One with the Earth
Self-portrait
The concept first originated when I noticed some time back that my pendant and blazer almost matched in colour, and I was going to name this “The Colour of Wood”. However that idea changed as I recalled a memory flashback.
So recently I was wished a friend a Happy Birthday on Facebook; then I suddenly remembered a very sad memory around the same time back in 2004. It was my first year in university and only about a month had passed. I was invited to this girl’s birthday party. I had lots of work to do and I was debating on it. But finally I decided to go as it was the time to get to know new people better. So on the day of the party I was getting ready; then suddenly I got a phone call saying that I should come home; my grandfather had just passed away…
I could not believe what I was doing during the last minutes that my grandfather lived; getting ready for a party when I should have been getting work done. My grandfather lived in Japan; and my mother was going to head there to attend his funeral, so I went home for the weekend to see her off. From then on I never went to a party during school (with the exception of one which was a bit like an exhibition; or term end celebrations).
The key around my neck was one I carved when I was 17 from a wood print block; which originally belonged to my grandfather. Now his ashes have become a part of the earth, growing into trees; some which later turn into manmade object like my pendant.
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kjgordon
what a wonderful tribute to your grandfather…...and you wear his love close to your heart…....
but don’t beat yourself up for going to a party….......anything can happen any second of any day…
cherylc1
Beautiful!! A wonderful tribute to your grandfather!
Pete Costick
Beautiful self portrait, love the composition, crop, textures and tones and how you’ve centred on the key. Your words and image are a wonderful tribute to your grandfather.
Mui-Ling Teh replied
Thanks a lot for that thoughtful comment Pete; you’ve really read deep into this work.
Janis Zroback
It’s true that in the midst of life we are in death…every second of every day someone is dying or being born and we have no control over it…you had no way of knowing…..he would be glad to know that you were happy the day he started on his second journey…it’s a lovely tribute and a beautiful photo..
Carrie Glenn
Beautiful sentiment and thoughts Mui-Ling…as well as portrait showing your art. Wonderful work. ;-D
almeidacoval
it´s a lovely and beautiful foto,a wonderful tribute your granfather my friend..
Mui-Ling Teh replied
Thank you very much my friend; very kind of you…
mingtees
It’s lovely Mui-Ling. Great self protrait. (and nice toning too.)
Mui-Ling Teh replied
Thank you Amy. Before finding RB I wasn’t really into photography; but now I’ve getting into it more and have been improving just by being here :D
Tahnja
oh Mui-Ling….you have such a heart of love and beauty. Your story touched me so deeply…I am sure your beautiful grandfather loves you all the way from his resting place in the loving arms of the Eternal Father in Heaven…...hugs
Rajdev D
Stunning shot
Jen Ryan
Lori Peters
I love this one, Mui-Ling. Beautifully composed. xo
Tara Sheffer-A...
I really like this of you! It leaves mystery and has such a sense of comfort. I love the SC on this too!
hugh023
Lovely!! . . .
Shelly Hiebert
I favourited this earlier as a friend pointed it out to me just before I was rushing out the door. But I really wanted to come back to this and tell you how very much this image and your words moved me. I feel the deep love that you had for your grandfather and the time and effort that you took to bring this forth in your art has really paid off. When I first viewed and read, it brought a tear to my eye….and as I came back to it, it has done the same again. What a beautiful girl and soul you are Mui-Ling :)
Mui-Ling Teh replied
Thank you very much Shelly; And thanks for coming back to comment, as well for the fav :)
SNik
excellent!
Mui-Ling Teh replied
Thank you very much!
RosaCobos 22 days ago
Those “things”...are like “psychomagic”, you see.
The nurturing wood feeding the hungry heart. And they live in mutual understanding. It is a real wonderful story..part of your life. It is growing inside and you are lucky for having such a treasure to tell and share.
The key is alive, And is opening all the thirsty moments when things seem to be flat and empty. I have enjoyed it so much.
A real warm hug for you.
Rosa
Mui-Ling Teh replied 22 days ago
Thank you very much Rosa; you’re always a lovely lady of beautiful words.