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Tuesday, September 28, 2021

Introduction to Nurturing Our Summer Souls Gallery

"Rejoice as summer should...chase away sorrows by living." - Melissa Marr

The Summer of 2021 came with a dream of a joyous outdoor life not hampered by masks and pandemic woes. It was to be our season of letting go, finding contentment and self-fulfillment, pondering life, and promoting self-care. While it opened as a means to breathe in the joy of new life, it was tinged by constant reminders that the journey was still an upward climb. 

With this in mind, I turned to nature for a new season and a new beginning. While it is true that the pandemic heavily influenced the way we lived and reduced our accessibility to enjoyment as we knew it, it did not erase the quest to wander, wonder, and discover elements of nature that provide joy. 

Join me as I unveil the first section, an introduction to the Nurturing Our Summer Souls Gallery of Artistic Expression. Enjoy the virtual presentation that blends poetry, art, technology to bring a virtual experience to reflect upon life. From various corners of the world and across the states, creative individuals come together to create a space for relaxation and renewal. Sit back and 


Credits
 Nurturing Our Summer Souls promotional poster
Designer and Curator of the Gallery
Carol Varsalona
Nature photograph offered by
Jan Annino, Fran Haley, Donna Smith and myself
This gallery was created with Canva. 
You can view the digital presentation on Canva by clicking the button Present here.

May your summer memories fill your soul with hope that the following seasons will bring a sense of peace and renewal.

Thank you to the Two Writing Teachers for continually offering space for writers and to the Slicers who contributed to the introduction to Nurturing Our Summer Souls Gallery

13 comments:

  1. Carol: The gallery is just gorgeous! I love this extended taste of summer, even as I welcome the respite of cooler fall temperatures. I especially love that you remembered my OLW is "Awe" and that you placed it on the sunflower accompanying my poem. Your artist's eye is always amazing - you know just the right touches to make. Thank you for this space and the offerings od rest and renewal, so needed exactly now.

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    1. Fran, I woke to your comment and immediately felt at peace. I dipped back into summer to spark my yen for offering a digital surprise for all to enjoy. Thank you for being part of this celebration. I hope to add another section of the gallery by Poetry Friday. Keep finding awe around you.

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    2. I realized that the Canva presentation had the wrong URL so you might like to take a look at the new address. The gallery has a WOW factor when clicking on the tab Present at the Canva address, https://www.canva.com/design/DAErVOXYcNA/wrGZG78Dw6YX3MbUt0HiEw/edit.

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  2. Wow...what a delightful page to read this morning. I love the phrase, "Nurturing our Summer Souls." :)

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    1. Debbie Lynn, thanks for joining me here. Another edition of this gallery will be unveiled at my Poetry Friday blog post this week. I found that nature and family nurture my summer soul, hence the title of the gallery. Great meeting you!

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  3. Carol, summer is beautifully captured here in pictures and words. How calming and relaxing to view and read when life gets a bit hectic. Just shows that we don't need things to make us happy. All we have to do is look around us and behold the beauty that we see. Thanks for including my piece.

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    1. Bob, thank you for commenting and being part of this gallery. Today is a beautiful autumn day. My mums are smiling. Keep your eyes open for a lovely autumn scene in Pennsylvania so you can also be included in my autumn gallery.

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  4. What delight to see how you gather and feature our photos and words! Thanks, Carol, for this gallery. It was a summer to remember in so many ways. Grateful for the small moments of pleasure along the way.

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    1. Ramona, I do not know if we will ever forget the Summer of 2021. I am so happy that you enjoyed the gallery. There is nothing like fresh fruit. I am eating a hand-picked apple with peanut butter now reminding me of our apple orchard visit with the girls.

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  5. I so enjoyed a trip down summer's memory lane with all the contributors, on this last day of September with Fall arriving full force in the form of rain this week. Thank you for sharing the beautiful collection!

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    1. Chris, thanks for joining me here today. My last day of September is filled with the beauty of Autumn, brilliant sun and a bit of cooled temperature to make us want to take a walk. Perhaps, you will join me in composing a poem and adding a photo of what Autumn looks like in Texas for my next gallery.

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  6. I miss summer. Visiting your gallery awakened a little summer flame. Thank you!

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    1. Terje, I am so glad that summer memories are reignited in your heart through this gallery. I am gathering a second collection for the gallery that will be unveiled by tomorrow. Thank you for your lovely photography that enriches my work.

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