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Neil Barker's avatar

I like this theme of shadows of the self, Pamela. I like to think each moment is a new self and the shadow contains the past, present, and future of those selves. Each moment we examine the shadow self, it is a new self created, always changing. I like that photo of Mt. Etna especially! Hope to see it someday.

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Pamela Leavey's avatar

Neil, I am happy you found this relatable. Each moment is a new self, I agree. Change is constantly happening, new selves are emerging. It's a dynamic that is not static in the past, present or future. MT Etna is really an amazing place. After seeing her from a distance at the villa I was staying at, it was so cool to drive up and walk around at the 6000 ft base camp. I'd like to get back to Sicily. I hope you get there one day!

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Danny Hoback's avatar

When I scattered Mandie’s ashes at Meher Baba’s home in the west, I spread some in the surf of the Atlantic right at sunset. I took a photo and my shadow stretched along the surf; I spread some in the sand, some in the maritime forest. The shadow followed me and wept with me.

I love your driftwood photo. Thank you.

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Pamela Leavey's avatar

Danny, What a beautiful story you have shared here. Thank you for a glimpse into a what was a difficult time for you. Much love to you, my friend.

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🇨🇦 Patricia Lamoureux's avatar

Such a heartfelt poem, I can feel sadness in the words with a glimmer of hope with some of the quotes that followed. Remember, beautiful things grow in shadows. I love going on nature walks and finding all the hidden flowers in the shadows of an old growth forest. Wishing you a wonderful rest of the week.

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Pamela Leavey's avatar

Thank you Patricia. Beautiful things do grow in the shadows. I am quite fond of the lovely wildflowers found in the shadowy old growth forests, and the lovelies that prefer the shade gardens as well. Enjoy the week's end!

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Jo Sundberg's avatar

What a beautiful comment Patricia. 😊🥰

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Pamela Leavey's avatar

I agree Jo!

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Kathryn Vercillo's avatar

I have long loved shadow selfies and other photos with shadows ... and that there are many ways to view the shadow selves.

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Pamela Leavey's avatar

Kathryn, Shadow selfies are a lot of fun, I also enjoy reflection selfies and photos. And yes, the shadow selves are far more light than some might think!

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Corie Feiner's avatar

You are a poet on so many levels… your heart, your photos, your words… ❤️❤️

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Pamela Leavey's avatar

Corie, That is so incredibly sweet of you to say! Thank you! ❤️❤️

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Jo Sundberg's avatar

My what a beautiful shadow you have Pamela! 😉🥰.

That strength and tenacity you mention from the past is still within you, even though I understand it doesn't feel like it with all you have going on. You are Mighty! It takes incredible strength to move and create a new home, to have faced the uncertainty for so long, and whilst going through all of that you still turn up here for us and for yourself! We can all see the sunshine around you. 💛

I absolutely love the Emerson quote: "Most of the shadows of this life are caused by our standing in our own sunshine." Much Love

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Pamela Leavey's avatar

Thank you Jo! Showing up here helps to keep me going even when I feel as though I can't. I push through. I've always been this person, even exhausted and uncertain. I hope I continue to be this person, too, because it feels vital to me to lift others up. 💛

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Heidi Zawelevsky's avatar

Beautiful meditation on the shadow self, Pamela. I've always liked these shadow "selfies" and find them really interesting cameos in photography. Love the poem.:)

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Susie Mawhinney's avatar

"Maybe we all are simply pieces of driftwood on the beach, with every storm we become more weathered and worn…" or the needles from the pine trees, the petals of flowers fading...

I love this post Pamela ♥️

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Teyani Whitman's avatar

Shadows truly are beautiful and vulnerable. They only exist because of something else.

The vulnerable place you are in will transform one day into the place you make it.

Maybe you’ll have one inspiration wall that has real space is large and open… imagine printing out your fav photos, the ones that restore your calm when you see them and recall when you took them, then imagine hanging all those photos on that one wall, the way so many older homes used to do… a gallery of your peace. It will hold space for you as you recreate yourself, and find your footing once again. You’re still in their Pamela, all the accomplishments, travails and successes. They have brought you to this now, and you will bloom once again.

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Jayd's avatar

Well said Pamela.

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Jeyaasini's avatar

What a beautiful poem. Thank you for sharing.

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