Book Giveaway | The Beauty of Different by Karen Walrond
Today one person is going to receive a copy of Karen Walrond's lovely new hardcover book: The Beauty of Different.
Constantly bombarded with messages on how to think, how to feel, how to look, it can be very easy to fall into the mindset that we somehow fail as individuals, that we are not enough. But the truth is, those aspects of ourselves that make us individuals are actually the source of our own beauty, our super power. The Beauty of Differentexplores beauty in eight fresh ways and challenges the reader to revel in her own uniqueness. Combining beautiful imagery, portraiture, insightful commentary, essays, and interviews, this multisensory exploration of what is really beautiful provokes deeper self-discovery. Designed to connect and inspire, The Beauty of Different encourages the reader to reframe her differences, not as shortcomings, but as characteristics of distinction--maybe even superpowers.
Very simply put, this book is a wonderful combination of photos + words. It's interviews and stories addressing subjects such as adventure, individuality, spirituality, and imperfection, woven together with Karen's breathtaking photographs. It's the kind of book you can pick up anytime, read a section or a couple pages, and get inspired to tell your own stories related to the theme.
And the whole concept of different being beautiful...I'm wholeheartedly on board with that. Thank you God for different.
You can check out Karen's Beauty of Different blog here.
In addition, Karen recently came to my house and interviewed me about creativity for BlogHer's Own Your Beauty series. You read her thoughts on creativity and watch the video she created from my interview here.
Also, check out her project "Photovent 2010" - a really cool take on a photo garland. She's got a free download and instructions too.
TO BE ENTEREDinto this giveaway please leave a comment below sharing something that is different and beautiful about you (if you are reading this post on Facebook please come to my blog to leave a comment). Comments will be closed at 8pm Pacific tonight (Wednesday) and the winner posted shortly after. Please be sure to check back or subscribe (click here to get posts delivered to your email box) to see if you are receiving one of the items this week.

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413 comments
I'm always the one who wants to do something different. Many times it's gotten me in trouble (& even fired from a job or 2), but in the long run, it's usually a positive effect, allowing me to expand my horizons—and, often, others' as well. My son has always been a "square peg in a round hole," too. In fact, he's now a stay-at-home dad. I'm proud of him—& myself for marching to my OWN drummer!
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I am deeply spiritual which comes out in my work. Everything I create is because of my love for God, family, and friends. Sometimes I'm not happy with my finished product. However, I know, it will still have great meaning to those who love me.
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My eyes are two-toned - green around the outside and brown in the middle. As a child I remember my Dad remarking on a friend's beautiful brown eyes and for a long time I thought mine were inferior... when I realised later that mine were also green I made my peace with the idea and now I LOVE them... actually, I love even more the fact that few people get close enough, or look closely enough to notice, but those that do REALLY see me, and think they're beautiful too!
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It's difficult for me to see myself or qualities of myself as beautiful - humble I guess.
I would say that my tender heart, from years of experience and life, makes me a kinder person when dealing with the hardship and heartache of others.
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That photo garland is such a great idea. Had to save to favorites for a post-holiday project so that I don't over commit.
Something different and beautiful - My family - we are each different - but a beautiful blend of colors!
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I'm a fighter - for what matters. I never realized how much until this year. It has humbled me to reliance on God and given me confidence that I can do what is good for me and my family, no matter what.
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I love to learn and share. The most beautiful thing about me is my ability to forgive.
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Different: I rarely care what others think about me. Beautiful: my eyes
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My strength...I have had allot of loss the last two years. I really try EVERYDAY to be the best I can, even though at times I would like to crawl in a hole and never come out. Your blog helps with that and inspires me everyday!!!
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I am a 75 year old Grandma with 11 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren who loves to digi scrap albums for each of them! So they think I am awesome :-)
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I think you're pretty awesome Bev! My grandma has no idea what the internet is all about let alone a blog!!!
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One thing about me is I would rather curl up with a good book than go to a party and hang out!
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i AM STRONG BEYOND BELIEF - STRUGGLES IN MY LIFE HAVE MADE ME BE STRONG. mY HUSBAND'S cHRONIC HEALTH ISSUES, FAMILY STRUGGLES AFTER MY FATHER'S DEATH, ETC. STRUGGLES SHOW YOU WHAT PEOPLE ARE TRUELY MADE OF. WHEN THEY SHOW YOU BELIEVE THEM!
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My life is "different" in that my mom has lived with us for 20 years - since I was newly married and in my mid-20's. Many people don't understand "how we do this" - but it was definitely for the best and although this atypical living arrangement has had challenges, the rewards have far surpassed the trials. Combine this with my "different" approach to life with my daughter's Asperger/Sensory Processing Disorder, and what I've learned is that "off the beaten path" IS my place in life. I want to own it.
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What's different about me is my strange sense of humour. My beautiful thing about me is my strong and active body. Great giveaway Ali. Happy December Daily Day!
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Focus, Focus, Focus. I'm an extremely focused person. If it perks my interest I'm 100% to the core from beginning to end. Sometimes a strength, sometimes a weaknesses. It's just me though...
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my loyalty to friends is what is beautiful about me and different is me, no one else is me.
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Finally getting up the courage to participate in my first art show, which is this weekend, and I'll be showcasing some of my photography along with some other very talented artists.
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I am strong and out spoken, but I have learned to listen.
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I have crazy curly hair which I hated growing up - I wanted straight silky hair. It's the first thing that my husband noticed before we met, so to me it's the most beautiful thing. It brought me a husband and together we created a beautiful daughter.
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i am a creative type working in a male dominated field.
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