So it’s Week 3 of the Creative Photography Challenge already.

My entry for Week 1 was so much fun.   Firstly I’d like to give a big congratulations to Elkie Elke Six-Spinnewyn, the Winner of Week 1 Play Break Creative Photography Challenge and all the finalists Kristi Fiske, Marguerite Richardson, Karin Verhoog-Rolefes, Anita van der Kooi and Sonja Stich!!!

So what is Play Break?  As you all know, sometimes life can be SO, SO, SO busy for most of us and we often need a little push to make sure that we have a break.  Quality time to gather some inspiration and a chance to share ideas with other amazing photographers.  This Challenge is being organised by the amazing photography group ‘Beloved Collective‘, an exceptional group of passionate photographers from all over the world.  The idea was born from post by Petapixel, the creators of a creative photography challenge, “Play Break“.

I confess…I missed PlayBreak 2 challenge.  I got caught up and regretfully didn’t leave enough time to put aside my Play Break time.

SO, here goes #PlayBreak3 Challenge Week 3! 

Choose one subject and place it, where it exists, in each corner of the frame for 4 images. Your subject must be “Beloved” in some way (very loosely defined, so please use your commentary to let us know how you are connecting with your subject and what makes it unique/special/meaningful to you.  Can you go to the other side of the subject?  Do the same.  Shoot all four sides in all four corners if possible.  See what you come up with.

#playbreak3 – Subject: African Kenyan – Kisii Soap Stone Hand Painted & Carved Heart

Late in December 2014 our Christmas plans came to a sudden halt.  The love of my life, my wonderful husband Greg was unexpectedly taken ill.   He was booked in for an emergency heart operation (quadruple bypass) that Christmas Eve.

Time has a tendency to fly by, however on this occasion every minute in the emergency waiting room seemed like an eternity.  As strange as it was… I was comforted when I heard that the surgeon’s name was Dr Heart!

There were a few additional complications during the following months after the operation which resulted in two more hospital visits.  It was during one of my hospital visits that I popped out to get a bite to eat.  When it was my turn to place my order, I noticed a basked on the counter. It was filled with beautiful multi-coloured hand painted carved hearts.   I reached into the basket and chose this beautiful red heart with carved flowers.  “I’ll take this one”, I said.  “I know just the person who this should belong to.”

I remember how excited I was giving it to Greg.  This special heart is a symbol of my unconditional love and reminder to cherish the second chance that his heart had been given.

This (♥) stone is symbolic to us… both spiritually, emotionally and a solid representation of our eternal love for one another.  It lives on Greg’s bedside table, in easy view to both of us each awaking morning and last thing at night… it’s a gentle reminder of how precious our life together is and to embrace every moment life gives us.

#Playbreak3

“One love, one heart, one destiny.” 
― Bob Marley

“Be the one who nurtures and builds. Be the one who has an understanding and a forgiving heart one who looks for the best in people. Leave people better than you found them.” 
― Marvin J. Ashton