Thankful 4 Me by olivetreeann

Thankful 4 Me

It's always been hard for me to write about myself- that is what I like about myself. It's not that I don't like myself; I just don't talk about "me"! There are times in any given month where there are a lot of things I'd like to improve, change, or get back to where I used to be, but all in all, the person I am on the inside is O.K. So, aside from the exterior improvements I strive for, what I like about the interior is similar to what I see here.

This lacy design is actually not lace at all- it's a design etched on a small glass tile I have sitting in my windowsill. It's surprising and unexpected because it looks like something else. This is generally the impression I give to others who don't know me well. There is something unique and unexpected hidden underneath my unassuming exterior. But if you take the time to get to know me, you'll be surprised by what you learn. I like that.

The intricate pieces of this design reflect the way I see what's inside me. There are a lot of intricate pieces which put together make up who I am- my talents, the way I look at life, my faults and idiosyncrasies, my faith, my creativity and imagination, my genes, my ability and desire to learn and so on. Put them all together and you have (hopefully!) something pleasant to look at. I like the pattern that's inside me.

I also deliberately took this composition from this vantage point because even at my lowest, I still try to look up. After all, my strength is only as good as the One I put my trust in. I couldn't make it without Him. And I took it looking out from within because I am an observer more often than a participant. But I can also be the opposite- looking out to see where life will take me next. I like that I can change from home-body to adventurer and explorer.

I don't know if any of this makes sense. If I were to read it back to myself before I post it, I'd probably delete every word! But, you probably know at least some of these things thanks to 365 so I'll be brave and post it anyway!
This such a beautiful shot! And I completely understood your explanation! Intricate is the perfect word because it's not just a description of a beautiful etching in glass or a crocheted or tatted thread design (which is what I thought it was!!), it's a great representation of we humans. We're fabulously complicated and that journey we take to figure it all out is everything but boring! Good Job is what I say, Girl! Love it!
November 25th, 2012  
Oh, I knew you were a wonderful person inside because of the things you share and the beauty you find around you. This is so amazing and makes me wish I had written it.
November 25th, 2012  
Good for you Ann, that was lovely! And a very nice shot to go right along with it.
November 25th, 2012  
Wonderful photo Ann and wonderful sentiment expressed by you. What I love most about 365 is getting to know people like you based upon how you express yourself through your words and photography, rather than how we look, what jobs we have, economic status, etc. So bravo for speaking your mind my friend :)
November 25th, 2012  
@thendrix58 Thank you so much Terry! I love this piece- I actually have two. They came from my grandmother's house but they were buried in the pantry. I don't think she ever used them!
@pandorasecho Thank you Dixie- you are a very fine writer in your own right! So I take that as a very high compliment! And I must say the old adage here- it takes one to know one!
@tara11 Thank you Tara- fearfully and wonderfully made, right? (o:
@michaelelliott Thank you so much Michael. You have inspired me many a time with your phenomenal pictures! I am grateful for your support beyond words! It's true as you said- the creativity factor jumps all the barriers here- it even jumps continents. I'm very thankful that 365 is part of my "intricate pattern" now.

Thank you again Terry, Dixie, Tara and Michael! Your words have made my evening! And thank you for the favs!!
November 25th, 2012  
It is a beautiful picture story, well said, and I can relate to this as well.
November 25th, 2012  
@digitalrn Thank you so much Rick! I really believe that each person is like this- and it amazes me that for all our similarities, we are still our own individuals as well.
November 25th, 2012  
So beautiful Ann, the photo and words, remember to always look up...He has it under control!
November 25th, 2012  
@httpgeffed Amen and thanks Colleen!
November 25th, 2012  
Beautiful
November 25th, 2012  
Ann that is soooooooooooo cool, good find
November 25th, 2012  
So beautiful Ann!
November 25th, 2012  
Beautiful shot and patterns. If on the inside you have patterns as beautiful as these, then you are indeed a beautiful woman.
November 25th, 2012  
Lovely capture and thank you for sharing your thoughts.
November 25th, 2012  
Very heartfelt and lovely, Ann. This whole month is about leaving it all right here in this calendar. I don't know about you but as the end of the month approaches I feel like there is still so much more to add here, and there is. The act of showing gratitude is a learning experience for many of us and needs to be done every day, for even the smallest gifts. When we learn to spot what we are thankful for, much like looking for something to photograph, we becomed tuned into to it quicker. We don't struggle so much to see where our gratitude lies. It's a lesson many never learn. Once you do, though, you will never forget it. You've done a great job this month.. :-)
November 25th, 2012  
It's lovely! The tile and the pattern and the story!
Be yourself! It's the best we can do and with grace on board that is enough!
November 25th, 2012  
Bev
What a lovely pattern and design. The texture is really great. And just reading that helped me get to know you better. You truly are a blessing. You are a puzzle that is worth figuring out! Nice shot! Well done!
November 25th, 2012  
the photo and your eloquent, heartfelt words represent you well. thanks for sharing, and for inviting me into the world of 365
November 25th, 2012  
An attractive pattern photo and a highly individual response to the theme.
November 25th, 2012  
Lovely photo. Great words. I think complex people are the most interesting people. Thank you for sharing about yourself. I thought you were a fantastic person before I read this and now I know you are.
November 26th, 2012  
@kerristephens @sarasdadandmom @chrismarfil @sangwann @nicolecampbell @dmortega @sarah19 @prttblues @eniaral @automaticslim @daisy

Thank you Kerri, Terry, Chris, Dione, Nicole, Dorrena, Sarah, Bev, Laraine, Andy and Kathryn. You are all so kind and encouraging- I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
November 26th, 2012  
I love it!! Perfect!! I think we just might be sisters! LOL I felt as I was reading myself. I'm so glad you didn't delete this one :-)
December 12th, 2012  
@vposey Thank you Vickie! Oh, yes, I know we're sisters- especially in the Lord!
December 13th, 2012  
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