Plants,  quotes

Words are important.

Ferns at Inniswood Gardens

“Words are important. Without them our actions lose meaning. And without meaning we cannot live. Words can offer perspective, insight, understanding, and vision. Words can bring consolation, comfort, encouragement and hope. Words can take away fear, isolation, shame, and guilt. Words can reconcile, unite, forgive, and heal. Words can bring peace and joy, inner freedom and deep gratitude. Words, in short, can carry love on their wings. A word of love can be the greatest act of love.” Henri Nouwen

How we choose our words is important in how people hear us and see us. David duChemin has an interesting rant (his word, not mine) on choosing words to describe what we create with our photographic tools. Go for it David. And, Sabrina Henry in her post on Jill’s Garden, along with some input from Ray Ketcham, talked a bit about the word inspiration and what it means to them. The words we select are vital, just as our point of view or composition within our view finders. The images we create say something to our viewers. Anyway both posts are good reads and I wanted to pass them along.

I agree with Nouwen and David and Sabrina and Ray, words are important.

Retired. Having fun shooting Fujifilm cameras. Journal daily. Meditate daily. Learning haiku. Have a love for fountain pens.

6 Comments

  • sabrina

    Monte, I really appreciate how you engage in the discussion. It makes for such a richer experience for us all. As for this fern, I love your composition here as if pointing us to the pearl of wisdom in the title of your blog post.

    • Monte Stevens

      We’ve never met but somehow I picture you as a busy young lady, always on the go like a bumble bee. Your post and Ray’s response was a great experience for me. I needed to hear what you guys were saying. Actually, I would like to have been at your original conversation. Thanks!!

    • Monte Stevens

      Actually it’s not. This is the true color of the fern. I need to find out what the name of it is. I have several images of them and think they are quite beautiful.

  • Mark

    Very engaging composition Monte. I also like it rotated 90 deg counterclockwise where the fern resembles a pine tree. The message is certainly clear – I don’t see many downsides to carefully chosen words – something we need more of these days.

    • Monte Stevens

      When I was younger words seemed irrelevant but now I’m aware of the power and impact they have on those who hear them. And, when those words are used as weapons, a lot of damage can be done. Thanks, for stopping by!!