See that photo above?

Initially, I had planned to send it Susan for the prompt I chose this go round - 'abundance'. But then, I wasn't so sold on the toning.. and decided to go for the one you see below.

Yet, it still didn't sit right with me. 

So I sent her a different photo all together... one that didn't necessarily fit the literal, obvious definition of abundance.. but it was the one that rang true within my heart, the one that is a bit more connected to my life today, in this moment.. my now.  The simple shot I sent her reminds me of a few things my sweet pets give me daily... that I admittedly take for granted a bit too often.

An abundance: Of love.

An abundance: Of adoration.

An abundance: Of perseverance.

An abundance: Of hope.

Animals have so very much to teach us, if we just allow them to.

When I chose the abundance theme, I had in mind all of Autumn's blessings - the plethora of pumpkins, gourds, striking colors and those oh-so-glorious leaves that often render me breathless. I chose it because on any given day I see an abundance of beauty.. even in unlikely places. I had even planned to use something like this as my second choice...


But the universe seems to have had a different plan in mind; as the last two weeks have weighed heavily on me.  I have to make a few more of those won't-they-just-go-away-please-stop-nagging-me sort of life changing decisions, which as we all know... is never easy. Finanically, I am more than a bit terrified (If you have ever thought of buying from me - now would be an awesome time). The issues I am facing are matters that simply do not have one designated, clear path and try as i might- wishing them away just doesn't seem to do a darn bit of good.

"Whatever we are waiting for - peace of mind, contentment, grace, the inner awareness of simple abundance - it will surely come to us, but only when we are ready to receive it with an open and grateful heart."
- Sarah Ban Breathnach

So, I must trust both my heart and my instincts, rely on my life experiences and ultimately know that I am making choices - as right or wrong as they may turn out to be - that are made with the best of intentions.. choices I genuinely don't think I will regret, and above all else... I am trying to act with integrity; in ways I shall be proud of years down the line. I continually try and dwell on the simple blessings that surround me, to be grateful for what I have and to show gratitude to those who are there for me in my times of need. Most of all though, I am trying not to let fear guide or take hold of me. (no pressure, right?)

 “When you are grateful fear disappears and abundance appears”
 -Anthony Robbins

 "Not what we have but what we enjoy, constitutes our abundance."
- John Petit-Senn

Throughout all of this, that word I chose - abundance - kept popping into my rambly-it-never-friggin-stops-mind - and what an incredible thing that has turned out to be. It has helped to keep my focus on the abundance of things I do have - the best of which, just aren't tangible.  I *think* it was in Sheri Gaynor's book -  Creative Awakenings: Envisioning the Life of Your Dreams Through Art .. where I first read about choosing a word and living it with intention.. this experience has taught me I want to revisit and explore that concept while incorporating it into my life permanently.

After all of the back and forth.. what photo did I choose for my part?
 

Much like lil' ol' me.. that old building has an abundance of untold stories. It has an abundance of structural problems, yet it somehow remains sound. Character? plenty of it.. I can only aspire to be that rich in it.  There is an abundance of contrasting textures that somehow unify into this captivating sight. It is fragile, tattered and torn.. shows it miles.. yet it is undeniably strong. The unique angle I see it as, the perspective.. it is how i try to see the world. The door closed and locked.. yet beginning to push open... well the abundance of metaphors contained in that one, single photo.. it is my truth, my authenticity, my present. Kinda powerful isn't it?

Better yet - I love how the somehow busy, frantic setting contrasts with Susan's oh-so-calming tea shot.. it fits.

It just, fits.

 

I am so loving this project. So loving the chance to strengthen our friendship and get to know Susan better.

So loving the opportunity to reconnect with each of you.

A quick recap:

• Go visit Susan's Week 3 post for our other diptych.
• New Flickr Group for the collab. ~ Join Us! Find a partner there, read the guidelines and more!
• Add the new Echo button (susan's awesome design) to your blog if you'd like! Get the code here.
• Catch Up on Week 1 -Emerge and Week 2- Decorate.
• See how others have interpreted the prompts in the week 1 & week 2 roundups.

I can't wait to see what you in have store for Week 3 of Echo - Abundance. We invite each of you to participate in the project and show us your unique vision, your voice, your echo. Remember, to share your link in the comments here so I can add it to the roundup next Wednesday.

Wishing you an abundance of all that you love and hold dearly,

Chrysti