most.
All I can say is,
I WAS HOPING YOU WOULD SEE THIS ONE!
I knew you would appreciate the beauty of the swans and the profound words. I can take credit for neither, but what a joy it was working with them together.
Isn’t that a beautiful saying? It’s by Jill Petty, although I can’t find who she is.
Happy Valentines Day to U and Patti. And of course the lovable felines.
Melody, thank you for embellishing this release’s commentary with facts I didn’t even know, and they are deeply relevant. Love to you, my friend.
I like it, my students do the swan/heart image. Through out history artists have said that black and white has much color and depth if you use it right, and you have !
So these artists of the future already know about the swans forming a heart…I didn’t even know that till this week. I thought I came upon a very unique photograph (not the one I used) until I looked at others. What an amazing piece of artwork formed by these living creatures…and adding to that, the facts that my friend Melody enlightened me about. You’re doing great work with these future artists (well, not future…they already are).
Chaz, I save all of your artwork but this is one of my very favorites. Thank you for sharing your exceptional artistry with us. Love to you this Valentine’s Day and always
Patrice, don’t tell hubby but you know I’ll always link the word lovely to you. Thanks for looking at this edition. Happy Valentines Day.
Chaz,
How completely special that memory of you and your Daddy! Your childhood sentiments about the carnations are absolutely beautiful… and perfect for Valentine’s Day.
And your design is, as usual, spectacular and so pleasing to the eye, as the words themselves are pleasing to the mind and heart.
Thank you for blessing me with your abundant talents!
Lisa
PS Those immature students bestowing the black rose years ago were fools ~ in the eyes of Jesus, and your friends, you are extraordinarily loved and “popular.”
Thanks, Lisa, but you know I was rather proud of that unique black rose when most others were red or white. Besides, it takes more effort to make them black!
I know you’re going to appreciate the additional text by Melody in my second mailing of this piece.