"Once we clearly acknowledge the soul, we can learn to hear it's cries. - Dallas Willard, Renovation Of The Heart."

It takes courage to pursue our dreams. It takes time and patience to unearth buried treasure. But I believe with all my heart that we must do both.

5.11.2010

Celebrating



We purchased a page in Meg's senior yearbook. I wanted to do something a little different than just pictures placed randomly on the page. I used one of my unfinished paintings for the background (it still sits waiting for something more on it). Then I dove into the array of family pictures.

Now Meg would have preferred posed, "pretty" pictures of her. I wanted to capture her. I see more than just a photo. I see her at different ages, different stages. I see her sweet spirit in these. I see joy in these.

And she is beautiful!!

In the finished version the lines around the individual pictures are softened, the paper clips are gone as are the red eyes, and there is a message to her from Greg and I.

I love how it turned out.

I can't believe she has three days of school left!!!!

22 comments:

Martha Lever said...

This is a wonderful page!!! She really is a beautiful girl and you will miss her but it is so wonderful to see them spread their wings and live their life. You will enjoy living vicariously through her and seeing areas where she will reflect the things you have taught her I sure enjoyed it and still do!!!

Just Be Real said...

Beautiful Mary.  Love candid photos.  Ahhh.  Blessings.

Emeila said...

It is wonderful. I also love candid pictures. God Bless. Thank you for sharing your story on my blog. hugs and prayers

The Charm House said...

I LOVE Meg's page! I did the same on Whit's senior page. YES, I am having a blast being on this wonderful adventure with my children. We actually have a bridal shower for Jackie on the same day that Whitney is having her bachelorette party. My niece is hosting both. She will be exhausted by the end of the day!
I love you and cannot wait to spend time with you early fall!
Yvettte

Jennifer Richardson said...

What an incredibly rich mom-gift!!! She'll treasure that deeply some day. I'll bet it makes her smile to her toes even now. What a clever mom you are:)

Unknown said...

My son is soon to be 21 and my daughter 15..I love this idea of having older children : ) Your daughers page is wonderfulMar : )

Denise said...

Such a beautiful page.

Bren Graham Thebeau said...

Wow! What a treasure, she may not fully appreciate it just yet, but the time will come when she will love it like you do. Beautifully done and something I've never seen or heard being done for Grad's before. Very cool :-)
Times they are a changing..

Diane said...

Love, Love, Love this--treasure the moments everyday!

caryjo said...

Truly creative picture. Bless the work of your hands!

JANN said...

mary,
I think you did a great job on creating this for your daughters year book page. Gosh they grow up sooooooooooo fast, Meg is a lovely young lady. I know how proud of her you are .
Very creative idea in creating this. Congrats on being the Mother of a graduating senior.

Butterfly Works said...

What a treasure you created for her and I know you had so much fun working on it....I am sure you laughted and cried as you picked the pictures and the memories flowed but it's a wonderful gift and tribute to a beautiful girl...You're a special Mom....
Hugs

Poetic Artist said...

Meg looks wonderful.. So many wonderful memories for you and her.
Hugs,
Katelen

Anita said...

I love this...you did such a great job of putting this together! She is beautiful and so fortunate to be loved so much.

Erin Butson said...

She is adorable. you really captured her personality. She will treasure this! so sweet.

kelvin s.m. said...

Great... great... great...!!!:D

Loved it!!!:)

>kelvin

Buffy said...

I Love this,such a great idea.She's beautiful.

Martha Lever said...

Hey Mary! Well, it must be the mutual admiration society because I think yours are way better! You can have this one. It's just on cardboard. You can pay for shipping though if you really want it. I don't think it would be very much to send it and I need to go to the post office anyway to send Julie's book. No pressure of course.

Anonymous said...

I think what you've done here is marvelous....'pretty pictures' just aren't the same...this seems to capture her fun spirit indeed!

well done!

ciao bella
creative carmelina

S. Etole said...

Now that's a special page ...

Unknown said...

Mary knowing Meg the way I do I'm sure she is so proud of her MOM and loves her page...what a gift but then she has one of the sweetie, loving moms in the world. You two have had a wonderful mom and daughter relationship...one I know you are proud of!!! love you sis..

Megan Hoover said...

Thanks for writing me back Mary. Looks like we are in a similar boat (at least as far as the last one going off to school -- preschool or college :) Anyway, I have been trying to keep a journal and I think it's just a matter of habit. I'm not used to it so I forget about it. Good suggestion. I will be in your same boat workwise...I just don't think I want to work. I have a degree in education but it's really not something I want to do again unless it's ART!! I want to volunteer at their school and I know at some point, the extracurricular stuff will increase. I wish I could send them to private school--I went to Catholic school and LOVED it (just until 6th gr.)
Anyhoo, thanks for indulging my comments with feedback. I feel better after chatting with you! :)
We artsy types have to stick together -- we're the only ones who understand how creating art is like breathing air. It's a necessity -- even if it can only be small doses. (like your journal idea)

Thanks Mary!!!