Embracing the Music

susi lawson

Embracing the Music

I want to thank Billy Boy who told me about the Epson scanner which I bought and inspired me to look thru my old box of slides.
(This was edited in PS with the smudge and airbrush tools )
I used to love to shoot slides and make my friends sit down and watch shows using the old carousel projector. Some loved it and some kept asking me when I was going to PLEASE buy a TV, HA!
This image has a lot of memories which create a vast array of emotions in me! I was staying with my brother for a while in his townhouse as our Mom had left our Dad and we did not even know where she was living at the time. I guess I just felt like being near my big brother and needed a place to ‘crash’ for a while. The ring on my finger is my mothers old engagement ring. The Camera I shot this with (via a self timer) was a great old Fugi 35mm that my brother gave to me when he came home from Nam. John Lennon had passed away during this time which had brought us both to tears and inspired us to pose separately for a portrait with this old pawn shop guitar which we swore we would learn to play. We sat up late that night trying to pick out some old Beatle tunes and I remember my brother always played some Jim Croce as well.
A lot has happened since this picture, some very bad, some very good. But this self portrait made me think of that promise I made to learn to play guitar and it is now one of my goals! I do adore music and what could be a better way to relax than to sit on the back porch and pick out some old tunes with some old or new friends or just your own good company?
May you Embrace the Art. Music, life, children, friends and all the blessings you have in your life and I will do my best to do the same!

Embracing the Music belongs to the following groups:

PixElations - The Art of Photoshop and We Rock: Musical Instrument Art
Embracing the Music by susi lawson
Embracing the Music by susi lawson
  • Alf Caruana

    Alf Caruana

    A fine portrait Susi

  • susi lawson replied

    Thanks Alf!

  • Robyn Lakeman

    Robyn Lakeman

    Fantastic capture Susi, I loved reading through your memories. I remember the day John Lennon died so vividly. It was so senseless. I’ve had an Epson scanner for two years that has this ability. I should really do something about it. I pulled out a box of slides last year but never got to scanning. I remember in the 70s I took so many slides and they just sit there. Thanks for your inspiration as usual :)

  • susi lawson replied

    Thanks so much Robyn! I was shocked to find I still had some of my slides and that they were still good! I am still scanning and enjoying all the memories they evoke. Yes…the day John Lennon was shot is etched in my brain forever, it seemed so surreal..as though it could just not ever be true.!! My favorite song of all time is “Imagine”

  • DWarren

    DWarren

    Oh Susi, what a touching story about you, your big brother and days gone by. This image of yours is a precious, priceless piece and so beautifully done! I image you will treasure it always and your daughter as well.

  • susi lawson replied

    Thanks so much Dyle! Yes, you are right, the pictures of myself now seem more valuable because I am a Mom and I know some day she will find value in them. I appreciate the kindness!

  • udonchow

    udonchow

    Thanks for sharing your story here, it makes the already beautiful portrait even more beautiful :D

  • susi lawson replied

    Thanks so much!

  • Keith Reesor

    Keith Reesor

    Beautiful picture, I’m glad it brought back so many memories to you and that you shared them with us. I’m sure you’ll learn to play.

  • susi lawson replied

    Thanks for the vote of confidence!

  • denise romano

    denise romano

    as soon as i saw this i thought of our conversation about learning to play the guitar now. we just don’t get around to everything we want to do when we think of it, but if it’s important to us, it will keep coming back. can’t wait to hear you play : ) wonderful photo too by the way.

  • susi lawson replied

    Thanks Neicy!!!

  • Thornburgart

    Thornburgart

    A beautiful portrait!, you are such a gorgeous Woman, I love your retouches, very nice!, soft! I connect with your music thoughts also, I’ve played pro rock since High School, bass, guitar, brass, keys, and in general, just loving music with a deep passion. Its part of my heart!, always will be.

  • susi lawson replied

    ahh, thanks so much, you are too sweet! Yes, music really mingles in the soul don’t you think, essential!!!

  • billyboy

    billyboy

    Susi, reading your caption made tears well up in my eyes… that time period was one of many emotions on my side too. And incidentally, after my wedding in the white Rolls that took us from the church, the driver asked us if we wanted to take the long way back to the reception… when we asked him how he could ask such a stupid question, he smiled and stuck a cassette in his 8-track deck. First song was Imagine. Every time I hear it, that moment rushes back like it was yesterday. So looks like Mr. Lennon had touched us both massively.

    I’m so glad the scanner’s working for you, even though you’re setting yourself a big job. How many slides have you actually got? I’d also like to know if you’ve still got that guitar. Looks like a classical from the bridge and the headstock, and though you say it’s from a pawn shop, the sound board has a nice grain and the simple binding looks beautiful… what make is it?

    It’s amazing how you managed such a wonderful composition with the self timer. Just goes to show your wonderful artistry was always a part of you. You were, and are, truly gorgeous.

  • susi lawson replied

    Ah Billy., you always touch me little heart you do!! ‘Imagine’ is my all time favorite song in the world as it is so simple yet so profound in its meaning! The guitar ..I have no idea, but will ask my brother if he still has it (which I doubt) I now have a Alverez RF208 folk model and it is a beauty, can’t wait to get started again.
    The scanner is working great, I have about 300 slides but have narrowed it down to about 100 to scan and still working on it. I think I have more somewhere in boxes as well.
    Thanks for the kindness and compliments! Hugs to you Billy Bud..

  • taueva

    taueva

    beautiful portrait and subject…love the writing too!

  • susi lawson replied

    Thanks !!

  • Benjamin Young

    Benjamin Young

    This has so much beauty in it…. I love your story and the fact that it is true really adds so much emotion.

  • susi lawson replied

    Thank you! Yes , MOther Teresa once said it we all knew one anothers stories there would be no such thing as war and I believe there is some real truth to that.

  • Benjamin Young

    Benjamin Young

    What a beautiful thought…. What a shame that there is so much life waisted over nothing…...
    Your tops Susi…

  • Patricia Montgomery

    Patricia Montg...

    Lovely self-portrait. Thanks for sharing the story of those moments in your life. It makes the image even more special!

  • susi lawson replied

    Thanks so much Pat!!

  • susi lawson

    susi lawson

    Thanks so much for the feature, I am honored!!

  • erikzhong

    erikzhong

    P E R F E C T, Susi..

  • susi lawson replied

    Thanks !!

  • Pat Abbott

    Pat Abbott

    Very beautiful work!

  • susi lawson replied

    Thanks pat!

  • mikepaulhamus

    mikepaulhamus

    I have to believe your a Baez fan as well, beautiful piece and story.

  • susi lawson replied

    Yes I am ! I just saw her last night on PBS.. Thanks Mike!

  • Scott Ruhs

    Scott Ruhs

    Love it!

  • susi lawson replied

    Thanks Scott!

  • Mark Peterson

    Mark Peterson

    This is wonderful, beautiful! love this!

  • susi lawson replied

    Thank you very much Mark!

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