On August 12, 1950 a baby girl was born to two wonderful parents. They named her Marlene. The little girl grew up surrounded by love and she thrived throughout her childhood. In 1968 she ventured out into the world on her own.... with dreams of marrying a man just like her Daddy and they would have children and she would be a loving mother just like her own Mother was to her. But she soon learned that not all men were like her Daddy.... some men hit, some men got drunk and cursed at her... some men raped and some men cheated. Failed marriages and broken promises took their toll on her and her heart broke. She was to have 8 children, 5 daughters, 3 sons. She learned how to build a strong wall around her children and herself, keeping the hurt out and not taking chances on love. Her dreams shattered, she set out to be the best Mother she could be to her children, they became her life. But the day came when the children grew up and one by one they left her nest and the emptiness set in. She began to ask herself questions.... what would she do now with her children gone? No man to love, no man to love her and too afraid to trust enough to fall in love. Her children married, had children of their own and she threw herself into being the best Grandmother she could be, again she had purpose and felt fullfilled for a time. Yet there was a part of her that wanted more... She got her a computer and started writing a love novel and children's books and tthen she discovered art. With little money she couldn't afford art programs to create what was in her mind, in her heart, her very soul. So she tried to be content just looking at other's art.... for awhile, it was enough. Then in 2002 her Mother died and the following year as she still grieved over her Mother, her Daddy died. Again her heart broke and she cried and cried, over and over again because she missed them so much. Then a friend introduced her to Renderosity thinking it would help to bring her out of her depression. She scanned through gallery after gallery feeling like a little girl at Christmas time. There was so much to see, so much to take in. She wanted so much to become a member of this wonderful site and make her own art. But how could she with no art program to work with? She had so many ideas and the desire to learn pulsated through every fiber of her being.... and then... one day.... a miracle happened..... a friend helped her get Bryce and a whole new world opened up for her.... Today, I create my 300th image.... that young girl, that woman is me.... and I stand and I look at each image I made and I can take pride in each one, no matter were they good or not.... each one reflects growth, my growth as an artist.... each one is a part of my mind, my soul, my heart.... I have crossed a lot of bridges in my life time but this bridge I crossed into Renderosity is my dream.... so today, I give to you, " Shahlaa's Heart" and I thank each and every one of you who care to comment, whether it be positive or critical, you have helped me a long my journey....I embrace you and renderosity! God Bless and Blessed Be! Background made by me in Bryce.... Bridge made by David Oblad... Final render done in Poser 5. Poser P4 woman with gown