Photo by contributor Tip Crawford, a 56-year-old from Northern West Virginia who was recently diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder, Avoidant Personality Disorder and Generalized Anxiety. While her diagnoses are relatively new, Tip has been dealing with these challenges throughout her entire adult life, and they have been especially strong over the past 20 years. Tip is in therapy with an emphasis on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and takes an antidepressant. She also helps manage her mental illness by regularly exercises (weight lifting, cardio, toning and yoga), keeping a diary, taking pictures, reading, meditating, practicing deep breathing, listening to lectures, talking to a very few trusted people, and walking with her beloved dog, Samwise…. Though some days it is hard to do anything except walk with Samwise. Those times, she thinks of as ‘dark curtain days’.
About this photo: “This is a photo of ornamental Pampas Grass, taken in autumn. The title came to mind as soon as I had the image in the viewfinder. Silence can be harsh, lonely and unwanted. But it can also be soothing, comforting, tranquil and soft.”
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What a wonderful portrait of the infinite within the finite.
It’s endlessly inspiring.
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Thank you very much, Deborah.
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I am in love with this photo, it really speak to me. I love the feel, the composition, the shapes, it’s beautiful.
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Hi Britta, I’m touched to know this photo speaks to you. Thank you.
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Wait a minute…OK, hold it, great picture!…now that that is out of the way, the dog’s name is Samwise?!?!? I am not sure if old John Ronald Reuel would be amused or affronted. 🙂 Just joking…it’s a great name fro a dog!
And all joking aside, a great picture, delicate and serene.
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I think he would be amused. 🙂 Samwise Gamgee is my favorite Tolkien character and my Samwise certainly has lived up to his namesake.
In regards to my picture, thank you.
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You’re welcome you deserved it. Give Samwise a part for me!
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I love the different textures in this photo!
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Thank you! 🙂
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Beautiful photo! And smart words, too. Keep doing what you’re doing – all of it.
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Thank you. Meds needed increased a few weeks ago and I am better for it.
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Stunning photo
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Thank you.
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Thanks for sharing Tip . . . Sam
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Thank you, Spencer.
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