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Invitation to Photography: Springtime

Welcome to the Abbey Photo Party!

I select a theme and invite you to respond with images.

For see, the winter is past,
the rains are over and gone.
The flowers appear on the earth,
the time of pruning the vines has come,
and the song of the dove is heard in our land.
The fig tree puts forth its figs,
and the vines, in bloom, give forth fragrance.
Arise, my beloved, my beautiful one,
and come!

–Song of Songs 2:11-13

Springtime begins in the northern hemisphere on Wednesday, the time of great flowering on the earth offering hope of new possibilities emerging.

This week, go on a photo pilgrimage, holding the start of springtime in your heart, and notice what images are shimmering in the world around you.

(For my southern hemisphere friends, you are welcome to also share images of the arrival of autumn, or the ways you see signs of spring even in the midst of the season of letting go)

You can share images you already have which illuminate the theme, but I encourage you also to go for a walk with the theme in mind and see what you discover.

You are also welcome to post photos of any other art you create inspired by the theme.  See what stirs your imagination!

How to participate:

1. Go to the Flickr Group I have created. You need a free Flickr account first (go to the Flickr home page and click “Sign up now.”)  When you go to the link it will ask you to join the group first before posting.  Share up to five of your images in response to the theme.

2. Leave a comment below this blog post to let us know you have joined the party and what your Flickr profile name is (you must include this to be entered into the prize drawing).

3. Please post the invitation on your blog or Facebook page and encourage others to come join the party!

On Friday, March 22nd – I will draw a name at random from those who participate and the winner will receive a space in one of my upcoming online class Eyes of the Heart: Photography as a Contemplative Practice (April 28-June 15, 2013) and a copy of my new book which the class accompanies.

Spring and all its flowers now
joyously break their vow of silence.
It is time for
celebration, not for
lying low.

–Hafiz

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34 Responses

  1. Add 5 pictures to the “Springtime” group… plants are budding… seeing the potential, the azaleas are in full bloom — it has been a glorious bounty of color