This is for Lars (LBJ2---gallery here).
Today is Lars' birthday, and I wanted to send a very special wish. He's come through a long and difficult battle with illness; and he's been one of the bravest, most caring people I've known through it all. If I could send him the world, I would.
Last year---as he's shared so openly with his fans---he was diagnosed with cancer. He underwent major surgery and lots of treatments and all the effects that come with them. It's been a long road, but he's faced it with
immense courage---I don't think he realizes how much---and he found the energy to share it with us many times, in remarkably honest and open images and words. Those of you who've corresponded with him know his spirit: I've not received one letter that wasn't filled with great kindness for me, despite all he was going through---and I've known him less than many of his friends have. He's been remarkable.
Now he's healing.
So let me say to you Lars:
I wish you all the healing in the world! I wish you returning strength, and the sure return of all the things we take for granted. I wish you
all of it.
I also want to say something about his presence on our site:
Lars is one of those 'old school' RR artists who's created dance, myth and transcendence, with his ever-present roses, flying musicians, and flights of heart and soul. He puts
songs into his uploads too, and often quotes marvelous thinkers and artists. He was close with Mina (NekhbetSun), and I wrote to him that a person's friends say a lot about who that person is: For those of you who knew Mina, Lars is that kind of spirit.
Because he studied architecture, I made him a graphic of an old mansion near home. Why...because he knows the beauty of great masonry, the details over a doorway, or how a beautiful roof was laid...the intimate things. In the 2d image, I added a 'healing sun' (with a touch of autumn). It's just a token, but I hope it speaks of healing...
Many more happy birthdays, Lars!
I wish you healing that lifts and embraces you
and carries you from your battle, to great warmth and wholeness.
You've been an example to us all!
Blessings in abundance,
you deserve them all...
Mark
Please zoom: It's very big.
Comments (10)
MrsRatbag
What an absolutely lovely image you've created here Mark; I love how you manage to frost your buildings with magic and that lovely pink-gold of early sunlight. I don't know Lars, but I know of this battle, as I see it every day at work, and I know what immense strength and courage it takes to just get up every day and fight that fight. Blessings and prayers for Lars' journey as he heals...
goodoleboy
Very heartfelt and stirring dedication to your friend, Lars, and, like Denise, someone I don't know. Nonetheless, I feel a deep empathy for anyone with health issues and wish him a rapid recovery. Stellar bit of variation postwork in this shot of what I assume is a Chicago mansion; sugar sprinkled effect on top of the image in the first foto, film light leakage at the bottom in the second version.
LivingPixels
Really is a heartwarming dedi Mark to your friend you did a great work on this piece well done my friend!!
magnus073
Mark, you did an outstanding job on this lovely and thoughtful birthday presentation for Lars. He is a wonderful man and dear friend to so many here in the gallery. He is one of the most talented and wise men anyone would have the pleasure to meet, and does indeed have a heart of gold. He will greatly appreciate this wonderful presentation as well as the prayers from all of his friends here of which I'm proud to be one.
auntietk
What a beautiful dedication for your friend! It's thoughtful and lovingly done, and the images are outstanding. I like what you've done with the highlights. It gives the appearance of a bit of snow on the roof. Nice! :)
flavia49
marvellous images
romanceworks
Such a very beautiful dedi for Lars. And so glad to hear he is now healing. Just love the strength and design in that wonderful old mansion that seems to be built to last forever. It is a beautiful combination of practicality and fantasy, with its brick structure, so sturdy and stable, and that turret, made for dreaming. And for me there can never be too many fireplaces in a home. Also love the glowing aura in the second photo, radiating healing energy.
jocko500
yes hope he be ok. and this is a wonderful image for him
LBJ2
Fantastic composition, Mark. I can see the sun rise, in more than one way. Your words and composition, comes from the heart. Thank you for this beautiful birthday card, and for all the good words and wishes that comes with it. And you are right, i am a mason, and an architect, and i enjoy beautiful architecture and masonry, very much. I think both is in this beautifful old mansion, of which by itself, is pure artwork. And then you added som more. Thank you for this fine piece, Mark.. and thank you, for being you... i have a special dedication coming up, for you, very soon. I hope life treat you and the family well.
Cyve
Outstanding images !!!