When you hear the word "dreams," what do you think of? If I further defined "dreams" to exclude the dreams you have while sleeping, what do you think of? We all have dreams. Some are within our reach, while others realistically, may not be. I truly feel it is important to do all that we can to realize our dreams, but what about the dreams of others? If we can help others realize their dreams, is that not equally as important?
Recently, I made a trip to a butterfly conservatory. This conservatory is owned and run by an acquaintance of mine. The conservatory was not her dream per se, but the dream of her partner, a teacher and biologist. While the idea of this conservatory was still just that, he was killed in a motor vehicle accident one dark rainy night on a local highway.
At this point in time, only the property for the conservatory had been secured. The entire concept was still in its infancy. Funding needed to be found, grants needed to be written, and many permits needed to be secured. It was a daunting task for even two people, but now two people had become just one; one person who ultimately devoted every moment of her life, for several years, to the realization of a dream that was not her own.
The conservatory is host to more than 70 different types of butterflies, many tropical plants, and more than 150 animals. Everything from lizards to tortoises to exotic birds call this home. All but a couple of rather aggressive birds roam free.
I don't know how she does it. It is just she and her daughter who keep it going. I cannot begin to even imagine the amount of work involved on a daily basis.
Each time I visit, I always spend some time talking with her, and each time I find myself so in awe of a very definite peacefulness about her. Although she tragically lost a very big part of her life, I am convinced that the wonderful peacefulness I see in her is her realization of a dream that was not initially her own.
Wishing you a fantastic week, and if you have a chance, stop back later this week (probably Wednesday or Thursday) when I will have a tutorial for you on black and white conversion.
68 comments:
What an amazing thing to carry through with the dream of another person,a and obviously is has given your friend much peace in doing this. Must be a beautiful place to visit. Will definitely check back on the black and white conversion this week. You had said, I believe, that you had a tutorial somewhere on doing a mask over a portion of a photo being converted to black and white. I have Elements 10 and was wondering how to do that. Hope your week is wonderful. Your butterfly and lizzard photos are great. Can nearly see your reflection in the eyes of that lovely lizard.
Wow, Lisa! You really captured the beauty of both the butterfly and the lizard....I can almost feel the texture of his skin. The story of the conservatory is so heartwarming -- what a wonderful way to honor a loved one! It sounds like his dream has become hers.
It's a beautiful and touching account of carrying out a dream, in spite of difficult circumstances. I love the butterfly but I really LOVE the lizard...(young iguana?) We had Hank, our iguana, for more than 12 years; he became my responsibility when our oldest son left in 1999 for culinary school and his career. Sadly, Hank developed some kind of illness which eventually led to his death. (I think "he" might have been a "she," but ..... ) Oh, that lizard's eye...so similar to the "eyes" on the butterfly's wing.
Hi Lisa,
This is quite the love story! I imagine your friend worked through much of her grief by funneling all her energy into making the conservatory happen. It's a wonderful memorial and realization of a dream.
Both of these images amaze me! Seriously...oh my! The form, color, detail and subtle variety of edges - a painter's dream in the guise of a photograph! Inspiring.
Have a great week,
xo~ Anna
Beautiful story Lisa (wiping the tears) and lovely photos. Your friend has brought the dream to life out of love and honour, this must give her a peaceful satisfaction.
amazing photos. I love the colors and the textures!
I love the clarity of these photographs.
Thank you for sharing such a touching story. It makes me think.
I think my biggest dream is to be happy and to contribute to this world in whatever small way I can. Anyway to make it a better place. :)
I center myself back to this basic thought whenever I get confused or lost. It helps.
It'S a quite nice love story. I was moved to tears. I wish I had a such kind of wife.
Your photos are very beautiful.Knowing the story they look very adorable too.
I am really glad to be here and read & see your stories! I visited some of the participants, too. amazing, simply amazing!
A wonderful touching story... and your images are amazing.
Courageous thing to do for somebody in grief. But also a wonderful link with a happy past and turning it into a success like this is a gift that keeps on giving.
For many people like yourself have the chance of a touch of summer in midwinter like this, which you pass on to us.
great shots! :)
Both photos are adorable. Amazing !
Have a nice new week, Lisa. Kind regards, Synnöve
After reading your post, Lisa, I tried to put myself in your friend's place to imagine if I would be up to something like this, and I doubt I would be -- shows much strength, conviction and love. :)
Your Lizzard is very beautifully shot. :)
I am currently helping my granddaughter to become a Marine Biologist. Even if means I will rarely see her again. In a small way I have influenced that dream I guess as I have traveled a lot. She is now studying in Honolulu Hawaii. Do you what a great tool the Skype is? I can talk to her every week for no cost at all. :)
Amazing photos Lisa, they look straight out of a nature magazine ;)
Have a great week ahead
Regards
Sam
What a beautiful story about dreams and life. And - what gorgeous images. WOW!
wow these are amazing shots, absolutely fantastic and I look forward to your tutorial later in the week too.
What a great story & lovely shots too!
It is such a reminder like you've provided today about how life is never a straight path. And about one's spirit. Your photos are a testament to her work too - your butterfly capture is glorious.
I had moments like that too where I had to continue the project or tasks envisioned by other people. Looking back I never knew how I managed and each time I tell myself I will never allow myself in such a situation again but I still do.
What it probably taught me was that other people's visions and dreams may also be your own if only you knew. And the only way you'll know is when you allow yourself or challenge yourself to own, help, implement or whatever and however you call it.
Fate works magically sometimes. ;-)
Yes, that's quite something isn't it? She's a wonderful person. I love your photo's today Lisa, they're beautiful :)
Both of your photos look absolutely amazing.
Have a great week.
This beautiful and sad story touched my heart, I wish all the best for your friend, herd daughter and the conservatory.
Beautiful shots, I love photographing butterflies!
Have a good week Lisa. :)
What a sad but lovely story. It must have taken great courage for your friend to take this challenge on and make it a success. And what a place it must be to visit. I wish them every success in the future.
Your pictures are lovely - I've never been able to catch a butterfly in the picture and your lizard looks lovely such a lovely colour.
I wonder if I would be so generous to carry out someone else's dream. Hmmm. Although it may have helped her work through her grief.
Lovely photos. What a great place to visit in the depths of winter!
Makes me wonder about my own abilities to do something like that. I don't know. I HOPE I would have that motivation and desire to carry out someone else's dream. Makes me admire a woman who can do that. Thank you for sharing that story.
Kathy
Perhaps in keeping his dream alive, she keeps him alive with her every step each day. A beautiful story, and your photographs are stunning.
Karen
Wonderful, wonderful images and a beautiful story you've shared as well.
Thank for sharing the beautiful story and the gorgeous images...Have a wonderful week!
What a touching story, and what a tribute to this person she loved and lost. I think peace always comes when a person does something beyond themselves that is for others (and when it comes from a pure place of love). Your photos are beautiful! The closeup of the lizard takes my breath away.
what an awesome woman she must be!
Beautiful photos, just beautiful, with a special delicacy. Greetings.
hi lisa, than you for these photos. they make me think from alternate angles and spaces.
i'm grateful!
terrific macro shots!
What a story, she is really something.
Beautiful pictures and that lizard picture is SO sharp, I can almost touch it's skin.
Have a wonderful week too.
Henrietta
the power of love!!
where is the conservatory?? is it open to the public?? i would LOVE to visit!!
two outstanding pictures today lisa!!
It's always inspiring to hear of people who have created something of such value out of tragedy.
Your photographs are simply exceptional - as always, Lisa. Thank you for all you share and for hosting The Creative Exchange.
What an inspiring story, Lisa. The commitment and love of that woman, to carry on her partner's dream, is amazing. Thanks for sharing!
Beautiful images and such a lovely touching story. Thanks for sharing :)
Thanks, Lisa, for sharing this wonderful story. Your captures of the butterfly and lizard are fabulous!
Thank you for a hearty story you sharing with us. Your photos are beautiful as always. Great work. So lucky you are to have a butterfly conservatory. We don`t have one.
Have a creative week to you!
Hug from Hilda
Exquisite captures and a touching story.
Stunning shots Lisa. The dream she followed is joyous celebration of his life.
Always a pleasure here, are you packing up your classroom yet?
Thank you for the opportunity to dream along with you this week!
Wow, Lisa, your photos are fantastic! An such a touch and heartwarming story! Have a wonderful week yourself!
Beautiful photos and lovely, inspiring story. x
Thank you so much everyone!
You are truly such an amazing group.
@Kristy - not packing up yet. Probably will begin doing so a couple of weeks before the semester ends in May.
Every time I come here, I am speechless. Your photography is wonderful and all other bloggers who link up to your challenge have amazing shots to show off.
what a bittersweet story, lisa...thank you for sharing about this amazing woman with incredible strength and determination to honor and carry out her partner's dream.
your images here are truly amazing (as always!). the butterfly is gorgeous! i've never seen one with colors and markings like that - the whole color scheme/composition is gorgeous!
Thank you for the story and these beautiful pictures.
Lisa - these shots are wonderful!!!
What a beautiful post, and two exquisite images. I'm really quite speechless.
Wonderful photos and a wonderful story behind the conservatory.
Thanks for sharing.
I love butterfly conservatories! These are wonderfully detailed shots.Loaded with color :)
First off...wow on those images! I thought maybe spring had come extremely early for you seeing butterflies. I'm not a fan of those lizardy things, but it's a great shot.
A lovely share about your friend following her late husband's dream. Her heart must be so large and full. It sounds like it had become her dream-you say she seems peaceful. I hope she has fulfilled her own dream in this and does not have one of her own sitting in the backseat.
I am having a hard time figuring out my dream. It is currently lost in the shadows. I know it is something that cannot be rushed and will appear in it's own time.
Thanks for your wonderful linky Lisa. A fave stopping place for me each week.
Wow! Your macro photos are amazing and beautiful! So crisp and clear with great detail!
First of all, a very lovely story, it really touched my heart! Your images are amazing! It's my first visit and I joined the challenge this week.
Irene
This is a wonderful story of someone helping a loved one accomplish his dream! This lizard is so handsome. His texture is amazing!
This story brought tears to my eyes. What a legacy she was able to pull off alone. An admirable woman, stronger than she probably realized. I'm sure her partner is looking down and is very proud.
The image of the reptile is absolute perfection. It's so amazing to see every tiny detail, and you also captured a reflection in his eye, making him shine.
Beautiful post and photos! Bravo!
terrific compositions Lisa.
True love is what I'd call this story. The conservatory is surely a treasure, and you've captured some awesome images.
She must have loved him dearly & God bless her & her daughter for carrying on his dream! =)
Beautiful shots, too... I love the details in the wings & the skin of that lizard, WoW! =)
Always be true to your dream, I say!
The butterfly is simply divine.
What a truly amazing post. So very, very inspiring. Your photos, of course, as always are just stunning. You need to make postcards or note cards and see if your friend can use them as a fundraiser.
Your photos always, but ALWAYS take my breath away! What a magical place and what a wonderful legacy.
Amazing detailed photos! And what a way to show your love, to take up someone else's dream and see it through like that. Thanks for sharing the story!
breathtaking colours and sharpness!
and what a great selection of blogs-thank U!
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