Lotuses have been influential in many cultures across the world from ancient times until today. They represent the human soul, purity, rebirth and enlightenment.
For me, most of all, lotuses represent possibility. I started using the lotus as a personal omen when I embarked on my creative journey years ago, and ever since then, its symbolic meaning has supported me in the creation of my dream life! (notice the lotus motif always there :)) The lotus reminds me that if I reach for the light, it is possible for me also, to rise above the muddy waters and create something utterly beautiful. Sigh. I do believe in that.
So you can understand why I am so excited to announce my collaboration with Bel Kai designs for the Shutter Sisters Capture Colllection! I really hope that this little lotus I photographed in Bali a few years ago, can go many places and be a reminder that anything is possible when we reach for the light. Besides, it is so pretty! I can’t get mine off my neck!
And since this is the month of treasures here, you’re in luck! All you have to do is leave a comment between now and Sunday at midnight PST, to be included in the random drawing of a “Possibility” necklace. But if you’re so inclined, please do share an image that reminds you of possibility as well.
i too am so drawn to the lotus. it is such a symbol of perseverance, strength, grace, and beauty. here is an image of possibility ~ (it felt to me the whole world was possible looking out onto the sea) ~ http://www.flickr.com/photos/78865561@N00/4824206846/
oh alex, this is beautiful! x.
There is something quite magical about the simple lotus…the way it opens and closes and floats ever so softly on the water’s surface. Here’s one of my recent captures of the beautiful flower:
http://www.marciescudderphotography.com/index.php?showimage=1237
And – I just love the necklace!!!
The necklace is beautiful and the significance wonderful!
Alex, the necklace is so beautiful, congratulations!!! and your lotus is such a powerful and sweet reminder to believe in possibility!
here’s a shot that speaks about possibility to me: the possibility to express something via photography and to let myself play with images without censoring too much. I am working on these possibilities and trying to keep learning day after day.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/36167691@N03/4774280374/lightbox/
I LOVE this necklace ๐ So lovely and dainty.
Possibility of life in the midst of a scorching hot summer: http://www.flickr.com/photos/32539477@N06/4839767809/
Beautiful necklace, nice idea for a talisman.
That is absolutely gorgeous!
OMG! I love, love, love that necklace. Love.
My picture for possibilities is a vase of a few flowers given to me by a new friend, it’s sitting on an old tray from the 50’s that was my husband’s mother’s. Possiblities is the comfort of the past with the new of the future.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sidewalkshoes/4835345373/
What a beautiful piece of jewelry. Love it!
Full of grace!
What a beautiful necklace and a wonderful idea
my favorite flower happens to be a lily! Here is a picture of my daughter holding a water lily – for me a wonderful combination!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lulutrussphotos/4797352603/
This is so beautiful.
beautiful necklace and message – I would love to wear this, but also need to put serious thought into some sort of theme for myself.
I think the sunrise is my favorite example of possibility. Each day we get a chance to start again. Lovely necklace!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/40070449@N08/4687211060/
what a gorgeous necklace your picture makes! i can see why you never want to take it off!
this is BEAUTIFUL! i love the word possibility. one of my favorite quotes {that i use all the time} is by emily dickinson… "dwell in possibility". in fact, i have a necklace with that little quote on it.
such a pretty photo, perfect for your little necklace. i would so love to wear that around my neck.
i’m sharing an image of mine that reminds me of your image and of this post. in fact, the image, which first appeared on my blog, was then used by my best friend on her blog to go with something she wrote for me and about me and anyone else waiting to break out into something creative for a living. it’s so full of the possibility theme, so it’s very fitting to share here. {and she is getting married this weekend, so it’s even more fitting to share her post!}
http://jekisajean.blogspot.com/2010/04/you-are-more-than-sudden-overnight-of.html
I LOVE this necklace! And I have always loved the lotus flower. It was my favorite thing to doodle as a child. Seeing this today was perfect, as last night I planted the seeds for my own business…and am now dreaming of the possibilities!
that is beautiful…I NEVER knew this flower had such a rich history
i relish the story behind the creation of this beautiful piece, how happy you must be to see this finished piece , it is beautiful .
although this is a simple collage I think it is in the moments of stillness that possibility begins
http://www.redorgray.com/2010/07/ok-by-e-l-k-on-flickr.html
Such a lovely necklace.
Nothing says possibility to me like a new baby:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kellysoji/4792339018/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bettina2/4712891377/
Beautiful necklace, and thank you for sharing the significance and meaning with us. Calla lillies have always been special to me..
Your necklace is so beautiful – congratulations!
I have loved them for some time too, and last summer I learned of a magical aquatic garden, set in the midst of urban squalor in Washington DC. Entering is like being transported to Shangri-la and I could take pictures there all day long!
Here is my favorite from this summer’s trip – ready to burst with possibility.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/22487105@N06/4788391683/in/set-72157622048551170/
tears flowing. thank you for sharing your exquisite artistry, alex. and for this generous offering today (my birthday). bursting with soulful gratitude. and love.
My daughter leaves hope and possibliey for me.
http://jamie-solorio.blogspot.com/2010/07/blog-post.html
what a beautiful image and treasure! I never thought a 365 would be possible and today is my 200th post!
http://www.wishfulthinkingblog.com/wishful-thinking/2010/7/29/200s-a-charm-and-im-upside-down-with-excitement.html
So many things hold possiblities for me. I’m a bit envious – forgive me! LOL! – that you have a personal image to symbolize that for you. For me, right now, I would choose words. Or I would choose the IDEA of choosing words. Which will I use? Which best says what I feel? So a blank page or a blank computer screen. Possiblities galore.
The possibility that life can be found in the most unusual places:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/girlbones/4808156261/
An amazing necklace, and a great post, as usual. โฅ
Gorgeous necklace! I was touched by the meaning behind it. So true.
For me, curiosity and exploration are vital to possibility, as are wonder and gratitude. I love Einstein’s quote: "Never lose a holy curiosity." You may be amazed what possibilities open up.
http://sparksofgrace.tumblr.com/#803486983
Beautiful jewelry!
oh the possibilities!
beautiful necklace and post.
๐
right now, I’m thinking of the possibility of a new succulent plant from the cuttings of my older one: http://www.flickr.com/photos/yarnattacks/4838457422/
love, love, love. absolutely lovely. for me, nothing says possibility like the image of birds in flight. XO
In January I was able to travel with some of my best friends from college around China, Laos and Thailand. We saw a lot of temples and a lot of monks and the beauty of it all really made an impression on me. So much so that I am getting ready to move to South Korea for a southeast Asia adventure of my very own!
I don’t really have an image that reminds me of possibility … although I think I have decided that I want to open my own bakery someday so I suppose a cupcake is my image of possibility right now? Delicious *and* inspiring: WIN!
It’s lovely!
Exquisite!
Here is my image for the year that rings with the power of possibility:
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2AKAf6b6sNZLh4ks4vHOSvU4tWFq3APK6TrdL1m1cKU?feat=embedwebsite
Beautiful necklace!
Here’s my possibility photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/goaliej54/4781549831/in/set-72157624285048210/
Beautiful necklace.
oooo, it’s delicate and full of hope.
love the lotus! beautiful!!!
every year when i start the seeds for my garden, the possibilties are endless!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/46922592@N00/4597102038/in/set-72157623688425959/
So pretty…hummm…I don’t really have anything to share today, just beautiful blessings to Shutter Sisters!
the possibility of seeing the world as beautiful
Lovely necklace! Thanks for doing the giveaway. ๐
This shot makes me think of possibilities – for my dad to finally be pain-free (from the arthritis in his neck) and to be able to do more with his life now: http://www.flickr.com/photos/trudem/4817433848/
Wow, this is just stunning.
Very pretty…I like its message.
Beautiful! Daisies have always been a personal favorite as they make me feel happy, like promise is coming. <3
What a gorgeous necklace
Those are breathtaking . . . and the lotus is one of my favorite flower for new possibilities.
Stunning necklace – congratulations on bringing it to "life"!
For me, nothing says possibility like the beginning of a journey or following a road you don’t know anything about.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/52055227@N07/4841346156/
Amazing – both your message and the necklace! Thanks so much for sharing your story – it totally struck a chord with me! Possibilities… a subject I’m struggling with at the moment – and thus can’t contribute a photo just now (will do later, if you’ll still want to see it then…)
So beautiful! The colors are amazing!
this is rather lovely, soft and understated yet each individual petal stands out. enjoy your beautiful necklace – what an amazing reminder hanging around your neck!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mielandcompany/4663357191/
The Capture Collection is such a great way to combine different art forms and show off some beautiful photography!
My possibility photo is of an incoming stormy sky. The possibility of rain brings the possibility of everything being refreshed. That clean, fresh smell, drops of water hitting your skin, and plants and flowers drinking in life. I love love love rain and we don’t get it much in CA, so anytime there is a possibility of it coming, I get so excited!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/chelscham/4841429126/
magical, that has really brightened up my day x
Ooh, that is truly beautiful – I would love to win one of those!
Lilies have become important to me over the last few years, and this photo taken a few days ago, after all of the other lilies had long since bloomed, feels full of possibility and optimism to me:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/polkadotcreations/4826462363/
That lotus is amazing! I have always been drawn to lotus flowers (and, strangely enough, lily-pad flowers) as they symbolize renewal and rebirth for me. As I am going through some huge transitions in my own life, seeking rebirth and renewal from the old patterns and chains which have influenced much of my choices, I would love to wear this necklace proudly. And, in fact, I’m inspired to go out and take some lily-pad flower photos very soon!
Thanks, Alex, for this inspiring and beautiful image!
Leave it to you to inspire! Thanks!!!
so beautiful. and such a lovely sentiment, too!
I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a lotus up close. They look beautiful. Thank you for the giveaway.
love it! i use the lotus as the symbol for my photography too. for me the symbolism of purity is the most meaningful. a lotus comes from a pond of dirt and mud. It grows up and out thru the water to the sky and blooms this beautiful lotus! it is one of the best ideas. and my name in sanskrit means purity as well! ๐ love it!
The necklace is beautiful, Alex! I love the concept of a growing flower of possibility. Sometimes, the flower has to rest and nurture itself and when the time is right, it blooms.
This made me think of a photo I took a while back right after my kitty passed away. We were very sad, as she had been a long-time companion, but we were also reminded of how precious this life is. My husband and I went to the beach and I found a dandelion. As we sat on the beach, we talked about the future and what is possible and we blew dandelion wishes at the water. This photos is a constant reminder of those wishes and what is possible:
http://www.darrahparker.com/blog/slice-of-life-tuesday-wish.html
Love this!
song, song song ~
singing beauty this effervescent necklace
๐
Simple & Gorgeous = the perfect combination!
OMG it is GORGEOUS!!
anything is certainly possible. what a beautiful gift for whoever is blessed to receive it.
Here’s to the possibility of winning this gorgeous talisman from the talented Shutter Sisters crew. Cheers!
Beautiful necklace, beautiful words.
Love the necklace! Gorgeous!
Oh, how I love Alex and this collaboration – how beautiful!
So pretty, and I love the meaning behind it!
The necklace is gorgeous!!!
Here is a shot from my garden… so many possibilities there.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kristakruger/
Possibility= a blank canvas, wearing new shoes out of the store, dialing the seventh digit of his phone number, smiling at the grouchy looking old man on the bus, pressing ‘send’ on that email to the publisher, turning the page of a good book, opening your eyes under water, chewing with your eyes closed, choosing with your first instinct,
…being yourself- even in front of strangers!
http://www.stephaniebolton.com
love this … embracing potential and possibility is a daily discipline
Each morning when I take in a long breath, stretch, and open my eyes… the opportunity
for possibilities has begun once again!
so i am fresh out of grad school and getting ready to apply for my dream job. oh the possibility…
My life is all about possibility right now! I posted recently about dreaming big when it comes to my photography!
http://rirealmom.wordpress.com
So lovely!
how beautiful – the photo, the necklace, and the sentiments.
Oh wow, what a fantastic idea & such a beautiful outcome! Love this & the generosity for a lucky winner!
It is beautiful. We adopted a daughter from Korea when she was 3 years old. She died of a brain hemorrhage at the age of 25——twelve years ago last week. This necklace reminds me of her.
Being in the midst of a transformation myself, this would be a daily reminder all the is good and possible in life.
Peace.
Christine
I think that’s a gorgeous necklace: congratulations on your new endeavor!
I love the message of a lotus. It’s why I wanted to use it in my business name, though I have since changed my mind. Still, there is something so magical about the idea of beauty rising up from the muddy water.
The lotus is a very important symbol in my life and who I am as a person; I even named my photography business Red Lotus Photography. It is a symbol that reminds me of the infinite potential that we all possess. I look to the lotus to remind me of where I’ve been, and the hope I have for the future. This necklace is gorgeous!
When I think of possibilities…I think about this quote by Geroge Bernard Shaw ~ "The possibilities are numerous once we decide to act and not react." I believe life is full of possibilities and that dreams can come true but one must act upon it. Here’s my possibility picture, I like the quote on it too, it ties in to my possibility message: http://www.flickr.com/photos/blueelephantphotography/4733689441/
Can’t put into words how beautiful this necklace is!!!
I too love the lotus. I first became acquainted with it while studying Buddhism and have loved it ever since. Lovely necklace design as well! Thank you for the opportunity to win such a lovely piece of jewelry!!
Your necklace is simply beautiful! Thank you for sharing its meaning for you and for having this giveaway. The lotus has always held a special magic for me as well.
What gorgeous necklace!
Thank you, everyone! I am so completely thrilled! I love all your comments ๐ It truly means so much to me to send a beautiful message to the world via my work. Love xoxx
Beautiful!
My image of possibility…my young and innocent daughter in her twirly skirt, ready to take on the world… I love this and hope that I have a heart like her even as an adult…
http://www.flickr.com/photos/48819780@N05/4813186704/
Your necklace is a beautiful reflection of possibility and hope. Thanks for sharing such beauty.
Oh it’s gorgeous!
I really love the way this is used and congratulations on the collaberation. The lotus inspires me and how lovely to carry it near the throat chakra–where the courag eto speak my truth resides.
XO-
possibility. i love it. i have just begun yoga and love this post!
Alex… This necklace is sooo Beautiful. I just had to buy it! I am looking forward to receiving it and will be sending loving thoughts your way whenever I wear it.
Thank you for creating this beautiful necklace
this would be SUCH a beautful talisman for the journey i am currently on. what strikes me most about the lotus is that it grows up through the mud, BUT, the muddy water does not adhere to it! what a beautiful picture to remind us that the struggles in our lives do NOT have to stick to our petals…
and here is a link to my picture representing possibility: http://reddirtgirlphoto.blogspot.com/2010/08/will-you-still-need-me-will-you-still.html
I posted earlier – without photo as I was pondering about which picture describes possibilities for me. And as I promised to contribute a photo (I usually keep my promises), I decided on this one – the blossoms of a cherry tree in spring, standing for the possibilities spring displays year after year, however hard the winter was:
http://www.photographs-and-memories.com/Photographs_engl./My_Gallery/Seiten/Seasons.html#13
What a beautiful necklace!